US08339348B2
A liquid crystal display device and a driving control circuit thereof are provided. The driving control circuit includes a voltage switch unit and a selection unit. The selection unit selects the voltages in accordance with the control signal, while the voltage switch unit outputs the selected voltage to the common terminal of pixels according to the corresponding scan signal. The driving control circuit, controlled by the control signal and the scan signal, can reduce the modulation frequency and the voltage amplitude, so the power consumption of the liquid crystal display device can be reduced.
US08339347B2
A liquid crystal display includes; a liquid crystal panel, and a DC-DC converter which receives an input voltage to generate an analog drive voltage and a gate-on voltage used to operate the liquid crystal panel, wherein the DC-DC converter includes a pulse width modulation circuit which modulates a pulse width of the analog drive voltage and the gate-on voltage, a boost converter which boosts the input voltage to output the analog drive voltage, and a charge pump which boosts one of the input voltage and the analog drive voltage to output the gate-on voltage, wherein when a high voltage stress test is performed, the DC-DC converter outputs the analog drive voltage boosted to a voltage level higher than a voltage level of the analog drive voltage during a normal operation, and outputs the gate-on voltage having a voltage level substantially equal to a voltage level of the gate-on voltage during the normal operation.
US08339345B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device is provided with a gray scale conversion section which converts a gray scale conveyed by an input video signal into a gray scale value of a high gray scale region, and then outputs it to the liquid crystal drive device if the gray scale value of the input video signal is of a low gray scale region.
US08339344B2
A display device which exhibits functional effects in which color separation between sub-pixels constituting a pixel is hardly recognized and white line display is easily recognized as one line, in enlargement of the color reproduction range in image display using multi-primary colors, and thereby improves display quality, and provides a liquid crystal display device including such a display device. The display device displays an image constituted by pixels each including sub-pixels of four or more colors, wherein the pixels constituting the display device mainly include a pixel arranging a sub-pixel of a color having the highest brightness value in a central region of the pixel.
US08339341B2
This invention provides an image display system that includes an image display device having an overdrive processing circuit and allows reduction in memory cost as a whole. The image display system according to this invention includes an image generation device that generates image data, and an image display device that receives the image data from the image generation device, performs overdrive processing based on the received image data, and displays an image. The image generation device includes a rendering circuit that generates image data to be outputted to the image display device for every frame, a memory unit that holds the plural pieces of image data corresponding to at least two frames among the plural pieces of image data generated by the rendering circuit, and a transfer circuit that transfers the plural pieces of image data corresponding to two frames among the plural pieces of image data held by the memory unit to the image display device within one frame period. The image display device receives the plural pieces of image data corresponding to the two frames from the transfer circuit and performs the overdrive processing based on the received image data.
US08339332B2
In a windshield (11) of a vehicle equipped with a head up display formed from laminated glass, exterior glass (12), an intermediate layer (13), an image display layer (14) and interior glass (15) are laminated; since the image display layer (14) is interposed between the interior glass (15) and the intermediate layer (13) (or between the exterior glass 12 and the intermediate layer 13), and the thickness of the exterior glass (12) is made smaller than the thickness of the interior glass (15), a distance (T) from the image display layer (14) to the outer surface of the exterior glass (12) can be made small. It is therefore possible to reduce the displacement between a real image formed from light directly emitted toward a driver from an image (14a) on the image display layer (14) and a reflected image formed from light emitted from the image (14a) and reflected by the outer surface of the exterior glass (12), thus minimizing ghosting of the image and thereby enhancing visibility.
US08339330B2
There is provided a frequency Selective Surface (FSS) structure for multi frequency bands configured with unit cells, each including a loop unit, arranged at regular intervals, wherein each unit cell includes: a dielectric layer; and the loop unit having a fixed width and formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the loop unit includes a first loop and a second loop formed inside the first loop with a predetermined space away from the first loop, each of the first loop and the second loop being formed sinuously in at least one portion.
US08339328B2
A multi-band antenna is provided. The antenna includes a radiating element resonant for at least two resonant frequencies, and at least two matching elements that are electrically connectable to the radiating element to substantially match an input impedance of the antenna to a reference impedance for each one of the at least two resonant frequencies. A method for transmitting and receiving on one or more frequency bands is also provided that includes selecting at least one resonant frequency, selectively electrically connecting a matching element corresponding to the at least one selected resonant frequency to a radiating element resonant at the one or more frequency bands, and receiving or transmitting a wireless signal at the at least one selected resonant frequency with the radiating element.
US08339326B2
Controlling an antenna's polarization sense. An antenna system includes a polarized antenna and a mechanism for controlling the polarization sense of the antenna. The controlling mechanism can include rotatable polarizer panels disposed between the antenna's aperture and the antenna's target. The polarizer panels are rotated to switch between polarization senses. The polarizer panels can comprise meander line polarizers that convert the polarization sense of a linear polarized antenna to a circularly polarized antenna and vice-versa. The meander line polarizers can be rotated from a position in which the meander line polarizer panels convert between linear polarization and right-hand-circular (“RHC”) polarization to a position that converts between linear polarization and left-hand-circular (“LHC”) polarization. The polarizer panels can be rotated using a mechanical system that rotates the polarizer panels based on a signal received from a remote device.
US08339321B2
A small antenna system which is incorporated in a portable radio apparatus and can ensure high antenna performance in a wide frequency band without impairing the design property or the operability and a portable radio apparatus are provided. An antenna device includes an antenna A1 having a resonance characteristic in a first frequency; an antenna A2 having a resonance characteristic in a second frequency and being spaced from the antenna A1 at a predetermined distance; a circuit board P provided in a mobile telephone 10, a wireless section 16 provided on the circuit board P for supplying or receiving high-frequency power; and a high-frequency switch 13 provided on the circuit board P for selecting connection of an output terminal or an input terminal of the wireless section 16 and a feeding point of the antenna A1 or the antenna A2 so that the feeding point of the antenna A1 or the antenna A2 can be switched and connecting to the wireless section 16.
US08339320B2
An apparatus and methods for operating a frequency selective surface are disclosed. The apparatus can be tuned to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency. The methods disclosed teach how to tune the frequency selective surface to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency.
US08339312B2
A method for estimating an integrity risk in a satellite navigation system includes receiving a plurality of navigation signals at a user system from at least one satellite, the plurality of navigation signals including data relative to the integrity of the satellite navigation system; and estimating the integrity risk using the data in the at least one user system. The estimating further includes forming a plurality of intervals of an integration variable of an integral function, estimating a maximum of the integrity risk for each interval, comparing the maximum of each interval to find an overall maximum of all the intervals; and using the overall maximum as an estimate of the integrity risk.
US08339311B2
A multi-standard single chip integrated within a multi-standard mobile device concurrently receives multi-standard radio frequency signals by corresponding two or more integrated radios. The multi-standard single chip generates full GNSS measurement comprising pseudo-range information using the received radio frequency signals. The multi-standard single chip comprises a GNSS radio and multiple non-GNSS radios such as Bluetooth. The full GNSS measurement is generated using GNSS radio frequency signals received by the integrated GNSS radio and communicated over, for example, Bluetooth radio. GNSS satellite reference information embedded in radio frequency signals received by the integrated non-GNSS radios is extracted to assist the full GNSS measurement. A full GNSS navigation solution for the multi-standard mobile device is generated internally to and/or externally to the multi-standard single chip depending on the location of a navigation engine. The generation of the full GNSS measurement is independent of a host processor within the multi-standard mobile device.
US08339303B2
An integrated circuit allows for the isolation of the input of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) from a summing-node (SNS) algorithm. The integrated circuit contains a gating device that is controlled by bits of a flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to gate input samples to sub-ranges that are used by the SNS algorithm. A single sub-range is chosen to be used by the SNS algorithm.
US08339301B2
A gamma voltage generator includes an RGB common gamma voltage generation section configured to generate RGB common gamma voltages using corresponding gamma reference voltages among a plurality of gamma reference voltages; and at least two of an RG gamma voltage generation section configured to generate RG gamma voltages using corresponding gamma reference voltages among the plurality of gamma reference voltages, an R gamma voltage generation section configured to generate R gamma voltages using corresponding gamma reference voltages among the plurality of gamma reference voltages, a G gamma voltage generation section configured to generate G gamma voltages using corresponding gamma reference voltages among the plurality of gamma reference voltages, and a B gamma voltage generation section configured to generate B gamma voltages using corresponding gamma reference voltages among the plurality of gamma reference voltages.
US08339288B2
An electronic device may include a keypad having a plurality of predefined key areas and a light guide that may be used to illuminate the key areas. The light guide may include a capacitive sensing grid to sense user contact relative to the keypad.
US08339274B2
The invention relates to a feeding device (1) for introducing a piece of linen (12) to be ironed into an ironing unit by means of suction, the feeding device (1) being provided with a suction shaft (3) into which the piece of linen (12) can be sucked and a top suction portion (4) which is provided for sucking the piece of linen (12) into the suction shaft (3). The feeding device (1) comprises a blocking clamp (6) which is provided to secure the piece of linen (12) in a clamping position, and which is arranged in the feeding device (1) in such a way that there is located after the clamping of the piece of linen (12) a portion of this piece of linen (12) above this blocking clamp (6) that can be sucked by the top suction portion (4) into the suction shaft (3). The invention further relates to an ironing device, comprising an ironing unit for ironing a piece of linen (12) and a feeding unit (1) for feeding the piece of linen (12) to be ironed into the ironing unit.
US08339271B2
An intelligent security system that can be retrofit with existing equipment in the field, where the system, upon connection to existing End-Of-Line resistors automatically reads and calibrates itself to function with the various resistors already installed. The system provides for interrogation of non-supervised devices and may be remotely managed via a network connection. The system is designed as a fully integrated and easy to install security system that minimizes installation time and costs and provides for a compact and neat controller.
US08339270B2
An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.
US08339258B2
A dual band antenna includes a far field antenna structure for facilitating the communication of first data with a remote device via far field signaling in a millimeter wave band. A near field antenna structure facilitates the communication of second data with a remote device via near field signaling in a near field band. The far field antenna structure and the near field antenna structure share at least one common antenna element.
US08339253B2
A method for displaying images of a camera associated with a vehicle includes the steps of displaying the images in a first mode if a first condition is satisfied, and displaying the images in a second mode if a second condition is satisfied.
US08339251B2
Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit.
US08339250B2
An electronic device (100) configured to provide a localized haptic response to a user is provided. The electronic device (100) includes an interface assembly (102) having a user interface surface (600) with a display (206) disposed beneath the user interface surface (600). A compliance member, such as a haptic feedback bezel (209) is disposed beneath the display (206). The compliance member includes one or more cantilever members (210) having motion generation devices (402) coupled thereto. Each cantilever member (210) includes an ell (303) that passes about the display (206) and couples to the user interface surface (600). When the motion generation device (402) is actuated, a haptic force is delivered to the user interface surface (600) through the ell (303).
US08339225B2
An electromagnetic actuating device (1) having a housing (2) and two actuator pins (3, 4) that are supported in the housing so as to be movable independently of each other between a retracted rest position and an extended working position, and locking pins (7, 8) that hold the actuator pins in the rest position via locking mechanisms and that can be moved relative to the actuator pins in the movement direction of the actuator pins. A force is applied to the locking pins in the extension direction by further spring elements (15), and the locking pins are moved in the retraction direction by electromagnetic force application in order to unlock the locking mechanisms. The actuating device is an electromagnet (22) associated with the locking pins in common and having a reversible direction of the magnetic field, and the end sections (19) of the locking pins facing away from the actuator pins are provided with bipolar permanent magnets (20, 21) that are oriented with opposite polarities in the movement direction.
US08339224B2
A vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes upper and lower cases combined with each other to form a case, a magnetic force generating unit provided on at least one surface of the upper and lower cases, a vibrating unit including at least one magnet disposed to be opposite to the magnetic force generating unit, and a weight, and at least one elastic unit configured to support the vibrating unit elastically, the elastic unit having a first portion directly contacting the upper case and a second portion contacting the vibrating unit. Further, the first portion is arranged on a first circumference and the second portion is arranged on a second circumference, and wherein a diameter of the first circumference is larger than a diameter of the second circumference.
US08339223B1
An electric solenoid embodiment is comprised of a plunger, a solenoid body, a spring, and a magnet. An area of the solenoid body is configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger and electrical windings within the solenoid body substantially surround the area configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger such that an electrical current through the electrical windings applies force to move the plunger out of the solenoid body or to draw it within the solenoid body. The spring adaptively fits within the area configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger and within a portion of the plunger. The spring provides additional force to the plunger when moving out of the solenoid body and the magnet is used to latch the plunger when the plunger is forced to within close proximity of the magnet within the solenoid body.
US08339222B2
An electromagnetic relay includes a coil, a movable member, first and second fixed contact supports each having first and second fixed contacts, and a movable body having first and second movable contacts. A third fixed contact is arranged on the second fixed contact support at a position away from a line passing through the first and second fixed contacts, and a third movable contact is arranged on the movable body. When the movable member is driven by electromagnetic force of the coil, the movable contacts contact the fixed contacts at a contact portion between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, a contact portion between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact, and a contact portion between the third fixed contact and the third movable contact.
US08339221B2
A 5-IDT longitudinally coupled resonator type elastic wave filter device includes a narrow-pitch electrode finger portion arranged to increase the steepness of the filter characteristic includes first to fifth IDTs. When the total number of electrode fingers in a first area and a fourth area is Nx and the total number of electrode fingers in a second area and a third area is Ny, an average period of electrode fingers in one of the areas including larger total numbers of the electrode fingers Nx and Ny is greater than that in the area including smaller total numbers of the electrode fingers Nx and Ny. Among the first IDT electrode, the third IDT electrode, and the fifth IDT electrode, the period of electrode fingers in a portion other than the narrow-pitch electrode finger portion of the IDT electrode in the area including the larger numbers of electrode fingers is less than the period of electrode fingers in a portion other than the narrow-pitch electrode finger portion of the IDT electrode in the area including the smaller numbers of electrode fingers.
US08339216B2
The present disclosure provides a duplexer for separating a transmit signal and a receive signal. The duplexer comprises a transmit filter, a receive filter and an analogue quadrature splitter, a first filtering element and a second filtering element. By choosing the first filtering element and the second filtering element substantially identical, it is possible to transform filtering characteristics of the first and second filtering element such that stop bands are substantially transformed into an effective pass band, and vice versa. The analogue quadrature splitter is adapted to increase an attenuation of the transmit signals outside the transmit band, such as in the receive band. Therefore out-of-band emissions by the transmitter will be substantially reduced. The present disclosure further provides a method for separating a transmit signal and a receive signal, and computer program products for the manufacture for carrying out the method of separating transmit signals and receive signals.
US08339214B2
An equalization system includes an adjustable equalization unit, a common-mode feedback unit connected with the equalization unit, a current balance driving unit connected with the feedback and equalization units, a first high-pass filter unit connected with the equalization unit, a second high-pass filter unit connected with the driving unit, a first low-pass filter unit connected with the equalization unit, a second low-pass filter unit connected with the driving unit, a first energy detection unit connected with two high-pass filter units, a second energy detection unit connected with two low-pass filter units, a first analog-to-digital converter unit connected with the first energy detection unit, a second analog-to-digital converter unit connected with the second energy detection unit and a state decision unit connected with two analog-to-digital converter units outputs a control signal for adjusting the equalization unit. It improves the signal quality of the receiver of the high-speed signal transmission system.
US08339213B2
A communication device includes a communication circuit unit, a transmission path, a ground, a coupling electrode, and a resonating unit. The resonating unit includes a first resonating unit connected to the transmission path and a second resonating unit having one end connected to the first resonating unit and another end short-circuited to the ground, the second resonating unit having terminals of the coupling electrode connected thereto. A microdipole is formed of a line segment connecting a center of charges stored in the coupling electrode and a center of mirror-image charges stored in the ground. The high-frequency signal is transmitted to a distant side disposed so as to face the communication device with an angle θ formed relative to a direction of the microdipole being approximately 0 degree.
US08339212B2
A filtering device is capable of suppressing common mode noises upon transmission of a differential signal, and includes a differential transmission line, a grounding layer, a dielectric unit and a conductive structure. The differential transmission line has a pair of conductive traces spaced apart from each other. The grounding layer is spaced apart from the differential transmission line. The dielectric unit is disposed between the differential transmission line and the grounding layer. The conductive structure is embedded in the dielectric unit, is coupled electrically to the conductive traces and the grounding layer, and cooperates with the differential transmission line, the grounding layer and the dielectric unit to form a stacked structure that has an effective negative permittivity, thereby suppressing the common mode noises coupled to the conductive traces. A differential signal transmission circuit is also disclosed.
US08339208B2
A tunable multiphase ring oscillator includes a plurality of stages connected in series in a ring structure, where each stage generating a stage output from a stage input. Each stage of the tunable multiphase ring oscillator includes a plurality of trans-conductance cells, each generating an output from at least one portion of the stage input. Each stage further includes at least one phase shifting module for imparting at least one phase shift to the at least one portion of the stage input, an oscillator unit for generating the stage output from a combination of the plurality of outputs, and means for varying at least one of the plurality outputs so as to adjust a phase of the stage output.
US08339202B2
There is provided a current sense circuit (134). An exemplary current sense circuit (134) comprises a voltage-to-current converter circuit (218) that is adapted to receive a voltage that is proportional to a load current drawn from a battery (110) by a load (202) and to produce a current proportional to the load current, and a current-to-voltage converter circuit (228) that is adapted to receive the current proportional to the load current and to produce a voltage proportional to the load current based on a regulated voltage source (230).
US08339201B1
A three way wideband Doherty amplifier circuit includes a first peaking amplifier operable to turn on at a first power level, a second peaking amplifier operable to turn on at a second power level below the first power level and a main power amplifier operable to turn on at all power levels. The main power amplifier has a high impedance load modulated state when the first and second peaking amplifiers are turned off. The three way wideband Doherty amplifier circuit further includes a constant impedance combiner connected to an output of each amplifier. The constant impedance combiner has a characteristic impedance which matches the impedance of the main amplifier in the high impedance load modulated state with or without an output matching device connecting the main amplifier output to the constant impedance combiner, as viewed from the output of the main amplifier.
US08339198B2
Provided herein are methods and circuits that reduce a differential capacitance at differential nodes of a differential circuit while boosting the common mode capacitance at the differential nodes, where the differential circuit includes a pair of inputs and differential outputs. A negative capacitance is generated between differential nodes of the differential circuit, which can be accomplished by connecting a negative capacitance circuit between the differential nodes of the differential circuit. In an embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential outputs of the differential circuit. In another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the inputs of the differential circuit. In still another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential internal nodes (i.e., nodes other than the input and output nodes) of the differential circuit.
US08339197B2
Matched bipolar transistor pairs for use in differential transistor pair circuitry, current mirror transistor pair circuitry and voltage reference transistor pair circuitry are disclosed. Each transistor in the pair includes a base, emitter and a collector region and a doped polysilicon emitter contact, a metal emitter contact and an metal emitter interconnect which makes an electrical connection to the emitter region by way of the metal emitter contact and the polysilicon emitter contact. The metal emitter interconnect is displaced latterly away from the emitter region so that no part of the metal emitter interconnect overlies any portion of the emitter region.
US08339195B2
In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a circuit comprising an amplifier having an input and an output, an offset detection circuit to detect an offset of the amplifier at the output of the amplifier, and an offset generation circuit having an input coupled to the offset detection circuit and an output coupled to the input of the amplifier to generate an offset at the input of the amplifier during an operational phase of the amplifier based on the detected offset. The generated offset cancels a least a portion of the offset of the amplifier. In one implementation, the amplifier is a sense amplifier in a memory.
US08339192B2
A line filter includes at least one X capacitor located between two supply lines and at least one discharge resistor that discharges the X capacitor, wherein the discharge resistor is arranged in series with at least one switching element, and at least one detector circuit that detects a network disconnection and closes the switching element to discharge the X capacitor via the discharge resistor when a network disconnection is recognized.
US08339191B2
A reference voltage generation circuit includes a driving control unit configured to output an enable signal during a first time period in response to a power-on reset (POR) signal, a reference voltage generation unit configured to have an initial operation determined in response to the enable signal and to output a reference voltage maintained at a constant voltage level after the first time period, and a reference voltage control unit configured to fix the voltage level of the reference voltage to a first voltage upon a voltage level of the reference voltage being increased to at least a set voltage level.
US08339187B2
Digital multilevel memory systems and methods include a charge pump for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of pump stages. Aspects of exemplary systems may include charge pumps that performs orderly charging and discharging at low voltage operation conditions. Additional aspects may include features that enable state by state pumping, for example, circuitry that avoids cascaded short circuits among pump stages. Each pump stage may also include circuitry that discharges its nodes, such as via self-discharge through associated pump interconnection(s). Further aspects may also include features that: assist power-up in the various pump stages, double voltage, shift high voltage levels, provide anti-parallel circuit configurations, and/or enable buffering or precharging features, such as self-buffering and self-precharging circuitry.
US08339185B2
A multi-stage charge pump selects the number of active stages dynamically. In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by having a multi-stage master charge pump section in which the number of active stages is settable and a slave charge pump section that is of the same design as the master section. The master section is used to drive the external load, while the slave section drives an adjustable internal load. The adjustable internal load is set by control logic by comparing the operation of the two sections. The control logic then operates the slave section with a different number of active stages than the master stage in order to determine whether the master stage is using the optimal number of active stages. The control logic can then change the number of active stages accordingly.
US08339183B2
A charge pump circuit for generating an output voltage is described. Charge pump circuits typically have two branches. As the clocks supplying the branches of a charge pump circuit alternate, the output of each branch will alternately provide an output voltage, which are then combined to form the pump output. The techniques described here allow charge to be transferred between the two branches, so that as the capacitor of one branch discharges, it is used to charge up the capacitor in the other branch. An exemplary embodiment using a voltage doubler-type of circuit, with the charge transfer between the branches accomplished using a switch controller by a boosted version of the clock signal, which is provided by a one-sided voltage doubler.
US08339181B2
A low-side driver circuit includes a low-side driver integrated circuit and a controllable switch. The low-side driver integrated circuit is responsive to an on-off command input signal to selectively operate in an ON mode and an OFF mode. The controllable switch is responsive to the on-off command signal to selectively operate in a CLOSED mode and an OPEN mode. The low-side driver integrated circuit and the controllable switch are configured to simultaneously operate in the ON mode and the CLOSED mode, respectively, and in the OFF mode and the OPEN mode, respectively. During a voltage transient the potential will be realized across the controllable switch, thus protecting the lower voltage rated low-side integrated circuit.
US08339178B2
Level shifter and related apparatus are provided. The level shifter has first to sixth transistors, wherein drains of the first and the second transistors respectively are coupled to drains of the fifth and the sixth transistors as two output nodes of the level shifter, gates of the fifth and the sixth transistors are two input nodes of the level shifter. A source, a drain and a gate of the third transistor are respectively coupled to a gate of the first transistor, the drain of the sixth transistor and a first bias voltage, and a source, a drain and a gate of the fourth transistor are respectively coupled to a gate of the second transistor, the drain of the fifth transistor and a second bias voltage.
US08339174B2
Systems, circuits and methods for phase-shifting pulse width modulated signal generation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a phase-shifting pulse width modulation circuit is configured to output pulses based on an input pulse width modulated signal. The pulses are staggered relative to one another, and can be received by a light-emitting diode driver for driving a light-emitting diode string at one or more time periods. The phase-shifting pulse width modulation circuit can include a counter-based programmable delay subcircuit consisting of two counter-based programmable delay blocks.
US08339170B1
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a latching signal generator, comprising a plurality of inputs configured to receive a clock signal, latch input data, and latch data, wherein the latch input data and the latch data are associated with a latch and wherein the latching signal generator is configured; to provide a latching signal to a latch; and a determination circuit that is configured to cause the latching signal generator to provide the latching signal based on during an active cycle of the clock signal, in response to a determination that the input latch data is different than the latch data. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08339169B2
A device includes a logic circuit having first, second, and third input ports, a first output port, and a feedback path between the first output port and the third input port. In a first operating state, a logic state change at the first input port triggers a logic state change at the first output port, but a logic state change at the third input port does not trigger a logic state change at the first output port. This allows signals to be routed through the device. In a second operating state, a logic state change of the third input port triggers a logic state change of the first output port. This change is fed back, delayed by a time value, to the third input to maintain an oscillation with at least two edges. The frequency of this oscillation is used to determine a value of a measurement variable.
US08339168B2
A PWM circuit comprises: a charge and discharge circuit to receive a initial signal and, according to the initial signal, increase a voltage at an output end of thereof linearly or decrease the voltage; a comparator with a positive input end to receive a control signal and a negative input end connected to the output end of the charge and discharge circuit; a voltage transmission circuit with a first input end to receive the initial signal and a second input end to receive an output of the comparator, the voltage transmission circuit is configured to transmit the initial signal to an output end of the voltage transmission circuit when the output of the comparator is digital 1, and output digital 0 when the output of the comparator is digital 0.
US08339161B2
A voltage buffer may include a first signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal in which the first signal path further may include a buffer transistor that may have a control terminal, and a first and second current terminals responsive to the control terminal. In the first signal path, the control terminal may be connected to the input terminal, the first current terminal may be connected to the output terminal, and the first signal path may supply a load current to a load device responsive to an input signal at the input terminal. The voltage buffer further may include a second signal path extending from the input terminal to a current source node. The second signal path may include a replica load device. The voltage buffer further may include a current source supplying substantially constant current and coupled to the current source node. The voltage buffer further may include a current buffer positioned between the current source node and the output node in which the current buffer may direct a replica current from the second signal path responsive to the input signal and the substantially constant current from the current source to the buffer transistor.
US08339160B2
A clock generating device includes: a DDS circuit that generates a periodic signal; and a comparator that compares an input signal and a reference signal and outputs a binary signal. The clock generating device includes a rate-of-change correcting unit that applies correction for increasing a rate of change at a crossing point with the reference signal to the periodic signal generated by the DDS circuit.
US08339159B2
The input buffer circuit of a semiconductor apparatus includes a first buffering unit that that is activated by a voltage level difference between a first voltage terminal and a second voltage terminal, and generates a first compare signal and a second compare signal by comparing the voltage levels of reference voltage and an input signal; a control unit that controls the amount of current flowing between the second voltage terminal and a ground terminal by comparing the voltage levels of the reference voltage and the second compare signal; and a second buffering unit that generates an output signal by comparing the voltage levels of the input signal and the first compare signal.
US08339158B2
A dynamic high-speed comparative latch comprises a pre-amplifier unit for enlarging input differential signals, a regenerating latch unit for latching outputted differential signals from the pre-amplifier unit by using a positive feedback, specifically, converting the output of the pre-amplifier unit into a latched result at a first state of a clock cycle, and then retaining the latched result and simultaneously resetting relevant nodes at a second state opposite to the first state of the clock cycle, and a latch unit for outputting the effective outputted value of the regenerating latch unit when the regenerating latch unit being in a retaining state. The pre-amplifier unit is connected with the regenerating latch unit, and the regenerating latch unit is connected with the latch unit. The pre-amplifier unit comprises only one input clock signal. The present invention has a simple structure, and ensures the correctness of the output result of the latch.
US08339154B2
A method for testing a line including an input/output pin of a programmable logic circuit, said line including at least one individual line extending from the input/output pin to a peripheral element, said input/output pin being able to be either at a high logic level or at a low logic level opposite to the high logic level. The method includes, between an initial driving instant and a final driving instant, a step for driving the input/output pin in which a driving voltage is applied to the terminals of the input/output pin. The method also includes: from the final driving instant, a step for measuring the level of the input/output pin during which the pin is no longer driven and during which the measured logic level is recorded for the input/output pin at least one measuring instant, and the measured logic level(s) is/are compared, at the (respective) measuring instant(s), with the theoretical logic level(s) at which the input/output pin should be at the (respective) measuring instant(s) in the absence of any line failure, and, when at least one logic level measured at a measuring instant differs from the theoretical logic level at said measuring instant, a line failure is detected.
US08339147B2
A circuit arrangement has a field producing electrode device which is connected in an LC network and exposed to a spatial area of the field such that the capacity of the capacitor system with the electrode device alters according to dielectric properties of material present in the spatial area, an insulating layer extending on a rear side of the field electrode device which is oriented away from the spatial area, a screening electrode device which extends on the rear side of the insulating layer which is oriented away from the field electrode device and a field extinction electrode device which has an electrode surface which is oriented towards an extinction area. The field expansion electrode device and the field extinction electrode device are arranged such and impinged upon by a voltage that the spatial area of the field and the extinction area are superimposed on each other in sections.
US08339134B2
A magnetic field sensor includes a compensation loop coupled in series with normal circuit couplings in order to reduce a transient signal that would otherwise be generated when the magnetic field sensor experiences a high rate of change of magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor is a current sensor responsive to a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor.
US08339133B2
A fluxgate magnetic field sensor including an excitation current conductor (4) and a layer of saturable magnetic material cladding (6) having a plurality of feed-through channels (16) extending between opposed faces of the cladding layer, the excitation current conductor weaving through a plurality of said feed-through channels.
US08339120B2
A measurement apparatus includes a moving average calculation section and a convergence judgment section. The moving average calculation section calculates a moving average by inputting a phase error between a phase of an input signal and a target phase, that is detected by a phase-locked loop circuit. The convergence judgment section judges that the phase-locked loop circuit is not converged when an absolute value of the moving average is equal to or larger than a first threshold value and judges that the phase-locked loop circuit is converged when the absolute value of the moving average is smaller than the first threshold value.
US08339114B2
A high-side switch is coupled to a power supply terminal and selectively coupled to ground via a conduction path. During an on state duration, the high-side switch can be enabled and the conduction path can be disabled. During an off state duration, the high-side switch can be disabled and the conduction path can be enabled. During a skip state duration, the high-side switch and the conduction path both can be disabled. A controller coupled to the high-side switch can control the on state duration and the skip state duration based on a current reference. The controller can further generate a control signal for controlling the high-side switch and the conduction path according to the on state duration and the skip state duration, and adjust an output current to the current reference according to the control signal.
US08339112B2
A method of power point tracking for operating a photovoltaic power plant, which includes a DC-DC converter of the output voltage of a panel having a power switch driven by a PWM control signal of variable duty-cycle generated by a PWM control circuit, in discontinuous conduction mode or continuous conduction mode depending on the current load of the converter, is implemented by low cost analog circuits. The method does not require the use of any analog-to-digital conversion, digital processing or storage resources and may use a single voltage sensor.
US08339103B2
A life safety device includes a battery assembly with a rechargeable battery. Extended shelf life is achieved by annually initiating an over-discharge protection mode in which a battery protection circuit prevents current flow from the battery. The life safety device remains in the over-discharge protection mode until the device is connected to a charging power source at the time of installation. The battery assembly then exits the protection mode and enters its normal mode of operation.
US08339097B2
A non-contact power transfer apparatus includes a power transmission unit including a power transmission coil, a power transmission circuit, a current detection circuit, and a unit detection means and a first microcomputer with a control circuit for controlling each of the circuits. The non-contact power transfer apparatus also includes a power reception unit having a power reception coil, a rectification smoothing circuit, a series regulator, a charge battery unit with a rechargeable battery, a switching element for pulse-charging and a second microcomputer with a control circuit for controlling the series regulator and the switching element. As such, the power reception unit receives power via the power reception coil, while the rectification smoothing circuit and series regulator generate a set voltage. The set voltage is used to start the second microcomputer to apply an initial reset and a pulse pattern as an ID authentication pattern to the switching element.
US08339090B2
An apparatus operable in a wet environment includes a voltage doubler circuit including a pair of diodes, a pair of direct current switching elements connected between the respective diodes and a common point, a controller, an interface connected to the controller for receiving external status signals, and a switching arrangement responsive to signals from the controller to select the full power mode or a controlled power mode. In the controlled power mode, the switching elements are switched in a predetermined sequence such that only one of the switching elements conducts current during any one half cycle of the AC output voltage applied to the motor.
US08339089B2
In a power converter, a voltage command signal shifting part shifts a first duty command signal such that a first duty center value related to a voltage applied to a first set of windings is shifted downwards than an output center value of a possible duty range. The voltage command signal shifting part also shifts a second duty command signal such that a second duty center value related to a voltage applied to a second set of windings is shifted upwards than the output center value. First and second shift amounts of the first and second duty center values from the output center value are varied depending on amplitude. Accordingly, ripple current of a capacitor can be decreased, and a difference in heat loss between switching elements can be minimized.
US08339082B2
A method is provided for controlling an induction motor having a rotor. The method includes receiving a torque command; comparing the torque command to a threshold torque value; generating, with a first estimation module, a first estimated rotor resistance when the torque command is less than or equal to the threshold torque value; generating, with a second estimation module, a second estimated rotor resistance when the torque command is greater than the threshold torque value; and generating control signals for the induction motor based on the first estimated rotor resistance or the second estimated rotor resistance.
US08339080B2
A motor control apparatus has an inverter circuit, which includes FETs for converting electric power supplied to a motor. A capacitor is provided between a battery and the inverter circuit. A pull-up resistor connects a V-phase of the motor to a high potential side of the battery. A power supply relay permits or interrupts current flow from the battery to the capacitor and the motor. A microcomputer controls the power supply relay and the motor. The microcomputer turns on a low-side FET of a V-phase under a condition that the power supply relay is interrupting the current flow before the motor is started. Electric charge stored in the capacitor is discharged to a low potential side of the battery through the pull-up resistor.
US08339078B2
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for deriving speed and position information for an electric motor. Apparatus for and a method of controlling a motor 100 are also disclosed. The apparatus for providing information relating to the operation of an electrical motor 100 comprises a sampler 50, 51 for sampling the instantaneous motor current is and a processor 160 for determining the instantaneous rate of change of the motor current and providing information about the motion or position of said motor based on said instantaneous rate of change of the motor current. In this way speed and position information can be provided, at low speeds, and without using a speed sensor.
US08339065B2
An illumination apparatus including an LED comprises a battery holder, an AC/DC adapter interface, an LED unit, and a switch unit. The battery holder is configured to receive a battery. The AC/DC adapter interface is connected to an AC/DC adapter. When the AC/DC adapter is not connected to the AC/DC adapter interface, the switch unit is turned on to allow the driving unit to receive power from the battery. When the AC/DC adapter is connected to the AC/DC adapter interface, the switch unit is turned off to allow the driving unit to receive power from the AC/DC adapter. A driving circuit applied in an illumination apparatus is also provided.
US08339062B2
A universal dimmer has a switching element, a load current measurement element, a current evaluator for evaluating the current passing through the load, and a firing angle adjuster such as a regulator or transforming element. The current passing through the load is measured and evaluated so as to direct the firing angle adjuster to adapt firing angles of the switching element so that a load RMS current is proportional to a dimmer input signal, regardless of the type of load being controlled. The universal dimmer is capable of dimming the output from linear and non-linear loads using AC power line phase angle control to vary output power of linear and non-linear loads, ranging from regular linear loads such as incandescent lamps, to non-linear loads, such as LED lamps, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs'), etc. as well as linear loads with large phase shift, that is, inductive and capacitive loads.
US08339061B2
The invention relates to a novel operating method and corresponding ballast for illuminating systems having temporally sequential color filtering and a high-pressure discharge lamp operated by alternating current. In this case, at least three commutations of the lamp current are used within a color filtering sequence, in order to be able to operate the lamp advantageously without an excessive increase in the operating frequency of the color filter system.
US08339060B2
An ignition transformer for a discharge lamp is provided having a transformer core whose material and dimensions are selected in such a manner that the Curie temperature of the material after the ignition which is achieved by means of the ignition transformer can be achieved by a voltage drop across a secondary winding of the ignition transformer.
US08339057B2
A circuit arrangement for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp with an electronic ballast, which is designed to provide an AC feed signal for the high-pressure discharge lamp, the frequency of the AC feed signal being at least 1 MHz, wherein the electronic ballast is adapted to modulate the amplitude of the AC feed signal.
US08339053B2
An LED dimming includes: current adjusting means (constant current circuit) for variably controlling a magnitude of a current flowing through an LED load; switching means (transistor) for intermittently controlling the current flowing through the LED load; and dimming controlling means (microcomputer) for controlling the current adjusting means and the switching means upon receiving a dimming signal outputted from a dimmer. In a case where the dimming signal outputted from the dimmer is on a higher brightness side than a predetermined level, the dimming controlling means flows a continuous current though the LED load, and dims the LED load based on a magnitude of the flowing current, and in a case where the dimming signal outputted from the dimmer is on a lower brightness side than the predetermined level, the dimming controlling means flows a pulse current through the LED load, and changes a mean value of waveforms of the pulse current, thereby dims the LED load. In this LED dimming apparatus, noise is less likely to occur even in a case where such an LED current is large, and brightness is less likely to vary even in a case where a dimming degree is increased.
US08339051B2
The electronic flash unit disclosed comprises: a transformer (14) to vary voltages of a power supply; an accumulator (16) composed of a main capacitor (17) to charge an electric energy supplied from the transformer (14); a lamp unit (4) provided with a flashlamp (20), set inside of a reflector (19), that flashes by discharging of energy storages in the main capacitor (17) upon applying a voltage on a trigger terminal (21); and a trigger circuit (10) to generate the voltage to apply on the trigger terminal (21), wherein at least the lamp unit (4) is coated with an insulation material.
US08339047B2
The invention relates to an electrode for a plasma generator for generating plasmas at atmospheric pressure or near-atmospheric pressures by means of excitation using microwaves. The invention provides an electrode made of a sheet metal strip (1), in the longitudinal direction of which at least one slot (2) is introduced at a length that is one time or multiple times that of a quarter of the wavelength of the open-circuit voltage of the microwave such that at least two partial electrodes (3) are formed, wherein the voltage supply line is provided on the partial electrodes (3) in the region of the closed slot end or ends.
US08339041B1
A gas discharge device constructed out of one or more plasma-shells with an organic luminescent substance(s) located in close proximity to each plasma-shell. Each plasma-shell is a hollow geometric body filled with an ionizable gas. Photons from the gas discharge inside the plasma-shell excite the luminescent substance. In one embodiment the luminescent substance is located on the external surface of the plasma-shell. In another embodiment, the luminescent substance is located inside the plasma-shell. The plasma-shell may be made of an inorganic luminescent material with organic luminescent material located on the inside or outside of the plasma-shell. The plasma-shell is of any suitable geometric shape and includes plasma-sphere, plasma-disc, and plasma-dome. A plasma-shell may be used in combination with a plasma-tube.
US08339038B2
To provide a bright and highly reliable light-emitting device. An anode (102), an EL layer (103), a cathode (104), and an auxiliary electrode (105) are formed sequentially in lamination on a reflecting electrode (101). Further, the anode (102), the cathode (104), and the auxiliary electrode (105) are either transparent or semi-transparent with respect to visible radiation. In such a structure, lights generated in the EL layer (103) are almost all irradiated to the side of the cathode (104), whereby an effect light emitting area of a pixel is drastically enhanced.
US08339031B2
A substrate for an organic light-emitting device, especially a transparent glass substrate, which includes, on a first main face, a bottom electrode film, the electrode film being formed from a thin-film multilayer coating comprising, in succession, at least: a contact layer based on a metal oxide and/or a metal nitride; a metallic functional layer having an intrinsic electrical conductivity property; an overlayer based on the metal oxide and/or a metal nitride, especially for matching the work function of said electrode film, said substrate including a base layer, said base layer covering said main face.
US08339030B2
Method of manufacturing an electric optical device in which external connection terminals are formed
An electro-optical device includes an effective display region including a pixel, the pixel including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a wiring line connected to the second electrode at a position to the periphery of the effective display region, the wiring line including a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer that are electrically connected to each other and that overlap each other, the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer both extending in a direction in which an edge of the effective display region extends, the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer extending in the direction a distance that is longer than a distance in which the edge of the effective display region extends in the direction.
US08339023B2
A discharge lamp includes an airtight tube including a light-emitting unit in which a space is formed and seal portions formed at least on one end of the light-emitting unit, a discharge medium including a metal halide and a rare gas sealed in the light-emitting unit, a metal foil sealed into the seal portion, and a pair of electrodes one ends of which are overlapped and connected to the metal foil and the other ends of which are provided such that they are led into the space of the light-emitting unit and arranged in opposition to each other. A concavity is formed on at least a portion of the back surface side of the metal foil on which the electrode is overlapped, and a compression distortion is formed on the seal portion in the vicinity of the concavity.
US08339022B2
A field emission electron source having carbon nanotubes includes a CNT string and a conductive base. The CNT string has an end portion and a broken end portion. The end portion is contacted with and electrically connected to the surface of the conductive base. The CNTs at the broken end portion form a tooth-shape structure, wherein some CNTs protrude and higher than the adjacent CNTs. Each protruded CNT functions as an electron emitter.
US08339020B2
A heat dissipating device for lightings includes a light source module, a heat sink, and a converter. The heat sink has a substrate and a plurality of heat dissipating fins extending outward from the substrate. A plurality of channels is formed between the heat dissipating fins. Insides of the channels respectively have a port open to the center of the heat sink. Thereby, the channels of the heat sink can effectively direct the airflow into the center of the heat sink, enhancing the heat dissipating effect of the heat sink.
US08339019B1
A structure of an electromagnetic machine includes an outer support member configured to support a conductive winding or a magnet. The structure further includes an inner support member, a first elongate compression member, a second elongate compression member, and an elongate tension member. The first elongate compression member and the second elongate compression member each include a first end portion coupled to the outer support member and a second end portion coupled to the inner support member to resist radial and axial deflection of the outer support member relative inner support member. The elongate tension member includes a first end portion coupled to the first compression member and a second end portion coupled to one of the inner support or the second elongate compression member to resist rotational deflection of the outer support member relative to the inner support member.
US08339017B2
To provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element having high strength against breakage, high insulation and excellent displacement performance, and an injection apparatus that incorporates the same.The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a stack 4 constituted from a plurality of piezoelectric layers 1 stacked one on another via internal electrode layers 2, wherein at least a part of peripheral areas 31, that are disposed between two piezoelectric layers 1, 1 located adjacently in the stacking direction and are located between an edge 2a of the internal electrode layer 2 and side face 4a of the stack 4, is dispersed areas where a plurality of metallic regions are dispersed via voids 21.
US08339009B2
The present invention relates to a magnetic flux conducting unit (10) for electromagnetic apparatus, the electromagnetic apparatus being operative to convert one of mechanical energy and electrical energy into the other of mechanical energy and electrical energy. The magnetic flux conducting unit comprises at least one magnetic flux conducting element (12a, 12b) formed of a magnetically permeable material. Also, the at least one magnetic flux conducting element defines: a coil receiving space (18) for receiving a coil assembly (32) of the electromagnetic apparatus; and at least one material receiving space (16, 30a, 30b), which accommodates a substantially magnetically impermeable material.
US08339004B2
A motor, including a body, including a housing, a stator, and a rotor, and a controller, including a control box, and a control circuit board. The body is disposed at the top of the motor. The controller is disposed at the bottom of the motor. The control circuit board is disposed in the control box. A rotary dip switch is disposed at the bottom of the control box. The control circuit board includes a power board, and a control board. The rotary dip switch is electrically connected to the control board. The rotary dip switch controls different functions of the motor.
US08339002B2
An end winding is described for a stator of an electrical machine. The end winding includes at least two round connectors via which the current is passed out from the winding bars of the stator, as well as a plurality of supporting brackets, via which the end winding is attached to the stator. The end winding has at least two round connectors having a radial section at whose end a phase connection block is in each case arranged. At least two phase connection blocks of one phase are arranged alongside one another in the circumferential direction. The adjacent phase connection blocks are connected via at least one pin element and is mounted at least partially integrally in recesses in the mutually facing side surfaces of the phase connection blocks. A method for fitting an end winding such as this is also described.
US08339000B2
An electrical system for a vehicle comprises a battery including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and an alternator. The alternator includes a metal housing with a rotor and a stator positioned within the housing. The alternator further includes an electronics package positioned on the alternator housing. The electronics package includes a regulator and a rectifier, the rectifier including a plurality of negative diodes and a plurality of positive diodes. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a first diode carrier that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a second diode carrier that is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The first diode carrier is separated from the housing by an electrical insulation member positioned between the first diode carrier and the housing.
US08338999B2
The brushless motor includes a stator having a electromagnetic coil and a position sensor; an axis fixed to the stator; and a rotor having a permanent magnet. The rotor rotates around the axis. The rotor is linked to a driven member that is driven by the brushless motor.
US08338998B2
An electronic circuit including semiconductor modules and capacitors is positioned in the axial direction of a motor. Each semiconductor module is longitudinally positioned in contact with a heat sink. More specifically, a line perpendicular to the surface of a semiconductor chip included in the semiconductor module is perpendicular to the axis line of the motor. Consequently, each capacitor is positioned so that at least a part of the positional range of the capacitor in the axial direction of the motor coincides with the positional ranges of the semiconductor module and the heat sink in the axial direction.
US08338991B2
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power. A wireless power receiver includes a receive antenna for coupling with near field radiation in a coupling-mode region generated by a transmit antenna operating at a resonant frequency. The receive antenna generates an RF signal when coupled to the near field radiation and a rectifier converts the RF signal to a DC input signal. A direct current-to-direct current (DC-to-DC) converter coupled to the DC input signal generates a DC output signal. A pulse modulator generates a pulse-width modulation signal to the DC-to-DC converter to adjust a DC impedance of the wireless power receiver by modifying a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal responsive to at least one of a voltage of the DC input signal, a current of the DC input signal, a voltage of the DC output signal, and a current of the DC output signal.
US08338988B2
A method and systems of adaptation of an active power supply set using an event trigger are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes providing power to a system load using an active power supply set. The active power supply set includes a power supply in an active mode. The method also includes detecting an event trigger. In addition, the method includes increasing a power mode of an additional power supply when the event trigger is detected. The method may include detecting an additional event trigger and decreasing the power mode of a unit of the active power supply set when the additional event trigger is detected.
US08338984B2
An uninterruptible power supply supporting active loads includes a charge and discharge module having a battery set and a charger charging the battery set with an input power, a switch circuit having at least two active switches connected to the battery set, a dynamic PWM control module connected with each of the active switches of the switch circuit, alternately outputting duty cycles composed of low-frequency square wave and high-frequency square wave and alternately controlling each of the active switches to turn on or off, and a transformer having a primary side connected with the switch circuit and a secondary side whose two terminals are connected with an output capacitor generating a filtering function in collaboration with an leakage inductor in the secondary side of the transformer. The uninterruptible power supply generates a quasi-continuous output satisfying the hold-up time demanded by an active load.
US08338975B2
A supplemental power source for a building or other structure is provided. Power is generated by converting mechanical energy derived from a fluid into electrical energy. The fluid can be, for example, in the form of air in a building air duck or water in building water lines. The invention includes a specially designed turbine enclosure through which the fluid passes. The enclosure has a Venturi area which results in movement of the fluid at a rapid speed through the turbine. An electric generator with a ratable blade also is provided within the Venturi area in order to take advantage of the faster moving fluid. The faster the fluid moves, the more energy can be converted by the generator. The generator can be constructed with a plurality of electric coils and magnets which can be arranged in series/parallel combinations depending on the power requirements of a particular application.
US08338959B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises patterning a layer of photoresist material to form a plurality of mandrels. The method further comprises depositing an oxide material over the plurality of mandrels by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method further comprises anisotropically etching the oxide material from exposed horizontal surfaces. The method further comprises selectively etching photoresist material.
US08338952B2
A method for fabricating an interconnect structure for interconnecting a semiconductor substrate to have three distinct patterned structures such that the interconnect structure provides both a low k and high structural integrity. The method includes depositing an interlayer dielectric onto the semiconductor substrate, forming a first pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a first lithographic process that results in both via features and ternary features being formed in the interconnect structure. The method further includes forming a second pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a second lithographic process to form line features within the interconnect structure. Hence the method forms the three separate distinct patterned structures using only two lithographic processes for each interconnect level.
US08338951B2
A metal line in a semiconductor device includes an insulation layer formed on a semiconductor substrate. A metal line forming region is formed in the insulation layer. A metal line is formed to fill the metal line forming region of the insulation layer. And a diffusion barrier that includes an amorphous TaBN layer is formed between the metal line and the insulation layer. The amorphous TaBN layer prevents a copper component from diffusing into the semiconductor substrate, thereby improving upon the characteristics and the reliability of a device.
US08338950B2
An electronic component has a substrate, a die bonding pad provided on an upper surface of the substrate, a semiconductor element bonded onto the die bonding pad by a die bonding resin, a conductive pattern disposed adjacent to the die bonding pad, and a coating member covering the conductive pattern. At least an outer peripheral portion of a surface of the die bonding pad is made of an inorganic material. The inorganic material of the outer peripheral portion is exposed. The die bonding pad and the conductive pattern are separated by an air gap such that the coating member does not come into contact with the die bonding pad.
US08338949B2
A system to improve core package connections may include ball grid array pads, and a ball grid array. The system may also include connection members of the ball grid array conductively connected to respective ball grid array pads. The system may further include magnetic underfill positioned adjacent at least some of the connection members and respective ball grid array pads to increase respective connection members' inductance.
US08338948B2
An improved system and method for assigning power and ground pins and single ended or differential signal pairs for a ball grid array semiconductor package. In certain embodiments, the system uses a hexagonal pattern where the grid may be represented by a multiplicity of nested hexagonal patterns.
US08338941B2
A semiconductor package may include a substrate having first and second surfaces, the second surface including a recessed portion, a first semiconductor chip mounted on the first surface, a first ball land outside the recessed portion, a connection pad inside the recessed portion, a second chip in the recessed portion, the second semiconductor chip including a through via electrically connected to the connection pad, and a second ball land electrically connected to the through via. A semiconductor package may include a substrate having first and second surfaces, the second surface including a recessed portion, a first semiconductor chip mounted on the first surface, a first ball land outside the recessed portion, a connection pad inside the recessed portion, a second semiconductor chip in the recessed portion, the second chip including a through via electrically connected to the connection pad, and a second ball land electrically connected to the through via.
US08338940B2
Provided is a semiconductor device including a flexible circuit board which includes a first external electrode provided on a first face and second and third external electrodes provided on a second face; a plurality of memory devices and passive components; a supporter which is provided with a groove on one face; and a computing processor device. The memory devices and the passive components are connected to the first external electrode, the one face of the supporter is bonded on the first face of the flexible circuit board so that the groove houses the memory devices and the passive components. The flexible circuit board is bent along a perimeter of the supporter to be wrapped around a side face and another face of the supporter. On the flexible circuit board, the second external electrode is provided on the second face which is opposite to the first external electrode, and the third external electrode is provided on the second face which is bent to the another face of the supporter. The computing processor device is connected to the second external electrode, and a bump is formed on the third external electrode.
US08338939B2
A device includes a semiconductor substrate having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface. An insulation region extends from the front surface into the semiconductor substrate. An inter-layer dielectric (ILD) is over the insulation region. A landing pad extends from a top surface of the ILD into the insulation region. A through-substrate via (TSV) extends from the back surface of the semiconductor substrate to the landing pad.
US08338937B2
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a flange package comprises a flange and an interposer having two or more fingers disposed in an interposer trench. The flange has a mold lock formed about a periphery of the interposer trench. A dielectric ring comprising a dielectric material is formed in the interposer trench, and in and around the periphery of the mold lock. A semiconductor die is disposed within the dielectric ring having gate pads and source pads formed on a first side, and having drain pads disposed on a second side of the die. The gate pads are coupled to the interposer and the source pads are coupled to the flange. A gate lead is coupled to the interposer and a drain lead is coupled to the drain pads. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08338932B2
A power semiconductor module includes a package having a first package portion and a second package portion. The side of the first package portion facing the second package portion has an anchoring element with a first recess. The second package portion includes a second recess with an indentation which receives the anchoring element. To produce a mechanically firm connection between the first package portion and the second package portion, a plug-in element is inserted in the first recess and the second recess. The plug-in element displaces the anchoring element transversely with respect to the plug-in direction, causing the anchoring element to engage the indentation so that a form-fit connection is produced between the first package portion and the second package portion. The plug-in element prevents the anchoring element from disengaging the indentation.
US08338921B2
A wafer level chip scale package having an enhanced heat exchange efficiency with an EMF shield is presented. The wafer level chip scale package includes a semiconductor chip, an insulation layer, and a metal plate. The semiconductor chip has a plurality of bonding pads on an upper face thereof. The insulation layer is disposed over the upper face of the semiconductor chip and has openings that expose some portions of the bonding pads. The metal plate covers an upper face of the insulation layer and side faces of the semiconductor chip in which the metal plate is electrically insulated from the bonding pads.
US08338920B2
An integrated circuit package includes an integrated circuit with one or more on-chip inductors. A package cover covers the integrated circuit. A magnetic material is provided between the integrated circuit and the package cover. The magnetic material may be a soft magnetic thin film. The magnetic material may be affixed to the package cover by an adhesive. The magnetic material may be formed directly on the package cover by one of deposition, sputtering or spraying. The magnetic material may be affixed to the integrated circuit.
US08338917B2
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method including providing a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, forming a first seal ring structure over the seal ring region, forming a second seal ring structure over the seal ring region and adjacent to the first seal ring structure, and forming a first passivation layer disposed over the first and second seal ring structures. A semiconductor device fabricated by such a method is also provided.
US08338914B2
The formation of devices in semiconductor material is provided using an HF/HCL cleaning process. In one embodiment, the method includes forming at least one hard mask overlaying at least one layer of resistive material, forming at least one opening to a working surface of a silicon substrate of the semiconductor device, and cleaning the semiconductor device with a diluted HF/HCL process. The HF/HCL process includes applying a dilute of HF for a select amount of time and applying a dilute of HCL for a specific amount of time. After cleaning with the diluted HF/HCL process, a silicide contact junction is formed in the at least one opening to the working surface of the silicon substrate, and interconnect metal layers are formed.
US08338911B2
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device including a substrate provided with a semiconductor element, and first and second interconnects provided above the substrate, each of the first and second interconnects having a line shape in a plan view, and the first and second interconnects being substantially parallel to each other. The device further includes a first via plug provided above the substrate, electrically connected to a lower surface of the first interconnect on a second interconnect side, and including a first recess part at an upper end of the first via plug under a first region between interconnects, the first region between interconnects being a region between the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The device further includes a via layer insulator provided above the substrate and including the first via plug, and a first trench under the first region between interconnects, the first trench including a region adjacent to the first via plug in a width direction of the first and second interconnects. Furthermore, an air gap is included in the first region between interconnects and in the first trench.
US08338905B2
The present invention is a photodiode and/or photodiode array, having a p+ diffused area that is smaller than the area of a mounted scintillator crystal, designed and manufactured with improved device characteristics, and more particularly, has relatively low dark current, low capacitance and improved signal-to-noise ratio characteristics. More specifically, the present invention is a photodiode and/or photodiode array that includes a metal shield for reflecting light back into a scintillator crystal, thus allowing for a relatively small p+ diffused area.
US08338904B2
According to an embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface on which an active layer having a light receiving portion is provided and a second surface to be a light receiving surface for the light receiving portion, a wiring layer provided on the active layer, an insulating layer provided to cover the wiring layer, and a supporting substrate joined to the semiconductor substrate via the insulating layer to face the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. A joined body of the semiconductor substrate and the supporting substrate includes an intercalated portion provided between its outer peripheral surface and the active surface. The intercalated portion is provided to penetrate the semiconductor substrate and the insulating layer from the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and to reach inside the supporting substrate.
US08338900B2
The invention involves the integration of curved micro-mirrors over a photodiode active area (collection area) in a CMOS image sensor (CIS) process. The curved micro-mirrors reflect light that has passed through the collection area back into the photo diode. The curved micro-mirrors are best implemented in a backside illuminated device (BSI).
US08338898B2
An MEMS microphone is bonded onto the surface of an IC component containing at least one integrated circuit suitable for the conditioning and processing of the electrical signal supplied by the MEMS microphone. The entire component is simple to produce and has a compact and space-saving construction. Production is accomplished in a simple and reliable manner.
US08338896B2
A MEMS sensor formed by processing a multi-layer wiring structure, includes: a movable weight portion coupled to a fixed frame portion with an elastic deformable portion and having a hollow portion formed at the periphery; a capacitance electrode portion including a fixed electrode portion fixed to the fixed frame portion and a movable electrode portion connected to the movable weight portion and arranged to face the fixed electrode portion; and an adjusting layer for adjusting at least one of amass of the movable weight portion, a damping coefficient of the movable electrode portion, and spring characteristics in the elastic deformable portion, wherein the adjusting layer includes at least one insulating layer that is a constituent element of the multi-layer wiring structure.
US08338891B2
An arrangement of a plurality of MOSFET's on a chip that includes a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal is provided, the arrangement having at least one first MOSFET used as a first control cell and at least one second MOSFET used as a second control cell, each MOSFET having respectively a gate terminal, a source terminal and a drain terminal. The source terminals of all the MOSFET's are connected to one another and contacting the first terminal of the chip. The drain terminal of the at least one second MOSFET, which is used as a power cell, contacts the second terminal of the chip. The gate terminals of all the MOSFET's are connected to one another and contact the third terminal of the chip. The gate terminal and the drain terminal of the at least one first MOSFET, which is used as the first control cell, are connected to one another.
US08338888B2
An integrated device includes a semiconductor body, in which an STI insulation structure is formed, which delimits laterally first active areas and at least one second active area, respectively, in a low-voltage region and in a power region of the semiconductor body. The integrated device moreover includes low-voltage CMOS components, accommodated in the first active areas, and a power component in the second active area. The power component has a source region, a body region, a drain-contact region, and at least one field-insulating region, set between the body region and the drain-contact region. The field-insulating region is provided entirely on the semiconductor body.
US08338872B2
Transistors (21, 41) employing floating buried layers (BL) (72) may exhibit transient breakdown voltage (BVdss)TR significantly less than (BVdss)DC. It is found that this occurs because the floating BL (72) fails to rapidly follow the applied transient, causing the local electric field within the device to temporarily exceed avalanche conditions. (BVdss)TR of such transistors (69. 69′) can be improved to equal or exceed (BVdss)DC by including a charge pump capacitance (94, 94′) coupling the floating BL (72) to whichever high-side terminal (28, 47) receives the transient. The charge pump capacitance (94, 94′) may be external to the transistor (69, 69′), may be formed on the device surface (71) or, may be formed internally to the transistor (69-3, 69′-3) using a dielectric deep trench isolation wall (100) separating DC isolated sinker regions (86, 88) extending to the BL (72). The improvement is particularly useful for LDMOS devices.
US08338863B2
Vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base-collector junction capacitance, as well as fabrication methods for vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors and design structures for BiCMOS integrated circuits. The vertical heterojunction bipolar transistor includes a barrier layer between the intrinsic base and the extrinsic base that blocks or reduces diffusion of a dopant from the extrinsic base to the intrinsic base. The barrier layer has at least one opening that permits direct contact between the intrinsic base and a portion of the extrinsic base disposed in the opening.
US08338862B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate on which a GaN channel layer, an AlGaN electron supply layer and a GaN cap layer are stacked in this order, a gate electrode formed on the GaN cap layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the AlGaN electron supply layer so as to interpose the gate electrode. A first recess is formed in the GaN cap layer and being located between the gate electrode and the source electrode. A thickness of the GaN cap layer in a bottom of the first recess is less than that of the GaN cap layer located under the gate electrode.
US08338860B2
A heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET) gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor power device comprises a hetero-junction structure comprises a first semiconductor layer interfacing a second semiconductor layer of two different band gaps thus generating an interface layer as a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) layer. The power device further comprises a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on two opposite sides of a gate electrode disposed on top of the hetero-junction structure for controlling a current flow between the source and drain electrodes in the 2DEG layer. The power device further includes a floating gate located between the gate electrode and hetero-junction structure, wherein the gate electrode is insulated from the floating gate with an insulation layer and wherein the floating gate is disposed above and padded with a thin insulation layer from the hetero-junction structure and wherein the floating gate is charged for continuously applying a voltage to the 2DEG layer to pinch off the current flowing in the 2DEG layer between the source and drain electrodes whereby the HFET semiconductor power device is a normally off device.
US08338857B2
A semiconductor waveguide based optical receiver is disclosed. An apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes an absorption region including a first type of semiconductor region proximate to a second type of semiconductor region. The first type of semiconductor is to absorb light in a first range of wavelengths and the second type of semiconductor to absorb light in a second range of wavelengths. A multiplication region is defined proximate to and separate from the absorption region. The multiplication region includes an intrinsic semiconductor region in which there is an electric field to multiply the electrons created in the absorption region.
US08338843B2
An embodiment of the invention concerns a light-emitting device with an adjustable, time-variable luminance. This is achieved through electrically conductive tracks that are applied to the first electrode area. The conductive tracks are driven in a time-variable manner with different levels of electrical power.
US08338831B2
Recesses are formed in a pMOS region 2, and a SiGe layer is then formed so as to cover a bottom surface and a side surface of each of the recesses. Next, a SiGe layer containing Ge at a lower content than that in the SiGe layer is formed on each of the SiGe layers.
US08338822B2
Electrical connection structure having elongated carbon structures with fine catalyst particle layer
An electrical connection structure having elongated carbon structures electrically connected to an electroconductive body is obtained by successively layering an electroconductive catalyst support layer, a fine catalyst particle layer for producing the elongated carbon structures and the elongated carbon structures on the electroconductive body. A low-resistance electrical connection structure is provided.
US08338816B2
A nonvolatile memory element of the present invention comprises a first electrode (503); a second electrode (505); and a resistance variable layer (504) which is disposed between the first electrode (503) and the second electrode (505), a resistance value of the resistance variable layer being changeable in response to electric signals which are applied between the first electrode (503) and the second electrode (505), wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise materials which are made of different elements.
US08338807B2
An exit window for an electron beam emitter through which electrons pass in an electron beam includes a structural foil for metal to metal bonding with the electron beam emitter. The structural foil has a central opening formed therethrough. A window layer of high thermal conductivity extends over the central opening of the structural foil and provides a high thermal conductivity region through which the electrons can pass.
US08338801B2
A lighting system for preventing a plant disease damage is provided with an ultraviolet light source which emits ultraviolet ray including UV-B in a wavelength region of 255 to 340 nm, a visible light source which emits visible light, and controllers which control a lighting of the ultraviolet light source and the visible light source. The controller controls the lighting of the ultraviolet light source so that a horizontal irradiance on a canopy surface of a plant is 50 μW/cm2 or less during a predetermined daytime period. The controller controls the lighting of the visible light source so that a horizontal illuminance on a canopy surface of a plant is 10 lux or less during a predetermined nighttime period. The lighting system promotes a component change of the plant effectively by a stimulation by the UV-B irradiation and the prolonged irradiation time of the visible light which is associated with a vegetative growth, so that a nutritional component of the plant can stably be increased. Moreover, the lighting of the ultraviolet light source and the visible light source is controlled by the controllers, thus a user effort is reduced and efficiency is achieved.
US08338793B2
A neutron source illuminates suspect material leading to emission of gamma rays characteristic of the isotopes present. The system measures Compton scattering of emitted gamma rays using detectors with three dimension event localization capability. Detection does not require full energy deposition. A spatial correlation of projection vectors is computed by a reconstruction that searches for solutions that generate spatial correlation. Identification and location for contraband material is determined from solutions that generate spatial correlation.
US08338776B2
Methods and devices are provided for the trapping, including optical trapping; analysis; and selective manipulation of particles on an optical array. A device parcels a light source into many points of light transmitted through a microlens optical array and an Offner relay to an objective, where particles may be trapped. Preferably the individual points of light are individually controllable through a light controlling device. Optical properties of the particles may be determined by interrogation with light focused through the optical array. The particles may be manipulated by immobilizing or releasing specific particles, separating types of particles, etc.
US08338774B2
An optical sensor has an optical plate which is adapted to make surface contact on a pane, in particular a windshield of a motor vehicle. It further has one or preferably a plurality of photoreceivers arranged on the side of the optical plate facing away from the pane. An optical mask is arranged in the optical path upstream of each photoreceiver, the optical mask having light-blocking and light-transmissive surface areas. The light-transmissive surface areas each allow an optical path to traverse the optical plate, impinging on the photoreceiver and is delimited by the light-blocking surface areas.
US08338761B2
A microwave heating device comprises a cavity arranged to receive a load to be heated and a feeding structure for feeding microwaves in the cavity. The feeding structure comprises a transmission line for transmitting microwave energy generated by a microwave source and a resonator arranged at the junction between the transmission line and the cavity for operating as a feeding port of the cavity. The dielectric constant of the material constituting the interior of the resonator and the dimensions of the resonator are selected such that a resonance condition is established in the resonator for the microwaves generated by the source and impedance matching is established between the transmission line, the resonator and the cavity. In addition, the present invention provides a microwave heating device comprising a plurality of feeding ports with reduced crosstalk.
US08338747B2
The present invention provides a method of removing a coated resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube whereby a resin layer can be stripped rapidly without the risk of damaging a plating layer. In a method of removing a coating resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube according to the present invention, a coating resin layer is removed by a rotating body of a rotating body stripping apparatus, whereupon the coating resin layer is removed by a laser beam of a laser apparatus.
US08338746B2
A set (50) of laser pulses (52) is employed to sever a conductive link (22) in a memory or other IC chip. The duration of the set (50) is preferably shorter than 1,000 ns; and the pulse width of each laser pulse (52) within the set (50) is preferably within a range of about 0.1 ps to 30 ns. The set (50) can be treated as a single “pulse” by conventional laser positioning systems (62) to perform on-the-fly link removal without stopping whenever the laser system (60) fires a set (50) of laser pulses (52) at each link (22). Conventional IR wavelengths or their harmonics can be employed.
US08338745B2
Apparatus and methods for drilling holes in a material with a laser are disclosed. An apparatus for drilling holes in a material with a laser includes a first steering element, a second steering element, and a lens. The first steering element is positioned to steer a beam from the laser. The second steering element is positioned to steer the beam from the first steering element. The lens focuses the beam from the second steering element. The first and second steering elements are configured to move with respect to the beam. Moving the first and second steering elements changes an angle of the beam where it contacts the material. The apparatus is operable to drill holes having no taper or reverse taper.
US08338743B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling robots for welding three-dimensional workpieces, comprising the following steps: positioning and tacking profiles to a plate in order to form the workpiece to be welded, depicting the workpiece by means of a three-dimensional imaging system in the form of three-dimensional pixels, determining the geometric data of the plate and profiles, including the allocation of cutouts and final cutting shapes from the three-dimensional pixels, determining the weld seam data from the geometric data while considering the profile placement lines and the contact lines of profiles, allocating the weld seam data to parameterizable specifications for the weld plan into stored predefined movement patterns of the robot, and into commands for the control of the welding process.
US08338742B2
Methods and apparatus for the calibration and use of test glide head gimbal assemblies are disclosed. Calibration is performed by pulse laser adjustment of the flexure mounted to the glide head, while the head is flying above a media test disk having asperities of known dimensions. The calibration process normalizes the fly heights of glide heads used to measure defects on both upper and lower surfaces of disk drive media, allowing upper and lower surfaces to be scanned simultaneously.
US08338737B2
A visually seamless method of joining a first piece of metal and a second piece of metal is described. The first piece of metal is placed in contact with an edge of the second piece of metal. In some embodiments, the edge includes a sacrificial lip. The first piece of metal forming a junction area with the edge of the second piece of metal, applying a forging force to the first piece of metal, the forging force having an effect of creating an extremely tight fit up between the first and the second pieces of metal, welding the first and the second pieces to form an assembly and forming a cosmetically enhancing protective layer on the surface of the assembly, the protective layer obscuring any visible artifacts on the surface of the assembly, the obscured visible artifacts including any discoloration or discontinuity created by the laser welding.
US08338736B2
A method for making a test specimen includes machining out a chordal core from an annular forging and machining the specimen symmetrical about a chordal axis of the core. A linear cutting tool such as a wire EDM machine is used for the machining which includes at least a partially cylindrical cutting about the chordal axis with the linear cutting tool. A copper or brass tubular EDM electrode may be used. The chordal core may be machined from fat of the forging. The test specimen may have with a gauge section diameter in a range of 0.1-0.5 inches. The EDM process may include directing jets of machining fluid or dielectric in up and down along a cutting portion of an EDM wire of the EDM machine or performing the EDM process in a tank of machining fluid or dielectric with the annular forging submerged in the fluid or dielectric.
US08338732B2
A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It has an opening spring and a closing spring, one of them including a torsion spring. The torsion spring is charged in the unwinding direction and discharged in the winding direction.
US08338727B2
A circuit breaker includes a plurality of pole assemblies, each having a movable contact and a stationary contact. A bellcrank assembly is associated with each pole assembly. Each bellcrank assembly includes a bellcrank lever including a cylindrical body and at least one radially extending arm. The radially extending arm is mechanically interrelated with the movable contact so that rotation of the bellcrank lever selectively causes the movable contact to engage or disengage the stationary contact. At least one of the bellcrank lever radially extending arms is relatively more flexible than the other bellcrank lever radially extending arms.
US08338722B2
A RFID tag enclosing structure withstands temperatures ≦200° C. ≦90 minutes; a maximum read operational temperature of 130° C.; water submersions ≦2 m ≦2 hours; contact with alkaline acids with pH of 4-13; contact with solvents; severe vibrations having acceleration ≦14.7 g at 40 Hz in three directions ≦3 hours; impacts at an acceleration of 6 g for 40 times minimum; a tension of 120 kg minimum; and flexing at 60 kg·cm. The RFID tag enclosing structure includes a main body made of a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer having an internal housing ending in an open inferior recess having a surrounding wall protecting the open inferior recess. An RFID encapsulator structure completely surrounding a superior portion of the tag. The RFID tag surrounded by the RFID encapsulator structure is inside the main body internal housing.
US08338721B2
A cover or housing member for an electronic device comprises a central region and a perimeter region surrounding the central region. The central region comprises an elevated pattern of radial ribs and elliptical elevations elevated above a generally planar lower surface, such that the cover has multiple vibrational modes of natural resonance in which a maximum deflection of the cover occurs in a first mode at a central point of the cover.
US08338711B2
Provided is a display panel comprising a first panel comprising a first lower substrate and a first upper substrate; a first alignment key formed in the first lower substrate; a second alignment key formed in the first upper substrate, the second alignment key is disposed in a position corresponding to the first alignment key; a second panel attached to the first panel; and a third alignment key formed in the second panel, the third alignment key is disposed in a position corresponding to the first and the second alignment keys and formed such that the first and the second alignment keys are identified.
US08338702B2
A sensor system may include a wiring harness including at least one wire, a grommet, a nugget, a sensor, and a harness sleeve. The grommet may include at least one passageway configured to receive the wire. The nugget may include at least one terminal molded into the nugget and coupled to the wire. A mineral insulated cable may be coupled to the sensor and to the terminal. The harness sleeve may define at least one cavity configured to receive the nugget and at least a portion of the grommet. The harness sleeve may be coupled to the mineral insulated cable and may include a first crimp coupling the harness sleeve to the grommet. The exterior surface of the nugget may also include at least one radially disposed groove. The harness sleeve may also include a second crimp coupling the harness sleeve to the nugget, for example, about the radial groove. The first crimp may be configured to compress the grommet to provide a seal between the harness sleeve and the grommet and a seal between the grommet and the at least one wire of the harness wire. The second crimp and the molding of the terminal within the nugget may be configured to provide strain relief for the wiring harness.
US08338694B2
A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tracking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.
US08338691B2
A photoelectric conversion element is provided and includes: an electrically conductive thin layer; an organic photoelectric conversion layer; and a transparent electrically conductive thin layer. The organic photoelectric conversion layer contains: a compound represented by formula (I); and a fullerene or a fullerene derivative. In the formula, Z1 represents an atomic group necessary for forming a 5- or 6-membered ring, L1, L2 and L3 each independently represents an unsubstituted methine group or a substituted methine group, D1 represents an atomic group, and n represents an integer of 0 or more.
US08338690B2
This invention relates to a method for producing a photovoltaic device that includes spherical photovoltaic elements and a support with a large number of recesses for receiving the elements one by one and to the photovoltaic device. Each of the spherical photovoltaic elements comprises a spherical first semiconductor and a second semiconductor layer covering the surface of the first semiconductor. A conductive adhesive is applied in advance to the bottoms of the recesses of the support serving as a second conductor layer. The elements are disposed in the bottoms of the recesses with the conductive adhesive applied thereto, to fix the elements to the support and electrically connect their second semiconductor layers to the support. An electrical insulator layer, which has through-holes serving as conductive paths, is bonded to the backside of the support, and a first conductor layer, which interconnects the electrodes of the first semiconductors of the respective elements, is formed thereon.
US08338687B2
Waveform data representative of singing voices of a singing music piece are analyzed to generate melody component data representative of variation over time in fundamental frequency component presumed to represent a melody in the singing voices. Then, through machine learning that uses score data representative of a musical score of the singing music piece and the melody component data, a melody component model, representative of a variation component presumed to represent the melody among the variation over time in fundamental frequency component, is generated for each combination of notes. Parameters defining the melody component models and note identifiers indicative of the combinations of notes whose variation over time in fundamental frequency component are represented by the melody component models are stored into a pitch curve generating database in association with each other.
US08338683B2
The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.
US08338671B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31E11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31E11, cells from soybean variety XB31E11, plants of soybean XB31E11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31E11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31E11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31E11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31E11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31E11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31E11 are further provided.
US08338670B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB45U08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB45U08, to the plants of soybean XB45U08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB45U08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB45U08 with another soybean plant, using XB45U08 as either the male or the female parent.
US08338658B1
A diaper changing mat comprising an attached, flexible and infant-drapeable, fold-over urine shield structured and arranged to prevent urine exposure from infant-generated urine while still providing easy access to the infant's diaper area. The diaper changing mat is preferably disposable. A preferred heart-shaped urine shield blocks urine streams without hindering access to the infant's diaper area. Alternately preferably, the diaper changing mat may be reusable and washable or preferably comprise a removable waterproof insert. The diaper changing mat may also attach to a changing-table element, such as, for example, a foam pad.
US08338650B2
Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. The catalyst comprises palladium and chromium on a support.
US08338647B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a tertiary amine by reacting an alcohol with a primary or secondary amine in the presence of a film catalyst containing a thermosetting resin and an active metal, wherein the film catalyst is reduced at 100 to 150° C., and a method for activating the film catalyst containing a thermosetting resin and an active metal, including applying a coating agent containing the thermosetting resin and a powder catalyst onto the surface of a support, drying the resultant, curing it at 80 to 170° C., and reducing the catalyst at 100 to 150° C.
US08338646B2
Polymorphs and solvates of racemic, enantiomerically pure, and enantiomerically mixed modafinil are formed and discussed. In addition, said forms are described as useful for the treatment of many conditions including, but not limited to, narcolepsy.
US08338643B2
The present invention provides a reagent for introducing a protein or gene into a cell. The reagent of the present invention is, for example, a reagent for introducing a protein or gene into a cell, which comprises a composition comprising a cationic amino acid type lipid represented by the following formula (I)-1: (wherein in formula (I)-1: L is a single bond, —CONH—, or —S—S—; M1 is —(CH2)k— or —(CH2CH2O)k— (wherein k is an integer between 0 and 14); and m1 and m2 are each independently an integer between 11 and 21 (in this regard, when providing a reagent for introducing a gene into a cell, the case where both m1 and m2 are 15 is excluded)).
US08338641B2
The present invention is directed to the use of a class of peptide compounds for treating pain in trigeminal neuralgia.
US08338629B2
Provided are an organometallic precursor, wherein a carboxyhydrazide compound is coordinated to a central metal, and a metal film or pattern using the precursor. By using the organometallic precursor, highly pure metal films or patterns can be obtained through a simple low-temperature process.
US08338626B2
Method for the manufacture of 5-alkoxymethylfurfural derivatives by reacting a fructose and/or glucose-containing starting material with an alcohol in the presence of a catalytic or sub-stoechiometric amount of heterogeneous acid catalyst. The catalysts may be employed in a continuous flow fixed bed or catalytic distillation reactor. The ethers can be applied as a fuel or fuel additive.
US08338619B2
A method to obtain a new crystalline form of the Zoledronic acid, characterized by its X-rays diffractogram as well as by its spatial atomic distribution in the red crystalline and its curves of thermal analysis. There is also included a method to obtain this crystalline form, which includes the synthesis of the corresponding acid and the pharmaceutical composition this crystalline form comprises.
US08338613B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of bidentate Schiff base catalysts containing a salicylaldimine-type ligand.
US08338611B2
A compound of the formula (I) wherein the variables X1, X2, B, D, R1 to R7 including R3′, p, y, q, and z, are as defined or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, enantiomer, racemate, diastereomer or mixtures thereof, useful for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of obesity and Related Diseases is disclosed.
US08338603B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, m, and n are defined in the specification are TRPV1 antagonists. Compositions comprising such compounds and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.
US08338588B2
A salt of a compound of formula (I) may be made with methanesulfonic acid. The salt and salts with other acids may be prepared by recovering from methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
US08338584B2
The present invention provides a nucleic acid complex with low toxicity and high safety that can persistently maintain a nucleic acid, such as siRNA or the like, in a cell; and a nucleic acid delivery composition that can efficiently deliver the nucleic acid complex into a cell. A nucleic acid complex with low toxicity and high safety that can persistently maintain a nucleic acid in a cell can be obtained by forming a complex using a nucleic acid to be introduced into a cell, and a highly branched cyclic dextrin. Moreover, when a carrier comprising (A) a diacylphosphatidylcholine, (B) cholesterol and/or a derivative thereof, and (C) an aliphatic primary amine is used as a nucleic acid delivery carrier to introduce the nucleic acid complex into a cell, the safety, the efficiency of intracellular delivery, and the persistence of the nucleic acid in the cell can be further improved.
US08338581B2
Compositions and methods for recombinant protein production and, more particularly, fusion polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding fusion polypeptides, expression vectors, kits, and related methods for recombinant protein production.
US08338573B2
A crystal, a preparation method and 3D structure of CD147 extracellular region are provided. Such 3D structure is useful in the determination of the active site of CD147 extracellular region by computer modeling or molecular docking method. The crystal and/or 3D structure are useful in a structure-based drug design and the selection of an antibody, a ligand or an interacting molecule of CD 147 extracellular region.
US08338569B2
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) extracellular domain (ECD) acidic region muteins that have been engineered to exhibit decreased tissue binding by increasing the number of acidic amino acid residues within the D1-D2 linker region are provided. Polynucleotides encoding FGFR ECD acidic region muteins are also provided. Methods of making FGFR ECD acidic region muteins, and methods of using such molecules to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers, disorders of angiogenesis, and macular degeneration, are also provided.
US08338559B2
The present invention relates to a fluorene-based resin polymer having a repeating unit of Formula 1 and a method for preparing the same. The fluorene-based resin polymer has a high molecular weight and low acid value, and has an excellent developing property, adhesive property, and stability.
US08338556B1
A patterned composite ferroelectric layer, having ferroelectric electronic properties, on a substrate. Individual layers are each made of metal acrylate compounds, a photoinitiator compound and an acrylate crosslinking compound. The individual layers are stacked on the substrate to form a composite layer. A photomask is formed on the composite layer. Unmasked areas of the composite layer are irradiated with ultraviolet light. A solvent removes non-irradiated areas of the composite layer from the substrate. The patterned composite layer is heated in an oxygen atmosphere to cause a chemical reaction among the metal acrylate compounds and oxygen, a patterned composite ferroelectric layer being formed on the substrate.
US08338553B2
Disclosed are a solvatochromic functional monomer having the chemical structure and a process for preparing the same. The solvatochromic functional monomer can be used for fabrication of molecularly imprinted polymer based (MIP-based) solvatochromic chemosensors. This involves the incorporation of the solvatochromic functional monomer as reporter into the molecularly imprinted polymer. The solvatochromic functional monomers as reporters signal the analyte-to-receptor displacing event within the receptor sites without the need for intermolecular interaction between the analyte and the receptor.
US08338543B2
Thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer obtained by dynamic vulcanization of a heterophasic polyolefin composition in presence of at least (i) an alkenyl-substituted alkoxysilane grafting agent and (ii) water; wherein said heterophasic polyolefin composition has flexural modulus equal to or lower than 150 MPa, and comprises: (a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer of propylene with up to 15% of ethylene or other alpha-olefin comonomer(s), or their combinations, and (b) a copolymer or a composition of copolymers of ethylene with other alpha-olefins, containing from 15% to 40% of ethylene, said thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer having compression set values in the range from 45-65%, the ratio of elongation at break to compression set values over 10 and hardness shore A values below 90.
US08338541B2
In accordance with various aspects of the invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. In one aspect, the polymeric regions comprise (a) a block copolymer that comprises a polyaromatic block and a polyalkene block admixed with (b) a sulfonated high Tg polymer. In another aspect, the polymeric regions comprise a block copolymer that comprises (a) a sulfonated polymer block and (b) fluorinated polymer block.
US08338534B2
A process for producing a microporous polymeric object to improve the degree of freedom for its various properties, compared to conventional processes, includes: mixing a block copolymer made of three or more kinds of segments with a polymer, wherein one or more of the segments are made of monomer units having a first functional group forming ionic and/or hydrogen bond, the segments constitute a co-continuous structure having mutually-independent and continuous regions due to a phase separation based on incompatibility between the segments, and the polymer has, at other than polymer chain terminals, a second functional group forming such bond with the first functional group, thereby allowing the segments to associate with the polymer at many points; forming a co-continuous structure including a region composed of the polymer and the segments due to the phase separation; and removing the polymer from the region by weakening the bond between the functional groups.
US08338531B2
A process for producing an epoxy silane oligomer including a reaction glycidoxy silane and/or cycloaliphatic epoxy silane having 2 or 3 alkoxy groups and, optionally, a copolymerizable silane other than glycidoxy and cycloaliphatic epoxy silane, with less than 1.5 equivalents of water in the presence of a catalyst, wherein said water is continuously fed during the reaction.
US08338529B2
To provide an oil repellent copolymer capable of forming an oil repellent film which is excellent in durability. An oil repellent copolymer characterized by comprising a repeating unit (A) having a polyfluoroalkyl group, a repeating unit (B) having a fluorescent functional group, and a repeating unit (C) having an ester bond other than an ester bond derived from acrylic acid, and/or a hydroxyl group.
US08338523B2
A thermoplastic molding material contains between 10% and 35% by weight of an ethylene copolymer wax with hydrophilic groups, with a melting point between 75° C. and 110° C. and cellulose containing fibers with a share of between 45% and 90% by weight relative to the dry mass of the fibers. Molded bodies may be formed from the molding material, such as pencil casings.
US08338522B2
The instant invention generally provides a process of making a polymer nanocomposite by compounding an organoclay and a melt of a polymer in the presence of water. The instant invention also provides a polymer nanocomposite made by the process.
US08338519B2
A PTFE resin composition, which comprises PTFE resin, and metal carbide powder having a Vickers hardness of 1,200 HV, or more, and which preferably further contains an inorganic filler other than the metal carbide powder, for example, carbon fibers, glass fibers, etc., has an improved abrasion resistance, when molded into resin seal rings, etc., by reducing a self-abrasion amount of the resin against hard mating metals having a rough surface (Rz of about 6.3 to about 9.0 according to JIS B0601-1994), and by polishing the mating material roughness rapidly.
US08338518B2
A novel aqueous polymerization process for making fluoropolymer dispersions is disclosed in which non-ionic non-fluorinated emulsifier is used to produce fluoropolymer emulsions. The emulsifiers used in the invention are those that contain segments of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and/or polytetamethylene glycol with repeating units of 3 to 100. The process and fluoropolymer produced contain no fluorinated surfactant.
US08338506B2
Partial oxidation of crumb rubber derived from environmental hazardous waste tires yields surface treated crumb rubber and a gas condensate which are used as blending stocks for making rubberized concrete with substantially improved mechanical strength as compared to the conventional rubberized concrete. The chemically more active rubber surface becomes hydrophilic, so it interacts with the hydrophilic surface of surrounding cement matrix much stronger. The gas condensate co-produced in the partial oxidation reactor consists of mainly active sulfur oxides (R—SOx—R) and serves as an excellent bonding agent to further enhance the bonding strength between the partially oxidized rubber particles and the cement mixes. The mechanically improved rubberized concrete is more versatile than conventional rubberized concrete.
US08338498B2
A bone defect filler for implantation in a bone defect of a patient includes a particulate polymer distributed within a polymeric binder. The particulate polymer includes a plurality of particles, which may have substantially the same material composition as the polymeric binder. The particles of the particulate polymer may be formed in a variety of shapes and/or sizes to provide the bone defect filler with improved pore interconnectivity, material expansion and contamination characteristics, while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and handling characteristics for bone repair applications. The bone defect filler also provides the flexibility to be molded or shaped in situ to fill the bone defect.
US08338483B2
The invention relates to a method for producing acylglycinates of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a linear or branched, saturated alkanoyl group having between 6 and 30 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched, mono- or polyunsaturated alkenoyl group having between 6 and 30 carbon atoms, and Q+ represents a cation selected from the alkali metals Li+, Na+ and K+, characterised in that glycine comprises fatty acid chloride R1Cl, wherein R1 which has the meaning given in formula (I), is provided in water and in presence of a basic alkali compound, the cations Q+ are selected from Li+, Na+ and K+, but in the absence of organic solvents, is reacted at between 30-35 DEG C, and the proportion of fatty acid chloride R1Cl containing acyl groups R1 having 18 or more carbon atoms, in relation to the total amount of used fatty acid chloride, is less than 2.0% in wt.
US08338479B2
A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein.A method which is useful in treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension related thereto is also disclosed herein.
US08338458B2
Fused aromatic compounds of Formula I are PPAR gamma agonists or partial agonists and are useful for weekly dosing in the treatment or control of type II diabetes, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity that are often associated with type 2 diabetes.
US08338444B1
A drug substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salt of an opioid wherein said organic acid is selected from Structure A: wherein R1-R4 are independently selected from H, alkyl or substituted alkyl of 1-6 carbons, adjacent groups may be taken together to form a cyclic alkyl, cyclic alkyl-aryl, or cyclic aryl moiety; R5 is selected from H, or an alkali earth cation; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H, alkyl of 1-6 carbons, an alkali earth cation, and aryl of 6 to 12 carbons, in a number sufficient to complete the valence bonding of X, and wherein X is selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur; and wherein the drug substance has a morphology selected from amorphous and crystalline.
US08338440B2
Novel compounds that inhibit the binding of the Smac protein to Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) of the formula (I).
US08338430B2
Novel N-alkyl substituted piperazines have been discovered, which are useful as insecticides or fungicides. Such compounds are of Formula (I) wherein X, Y, R1 and R2 are as defined herein.
US08338427B2
The present invention relates, in part, to the discovery that a pharmaceutical composition comprising aripiprazole and a carrier administered in a bolus injection resulted in an extended release profile similar to that obtained by the injection of a poly lactide-co-glycolide microsphere formulation containing the active agent. This surprising result suggests that pharmacologically beneficial extended release formulations without the complexities and expense associated with the manufacture microspheres.
US08338418B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Z, X, R3, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08338412B2
The present invention relates to inhibitors of p38, a mammalian protein kinase involved cell proliferation, cell death and response to extracellular stimuli. The invention also relates to methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors of the invention and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders.
US08338411B2
The present invention relates to the adenosine A3 receptor ligands of the general formula (I), within them favourably to the antagonists, to their salts, solvates, N-oxides and isomers, to the pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the general formula (I), their salts, solvates, N-oxides and isomers, to the use of the compounds of the general formula (I), their salts, solvates, N-oxides and isomers, to the preparation of the compounds of the general formula (I), their salts, solvates, N-oxides and isomers, as well as to the new intermediates of the general formula (II), (VI), (XI), (XII) and (XV), and to the preparation thereof.
US08338408B2
This disclosure relates to new tetracyclic compounds that may be used to modulate a histamine receptor in an individual. The compounds in one embodiment are tetracyclic [4,3-b]indoles. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds are also provided, as are methods of using the compounds in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder, neurotransmitter-mediated disorder and/or a neuronal disorder.
US08338407B2
The present invention relates to a fused aminodihydrothiazine derivative of formula (I): wherein X is hydrogen or fluorine; A is CH or N; Y is methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, methoxymethyl or —C≡N; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; which compound has an Aβ production inhibitory effect or a BACE1 inhibitory effect and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a neurodegenerative disease caused by Aβ and typified by Alzheimer-type dementia.
US08338399B2
A method is disclosed for administering a DHEA derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt, ester or ether thereof for one of decreasing body weight, reducing adipose tissue, increasing endurance, as an anti-aging compound and generating production of red blood cells.
US08338396B2
This invention relates to a method of preventing pregnancy and treating PMS including PMDD. More particularly, the invention relates to a method, which involves administering one of several combination oral contraceptive regimens in combination with an antidepressant and a kit containing the same.
US08338394B2
A pharmaceutical composition for treating a metabolic disease in a mammalian subject includes a therapeutically effective amount of all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoid, all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoid derivative, or agent capable of modulating the level of at least one all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoid or all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoid derivative in the subject.
US08338391B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an optically active phosphine-borane compound and a method for producing the same which are useful for the production of an optically active phosphine ligand and allow easy production of any antipode. There is provided a phosphine-borane compound represented by the following general formula (P-1). There is also provided a method for producing the phosphine-borane compound, the method comprising subjecting a hydrogen-phosphine-borane compound represented by the following general formula (P-2) to a coupling reaction with an optically active isocyanate compound represented by the following general formula (3). In the following formulae, R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, or a substituted hydrocarbon group and may be selected so that asymmetry may be induced on the phosphorus atom by the presence of these groups, or may be selected so that asymmetry may not be induced; and R3 represents an asymmetric hydrocarbon group or an asymmetric substituted hydrocarbon group.
US08338380B2
The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound Ac-Arg-Phe-Met-Trp-Met-Arg-NH2 as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquid buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide Ac-Arg-Phe-Met-Trp-Met-Arg-NH2 optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.
US08338378B2
The present invention relates to a neurotrophic peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO: 1), EDQQVHFTPTEG (SEQ ID NO: 2) and IPENEADGMPATV (SEQ ID NO: 3).
US08338373B2
Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or spontaneous abortion in a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).
US08338370B2
Compositions and methods are provided for promoting organ development in warm blooded animals, and in particular in certain aspects a premature infant or foetus. Compositions and methods are also provided for the administration of at least one colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, or otherwise, at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof.
US08338369B2
The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions relating to administering hypoglycemic agents and/or GLP-1 agonists wherein the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and/or Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of the hypoglycemic agent are increased and/or sustained.
US08338366B2
A nanoparticle-polypeptide complex comprising a bioactive polypeptide in association with a nanoparticle, wherein the bioactive polypeptide is modified by the addition of a chemical moiety that facilitates cellular uptake of the protein. The polypeptide can be a protein or a peptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the protein or peptide is derived from the amino acid sequence of a tumor suppressor gene product.
US08338362B2
The present invention provides: (1) antiviral agents that act by reducing or inhibiting the activity of SR proteins, more specifically, (i) antiviral agents that act by enhancing dephosphorylation of SR proteins, and (ii) antiviral agents that act by inhibiting proteins that phosphorylate SR proteins; (2) antiviral agents that act by inhibiting the expression of SR proteins, and (3) antiviral agents that act by activating proteins that antagonize SR proteins. The present invention also provides compounds that inhibit SRPKs, which phosphorylate SR proteins. Such compounds inhibit the activity of SR proteins and have antiviral activities. Various new viruses including SARS have emerged, and thus the present invention provides long-lasting broad-spectrum antiviral agents applicable to new viruses.
US08338358B2
Compositions comprising sulfo-estolides and alkyl ester sulfonates are described. Detergent formulations, such as laundry detergents, softeners, and other materials, containing any of these materials are disclosed, as well as personal care formulations, hard surface cleaner formulations, and automatic dishwasher detergent formulations. Laundry methods employing these formulations are also disclosed. These formulations are useful as laundry detergents and can be biodegradable, heavy duty liquids, 2× or 3× and up to 6× concentrates, low foaming, and/or effective in a high efficiency washing machine.
US08338357B2
An article comprises a rack of solid sticks (12) of dishwasher detergent, retained on a backing material (16) and being formable into a nested, preferably cylindrical, form. The nested article is inserted into a holder, which is a plastics body, rigid and substantial. The holder is a permanent article located in use in a dishwasher but the article is a refill. Wastage of material when it is exhausted is minimal.
US08338349B2
The present invention relates to a cleanser composition comprising a) from about 1% to about 20% of fatty acid soap containing from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms; b) from about 2% to about 20% of a synthetic surfactant; and c) water, wherein the composition comprises a metal ion in a level no more than a predetermined amount to provide a turbidity no higher than about 9NTU.
US08338342B2
A lubricating oil composition according to the present invention is used in an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine uses a fuel that contains at least one fat and oil selected from a group consisting of natural fat and oil, hydrotreated natural fat and oil, transesterified natural fat and oil and hydrotreated transesterified natural fat and oil. The lubricating oil composition contains a component (A) that is an alkaline earth metal-based detergent. The component (A) is contained by a content of more than 0.35 mass % and 2 mass % or less of the total amount of the composition in terms of alkaline earth metal.
US08338340B2
A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including at least one of a branched alcohol ethoxylate and a capped alcohol ethoxylate, a detergent builder and a viscosifier.
US08338325B2
The invention provides systems and methods for conducting reactions in which a reactant contacts a tethered catalyst and/or tethered chiral auxiliary in a microchannel and is converted to product.
US08338323B2
The present invention provides a process for producing an electrode for electrochemical reaction, wherein a conductive diamond layer is formed on an electrode substrate in the electrode; and the electrode substrate on which the conductive diamond layer is formed is kept at a temperature of 400° C. or more and 1,000° C. or less in a water vapor, thereby forming a micropore in the conductive diamond layer. Also, the present invention provides an electrode for electrochemical reaction obtained by the foregoing production process.
US08338317B2
According to various embodiments, a method for processing a semiconductor wafer or die is provided including supplying particles to a plasma such that the particles are activated by the plasma and spraying the activated particles on the semiconductor wafer or die to generate a particle layer on the semiconductor wafer or die.
US08338308B2
A method of plasma etching Ga-based compound semiconductors includes providing a process chamber and a source electrode adjacent to the process chamber. The process chamber contains a sample comprising a Ga-based compound semiconductor. The sample is in contact with a platen which is electrically connected to a first power supply, and the source electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply. The method includes flowing SiCl4 gas into the chamber, flowing Ar gas into the chamber, and flowing H2 gas into the chamber. RF power is supplied independently to the source electrode and the platen. A plasma is generated based on the gases in the process chamber, and regions of a surface of the sample adjacent to one or more masked portions of the surface are etched to create a substantially smooth etched surface including features having substantially vertical walls beneath the masked portions.
US08338307B2
Plasma treatment apparatus and method for treatment of a surface of a substrate. A dielectric barrier discharge electrode structure is provided having a treatment space (5) and comprising a first electrode (2) and a second electrode (3), and a power supply (11) connected to the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3) for generating an atmospheric pressure plasma in the treatment space (5). The plasma treatment apparatus further comprises a magnetic layer (6) provided on a surface of at least the first electrode (2). The first electrode (2) is arranged to receive, in operation, the substrate (1) to be treated and a mask device (7) in contact with the substrate (1), the mask device (7) interacting with the magnetic layer (6).
US08338304B2
A method of forming features on a target layer. The features have a critical dimension that is triple- or quadruple-reduced compared to the critical dimension of portions of a resist layer used as a mask. An intermediate layer is deposited over a target layer and the resist layer is formed over the intermediate layer. After patterning the resist layer, first spacers are formed on sidewalls of remaining portions of the resist layer, masking portions of the intermediate layer. Second spacers are formed on sidewalls of the portions of the intermediate layer. After removing the portions of the intermediate layer, the second spacers are used as a mask to foil the features on the target layer. A partially fabricated integrated circuit device is also disclosed.
US08338302B2
Semiconductor wafer provided with a strain-relaxed layer of Si1-xGex, are polished in a first step of mechanical machining of the Si1-xGex layer of the semiconductor wafer in a polishing machine using a polishing pad containing fixedly bonded abrasive materials having a particle size of 0.55 μm or less, and also a second step of a chemomechanical machining of the previously mechanically machined Si1-xGex layer of the semiconductor wafer using a polishing pad and with supply of a polishing agent slurry containing abrasive materials.
US08338300B2
Provided may be a slurry composition for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and a CMP method using the same. For example, the slurry composition may include a first polishing inhibitor including at least one of PO43− or HPO42− and a second polishing inhibitor, which may be a C2-C10 hydrocarbon compound having —SO3H or —OSO3H. By using the slurry composition for CMP and a CMP method using the same, increased selectivity to SiN may be obtained.
US08338294B2
Methods of forming semiconductor devices include providing a substrate including a layer of semiconductor material on a layer of electrically insulating material. A first metallization layer is formed over a first side of the layer of semiconductor material. Through wafer interconnects are formed at least partially through the substrate. A second metallization layer is formed over a second side of the layer of semiconductor material opposite the first side thereof. An electrical pathway is provided that extends through the first metallization layer, the substrate, and the second metallization layer between a first processed semiconductor structure carried by the substrate on the first side of the layer of semiconductor material and a second processed semiconductor structure carried by the substrate on the first side of the layer of semiconductor material. Semiconductor structures are fabricated using such methods.
US08338293B2
During the patterning of via openings in sophisticated metallization systems of semiconductor devices, the opening may extend through a conductive cap layer and an appropriate ion bombardment may be established to redistribute material of the underlying metal region to exposed sidewall portions of the conductive cap layer, thereby establishing a protective material. Consequently, in a subsequent wet chemical etch process, the probability for undue material removal of the conductive cap layer may be greatly reduced.
US08338288B2
In connection with a semiconductor device in which a conductive member is coupled to the surface of a bonding pad exposed from an opening formed in a passivation film, there is provided a technique able to suppress the occurrence of a crack in the passivation film. A second planar distance between a first end of an electrode layer and a first end of a pad is greater than a first planar distance between the first end of the electrode layer and a first end of an opening. Since the second planar distance between the first end of the electrode layer and the first end of the pad is long, even when a coupled position of wire is deviated to the first end side of the electrode layer, stress caused by coupling of the wire to a stepped portion of the electrode layer can be prevented from being transmitted to the first end portion of the pad.
US08338281B2
Provided is a method for fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes: forming a photoresist pattern having a first opening over a substrate; forming a first impurity region inside the substrate exposed to the first opening; partially etching the photoresist pattern by a plasma ashing process using oxygen (O2) gas to form a second opening having a width broader than that of the first opening; and forming a second impurity region inside the substrate exposed through the second opening, wherein the width of the second opening varies according to a plasma ashing time.
US08338280B2
Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating nano-wires in nano-devices, and more particularly to nano-device fabrication using end-of-range (EOR) defects. In one embodiment, a substrate with a surface crystalline layer over the substrate is provided and EOR defects are created in the surface crystalline layer. One or more fins with EOR defects embedded within is formed and oxidized to form one or more fully oxidized nano-wires with nano-crystals within the core of the nano-wire.
US08338278B2
To form a semiconductor film with a thickness of 50 nm or less, which includes a large grain crystal by totally melting the semiconductor film with a laser beam. A projection having a triangular cross section is formed on the surface of a semiconductor film. The shape of the projection is a conical shape or a triangular prismatic shape. A laser beam which has entered a projection of the semiconductor film travels toward a substrate while being greatly refracted and totally reflected at the interface between the projection and the air. Further, since the laser beam enters the semiconductor film from a projection, the laser beam which is incident on the interface between an insulating film and a semiconductor is very likely totally reflected. Thus, when a laser beam enters a semiconductor film from a projection, the time during which the laser beam propagates through the semiconductor film is longer, which can increase the absorptance of the semiconductor film.
US08338276B2
Manufacturing method for a nanocrystal based device covered with a layer of nitride deposited by CVD
The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a structure having semi-conductor material nanocrystals on a dielectric material substrate by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), the method including at least: i) contacting a surface of a dielectric layer present on a substrate with a first gaseous precursor, by CVD, to form nanocrystal nuclei on the surface of a the dielectric layer; ii) contacting the nanocrystal nuclei with a second gaseous precursor, by CVD, to selectively deposit nanocrystal semi-conductor material only on the nuclei and to grow nanocrystals on the nuclei, each nanocrystal having an exposed surface; and iii) forming a nitride layer only on the exposed surface of each nanocrystal by contacting the nanocrystals with a mixture including at least the second gaseous precursor and a third gaseous precursor to terminate the growth of said nanocrystals and to selectively and stoichiometrically deposit the nitride layer on the exposed surface, wherein a material of said nanocrystal nuclei is compatible with a material of said dielectric layer, each of i), ii) and iii) are carried out in a same chamber, and the first gaseous precursor, the second gaseous precursor and the mixture of the second gaseous precursor with the third gaseous precursor are introduced into the chamber in a continuous flow.
US08338266B2
The present invention relates to a method for molecular adhesion bonding between at least a first wafer and a second wafer involving aligning the first and second wafers, placing the first and second wafers in an environment having a first pressure (P1) greater than a predetermined threshold pressure; bringing the first wafer and the second wafer into alignment and contact; and initiating the propagation of a bonding wave between the first and second wafer after the wafers are aligned and in contact by reducing the pressure within the environment to a second pressure (P2) below the threshold pressure. The invention also relates to the three-dimensional composite structure that is obtained by the described method of adhesion bonding.
US08338263B1
Methods of forming isolation structures are disclosed. A method of forming isolation structures for an image sensor array of one aspect may include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. Narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may be formed from the dielectric layer. The narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may have a width that is no more than 0.3 micrometers and a height that is at least 1.5 micrometers. A semiconductor material may be epitaxially grown around the narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures. Other methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
US08338253B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor memory apparatus is provided to minimize failure of the semiconductor memory apparatus and to secure a processing margin. The method also provides for minimizing the deterioration of an operating speed and the operational stability, and minimizing the increase of resistance occurring as a result of a reduced processing margin when forming a gate pattern in a peripheral region of the semiconductor memory apparatus. The method includes forming a connection pad in a peripheral region while forming a buried word line in a cell region, and forming a gate pattern in the peripheral region while forming a bit line in the cell region.
US08338251B2
One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a method comprising: treating a fin of a first n-channel access transistor in a static random access memory cell to have a lower charge carrier mobility than a fin of a first n-channel pull-down transistor in a first inverter in the memory cell, the first n-channel access transistor being coupled between a first bit line and a first node of the first inverter; and treating a fin of a second n-channel access transistor in the memory cell to have a lower charge carrier mobility than a fin of a second n-channel pull-down transistor in a second inverter in the memory cell, the second n-channel access transistor being coupled between a second bit line and a second node of the second inverter.
US08338243B2
A semiconductor device including a capacitor and a proximate high-voltage gate having a boron-barrier layer that ideally serves as part of both the capacitor dielectric and the (high voltage) HV gate oxide. The boron-barrier layer is preferably formed over a poly oxide layer that is in turn deposited on a substrate infused to create a neighboring wells, and N-well over which the capacitor will be formed, and P-well to be overlaid by the HV gate. The boron-barrier helps to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of boron diffusion from the P-well during TEOS deposition of the gate oxide material.
US08338242B2
The disclosure provides methods and structures for preventing exposing polysilicon layer and silicon substrate on the substrate backside to polysilicon etching chemistry during removal of the dummy polysilicon layer in replacement gate structures. A thermal deposition process or processes are used to deposit a dielectric layer for offset spacers and/or a contact etch stop layer (CESL) to cover the polysilicon layer on the substrate backside. Such mechanisms reduce or eliminate particles originated at bevel of substrate backside, due to complete removal of the polysilicon layer at the backside bevel and the resultant etching of silicon substrate.
US08338239B2
A CMOS chip comprising a high performance device region and a high density device region includes a plurality of high performance devices comprising n-type field effect transistors (NFETs) and p-type field effect transistors (PFETs) in the high performance device region, wherein the high performance devices have a high performance pitch; and a plurality of high density devices comprising NFETs and PFETs in the high density device region, wherein the high density devices have a high density pitch, and wherein the high performance pitch is about 2 to 3 times the high density pitch; wherein the high performance device region comprises doped source and drain regions, NFET gate regions having an elevated stress induced using stress memorization technique (SMT), gate and source/drain silicide regions, and a dual stressed liner, and wherein the high density device region comprises doped source and drain regions, gate silicide regions, and a neutral stressed liner.
US08338238B2
After forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate up to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited with a thickness of 10 nm or more over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, and removing an oxide film on the semiconductor film, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate up to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film.
US08338224B2
Provided is a resistance random access memory device and a method of fabricating, the same. The method includes forming a bit-line stack in which a plurality of local bit-lines are vertically stacked on a substrate, forming a word-line including a plurality of local word-lines that extend in a vertical direction toward a side of the bit-line stack and a connection line that extends in a horizontal direction to connect the plurality of local word-lines with one another, and forming a resistance memory thin film between the bit-line stack and the word-line. The present inventive concept can realize a highly dense memory array with 3D cross-point architecture by simplified processes.
US08338223B2
The present invention provides a fabrication method for an organic electronic device comprising a step of stacking sequentially a first electrode made of a metal, one or more organic material layers, and a second electrode on a substrate, wherein the method comprises the steps of: 1) forming a layer on the first electrode using a metal having a higher oxidation rate than the first electrode before forming the organic material layer, 2) treating the layer formed using a metal having a higher oxidation rate than the first electrode with oxygen plasma to form a metal oxide layer, and 3) treating the metal oxide layer with inert gas plasma to remove a native oxide layer on the first electrode, and an organic electronic device fabricated by the same method.
US08338220B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for processing of a solar substrate for making a photovoltaic device. In particular, methods and apparatus for creating a negatively charged passivation layer by are provided.
US08338218B2
A manufacturing method of a photoelectric conversion device module, wherein an insulating layer and a first electrode are formed over a base substrate; a plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates having a first conductivity type including embrittlement layers formed inside are attached; the plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates are separated at the embrittlement layers so that a plurality of stacked bodies including the insulating layer, the first electrode and a first single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed; a second single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed over the stacked bodies to form a first photoelectric conversion layer; a second photoelectric conversion layer including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed; a second electrode is formed; and selective etching is conducted to form photoelectric conversion cells which are element-separated, and a connecting electrode is formed to connect the second electrode of one photoelectric conversion cell and the first electrode of the other photoelectric conversion cell.
US08338214B2
A sputtering target includes at least one metal selected from copper, indium and gallium and a sodium containing compound.
US08338206B2
A gas sensitive material comprising SnO2 nanocrystals doped with In2O3 and an oxide of a platinum group metal, and a method of making the same. The platinum group metal is preferably Pd, but also may include Pt, Ru, Ir, and combinations thereof. The SnO2 nanocrystals have a specific surface of 7 or greater, preferably about 20 m2/g, and a mean particle size of between about 10 nm and about 100 nm, preferably about 40 nm. A gas detection device made from the gas sensitive material deposited on a substrate, the gas sensitive material configured as a part of a current measuring circuit in communication with a heat source.
US08338205B2
A method of fabricating and encapsulating MEMS devices is disclosed, using least two carbon films as the dual sacrificial layers sandwiching a MEMS structural film which is anchored onto a substrate and covered by an encapsulating film containing a plurality of thru-film sacrificial release holes. The dual sacrificial carbon films are selectively removed via plasma-enhanced oxygen or nitrogen ashing through the thru-film sacrificial release holes for releasing the MEMS structural film inside a cavity formed between the encapsulating film and the substrate. The thru-film sacrificial release holes, preferably with a relative high asperity ratio, are then sealed off by depositing a hole-sealing film in a physical vapor deposition process or a chemical vapor deposition process or combination.
US08338194B2
A method for in situ determination of a material composition of optically thin layers deposited from a vapor phase onto a substrate includes irradiating the substrate with incoherent light of at least three different wavelengths, optically detecting in a spatially resolved manner a reflection intensity of a diffuse or a direct light scattering emanating from a deposited layer outside of a total reflection, concurrently providing numerical values of the detected reflection intensity to an optical layer model based on general line transmission theory, ascertaining values for the optical layer parameters of the deposited layer from the optical layer model for the at least three different wavelengths by numerically adapting the optical layer model to a time characteristic of the detected reflection intensities, and quantitatively determining a material composition of the deposited layer from the ascertained values by comparing the ascertained values to standard values.
US08338193B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulator layer on the substrate, an inductor on the insulator layer, and a film including a ferromagnetic particle on the inductor.
US08338189B2
The invention features methods and devices for the detection of biomarker complexes and their components and for the sequential detection of multiple epitopes of a biomarker. The invention also features methods for diagnosing disease and evaluating the efficacy of treatment of a subject with a disease.
US08338186B2
A system and method for purifying an aqueous contaminated fluid from colloidal contaminants using a closed-loop feedback control system are disclosed. Contaminated fluid flows into a mixer and mixed with a purifying agent, such as diatomaceous earth, to facilitate metathesis reaction between the purifying agent and the contaminants. The purifying agent entraps the contaminants, and is subsequently removed in a separator into sediments. An estimation of the amount of the purifying agent to dispense is performed using pre-defined equations or look-up tables stored in the database, including relationship between the concentration of contaminants in the fluid and the concentration of the added purifying agent. An automated feedback control is applied to fine tune the purification process into compliance with regulations. High accuracy of measurements is ensured by selecting the same material for both the purifying agent and the trapping medium of analyzers, and additionally by the design of the analyzers.
US08338185B2
Provided herein are methods for determining potency of RNAi agents. Such methods include, but are not limited to, cell-based and cell-free assays that measure binding of an RNAi agent with Ago2 or that measure Ago2 activity in the presence of such RNAi agents. Also provided are assays that determine potency of RNAi agents by assessing their ability to compete with other RNAi agents, including control RNAi agents, for binding and/or activation of Ago2.
US08338183B2
Disclosed relates to an electrochemical determination system of glycated proteins, the system comprising: a filtering means for filtering labeled compounds bound to glycated proteins and non-glycated proteins after adding labeling compounds, capable of selectively binding to the glycated proteins to a solution, in which glycated/non-glycated proteins coexist, to be bound all to the glycated proteins; and a quantifying means for quantifying the filtered labeling compounds, not bound to the glycated proteins. The system of the present invention filters the residual labeled compounds left after binding to glycated proteins to quantify, instead of directly quantifying glycated proteins via the known glycated protein determination methods, thus simplifying the configuration of the system that can provide exact determinations with a low cost. Moreover, the electrochemical determination system of glycated proteins of the present invention minimizes the interference that the proteins are absorbed to an analysis device and a sensor in the system, not using immune antibodies that are expensive and have limited lives and, furthermore, not modifying the electrodes of the electrode sensor with antibodies or enzymes, thus facilitating mass production, quality control and circulation of the products.
US08338177B2
A method for culturing cells in the presence of an alcanoic acid for enhancing protein production.
US08338176B2
Provided is a method for the derivation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the use of the NSCs for treatment of various neural disorders. The NSCs that are derived from the ESCs are tissue-specific multipotent NSCs with a stable growth rate, unlimited self-renewal capacity, and a predictable differentiation profile. Being both non-tumorigenic and engraftable, the NSCs of the present invention have utility in repopulation stroke-damaged tissue. The NSCs of the present invention may be differentiated to produce tyrosine-hydroxylase expressing neurons, which may be used as a source of dopaminergic neurons for subjects suffering from a condition characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease.
US08338170B2
Methods for purifying endoderm and pancreatic endoderm cells derived from human embryonic stem cells
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods comprising cell surface markers for hES-derived cells, in particular, endoderm lineage cells including pancreatic endoderm-type cells, derived from hES cells.
US08338167B2
A pressure controllable incubation system is provided for constantly maintaining a concentration of carbon dioxide while keeping a pressure chamber, in which living organisms to be cultured are placed, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure controllable incubation system comprise a cylinder that stores air containing high-concentration carbon dioxide to be injected into a pressure chamber and supplies the air into the pressure chamber, and a heat controller that constantly maintains temperature in the pressure chamber. The pressure controllable incubation system constantly maintains culture conditions such as pressure, temperature, and concentration of carbon dioxide which the user wants for a long time, so that it can be effectively applied to the culture of various living organisms.
US08338165B2
A cell culture article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R′, R″, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the cell culture article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the article are also disclosed.
US08338164B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.
US08338160B2
A novel bacterial strain of Bacillus thuringiensis for inhibiting insect pests is provided, wherein the Bacillus thuringiensis includes the fragments of cry1Aa, a cry1Ab, a cry1C, a cry1D and a cry1F genes.
US08338153B2
A method of producing hexose oxidase by recombinant DNA technology, recombinant hexose oxidase and the use of such enzyme, in particular in the manufacturing of food products such as doughs and dairy products, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dental care products and in the manufacturing of lactones. Suitable sources of DNA coding for the enzyme are marine algal species including Chondrus crispus, Iridophycus flaccidum and Euthora cristata. In useful embodiments, the recombinant hexose oxidase is produced by Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. coli.
US08338151B2
A method of creating intracellular artificial nanostructures in situ, which employees a chemical precursor. The precursor does not self-assemble due to the presence of a cleavable motif linked to it. When the precursor comes inside live cells by an uptaking mechanism on the cell membrane, the cleavable motif is then to be removed by an enzymatic action of a first enzyme. Without the cleavable motif, the precursor now engages in a self-assembling process to form nanostructures within the live cells, which may cause formation of a hydrogel. Furthermore, the self-assembling process can be made reversible by employing a second enzyme which puts the cleavable motif back to the precursor, whereby dissolving the nanostructures into solution.
US08338150B2
Disclosed is a method for parallel delivery of agents to and/or into a cell structure, wherein at least two electrolyte-filled tubes are provided together with a counter electrode, the tubes being connected to a voltage or current generator, said agents being introduced into the electrolyte solution contained in the tubes, which are placed close to the cell structure, whereupon the agents are transported through the tubes to said cell structure and into the said structure through pores which have been formed by application of an electric field focused on the cell structure, resulting in electroporation of the cell structure. Also different applications of the method is disclosed, e.g. use of the method in order to transfer cell-impermeant solutes, such as drugs or genes, into the cell structure or out of the cell structure.
US08338145B2
Preparation of derivatives of β-hydroxycarboxylic acid, including β-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and alkoxy derivatives.
US08338141B2
The present invention relates to a method of making a methionine preparation, for example for an animal feed additive. The invention also related to methods for increasing the solubility of a methionine preparation.
US08338128B2
Suitable dyes are used herein to indicate the presence of microbial contamination by spraying them onto surfaces in the form of an aqueous solution. The dye solution may also be allowed to dry, thus producing the dried residue of an aqueous solution. It's believed that these dyes change color in response to a change in polarity of the environment. Since water is a polar solvent and most bacteria are made from non-polar substances, the presence of bacteria changes the polarity of the environment, triggering a change visible by the unaided eye.
US08338126B2
Methods and kits for enzymes involved in post-translational modifications are provided. The methods employ elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods allow for the convenient and accurate analysis of post-translation modifications of substrates by enzymes involved in post-translational modifications, including kinase and phosphatase enyzmes.
US08338124B2
The present invention relates to in vivo and in vitro methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts, including bone formation enhancing pharmaceutical compositions, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density in a subject.
US08338123B2
Process for the production of a food product involving at least one heating step, comprising adding one or more enzymes to an intermediate form of said food product in said production process whereby the enzyme is added prior to said heating step in an amount that is effective in reducing the level of amino acids that are present in said intermediate form of said food product which amino acids are involved in the formation of acrylamide during said heating step. The invention also relates to food products obtained from the process of the invention.
US08338104B2
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. In particular, the present invention provides diagnostics and prognostics for colon (including colon adenocarcinoma) cancer patients, wherein the methods related to measuring miR levels can predict poor survival. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.
US08338093B2
Methods are presented for generating large sets for polymers. The methods employ high density oligonucleotide array.
US08338091B2
The present invention is in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. More particularly, the present invention relates to cloning or subcloning one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more type IIs restriction enzyme recognition sites. The present invention also embodies cloning such nucleic acid molecules using recombinational cloning methods such as those employing recombination sites and recombination proteins. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules (including RNA and iRNA), as well as proteins, expressed from host cells produced using the methods of the present invention.
US08338089B2
The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for inhibiting infectivity of a lentivirus (e.g., a lentivirus which expresses a Viral infectivity factor (Vif) protein), such as, e.g., SIV, SHIV and/or HIV, comprising contacting a cell which is producing the virus with an antiviral-effective amount of a membrane-permeable Zinc (Zn) chelator, wherein the antiviral-effective amount of the Zn chelator does not substantially inhibit proteins in the cell which contain Zn-binding motifs other than lentivirus Vif. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed, as is a method for identifying inhibitors of lentiviruses that target a specific zinc-binding motif of the lentivirus Vif protein.
US08338085B2
Alignment tolerances between narrow mask lines and wider mask lines in an integrated circuit are increased. The narrow mask lines are formed by pitch multiplication and the wider mask lines are formed by photolithography. The wider mask lines are aligned so that one side of those lines is flush with or inset from a corresponding side of the narrow lines. Being wider, the opposite sides of the wider mask lines protrude beyond the corresponding opposite sides of the narrow mask lines. The wider mask lines are formed in negative photoresist having a height less than the height of the narrow mask lines. The narrow mask lines can prevent expansion of the mask lines in one direction, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction. In the other direction, a shadowing effect causes the wider mask lines to be formed with a rounded corner, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction.
US08338084B2
A method of patterning a dielectric layer with a Zep 520 positive EB photoresist as a mask, comprising the steps of depositing an α-Si film on the dielectric layer; providing a layer of Zep 520 positive EB photoresist having high-resolution patterns therein by electron beam direct writing; etching the α-Si film by chlorine-based plasma with the layer of Zep 520 positive EB photoresist as a mask, so as to transfer the high-resolution patterns of the Zep 520 positive EB photoresist to the underlying α-Si film; removing the Zep 520 positive EB photoresist; etching the dielectric layer by fluorine-based plasma with the α-Si film having high-fidelity patterns as a hard mask, so as to provide patterns of recesses; and removing the α-Si film by wet etching or dry etching. The inventive method is completely compatible with and easily incorporated into the conventional CMOS processes, with high reliability and resolution for providing nanoscale fine patterns of recesses. It solves the above-mentioned problem in the fabrication of novel structure of CMOS device.
US08338081B2
An alkali developable photosensitive resin composition contains (J) a photopolymerizable unsaturated compound having a structure resulting from the addition reaction of (B) a compound having a β-diketone moiety or a compound having a β-ketoester group to the (meth)acryloyl group of (A) a compound having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups and a hydroxyl group and subsequent esterification of the hydroxyl group of the resulting addition product with (C) a polybasic acid anhydride. The compound having a β-diketone moiety is preferably a novel β-diketone compound represented by general formula (I): wherein R1 is a C1-C20 alkyl group; R2 represents R11, OR11, COR11, SR11, CONR12R13, or CN; R11, R12, and R13 are each hydrogen, a C1-C20 alkyl group, etc.; a is 0 to 3; and b is 0 to 4.
US08338079B2
Compositions are provided which can be used for treating photoresist patterns in the manufacture of electronic devices. The compositions allow for the formation of fine lithographic patterns and find particular applicability in semiconductor device manufacture.
US08338076B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) containing a compound having a cation moiety comprising a group represented by general formula (I) (in the formula, R5 represents an organic group having a carbonyl group, an ester bond or a sulfonyl group; and Q represents a divalent linking group).
US08338074B2
It is intended to provide the following resin composition for stereolithography which is superior in storage stability and aging stability during operation, shows no increase in viscosity upon prolonged storage, has a high light-curing sensitivity and, therefore, makes it possible to produce, upon photo irradiation, an object by stereolithography, which is superior in dimensional accuracy, fabricating accuracy, water resistance, moisture resistance and mechanical properties at a high fabricating speed and a high productivity. A resin composition for stereolithography which is an actinic radiation-curable resin composition containing a cationic-polymerizable organic compound, a radical-polymerizable organic compound, a photo cationic polymerization initiator and a photo radical polymerization initiator, in which the photo cationic polymerization initiator contains a compound represented by the following formula (I) and having a purity of 80% or higher: wherein M represents an antimony atom or a phosphorus atom; and the broken line between S+ and MF6− represents an ionic bond.
US08338065B2
An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising: a conductive support, a photosensitive layer and an intermediate layer interposed between the conductive support and the photosensitive layer, wherein the intermediate layer contains metal oxide microparticles surface-treated with silicon dioxide anhydride and a binder resin; and the binder resin contains a polyamide resin containing a piperazine-based compound.
US08338058B2
There is provided a separator for a fuel cell having a very good anticorrosiveness and electrical conductivity.A separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a base 1 formed of a steel which contains 10.5 mass % or more of Cr; a metal film 3 formed on the surface of the base 1; and an intermediate layer 2 formed between the base 1 and the metal film 3, the intermediate layer 2 containing oxygen. The metal film 3 is composed of at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, and Ti, and the intermediate layer 2 contains Fe and Cr which are contained in the steel and at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, and Ti composing the metal film 3.
US08338056B2
A tubular fuel cell includes an inner current collector, a membrane-electrode assembly, and seal portions provided at the axial end portions of the membrane-electrode assembly, respectively. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an inner catalyst layer provided on the inner current collector, an electrolyte membrane provided on the inner catalyst layer, and an outer catalyst layer provided on the electrolyte membrane. The axial length of the outer catalyst layer is shorter than the axial lengths of the electrolyte membrane and the outer catalyst layer. The axial end face of the outer catalyst layer and the axial end face of the inner catalyst layer are located on the opposite sides of the seal portion in each side of the tubular fuel cell.
US08338055B2
An electrochemical energy conversion and storage system comprises an electrochemical energy conversion device, in fluid communication with a source of an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water; and a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid; wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary hydroxy groups is provided.
US08338052B2
A method for manufacturing a composite electrolyte membrane including: a first folding process of folding a laminate (10A) obtained by laminating and integrating an electrolyte sheet (11) having an electrolyte as an electrolyte layer and a reinforcing sheet (12) having a porous polymer material as a reinforcing layer, so that a part of a surface of the laminate (10A) lies on another part of the surface; an impregnation process of impregnating the electrolyte of the folded laminate (10B) into the reinforcing layer; and a hydrolysis process of hydrolyzing the electrolyte impregnated in the laminate (10C).
US08338048B2
A fuel cell with a gas chamber, arranged between two plate elements, is provided. One of the plate elements includes bosses for supporting the plate element on the other plate element in a regular grid structure. Between the bosses runs a network of gas channels passing through the gas chamber, the bosses being at most three times longer than wide. The bosses form between themselves first gas channels in a first region of the gas chamber and larger-volume second gas channels in a second region of the gas chamber.
US08338043B2
Provided is a fuel cell system which can accurately detect the water state of a fuel cell to appropriately control the water content of the fuel cell. Based on an FC outlet temperature detected by a temperature sensor, an FC outlet temperature change speed detection unit detects an FC outlet temperature change speed for a unit time. If the FC outlet temperature change speed detection unit judges that the detected FC outlet temperature change speed is lower than a change speed reference value stored in a memory, an impedance measurement instruction is transmitted to an impedance calculation unit. On receiving the impedance measurement instruction from the FC outlet temperature change speed detection unit, the impedance calculation unit performs the impedance measurement for the second time. In consequence, it is possible to realize such scavenging control as to keep the water content of a fuel cell at an appropriate level by the minimum number of impedance measurement times (e.g., twice).
US08338042B2
A fuel cell system includes a controller that estimates or detects an air replacement state of a fuel electrode and a hydrogen circulation path while the operation of the fuel cell system is stopped. Upon starting the fuel cell system, the controller changes the order in which the operation of a hydrogen circulation pump is started and a hydrogen pressure regulator is opened to start the supply of hydrogen gas on the basis of the estimated or detected air replacement state, thereby preventing deterioration caused by uneven distribution of air and hydrogen in the fuel electrode.
US08338039B2
A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes at least one of a plant essential oil and a plant essential oil ingredient in an effective amount so as to function as a biological repellent.
US08338035B2
The present invention preferably provides a separator for a fuel cell, in which a strength reinforcing means is integrally formed in a region, which is not supported by a gasket, over the region from manifolds, through which reactant gases and coolant are supplied, to a reaction flow field, in which a reaction takes place, thus suitably preventing local deformation of the separator.
US08338034B2
Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery. Advantageously, electrochemical cells comprising combinations of structures described herein are not only compatible with environments that are typically unsuitable for lithium, but the cells may be also capable of displaying long cycle life, high lithium cycling efficiency, and high energy density.
US08338028B2
An electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention includes a ketone compound that includes a ring structure in a molecule, the ring structure being a five-membered or seven-membered ring composed of atoms at least three adjacent ones of which are each bonded to a ketone group. The electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention has a high weight-energy density and good reversibility of oxidation-reduction reaction. The use of the electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention can provide a power storage device having a high capacity, a high voltage, and good charge/discharge cycle characteristics.
US08338015B2
A battery cover latching assembly comprises a battery housing member, a battery cover and a plurality of latching members. The battery cover is mounted to the battery housing and has a first surface facing the battery housing member. The battery cover has a plurality of latching portions protruding from the first surface. The latching members are mounted to the battery housing member respectively corresponding to the latching portions of the battery cover. Each latching member has a plurality of hooks corresponding to the latching portions, the hooks are latched with the latching portions.
US08338012B2
Methods for managing the heat in an electric battery, including, when recharging said battery, preconditioning at an average temperature T0 and, when using said battery, determining the difference ΔT1 between the temperatures of the hottest element and of the coolest element and as the absolute value ΔT2 of the difference between the temperature T0 and the average temperature T of said battery. The method includes, when the difference ΔT1 is lower than a first setpoint C1, deactivating the circulating device and as the heat-conditioning devices and, when the difference ΔT1 is higher than a first setpoint C1 or when the difference ΔT2 is higher than a second setpoint C2, activating the fluid-circulating device while keeping the heat-conditioning devices deactivated if the difference ΔT2 is lower than the second setpoint C2, or while activating a heat-conditioning device if the difference ΔT2 is higher than the second setpoint C2.
US08337996B2
A vanadium resistant coating system resistant to high temperature vanadium attack. The system comprises a high temperature superalloy substrate. A bond coat overlies the superalloy substrate. The bond coat may be applied in multiple layers. A ceramic coating overlies the bond coat. The ceramic coating further comprises a zirconium oxide stabilized by at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Yb3+, Lu3+, Sc3+ and Ce4+, in the amounts of about 5-10 weight percent. An overcoat may overlie the ceramic coating. The overcoat may be a sacrificial layer of YSZ infiltrated with cations having an atomic radius larger than Y3+. Alternatively, the overcoat may comprise zirconium oxide stabilized by Ce4+.
US08337983B2
A heat-curable silicone rubber composition for a rubber laminate composed of a silicone-rubber layer and a rubber layer of a material other than silicone, the composition comprising: an alkenyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane (A) which comprises: 50 to 99 mass % of a diorganopolysiloxane (A1) that contains alkenyl groups, is capped at molecular terminals with alkenyl-containing organosilyl groups, and is free of alkenyl groups in side molecular chains; 1 to 50 mass % of an alkenyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane (A2) having two or more alkenyl groups in a side molecular chain; a fine silica powder (B); an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (C) having in one molecule at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; and an organic peroxide (D).
US08337979B2
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
US08337976B2
An abuse-resistant, cast acoustical ceiling tile having improved impact resistance and excellent sound absorption values. The ceiling tiles have aggregate particles applied to the surface of a wet pulp in the casting process and the particles are embedded in the pulp by compression with a roll and/or smooth plates. The aggregate particles have an average particle diameter of at least about 1,000 microns. The ceiling tiles have excellent sound absorption properties with a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of at least about 0.50. Calcium carbonate is the preferred aggregate particle material.
US08337974B2
The present invention relates to membranes and to a process for making them.The membranes according to the invention comprise a sheetlike flexible substrate having a multiplicity of openings and having a coating on and in said substrate, the material of said substrate being selected from nonwovens of polymeric fibers, said nonwovens having a porosity of more than 50% and said coating being a porous ceramic coating, said substrate preferably being from 10 to 200 μm in thickness. Such membranes provide a distinctly higher flux than conventional membranes.The membranes are useful as separators for batteries or as a microfiltration membrane.
US08337973B2
A structure of a cylindrical boss forming place of a cabinet is provided. A resin-molded plate has a first face which is flat and a second face which is opposite to the first face. A resin-molded boss is formed into a cylindrical shape and is integrally protruded from the second face of the plate. A thickness t of a cylinder wall at a base end of the boss is less than a reference thickness T of the plate. When the plate is divided into a circular-shaped first area partly defining an inner space of the cylindrical boss, a ring-shaped second area disposed to around the first area so as to correspond to the cylinder wall and a peripheral third area disposed to surround the second area, the peripheral third area is formed such that a thickness of the third area is equal to the thickness t of the cylinder wall at an innermost portion, the thickness of the third area increases from the inside to the outside, and the thickness of the third area is equal to the reference thickness T of the plate at an outermost portion, and the circular-shaped first area is formed such that a thickness T1 of the first area is less than 0.6 times the thickness t of the cylinder wall.
US08337968B2
A medical device, for instance a device inserted into the body such as catheter or a balloon, at least a portion of which is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material. The thermoplastic polymeric material comprises a blend or laminate of an aromatic protectant polymer and a radiation sensitive polymer, and/or the polymeric material includes a stabilizer against radiation oxidative degradation. The device is sterilized by exposure to high energy radiation.
US08337967B2
The present technology provides a bisphenol A capture system for food and beverage containers which include BPA-containing coatings. The capture system is made of one or more materials which bind any BPA eluting from the BPA-containing coating. The present capture system therefore reduces or prevents BPA from migrating from the can coating into the food or beverages stored in the can. The present technology further provides methods of manufacturing and using such coatings.
US08337961B2
The present invention relates to an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which comprises a (meth)acrylic copolymer comprising an alkyl(meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, in which alkyl has 2 to 14 carbon atoms, and a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer containing a copolymerizable photo-initiator group, wherein it has a gel fraction of 10 to 55% and a swelling ratio of 30 to 110, and a sol (uncross-linked polymer) eluted in final pressure-sensitive adhesive with a solvent (ethyl acetate) has a weight average molecular weight of 600,000 or more; and a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device, comprising the same. The polarizing plate according to the present invention has an excellent adhesion durability under a high temperature or a high temperature and humidity condition, has an excellent low light leakage property by effectively providing stress release property, and may greatly improve productivity for polarizing plates, by using photo-curing.
US08337959B2
In imprint lithography, the mold is coated with a surface release layer for a non-sticking separation. Bonding strength of the release layer to the mold depends on the cleanness of the surface and the process of release layer deposition. In accordance with the invention, the mold is disposed in an evacuable chamber, cleaned to remove surface organic contamination and coated with the surface release layer in a chamber, all without relocation or undesired time delay. The chamber encloses a support chuck for the mold or substrate, a surface cleaner unit adjacent the support, a heating source adjacent the support, and advantageously, sensors of measuring chamber pressure, vapor partial pressure and moisture concentration. A vapor source connected to the chamber supplies release surfactant vapor. The mold is cleaned, and the cleaning is followed by vapor phase deposition of the surfactant. The mold is advantageously heated. Typical ways of cleaning include exposure to ozone or plasma ion etch. Surfactant vapor may be generated by liquid surface vaporization, liquid injection or spray vaporization. A surface adhesion promoter can be coated on the substrate by a similar method with the same apparatus.
US08337958B2
A process for manufacturing electrodes for electrolysis, including the steps of forming an arc ion plating undercoating layer comprising valve metal or valve metal alloy including a crystalline tantalum component and a crystalline titanium component on the surface of the electrode substrate comprising valve metal or valve metal alloy, by an arc ion plating method; heat sintering the electrode substrate to transform only the tantalum component of the arc ion plating undercoating layer into an amorphous substance; and forming an electrode catalyst layer on the surface of the arc ion plating undercoating layer including the valve metal or valve metal alloy including the tantalum component transformed to the amorphous substance and the crystalline titanium component.
US08337954B2
A composition and a method. The method including: heating one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers to form a poly(aryl ether ketone) resin, said poly(aryl ether ketone) resin covalently cross-linked by cyclo-addition reactions of said phenylethynyl moieties; and wherein each of said one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers comprises (a) a first monomer including an aryl ether ketone and (b) a second monomer including an aryl ether ketone and a hydrogen bonding cross-linking moiety, said moiety capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds at room temperature, each of said one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having a phenylethynyl moiety.
US08337953B2
The inkjet recording method includes: a treatment liquid depositing step of applying treatment liquid onto a recording medium on a treatment liquid drum; an image forming step of ejecting ink from a line inkjet head to deposit the ink onto the recording medium on which the treatment liquid has been deposited on a circumferential surface of an image formation drum, the ink containing at least a resin dispersant (A), a pigment (B) that is dispersed by the resin dispersant (A), self-dispersible polymer micro-particles (C) and an aqueous liquid medium (D), the ink having one of a solid component that is aggregated upon making contact with the treatment liquid and a solid component that is precipitated upon making contact with the treatment liquid; and a drying step of drying a solvent in the ink having been deposited on the recording medium on a drying drum.
US08337950B2
Methods for processing a substrate with a boron rich film are provided. A patterned layer of boron rich material is deposited on a substrate and can be used as an etch stop. By varying the chemical composition, the selectivity and etch rate of the boron rich material can be optimized for different etch chemistries. The boron rich materials can be deposited over a layer stack substrate in multiple layers and etched in a pattern. The exposed layer stack can then be etched with multiple etch chemistries. Each of the boron rich layers can have a different chemical composition that is optimized for the multiple etch chemistries.
US08337941B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the general structure: wherein Y is O, X is O, bond α is absent and bond β is present, or Y is H, X is CH, bond α is present, and bond β is absent; atom Z is a carbon and bonds χ, δ and γ are present, or is a nitrogen and bonds χ, δ and γ are absent; R1 is —H, —OH, —O—R7, —N(H)—R8, —N(H)—(CH2)n—NH2, —N(R9)(R10), or a piperazine cation; R2 is either covalently bound to R9, or is —H, or is covalently bound to R3 so as to form a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole or R2 is covalently bound to R9 or R8 or R7; or R1 and R2 are covalently joined to form an aromatic ring; R3 is either covalently bound to R2 so as to form a pyrrole, or is, inter alia, —H, —OH, alkyl, or when Z is nitrogen R3 is ═O; R4 is, inter alia, —H, —OH, or —R11NH2; R5 is, inter alia, —H, —OH, or —R12NH2, and R6 is either is covalently bound to R10 or is —H, or R6 is covalently bound to R10 or R8 or R7. This invention also provides processes for making the compounds as well as methods for monitoring activity of monoamine transporters or treating monoamine transporter-associated diseases by employing the compounds.
US08337935B2
The present invention provides a method of processing porkhide dog chews. The method includes the step of first subjecting pigskin rawhide to defatting and depilation treatment. Then the rawhide is split to obtain a first, a second, a third and a fourth layer of rawhide material. The rawhide material undergoes defatting, rinsing, and sun-drying to produce a finished hide product. The hide product is smoked to achieve objectives of dying and flavoring to result in a finished porkhide dog chew product.
US08337908B2
The present invention relates to a plant extract from a low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) variety of Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa for the treatment of disease. The invention further relates to the production of the extract and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said extract and the uses thereof.
US08337907B2
The present invention provides the use of d-limonene as a monocyclic monoterphene in manufacturing medicaments for treatment of diabetes. Particularly the use of such compound in manufacturing medicaments for treatment of diabetes of type 1 or type 2 is provided.
US08337904B2
A stable, phase-pure magnesium-substituted crystalline hydroxyapatite containing from about 2.0 to about 29 wt % magnesium, wherein at least 75 wt % of the magnesium content is substituted for calcium ions in the hydroxyapatite lattice structure.
US08337900B2
Disclosed are microcapsules and processes of microencapsulation of water soluble or water dispersible compounds by reverse-phase microencapsulation and ways to combine them with other oil soluble or oil dispersible compounds in suitable formulations that yield tiny microcapsules and a very homogeneous distribution of particle size. Multiple combinations of these reverse-phase microcapsules are disclosed, including in combination with normal-phase microcapsules in order to create a Capsule Mixed Suspension (CX) where an outer oil phase or, alternatively, a water phase contains microcapsules of two types: those with a core of water and active ingredients dissolved or dispersed therein, and those with a core of oil and active ingredients dissolved or dispersed therein. Water Dispersible Granules (WDG) and Emulsion Concentrates (EC) and Suspension Concentrates (SC) combinations with the reverse phase microcapsules are also successfully performed.
US08337899B2
Spray dried solid dispersions comprising a sparingly soluble drug and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) provide increased aqueous solubility and/or biavailability in a use environment.
US08337897B2
A pharmaceutical or veterinary granule composition in the form of a mixture consisting essentially of: (i) at least one drug classifiable as Class II or Class IV of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System, wherein said drug (i) constitutes from 0.5% to 20% by weight of the composition, and excipients, said pharmaceutical or veterinary granule composition providing a drug release of at least 70% within 10 minutes in water, (ii) a first excipient being a maltodextrin representing from 40% by weight to 80% by weight of said composition, (iii) a wetting amount of a second excipient being a polyethylene glycol having a weight number molecular weight between 300 and 5,000, said second excipient comprising a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, and representing from 15% to 40% by weight of said composition, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable fillers selected from the group consisting of hydrocolloids, glidants, lubricants, surfactants and diluents, wherein the weight ratio of said first excipient (ii) to said second excipient (iii) is in a range from 1:1 to 5:1.
US08337890B2
A coated drug-ion exchange resin complex comprising a core composed of a drug complexed with a pharmaceutically acceptable ion-exchange resin is provided. The drug-ion exchange resin complex is in admixture with a release retardant. The coating is a polyvinyl acetate polymer and a plasticizer. Methods of making and products containing this coated complex are described.
US08337885B2
A capsule medication administration system includes: a first capsule for internal body marking; a second capsule for medication; a marking device which makes a marking within a living body; a drug retention section which retains a drug; a release device which releases the drug; a detection device which detects the marking; a decision device which decides whether or not a marking which has been detected by the detection device is a specified marking; and a release control device which operates the release devices if it has been decided by the decision device that it is the specified marking; wherein the first capsule comprises the marking device. The second capsule comprises the drug retention section and the release device.
US08337883B2
Disclosed are bupivacaine transdermal delivery systems, and related methods.
US08337877B2
Anti-infective articles capable of preventing infection associated with implantation of medical devices include low levels of anti-infective agents, may cover only a fraction of the portion of the medical device and be effective, or may rapidly elute anti-infective agent, without sustained elution, and still be effective.
US08337876B2
A resorbable tissue scaffold fabricated from bioactive glass fiber forms a rigid three-dimensional porous matrix having a bioactive composition. Porosity in the form of interconnected pore space is provided by the space between the bioactive glass fiber in the porous matrix. Strength of the bioresorbable matrix is provided by bioactive glass that fuses and bonds the bioactive glass fiber into the rigid three-dimensional matrix. The resorbable tissue scaffold supports tissue in-growth to provide osteoconductivity as a resorbable tissue scaffold, used for the repair of damaged and/or diseased bone tissue.
US08337871B2
The present invention provides a new insecticide formulation based on cyclodextrin characterized in that the active substance (insecticide and/or insect growth regulator), and a compound synergistic with the active substance, are complexed simultaneously with cyclodextrin. The formulation presents as a solid or as a solid/oil composition, and is soluble or completely emulsifiable in water or in aqueous mixtures of water miscible solvents. The activity of the present formulations was found to be greater than that of a mixture of the two active components each complexed separately with cyclodextrin, for the same dose. The preparation process of said formulation and its use as an insecticide in agriculture, for veterinary use or to eliminate household insects, are further aspects of the present invention.
US08337867B2
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a new metal lactate powdery product and to the resulting product itself with new properties. The metal lactate powder of the present invention is made via spray-drying and has a higher flowability, is less sticky and dusty, has an improved dissolution rate and is very suited for tabletting purposes. The invention is also directed to product applications in which said spray-dried metal lactate product may be applied, wherein the metal is selected from zinc and magnesium.
US08337862B2
A method using a pharmaceutical composition comprising botulinum toxin and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier to treat pain in the knee joint caused by saphenous nerve entrapment. The composition of the present invention is for subcutaneous injection above the medial side of the knee.
US08337859B2
The present invention provides a vector for expressing at least a first and a second nucleic acid molecules which exhibit a percentage of homology of approximately 80% or greater than 80% over a portion of 40 or more continuous nucleotides and wherein said first nucleic acid molecule and/or said second nucleic acid molecule is modified so as to reduce said percentage of homology to less than 75%. The present invention also relates to substantially isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as defined in any of SEQ ID NO: 9-15 and 66-69. It also provides a host cell and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a nucleic acid molecule or vector as well as their use for therapeutic or preventive purposes.
US08337852B2
The present invention relates to improved antibodies which bind to C5aR and which are useful in diagnosis and therapeutic methods.
US08337850B2
The present disclosure provides isolated binding molecules that bind to human 4-1BB, nucleic acid molecules encoding an amino acid sequence of the binding molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing the vectors, methods of making the binding molecules, pharmaceutical compositions containing the binding molecules, and methods of using the binding molecules or compositions.
US08337838B2
Disclosed are CD70 binding agents, such as anti-CD70 antibodies and derivatives, that induce a cytotoxic, cytostatic or immunomodulatory without conjugation to a therapeutic agents as well as pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the antibody or derivative. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment and prevention of CD70-expressing cancers and immunological disorders comprising administering the CD70 binding agents to a subject.
US08337826B2
The present invention relates to liquid formulations of human interferon-β. The formulations are characterized in that they have a buffer with a pH in the weakly acidic to neutral range of between 5 and 8, preferably between over 5.5 and 8, and that they exhibit high stability of the interferon-β in solution while retaining the molecular integrity.
US08337824B2
The present invention is directed to compositions of a linear polyol and a salt of a crosslinked cation exchange polymer comprising a fluoro group and an acid group. These compositions are useful to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract.
US08337822B2
The present disclosure relates to a treatment of the hair, which is resistant to shampooing operations, wherein the individual hairs are coated with a cosmetic composition comprising a polysiloxane/polyurea block copolymer wherein at least one volatile nonsilicone organic solvent and at least one silicone compound exhibit a viscosity of less than 100 cSt.
US08337816B2
A dry powder pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a medicament particle fraction comprising medicament particles with an aerodynamic diameter no greater than 10 μm; and (ii) at least 50% of a non-respirable excipient fraction comprising low density excipient particles with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 10 μm and a geometric diameter greater than 30 μm. In additional embodiments of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition includes a respirable excipient fraction comprising excipient particles with an aerodynamic diameter no greater than 10 μm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-respirable excipient particles include pores adapted to receive a portion of the respirable excipient fraction and/or the medicament fraction.
US08337815B2
Synthetic pulmonary surfactant compositions comprising dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and essentially neutral lipid, and having essentially no 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol and essentially no palmitic acid are provided. Methods for treating respiratory disease are also provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic pulmonary surfactant comprising dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and essentially neutral lipid, and having essentially no 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol and essentially no palmitic acid.
US08337804B2
The present invention relates to a method for the production of nanoparticulate metal(III) vanadates or vanadate/phosophate mixed crystals, comprising the reaction in a reaction medium of a reactive vanadate source and optionally a phosphate source dissolvable or dispersible in the reaction medium and of a reactive metal(III) salt dissolvable or dispersible in the reaction medium under heating, wherein the reaction medium contains water and a polyol in a volume ratio of 20/80 to 90/10, and the particles thereby obtained. The synthesis provides a high yield of metal(III) vanadate or vanadate/phosphate having a narrow particle size distribution. Doped embodiments thereof are distinguished by excellent luminescence properties.
US08337803B2
Compositions and methods suitable for removing poisonous metals from hydrocarbons are provided. The compositions comprise hydrotalcite having one or more trapping metals dispersed on the outer surface thereof.
US08337802B2
The method for concentrating an oxygen isotope or isotopes of the present invention combines the step of concentrating 17O and/or the step of depleting 18O that utilizes photodissociation of ozone by a laser beam with an oxygen distillation step that concentrates the oxygen isotope. At this time, it is preferable to carry out a step of isotope scrambling in addition to the above. When both a step of concentrating 17O and a step of depleting 18O are carried out, whichever thereof may be done first prior to the other. Also these steps may be placed either before or after the oxygen distillation step. Moreover, at least one of said oxygen distillation step, the concentrating 17O step, the depleting 18O step and the isotope scrambling step is preferably carried out twice or more.
US08337796B2
Process for removing hydrogen cyanide from ethanedinitrile by contacting hydrogen cyanide-containing ethanedinitrile with an organic reagent under formation of a covalent bond.
US08337791B2
An exhaust gas purification catalyst, which is suitable as a three way catalyst for efficiently purifying carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gas discharged from a gasoline automobile and exhaust gas purification apparatus using the same and an exhaust gas purification method.
US08337790B2
A method and system for purifying flue gases from power plants fired with fossil fuels has an absorber with at least one contact installation level arranged in an upper region, impinged with a suspension, and flowed through by untreated gas. The lower region has an absorption suspension sump, above which the inflow for the untreated gas is disposed. A separate reaction container includes two chambers separated by a partition wall with an overflow. The first chamber is connected with the sump, receives oxidation air, and has in a lower region an opening for discharging suspension. The second chamber is connected with a lime/limestone suspension container. A gas exhaust hood above the reaction container draws exhaust vapors into an exhaust vapor hood. A line for absorption suspension extends between at least one spraying level of the absorber and the reaction container, and a process water feed lies above the spraying level.
US08337788B2
A method for preparing a colloidal solution of non-aggregated zirconia particles, comprising the following steps: a) providing a zirconium hydroxide sol, b) adding to said sol an inorganic acid according to an [inorganic acid]/[Zr] molar ratio of <0.5, c) performing the hydrothermal treatment of said sol, and d) recovering the colloidal solution of zirconia particles.
US08337787B2
A compact device for mixing fluids in a downflow reactor comprising at least one substantially horizontal gathering device provided with a vertical gathering line intended to receive the fluids, at least one injection device arranged in the gathering line, an annular mixing chamber located downstream from the gathering means in the direction of circulation of the fluids, the mixing chamber comprising an inlet end directly connected to the gathering line and an outlet end for passage of the fluids, and a horizontal predistribution plate comprising at least one chimney, the plate being located downstream from the mixing chamber at a distance d2, in the direction of circulation of the fluids. The reactor is especially useful for exothermic reactions, e.g. hydrotreatment, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrocracking, hydrogenation and hydrodearomatization reactions.
US08337777B2
A device and methods for sample distribution through a channel in which an expandable valve provides a mechanism to regulate flow through the channel. The valve may be configured to exert a force on a membrane layer so as to substantially block a portion of the channel to retain the sample in a desired location and prevent flow past the valve mechanism between the channel and a chamber.
US08337775B2
A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.
US08337773B2
An article configured to be worn or carried by a human includes a body portion with a deodorant enclosure and a deodorant insert positioned within the deodorant enclosure. The body portion is comprised of a flexible material that defines an inside and an outside of the article. An opening is formed in the body portion which provides a passage between the inside and the outside of the article. The deodorant enclosure is secured to the body portion at the opening. The deodorant enclosure includes a chamber positioned between an air permeable inner wall and an air permeable outer wall. The deodorant insert is removably positioned within the chamber of the deodorant enclosure.
US08337765B2
An apparatus and method to electrocatalytically induce the decomposition of a liquid propellant for propulsion. This is accomplished by providing a reaction chamber filled with catalyst that has a first electrode, such as near the center, and the other electrode disposed away from the first electrode. A charge source that is capable of applying voltage is connected to the electrodes. When the reaction chamber is dosed with a propellant such as an aqueous based amine propellant, such as HAN, an electric current flows between the electrodes and the propellant. This initiates the decomposition of the propellant which is driven to completion by the catalyst bed in order to be used for power generation.
US08337760B2
A system and method of cleaning an enclosure of a container defined by inner walls, including providing a container, orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly and generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency and at an energy level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of an energy level to impact the structural integrity of the container and maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container. The system may include a resonant chamber in the form of a shroud and means to effectuate the method steps and may also include a sanitizing step in which the containers are further sanitized to render inactive any organic contaminants.
US08337750B2
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a metastable β titanium alloy comprising, in weight percentages: up to 0.05 nitrogen; up to 0.10 carbon; up to 0.015 hydrogen; up to 0.10 iron; greater than 0.20 oxygen; 14.00 to 16.00 molybdenum; titanium; and incidental impurities. Articles of manufacture including the alloy also are disclosed.
US08337747B2
In a process for manufacturing composite sintered machine components, the composite sintered machine component has an approximately cylindrical inner member and an approximately disk-shaped outer member, the inner member has pillars arranged in a circumferential direction at equal intervals and a center shaft hole surrounded by the pillars, and the outer member has holes corresponding to the pillars of the inner member and a center shaft hole corresponding to the center shaft hole of the inner member. The process comprises compacting the inner member and the outer member individually using an iron-based alloy powder or an iron-based mixed powder so as to obtain compacts of the inner member and the outer member, tightly fitting the pillars of the inner member into the holes of the outer member, and sintering the inner member and the outer member while maintaining the above condition so as to bond them together.
US08337743B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a multilayer film comprising at least one polyethylene (except high pressure polyethylene) and polypropylene layer, wherein the adhesion between the polyethylene and polypropylene is enhanced without the use of any tie layer by processing the film with a freezing time of less than ten seconds.
US08337736B2
A method for automatically making conglomerated structures (6). The method comprises a) modelling a building structure and a containing shell about the structure by a computer using a CAD software thus obtaining a file; b) extracting sections of modelled structure and of modelled containing shell, by means of horizontal planes spaced apart of a predetermined pitch, such that a plurality of section planes is generated, said planes being sorted from below towards above with respect to the model of the structure and of the model of the shell; c) depositing by a moving unit (3) on a ground a bottom-to-top plurality of layers of granular material (22) alternate to a binding material liquid sprayed on the layers at filled areas corresponding to filled portions of the of the structure and of the containing shell, according to a predetermined path; d) vertically raising the moving unit (3) according to a pitch between a deposited layer and the following layer; e) repeating the step of depositing granulating material and repeating the step of spraying the binding material on a granulated material at filled areas of the structure and of the shell as many times as the planar cross sections into which said structure and the containing shell have been divided; f) demolishing the containing shell (5) and removing unbound granular material (7) accumulated in the shell (5), thus releasing a conglomerate structure (6) that reproduces accurately said modelled structure.
US08337735B2
Solder mold plates and methods of manufacturing the solder mold plates are provided herein. The solder mold plates are used in controlled collapse chip connection processes. The solder mold plate includes a plurality of cavities. At least one cavity of the plurality of cavities has a different volume than another of the cavities in a particular chip set site. The method of manufacturing the solder mold plate includes determining susceptible white bump locations on a chip set. The method further includes forming lower volume cavities on the solder mold plate which coincide with the susceptible white bump locations, and forming higher volume cavities on the solder mold plate which coincide with less susceptible white bump locations.
US08337723B2
Disclosed is an electroconductive material which contains at least a vanadium oxide and a phosphorus oxide, and has a crystalline structure composed of a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase, in which the crystalline phase contains a monoclinic vanadium-containing oxide, and a volume of the crystalline phase is larger than that of the amorphous phase.The electroconductive material has a reduced specific resistance and has improved functions as an electrode material, a solid-state electrolyte, or a sensor such as a thermistor.
US08337718B2
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, a high stability to heat and a large elastic constant, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that has a nematic phase and includes a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a small dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and also provides a liquid crystal display device containing this composition. The invention further provides the compound of the first component.
US08337714B2
The present invention provides ferrite powders for bonded magnet capable of suppressing increase of SFD, while widening a particle size distribution for obtaining flowability and compressed density, and also capable of suppressing deterioration of orientation and magnetizability, and provides a process for a production magnetoplumbite-type ferrite powders containing an oxide of at least one or more kinds of transition metals selected from a group consisting of Zr, Ti, Zn, Co, Mn, and Ni, having a mean particle size of 0.20 μm or more and less than 5.00 μm, being the ferrite powders for bonded magnet with the ratio of particles having particle size of 1 μm or less being 20 mass % or more in the magnetoplumbite-type ferrite powder size distribution obtained by a laser diffraction type particle size distribution analyzer.
US08337709B2
A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
US08337708B2
A method for manufacturing green-energy water, including: conducting water flow through a self-support visible-light photocatalytic reaction device, which decomposes the water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions; conducting the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions through an ion separation device, which separates the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions from each other; and conducting the separated hydroxide ions into an amount of water to form an amount of alkaline green-energy water and conducting the separated hydrogen ions into another amount of water to form an amount of acidulous green-energy water. The green-energy water manufactured in this way is environmentally friendly and can be used in cleaning purposes of photoelectric and semiconductor industries, processing of waste water, organic cultivation, organic agriculture, purification of water, sterilization of medical facility.
US08337706B2
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.
US08337703B2
Processes comprising: providing an anion exchanger at least partially loaded with hexachlorostannate; and contacting the at least partially loaded anion exchanger with a 1 to 10 wt. % hydrochloric acid solution to regenerate the anion exchanger.
US08337699B2
The invention relates to a reactor for anaerobically purifying waster water, especially waste water from the paper industry, comprising a reactor vessel, several inlets arranged in the bottom region of the reactor vessel to feed waste water to be purified into the reactor, at least one outlet for discharging purified water, and at least one sediment drain. One or more inlets are fed by a supply pipe, and several supply pipes are fed by a collecting supply pipe. In order to ensure that waste water to be purified is fed as regularly as possible at the bottom of the reactor vessel, at least the majority of the supply pipes of a collecting supply pipe supply waste water to be purified to a maximum of 10 inlets, and at least the majority of said supply pipes each have a control valve.
US08337692B2
A method for determining the presence or amount of a metal-labelled analyte (12) in a sample is described. The method comprises the steps of adding a release agent (20) to the metal labelled analyte (12) to release the metal label (18) from the analyte (12), the release agent (20) forming a charged stable species (22) with the metal label (18), applying a potential to bring the charged stable species (22) to an electrode (22), dissolving the charged stable species (22) under a positive potential to form metal ions (26), and carrying out a quantitative determination procedure such as anodic stripping voltammetry to determine the presence or amount of the metal-labelled analyte (12).
US08337669B2
Apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp comprising rotatable press rolls including permeable outer surfaces and a casing comprising a vat in which the rolls are installed are disclosed. A feed for feeding the pulp through the gap between the vat and the outer surfaces of the press rolls is provided and the vat includes a vat segment providing at least one compartment between the vat segment and the casing, the at least one compartment extending along the longitudinal extension of one of the first and second rotatable press rolls and a pressure device to maintain the pressure in the at least one compartment corresponding to the pressure in the gap.
US08337666B2
A doctoring system is disclosed for a papermaking machine wherein the doctoring system includes a doctor blade and a fluid assist means. The doctor blade is coupled to a doctor blade holder, and is for cleaning a moving surface. The doctor blade holder is coupled to a doctor-back. The fluid assist means is for providing a fluid under positive pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure and is directed in a direction generally along a direction of movement of the moving surface such that a negative pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure develops in a negative pressure zone adjacent the moving surface and a following surface of the doctor blade during movement of the moving surface.
US08337665B2
A process for the production of paper, board and cardboard by draining a paper stock containing interfering substances in the presence of polymers which contain vinylamine units and which have an average molar mass Mw of at least 1 million, a high-consistency stock first being prepared, at least one polymer containing vinylamine units and having an average molar mass Mw of at least 1 million and a degree of hydrolysis of from 1 to 20 mol % being metered into the high-consistency stock, the high-consistency stock being diluted to a low-consistency stock by adding water, and the low-consistency stock being drained, and the use of hydrolyzed homo- or copolymers of N-vinylcarboxamides having a degree of hydrolysis of from 1 to 20 mol % and an average molar mass Mw of at least 1 million in the production of paper, board or cardboard as an additive to a high-consistency stock containing interfering substances, for reducing deposits in the wire part, press section and drying section of paper machines.
US08337662B2
Plasma confinement rings are adapted to reach sufficiently high temperatures on plasma-exposed surfaces of the rings to substantially reduce polymer deposition on those surfaces. The plasma confinement rings include an RF lossy material effective to enhance heating at portions of the rings. A low-emissivity material can be provided on a portion of the plasma confinement ring assembly to enhance heating effects.
US08337661B2
A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer using predetermined transients of plasma bias power or plasma source power has unmatched low power RF generators synchronized to the transients to minimize transient-induced changes in plasma characteristics.
US08337656B2
To provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet which protects a ground, thin, fragile adherend from “warping” and which can be removed from the fragile adherend after the completion of backgrinding without damaging and contaminating the fragile adherend. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 5 includes a base layer A, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer A, a base layer B, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer B arranged in this order, in which: the base layer A has a product of its Young's modulus at 25° C. and its thickness of 1.0×105 to 4.0×105 N/m and a product of its Young's modulus at 80° C. and its thickness of 2.8×105 N/m or less; the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer A has a shear modulus at 80° C. of 0.2 MPa or less; the base layer B has a product of its Young's modulus at 25° C. and its thickness of smaller than that of the base layer A and has, upon 80° C. heating, a shrink percentage in MD and a shrink percentage in TD of each 20% or more; and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer B has a Young's modulus at 80° C. of 10 MPa or more and an adhesive strength to a silicon wafer (180-degree peel at a tensile speed of 300 mm/min) of 0.2 N/10 mm or less.
US08337654B2
Configurable layup tooling is used to fabricate reinforced composite parts have a common shape but varying features. The tooling includes a tool base, multiple mandrels and optionally, a tool insert, all of which may be used to form a portion of the common shape. The mandrels have differing tool geometries for forming the varying features of the commonly shaped parts. The tool base may be used as a bonding jig to assemble and bond assemblies that include the fabricated parts.
US08337645B2
A plant for the heat treatment of metallic elements (E) includes: at least a chamber (3) for containing the metallic elements (E) having at least one access opening (A1); a heater (4) of the chamber (3), operating on the chamber (3) for bringing the same at a predetermined temperature; a conveyor (15), connected with a respective actuator and acting on the metallic elements (E) for transferring these latter at the exiting and/or entering with respect to the chamber (3). The conveyor (15) has been positioned outside the chamber (15) during the functioning of the plant (1).
US08337640B2
Disclosed are quaternary ammonium salts containing non-halogen anions such as carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, glycolates and mixtures thereof as conversion coatings or additives imparting anti-corrosive properties to paints. The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the corrosion of metal surfaces by applying a composition containing one or more quaternary ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate. The disclosure is also directed to anti-corrosive coatings for metal substrates containing these compounds and to metal substrates having these anticorrosive coatings.
US08337629B2
To clean an element in a vacuum chamber by causing particles sticking to the element to scatter, the present invention uses a means for applying a voltage to the element and causing the particles to scatter by utilizing Maxwell's stress, a means for electrically charging the particles and causing the particles to scatter by utilizing the Coulomb force, a means for introducing a gas into the vacuum chamber and causing the particles sticking to the element to scatter by causing a gas shock wave to hit the element, a means for heating the element and causing the particles to scatter by utilizing the thermal stress and thermophoretic force, or a means for causing the particles to scatter by applying mechanical vibrations to the element. The thus scattered particles are removed by carrying them in a gas flow in a relatively high pressure atmosphere.
US08337628B2
A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.
US08337627B2
A method of cleaning an screen in a manufacturing process step that employs a chamber including a drain line having a screen configured and disposed in the chamber above the drain line to trap soluble materials includes detecting a build-up of soluble material on the screen, ceasing a work operation in the chamber, and initiating a screen cleaning operation. The screen cleaning operation includes closing a computer operated valve fluidly connected to the drain line to fluidly isolate a portion of the chamber, automatically introducing an amount of solvent into the chamber once the computer operated valve is closed with the amount of solvent filling the chamber and/or the drain line to fully immerse the screen, and opening the operated valve after a predetermined amount of time to empty the chamber and the drain line of solvent once the soluble materials trapped on the screen are dissolved.
US08337624B2
A method and cleaning solution for cleaning electronic substrates, such as a semiconductor wafers, hard disks, photomasks or imprint molds. The method comprises the steps of contacting a surface of the substrate with a cleaning solution comprised of a polyphosphate, and then removing the cleaning solution from the surface. Additional optional steps include applying acoustic energy to the cleaning solution while the cleaning solution is in contact with the surface, and removing the cleaning solution from the surface by rinsing the surface with a rinsing solution with or without the application of acoustic energy. The cleaning solution comprises a polyphosphate, such as any of the water soluble polyphosphates. Depending on the application, the cleaning solution may also comprise a base and/or a quantity of suspended particles. Complexing agents, amines, biocides, surfactants and/or other substances, may also be added to the cleaning solution.
US08337611B2
Disclosed are yellowing-stable, silver-white effect pigments having high whiteness based on synthetic mica flakes and to the use thereof in paints, lacquers, printing inks, plastics, button pastes, ceramic materials, glasses, for coloring seed, as dopant in laser markings of plastics and papers, as additive for laser welding of plastics, as additive for coloring in the foods and pharmaceuticals sectors and in cosmetic formulations, and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.
US08337601B2
An air filter sheet comprising particles of a functional agent with an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 30 μm and fibrils of a polytetrafluoroethylene resin with a number average molecular weight of 3,000,000 to 50,000,000, the ratio by weight of the functional agent to the fibrils of the polytetrafluoroethylene resin being from 1 to 99. According to the present invention, an air filter sheet comprising fibrils of polytetrafluoroethylene resin with a functional agent carried thereon, possessing excellent formability, and being free from a lubricant, a process for manufacturing the air filter sheet, and an air filter free from contamination of outgas with a lubricant are provided.
US08337598B2
A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.
US08337575B2
The present invention relates to a method and a system for treating polluted gases prior to their emission into the atmosphere. The system comprises a treatment chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted gas and an outlet for expelling treated gas, the treatment chamber including at least one treatment cell having a filtering layer for treating the polluted gas when the polluted gas comes in contact with the filtering layer. The system also contains a powder container connected to the treatment chamber such that air laden with the powder can flow to the treatment chamber to form a filtering layer on the at least one treatment cell. The system contains an air flow generator connected to the outlet of the treatment chamber and to the container which is connected to the treatment chamber, for causing air flow to the container, to the treatment chamber and in the environment.
US08337574B2
An abrasive product is disclosed. The abrasive product includes a binder support substrate, a binder, an abrasive material affixed to the support substrate by the binder, and an antiloading composition on the surface of the abrasive product. The antiloading composition is a lauryl sulfate. The lauryl sulfate is the only organic antiloading compound included in the antiloading composition.
US08337573B2
A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-containing product stream from a fuel stream and an oxidant stream incorporates a particulate filter assembly comprising a plurality of filter segments separated by expansion joints to accommodate dimensional changes that result from temperature fluctuations. Other embodiments of a fuel processor incorporate, instead or in addition, one or more of: a flame rod as a temperature sensing device for a reforming reaction; a two-sleeve concentric type heat exchanger; a mixing tube manufactured from an alumina-silica based material; and a wet blanket type of insulation.
US08337572B2
It is possible to ensure welding of an exposed portion of an electrode core member protruding from one end surface of an electrode group to a desired connection portion of a current collector plate by constituting a battery wherein an end portion of a first electrode is protruding from an end portion of a second electrode and an end portion of a separator on one end surface of an electrode group, the protruding end portion of the first electrode includes an exposed portion of a first electrode core member, the exposed portion of the first electrode core member is welded to a connection portion on one surface of the first current collector plate, and an insulating layer is formed in an area except for a reverse face portion of the connection portion on the other surface of the first current collector plate.
US08337568B2
A prosthetic finger that is able to provide independent natural movement to mimic a real finger. The present invention utilizes unique connections to provide users with natural movement and restore their ability to perform activities that require the full dexterity of their hands. Additionally, the present invention also allows users to interact with touch screens that normally would not work due to the insulating properties of other traditional prosthetic fingers.
US08337566B2
A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening.
US08337563B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly method of use. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to a forward flexion force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force and a forward flexion force.
US08337561B2
A disc prosthesis is provided. The disc prosthesis includes a concave surface attached to a first base and a convex surface attached to a second base. The concave surface and the convex surface together form a rotating joint, and at least one of the concave and convex surfaces is attached to its base through at least one flexible support capable of flexing to provide shock absorption when the artificial disc prosthesis is disposed between two vertebra.
US08337560B2
An intervertebral disk prosthesis, having a rigid top plate, a rigid bottom plate, and an elastically deformable intermediate cushion housed between the two inner surfaces of the plates. The cushion, at rest, possesses a wedge-shape possessing at least one front notch open into the larger end of the wedge and one rear notch open into the narrower end. The faces of the notches co-operate by contact over an area of magnitude that varies as a function of the intensity and/or direction of the load to which the prosthesis is subjected. The bottoms of the notches are spaced apart from each other and situated in the narrower half of the prosthesis.
US08337556B2
A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site in the body while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable epoxy media comprising one or more epoxy compounds and one or more amine curing compounds that cures rapidly in place with low to moderate exotherm. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.
US08337554B2
A skin substitute membrane includes a surface on one side including a groove-shaped depressed portion and a planar portion, the depressed portion having a cross section having a chamfered V-letter shape, the surface having an arithmetic mean roughness Sa of more than or equal to 10 μm to less than or equal to 50 μm. The depressed portion has a width of more than or equal to 50 μm to less than or equal to 500 μm and a depth of more than or equal to 30 μm to less than or equal to 150 μm. A spectral transmittance for light of more than or equal to 290 nm to less than or equal to 400 nm in wavelength is more than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.
US08337544B2
The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen that includes a plurality of web rings coupled one to the other by flexible connectors, which are structured to absorb at least some of the axial and torsional stresses applied to the endoprosthesis and to improve resistance of the endoprosthesis to clinical fatigue. The connectors are each composed of struts sequentially adjoined one to the other, with foot-shaped extensions protruding at the intersections of pairs of the struts.
US08337532B1
Methods and techniques for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.
US08337531B2
An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.
US08337524B2
A device for closing holes in tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible.
US08337522B2
An internal tissue puncture closure method and apparatus. The method and apparatus provide a locking device for compressing and holding an external component such as a collagen sponge at a puncture situs. The locking device facilitates compression of the external component in a first direction, but prevents or locks against retraction.
US08337518B2
Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of left atrial implants, mitral valve repair, or the like.
US08337517B2
A surgical apparatus including a system controller, a hand-held scalpel assembly, a first communication link interconnecting the hand-held scalpel assembly with the system controller, an actuator, and a second communication link interconnecting the actuator with said system controller.
US08337507B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for producing articular repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. In particular, methods for providing articular repair systems. Also provided are articular surface repair systems designed to replace a selected area cartilage, for example, and surgical tools for repairing articular surfaces.
US08337500B2
An instrument system, associated milling or drilling guide and method include use of a trial implant of a size corresponding to an actual implant for the intervertebral space, with a milling guide mounted on the trial implant. The milling guide includes a longitudinal guide chamber which is tapered from a forward end to a rearward end. The system also includes a cutting tool which is received in the guide chamber in order to form a cutout in an adjacent vertebra. This cutting tool includes a bearing member which pivotally engages the rearward end to form a pivot axis for the cutting tool in the tapered guide chamber. Either the milling guide can be inverted to form the cutout in the other vertebra; or the milling guide can be provided with two guide chambers, to be used with one cutting tool moved between them or two respective cutting tools.
US08337497B2
A method for sternal closure of a separated sternum includes applying an adhesive to a portion of an incision between at least a first sternum portion and at least a second sternum portion and maintaining the first sternum portion proximate to the second sternum portion until the adhesive has bonded with the first sternum portion and the second sternum portion. The adhesive may be applied over substantially the entire length of the incision or may be applied in intervals. The method for sternal closure may also include compressing the first sternum portion and the second sternum portion together using one or more compression devices and introducing adhesive to contact regions where the compressive devices contact the sternum. The method may also include cutting an interface feature in the first and second sternum portions or spanning the incision between the first and second interface portions with a structural support.
US08337496B2
A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone, and a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.
US08337494B2
A plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a plurality of intermediate electrodes, an insulator sleeve, and a cathode is disclosed. The plurality of the intermediate electrodes and the anode form a plasma channel. One of the intermediate electrodes forms a plasma chamber. The cathode has a tapering portion that projects downstream the distal end of the insulator sleeve only partially. Also, the distal-most point of the cathode is located some distance away from the plasma channel inlet. Methods of surgical use of the plasma-generating device are also disclosed.
US08337479B2
A pant-type absorbent article including a first body panel having a body facing side and a garment facing side and a second body panel having a body facing side and a garment facing side, the body facing sides of first and second body panels are held together in a face-to-face relationship along lateral edges to form side connections. The article further including a first fastening member hingedly attached to or near a lateral edge of the body facing side of the first body panel and having a portion which is unattached to said first body panel, said portion is refastenably attached to a complementary second fastening member provided on the body facing side of the second body panel. A recess forming a finger grip may be provided in the lateral edge of the first body panel.
US08337477B2
An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a substantially planar surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. An extra-labia sealing structure is affixed to the planar surface of the top of the container. The sealing structure includes a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to provide a generally fluid tight primary adhesive seal between the container and external tissue generally surrounding the vulval region. A blocking mechanism connected proximate the top of the container prevents escape of urine from the voiding apparatus and contact of urine with the vulval region of the female anatomy. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
US08337476B2
A disposable real-time closed catheter urine output monitoring system. The monitoring system of the invention can measure urine outputs at both high and low urine flow in real time, using a pressure chamber in the form of a hollow body having an input port for coupling to a tube connected to a catheter for collection of urine from a patient, an exit port coupled to a collection container and a vent port, such that air may flow through the vent, but urine is blocked by the vent. A sensor measures flow from the exit port of the pressure chamber into the collection container, and a pressure sensor may be included to measure pressure in the pressure chamber. The invention also provides a method of using the apparatus in a real-time monitoring system.
US08337473B2
A dispenser containing a substance to be applied on a patient is described. The dispenser includes a plunger, a tube and a perforated element located inside the tube. The tube contains openings at its application end. When the plunger is pushed during application, the substance is squeezed through the perforated element and the openings and is applied to the patient. Selection of the height of the perforated element and presence or absence of alignment between the perforations of the perforated element and the openings allows control of the application of the substance on the patient.
US08337463B2
Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.
US08337455B2
A system includes a steerable device, such as a sheath or shaft, having proximal and distal ends. The steerable device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a steering section, and a distal tip. Control wires are routed through the body and connected at or near the distal end of the steerable device. The system further includes a control unit to which the proximal end of the steerable device is functionally connected. In one embodiment, the control unit includes an actuator connected to one control wire and a biasing force generating device connected to a second control wire. The steering section is controllably manipulated by the control unit to facilitate steering of the distal tip of the steerable device as the steerable device is advanced through tortuous passageways of a patient's body.
US08337452B2
A fluid injection device includes: a pulse generation section that includes a fluid chamber whose volume is changeable, and an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage that are connected to the fluid chamber; a first connection flow passage connected to the outlet flow passage, having an end portion; a second connection flow passage connected to the inlet flow passage; a fluid injection opening formed at the end portion of the first connection flow passage, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outlet flow passage; a connection flow passage tube including the first connection flow passage and having rigidity adequate to transmit pulses of fluid flowing from the fluid chamber to the fluid injection opening; and a pressure generation section that supplies fluid to the inlet flow passage.
US08337447B2
An ophthalmological device comprises an implant member carrying an antifibrotic agent that is released slowly over a prolonged period when inserted into a wound in an eye produced by surgery. The member is placed in the vicinity of a wound created during the surgery to inhibit inflammatory cell proliferation, thereby preventing the growth of fibrous tissue after the eye surgery.
US08337445B2
The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders. One method provides an implant having an inlet portion with a first anchor and an outlet portion with a second anchor. The implant is implanted in tissue of an eye such the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The implanting involves positioning the first anchor adjacent eye tissue, positioning the second anchor within the physiological outflow pathway, and deploying the second anchor such that the second anchor secures the implant within the physiological outflow pathway and a distal end of the second anchor is positioned further into the physiological outflow pathway than an outlet of the outlet portion.
US08337442B2
The invention relates to an ankle orthosis comprising a U-shaped support stirrup made of a flexible material, the sides of which stirrup converge beneath the foot in a web projecting as a tab toward the metatarsus, extend past the bones, and are held together at their end regions by a fastening strap wrapping around the leg. The tab has a convexity, which presses against the cuboid bone of the foot due to a preloading of the tab.
US08337439B2
A splint for orthopedics for supporting the affected part of a patient suffering from a fracture or a sprain. A splint includes a support having 500˜1500 g/m2 of polyester non-woven fabric coated with a water-curable resin, an aluminum casing having a combination of polyethylene, aluminum and nylon (or polyester) in a pouch form to completely prevent the permeation of water so as to prevent the affected part from festering due to water, and a skin-protecting layer having polypropylene non-woven fabric and an outer surface layer having 200˜400 g/m2 of polyester, polypropylene or nylon, which are sequentially formed on the support. Unlike conventional splints for orthopedics which include a skin contact layer, a surface layer, and a support therebetween, the splint of the invention has a structure in which the support is directly packed with an aluminum casing, and an outer surface layer and a skin-protecting layer are provided thereon.
US08337433B2
A time-reversal mirroring electromagnetic acoustic treatment system is disclosed where electro-magnetic signals are directed to a region of interest in or on a patient. The EM signals induce an internally sourced acoustic signal due to variations in conductivity of the target tissue. Acoustic data representative of the induced acoustic signal are collected and analyzed to develop a model of a measured conductivity topology representing the conductivity topology of the target tissue. Measured parameters associated with the measured conductivity topology and derived from the acoustic data can be used to generate a time-reversed mirror acoustic treatment signal that can be used to apply a therapeutic treatment to a target tissue within the region of interest.
US08337430B2
A coil device is provided having a member adapted to extend around and conform to an outer surface of a subject and a conductor adapted to extend only once around a first portion of the subject. The coil device can be positioned about the subject in order to measure a volume of the subject. When placed about the subject in the presence of a relatively homogeneous magnetic field, the conductor can generate a signal indicative of a volume of the first portion of the subject. The coil device may also include two or more conductors separately generating signals indicating volumes of two or more corresponding portions of the subject. In some cases the coil device includes associated authorization data that can limit use of the coil device. Systems and methods incorporating the coil device are also provided.
US08337422B2
A test strip for testing a blood sample is provided with a fluid transport feature to facilitate transport of a blood sample obtained from a lancing operation through a capillary channel to a measurement site. A fluid transport path is defined on the major face of the strip terminating at the mouth of the capillary channel. The fluid transport path includes a depending portion at one end opposite the mouth of the channel. The depending portion extends away from the strip on the side facing the fluid sample, such that a droplet of fluid sample contacting the depending portion is directed toward the mouth of the capillary channel. Thereafter the sample moves by capillary action to the measurement site.
US08337417B2
A method may include collecting at least one analyte from within a body, ejecting the collected at least one analyte from the body through at least one dermal layer of the body, and receiving the ejected at least one analyte outside the body. A system may include a means for collecting at least one analyte from within a body, a means for ejecting the collected at least one analyte from the body through at least one dermal layer of the body, and a means for receiving the ejected at least one analyte outside the body.
US08337412B2
A device for dissecting and/or harvesting a vessel includes an integrally adjustable insufflation device to supply an insufflation fluid to a subcutaneous area within a patient. The integrally adjustable insufflation device includes one or more one fluid control mechanisms to regulate the pressure rate and/or flow rate of the insufflation fluid being supplied to the subcutaneous area from within a sterile field surrounding the subcutaneous area.
US08337404B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epileptic event, for example, a seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by providing an autonomic signal indicative of the patient's autonomic activity; providing a neurologic signal indicative of the patient's neurological activity; and detecting an epileptic event based upon the autonomic signal and the neurologic signal.
US08337392B2
A pump connected to a body implantable penile prosthesis including a reservoir maintaining a fluid volume that is transferrable into a cylinder of the penile prosthesis is described. The pump includes a pump bulb connected to a pump body that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the cylinder; an inlet valve operable to allow a portion of the fluid volume to be drawn from the reservoir and delivered into the pump bulb; an exhaust valve operable to allow the portion of the fluid volume delivered into the pump bulb to be pumped into the cylinder; and an anti-autoinflation (AAI) valve disposed in the pump body and comprising a seal that is biased to prevent fluid flow from bypassing the pump bulb and flowing from the reservoir to the cylinder.
US08337389B2
Methods and devices are provided for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use pressure data as a feedback mechanism to monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device and to identify, train, and/or prescribe treatment plan options. Pressure data monitoring can be used locally and/or remotely to monitor a restriction in a patient and compare gathered pressure data with a typical pressure of the restriction. Based on the results of the comparison, possible problems related to the patient and the restriction can be identified and diagnosed with possible cause(s) and solution(s). Notice of any detected possible problems, causes, and/or solutions can be provided to a user.
US08337384B2
In this invention, a grommet structure in an incubator includes a grommet attaching portion provided to the enclosure of the incubator and a grommet member attached to the grommet attaching portion. The grommet member includes a longitudinal member holding incision to hold a longitudinal member such as an oxygen supply tube that extends through it. The longitudinal member holding incision forms at least one substantially S-shaped shape (in other words, a substantially sine-curved shape) and/or a substantially waving shape. This invention can provide the grommet structure in the incubator, in which the longitudinal member such as an oxygen supply tube held by the longitudinal incision of the grommet member and extending through the incision is less likely to move accidentally in the longitudinal direction of the incision or in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member. Also, a gap through which the inside and outside of the enclosure communicate with each other can be small even when the longitudinal member extends through the incision.
US08337380B2
An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed.
US08337379B2
A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity, or. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.
US08337376B2
A post-press apparatus which advances paper once to accomplish processing of cotton boxes, includes a sheet feeder unit, a hot foil stamping unit, a die-cutting unit, a waste stripping unit, a blank separation unit, a waste conveying unit, a gripper bar and a gripper bar chain. The advantages are that works to be done by multiple apparatuses are accomplished on one apparatus, reducing a number of times of paper advancing to improve a production efficiency and decreasing staffs to reduce a labor cost; inaccuracy of repetitive positioning by multiple times of paper advancing is avoided, improving a processing quality and reducing a defect rate to decrease a loss.
US08337375B2
An apparatus for manufacturing a paper tube having a polygonal cross section includes a frame, an elongate core assembly having an end rotatably supported to the frame and the other free end and having an outer peripheral surface of a predetermined polygonal shape, and a delivery member installed to the core assembly for at least a portion of the delivery member to be exposed from the outer peripheral surface of the core assembly on which the strips are wound, the delivery member being installed for the exposed portion to move toward the free end of the core assembly after receiving the power, whereby the exposed portion contacts with an inner surface of the lowermost one of a plurality of the strips and thus a plurality of the strips wound on the core assembly continuously move toward the free end of the core assembly.
US08337368B2
A floor system (20) includes a plurality of cushioning devices (22) attached to a lower side (40) of a wood floor (32). Each cushioning device (22) includes a spring (46) that may be attached at each of its ends to first and second caps (48, 50). The spring (46) includes longitudinally aligned regions (58, 60) interposed between the caps (48, 50). The region (58) exhibits a lower spring rate (64) than a spring rate (66) of the other region 60. In response to an imposed force, the first region (58) of spring (46) first compresses. When the imposed force is great enough, due to a user's weight, the second region (60) of spring (46) will then compress.
US08337361B2
A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated.
US08337357B2
A parallel hybrid vehicle launches from rest or near rest with its internal combustion engine and with its electric motor/generator in generator mode, accelerates to a maximum speed, and decelerates to rest with its internal combustion engine disengaged and its motor/generator in generator mode. Electrical energy generated is stored in an energy storage device and is only as much energy as needed for operation of the vehicle's electrically powered auxiliary equipment while the vehicle is at rest.
US08337354B2
A power transmission system of a marine propulsion system includes a transmission arranged to change the speed of an output from an engine and then to transmit the output to a propeller shaft. Wet-type multi-plate clutches provided in the transmission include a plurality of clutch plates fitted to a clutch rotating body for axial movement with the clutch rotating body. The clutch rotating body includes an oil reservoir in its inner bottom portion and arranged to hold lubricating oil and a peripheral wall arranged to cover the oil reservoir from the radial outside and fit to each of the clutch plates to permit axial movement of the clutch plates. Communicating holes are arranged on the peripheral wall such that they communicate the oil reservoir side to the outside of the clutch rotating body in the radial direction.
US08337352B2
A vehicle drive includes a first gear set and a second gear set both having a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears which couple the sun gear to the ring gear. The planetary gears of both sets are rotatably supported by respective planetary gear carriers which are coupled to each other. The vehicle drive also includes an engine, a first clutch which selectively engages the engine to the ring gear of the first gear set, a first motor/generator coupled to the sun gear of the first gear set and a second motor/generator coupled to the sun gear of the second gear set and electrically coupled to the first motor/generator, a second clutch which selectively engages the engine to the second motor/generator, and a third clutch and a third gear set which operate to selectively engage the ring gear of the second gear set to the planetary gear carriers.
US08337342B1
A dual step insert includes a head portion, a front neck portion, and a rear neck portion. An extension shaft is a tube shaped portion that includes an outside diameter, an inside diameter, and a wall thickness. An arrow shaft is a tube shaped structure that includes an outside diameter, an inside diameter, and a wall thickness. An outside rear neck portion of the dual step insert is used as an adhesive surface to adhesively couple the rear neck portion inside the front end of the extension shaft. Coupling of the dual step insert and the extension shaft create a dual step insert. The outside surface of the front neck portion and the outside surface of the extension shaft are now the adhesive surface for the dual step insert, which is adhesively coupled into the arrow shaft.
US08337337B2
The present invention provides for the first time a hitting device having a plural ended pedestal. The plural ended pedestal includes at least one end having a pedestal for supporting objects and at least one end having a smaller pedestal for supporting smaller objects.
US08337333B2
A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; and a stiff intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness greater than the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is formed from a non-ionomeric composition including a non-ionomeric stiffening polymer and at least one E/Y copolymer or E/X/Y terpolymer, where E is an olefin, Y is a carboxylic acid, and X is a softening comonomer. The intermediate cover layer is formed from a stiff thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea composition and the cover outer cover layer is formed from a thermoset polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend.
US08337326B2
Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body member defining an interior chamber; (b) a weight system engaged with a rear perimeter portion of the club head body member; and (c) a connection system connecting the weight system with the club head body (e.g., with the rear of the ball striking face portion). The club heads further may include one or more damping members in the interior chamber to alter the sound and/or otherwise attenuate a vibrational response of the club head. The damping members may extend between the ball striking face and the weight system, and optionally may engage the connection system. The damping member(s) may constitute a foam material compressed within the interior chamber of the club head. Methods of making such golf club head structures also are described.
US08337323B2
A golf club head includes a striking face having a face center, a bottom portion, a top portion including an exterior surface, a hosel including an imaginary vertical hosel plane, a forwardmost point, and a rearwardmost point. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the hosel plane and passing through the face center, the exterior surface includes a path having a first point and a second point rearward of the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first point and the second point, but does not penetrate the exterior surface. A segment of the imaginary straight line is delimited by the first point and the second point. A maximum distance between the segment and the exterior surface of the top portion is no greater than 0.70 mm and a distance between the first point and the second point is no less than 22 mm.
US08337321B2
A putting stroke training system includes a putting board with a putting section and a hole, a light sensitive or touch sensitive screen positioned in the putting section of the putting board, where the light sensitive or touch sensitive screen records stroke paths of a putter head, and a processor that correlates successful strokes with respective ones of the stroke paths. The processor generates a preferred stroke path based on an average of the successful strokes.
US08337319B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In some embodiments, the club head has an adjustable sole piece that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the sole of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US08337313B2
Angular velocity data for specifying the position and the orientation of the first controller is inputted to a game apparatus. Based on the angular velocity data, the swing direction of the first controller is determined, and whether or not a sword object that acts in a virtual game space will collide with an enemy object is determined. If it has been determined that the sword object will collide with the enemy object, whether or not to perform hitting processing for the enemy object is determined based on the swing direction of the first controller.
US08337312B1
Embodiments disclosed herein related to video games, methods, and apparatus for providing a video game including a reality television show feature. The video game can include video game characters who represent real-life athletes in the video game. The real-life athletes can also be part of a real-life reality television show upon which the reality television show feature of the video game is based.
US08337299B2
A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. A game has a feature having non-monetary characteristics which can be won, the non-monetary characteristics being able to be gambled. The gaming machine includes a selector by which a player is able to gamble at least one of the non-monetary characteristics of the feature.
US08337291B2
A matching game involves attempting to match one or more sets of base symbols with two or more sets of player symbols, such as player symbols in two matrices. In a single player variation, a player attempts to achieve combinations of matches. One or more winning combinations comprise matches of all symbols along contiguous rows, columns or diagonals of two or more of the matrices. In a multi-player variation, individual players attempt to achieve patterns of matches across their own matrix and combinations of contiguous matches spanning the matrices of two or more of the players.
US08337289B2
The present invention relates to a gaming and/or entertainment device having a plurality of wager fields which can be covered individually or group-wise by a wager of a player, as well as having a plurality of winning fields of which one or more can be selected by means of a winnings determination means. Bet display means are provided at the winning fields for marking the winning fields which produce a win according to the bets made, with a detection apparatus being associated with the wager fields for the detection of the wager fields respectively covered by a bet and with a control apparatus being provided for the control of the bet display means at the winning fields in dependence on the wager fields covered by bets and detected by the detection apparatus.
US08337281B2
A universal blade sharpening machine is operable to securely hold and sharpen any one of multiple variously sized circular blades. The machine includes a blade-sharpening drive with an adjustable blade sharpener and also includes a universal blade holder that is rotatably powered by the drive. The blade holder includes a blade-receiving chassis that holds the blade during sharpening and is rotatable about a rotation axis of the blade holder. The chassis includes a plurality of radially spaced blade-retaining sections each associated with a respective one of the circular blades.
US08337276B2
A method of processing an article with a coated abrasive product, including a repeat of a single marking, comprises detecting at least two characteristics of the repeat of a single marking. The repeat is placed along the length of the abrasive product at a first major surface, wherein each of the detected characteristics conveys independent information regarding the abrasive product. The method further includes comparing the information to a database. A method of acquiring information of the coated abrasive product includes detection and comparing steps.
US08337274B1
A toy car and a remote control regulate the speed of the car. A source of supplemental power selectively energizes the drive motor thereby to selectively permit the vehicle to move faster than the normal speed. A sensor measures the voltage to the vehicle motor. After stepping up the voltage to the drive motor, and detecting a drive motor current increase in excess of the capability of vehicle, the source of supplemental power is disabled. When a normal low voltage state is detected, the source of supplemental power in the vehicle is enabled whereby the motor supply voltage is permitted to increase above a normal low voltage state permitting more power to be provided to motor.
US08337273B2
A toy parking set includes multiple floors and a tower is connected to the toy parking set. The tower includes an opening which is located corresponding each of the floors. A slot is defined through a wall of the tower. A box is received in the tower and a frame is fixed on the top of the box. A shaft extends through the frame and the slot of the tower. A spring is biased between the flange of the shaft and the inside of the end of the frame. The shaft extends through the box and the slot and is connected to an end member. The end member includes an engaging portion which is removably engaged with the slot. The players pull shaft to remove the engaging portion from the slot to move the box to desired floor.
US08337272B2
A simulated eye capable of being changed between a contracted state and a dilated state. The simulated eye includes a semispherical eyeball having a transparent portion, a inductive coil, and an elastic film. The inductive coil coils around the elastic film, a size of the coil elastic film is changeable when being operationally supplied with electricity. When the inductive coil drives the elastic film, a size of the elastic film is changeable, whereby the simulated eye is changed between the contracted state and the dilated state.
US08337268B2
A spark plug casing includes a single-piece shell having a nut portion, first and second tubular portions and a converging shell portion, which are configured to be removed from a cylinder head as an integral device. The first tubular portion extends from the nut portion and has a first cross-sectional size. The second tubular portion has a second cross-sectional size less than the first cross-sectional size. The converging shell portion is coupled between the first and second tubular portions. The casing further includes a ground strap having a third cross-sectional size less than the second cross-sectional size. The ground strap is received within an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing carbon buildup from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.
US08337267B2
There are provided an organic electro-luminescence device with filters and a method for repairing the same which are capable of reducing variations in conditions for leak-light transmission during leak-light detection and conditions for transmission of laser light used for repairing, depending on respective types of filters. An organic electro-luminescence device with a filter includes a first electrode in a side for extraction of light to outside; a second electrode placed oppositely to the first electrode; an electro-luminescence layer placed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a filter provided on a surface of the first electrode, the surface of the first electrode being opposite to another surface of the first electrode facing to the electro-luminescence layer, wherein the filter is adapted to transmit, therethrough, light in a certain-wavelength range out of the range of 400 nm to 700 nm; and a certain-wavelength absorption film placed between the filter and the electro-luminescence layer, wherein the certain-wavelength absorption film has a transmittance for light in the certain-wavelength range out of the range of 400 nm to 700 nm lower than its transmittance for light with wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm, wherein the certain-wavelength absorption film is adapted to absorb light in the certain-wavelength range.
US08337263B2
An insulation displacement connector having two deformable tangs forming a receiving pocket in which a wire may be placed, the deformable tangs adapted to be curled around the wire to create a secure connection that is resistant to disconnection by movement. Also disclosed is a method for creating the secure connection. A solenoid assembly that employs the disclosed insulation displacement connector that reduces the risk of a disconnection is also described. Also disclosed is a device that secures wires to the disclosed insulation displacement connector.
US08337240B2
The present invention relates to high-current plug-in connectors, in particular to unipolar high-current plug-in connectors for wind turbine generator systems, which can be arranged beside one another in a space-saving manner and can also meet high requirements on the current-carrying capacity. According to the invention, this is achieved in that cross-sections of which the longitudinal extent exceeds the transverse extent are selected for the plug-in and coupling contact. This means that the dimension in the transverse direction can be restricted and simultaneously the cable cross-section and the contact surface required from an electrical point of view are provided by the increased longitudinal extent. Moreover, the plug and the coupling comprise a visible mechanical coding, which prevents accidental reversal of the polarity of adjacently arranged cables.
US08337233B2
An electrical connector assembly (100), comprises: a housing (1) having therein at least three receiving rooms (11) extending along a front-to-rear direction and communicating with an exterior; two printed circuit boards (2) received into each of receiving room and positioned in the housing; a strain relief (5) disposed in the housing; a latch mechanism assembled to an exterior surface of the housing; and engaging means (9) assembled to the housing along a vertical direction to interlock the strain relief to the housing.
US08337228B1
A female equipment port a first portion having a first diameter, a second portion having a second diameter and a threaded portion, a base portion structurally integral with the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion axially extends from the base portion, a transition portion axially separating the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the transition portion are configured to engage portions of a seal member of a cable connector to form a plurality of environmental seals is provided. Associated methods are also provided.
US08337225B2
A bus bar connector terminal design includes a bus bar having a bus bar housing, on which at least one connector terminal having a terminal housing is attached. The at least one connector terminal has a fixation device for fixation of the at least one connector terminal in a secure position on the bus bar. A bus bar as well as a connector terminal for use in such a bus bar connector terminal design are also provided.
US08337218B2
A surface mount connector includes first terminals and second terminals to be mated to counterpart terminals of a mating counterpart connector. The first terminals and the second terminals are mounted in a housing in an alternating array. Each of the first terminals includes a contact portion to be connected to a first counterpart terminal, a fixing portion connected to an outer side of the contact portion and fixed to the housing, and a surface-mounting soldering portion connected to an outer side of the fixing portion. Each of the second terminals includes a contact portion to be connected to a second counterpart terminal, a fixing portion connected to an outer side of the connecting portion and fixed to the housing, and a surface-mounting soldering portion connected to a mounting-surface side end of the fixing portion.
US08337211B1
A prayer bead lariat comprising a bail fitting allowing a plurality of beads to pass through the bail fitting, thereby assisting a user to recite the corresponding prayers or recitations through the use of the prayer bead, is herein disclosed.
US08337207B1
The subject structure consists of a base, a spine rising from the base, and a group of Earth planetary illustrations affixed at intervals along the height of the spine. Colors, symbols, text, texture, and artifacts on an illustration represent specified characteristics of biological forms and planetary conditions for one or more sites on the Earth at a given time, past, present or future. The intervals between the locations of the illustrations along the height of the spine represent time intervals in the existence of Earth. This overall presentation therefore displays biological and environmental information on a global platform as conditions change through time. The information specified is drawn from published research and recognized researchers and is also recorded in and retrievable from an associated database.
US08337203B1
A mobile suction unit preferably includes a portable body, a deformably non-resilient appendage connected to the body, and a dental instrument connected to the deformably non-resilient appendage. The deformably non-resilient appendage may be selectively bent from a non-tensioned shape to a curvilinear tensioned shape in such a manner that the deformably non-resilient appendage indefinitely retains the curvilinear tensioned shape while the dental instrument is adapted to be positioned within the patient oral cavity.
US08337199B2
A shell-shaped dental aligner for producing predetermined movement in a patient's tooth includes a shell portion comprising a fluid-permeable material, an outer surface of the shell portion, and an inner surface of the shell portion, the inner surface to be in contact with the patient's tooth. The fluid-permeable material can allow fluid to communicate between the patient's tooth and the vicinity of the outer surface.
US08337188B2
An apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool.
US08337177B2
Valve plate for a compressor, and method for cooling compressed air in a valve plate of a compressor
A valve plate includes a cooling medium duct for a compressor used for generating compressed air. From the perspective of a piston chamber of the compressor, at least part of the cooling medium duct extends between the piston chamber and an air discharge valve that is arranged in the valve plate. A method for cooling compressed air in a valve plate of a compressor is also provided.
US08337176B2
A compressor assembly includes at least two tandem compressors. Tandem compressors have at least one common suction manifold, communicating a source of working fluid to be compressed by each of at least two compressors, and at least one common discharge manifold communicating a compressed fluid downstream for further use. A common intermediate pressure manifold communicates with intermediate pressure ports in at least two compressors. The intermediate manifold may communicate fluid to or out of the at least two compressors. There is normally no direct communication between suction and discharge manifolds.
US08337163B2
Fiber composite half-product with integrated elements, manufacturing method therefor and use thereof
A prefabricated half-product for use in manufacture of a fiber-reinforced composite part of a wind turbine is provided, the half-product comprising at least one fiber mat and at least one inlay which is attached to the at least one fiber mat such that the relative position of the at least one inlay with respect to the at least one fiber mat remains substantially fixed during the manufacture of the fiber-reinforced composite part of the wind turbine. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the half-product and method for the use of the half-product are provided.
US08337154B2
A cooling fan includes an impeller which comprises a plurality of radially extending blades, each of which includes a blade hub, a blade tip and a blade midspan approximately midway between the hub and the tip. In addition, each blade includes a camber of between about 60° and 90° at the blade hub, between about 15° and 40° at the blade midspan and between about 15° and 40° at the blade tip.
US08337144B2
A system and method is provided for detecting and controlling rotating stall in the diffuser region of a compressor. A pressure transducer is placed in the gas flow path downstream of the impeller, preferably in the compressor discharge passage or the diffuser, to measure the sound or acoustic pressure phenomenon. Next, the signal from the pressure transducer is processed either using analog or digital techniques to determine the presence of rotating stall. Rotating stall is detected by comparing the detected energy amount, which detected energy amount is based on the measured acoustic pressure, with a predetermined threshold amount corresponding to the presence of rotating stall. Finally, an appropriate corrective action is taken to change the operation of the compressor in response to the detection of rotating stall.
US08337141B2
In one embodiment, a rotary device includes a multiwall nanotube that extends substantially perpendicularly from a substrate. A rotor may be coupled to an outer wall of the multiwall nanotube, be spaced apart from the substrate, and be free to rotate around an elongate axis of the multiwall nanotube.
US08337131B2
The invention relates to the head of a countersunk screw with a lower side which has at least one supporting surface, which forms part of a rotational surface about the screw axis and can nestle against a correspondingly contoured countersunk surface of an add-on part, and has at least one depression which is delimited by a cutting edge at its end which runs downwards, as seen in the screwing-in direction of the countersunk screw. The invention is distinguished in that in front of the supporting surface, as seen in the screwing-in direction, there is an approach surface which butts against said supporting surface, is inclined radially inwards and, at its upwardly running, free end, has the cutting edge which, over its length, maintains a radial distance from the rotational surface to the inside.
US08337128B2
A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.
US08337121B2
A groundwater barrier system for preventing the generally lateral, subterranean migration of water (including both liquid and gaseous fluids) beyond an established perimeter, while providing controlled collection of same for use. The present system utilizes a barrier wall, which is formed in-ground via non-permeable membrane in sheet/roll/panel or slurry (materials can include bentonite clay). The present system will be configured to intersect the flow path of the groundwater to be routed to enhance containment or collection of the fluid. In use, the barrier of the present invention is installed by first making an excavation to accommodate the barrier system. The excavation and barrier wall is implemented to a depth so as to allow for the maximum interception with the established water table to be contained or collected, and/or processed based on benefit vs cost analysis. The barrier can also be used to prevent contaminants (including saltwater) from entering surficial freshwater aquifers.
US08337119B2
Arch shape cross-section leaching and stormwater chambers are connected together so that swiveled angling is obtained at the joint. Angling is accomplished by means of an integral or detachable dome end comprising a conical section. A like chamber with an ordinary end mates by overlapping the dome. Or a like chamber may have an opposing and overlapping end, which also comprises a dome. A coupling for connecting two ordinary end chambers is comprised of two spaced apart conical domes spaced apart by a connector. The connector between the domes is optionally straight or angled. The couplings enable chambers to be connected at diverse angles to each other, as well as to be connected parallel with offset, i.e., with zigzag path.
US08337116B2
An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.
US08337114B2
A barrier system is provided including at least a first front barrier and at least a second rear barrier. The second rear barrier is located a pre-determined spaced distance behind the front barrier. At least a part of said second rear barrier is substantially greater in height than the height of said first front barrier.
US08337108B2
A rigid single-use cosmetic container is provided wherein the basic elements, a tubular container and an applicator wand, are integrally formed as a unitary body. The wand extends inwardly from the top of the container into a product reservoir to form of an applicator end. The wand extends upwardly from the top end of the container to form a handle which may be provided in dimensions approximating the cap on a saleable package. An applicator, e.g., a brush, may be mounted on the applicator end of the wand. The container and wand are separated by a frangible connection in the top end of the container. When the frangible connection is broken, an opening is created in the top end of the container. The opening is sized to act as a wiper to remove excess product from the applicator when the wand is drawn from the container. The bottom margin of the container sidewall is provided with a substantially reduced thickness to permit the container to be pinched and hermetically sealed after the product reservoir is filled with a quantity of product.
US08337101B2
An imaging device to which a support can be attached includes a support attachment unit and a support body unit. The support attachment unit includes a first threaded hole configured to be attached to the support, and an exposure face formed around the entrance of the first threaded hole. The support body unit includes a housing having an opening configured to expose the exposure face and an outer surface formed around the opening, and movably supports the support attachment unit. The support attachment unit is disposed at a first position when the support is not attached, and is disposed at a second position when the support is attached. The exposure face is disposed more to the inside of the housing than the outer surface when the support attachment unit is disposed at the first position.
US08337099B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a structure for mounting a camera on a vehicle, the structure including: a base unit fixed to a vehicle body; a camera; a slide mechanism configured to allow the camera to slide in an attaching direction so as to be detachably engaged with the base unit; protrusions provided on one of the base unit and the camera, the protrusions being disposed at front left and right sides and rear left and right sides with respect to the attaching direction; and contact portions provided on the other of the base unit and the camera, the contact portions laterally contacting the front left and right protrusions and the rear left and right protrusions, respectively, thereby positioning the camera with respect to the base unit.
US08337089B2
An outer ring, an inner ring and a ball serving as mechanical components configuring a deep groove ball bearing are formed of steel containing at least 0.77 mass % and not more than 0.85 mass % of carbon, at least 0.01 mass % and not more than 0.25 mass % of silicon, at least 0.01 mass % and not more than 0.35 mass % of manganese, at least 0.01 mass % and not more than 0.15 mass % of nickel, at least 3.75 mass % and not more than 4.25 mass % of chromium, at least 4 mass % and not more than 4.5 mass % of molybdenum and at least 0.9 mass % and not more than 1.1 mass % of vanadium with a remainder consisting of iron and impurity, and have raceway/rolling contact surfaces, the surface being included in a region having a nitrogen enriched layer having a nitrogen concentration of at least 0.05 mass %, the nitrogen enriched layer having a carbon concentration and the nitrogen concentration, in total, of at least 0.82 mass % and not more than 1.9 mass %.
US08337088B2
A shock absorption device for a motor bearing system, including a washer, an end cover, a bearing, a rotating shaft, a retaining ring, a cap, and a shock absorption pad. The bearing is disposed in a bearing seat of the end cover. The rotating shaft abuts against the bearing. The washer is disposed on the rotating shaft and on one side of the bearing. The retaining ring is buckled on the rotating shaft and axially positions the washer. The cap is disposed on the periphery of the washer, and on the end cover. The shock absorption pad is disposed on the end cover. The washer is disposed between the shock absorption pad and the retaining ring. The shock absorption pad axially separates the washer from the bearing, and end surface of the bearing seat.
US08337087B2
A joint assembly includes an inner ring, an intermediate member housing the inner ring about a joint axis and, an outer body retaining the intermediate member. The intermediate member defines two first surfaces formed by cylindrical portions having the same first axis of revolution which intersects the joint axis. The outer body defines two surfaces formed by cylindrical portions having the same second axis of revolution. When the assembly is in an assembled state, the first axis of revolution coincides with the second axis of revolution and the first and second surfaces cooperate to enable the intermediate member to rotate relative to the outer body about the first axis of revolution but prevent the intermediate member from moving parallel to the joint axis or parallel to an axis orthogonal to the joint axis and to the second axis of revolution.
US08337085B2
A thrust bearing system for a roller cone rock bit includes at least one roller cone disposed on a leg having an air channel therethrough, the thrust bearing system including a primary thrust bearing surface on the leg configured to contact a corresponding primary bearing surface on the roller cone, wherein the primary thrust bearing surface on the leg includes at least one air circulation port in fluid communication with the air channel. The thrust bearing system further includes a secondary thrust bearing surface on the leg configured to contact a corresponding secondary bearing surface on the roller cone, wherein the secondary thrust bearing surface on the leg includes at least two air circulation ports located at specified locations in the secondary bearing surface and in communication with the air channel, and wherein a first circulation port is located in an upper half of the secondary thrust bearing surface and a second circulation port is located in a lower half of the secondary thrust bearing surface.
US08337082B2
The invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating and using resistance temperature detectors. In one embodiment, the system includes a calibration circuit comprising a resistance temperature detector in a bridge circuit with at least one potentiometer, and a programmable gain amplifier coupled to the bridge circuit. Embodiments of the invention further comprise methods for calibrating the bridge circuit and the programmable gain amplifier for use with the resistance temperature detector and methods for determining the self heating voltage of the bridge circuit.
US08337079B2
To provide a fluorescent temperature sensor capable of identifying easily the location of a failure. A fluorescent temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal from fluorescent light from a fluorescent material and that has been optically stimulated comprises a light projecting module having an LED for projecting light at the fluorescent material and a second photodiode for receiving light emitted from the LED and a light receiving module having a first photodiode for receiving the light emitted from the fluorescent material, where the location of a failure in the sensor can be identified based on, at least, the output signal from the second photodiode.
US08337073B2
A particular continuous downward spiraling cereal bowl is disclosed which allows for exceptional control over a mixing process by keeping dry substances separated from liquids until mixed in user defined portions and timeframes. The disclosure comprises a slightly asymmetrically round bowl consisting of two contiguous areas with an inner surface that continually slopes downward between the two areas and an S-shaped guide rail between these two areas. The shape of the guide rail is curved in order to hold cereal in the upper part of the spiral at a level above the fill line of liquid held in the lower portion of the spiral. In the preferred embodiment, the bowl further comprises a thumb groove underneath the inner surface of the dry area which may serve as an embedded handle.
US08337068B1
A selection system relating to light emitting diode (LED) dies and a method thereof are provided. In the invention, by sorting all of charge-in LED dies, the LED dies with a same characteristic are disposed in a corresponding LED bin code area; moreover, a collocation lookup table recording a plurality of collocation parameters corresponding to the same lamp specification is established, where each collocation parameter is corresponding to at least one LED bin code area. Accordingly, even though the LED dies corresponding to a certain predetermined lamp specification are empty or are insufficient in reserve, the invention still suggests using other reserves or non-empty LED dies with different characteristics (i.e. mix bin) through the established collocation lookup table for manufacturing an LED lamp of a certain specification.
US08337066B2
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a first light module, and a second light module. The light guide plate includes first troughs and second troughs on opposite sides. The first light module includes a first substrate and first LEDs thereon. An opaque element is disposed on each first gap between two adjacent first LEDs, each first LED is embedded in one first trough. The second light module includes a second substrate and second LEDs thereon. An opaque element is disposed on each second gap between two adjacent second LEDs, and each second LED is embedded in one second trough. Each first LED is disposed to one second gap, and each second LED is disposed in one first gap. Light from first LED is absorbed by the opaque element on the second substrate, and that from the second LED is absorbed by the opaque element on the first substrate.
US08337065B2
A flexible light-guiding module with waterproof function includes a flexible light-guiding film, a light-reflecting element and a light-generating element. The light-reflecting element is disposed on a bottom side of the flexible light-guiding film. The light-generating element is embedded into the flexible light-guiding film, and the light-generating element has a circuit substrate and at least one light-generating chip electrically disposed on the circuit substrate. Hence, the light-generating element is embedded into the flexible light-guiding film, so that the light-generating element is waterproof. In addition, the present invention can be attached to any plane or curved surface by using the flexible light-guiding film, so that the application field of the present invention is very extensive. Moreover, the flexible light-guiding film and the light-reflecting element are integrally formed in order to decrease manufacturing cost of the present invention.
US08337064B2
A weak portion (connection release device) is provided in an upper connection portion in which a headlamp, which is a lamp, is connected to a radiator support, which is a vehicle body, and therefore, when an impact load is applied from above a vehicle, an upper portion of the headlamp is detached from the radiator support. In a lower connection portion in which a lower portion of the headlamp is connected to a bumper reinforcement, which is a vehicle body, a lower connection device maintains a connection between the lower portion of the headlamp and the bumper reinforcement. When the impact load is applied in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the lower connection device releases the connection between the headlamp and the bumper reinforcement.
US08337061B2
An illuminating device for vehicles, in particular a tail light, with a housing containing at least one light source, a support accommodating the light source, and a reflector, and with a diffusion lens for covering an opening of the housing. The reflector, which is provided with an electrically conductive coating, is assigned charge dissipation path in such a manner that, when electrostatic charging of the reflector occurs, a dissipation current flows along the dissipation path to a connection to earth of the illuminating device.
US08337060B1
Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.
US08337054B2
A lighting device, suitable for example for urban lighting of interiors or exteriors, or for lighting of interiors and exteriors of motor vehicles, said device comprising a substantially plane substrate and one or more LED or chip-LED semiconductor light sources distributed over the substrate and electrically connected to conductive supply paths, an optical means associated to the semiconductor source or sources, designed to modify the direction of the rays of light emitted by said semiconductor source, said device being characterized in that said optical means is of a substantially semicylindrical shape and consequently has a substantially plane base, two side faces and a substantially cylindrical outer surface, said optical means has a cavity obtained starting from said base within the body of said optical means and designed to house the source or sources, said side faces and said cavity are obtained by means of a rotation about a longitudinal axis of a two-dimensional profile and are designed to reduce the transverse divergence of the beam of light at output from said device, said outer surface is of a substantially cylindrical shape and is designed to reduce the longitudinal divergence of the beam of light at output from said device; the lighting device forming the subject of the patent being characterized in that it is designed to generate an illuminance pattern or luminous-intensity pattern that is substantially uniform and has a substantially rectangular shape.
US08337050B2
A light source module includes a light source and housing. The housing includes a reflecting part, an installed part, and a stop. The reflecting part includes a paraboloidal surface configured for reflecting light beams from the light source. The light source is set in a focal point of the paraboloidal surface. The installed part is configured for installing the light source. The opening is configured for transmitting light beams reflected from the paraboloidal surface. The stop is perpendicularly connected with the installed part, and configured for preventing light beams from the light source from directly passing through the opening.
US08337048B2
A light source package includes a metal base adapted for engaging a suitable electrical socket; a transparent housing assembled with the base so as to form together with the base an accommodating space; and a light-emitting unit mounted within the accommodating space. The light-emitting unit has an LED die, and the LED die is operatively disposed in the accommodating space such that the light emitted from all of the six surfaces of the LED die is completely collected for illumination.
US08337047B1
Systems and methods are provided for illuminating a surface to be observed microscopically using a retractable beamsplitter. The retractable beamsplitter allows the use of coaxial illumination when the beamsplitter is positioned in the operator's line of sight. The retractable beamsplitter allows the use of non-coaxial illumination without reducing the amount of illumination that reaches the operator when the beamsplitter is retracted from the operator's line of sight. As a result a single system can be used effectively to provide various types of illumination.
US08337035B2
An illuminating device for a walking stick includes a main body having a through hole defined in a top thereof for adapting to receive a bottom of a walking stick, such that the main body adapts to position on the walking stick. A plurality of light source is mounted on the main body for emitting light. A light shade sleeves on the main body and encloses the light sources. The light shade allows light to pass through. A power supply is mounted in the main body and is electrically connected with the light sources. When the light sources are supplied with electricity provided by the power supply to emit light, light emitted by the light sources is transmitted through the light shade for providing an illuminating effect.
US08337030B2
A lighting device comprising a first group of solid state light emitters, an element containing luminescent material and a second group of solid state light emitters spaced from the element. In some embodiments, (1) at least 50% of light emitted by one of the first group does not mix with light emitted by the second group before the light emitted by the second group has entered the element, (2) at least 90% of exiting light emitted by the second group travels farther within the lighting device than 90% of exiting light emitted by the first group, (3) an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group is farther than an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group, and/or (4) light emitted by the first group directly exiting the lighting device exits the lighting device without being incident upon the element.
US08337028B2
A light guide sheet is adapted to be used with a light emitter. The light guide sheet includes a light-transmissive base, a light inlet section having bonded to a lower surface of the base, and an illumination section for diffusing the light entering into the base. The light inlet section has an upper surface and an edge surface connected to the upper surface. The upper surface of the light inlet section is bonded to the lower surface of the base. Light emitted from the light emitter enters into the edge surface the light inlet section. The light inlet section causes the entering light to enter into the base. The light inlet section has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the base. The light guide sheet provides a movable contact assembly capable of reliably illumination inexpensively.
US08337025B2
A projection type display device includes a image displaying element having image display areas for displaying a plurality of images respectively, a projection optical system having an emitting part for emitting projection light flux to the image display areas of the image displaying element, and a plurality of screens for displaying projected images by the projection light flux transmitted through the image display areas of the image displaying element. In the projection type display device, the image display areas are formed in respective areas in the image displaying element independent of each other. The projected images on the screens correspond to the image display areas, respectively. Each of the screens is arranged in such a position that the each of the screens is not overlapped with shadows of the other screens which are produced since the projection light flux is emitted from the emitting part to the screens.
US08337024B2
A projection optical system for enlarging and projecting a light flux from an image display panel modulating an irradiation light, onto a screen in an oblique direction, the projection optical system includes: a lens system including a plurality of lenses, the lens system refracting the light flux from the image display panel; a single convex mirror reflecting the light flux from the lens system, the lens system and the convex mirror being arranged in an order from the image display panel; and a stop disposed in an optical path after an emission from the lens system to an incidence on the convex mirror.
US08337023B2
A projector includes: capturing section that images an object on which an image is projected to produce a captured image; a projection distance information generating section that generates projection distance information representing a projection distance, which is the distance to the object on which an image is projected; a judging section that judges based on the projection distance information whether the projection distance exceeds a reference value; and a correcting section that performs trapezoidal distortion correction based on boundary lines of the object on which an image is projected contained in the captured image when the projection distance exceeds the reference value, whereas performing trapezoidal distortion correction based on at least coordinate information representing three-dimensional coordinates of the object on which an image is projected when the projection distance does not exceed the reference value.
US08337018B2
A surgical microscope (10) comprises an image display module for displaying an image to be overlaid into an observation beam path of the microscope, and an image sensor for recording an image of an eye (30) of an observer looking through the microscope. According to the invention, the image display module and the image sensor are formed by a common electronic module (28) produced in integrated circuit technology. The module (28) preferably has an organic light-emitting diode, produced in OLED-on-CMOS technology, for displaying the image to be overlaid. The image sensor may be formed by CMOS-compatible photodetectors.
US08337014B2
The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.
US08337011B2
An inkjet recording sheet for forming an image using aqueous pigment ink that includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer formed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer is obtained by applying, on the substrate, a coating composition containing: a cationic acrylic silicone emulsion-based resin having a hydrolyzable silyl group as a crosslinking component; a cationic polyether-based urethane resin; and a carbodiimide group-containing resin, followed by curing the applied coating composition. In the coating composition, the content of the cationic acrylic silicone emulsion-based resin is 2 to 7% by mass, the content of the cationic polyether-based urethane resin is 88 to 94% by mass, and the content of the carbodiimide group-containing resin is 2 to 6% by mass in terms of solid matter.
US08337006B2
Reactive inks and methods of generating an image on a substrate using both reactive and heat activated inks are presented. An image is printed on a substrate, without reacting the reagents in the ink. Subsequently, the reagents are reacted to fix the image to a substrate, with substantial permanency and fastness. Sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are printed are also printed on the substrate. The sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are activated, and have an affinity for polymer that is applied to the substrate.
US08336990B2
An ink supply unit for supplying ink to a printhead includes an elongate manifold defining a recess for receiving the printhead, and a plurality of ink slots in fluid communication with a back surface of the printhead, the plurality of ink slots being grouped into sets; and an ink supply comprising an elongate housing and a partition unit that together define a plurality of elongate ink chambers, each elongate ink chamber being in fluid communication with a respective set of ink slots. The ink supply further comprises a baffle unit including a number of spaced apart baffles extending into each ink chamber, the baffle unit for reducing acceleration of ink in a longitudinal direction along a length of the elongate housing.
US08336986B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of a medium in a sub-scanning direction, the detection unit being moved in a main-scanning direction at a speed identical to the speed of a carriage that moves in the main-scanning direction and discharges ink; a position acquisition unit that acquires the end position of the detection unit in the main-scanning direction when image formation on a first medium is completed; and a control unit that controls a leading edge detection position of the detection unit in the main-scanning direction according to a detection unit moving amount and a medium moving amount when the detection unit detects the leading edge of a second medium on which an image is formed after the image formation on the first medium.
US08336983B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: an ink-jet head; a conveyor mechanism; a sensor to detect a recording medium being conveyed; a detecting device; an output device; and a controller to control the relative movement mechanism to conduct a first operation in which the conveyor mechanism and the ink-jet head are located at a medium removal position from a recording position, when the detecting device detects a jam, to control the conveyor mechanism to conduct a second operation in which an unremoved jammed recording medium which has not been removed by the user is conveyed so as to be detectable by the sensor, when the output device outputs a jam-clearing completion signal, and to control the relative movement mechanism to conduct a third operation in which the conveyor mechanism and the head are located at the recording position from the medium removal position after the second operation.
US08336979B2
A liquid jetting device includes a plurality of nozzles. A driving signal generated by a driving signal generating section is applied to a charge-discharge actuator in correspondence with each nozzle to jet liquid from the nozzle. A charging source potential preliminary adjusted wave-form signal is pulse modulated and electrically amplified using a charging source potential transistor pair connected in a push-pull configuration, and output by a ripple filter to a collector of a charge-use transistor of the driving signal generating section to make a preliminary adjustment to the charging source potential for the driving signal generating section.
US08336972B2
The displacement device serves to hold a separation element, which is pivotally connected to a bracket, which is held slideably by a first beam of a scissor assembly and firmly by a second beam of the scissor assembly with a scissor assembly bearing. The scissor assembly bearing comprises a profile body that is adapted to the bracket and can be connected thereto, which profile body comprises a profile part which is connected articulated to the first end element of an adjusting lever, of which the second end element is connected on the one hand pivotally with the second beam and on the other hand is held by an adjusting bolt, of which the threaded shank is rotatably mounted in a threaded channel of the profile body.
US08336959B2
A vehicle mounted printer station is made up of a printer secured to a support surface tray that includes an adaptor capable of attaching the tray and printer to the top of a vehicle seat. The support surface is preferably a rectangular shaped plate with front, back and side edges along with top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is attached to the adaptor, the adaptor includes at least one attachment rod for securing the support surface to the vehicle seat. The attachment rods are sized to be received into receptacles provided in the top of a vehicle seat designed for the vehicle headrest.
US08336952B2
A waterproof structure for outer roof includes a sealing plate fixed to an upper frame so as to form a cabin member, a first elastic sealing member sandwiched between the cabin member and the outer roof, and a second elastic sealing member attached to the outer roof. The first elastic sealing member is sandwiched between the outer roof and the cabin member to form a first sealing portion that seals the inner space of the cabin from the outside. A sealing site of the second sealing member is pressed against an outward extending region to form a second sealing portion that seals the inner space of the cabin from the outside at a position outside the first sealing portion. The present invention can enhance waterproof property as well as quality in outer appearance.
