US08558808B2
In a computer-implemented method for use at a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display, a web page or portion thereof is displayed on the touch screen display. An activation of a web-clip widget creation icon is detected. In response to detecting the activation, a web-clip widget is created from the web page or portion thereof.
US08558807B2
A transparent touch panel comprises a first axis sensing layer, a second axis sensing layer and an insulating layer between the first axis sensing layer and the second axis sensing layer; the first axis sensing layer and second axis sensing layer being transparent conductive films, and the insulating layer being transparent insulated film. In each of the first axis sensing layer and second axis sensing layer, first insulating wires serve to delimit a plurality of electrode areas and a plurality of waste etching areas; and signal conductive wires serve to delimit a dummy pattern in the waste etching areas; the electrodes areas include a plurality of sensing electrodes and/or a plurality of signal conductive wires and the dummy pattern includes a plurality of small sub-areas which are disconnected to each other.
US08558800B2
A character input method and apparatus in a portable terminal having a touch screen using a virtual keypad in which a plurality of characters is allocated to each of at least one key area is provided. The character input method includes displaying, in a character input mode, a virtual keypad having at least one key area to which a plurality of characters is allocated, displaying a plurality of divided areas in a region surrounding the touched key area, if a touch is generated in one of the key areas of the virtual keypad, determining whether a drag is generated from the touch, and if a drag is generated, displaying a character mapped to the divided area in a point where the drag is released.
US08558790B2
A portable device which is capable of communicating with an external device and a control method thereof are disclosed. A method for transmitting user input of a portable device includes displaying navigation interface in a navigation mode for controlling an external device which is connected with the portable device, wherein the external device displays displayable content and the navigation interface is for navigating the displayable content which includes at least one input box, displaying the at least one input box with the navigation interface as an indicator which indicates capability of mode switching from the navigation mode to a user input mode, wherein the at least one input box is extracted from the displayable content of the external device, initiating the user input mode when user input for mode switching is detected, and transmitting user input which is inputted in the displayed input box.
US08558789B2
A portable device which is capable of communicating with an external device and a control method thereof are discussed. A method for transmitting user input of a portable device includes detecting navigating input in a navigation mode for controlling an external device which is connected by a network, wherein the external device displays displayable content and the navigating input is for navigating the displayable content which includes at least one input box, transmitting a control signal corresponding to the detected navigating input to the external device, displaying an indicator which indicates capability of mode switching from the navigation mode to a user input mode, initiating the user input mode by displaying the input box which is extracted from the displayable content when user input for mode switching is detected, and transmitting user input which is received through the displayed input box.
US08558788B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to diffusing light of a multi-mode laser. In one embodiment, the multi-mode laser projects a plurality of modes of light and a diffuser reflects the plurality of modes of light to output a single lobe of light.
US08558775B2
A liquid crystal display having reduced power consumption. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of pixels and a plurality of pixel memories. A pixel voltage is stored in a pixel memory in an on screen display (OSD) region of the liquid crystal display panel for displaying a still image for a long period of time and driving a liquid crystal cell by the stored pixel voltage. Also, the power consumption of the liquid crystal display can be reduced by using a NAND gate or a NOR gate as a circuit element for alternating a voltage between low level and high level so as to store a pixel voltage in a pixel memory of the liquid crystal display.
US08558766B2
An organic light emitting display and a method for driving the same, which may compensate for the degradation of an organic light emitting diode. The organic light emitting display includes: a plurality of pixels, each including an organic light emitting diode and a pixel circuit for controlling a supply of an electric current to the organic light emitting diode; and a sensing unit for converting a voltage applied to the organic light emitting diode to a digital value during a sensing period, and for sinking a second current from the pixel corresponding to the digital value to compensate for a degradation of the organic light emitting diode during a sampling period.
US08558761B2
Disclosed is a method for driving a plasma display panel in which a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other, a plurality of third electrodes are arranged to cross the first and second electrodes, and discharge cells defined with areas in which the electrodes cross mutually are arranged in the form of a matrix.According to the driving method, a reset period is a period during which the distribution of wall charges in the plurality of discharge cells is uniformed. An addressing period is a period during which wall charges are produced in the discharge cells according to display data. A sustain discharge period is a period during which sustain discharge is induced in the discharge cells in which wall charges are produced during the addressing period. The driving method in accordance with the present invention comprises a step of applying a first pulse in which an applied voltage varies with time so as to induce first discharge in the lines defined by the first and second electrodes, and a step of applying a second pulse in which an applied voltage varies with time so as to induce second discharge as erase discharge in the lines defined by the first and second electrodes. These steps are carried out during the reset period.
US08558753B2
A method for assembly of a segmented reflector antenna, including coupling a central segment upon an antenna mount. Attaching a peripheral segment to a bottom portion of the central segment. Rotating the central segment to present a bottom portion of the central segment without a peripheral segment, and attaching a peripheral segment to the bottom portion. In additional steps, a secondary ring of peripheral segments may be applied, each connected to an outer edge of a peripheral segment connected to the bottom portion of the central segment.
US08558751B2
Logistical passage measurement systems are provided. A representative system includes: an excitation unit having dual loop antennae, with a first loop and a second loop, the two loops located in and parallel to the same plane, and adjacent to one another, and a control box for exciting said antennae, the control box arranged to drive the currents of the two loops, such that the phase difference between the currents of said two loops alternates with time between 0° and 180°, and wherein the amplitude of the currents for each loop is of a first level when the phase difference is 180° and wherein said amplitude is of a second level, lower than the first level, when the phase difference is 0°.
US08558742B2
A monopole antenna for an electronic device includes a grounding element electrically connected to a ground, a radiating element including a first radiator and a second radiator for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal of a first frequency band, a coupling element electrically connected to the second radiator for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal of a second frequency band, and a feed-in element electrically connected between the second radiator of the radiating element and the grounding element for transmitting the wireless signals of the first frequency band and the second frequency band.
US08558737B2
A geographic tracking system with minimal power and size required at the mobile terminal collects observation data at the mobile terminal and forwards the data to a processor, which calculates the position. The mobile terminal is configured to measure both code phase and data phase of a GPS satellite signal. The code phase and data phase information enables the processor to reduce the number of candidate points to be considered.
US08558736B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a set of GNSS signal data derived from signals of a first set of satellites having at least three carriers and signals of a second set of satellites having two carriers. A geometry filter uses a geometry filter combination to obtain an array of geometry-filter ambiguity estimates for the geometry filter combination and associated statistical information. Ionosphere filters use a two-frequency ionospheric combination to obtain an array of ionosphere-filter ambiguity estimates for the two-frequency ionospheric combinations and associated statistical information. Each two-frequency ionospheric combination comprises a geometry-free two-frequency ionospheric residual carrier-phase combination of observations of a first frequency and observations of a second frequency. Auxiliary ionosphere filters use an auxiliary ionospheric combination to obtain an array of auxiliary-ionosphere-filter ambiguity estimates for the auxiliary ionospheric combinations and associated statistical information. Each auxiliary ionospheric combination uses carrier-phase observations of a third frequency and carrier-phase observations of at least one of the first frequency and the second frequency. A combined array of ambiguity estimates is prepared for all carrier phase observations and associated statistical information by combining the arrays of the geometry filter and the ionosphere filters and the auxiliary ionosphere filters.
US08558733B2
According to embodiments, there is provided a radar apparatus including: a transmission antenna configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave; a reception antenna configured to receive an electromagnetic wave when the transmitted electromagnetic wave has been reflected by an object; a reception wave acquisition section configured to acquire the received electromagnetic wave at specific intervals in time; a reception power calculator configured to compute the power of the received electromagnetic wave as a function of the acquisition time number by the reception wave acquisition section; a representative point extractor configured to extract plural representative points from the function; and a determination section configured to determine whether or not the object is an overhead object positioned higher than the optical axis of the receiving antenna based on the representative points.
US08558728B1
Phase noise in a first clock signal is measured using a time to digital converter (TDC) by determining variations in the phase delay between the first clock signal and a second clock signal. The TDC can include first and second series interconnections of delay elements, first and second sets of latches, and processing circuitry coupled to the latches and configured to determine the phase delay. The TDC can include a series interconnection of delay elements, latches, and circuitry configured to selectively adjust the control signal connected to the delay elements based on the output of the latches. The phase noise measurement can be used in a sampling circuit, so as to produce a second data signal from a first data signal based on the first clock signal and the measured phase noise.
US08558727B2
Compensated current cell to scale switching glitches in digital to analog convertors. A compensated current cell is disclosed that includes first and second switching transistors configured to switch an input current between first and second outputs based on first and second input signals, respectively, a first compensation transistor connected to the first input signal to provide a first compensation current that is connected to the second output, and a second compensation transistor connected to the second input signal to provide a second compensation current that is connected to the first output, the first and second compensation transistors having source terminals that are connected together. In another aspect, switching glitches are scaled based on a size difference between the switching transistors and the compensation transistors.
US08558723B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to updating a keyboard configuration. A keyboard configuration may be determined. The keys may be assigned a meaning based on the determined configuration where groups of adjacent keys are assigned the same meaning. An image for each of the keys may be determined based on the assigned meaning, and the determined image may be displayed on the keyboard keys.
US08558721B2
Disclosed herein is a position detection apparatus including: a signal line along which a bit array including a plurality of bits used for expressing information on one of absolute positions in a direction determined in advance is created repeatedly in the direction determined in advance; and an information reading-out section which is capable of making a movement relative to the signal line in the direction determined in advance in accordance with a driving operation carried out by driving means determined in advance and is used for reading out the information expressed by the bits from the signal line.
US08558717B2
The present invention discloses a method of notifying an alert status. The method includes using at least two binary alert status indication fields to indicate alert status information; changing a value of the alert status indication field when alert information is changed; and periodically sending the alert status information. The alert status indication field in a interworking element of a beacon frame is extended so that the status of the emergency alert is detected, the change to the emergency alert status is reflected by the value of the extended alert status indication field, and the change to the emergency alert can be detected and handled in a timely manner.
US08558708B2
A battery-powered supplemental alert generator is disclosed that is adapted to be mounted in close proximity to, such as within 3 or 4 feet of, a conventional smoke, heat and/or fire detector/alert device. The supplemental alert generator operates in a relatively low power mode while listening for the nearby detector/alert device to generate a standard audible alert signal. Upon detecting that a monitored sound level has reached a particular threshold, the supplemental alert generator enters into a higher power analysis mode in which it analyzes the detected signal to assess whether it is an audible alert signal. If an audible alert signal is detected, the supplemental alert generator generates one or more supplemental alert signals, such as a 520 Hz audible square wave signal. The supplemental alert generator may be used to retrofit a house, hotel, or other building to comply with new standards or to otherwise increase the effectiveness of the existing detection/alert system.
US08558700B2
An electric seal includes a lock member having a compartment and an orifice communicative with each other and having a spring blade, a latch device engaged in the lock member, an antenna device having a segment engaged with the spring blade, a lock shaft engageable through the orifice and into the compartment of the lock member and lockable to the lock member with the latch device, and a circuit board attached to the lock shaft and having an RFID chip coupled to an electric circuit, the electric circuit includes a contact for selectively engaging with the upper segment of the antenna device and for electrically connecting the electric circuit to the antenna device when the lock shaft is engaged into the orifice of the lock member.
US08558695B2
A biodegradable payload material delivery and notification device includes a biodegradable shell enclosing at least a portion of a biodegradable detector that includes a payload material, and biodegradable circuitry electrically connected to the detector and capable of performing a delivery notification operation. The biodegradable shell degrades upon exposure to environmental conditions causing release of an amount of the payload material, and the detector communicates release of the amount of the payload material to the circuitry causing the circuitry to perform the delivery notification operation. The delivery notification operation includes generating and transmitting to a mesh network a signal having one or more parameters that are correlated with the amount of the payload material released. A mesh network includes a plurality of biodegradable devices and one or more edge collection devices. Each biodegradable device is configured to broadcast a signal that may be received and processed by the edge collection devices.
US08558692B2
A tag location guiding method and a tag location guiding system for communication terminals that enable guiding of tag location during reception of tag information are disclosed. The tag location guiding method for communication terminals includes: recognizing, upon reception of tag information, a guide level set in correspondence to the tag information; and outputting, if previously set location guide data according to the recognized guide level is present, the set location guide data. Accordingly, a user of a communication terminal can accurately obtain a situation through location guide data.
US08558678B2
Various embodiments may include detecting an unauthorized use of a vehicle in the absence of GPS location information. Vehicle component condition data may be received for one or more vehicle components. Historical vehicle component condition data for the one or more vehicle components may also be received. A comparison between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data may be performed in order to determine if an inconsistency exists between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data based on the comparison. Upon determining the inconsistency, an alert signal signifying an unauthorized use may be generated. At least one of the vehicle component condition data and the alert signal may be transmitted to a remote terminal to alert a user of the unauthorized use.
US08558670B2
An electric power communication device includes a plurality of directional antennas, a plurality of electric power communication portions, and an electric power communication control portion. Each of the plurality of directional antennas has directionality, and each of the plurality of electric power communication portions has directionality. The electric power communication control portion controls which of the plurality of electric power communication portions is used for electric power communication with a partner communication device, in accordance with the directional antenna, among the plurality of directional antennas, for which receiving of an incoming wireless signal that was transmitted from the partner communication device has been detected.
US08558663B2
Real time facial images of individuals transacting accounts held in a bank facility are taken following the grant of authorization to the individual to access the account under the bank's required identification protocol, the real time facial images being matched to recorded facial images of account holders maintained by the bank to further authenticate the transacting individual as having authorized account access.
US08558651B2
A core fixing member including: a core fixing part that has a plate-like shape and is to be fixed to a core; a case fixing part that has a plate-like shape and is to be fixed to a case; and at least one an arm part connecting the case fixing part with the core fixing part, and wherein the core fixing part and the case fixing part are arranged in a same plane, and the at least one arm part is formed in a shape of a letter ‘U’, and one end of the at least one arm part is connected to the core fixing part and the other end of the at least one arm part is connected to the case fixing part.
US08558639B2
Provided is a high frequency switch wherein first switch circuits, each of which includes a first PIN diode, are connected in parallel to one or more first λ/4 signal transmitting paths which transmit transmitting signals, and second switch circuits, each of which includes a second PIN diode, are connected in parallel to one or more second λ/4 signal transmitting paths which transmit receiving signals to a receiving terminal. A first control voltage is applied to the cathode of the first PIN diode, and a second control voltage is applied to the cathode of the second PIN diode. Furthermore, a biasing circuit which applies a constant bias voltage is connected to each anode of the first PIN diode and the second PIN diode.
US08558638B2
An impedance transformer includes a first transmission line having a first impedance and provided over a first substrate having a first permittivity; a second transmission line and a third transmission line having an impedance lower than the first impedance and provided over a second substrate having a permittivity higher than the first permittivity, the second transmission line and the third transmission line being electrically coupled to the first transmission line; and a resistor coupled between the second transmission line and the third transmission line.
US08558636B2
A passive equalizer circuit is embedded within a substrate of a package containing an integrated circuit. It is believed that substantial reduction in uneven frequency dependent loss may be achieved for interconnects interconnecting the integrated circuit with other integrated circuits on a printed circuit board. Other aspects are described and claimed.
US08558615B2
This invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling a predistorter, and a method of detecting power control state. The method of controlling a predistorter, which is for predistorting a signal input into a power amplifier, comprises storing predistortion coefficients used by the predistorter; acquiring indices each indicative of an output power of the power amplifier; detecting, based on the indices acquired in the acquiring, whether the power amplifier is in a state of undergoing power control; and supplying the stored predistortion coefficients to the predistorter when it is detected that the power amplifier is in the state of undergoing power control, or supplying, when it is detected that the power amplifier is not in the state of undergoing power control, to the predistorter predistortion coefficients calculated by a unit that performs predistortion coefficient adaptive updating operation.
US08558613B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a receiver device. One such apparatus includes an equalizer configured to process an input signal transmitted over a channel. The equalizer can include a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) block which includes an input node configured to receive the input signal; an output node; and a programmable gain amplifier (PGA). The PGA amplifies the input signal with an adjustable gain. The PGA block also includes a gain control block having an input electrically coupled to the input node. The gain control block is configured to adjust the gain of the PGA at least partly in response to the input signal from the input node such that the PGA generates an output signal with a substantially constant amplitude envelope to the output node.
US08558604B2
An in-phase, quadrature phase (IQ) mixer for a near field communications (NFC) device is disclosed that includes a signal provider that provides an in-phase (I) mixing signal and a quadrature phase (Q) mixing signal so that the period of the I mixing signal is equal to a period for the Q mixing signal. A controller is configured to control the signal provider so that the average of the I mixing signal over two periods is minimized and the average of the Q mixing signal over two periods is also minimized. The controller is also configured to control the signal provider so that the average propagation delay for the I mixing signal and the Q mixing signal is minimized individually and relative to each other.
US08558601B2
Disclosed herein is a gate driving circuit including a first clock generator to sequentially output n output clock pulses, a second clock generator to sequentially output n output control clock pulses, and a shift register to receive the n output clock pulses and the n output control clock pulses and to sequentially output a plurality of scan pulses, wherein high sections of k-th to (k+s)-th output clock pulses output during adjacent periods overlap with one another, a k-th output control clock pulse rises before the k-th output clock pulse, the k-th output control clock pulse falls before a (k−a)-th output clock pulse, a high section of the output control clock pulses does not overlap with that of the k-th output clock pulse, and a (k+b)-th output clock pulse falls during the high section of the output control clock pulses not overlapping with that of the k-th output clock pulse.
US08558596B2
A phase interpolation circuit includes a waveform shaping unit and a phase interpolator. The waveform shaping unit adaptively waveform-shapes first or second phase offset input clock signal pair that is applied, to output first and second buffered clock signals having a rising time and falling time each of more than about a quarter of a period of the first and second offset input clock signals. The phase interpolator is applied to generate a phase interpolation clock signal selected from phases between the first and second buffered clock signals in response to a weight value of a phase interpolation control signal.
US08558583B2
A system includes control circuitry configured to provide one or more control pulses in response to a command signal, the one or more control pulses being communicated from the control circuitry to associated circuitry via a connection. A detector is configured to detect a disturbing signal that mitigates reception of the one or more control pulses via the connection. The command signal is controlled to cause the control circuitry to provide one or more additional control pulses when the disturbing signal is detected by the detector to improve a likelihood of the reception of the one or more control pulses via the connection.
US08558574B2
A Programmable Logic Device (PLD) structure using third dimensional memory is disclosed. The PLD structure includes a switch configured to couple a polarity of a signal (e.g., an input signal applied to an input) to a routing line and a non-volatile register configured to control the switch. The non-volatile register may include a non-volatile memory element, such as a third dimension memory element. The non-volatile memory element may be a two-terminal memory element that retains stored data in the absence of power and stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles that can be non-destructively sensed by applying a read voltage across the two terminals. New data can be written to the two-terminal memory element by applying a write voltage across the two terminals. Logic and other active circuitry can be positioned in a substrate and the non-volatile memory element can be positioned on top of the substrate.
US08558564B2
A heat spreader includes a plurality of sensors that indicate that the heat spreader is flat against and in thermal contact with a plurality of chips when the heat spreader is loaded upon a chip stack. One or more nodes within the sensors are connected by electric conductors. The resistances of the conductors may be compared to determine if the nodes within the sensors are relatively flat. Sensor flatness may be indicated to a higher level electronic device such as a visual display. The display may ultimately be viewed by a user to determine whether the heat spreader is flat and in thermal contact with the plurality of chips when the heat spreader is loaded upon the chip stack.
US08558559B2
Provided is a test apparatus that measures charge/discharge current of an intermediate capacitor provided between a transmission path transmitting power from a power supply to a device under test and a ground potential, and calculates a load current flowing through a device under test, based on the charge/discharge current.
US08558555B2
It is an object to provide a test method of a process, an electric characteristic, and a mechanical characteristic of a structure body in a micromachine without contact. A structure body including a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer provided in parallel to the first conductive layer, and a sacrifice layer or a space provided between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer is provided; an antenna connected to the structure body is provided; electric power is supplied to the structure body wirelessly through the antenna; and an electromagnetic wave generated from the antenna is detected as a characteristic of the structure body.
US08558545B2
A method for operating a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein a continuous sequence of radio-frequency (=RF) pulses are radiated onto a sample, Ψ being the constant phase value for all magnetization vectors, and all magnetization vectors undergo a phase progression Fn=nΨ during the n-th sequence interval, wherein P is the number of RF pulses after which the phase angle of the magnetization vectors is repeated, wherein the total gradient moment in one or more directions in space having a value greater than 0, and consecutive pulses exhibit a constant repetition time TR, wherein, after radiation of one RF pulse, one k-space row is acquired. The method is characterized in that any one- or multi-dimensional arrangement of k-space rows is repeated identically N times, and signals from identical k-space rows are averaged or added. The method increases the efficiency of the gradient spoiling and thus the efficiency of artifact suppression.
US08558533B2
According to a reception passive intermodulation measurement method of the present invention, a device under test is set to the mismatching condition, and a standing wave is generated on a transmission line where the sample is connected. Since the tip of the transmission line is short-circuited using the sample, the sample is positioned at the anti-node of the standing wave, and test signals are applied at a high current density. System noise is calibrated with the tip of the transmission line being open. Since impedance matching is not required and terminators are not employed, a large measurement dynamic range is obtained without being affected by passive intermodulation that is generated in terminators. The sample is very small, and an arbitrary shape can be selected. The property measurement is enabled for a wide range of materials, regardless of a conductive material, an insulating material and a magnetic material.
US08558525B1
To reduce gate-drive losses caused by high switching frequency operation, embodiments herein include a novel resonant gate driver circuit for driving switches. This gate drive circuit can include a simple two-half-bridge structure. A coupling inductor of the resonant gate driver circuit can provide energy circulation between gates of high and low side switches and also works as a voltage-boost transformer. According to one configuration, the resonant gate driver circuit can be extended to drive two MOSFETs with a common ground. Both theoretical and simulation results for the new resonant gate driver circuit illustrate increased efficiency via lower switching losses.
US08558523B2
A method of operating a regulator controller IC for performing intermittent diode braking for controlling a multiple phase voltage regulator. The method includes receiving at least one signal for detecting repetitive load transients, determining a rate of the repetitive load transients, generating diode braking control signals, each for applying diode braking to a corresponding one of multiple phases for at least one load transient when the repetitive load transients are below a first rate, and controlling the diode braking control signals to drop application of diode braking of at least one phase for at least one load transient when the repetitive load transients are at least the first rate. The method may include rotating the application of diode braking among the phases during successive applications of diode braking. The method may include dropping an increased number of phases for diode braking as the rate of repetitive load transients is increased.
US08558512B2
An electrical generator has an engine that provides a mechanical output that is converted to electrical current by an alternator. The engine is started by a battery-powered motor starter. The battery is charged during running of the electrical generator by a portion of the electrical current output by the alternator. The battery is charged according to a charging profile based on the temperature of the battery at start up of the electrical generator.
US08558507B2
A secondary battery storage system rack is provided comprising a circuit block which is connected to an electric power line for exchanging electric power with the outside, a secondary battery block which is connected to the circuit block and which has a larger mass than the circuit block, and a storage body unit which stores, in the inside, the circuit block and the secondary battery block, wherein the secondary battery block and the circuit block are placed in one line along a direction of gravitational force, with the secondary battery block placed below the circuit block.
US08558500B2
A control system for an AC motor determines a slope Ktl of a tangent TL at an operating point Pa corresponding to the current motor operating state and voltage phase (θ0) on a torque characteristic curve that is plotted according to a torque equation representing an output torque characteristic with respect to the motor operating state and the voltage phase of the rectangular wave voltage. The control system further calculates a voltage phase change amount θff for use in feed-forward control, according to ΔTtl/Ktl obtained by dividing a torque compensation amount ΔTtl for feed-forward control by the slope Ktl.
US08558497B2
A method and apparatus to drive a load using a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal and spread a spectrum of the PWM signal across a plurality of frequencies while maintaining a constant duty cycle for the load.
US08558491B2
An inverter controller controlling an inverter main circuit, the inverter controller including: a PWM signal generating part which generates a PWM signal to control on-off of a plurality of switching elements configuring the inverter main circuit; an operating state detecting part which detects an operating state of a load based on a direct current bus voltage of the inverter main circuit, a motor current which flows between the inverter main circuit and the load and an operation instruction to the load; a gate resistance selecting signal generating part which generates a gate resistance selecting signal corresponding to the operating state of the load; and a gate resistance selecting part which selects gate resistances connected to gate terminals of the switching elements of the inverter main circuit by using the gate resistance selecting signal.
US08558486B2
A d.c. charged particle accelerator comprises accelerator electrodes separated by insulating spacers defining acceleration gaps between adjacent pairs of electrodes. Individually regulated gap voltages are applied across each adjacent pair of accelerator electrodes. In embodiments, the individually regulated gap voltages are generated by electrically isolated alternators mounted on a common rotor shaft driven by an electric motor. Alternating power outputs from the alternators provide inputs to individual regulated d.c. power supplies to generate the gap voltages. The power supplies are electrically isolated and have outputs connected in series across successive pairs of accelerator electrodes. The described embodiment enables an ion beam to be accelerated to high energies and high beam currents, with good accelerator stability.
US08558485B2
A compact, cold, superconducting isochronous cyclotron can include at least two superconducting coils on opposite sides of a median acceleration plane. A magnetic yoke surrounds the coils and a portion of a beam chamber in which ions are accelerated. A cryogenic refrigerator is thermally coupled both with the superconducting coils and with the magnetic yoke. The superconducting isochronous cyclotron also includes sector pole tips that provide strong focusing; the sector pole tips can have a spiral configuration and can be formed of a rare earth magnet. The sector pole tips can also be separated from the rest of the yoke by a non-magnetic material. In other embodiments, the sector pole tips can include a superconducting material. The spiral pole tips can also include cut-outs on a back side of the sector pole tips remote from the median acceleration plane.
US08558474B1
A lighting system includes a transformer having a primary winding on a receiving path and a secondary winding on a delivering path. The receiving path receives electric energy regulated based on a dimming angle. The delivering path delivers the received electric energy. The lighting system includes a secondary switch, and a dimming controller. The secondary switch is switched on to couple a light source, such as an LED array, and the like, with the delivering path to emit light in response to the delivered electric energy and is switched off to decouple the light source from the delivering path. The dimming controller is configured to detect the dimming angle based on an electrical property of the delivering path. Then, the dimming controller switches on and switches off the secondary switch based on the dimming angle.
US08558463B2
An apparatus to detect faulty connection of LED (open/short conditions) which may affect the function of LED display panel is presented. The apparatus basically controls the switches through control algorithm circuit to get the information of LED driver output pins voltage and compare them with two reference voltages to determine the open/short condition of individual LED.
US08558462B2
The driving circuit includes a power module, a plurality of LED modules, and a constant current component. Each LED module includes a bypass circuit and at least one light emitting diode. The light emitting diode is serially connected between a first end and a second end of the bypass circuit. The first end of each bypass circuit is coupled to the power module or a third end of an adjacent upstream bypass circuit for serially connecting the constant current component electrically, thereby achieving the illumination of different total numbers of LED units in accordance with various voltage changes, and cascade light emitting diodes having increased power efficiency.
US08558460B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber; a plasma processing execution portion; a discharge state detecting unit; a window portion; a camera; a first storing portion; a second storing portion; and an image data extracting unit. The image data extracting unit extracts at least moving image data, which show the generation state of the abnormal discharge, from the first storing portion and stores the extracted moving image data in the second storing portion when the discharge state detecting unit detects the abnormal discharge.
US08558448B2
A light emitting device can make it hard for fluorescence emitted from each phosphor in a color conversion plate to be absorbed by other phosphor. The color conversion plate can include multiple types of phosphors, and the light from a light emitting element can be allowed to reach each of the phosphors efficiently. The color conversion plate can contain at least first and second phosphors which absorb light emitted from the light emitting element and outputs fluorescence. The color conversion plate can have multiple first regions containing the first phosphor on a light emitting element side, being arranged with a predetermined spacing therebetween, and second regions containing the second phosphor on the upper surface, being arranged with a predetermined spacing therebetween. A region where the first regions and the second regions are excluded, as viewed from a location on top of the conversion plate, contains no phosphor.
US08558438B2
Reflector designs for a large area panel light source create induced draft cooling means adjacent to the panel light source. The panel light source has a wavelength conversion element on a solid state light source for emitting light of a first and second wavelength to form a broader emission spectrum of light from the panel light source.
US08558436B2
A liquid-cooled light emitting diode (LED) bulb which includes a base, a shell connected to the base forming an enclosed volume, and a plurality of LEDs attached to the base and disposed within the shell. The LED bulb also includes a volume of thermally-conductive liquid held within the enclosed volume. A scavenger element comprising a scavenger material is attached to the base and is exposed to the thermally-conductive liquid. The scavenger material is configured to capture contaminants in the thermally-conductive liquid.
US08558431B2
An ultrasonic transducer device component changes a transducer with another one having the same frequency or a different frequency without adjustment inside a generator main body or a change of the generator main body. The ultrasonic transducer device component includes a connection unit for use in applying ultrasonic transducer to cleaning fluid for cleaning objects, and for connection with a generator main body that generates an ultrasonic vibration signal; and a transducer connected to a connection unit. The connection unit includes an output transformer for adjusting an output of the ultrasonic vibration signal; a coil capacitor electrically connected to the output transformer; and a current detector electrically connected to the coil capacitor.
US08558393B2
Miniaturization and acceleration of the operating speed of a System In Package (SIP) type semiconductor device in which a memory chip and a microcomputer chip are mounted over a wiring board are promoted. When mounting a microcomputer chip and a memory chip over an upper surface of a wiring board, the memory chip is disposed such that second conductive pads of the wiring board arranged along a first chip side (a side along which data system electrode pads are arranged) of the memory chip are positioned, in the plan view, in a region between an extended line of a third chip side of the microcomputer chip and an extended line of a fourth chip side of the microcomputer chip. Thus, a length of a data system wiring for coupling a data system electrode pad of the microcomputer chip with the data system electrode pad of the memory chip is minimized.
US08558389B2
A semiconductor device has a plurality of conductive vias formed into a semiconductor wafer. An insulating lining is formed around the conductive vias and a conductive layer is formed over the insulating lining. A portion of the semiconductor wafer is removed so the conductive vias extend above a surface of the semiconductor wafer. A first insulating layer is formed over the surface of the semiconductor wafer and conductive vias. A first portion of the first insulating layer is removed and a second portion of the first insulating layer remains as guard rings around the conductive vias. A conductive layer is formed over the conductive vias. A second insulating layer is formed over the surface of the semiconductor wafer, guard rings, and conductive vias. A portion of the second insulating layer is removed to expose the conductive vias and a portion of the guard rings.
US08558383B2
A post passivation rerouting support structure comprises a relatively thin support layer above the passivation layer to support the RDL, and a relatively thick support layer for fine pitch interconnects extending from the RDL and terminating as contact structures at the surface of the thick support layer, for a next level packaging structure. The thick support layer is planarized before defining the contact structures. The thick support layer may be formed after the conducting posts have been formed, or the thick support layer is formed before forming the conducting posts in vias formed in the thick support layer. An encapsulating layer may be provided above the thick support layer, which top surface is planarized before defining the contact structures. The encapsulating layer and the further support layer may be the same layer.
US08558375B2
A semiconductor device includes a package and a cooler. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor element, a metal member, and a molding member for encapsulating the semiconductor element and the metal member. The metal member has a metal portion thermally connected to the semiconductor element, an insulating layer on the metal portion, and a conducting layer on the insulating layer. The conducting layer is at least partially exposed outside the molding member and serves as a radiation surface for radiating heat of the semiconductor element. The cooler has a coolant passage through which a coolant circulates to cool the conducting layer. The conducting layer and the cooler are electrically connected together.
US08558371B2
Provided is a wafer level packaging method and a semiconductor device fabricated using the same. In the method, a substrate comprising a plurality of chips is provided. An adhesive layer is formed on the substrate corresponding to boundaries of the plurality of chips. A cover plate covering an upper portion of the substrate and having at least one opening exposing the adhesive layer or the substrate at the boundaries among the plurality of chips is attached to the adhesive layer.
US08558368B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved package for a bi-directional and reverse blocking battery switch. According to one embodiment, two switches are oriented side-by-side, rather than end-to-end, in a die package. This configuration reduces the total switch resistance for a given die area, often reducing the resistance enough to avoid the use of backmetal in order to meet resistance specifications. Elimination of backmetal reduces the overall cost of the die package and removes the potential failure modes associated with the manufacture of backmetal. Embodiments of the present invention may also allow for more pin connections and an increased pin pitch. This results in redundant connections for higher current connections, thereby reducing electrical and thermal resistance and minimizing the costs of manufacture or implementation of the die package.
US08558359B2
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor package, including: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; at least one semiconductor device formed on the first surface of the substrate; first lead frames respectively formed at both sides of the first surface of the substrate; and second lead frames respectively formed at both sides of the second surface of the substrate, wherein the first lead frame and the second lead frame are spaced apart from each other by an isolation distance base.
US08558357B2
An image sensor package having at least one chip supporting bar secured to a top surface of an image sensor chip. The thickness of the chip supporting bar is absorbed within a vertical dimension of wire loops that connect bonding pads to leads so that the chip supporting bar does not contribute to the thickness of the image sensor package. An exposed back surface of the image sensor chip enhances thermal dissipation.
US08558355B2
A shielding structure comprises first and second comb-like structures defined in a first metallization layer on an integrated circuit, each comb-like structure comprising a plurality of teeth, the teeth of each comb-like structure extending toward the other comb-like structure; a first plurality of electrically conducting vias extending upward from the first comb-like structure; a second plurality of electrically conducting vias extending upward from the second comb-like structure; first and second planar structures in a second metallization layer above the first metallization layer; a third plurality of electrically conducting vias extending downward from the first planar structure toward the first plurality of electrically conducting vias; and a fourth plurality of electrically conducting vias extending downward from the second planar structure toward the second plurality of electrically conducting vias. The first and second comb-like structures, the first and second planar structures and the first, second, third, and fourth electrically conducting vias all being at substantially the same potential, preferably ground. In one embodiment, one or more signal lines are located in the second metallization layer between the first and second planar structures; and in another embodiment they are located in a third metallization layer between the first and second metallization layers.
US08558350B2
A metal-oxide-metal capacitor comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a plurality of first fingers and a plurality of second fingers. Each first finger and its corresponding second finger are in parallel and separated by a low k dielectric material. A guard ring is employed to enclose the metal-oxide-metal capacitor so as to prevent moisture from penetrating into the low k dielectric material.
US08558349B2
The high voltage integrated circuit is disclosed. The high voltage integrated circuit comprises a low voltage control circuit, a floating circuit, a P substrate, a deep N well disposed in the substrate and a plurality of P wells disposed in the P substrate. The P wells and deep N well serve as the isolation structures. The low voltage control circuit is located outside the deep N well and the floating circuit is located inside the deep N well. The deep N well forms a high voltage junction barrier for isolating the control circuit from the floating circuit.
US08558347B2
A semiconductor device may include lower electrodes having different heights depending on positions on a substrate. Supporting layer pattern making a contact with the lower electrodes having a relatively large height is provided. The supporting layer pattern is provided between the lower electrodes for supporting the lower electrodes. A dielectric layer is provided on the lower electrodes and the supporting layer pattern. An upper electrode is formed on the dielectric layer and has a planar upper surface. An inter-metal dielectric layer is provided on the upper electrode. A metal contact penetrating through the inter-metal dielectric layer and making a contact with the upper electrode is formed. A bottom portion of the metal contact faces a portion under where the lower electrode having a relatively small height is formed. The device has a higher reliability.
US08558345B2
A capacitor in a semiconductor substrate employs a conductive through-substrate via (TSV) as an inner electrode and a columnar doped semiconductor region as an outer electrode. The capacitor provides a large decoupling capacitance in a small area, and does not impact circuit density or a Si3D structural design. Additional conductive TSV's can be provided in the semiconductor substrate to provide electrical connection for power supplies and signal transmission therethrough. The capacitor has a lower inductance than a conventional array of capacitors having comparable capacitance, thereby enabling reduction of high frequency noise in the power supply system of stacked semiconductor chips.
US08558338B2
There are provided semiconductor substrate, ground layer formed on semiconductor substrate and having an upper surface corresponding to pixel region, the upper surface being lower than an upper surface corresponding to peripheral circuit region, a plurality of color filters disposed two-dimensionally on the upper surface corresponding to pixel region in ground layer, and partition wall provided between color filters. In a section which is orthogonal to the upper surface corresponding to pixel region in ground layer, an occupied area of partition wall provided in outer portion disposed in contact with peripheral circuit region is smaller than that of partition wall provided in central portion of pixel region.
US08558336B2
A semiconductor photodetector structure is provided. The structure includes a substrate, a photodetecting element and a semiconductor layer disposed on the photodetecting element. The substrate includes a first semiconductor material and includes a deep trench. The surface of the deep trench includes a first type dopant. The photodetecting element is disposed in the deep trench. The photodetecting element includes a second semiconductor material. The semiconductor layer includes a second type dopant.
US08558332B2
A method of fabricating a spin-current switched magnetic memory element includes providing a wafer having a bottom electrode, forming a plurality of layers, such that interfaces between the plurality of layers are formed in situ, in which the plurality of layers includes a plurality of magnetic layers, at least one of the plurality of magnetic layers having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy component and including a current-switchable magnetic moment, and at least one barrier layer formed adjacent to the plurality of magnetic layers, lithographically defining a pillar structure from the plurality of layers, and forming a top electrode on the pillar structure.
US08558327B2
A micromechanical component having a conductive substrate, a first conductive layer provided above the substrate and that forms, above a cavity provided in the substrate, an elastically deflectable diaphragm region of monocrystalline silicon and an adjacent peripheral region, a circuit trace level provided above the first conductive layer in a manner that is electrically insulated from the first conductive layer, the circuit trace level having above the diaphragm region a first electrode region and having above the peripheral region a first connection region electrically connected to the same, and a second conductive layer that is provided above the circuit trace level, the second conductive layer having above the diaphragm region a second electrode region that is electrically insulated from the first electrode region, and having above the peripheral region a second connection region electrically insulated from the second electrode region and electrically connected to the first connection region. Also provided is a suitable production method.
US08558322B2
First and second PMOS transistors are defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions. First and second NMOS transistors are defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions. Each diffusion region is electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes are formed from conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner, such that no single line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second p-type diffusion regions. The first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner, such that no single line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second n-type diffusion regions.
US08558312B2
A bulk & SOI hybrid CMIS device, in which an I/O bulk part and a core logic SOI part are mounted, needs a number of gate stacks to optimize threshold voltage control and causes a problem that the process and structure become complicated. The present invention adjusts the threshold voltage of MISFET at the corresponding part by introducing impurities into any of back gate semiconductor regions, in an SOI semiconductor CMISFET integrated circuit device having a high-k gate insulating film and a metal gate electrode.
US08558300B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a flash memory cell in a semiconductor die includes forming a control gate stack overlying a floating gate stack in a memory region of a substrate, where the floating gate stack includes a floating gate overlying a portion of a dielectric one layer. The floating gate includes a portion of a metal one layer and the dielectric one layer includes a first high-k dielectric material. The control gate stack can include a control gate including a portion of a metal two layer, where the metal one layer can include a different metal than the metal two layer.
US08558293B2
A semiconductor element includes a base-body region of p-type; a charge-generation buried region of a n-type, implementing a photodiode together with the base-body region, configured to create a first potential valley in the base-body region; an accumulation region of n-type, being buried in a part of the upper portion of the base-body region, configured to create a second potential valley deeper than the first potential valley; a transfer-gate insulation film provided on a surface of the base-body region; a transfer-gate electrode provided on the transfer-gate insulation film, configured to control a potential of a transfer channel formed in the base-body region between the charge-generation buried region and the accumulation region; and a recessed-potential creation mechanism configured to create a stair-like-shaped potential barrier for electronic shuttering.
US08558291B2
An apparatus for annealing a substrate includes a substrate stage having a substrate mounting portion configured to mount the substrate; a heat source having a plurality of heaters disposed under the substrate mounting portion, the heaters individually preheating a plurality areas defined laterally in the substrate through a bottom surface of the substrate; and a light source facing a top surface of the substrate, configured to irradiate a pulsed light at a pulse width of about 0.1 ms to about 100 ms on the entire top surface of the substrate.
US08558289B2
A transistor includes a gate electrode disposed over a substrate. At least one composite strain structure is disposed adjacent to a channel below the gate electrode. The at least one composite strain structure includes a first strain region within the substrate. A second strain region is disposed over the first strain region. At least a portion of the second strain region is disposed within the substrate.
US08558282B1
A germanium lateral bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is formed employing a germanium-on-insulator (GOI) substrate. A silicon passivation layer is deposited on the top surface of a germanium layer in the GOI substrate. Shallow trench isolation structures, an extrinsic base region structure, and a base spacer are subsequently formed. A germanium emitter region, a germanium base region, and a germanium collector region are formed within the germanium layer by ion implantation. A silicon emitter region, a silicon base region, and a silicon collector region are formed in the silicon passivation layer. After optional formation of an emitter contact region and a collector contact region, metal semiconductor alloy regions can be formed. A wide gap contact for minority carriers is provided between the silicon base region and the germanium base region and between the silicon emitter region and the germanium emitter region.
US08558280B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention including: a substrate; a compound semiconductor layer formed on the substrate; an element forming area provided in the compound semiconductor layer; and at least one semiconductor element, which includes a first main electrode and a main second electrode, wherein the at least one semiconductor element is formed in the element forming area, wherein the compound semiconductor layer includes: a first compound growth layer, which is formed on the substrate and includes the element forming area; and a second compound growth layer formed on the substrate to surround the element forming area when viewed from a plane, wherein the second compound growth layer has a crystallinity lower than a crystallinity of the first compound growth layer.
US08558265B2
A packaged optical device includes a substrate having a surface region with light emitting diode devices fabricated on a semipolar or nonpolar GaN substrate. The LEDs emit polarized light and are characterized by an overlapped electron wave function and a hole wave function. Phosphors within the package are excited by the polarized light and, in response, emit electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength.
US08558263B2
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light emitting diode and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes sequentially forming a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer on a substrate, in-situ depositing a mask layer on a region of the surface of the second semiconductor layer, and selectively growing a third semiconductor layer formed in a textured structure on the second semiconductor layer by depositing a semiconductor material on the second semiconductor layer and the mask layer.
US08558254B1
Improved arrays of high voltage vertical-emitting LEDs that generate substantially lower heat than conventional LED arrays are provided. In particular, the present invention provides an array of high-voltage vertical LEDs each of which includes a first electrode positioned on a light-emitting face and a second electrode. A conductive matrix surrounds each LED and electrically communicates with each of the electrodes while an electrically-insulating material is positioned between adjacent diodes such that a first electrical current path is defined between the second and first electrodes through each diode. An isolating material is positioned in the conductive matrix between adjacent LEDs to isolate the adjacent second electrodes from one another. Further positioned between adjacent diodes is a material capable of permanently lowering its resistance to provide an alternate electrical pathway following a failure of an individual LED. High reliability high voltage vertical LED arrays are thereby provided.
US08558252B2
Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices such as LED chips with emission wavelength correction and devices fabricated using these methods. Different embodiments include sequential coating methods that provide two or more coatings or layers of conversion material over LEDs, which can be done at the wafer level. The methods are particularly applicable to fabricating LED chips that emit a warm white light, which typically requires covering LEDs with one or more wavelength conversion materials such as phosphors. In one embodiment, a base wavelength conversion material is applied to the semiconductor devices. A portion of the base conversion material is removed. At least two different tuning wavelength conversion materials are also applied to the semiconductor devices, either before or after the application of the base conversion material.
US08558247B2
Enlightening device and method for making the same are disclosed. Individual light emitting devices such as LEDs are separated to form individual dies by process in which a first narrow trench cuts the light emitting portion of the device and a second trench cuts the substrate to which the light emitting portion is attached. The first trench can be less than 10 μm. Hence, a semiconductor area that would normally be devoted to dicing streets on the wafer is substantially reduced thereby increasing the yield of devices. The devices generated by this method can also include base members that are electrically conducting as well as heat conducting in which the base member is directly bonded to the light emitting layers thereby providing improved heat conduction.
US08558232B2
The present invention aims at reducing an OFF current in a thin film transistor while maintaining an ON-state current.A TFT (100) includes a glass substrate (101) formed thereon with a source electrode (110) and a drain electrode (112) having their respective upper surfaces formed with n-type silicon layers (120, 121) of microcrystalline silicon. Microcrystalline silicon regions (135, 136) are formed respectively on the n-type silicon layers (120, 121) while an amorphous silicon region (130) is formed on the glass substrate (101), and these are covered by a microcrystalline silicon layer (145). Therefore, ON-state current flows from the drain electrode (112), through the microcrystalline silicon region (135), the microcrystalline silicon layer (145) and the microcrystalline silicon region (136) in this order, and then to the source electrode (110). Also, OFF current is limited by the amorphous silicon region (130).
US08558223B2
An organic electronic component, including a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, an electron-conducting layer which is arranged such that it is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrodes, wherein the electron-conducting layer is obtained by joint vaporization of a metal complex with an organic compound.
US08558220B2
In some aspects, a method of fabricating a memory cell is provided that includes (1) fabricating a first conductor above a substrate; (2) selectively fabricating a carbon nano-tube (CNT) material above the first conductor; (3) fabricating a diode above the CNT material; and (4) fabricating a second conductor above the diode. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08558215B2
A light emitting device may include a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer adjacent to the first conductive semiconductor layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer adjacent to the active layer. The active layer may include a first quantum well layer, a second quantum well layer and a barrier layer between the first quantum well layer and the second quantum well layer. The first quantum well layer may include a first plurality of sub-barrier layers and a first plurality of sub-quantum well layers, and the second quantum well layer may include a second plurality of sub-barrier layers and a second plurality of sub-quantum well layers. A bandgap of the first quantum well layer may be different than a bandgap of the second quantum well layer.
US08558213B2
A vertical phase change memory cell (2) has an active region (24) of phase change memory material defined either by providing a contact extending only over part of the phase change memory material or an insulating layer exposing only part of the phase change memory material. There may be more than one active region (24) per cell allowing more than one bit of data to be stored in each cell.
US08558211B2
A switching element of the present invention utilizes electro-chemical reactions to operate, and comprises ion conductive layer 54 capable of conducting metal ions, first electrode 49 arranged in contact with the ion conductive layer, and second electrode 58 for supplying metal ions to the ion conductive layer, wherein an oxygen absorption layer 55 which contains a material more prone to oxidization than the second electrode is formed in contact with the second electrode.
US08558202B2
In an EUV light source apparatus, a collector mirror is protected from debris damaging a mirror coating. The EUV light source apparatus includes: a chamber in which extreme ultraviolet light is generated; a target supply unit for supplying a target material into the chamber; a plasma generation laser unit for irradiating the target material within the chamber with a plasma generation laser beam to generate plasma; an ionization laser unit for irradiating neutral particles produced at plasma generation with an ionization laser beam to convert the neutral particles into ions; a collector mirror for collecting the extreme ultraviolet light radiated from the plasma; and a magnetic field or electric field forming unit for forming a magnetic field or an electric field within the chamber so as to trap the ions.
US08558201B2
A method and device for measuring the soot load in the exhaust gas systems of diesel engines using a sensor which is mounted downstream of a particulate filter and comprises a sensor element, to measure the operability of the particulate filter. According to the method, the soot load of the sensor element is measured resistively or capacitively using electrodes. The measuring voltage of the sensor element is controlled depending on at least one actual operating parameter of the diesel engine.
US08558190B2
A charged particle beam system includes a charged particle beam source to generate a charged particle beam; an objective lens to focus the charged particle beam in an object plane; a first condenser lens disposed in a beam path of the charged particle beam between the charged particle beam source and the objective lens; a deflector disposed in the beam path between the first condenser lens and the objective lens and configured to change an angle of incidence of the charged particle beam in an object plane; and an aberration corrector disposed in the beam path between the deflector and the objective lens and configured to compensate aberrations introduced by the objective lens. The aberration corrector is also configured to not compensate aberrations introduced by the first condenser lens.
US08558184B2
A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a photodetector substrate, a scintillator, a switching filter, and a resetting light source, which are arranged successively in this order. If the switching filter is made permeable to resetting light from the resetting light source, the switching filter allows resetting light to be applied to the photodetector substrate through the scintillator, whereas, if the switching filter is made impermeable to the resetting light, the switching filter reflects at least a fluorescence, which is converted from radiation by the scintillator, toward the photodetector substrate.
US08558179B2
An occupancy sensing electronic thermostat is described that includes a thermostat body having a curved exterior front surface, a dot matrix display mounted within the body viewable by a user in front of the front surface, a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy and a shaped Fresnel lens having a smooth outer surface that extends across only a portion of the exterior front surface of the thermostat body. The Fresnel lens is shaped and curved so as to conform to and form a part of the curved exterior front surface of the thermostat body. A second downwardly directed passive infrared sensor can also be provided to aid in the detection of an approaching user who intends to interact with the thermostat.
US08558178B2
A physiological sensor having reduced sensitivity to interference includes a light source, a light detector in optical communication with the light source, and a sensor pad at least partially housing the light source and the light detector. The sensor pad is configured to be capacitively isolated from a patient. Moreover, the physiological sensor may be electrically connected to an amplifier having a signal ground and a monitor.
US08558177B2
An ambit light sensor with a function of IR sensing and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The ambit light sensor includes a substrate, an ambit light sensing structure, an infrared ray (IR) sensing structure, and a dielectric layer. The ambit light sensing structure is located over the substrate for sensing and filtering visible light. The IR sensing structure is located in the substrate under the ambit light sensing structure for sensing IR. The dielectric layer is located between the ambit light sensing structure and the IR sensing structure.
US08558173B2
An electron beam apparatus equipped with a review function of a semiconductor wafer includes a scanning electron microscope to obtain image information of a semiconductor wafer, and an information processing apparatus to process the image information. The information processing apparatus includes a data input unit to receive positional information of a defect on the wafer, a storage for storing a plurality of image information of a position on the wafer corresponding to the positional information, and an image processing unit that retrieves any of the plurality of image information, and classifies the retrieved image information corresponding to the positional information depending on the type of defect.
US08558167B2
A method of mounting rods in quadrupole, hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries is described. First and second dies are used to hold the rods in the required configuration with the plurality of rods extending through each of the two dies. A coupling arrangement is used to separate the first and second dies, and also prevents motion in the plane of the dies. The rods are seated and retained against individual supports and arranged circumferentially about an intended ion beam axis. The supports are desirably fabricated from silicon bonded to a glass substrate, a support for a first rod being electrically isolated from a support for a second adjacent rod.
US08558164B2
An optical measurement system including: a probe including a plurality of light-receiving fibers and an irradiation fiber; a calibration member including a frame member and a fluorescent body provided in an inner side of the frame member to emit fluorescent light using excitation light, the calibration member being used while the fluorescent body surface faces a leading end of the probe; a fluorescence excitation light source that supplies excitation light to the irradiation fiber; a measurement unit that measures each light output from a plurality of the light-receiving fibers; and a calibration processing unit that calibrates the received light intensity between a plurality of the light-receiving fibers based on the measurement result obtained in the measurement unit by measuring light output from a plurality of the light-receiving fibers for fluorescent light from the fluorescent body emitted by irradiation with the excitation light.
US08558160B2
A non-linear conversion capability within an on-chip, per-column analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided to expand a compressed analog signal such that the resulting digital output that has a predetermined (linear or non-linear) mapping with respect to input brightness level of an incoming light signal to a row of pixels. The predetermined mapping may also be provided by a non-linear amplifier coupled to a linear or non-linear ADC and a resulting compressed non-linear digital representation at the output of the ADC is substantially linearized by an on-chip or an off-chip look-up table (LUT).
US08558156B2
A system for monitoring an energy beam burn through has a sheet formed of a material approximately transparent to optical radiation at a desired operating wavelength. A light detector is attached to the sheet. A coating is applied to the sheet and the light detector, wherein penetration of the coating by a light source allows the light source to scatter within the sheet. A response unit is coupled to the detector unit for signaling an alarm when the light detector senses the light source of a predetermined level.
US08558152B2
A semi-active laser (SAL) sensing system is thus provided that uses a lens concentrator system to pass received reflected laser light from an aperture to a detector. The lens concentrator system facilitates the use of SAL systems with different laser designator wavelengths to improve the performance of the SAL system. In one embodiment, the lens concentrator system is formed from polymer having substantial optical clarity for radiation having wavelengths between approximately 1.5 and approximately 1.65 μm. For example, the lens concentrator system may be formed from amorphous fluoropolymer. The lens concentrator system formed from amorphous fluoropolymer facilitates the use SAL designators using different wavelengths than those in past SAL sensing systems.
US08558148B2
An induction hob having a plurality of induction heating elements; a control unit to operate the plurality of induction heating elements so as to heat at least one flexibly definable heating zone in a synchronized manner; and a measurement array to measure a heating power generated by the plurality of induction heating elements. The measurement array measures a sum of heating powers of at least two induction heating elements and the control unit uses the sum of heating powers to regulate the heating power generated by the plurality of induction heating elements.
US08558141B2
A variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly includes a heater pad disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes a first connector that electrically connects with the transparent electrically conductive coating disposed at the second surface of the front substrate, and a second connector that electrically connects with the metallic electrically conductive coating disposed at the third surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes third and fourth connectors that provide, at least in part, electrical conductive connection with a heating element. The connectors are part of a unitary multi-pin connector that is configured to connect with a corresponding wire harness connector to provide electrical power to the heating element and to the transparent electrically conductive coating and the metallic electrically conductive coating of the reflective element when the exterior minor assembly is mounted at the vehicle.
US08558138B2
A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.
US08558137B2
A structural body has an inner layer formed of a resin which does not transmit light with a specific wavelength, an outer layer stacked on the inner layer and formed of a resin which transmits the light with the specific wavelength, and a fine periodic structure provided on at least part of a surface of the inner layer facing the outer layer and having a plurality of photodecomposition generated convex and concave portions. The plurality of convex and concave portions of the fine periodic structure is formed alternatively, and horizontally and vertically with substantially equal intervals in between along the surface of the inner layer facing the outer layer.
US08558131B2
A switch has a base, a housing, a support terminal that is assembled in the base, a moving contact piece that is made of a band-shaped material having a section being formed into a substantial J-shape, a moving contact being provided in one end portion of the moving contact piece, an intermediate portion of the moving contact piece being turnably supported by a turning bracket of the support terminal, a plunger that is accommodated in an internal space while being vertically movable, wherein the internal space is formed by fitting the housing in the base, and a coil spring that is turnably supported by the plunger. The plunger is vertically moved such that one end portion of the coil spring is slid while brought into press-contact with an edge of the other end portion of the moving contact piece, whereby the moving contact piece is inverted to bring and separate the moving contact into contact with and from a fixed contact. The pair of moving contact pieces is disposed on the base such that axis centers of the moving contact pieces are parallel to an axis center in a longitudinal direction of the base and such that the moving contact pieces are located on both sides in a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the base.
US08558124B2
A component for a vehicle latch assembly is provided, the component having: an electrical sub-system having a plurality of circuit paths each being electrically connected to a common ground, the electrical sub-system being molded into a pre-mold by a first molding process, the pre-mold comprising an encapsulation layer molded around the common ground and an at least one structural member secured to the encapsulation layer and at least one of the plurality of circuit paths, the structural member providing rigidity to the pre-mold; and a plurality of locating features extending from at least one of the encapsulation layer and the structural member.
US08558115B2
Cable foil tape having random or pseudo-random patterns or long pattern lengths of discontinuous metallic shapes and a method for manufacturing such patterned foil tape are provided. In some embodiments, a laser ablation system is used to selectively remove regions or paths in a metallic layer of a foil tape to produce random distributions of randomized shapes, or pseudo-random patterns or long pattern lengths of discontinuous shapes in the metal layer. In some embodiments, the foil tape is double-sided, having a metallic layer on each side of the foil tape, and the laser ablation system is capable of ablating nonconductive pathways into the metallic layer on both sides of the foil tape.
US08558114B2
A transmission wire includes an insulated packaging layer, at least one conducting wire, and a bendable shaped wire. The conducting wire is set inside the insulated packaging layer. The bendable shaped wire and the conducting wire are set inside the insulated packaging layer in common. The transmission wire can be arbitrarily bend and fixed on a desired position or shape via setting the bendable shaped wire inside the insulated packaging layer. Hence, the electronic devices such as microphones or webcams can be stably supported to be used at the most appropriate angle or height, so, the practicability is increased.
US08558105B2
The present invention provides organic optoelectronic devices including organic photovoltaic devices. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an organic optoelectronic device comprising a fiber core, a radiation transmissive first electrode surrounding the fiber core, at least one photosensitive organic layer surrounding the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode surrounding the organic layer and electrically connected to the organic layer.
US08558098B1
A reconfigurable magnetic numerical keyboard chart and a numerically notated sheet facilitates learning to play and playing piano. The chart fits behind a keyboard. Notes are numbered. The numbers correspond to keys to be played. A notated sheet shows the sequence of keys to play, including a duration for each key. Complex musical notation can be avoided. Indicia displayed on the magnetic chart may be changed using magnetic pieces.
US08558096B2
A metal block that connects the bridge to the neck of a guitar. The block fits into a routed area of the body. The increased strength of the neck joint created by the metal block allows the heel portion of the lap joint where the body overlaps the neck to be considerable thinner then a conventional guitar. The thinner neck joint allows better access to the upper fret registers. Connecting the bridge to the neck joint with the metal body allows for better sustain.
US08558093B1
The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated CN5190R. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line CN5190R, to the plants of inbred sunflower line CN5190R and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CN5190R with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred CN5190R.
US08558092B2
An inbred corn line, designated ML8, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line ML8, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line ML8 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line ML8 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line ML8.
US08558091B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV047114. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV047114, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV047114 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV047114 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV047114.
US08558090B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV677156. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV677156, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV677156 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV677156 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV677156.
US08558087B1
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 980004. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 980004, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 980004 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 980004.
US08558079B1
A novel maize variety designated X95B329 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X95B329 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95B329 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95B329, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95B329. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95B329.
US08558075B1
A soybean cultivar designated 8616350112 is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include the seeds of soybean 8616350112, the plants of soybean 8616350112, to plant parts of soybean 8616350112, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 8616350112 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments of the invention also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 8616350112, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 8616350112, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments of the invention further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 8616350112 with another soybean cultivar.
US08558064B2
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated CL31613. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar CL31613, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL31613 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL31613 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL31613.
US08558061B2
Methods to generate doubled haploid plants and plant components using low mammalian toxicity chromosome doubling agents are disclosed. Chromosome doubling agents provide low mortality rates and higher chromosome doubling rate in plants.
US08558060B2
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of plants for preparing hyaluronan and to food or feed which comprises hyaluronan.
US08558053B2
A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally, and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
US08558046B2
The present invention is for a process for the alkylation of aromatic compounds, with a shape-selective zeolite catalyst. The process has reactors in series with C8+ aromatics being separated from the product stream effluents from each reactor before passing the reactor effluent to the next reactor with an additional input of methanol. The C8+ aromatics are separated into para-xylene and other C8+ aromatics. This process is applicable for toluene methylation having a molar excess of toluene:methanol. i.e., greater than 1:1, with a shape-selective catalyst of an aluminosilicate zeolite, such as ZSM-5 which has been modified with phosphorus, to produce para-xylene (p-xylene).
US08558041B2
The present invention provides isothermal multitube reactors suitable for the production of chlorinated and/or fluorinated propene and higher alkenes from the reaction of chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkanes and chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkenes. The reactors utilize a feed mixture inlet temperature at least 20° C. different from a desired reaction temperature.
US08558036B2
Processes for producing mixed alcohols from mixed olefins and the catalyst systems for making such alcohols are provided. Additionally, processes for producing fuel compositions having mixed alcohols prepared from mixed olefins are also provided as embodiments of the present invention. The catalyst systems include a dual phase catalyst system that includes a water soluble acid catalyst and a solid acid catalyst.
US08558032B2
A method of forming a tellurium alkoxide includes providing a tellurium halide and a non-tellurium alkoxide in a liquid organic solvent. The liquid organic solvent has less moles of alcohol, if any, than moles of tellurium halide in the liquid organic solvent. The tellurium halide and the non-tellurium alkoxide within the liquid organic solvent are reacted to form a reaction product halide and a tellurium alkoxide. The liquid organic solvent is removed from the reaction product halide and the tellurium alkoxide to leave a liquid and/or solid mixture comprising the reaction product halide and the tellurium alkoxide. The mixture is heated effective to gasify the tellurium alkoxide from the reaction product halide. Other implementations are disclosed, including methods of forming a mixed halide-alkoxide of tellurium.
US08558015B2
Disclosed are methods for treating catmint oil. The treated catmint oil can be used for the production of hydrogenated catmint oil, which is enriched in the insect repellent, dihydronepetalactone, and from which formulated products may be prepared.
US08558007B2
A polymer and an organic light-emitting device including the polymer are provided, wherein the polymer comprises a polymeric unit represented by the Formula: In which variables are as defined herein.
US08558004B2
The present invention relates to reagents and methods for influenza virus detection. These reagents and methods disclosed in the present invention enable simple, rapid, specific and sensitive detection of influenza virus types A and B. These reagents are N-acetylneuraminic acid-firefly luciferin conjugates which can be cleaved by influenza virus neuraminidase.
US08558001B2
Disclosed are novel compounds having the structure of Formula (I): which are useful for treating mammals for dependence upon substances of addiction, for example addiction to a dopamine-producing agent such as cocaine, morphine, amphetamines, nicotine, and/or alcohol. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) and methods of using the compounds of Formula (I) in the treatment of addiction to a dopamine-producing agent.
US08557994B2
The present invention relates to deuterium-enriched pyridinone carboxamides and their derivatives of the formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are partial or full agonists of serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT4) receptor subtype 4, and are useful compounds for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cognitive and memory dysfunction, mild cognition impairment, memory decline, cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia, cognitive impairment associated with age-related dementia or Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment associated with post-coronary bypass surgery, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech improvement in autistic children, sleep apnea in Alzheimer's patients, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Crobn's disease, emesis, nausea, vomiting, prokinesia, non-ulcer dyspepcia, anxiety, depression, pain, migraine, urinary incontinence, arterial fibrillation, arrhythmia, ischemic stroke, gastric emptying disorders, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders, feeding disorders, obesity, anorexia, constipation, respiratory depression, and erectile dysfunction.
US08557992B2
The present invention is directed to heterocyclic fused phenanthrolinone compounds of formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to the use of the compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases mediated by the M1 receptor.
US08557991B2
Disclosed is a novel process for the preparation of pharmacologically interesting indolopyridine derivatives containing tetracyclic tetrahydro-11-carboline-hydantoines linked to a basic side chain and the corresponding salts, which can be used as Eg5 inhibitors, with very high overall chemical yield and enantiomeric purity.
US08557987B2
The present invention relates to optoelectronic materials field, and it discloses a benzodithiophene organic semiconductive material with the following structural formula (P): wherein, x+y=2; 1≦x<2, 0
US08557985B2
A process continuously hydrogenating unsaturated compounds, in which particles of a first hydrogenation catalyst are suspended in a liquid phase in which an unsaturated compound is dissolved, the liquid phase, in the presence of a hydrogenous gas at a first partial hydrogen pressure and at a first temperature, is conducted through a packed bubble column reactor in cocurrent counter to the direction of gravity, the effluent from the bubble column reactor is sent to a gas-liquid separation, the liquid phase is sent to a crossfiltration to obtain a retentate and a filtrate, the retentate is recycled into the bubble column reactor and the filtrate, in the presence of a hydrogenous gas at a second partial hydrogen pressure and at a second temperature, is passed over a bed of a second hydrogenation catalyst, the second partial hydrogen pressure is at least 10 bar higher than the first partial hydrogen pressure.
US08557983B2
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.
US08557981B2
The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of 4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines, in particular Midazolam, through an efficient and selective decarboxylation reaction of the derivative compound of the 5-aminomethyl-1-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid of formula (II) avoiding the formation of the 6H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines by-products and the ensuing process for the isomerization of a 4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine product.
US08557976B2
Isolated microbial consortia capable of degrading chlorinated carbohydrates and a method to acclimatize microbes to degrade chlorinated carbohydrates under specific conditions of temperature and salt are described. Also described is a method for using microbial consortia to degrade chlorinated carbohydrates in a waste stream.
US08557966B2
Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and immunoconjugates, that bind to human folate receptor 1 are provided. Methods of using the agents, antibodies, or immunoconjugates, such as methods of inhibiting tumor growth are further provided.
US08557962B2
A method for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic patient, including both diabetes induced macrovascular disorders and diabetes induced microvascular disorders, comprises administration, preferably parenteral administration, to the patient of an effective amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL).
US08557959B2
The present invention relates to a peptide for the treatment or prophylaxis of an autoimmune disease, a nucleic acid molecule coding for said peptide, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide and/or the nucleic acid molecule, and to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an autoimmune disease.
US08557958B1
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treatment and/or prevention of diabetes or pre-diabetes. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetes or pre-diabetes, based on the use of angiotensin-(1-7) peptides, functional equivalents thereof, and/or angiotensin (1-7) agonists.
US08557945B2
The present invention relates to a kind of biodegradable polyester and its preparation method, which belongs to the field of biodegradable co-polyester product technology. The number-average molecular weight of the biodegradable polyester material under this invention is 6000-135000 g/mol, the molecular weight distribution is 1.2-6.5, and the range of crystallization temperature is 15° C.-105° C., which could overcome the disadvantages of existing technical products and can be processed into membrane materials, sheet materials and foam materials. During processing, the picking property will be dramatically changed with the appearance quality improved; after heat resistance is improved, this new type of polyester material could also be applied to the processing course with long cycles, for example, the injection processing course, and the biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic polyester materials provided by this invention has excellent mechanical properties.
US08557933B2
Alternate methods for preparing functionalized pyridyl-amine products from pyridinyl starting materials are provided herein. These alternately-prepared functionalized pyridyl-amines can be used as ligands or ligand precursors in catalytic compositions, e.g., in oligomerization reactions. Methods for such reactions are also provided herein.
US08557914B2
A latex binder for a pigmented paper coating, the latex including particles of an emulsion copolymer comprising (i) from about 15 to about 35 weight % mer units deriving from the polymerization of acrylonitrile; (ii) from about 25 to about 65 weight % mer units deriving from the polymerization of conjugated diene monomer; and (iii) from about 5 to about 55 weight % mer units deriving from the polymerization of alkenyl aromatic monomer, based upon the total weight of the mer units within the particle.
US08557913B2
Filled polyolefin compositions comprising: A) from 10% to 75% by weight of a polypropylene component; B) from 20% to 80% by weight of a filler; C) from 3% to 50% of a polybutene-1 component; wherein the percentages of A), B) and C) are referred to the sum of A) B) and C).
US08557897B2
A process for producing a coating composition includes separately chemically grafting particles with compounds having reactive groups and compounds having hydrophilic polymer chains. The hydrophilic polymer chains dissolve in water at least one temperature between 0 and 100° C. The reactive groups may react with the substrate and or react with one another to form a cross-linked coating, comprising the particles. A process for forming a coating on a substrate is also provided.
US08557896B2
An adhesive composition for semiconductor devices, an adhesive film, and a dicing die bonding film, the adhesive composition including an elastomer resin, an epoxy resin, a curable phenolic resin, a curing accelerator, a silane coupling agent, and a filler, wherein the silane coupling agent includes an epoxy group-containing silane coupling agent and a transition metal scavenging functional group-containing silane coupling agent.
US08557884B2
This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, with increasing the cell orientation and reducing cell anisotropic ratio, as well as the process method for making the products thereof for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products. Alternatively, foam insulating products having increased cell compressive strength may be made by decreasing the cell orientation and increasing the cell anisotropic ratio.
US08557882B2
A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.
US08557881B2
The invention relates to a wood composite material and to a method for making it. In accordance with the invention, the wood composite material is formed of adhesive laminate waste comprising adhesive material, glue and release material and having been arranged into chaff, the chaff being arranged into the wood composite material.
US08557880B2
The present invention relates to a multistage adiabatic process for performing the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis at low temperatures, in which the synthesis is performed in 5 to 40 series-connected reaction zones under adiabatic conditions.
US08557867B2
Methods and compositions are provided that are utilized for treatment and/or prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage or progressive hemorrhagic necrosis (PHN), particularly following spinal cord injury. In particular, the methods and compositions are inhibitors of a particular NCca-ATP channel and include, for example, inhibitors of SUR1 and/or inhibitors of TRPM4. Kits for treatment and/or prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage or progressive hemorrhagic necrosis (PHN), particularly following spinal cord injury, are also provided. The present invention also concerns treatment and/or prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in infants, including premature infants utilizing one or more inhibitors of the channel is provided to the infant, for example to brain cells of the infant.
US08557863B2
Combinations of betaine and vitamin C are used to suppress or prevent malignant tumors, e.g., by combining the two ingredients in an aqueous liquid such as grape juice and the ingredients are usefully provided in containers with instructions for use, especially with support of tests demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment for, e.g., preventing tumors in populations known to be at risk of developing tumors, and, optionally, treating existing cancers with the combination and other cancer drugs such as anastrozole and/or fulvestrant.
US08557861B2
The present invention provides injectable oil-in-water emulsions of taxoid drugs or other water insoluble drugs. The present invention also provides methods for preparing and using such oil-in-water emulsions.
US08557859B2
Isolated immunomodulatory (e.g. immunostimulatory) polyhydroxlated pyrrolizidine compounds having the formula (I), wherein R is selected from the group comprising hydrogen, straight or branched, unsubstituted or substituted, saturated or unsaturated acyl, alkyl (e.g. cycloalkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl groups, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, are useful in therapy and prophylaxis, including increasing the Th1:Th2 response ratio, haemorestoration, alleviation of immuno-suppression, cytokine stimulation, treatment of proliferative disorders (e.g. cancer), vaccination, stimulation of the innate immune response and boosting of the activity of endogenous NK cells.
US08557856B2
The invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): where R1 is L1C(O)OT or L1C(O)OL2C(O)OT; R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, or R1; n is an integer from 0 to 5; each R3 is independently halogen or R2; L1 and L2 are each independently a bond, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkylene, C2-C10 alkenylene, or C2-C10 alkynylene; and T is H, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, nitrophenol, or cyclopropyl. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and to methods for providing anesthesia in mammals by administering such a pharmaceutical composition.
US08557852B2
The present invention provides methods for preventing or treating a condition characterized by undesired thrombosis in a mammal using a crystalline polymorph form of a maleate salt of a compound of Formula I that has activity against mammalian factor Xa.
US08557851B2
The invention relates to pharmaceutical combinations of potassium channel openers and sodium channel inhibitors, for treating pains which are accompanied by an increase in muscle tone.
US08557849B2
The present invention relates to hydroximoyl-tetrazole derivatives of formula (I), their process of preparation, preparation intermediate compounds, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US08557848B2
4,5-ring annulated indole derivatives for treating or preventing of HCV and related viral infections
The present invention relates to 4,5-ring annulated indole derivatives, compositions comprising at least one 4,5-ring annulated indole derivatives, and methods of using the 4,5-ring annulated indole derivatives for treating or preventing a viral infection or a virus-related disorder in a patient. Wherein ring Z, of formula (I), is a cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, 5-membered heterocycloalkyl, 5-membered heterocycloalkenyl or 5-membered heteroaryl ring.
US08557846B1
The methods disclosed herein relate to the treatment of dermal disorders, such as for example atopic dermatitis, in dogs, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of racemic norketotifen. Co-administrations with steroids or immunosuppressant drugs are described.
US08557827B2
The present invention relates to novel pyrimidine derivatives and their use in perfume compositions. The novel pyrimidine derivatives of the present invention are represented by the following formula: wherein when R1 represents H, R2 represents a substituted indanyl selected from the group consisting of or wherein R1 and R2 taken together represent a group of the formula:
US08557818B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08557815B2
This invention relates to novel substituted triazolophthalazines and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering selective α5 receptor partial or full inverse agonists.
US08557811B2
Provided are a method for dual-color imaging of sodium/calcium activities using a two-photon fluorescent probe and a method for preparing the two-photon fluorescent probe. The disclosed two-photon fluorescent probe for detecting calcium ions near the cell membrane reacts with calcium cations to exhibit strong two-photon fluorescence and may be selectively and easily loaded into the cell membrane by forming a complex with a calcium ion. Further, it allows imaging of the distribution of calcium cations in a living cell or tissue since it can selectively detect calcium ions in the living cell or tissue at a depth of 100 to 200 μm for more than 60 minutes. In addition, by staining the living cell or tissue with two probes of different fluorescent colors, the calcium and sodium activities can be imaged simultaneously at different channels.
US08557809B2
Compounds of Formula (I): I in which B, R1, R1a, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10 and R11 have the meanings given in the specification, are receptor tyrosine inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases mediated by PIM-1 and/or PIM-2 and/or PIM-3 kinases.
US08557800B2
The invention relates to substituted adamantane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, processes for their preparation, and methods for inhibiting sphingosine kinase and for treating or preventing hyperproliferative disease, inflammatory disease, or angiogenic disease.
US08557799B2
In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related diseases in subject in need thereof.
US08557796B2
Substituted 1-oxa-2,8-diaza-spiro[4,5]dec-2-ene compounds and processes for their production, the use thereof for producing pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treatment using these compounds.
US08557789B2
The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating inflammatory arthropathies by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.
US08557782B2
Glucopyranosyl-substituted benzonitrile derivatives defined according to claim 1, including the tautomers, the stereoisomers thereof, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof. The compounds according to the invention are suitable for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
US08557774B2
Disclosed herein are recombinant proteins capable of inducing platelet aggregation and uses thereof.
US08557770B2
Insulin or a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist provides reliable and effective prevention of scarring in human skin, or at least a reduction in the severity of scarring. The application of insulin or the PPAR agonist to wounds topically or by local injection is particularly advantageous since it simultaneously reduces/prevents scarring while enhancing re-epithelialization of the wound and thus provides a dual action wound healing treatment. The present invention accordingly provides a highly effective prophylactic treatment for any individual suffering tissue trauma to reduce and/or prevent normal and/or pathological scarring.
US08557766B2
[Object]To provide a GPR40 activating agent containing, as an active ingredient, a novel compound having a GPR40 agonist action, a salt of the compound, a solvate of the compound or the salt, or the like, particularly, an insulin secretagogue and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent against diabetes, obesity, or other diseases.[Means of Solving the Problem]A compound of Formula (I): (where p is 0 to 4; j is 0 to 2; k is 0 to 1; a ring A is an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a cycroalkyl group, a cycroalkenyl group, a spirocyclic group; a ring B is an aryl group, a heteroaryl group; X is 0 or —NR7—; and R1 to R7 and L are specific groups), a salt of the compound, or a solvate of the compound or the salt.
US08557765B2
Novel spatially-defined macrocyclic compounds incorporating peptide bond surrogates are disclosed. Libraries of these macrocycles are then used to select one or more macrocycle species that exhibit a specific interaction with a particular biological target. In particular, compounds according to the invention are disclosed as agonists or antagonists of a mammalian motilin receptor and a mammalian ghrelin receptor.
US08557758B2
Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. Compositions are formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. The compositions may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of a stain before being affixed to the surface. The compositions are formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. Compositions may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The compositions may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the composition to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.
US08557757B2
A cleaning composition for cleaning microelectronic or nanoelectronic devices, the cleaning composition having HF as the sole acid and sole fluoride compound in the composition, at least one primary solvent selected from the group consisting of sulfones and selenones, at least one polyhydroxyl alkyl or aryl alcohol co-solvent having metal ion complexing or binding sites, and water, and optionally at least one phosphonic acid corrosion inhibitor compound and the is free of amines, bases and other salts.
US08557754B2
A composition of biodegradable gear oil that mainly contains modified nontauedible vegetable oils. Mono-esters are hydrogenated, epoxidized or aryl alkylated or mixture thereof, and C7 to C12 primary alcohol. In addition to chemically modified non-edible vegetable oils, the composition also contains an additive pack, which comprises at least one: antioxidant, an extreme pressure additive, an anti foaming agent, a pour point depressant, a corrosion inhibitor and a detergent-dispersant additive. The product of this invention has utility as industrial and automotive gear oil GL 4 grade. The compositions are significantly biodegradable, eco-friendly, reduce use of petroleum, have lower cost than synthetic oil, are miscible in mineral & synthetic fluids and safe to use due to higher flash point.
US08557749B2
The invention relates to bodies of sliding material comprising graphite and synthetic resin binder which have improved wear properties and comprise no hygroscopic compounds, such as, for example, phosphates, and in which the graphite filler is composed of a component based on natural graphite and at least one component based on synthetic graphite.
US08557747B2
The present invention provides a microarray useful as a tool in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of certain types of cancers, particularly mature B-cell neoplasms. The microarray can include a plurality of genomic regions represented thereon, the genomic regions corresponding to regions wherein alterations, such as copy number alterations, at such locations correlate to specific, identifiable cancers, particularly mature B-cell neoplasms. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing and providing prognosis certain types of cancer, particularly mature B-cell neoplasms. The methods can comprise contacting a sample to a microarray according to the invention, allowing any genetic material in the sample to hybridize to the genomic regions on the microarray, analyzing the hybridizations, and correlating the hybridizations to certain cancer types, particularly mature B-cell neoplasms.
US08557746B2
The present invention relates to the identification of molecular mechanisms associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) in fungal infections. More specifically, fungi harbor a nuclear receptor-like pathway controlling MDR, which represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MDR in pathogenic fungi such as C. glabrata.
US08557742B2
Described are methods and means for enhancing enzyme activity toward insoluble substrates. This is achieved by means of in vitro compartmentalization in which an insoluble microparticle functions both as the enzyme substrate and as a structure for negative selection. Enhanced enzymes expressed from a microparticle-linked polynucleotide library preferentially degrade the microparticle releasing specific gene variants into solution. Gene variants encoding less active enzyme variants remain linked to the microparticle and may be removed through centrifugation, thus enriching the polynucleotide library for more active enzyme variants. These methods may be used to enhance cellulase and ligninase activity toward insoluble cellulosic biomass.
US08557738B2
The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound represented by formula (I) and salt thereof (wherein, R1 to R6 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, unsubstituted or substituted C1-20 alkyl group and the like, R1 and R2, R3 and R4, or R5 and R6 may together form an unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 8-membered ring, A-B, in which A represents a carbon atom and B represents a nitrogen atom, represents the formula: C═N and the like, Y represents an oxygen atom and the like, X and X′ each independently represent an unsubstituted or substituted C1-20 alkyl group and the like, m represents an integer of 0 to 2, and n represents an integer of 0 to 4), and a fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use that contains at least one of these compounds as an active ingredient thereof, demonstrates reliable effects and can be used safely. The present invention further provides a boronic acid derivative that is a production intermediate of the aforementioned compounds, and a production method thereof.
US08557728B2
A catalyst unit is described in the form of a cylinder having a length C and diameter D, which has one or more holes extending therethrough, wherein said cylinder has domed ends of lengths A and B, such that (A+B+C)/D is in the range 0.50 to 2.00, and (A+B)/C is in the range 0.40 to 5.00. The catalyst or catalyst unit preferably has one or more flutes miming along its length. The catalyst may be used particularly in steam reforming reactors.
US08557721B2
A method that is performed for heat treating a semiconductor wafer in a process chamber, as an intermediate part of an overall multi-step technique for processing the wafer, includes applying an energy transfer layer to at least a portion of the wafer, and exposing the wafer to an energy source in the process chamber in a way which subjects the wafer to a thermal profile such that the energy transfer layer influences at least one part of the thermal profile. The thermal profile has at least a first elevated temperature event. The method further includes, in time relation to the thermal profile, removing the energy transfer layer in the process chamber at least sufficiently for subjecting the wafer to a subsequent step. An associated intermediate condition of the wafer is described.
US08557716B2
A thin film can be formed on a substrate at a low temperature with a practicable film-forming rate. There is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing method for forming an oxide or nitride film on a substrate. The method comprises: exposing the substrate to a source gas; exposing the substrate to a modification gas comprising an oxidizing gas or a nitriding gas, wherein an atom has electronegativity different from that of another atom in molecules of the oxidizing gas or the nitriding gas; and exposing the substrate to a catalyst. The catalyst has acid dissociation constant pKa in a range from 5 to 7, but a pyridine is not used as the catalyst.
US08557714B2
A method of forming an amorphous carbon layer on an insulating layer includes the step of forming an amorphous carbon layer using a plasma reaction process. The amorphous carbon layer is formed in an atmosphere containing a plasma excitation gas, a CxHy series gas, a silicon-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas.
US08557710B2
A method and system for performing gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etch processing of metal-containing material is described. In particular, the GCIB etch processing includes forming a GCIB that contains a halogen element.
US08557701B2
A substrate having a first region and second regions disposed on two sides of the first region; a first group of conductive lines extending from the first region to the second regions on the substrate; a second group of conductive lines alternating with the first group of times and extending from the first region to the second regions on the substrate; interlayer insulating layers formed over the substrate; insulating layers formed in first open regions of the interlayer insulating layers and the first group of conductive lines in the second region; and contact plugs contacting second group of conductive line formed in second open regions of the interlayer insulating layer in the second region.
US08557697B2
Atomic layer deposition methods as described herein can be advantageously used to form a metal-containing layer on a substrate. For example, certain methods as described herein can form a strontium titanate layer that has low carbon content (e.g., low strontium carbonate content), which can result in layer with a high dielectric constant.
US08557694B2
A method for forming a triple gate of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes: forming a buffer layer and a hard mask over a substrate; etching the hard mask and the buffer layer to form a hard mask pattern and a buffer pattern; forming first and second trenches spaced apart within the substrate by partially etching the substrate by a vapor etching process using the hard mask pattern as an etching barrier layer; forming a buried insulation layer to fill the first and second trenches; removing the hard mask pattern and the buffer pattern; forming a gate insulation layer over the substrate between the first trench and the second trench; forming a conductive layer to cover the gate insulation layer; and etching the conductive layer to form a gate electrode.
US08557689B2
An extrusion head is disposed over a substrate, and material is extruded through an oblique (e.g., semi-circular or tapered) outlet orifice of the extrusion head to form an associated extruded structure having an equilibrium shape that resists settling after being deposited on the substrate. The extrusion head includes fluidic channels having a flat surface formed by a flat first (e.g., metal) sheet, and an oblique (e.g., substantially semi-cylindrical) surface formed by elongated oblique trenches that are etched or otherwise formed in a second sheet. The fluidic channel communicates with the outlet orifice, which has a flat edge formed by the first sheet, and an oblique edge formed by an end of the oblique trench. The material is extruded through the outlet orifice such that its flat lower surface contacts the substrate, and its oblique upper surface faces away from the substrate. Two materials are co-extruded to form high aspect-ratio gridlines.
US08557687B2
A microcrystalline semiconductor film having a high crystallinity is formed. Further, a thin film transistor having preferable electric characteristics and high reliability and a display device including the thin film transistor are manufactured with high mass productivity. A step in which a deposition gas containing silicon or germanium is introduced at a first flow rate and a step in which the deposition gas containing silicon or germanium is introduced at a second flow rate are repeated while hydrogen is introduced at a fixed rate, so that the hydrogen and the deposition gas containing silicon or germanium are mixed, and a high-frequency power is supplied. Therefore, a microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed over a substrate.
US08557684B2
A method includes performing a laser grooving to remove a dielectric material in a wafer to form a trench, wherein the trench extends from a top surface of the wafer to stop at an intermediate level between the top surface and a bottom surface of the wafer. The trench is in a scribe line between two neighboring chips in the wafer. A polymer is filled into the trench and then cured. After the step of curing the polymer, a die saw is performed to separate the two neighboring chips, wherein a kerf line of the die saw cuts through a portion of the polymer filled in the trench.
US08557683B2
Methods of dicing substrates by both laser scribing and plasma etching. A method includes laser ablating material layers, the ablating leading with a first irradiance and following with a second irradiance, lower than the first. Multiple passes of a beam adjusted to have different fluence level or multiple laser beams having various fluence levels may be utilized to ablate mask and IC layers to expose a substrate with the first fluence level and then clean off redeposited materials from the trench bottom with the second fluence level. A laser scribe apparatus employing a beam splitter may provide first and second beams of different fluence from a single laser.
US08557679B2
A process for preparing a surface of a material that is not bondable to make it bondable to the surface of another material. A non-bondable surface of a semiconductor wafer is treated with oxygen plasma to oxidize the surface of the wafer and make the surface smoother, hydrophilic and bondable to the surface of another substrate, such as a glass substrate. The semiconductor wafer may have a barrier layer thereon formed of a material, such as SixNy or SiNxOy that is not bondable to another substrate, such as a glass substrate. In which case, the oxygen plasma treatment converts the surface of the barrier layer to oxide, such as SiO2, smoothing the surface and making the surface hydrophilic and bondable to the surface of another substrate, such as a glass substrate. The converted oxide layer may be stripped from the barrier layer or semiconductor wafer with an acid, in order to remove contamination on the surface of the barrier layer or semiconductor wafer, the stripped surface may undergo a second oxygen plasma treatment to further smooth the surface, and make the surface hydrophilic and bondable to the surface of another substrate.
US08557677B2
A stack-type semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of wafer assemblies arranged in various levels on the semiconductor substrate, in which the wafer assembly in each level includes an active part and an interconnect part, and the active part and the interconnect part each have conductive through vias, wherein the conductive through vias in the active part are aligned with the conductive through vias in the interconnect part in a vertical direction, so that the active part in each level is electrically coupled with the active part in the previous level and/or the active part in the next level by the conductive through vias. Such a stack-type semiconductor device and the related methods can be applied in a process after the FEOL or in a semiconductor chip packaging process and provide a 3-dimensional semiconductor device of high integration and high reliability.
US08557668B2
Semiconductor devices with n-shaped bottom stress liners are formed. Embodiments include forming a protuberance on a substrate, conformally forming a sacrificial material layer over the protuberance, forming a gate stack above the sacrificial material layer on a silicon layer, removing the sacrificial material layer to form a tunnel, and forming a stress liner in the tunnel conforming to the shape of the protuberance. Embodiments further include forming a silicon layer over the sacrificial material layer and lining the tunnel with a passivation layer prior to forming the stress liner.
US08557663B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of pillars by etching a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate dielectric layer on sidewalls of the pillars and on surfaces of the semiconductor substrate between the pillars, forming an implant damage in a portion of the gate dielectric layer between two pillars by implanting ions into the portion of the gate dielectric layer, forming vertical gates to cover the sidewalls of the pillars, and removing the implant damage.
US08557654B2
A punch-through diode and method of fabricating the same are disclosed herein. The punch-through diode may be used as a steering element in a memory device having a reversible resistivity-switching element. For example, a memory cell may include a reversible resistivity-switching element in series with a punch-through diode. The punch-through diode allows bipolar operation of a cross-point memory array. The punch-through diode may have a symmetrical non-linear current/voltage relationship. The punch-through diode has a high current at high bias for selected cells and a low leakage current at low bias for unselected cells. In other words, the ratio of Ion/Ioff is high. Therefore, the punch-through diode is compatible with bipolar switching in cross-point memory arrays having resistive switching elements.
US08557649B2
Methods for controlling the height of semiconductor structures are disclosed. Amorphous carbon is used as a stopping layer for controlling height variability. In one embodiment, the height of replacement metal gates for transistors is controlled. In another embodiment, the step height of a shallow trench isolation region is controlled.
US08557648B2
Semiconductor devices and methods that include forming a fin field effect transistor by defining a fin hardmask on a semiconductor layer, forming a dummy structure over the fin hardmask to establish a planar area on the semiconductor layer, removing a portion of the fin hardmask that extends beyond the dummy structure, etching a semiconductor layer adjacent to the dummy structure to produce recessed source and drain regions, removing the dummy structure, etching the semiconductor layer in the planar area to produce fins, and forming a gate stack over the fins.
US08557643B2
A device with reduced gate resistance includes a gate structure having a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion formed in electrical contact with the first conductive portion and extending laterally beyond the first conductive portion. The gate structure is embedded in a dielectric material and has a gate dielectric on the first conductive portion. A channel layer is provided over the first conductive portion. Source and drain electrodes are formed on opposite end portions of a channel region of the channel layer. Methods for forming a device with reduced gate resistance are also provided.
US08557637B2
The disclosure provides a method for fabricating the flexible electronic devices, including: providing a first rigid carrier substrate and a second rigid carrier substrate, wherein at least one flexible electronic device is formed between the first rigid carrier substrate and the second rigid carrier substrate, and a plurality of first de-bonding areas, a first flexible substrate, the flexible electronic device, a second flexible substrate, a plurality of second de-bonding areas and the second rigid carrier substrate are formed on the first rigid carrier substrate; performing a first cutting step to cut through the first de-bonding areas; separating the first rigid carrier substrate from the first de-bonding areas; removing the first rigid carrier substrate from the first de-bonding areas; and performing a second cutting step to cut through the second de-bonding areas; separating and removing the second rigid carrier substrate from the second de-bonding areas.
US08557620B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a display substrate. In the method, a gate line, a data line crossing the gate line, and a switching device are formed on a base substrate. A passivation layer, a first resist layer and a second resist layer are formed on the base substrate. The first resist layer and the second resist layer are patterned to form a resist pattern and an etch-stop pattern, the etch-stop pattern having a sidewall protruding from a sidewall of the resist pattern. A portion of the passivation layer is removed to form a contact hole on a drain electrode of the switching device. A pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching device through the contact hole is formed. Thus, an undercut between an etch-stop pattern and a resist pattern may be more easily formed without over-etching a passivation layer.
US08557618B2
A photo mask is disclosed.The photo mask includes a mask substrate, and a mask pattern formed to include a plurality of unit mask patterns which are arranged in a single line for a fine pattern formation. The unit mask pattern is configured to include a body portion positioned at a center and wing portions formed in a triangular shape at both sides of the body portion.
US08557616B2
A high-resolution, Active Matrix (AM) programmed monolithic Light Emitting Diode (LED) micro-array is fabricated using flip-chip technology. The fabrication process includes fabrications of an LED micro-array and an AM panel, and combining the resulting LED micro-array and AM panel using the flip-chip technology. The LED micro-array is grown and fabricated on a sapphire substrate and the AM panel can be fabricated using CMOS process. LED pixels in a same row share a common N-bus line that is connected to the ground of AM panel while p-electrodes of the LED pixels are electrically separated such that each p-electrode is independently connected to an output of drive circuits mounted on the AM panel. The LED micro-array is flip-chip bonded to the AM panel so that the AM panel controls the LED pixels individually and the LED pixels exhibit excellent emission uniformity. According to this constitution, incompatibility between the LED process and the CMOS process can be eliminated.
US08557615B2
A method for forming a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film for use in a TFPV solar device comprises the formation of a tin oxide film doped with between about 5 volume % and about 40 volume % antimony (ATO). Advantageously, the Sb concentration generally ranges from about 15 volume % to about 20 volume % and more advantageously, the Sb concentration is about 19 volume %. The ATO films exhibited almost no change in transmission characteristics between about 300 nm and about 1100 nm or resistivity after either a 15 hour exposure to water or an anneal in air for 8 minutes at 650 C, which indicated the excellent durability. Control sample of Al doped zinc oxide (AZO) exhibited degradation of resistivity for both a 15 hour exposure to water and an anneal in air for 8 minutes at 650 C.
US08557613B2
A method for designing, fabricating, and predicting a desired structure in and/or on a host material through defining etch masks and etching the host material is provided. The desired structure can be micro- or nanoscale structures, such as suspended nanowires and corresponding supporting pillars, and can be defined one layer at a time. Arbitrary desired structures can also be defined and obtained through etching. Further, given the desired structure, a starting structure can be predicted where etching of the starting structure yields the desired structure.
US08557612B2
A method to determine minimum etch mask dosage or thickness as a function of etch depth or maximum etch depth as a function of etch mask implantation dosage or thickness, for fabricating structures in or on a substrate through etch masking via addition or removal of a masking material and subsequent etching.
US08557609B1
A method employing gel electrophoresis and optical imaging techniques to measure the amount of biomaterial that attaches to specified locations on a detector slide such as a bioarray or biochip.
US08557603B2
Provided herein are synthetic peptides, methods and kits for easy detecting or diagnosing an autoimmune disease, particularly, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), based on the detection of autoimmune antibodies with peptides derived from β-2-glycoprotein-1 (β2-GPI).
US08557601B2
The present invention provides luminescent complexes between a lanthanide ion and an organic ligand which contains 1,2-hydroxypyridinone units. The complexes of the invention are stable in aqueous solutions and are useful as molecular probes, for example in medical diagnostics and bioanalytical assay systems. The invention also provides methods of using the complexes of the invention.
US08557580B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of hematopoietic progenitor cells or endothelial progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells using a defined cell culture medium without the need to utilize feeder cells or serum. In some embodiments, differentiation is accomplished using hypoxic atmospheric conditions. The defined medium of the present invention may contain growth factors and a matrix component. The hematopoietic progenitor cells may be further differentiated into cell lineages including red blood cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and megakaryocytes. The endothelial progenitor cells may be further differentiated into endothelial cells. Also disclosed are screening assays for identification of candidate substances that affect differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into progenitor cells.
US08557578B2
This invention provides a cell growth medium comprising (a) a human platelet lysate free of solid matter greater than 0.22 μm in diameter, wherein the lysate constitutes from 2% to 15% of the total volume of the cell growth medium; (b) a human fresh frozen plasma (FFP) filtrate free of solid matter greater than 0.22 μm in diameter, wherein the FFP filtrate constitutes from 1% to 10% of the total volume of the cell growth medium; (c) heparin at a concentration of from 0 U/ml to 10 U/ml of the cell growth medium; (d) L-glutamine at a concentration of from 0.5 mM to 10 mM; and (e) a serum-free, low glucose medium suitable for mammalian cell growth, wherein the serum-free, low glucose medium constitutes from 75% to 97% of the total volume of the cell growth medium, and may contain the L-glutamine of part (d); wherein the cell growth medium permits the expansion of human CD34− stem cells and wherein the resulting expanded CD34− stem cells retain the ability to differentiate. This invention also provides related cell growth medium supplements, a sterile human platelet lysate and human fresh frozen plasma (FFP) filtrate, kits, CD34− stem cell-containing compositions, and related production and cell expansion methods.
US08557575B2
This invention relates to a novel fusion partner cell line that ectopically expresses IL-6 and TERT termed B5-6T, and to methods for making the B5-6T fusion partner cell line. The B5-6T fusion partner cell line can be fused with B-lymphocytes to generate hybridomas that secrete human monoclonal antibodies.
US08557571B2
A reactor has a reactor unit with a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first chamber being formed by the interior of a housing and the second chamber being formed by the interior of a plurality of hollow fibers arranged in the housing. The hollow fibers are arranged in the housing such that their density in at least one region of the first chamber does not exceed 10 fibers/mm2, based on the cross-sectional area of the first chamber. The reactor unit can include two casting compounds, in which a portion of the hollow fibers are embedded and between which another portion of the hollow fibers extends. The length of at least some or all of the hollow fibers is at least 0.5% greater than the distance of the casting compounds.
US08557568B2
Provided is a method of disrupting cells comprising adding gold nanorods to a solution containing cells and irradiating the gold nanorods with a laser to disrupt the cells. A method and an apparatus for continuously disrupting cells and amplifying nucleic acids in a single microchamber are also provided, wherein the method comprises introducing a solution containing cells and gold nanorods into a microchamber, irradiating a laser onto the gold nanorods to disrupt the cells, and amplifying a nucleic acid from the disrupted cells in the microchamber. The apparatus comprises a cell disruption chamber comprising a sample inlet, and gold nanorods introduced therein; a laser attached to the cell disruption chamber, wherein the laser is for generating light at a wavelength absorbed by the gold nanorods; and a heater and a cooler for heating and cooling the cell disruption chamber. Also disclosed is a lab-on-a chip comprising the apparatus.
US08557566B2
An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.
US08557561B2
The invention relates to a novel strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subspecies paracasei, having antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, and to compositions containing said strain.
US08557560B2
The present invention relates to a novel approach to prevent or treat mastitis both in humans and animals through the use of mammal milk-derived microorganisms obtained from healthy hosts of the homologous species; to those new probiotic microorganisms obtained from milk able to reduce infectious mastitis and the method of screening used for their obtaining; to the use of these probiotic bacteria for the prophylaxis or treatment against mastitis and other diseases; and finally, to compositions comprising these compounds.
US08557556B2
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08557553B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for reducing nuclease activity in a subtilisin solution obtained from a fermentation broth including: a) adjusting the pH of the subtilisin solution to a pH in the range of from pH 8.5 to pH 10.5; b) adding a polyol; and c) adjusting the temperature of the subtilisin solution to a temperature in the range of from 50° C. to 80° C. In accordance with the present disclosure, the nuclease activity is reduced to less than 5% of the initial value and the subtilisin activity is maintained at more than 60% of the initial value.
US08557546B2
This invention relates to a recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) dimer and its use in the treatment of neurological disorder. In particular, upon ischemic neural injury in animal, this invention can be used to protect neurons with the use of rhG-CSF dimer such that function of injured nerves can be restored. Serum half-life of G-CSF dimer of this invention is prolonged and the biological activity thereof is increased.
US08557544B2
The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the same in inflammation.
US08557543B2
A polypeptide inhibiting binding between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and a vascular endothelial growth factor, a fusion protein including the same, and a method of preparing the fusion protein are disclosed.
US08557541B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08557538B2
Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.
US08557535B2
A method of preparing a fibrinogen rich composition is disclosed. One embodiment of the method involves contacting plasma with a hydrogel capable of increasing in mass upon contact with said plasma; maintaining said contact for a period of time sufficient for said hydrogel to absorb a substantial amount of at least the water from said plasma to produce a swollen hydrogel and a fibrinogen rich phase; and separating said fibrinogen rich phase from said swollen hydrogel; whereby said fibrinogen rich composition is produced.
US08557526B2
Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) decreased in tissue and increased in biological fluids after neural injury from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Significant decreases of CRMP1, CRMP2, CRMP4 and CRMP5 were accompanied by the appearance of distinct 58 kDa (CRMP-2) or 55 kDa (CRMP-4) breakdown products from proteolytic cleavage by calpain. Synaptotagmin breakdown products were also associated with TBI and could be detected along with intact protein in human cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Both biomarkers were detected in human biofluid and related to recovery from traumatic brain injury.
US08557520B2
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of solid cancers. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.
US08557518B2
The present invention discloses the integration of programmable microfluidic circuits to achieve practical applications to process biochemical and chemical reactions and to integrate these reactions. In some embodiments workflows for biochemical reactions or chemical workflows are combined. Microvalves such as programmable microfluidic circuit with Y valves and flow through valves are disclosed. In some embodiments microvalves of the present invention are used for mixing fluids, which may be part of an integrated process. These processes include mixing samples and moving reactions to an edge or reservoir for modular microfluidics, use of capture regions, and injection into analytical devices on separate devices. In some embodiments star and nested star designs, or bead capture by change of cross sectional area of a channel in a microvalve are used. Movement of samples between temperature zones are further disclosed using fixed temperature and movement of the samples by micropumps.
US08557514B2
Phytoplankton represent a potential source of bioactive compounds. The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for identifying glycerolipids and apoptosis-inducing sphingosine-like lipids from virally-infected phytoplankton.
US08557497B2
A method of manufacturing toner including preparing a first liquid by dissolving or dispersing toner components including one or both of a binder resin and a precursor thereof in an organic solvent; preparing a second liquid by dispersing the first liquid in a first aqueous medium including a dispersant; producing primary particles by removing the organic solvent from the second liquid; washing the primary particles; preparing a third liquid by dispersing the washed primary particles in a second aqueous medium and heating the second aqueous medium while or after dispersing the washed primary particles therein; and producing toner particles by adding a charge controlling agent to the third liquid. This method satisfies the following inequation: 0.60≦Sb/Sa≦1.00 wherein Sa represents a BET specific surface area of the primary particles included in the third liquid and Sb represents that of the toner particles stored for 2 weeks at 40° C., 70% RH.
US08557496B2
The present invention relates to a chemical toner composition and a method for preparing the same. The chemical toner composition includes: a resin emulsion; a pigment dispersion; a wax dispersion; and a dispersible polymer coagulant, wherein the dispersible polymer coagulant is a copolymer comprising unsaturated ester monomers and amino-containing monomers. Accordingly, the present invention uses a novel dispersible polymer coagulant to prepare uniform toner particles with excellent roundness and improved flowability and to reduce moisture absorption.
US08557495B2
A method for producing a developing agent including preparing a dispersion liquid containing first fine particles containing a binder resin and second fine particles containing a color developable compound, a color coupler, and a color eraser, and aggregating the first and second fine particles in the dispersion liquid to form aggregated particles.
US08557492B2
In the present invention, provided is a toner suitable for fixing at low temperature, which exhibits excellent performance against thermal stress as well as mechanical stress with no generation of blocking even during storage for a long duration in an unused state, and also with no generation of tacking of toner images after fixing. Also disclosed is a toner comprising at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax, the toner comprising a fatty acid ester wax comprising a hydroxyl group, and an aliphatic alcohol.
US08557487B2
To provide an electrophotographic photoconductor including: a conductive substrate; a photosensitive layer; and a surface layer having grooves which do not intersect each other, the photosensitive layer and the surface layer being laid over the conductive substrate, wherein the grooves each have a width of 60 μm to 100 μm and a depth of 0.2 μm to 2 μm, wherein the standard deviation of the depths of the grooves is 1/10 or less of the average value of the depths of the grooves measured at any four places, and wherein the grooves are formed in a direction which diagonally crosses a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction of the electrophotographic photoconductor.
US08557486B2
An organic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer, an electric conductive support, and a protective layer is disclosed, in which the protective layer comprises a composition produced by reacting tin oxide particles an acryloyl or methacryloyl group on their surface with a compound having an acryloyl or methacryloyl group. A production method of the same, an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge using the same are also disclosed.
US08557478B2
A flow path member includes an orifice section, a pressure regulating section, a filter section, and a distribution section joined together integrally, and these components are detachably provided between insulating seals. In the orifice section, orifice holes are formed around a fuel gas supply passage. In the pressure regulating section, a substantially ring shaped pressure regulating chamber is formed. In the filter section, a plurality of filter holes are formed. The orifice holes and the filter holes are connected through the pressure regulating chamber. In the distribution section, a plurality of distribution grooves for distributing the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply passage in a stacking direction to flow along a separator surface, and a circular groove for supplying the fuel gas to the filter section are formed.
US08557471B2
A nickel oxide powder material that can restrain cracking of electrode due to oxidation expansion and peeling from a electrolyte and thus can decrease deterioration of the power generation characteristics, even in the case that the anode is exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere caused by the disruption of the fuel supply at operating temperature or the like when used as an anode material for a solid oxide type fuel cell and its efficient production method, and the anode material for the solid oxide type fuel cell using the nickel oxide powder material.The nickel oxide powder material for an anode material constituting a solid oxide type fuel cell is characterized in that it is made up of a core particle (a) composed of a nickel oxide fine particle and a coating layer (b) including a zirconium hydroxide, which is formed on the surface of the core particle (a), as its main component, and that the zirconium content contained in the coating layer (b) is 0.001 to 0.01 g/m2 per surface area of the nickel oxide fine particle.
US08557463B2
A method of load following operation of a fuel cell system may include measuring a temperature of the reforming catalyst layer, obtaining a reformable flow rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel capable of being reformed in the reforming catalyst layer at the temperature, and controlling electric power generation based on the relationship between the reformable flow rate and a minimum value.
US08557458B2
The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.
US08557452B2
Fuel processing by a reformer (42) and a shift reactor (44) converts hydrocarbon feedstock (12) and steam (36) to hydrogen-rich reformate (11), such as for use in a fuel cell power plant (47). Some of the reformate is recycled through a restriction (18) to the inlet (15) of a feedstock pump (14), thereby increasing its pressure sufficiently to cause recycle flow through a hydrodesulfurizer (21) and the secondary inlet (26) of an ejector (28) driven by the steam (36). Recycle pressure (48) is maintained by steam pressure through a valve (34) regulated by a controller (17).
US08557449B2
An air cathode for a metal-air battery is disclosed which contains a catalyst chosen to make the metal air battery more easily rechargeable. This catalyst is based on cobalt phosphate, cobalt borate mixed metal cobalt phosphates, mixed metal cobalt borates, or mixed metal cobalt phosphate borates.
US08557446B2
The present invention involves the synthesis, preparation and use of a new family of proton conducting polymer membranes. These proton-conducting polymer membranes are produced from the products of joint condensation of polyamides with sulfonated aromatic derivatives of aldehydes in the presence of solvent and acid catalyst. The resulting products have low equivalent weight, high ionic conductivity at room temperature, excellent proton function value, and insignificant change of geometrical size due to swelling in water and acid solutions. The products exhibit high mechanical strength and thermal stability to more than 150° C., well in excess of that for poly-fluorinated compounds presently used in electrochemical membranes and sensors.
US08557445B2
An all-solid-state battery includes: a positive electrode active material layer that contains a positive electrode active material, and a first sulfide solid electrolyte material that contacts the positive electrode active material and that substantially does not have a cross-linking chalcogen; a negative electrode active material layer containing a negative electrode active material; and a solid electrolyte layer that is provided between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and that contains a second sulfide solid electrolyte material that substantially has a cross-linking chalcogen.
US08557440B2
A positive electrode active material having a lithium-excess lithium-transition metal composite oxide particle represented by the chemical formula Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2. The lithium-excess lithium-transition metal composite oxide particle has an inner portion (1) having a layered structure and a surface adjacent portion (2) having a crystal structure gradually changing from a layered structure to a spinel structure from the inner portion (1) toward the outermost surface portion (3). The layered structure and the spinel structure have an identical ratio of the amount of Mn and the total amount of Ni and Co.
US08557435B2
A secondary battery includes a bare cell including an electrode assembly and a can or a pouch-shaped casing accommodating the electrode assembly and having a stepped portion; a protection circuit board disposed at a side of the bare cell; and a label adhered on a side surface of the bare cell. Further, another secondary battery includes a bare cell; a protection circuit board; an outer case member disposed at a side surface of the bare cell and having a stepped portion; and a label adhered on the outer case member. A label overlapping portion is disposed in the stepped portion formed in an outer surface of a can or a pouch-shaped casing or in an outer case member, and thus it is possible to prevent the secondary battery from being thicker at the label overlapping portion than at other regions and to uniformly maintain the outer thickness of the battery.
US08557432B2
Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a battery cell having an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, an insulative mounting member having openings, through which electrode terminals of the battery cell are exposed to the outside, the insulative mounting member being constructed in a structure in which a safety element is mounted to the top of the insulative mounting member, the insulative mounting member being in direct contact with the top of the battery cell, and an insulative cap coupled to the top of the battery cell such that the insulative cap surrounds the insulative mounting member while the safety element is mounted to the insulative mounting member, wherein the battery case is provided at the top thereof with at least one coupling groove, and the insulative mounting member is provided at the bottom thereof with at least one coupling protrusion corresponding to the at least one coupling groove, whereby the coupling of the insulative mounting member to the battery cell is accomplished by the insertion of the at least one coupling protrusion into the at least one coupling groove. The assembly process of the secondary battery pack according to the present invention is greatly simplified. Also, the volume of the member mounted to the top of the battery cell is minimized, and, at the same time, the coupling strength between the battery cell and the mounting member is stably maintained.
US08557429B2
An object is to provide a battery pack which can restrict movements of battery a module and a spacer even after use for a long period. A battery pack 100 comprises a plurality of battery modules 110, a plurality of holding spacers 130 each being placed in a space between the battery modules, and a first and second spacer support members 160, 170 which hold the holding spacers 130 in a vertical direction Z. Each holding spacer 130 includes a plurality of first elastic members 143 and a plurality of second elastic members 145 which protrude in the vertical direction Z. The holding spacer 130 is elastically held between the first and second spacer support members 160, 170 while the first and second elastic members 143, 145 are elastically deformed into elastic pressure contact with the first and second spacer support members 160, 170.
US08557426B2
Provided are a vacuum-sealing-type flexible-film primary battery and a method of manufacturing the same. The primary battery includes a battery assembly comprising a positive electrode plate including a positive electrode collector having a first conductive carbon layer disposed directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a first pouch and a positive electrode layer disposed on the first conductive carbon layer of the positive electrode collector, a negative electrode plate including a negative electrode collector having a second conductive carbon layer disposed directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a second pouch and a negative electrode layer disposed on the second conductive carbon layer of the negative electrode collector, and an adhesion/post-injection polymer electrolyte layer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, wherein the battery assembly is completely sealed. The flexible-film primary battery may employ the pouch as a collector film to improve flexibility. Also, the flexible-film primary battery may be completely sealed using the pouch to improve a retention period and cell performance. Furthermore, the flexible-film primary battery may be manufactured using a screen printing technique, thereby facilitating a roll-to-roll sequential process.
US08557423B2
Disclosed is a battery including a cathode in which cathode active-material coating layers provided on both surfaces of a cathode collector are longitudinally deviated from each other, and an anode having at least one anode active-material coating layer provided on an anode collector, the cathode and anode being wound to face each other with a separator interposed therebetween. At least one of a winding beginning portion and winding ending portion of the cathode is provided with a cathode uncoated part for installation of a cathode lead. An insulator tape is attached to the boundary of the cathode active-material coating layer at a position where the anode active-material coating layer faces a non-coating part of the cathode not containing the cathode active-material coating layer, achieving enhanced electrical insulation capability and consequential safety of the battery.
US08557418B2
A rechargeable battery adapted to prevent or reduce overcharge. A rechargeable battery includes a case containing an electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to the case and sealing an opening of the case; a first electrode terminal connected to a first electrode of the electrode assembly and electrically connected to the case; a second electrode terminal connected to a second electrode of the electrode assembly and electrically insulated from the case when a pressure inside the case is less than a threshold pressure; and a short-circuit unit including a short-circuit member connected to the second electrode terminal, the short-circuit unit adapted to short-circuit the second electrode terminal to the case by swelling a portion of the case to contact the short-circuit member when the pressure inside the case is equal to or greater than the threshold pressure.
US08557412B2
It is a major object of the invention to provide a method for processing a battery member, by which a cathode active material and a sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently separated from each other and the cathode active material and Li contained in the sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently recovered. To achieve the object, the present invention provides a method for processing a battery member containing at least a Li-containing cathode active material and a Li-containing sulfide solid electrolyte material, comprising the steps of: bringing the battery member into contact with a process solution to generate hydrogen sulfide as well as to dissolve the Li contained in the sulfide solid electrolyte material in the process solution; recovering the cathode active material as an insoluble component from the process solution containing the Li dissolved therein; and recovering a Li compound from the process solution, from which the cathode active material as an insoluble component is recovered.
US08557403B2
The invention concerns a device for magnetically transferring indicia, such as a design or an image, to a wet coating layer applied on a substrate, such as a sheet or a web, wherein the said coating layer comprises at least one type of magnetic or magnetizable particles; said device comprising a) at least one magnetized permanent-magnetic plate (2) carrying relief, engravings or cut-outs, mounted such that its relief surface remains accessible, b) at least one additional magnet (3), disposed below said at least one permanent-magnetic plate, facing the surface of the magnetic plate which is opposite to the relief, engraving or cut-out, and c) a holder (1), which has the mechanical function to hold the pieces together in fixed positions. A method for producing the device, the use of the device, and magnetically induced designs obtained with the device, which are useful for protecting currency, value—and identity documents, are disclosed as well.
US08557402B2
Organic light emitting devices are described wherein the emissive layer comprises a host material containing an emissive molecule, which molecule is adapted to luminesce when a voltage is applied across the heterostructure, and the emissive molecule is selected from the group of phosphorescent organometallic complexes, including cyclometallated platinum, iridium and osmium complexes. The organic light emitting devices optionally contain an exciton blocking layer. Furthermore, improved electroluminescent efficiency in organic light emitting devices is obtained with an emitter layer comprising organometallic complexes of transition metals of formula L2MX, wherein L and X are distinct bidentate ligands. Compounds of this formula can be synthesized more facilely than in previous approaches and synthetic options allow insertion of fluorescent molecules into a phosphorescent complex, ligands to fine tune the color of emission, and ligands to trap carriers.
US08557394B2
A laminate for a laminated glass which is used as a head-up display (HUD) and is not deteriorated even if exposed to light, and with which a laminated glass having excellent impact resistance can be prepared, wherein an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a retardation element sandwiched between adhesive layers are laminated, the interlayer film for a laminated glass contains a thermoplastic resin and an ultraviolet absorber, the interlayer film for a laminated glass contains, as the ultraviolet absorber, a benzotriazole compound or a benzophenone compound, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a malonic ester compound, an oxanilide compound and a triazine compound.
US08557390B2
The present invention relates to a glass product, comprising a glass substrate with a transparent and conductive indium tin oxide layer having a covering layer, which forms a redox barrier for the indium tin oxide layer, wherein the indium tin oxide layer is obtained by pulsed, highly ionizing high-power magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) in which—the pulses of the magnetron have a peak power density greater than 1.5 kW/cm2,—the pulses of the magnetron have a time duration that is ≦200 μs, and—the mean current flow density rise upon ignition of the plasma within a time interval that is ≦0.025 ms is at least 106 Λ(ms cm2), and the indium tin oxide layer has a crystalline structure, in such a way that the (222)-reflection of an X-ray diffraction spectrum after the production of the indium tin oxide layer is shifted relative to the powder spectrum of indium tin oxide by a maximum of 1 degree, preferably by 0.3 degrees to 0.5 degrees, in the direction of compressive stress and is shifted after heat treatment by a maximum of 1 degree, preferably by 0.2 degrees to 0.4 degrees, in the direction of the powder spectrum.
US08557389B2
The invention relates to the use of a composite material having two or more superimposed layers of wood as a support element in structural engineering, nautical, vehicle and aircraft constructions, energy production systems, mining or in the production of furniture. The wood layers are joined together by means of a one component polyurethane adhesive containing a prepolymer with free NCO groups and the wood has a structure having a volume fraction of libriform fibers of between 50%-70%.
US08557362B2
The present invention provides an optical recording medium realizing reduced manufacturing cost of the optical recording medium. An optical recording medium 10 includes: a substrate 1; a recording layer 2 formed on the substrate 1, containing In, Sn, Pd, and oxygen, and containing oxygen atoms more than stoichiometric composition of the case where the In and the Sn are completely oxidized; and a light transmission layer 3 formed on the recording layer 2.
US08557360B2
An inexpensive cleaning sheet is provided which attains an excellent cleaning efficiency and with which even large dust particles or heavy dust particles can be easily caught. The cleaning sheet is obtained by bonding a cleaning-side sheet to a base sheet at bonding areas, interposing a strip between the base sheet and the cleaning-side sheet, bonding the strip to the cleaning-side sheet, with one end of the strip projecting outward from the cleaning-side sheet, forming a perforation for cutting off in the cleaning-side sheet, and forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the surface of the base sheet which faces the region of the cleaning-side sheet surrounded by the perforation. This cleaning-side sheet is configured so that the region of the cleaning-side sheet surrounded by the perforation is cut off by pulling the strip.
US08557358B1
A rolling textile protective system for textile structural members includes n number of concentric sleeves having void spaces therebetween. N number of concentric sleeves includes an inner sleeve, a middle sleeve, and an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is a polytetrafluoroethylene cloth layer. A first fiberglass cloth layer is adjacent to the polytetrafluoroethylene cloth layer. A polybenzimidazole cloth layer is adjacent to the fiberglass cloth layer. A para-aramid synthetic fibrous cloth layer is adjacent to the polybenzimidazole cloth layer. A second fiberglass cloth layer is adjacent to the para-aramid synthetic fibrous cloth layer. The polytetrafluoroethylene cloth layer, the first fiberglass cloth layer, the polybenzimidazole cloth layer, the para-aramid synthetic fibrous cloth layer, and the second fiberglass cloth layer are stitched together.
US08557346B2
A composition capable of radiation activated catalysis is provided. The composition comprises a metal compound, a mercapto compound and an olefinic compound. Radiation curable urethane compositions comprising the disclosed composition are also provided. The radiation curable urethane compositions comprise the disclosed composition, a hydroxyl compound and an isocyanate compound. Activation of the composition by radiation in a urethane formulation provides for an efficient method of curing the urethane composition. Coating and adhesive compositions comprising the radiation curable urethane compositions are also provided. In addition, methods for coating and bonding substrates are disclosed.
US08557333B2
The invention is directed to an electroluminescent display device in which a first planarization insulating film need not be used so that a manufacturing cost reduces, and a display defect caused by a cut in an organic EL layer or moisture absorption at a step portion is prevented. An R color filter layer, a G color filter layer, and a B color filter layer are so formed that end portions of the adjacent R, G, and B color filter layers overlap each other. The R color filter layer, the G color filter layer, and the B color filter layer serve as a first planarization insulating film. For planarization, the end portions of the color filter layers overlap each other. For reducing a step height of an overlapping portion, the end portions of the color filters are formed in a tapered shape.
US08557324B2
A drying agent enclosed in an organic EL element is sealed with a shape with which particulate contamination becomes less than that of a conventional shape, while still capable of showing a moisture absorption capacity similar to that of a fine powder. A light emitting device, and an electronic device, having long life and having less particulate contamination than in a device manufactured by conventional processes, are provided by using the organic EL element. The drying agent, made from a compound capable of chemically absorbing moisture, is formed as a bulk porous body or a porous film, and is formed along with the organic EL elements within a container cut off from the atmosphere. In addition, the light emitting device and the electronic device are manufactured using the organic EL elements.
US08557316B2
A method for influencing the pulp content of a fruit or citrus juice. The method steps include: continuously purifying the juice of a pulp phase in a centrifugal field of a separator, the pulp being discharged from a drum of the separator through a pulp discharge line; measuring a density of the discharged pulp phase by a density flow-through measuring device; and, controlling a controllable device in accordance with a density measurement by the density flow-through measuring device thereby influencing the density of the pulp phase.
US08557315B2
The invention concerns a foamed tea beverage composed of: a mixture of liquid and bubbles, a foam head above the mixture of liquid and bubbles, characterized in that the beverage is deprived of any creamer, lipid or thickener agent, and in that the said beverage is generated from the combination of water, a powdered tea composition having a tea extract powder, and a food-grade acid.
US08557313B2
The present invention relates to the field of dairy science. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for improving dairy starter culture quality as well as food products that can be obtained using such methods.
US08557305B2
Compositions of a whole fruit-derived cranberry ingredient profile, enriched in Stress Adapted Bioactive (SABs) from cranberries are described, for use in reducing the blood glucose level of diabetic, prediabetic, or other hyperglycemic individuals and individuals having one or more metabolic syndrome related factors. The compositions are prepared from whole fruit-derived cranberry pomace, which may be liquid or powdered, and which is enriched in Stress Adapted Bioactives (SABs) and enriched in soluble polyphenolics. Methods for using whole cranberry ingredient profile, enriched in polyphenolic-containing SABs, for the management of individuals having one or more symptoms of metabolic syndrome and for minimizing the effects of the syndrome are disclosed.
US08557303B2
A dietary supplement comprises a base mixture of ingredients with at least one plant or animal protein and a plant-based protein activator. The plaint-based protein activator comprises a first group of plant extracts having a proteolytic activity and possibly a second group of plant extracts with an emollient and peristaltic activity, a third group of plant extracts with a carminative activity and a fourth group of plant extracts with a depurative and liver and kidney protective activity.
US08557294B2
The present invention relates to novel coating compositions for application to solid dosage forms such as tablets or caplets, solid dosage forms coated with the composition, and methods of preparing said coating compositions.
US08557293B2
A sunscreen composition for application for plants comprises Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), a surfactant, wetting agent, dispersant (SWD) and water. The composition forms a suspension concentrate when combined that when diluted in water provides a solution that provides uniform coverage using convention spraying equipment. A method of protecting plants including turfgrass from ultraviolet radiation, heat stress and/or sunburn comprises combining TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, SWD and water to form a suspension concentrate. The suspension concentrate is then diluted in water and applied to an area in which sun protection is desired.
US08557286B1
The invention relates to a method for producing pharmaceutical forms or preliminary stages thereof by means of extrusion. The pharmaceutical form has a matrix which the active agent is contained essentially, and whose essential characteristics are determined by the extrusion process and which comprises a polysaccharide and/or derivative thereof and/or a complex thereof and/or any mixture of the aforementioned substances with other substances and/or saccharides and/or derivatives thereof as an essential constituent, and at least one pharmaceutically active substance. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical form which has a matrix in which the active agent is contained essentially, and whose essential characteristics are determined by the extrusion process, and which comprises a polysaccharide and/or derivative thereof and/or a complex thereof and/or any mixture of the aforementioned substances with other substances and/or saccharides and/or derivatives thereof as an essential constituent, and at least one pharmaceutically active substance. Finally, the invention also relates to the use of said pharmaceutical form for producing granulates for tabletting and filling capsules, for further processing using injection molding techniques and as an auxiliary material for direct tabletting and/or for producing monobloc pharmaceutical forms.
US08557282B2
The present invention relates to an extended release composition comprising as active compound Venlafaxine Hydrochloride, in which Venlafaxine Hydrochloride is coated on a non pareil inert core, which coated core is then coated with polymeric layer which enables the controlled release of the Venlafaxine Hydrochloride.
US08557280B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08557272B2
Medical devices may be utilized for local and regional therapeutic agent delivery. These therapeutic agents or compounds may reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the prevention of thrombosis. The drugs, agents, and/or compounds may also be utilized to treat specific disorders, including restenosis, vulnerable plaque, and atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. In regional delivery, liquid formulations may be desirable to increase the efficacy and deliverability of the particular drug. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.
US08557263B1
A cosmetic composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion methods of using and producing cosmetic compositions is provided. The cosmetic composition includes an aqueous phase, an oil phase comprising a water-in-oil emulsifier, and an oil stabilizing component. The water-in-oil emulsifier is at concentration, by weight, of about 0.01% to about 6.0%, based upon weight of the composition. The oil stabilizing component includes one or both of an amphiphilic compound or a surfactant having an HLB of 13 or greater added to the aqueous phase. The oil stabilizing component is at a concentration, by weight, of about 0.01% to about 1.0%, based upon weight of the composition. The oil-in-water emulsion has an increased water load relative to water-in-oil emulsions without having an increased viscosity.
US08557255B2
The present invention relates to methods for treating diseases and disorders by administering a composition containing the neurotoxic component of a Clostridium botulinum toxin complex, wherein the composition is devoid of any other protein of the Clostridium botulinum toxin complex and wherein the composition is administered at short intervals and/or in high doses.
US08557252B2
The invention provides an attenuated poliovirus which does not have a base pair mismatch in stem (a) or (b) of domain V of the 5′ non-coding region of its genome, wherein at least seven of the base pairs in stems (a) and (b) are U-A or A-U base pairs.
US08557235B2
The present invention relates to bone substitute compositions and methods of their preparation, and their use in a wide variety of clinical applications. The compositions include calcium phosphate, acidic calcium salt, basic calcium salt, sodium hydrogen phosphate and porogen. The compositions further include a mixing liquid. The compositions can optionally include biological signaling molecules and/or a growth compound. Further, the compositions can optionally include a plasticizer.
US08557233B2
Bifidobacterium strain AH1206 or mutants or variants thereof are immunomodulatory following oral consumption and are useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory activity for example undesirable gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease.
US08557231B2
Poly(β-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.
US08557229B2
A method of removing hair from skin, preferably facial skin, is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a hydrophobic protective composition to an area of skin, preferably facial skin, on which unwanted hair is growing, the hydrophobic protective composition being capable of reducing the penetration of thioglycolic acid by at least 45%, as measured using the Franz Cell Method; (b) applying a depilatory composition to the area of skin to which the hydrophobic protective composition has been applied, the depilatory composition comprising a keratin reducing agent.
US08557226B2
UV-absorbing compounds are disclosed that are derived from at least: (a) a UV absorber having at least one hydroxyl group, primary amine group, or secondary amine group, (b) a coupling agent having anhydride functionality, and (c) a graft host comprising an unsaturated fatty acid. These compounds absorb, scatter, deflect, or scatter ultraviolet radiation in a variety of personal care and performance chemical applications. R″ and R″′ are alkyl or alkenyl groups that naturally occur in oil.
US08557217B2
A process for synthesizing nano-sized rutile, anatase, or a mixture of rutile and anatase TiO2 powder. The process includes the steps of: 1) forming a Ti-peroxo complex by mixing H2O2 with a Ti compound, and 2) heating the Ti-peroxo complex at a temperature of above 50° C. A primary particle size of TiO2 particles, synthesized by the method, is below 50 nm, and an agglomerated particle size thereof after a washing/dry process is below about 10 μm. The major characteristics of the present invention are that it is a low temperature process, a highly concentrated synthesis, and high production yield of above 90%.
US08557215B2
The disclosed subject concerns nanometric-sized ceramic materials in the form of multiple crystalline structures, composites, or solid solutions, the process for their synthesis, and uses thereof. These materials are mainly obtained by detonation of two water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, one of which is prepared with precursors in order to present a detonation regime with temperature lower than 2000° C., and they present a high chemical and crystalline phase homogeneity, individually for each particle, as well as a set of complementary properties adjustable according to the final applications, such as a homogeneous distribution of the primary particles, very high chemical purity level, crystallite size below 50 nm, surface areas by mass unit between 25 and 500 m2/g, and true particle densities higher than 98% of the theoretical density. This set of characteristics makes this materials particularly suitable for a vast range of applications in the nanotechnology field, such as, for example, nanocoatings, magnetic nanofluids, nanocatalysts, nanosensors, nanopigments, nanoadditives, ultra light nanocomposites, drug release nanoparticles, nanomarkers, nanometric films, etc.
US08557214B2
Preparing porous particles includes forming a gel including a first liquid and an oxygen-containing compound of a metal, semi-metal, metalloid, or semi-conductor, including an oxide, hydroxide, alkoxide, oxohydroxide, oxoalkoxide, oxo salt, or oxo salt hydrate of the metal, semi-metal, metalloid, or semi-conductor; contacting the gel with a combustible liquid to form a combustible gel; and initiating combustion of the combustible gel to form a substance including porous metal, semi-metal, metalloid, or semi-conductor oxide particles. The combustible liquid can include a volatile solvent. The porous particles have open pores with a range of nanoscale pore sizes. The porous particles may be treated further to form, for example, a composite.
US08557209B2
A method for cyclically preparing elemental boron and coproducing sodium cryolite using sodium fluoborate as an intermediate material, which includes the following steps: A) adding hydrofluoric acid to boric acid or boron oxide to enable a reaction to form fluoboric acid; B) adding a sodium carbonate aqueous solution to the fluoboric acid to enable a reaction to form the sodium fluoborate; C) putting the sodium fluoborate into a reactor, adding aluminum to react with the sodium fluoborate to form the elemental boron and sodium cryolite; D) extracting the sodium cryolite, sending the sodium cryolite to a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulphuric acid to enable a reaction to form hydrogen fluoride gas and aluminum sodium sulphate, collecting the hydrogen fluoride gas and dissolving it into water to obtain the hydrofluoric acid; E) recycling the obtained hydrofluoric acid to Step A to leach the boric acid or boron oxide.
US08557204B2
Disclosed herein is a layered, three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides being separated in a front and rear portion is disclosed. Provided is a catalytic composite material of a single front and two rear layers in conjunction with a substrate, where each of the layers includes a support, all layers comprise a platinum group metal component, and the rear bottom layer is substantially free of an oxygen storage component (OSC).
US08557200B1
An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter thus reducing the injuries resulting in repetitive stress injury to the thumb and hand. The new ergonomic pipette tip incorporates a separate sealing member constructed from an elastomer that is coupled to the more rigid and chemically inert elongated tubular member that becomes the receptacle for transferring the fluid sample aspirated by the pipetter. The new elastomeric sealing member allows for greater sealing capability or squeeze between the pipetter barrel and the new pipette tip while lowering the coefficient of friction between the mating parts, thus decreasing the axial ejection forces require to overcome the breakaway friction between the new ergonomic pipette tip and the pipetter.
US08557192B2
Improved design of a catalytic method and reactor for the production of methanol at equilibrium conditions, whereby methanol, as it is formed, is separated from the gaseous phase into the liquid phase within the reactor without reducing the catalytic activity of the methanol catalyst. This is achieved by adjusting the boiling point or temperature of a liquid cooling agent being in indirect contact with the catalyst particles and by providing a specific ratio of catalyst bed volume to cooling surface area. Thereby, condensation of methanol as it is formed in the gaseous phase takes place for the most at the cooling surface arranged evenly distributed within the reactor and if at all within a very limited region of the catalyst bed.
US08557185B2
A pressure vessel arrangement comprises an external pressure vessel and at least one insert basket in the pressure vessel for receiving a substance to be treated which is exposable to a pressure fluid which is feedable to the pressure vessel and the insert basket. There is provided a control device for the internal pressure prevailing in the insert basket, in particular in the form of a switchable pressure compensation line connecting the interior of the insert basket directly to the surroundings, i.e. not via the pressure vessel.
US08557184B2
Devices and methods for measuring the acidity of airborne matter are provided. A filter can be impregnated with an indicator dye which changes color in response to changes in acidity. After the sample passes through the filter, the filter can be analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry.
US08557182B2
This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.
US08557178B2
Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Corrosion inhibitors are selected from polyacrylate and calcium corrosion inhibitors, zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors and/or sugar acids and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
US08557175B2
The invention relates to a method for making a metal part that comprises a reinforcement (15) made of ceramic fibers. The method comprises the following steps: forming at least one annular-shaped insert (15) by assembling a bundle of metal-coated fibers; placing the insert into a hollow metal mold (10) such that the insert is spaced between the walls (10a, 10b) of the mold; filling the mold with a metal powder; generating vacuum in the mold and closing the same; hot isostatic compressing the assembly at a temperature and under a pressure sufficient for binding the powder particles between them and for binding the insert fibers between them; removing the mold and optionally machining to the desired shape.
US08557146B1
This invention provides a polymer thick film conductor composition comprising (a) a solder alloy powder selected from the group consisting of (i) a tin, silver, and copper alloy powder, (ii) a tin and bismuth alloy powder, and (iii) mixtures thereof, (b) a metal selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, gold, aluminum and mixtures thereof, and (c) an organic medium comprising a resin that is a vinyl co-polymer resin of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile or a phenoxy resin dissolved in an organic solvent, wherein the solder alloy powder and the metal are dispersed in the organic medium.
US08557143B2
An electroluminescent phosphor comprising ZnS:Mn is disclosed. Also disclosed are ZnS:Mn electroluminescent phosphors that are free of or substantially free of copper, and/or wherein the phosphor has a D50 size of less than about 5 μm. In addition, a method for preparing a ZnS:Mn phosphor is disclosed, comprising the steps of contacting at least a portion of each of a first solution comprising a Zn2+ compound, a manganese source, and a second solution comprising a S2− source agent; and then heating the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form a phosphor.
US08557142B2
The present invention relates to bistolans of the formula I where one or more of the radicals L1 to L3 denote an Rx, where Rx denotes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, and the other parameters are as defined in Claim 1. The invention also encompasses liquid-crystalline media which comprise the title compounds, to components for high-frequency technology which comprise these media, in particular phase shifters and microwave array antennae.
US08557140B2
Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.
US08557139B2
The present invention is a replacement plasticizer system made from or containing an epoxidized fatty acid ester plasticizer as a primary plasticizer and a secondary plasticizer. The replacement placement system is useful with a variety of polymers in applications such as wire-and-cable insulations, wire-and-cable jackets, coatings, adhesives, and castings.
US08557131B2
Method of forming fine patterns and methods of fabricating semiconductor devices by which a photoresist (PR) pattern may be transferred to a medium material layer with a small thickness and a high etch selectivity with respect to a hard mask to form a medium pattern and the hard mask may be formed using the medium pattern. According to the methods, the PR pattern may have a low aspect ratio so that a pattern can be transferred using a PR layer with a small thickness without collapsing the PR pattern.
US08557130B2
In forming a pattern on a substrate with reduced pattern error using a mold having an area smaller than an area of the substrate, a first resin pattern is formed on at least a first of a plurality of regions of an etching object layer by imprinting resin applied to the etching object layer using a first mold The etching object layer is then etched using the first resin pattern as an etching mask. A second resin pattern is formed on at least a second of the plurality of regions by imprinting resin applied to the etching object layer using a second mold. The etching object layer is again etched using the second resin pattern as an etching mask.
US08557127B2
A separator system for separating the solids debris from a slurry flowing over a spillway from a storage pit includes a horizontal conveyor horizontally disposed across a flowpath of the slurry below the spillway and including a channel defined by a pair of opposed side members extending upward from a bottom plate having a pattern of perforations formed therein. A plurality of spaced apart paddles oriented in a direction parallel to the channel are fixed to continuous conveyor drive running along the bottom of the trough. A conveyor has a pickup end disposed below the downstream end of the trough and is positioned to catch solid debris that has been carried along by the paddles and convey the solid debris out of the slurry stream.
US08557126B2
Disclosed is a chemical administrator which delivers a chemical solution into a water supply line for a water-consuming device, e.g., a toilet in a recreational vehicle, for the purpose of treating waste-water before it is disposed in a holding tank. The apparatus has a container which holds the chemical solution. It also has a chemical administering system which siphons the chemical from the container into the water supply line using a vacuum created by the water moving through it.
US08557124B2
A process for treating impure water includes adding magnesium hydroxide and/or ammonium hydroxide to the water. This neutralizes the impure water and reacts with dissolved metals in the water. The metals are precipitated as metal hydroxides/oxides, which are removed from the water. Thereafter barium hydroxide is added to the water. The barium hydroxide reacts with dissolved sulphates to produce barium sulphate and, when magnesium hydroxide is used, with dissolved magnesium, to produce magnesium hydroxide. Barium sulphate and, when present, magnesium hydroxide are removed from the water. When ammonium hydroxide is used, ammonia is stripped from the water. Carbon dioxide is then added to the water. The carbon dioxide reacts with dissolved calcium in the water. The calcium is precipitated as calcium carbonate, which is removed from the water.
US08557117B2
A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.
US08557116B2
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
US08557104B2
In vitro electrochemical sensor that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the sensors have a measurement zone that has a volume less than the volume of the sample chamber. The measurement zone could have a volume of no more than about 0.2 μL.
US08557102B2
Electrolytic protection of steel-reinforced concrete bodies such as bridges and building facades is achieved with carbon material inserted into the concrete body. The carbon material is connected to act as a anode with the steel reinforcement as a cathode, so that corrosive chloride ions migrate away from the steel reinforcement. The carbon material is inserted so as also to act as a reinforcement. In one arrangement carbon textile material is provided between inner and outer grout-filled plastics ducts fixed around post-tensioned steel cables. In another arrangement a carbon rod, or pin, is fixed between a concrete body and a steel I-beam.
US08557098B2
A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.
US08557096B2
The present invention relates to a multistage method for the corrosion-protective and adhesion-promoting treatment of metal surfaces, comprising a first method step for passivating pretreatment using an acidic aqueous composition (A) containing water-soluble compounds of Zr and/or Ti and fluoride ions, a subsequent method step for post-treatment using an aqueous composition (B) containing at least one organic compound having at least one aromatic heterocyclic compound, wherein the aromatic heterocyclic compound has at least one nitrogen atom. The invention further relates to a metal surface treated according to the method according to the invention and the use of said treated metal surface for subsequent coating with an organic binding agent system.
US08557088B2
A method of physical vapor deposition includes applying a first radio frequency signal having a first phase to a cathode in a physical vapor deposition apparatus, wherein the cathode includes a sputtering target, applying a second radio frequency signal having a second phase to a chuck in the physical vapor deposition apparatus, wherein the chuck supports a substrate, and wherein a difference between the first and second phases creates a positive self bias direct current voltage on the substrate, and depositing a material from the sputtering target onto the substrate.
US08557086B2
The invention relates to vacuum equipment for a fiber web machine. The vacuum equipment includes a frame (13) arranged to be supported to the fiber web machine. The vacuum equipment also includes a wearing construction (15) adapted to the frame (13) and arranged partially open on the surface by means of several openings (14) for extending a vacuum effect out from within the frame (13) and further to a fabric (16) included in the fiber web machine and set in contact with the wearing construction (15). The wearing construction (15) is a plate construction (17), the raw material thickness s of which is equal to or smaller than the distance x between the opposite edges (18, 19) defining the opening (14). The invention also relates to a fiber web machine provided with vacuum equipment.
US08557084B2
The present invention relates to as method of encapsulating an electronic arrangement with respect to permeants, in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on acid-modified or acid-anhydride-modified vinylaromatic block copolymers is provided and in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to and/or around the regions of the electronic arrangement that are to be encapsulated.
US08557081B2
A method of installing a pressing block suit of a solar panel to a mounting body, in the method, a pressing block suit of the solar panel is adhered to the mounting body with an adhesive or directly without adhesive. The processes of the method is easy and convenient, the cost of installing is reduced.
US08557076B2
A method of fabricating an environmentally friendly cladding layer is provided. A metal layer is deposited on a hydrolysis film by a vacuum evaporation method. Then, after coating a polymeric adhesive layer on the metal layer, the hydrolysis film is immersed in water. After hydrolyzing the hydrolysis film, a substrate is adhered on the metal layer through the polymeric adhesive layer. Finally, the polymeric adhesive layer, the metal layer and the substrate are baked for thermosetting the polymeric adhesive.
US08557066B1
A method for the preparation of neat energetic powders, having nanometer dimensions, is described herein. For these neat powder, a solution of a chosen energetic material is prepared in an aprotic solvent and later combined with liquid hexane that is miscible with such solvent. The energetic material chosen is less soluble in the liquid hexane than in the aprotic solvent and the liquid hexane is cooled to a temperature that is below that of the solvent solution. In order to form a precipitate of said neat powders, the solvent solution is rapidly combined with the liquid hexane. When the resulting precipitate is collected, it may be dried and filtered to yield an energetic nanopowder material.
US08557061B2
Disclosed is a spring steel, containing: C: 0.35-0.65% (the term “%” herein means “mass %”, the same is true hereinbelow), Si: 1.5-2.5%, Mn: 0.05-1%, Cr: 0.05-1.9%, P: 0.015% or less (exclusive of 0%), S: 0.015% or less (exclusive of 0%), Ti: 0.025-0.1%, Al: 0.05% or less (exclusive of 0%), and N: 0.01% or less (exclusive of 0%), wherein an amount of Ti nitride, an amount of Ti sulfide, and an amount of Ti carbide satisfy the following formulas (1), (2), and (3); [Tiwith N]≧3.42×[N]−0.354×[Al]−0.103×[Nb] (1) [Tiwith S]≧1.49×[S] (2) [Tiwith C]≧0.015 (3), in which [Tiwith N] represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti nitride, [Tiwith S] represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti sulfide, [Tiwith C] represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti carbide, and [N], [Al], [Nb], and [S] represent an amount (mass %) of each element in the steel. The spring steel of the present invention shows excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement.
US08557060B2
The invention provides a steel material with satisfactory hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and particularly it relates to high-strength steel with satisfactory hydrogen embrittlement resistance and a strength of 1200 MPa or greater, as well as a process for production thereof. At least one simple or compound deposit of oxides, carbides or nitrides as hydrogen trap sites which trap hydrogen with a specific trap energy is added to steel, where the mean sizes, number densities, and length-to-thickness ratios (aspect ratio) are in specific ranges. By applying the specific steel components and production process it is possible to obtain high-strength steel with excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
US08557058B2
The invention provides a non-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in yield strength for use as an iron core material for high rpm motors that does not sacrifice yield or productivity in motor core punching or steel sheet production, which non-oriented electrical steel sheet is given a chemical composition of, in mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.05%, Si: 2.0 to 4.0%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.5%, Al: 3.0% or less and Nb: 0.01 to 0.05%, and optionally Ni at a preferable content of more than 0.5% and less than 3.0%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, Mn and C contents expressed in mass % are made to satisfy Mn≦0.6-10×C, recrystallized portion area fraction is made 50% or greater, yield strength in tensile testing is made 650 MPa or greater, and average-grain diameter viewed in steel sheet cross-section is made 40 μm or less, and electrical steel sheet production is conducted using a hot-rolled sheet whose transition temperature in impact testing is 70° C. or less.
US08557054B2
A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an outer periphery, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.
US08557053B2
An actuator assembly, adapted to move a movable member between a first position and a second position, is provided. Such an actuator assembly comprises an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal, and an actuatable member operably engaged with the actuator device. The actuator member is operably engaged with a fixed member and extends therefrom into communication with the movable member. The actuatable member is further configured to receive the actuation signal and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed member, between the first and second positions. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
US08557048B2
A method for controlling a filling process of a water-bearing household appliance. The method includes opening a locking arrangement to fill the water-bearing household appliance with water, wherein the locking arrangement is controlled by the water-bearing household appliance; monitoring a fill sensor that detects the water flowing into the water-bearing household appliance; activating a pump to convey the water that flowed into the water-bearing household appliance as a result of the absence of at least one signal from the fill sensor; and analyzing a performance characteristic of the pump.
US08557046B2
A deposition source capable of uniformly producing a deposition film. The deposition source includes a furnace, a first heating unit surrounding the furnace to heat the furnace and a second heating unit spaced-apart from the first heating unit by an interval and surrounding the furnace to heat the furnace, wherein the second heating unit comprises a plurality of separate sub-heating units that surround the furnace.
US08557040B2
The disclosed subject matter relates to the use of laser crystallization of thin films to create epitaxially textured crystalline thick films. In one or more embodiments, a method for preparing a thick crystalline film includes providing a film for crystallization on a substrate, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is substantially transparent to laser irradiation, said film including a seed layer having a predominant surface crystallographic orientation; and a top layer disposed above the seed layer; irradiating the film from the back side of the substrate using a pulsed laser to melt a first portion of the top layer at an interface with the seed layer while a second portion of the top layer remains solid; and re-solidifying the first portion of the top layer to form a crystalline laser epitaxial with the seed layer thereby releasing heat to melt an adjacent portion of the top layer.
US08557038B2
Disclosed are dual-phase cement precursor systems and associated methods and kits. The cement precursor systems comprises at least first and second phases each containing a calcium phosphate compound. When mixed, the first and second cement precursor phases form a biocompatible cement. The disclosed systems include an organic acid in an amount effective to enhance the working time of the cement precursor composition, and also include a setting accelerator. In some embodiments, one or more of the calcium phosphate compounds is provided in the form of particles with a nonmonomial particle sized distribution.
US08557037B2
Disclosed are methods of processing kaolin to produce ultrafine hydrous kaolin. The methods involve processing gray crude kaolin by subjecting the kaolin crude to flotation and then centrifuging the kaolin to provide a fine stream that is subject to refinement. Also disclosed are systems for the automated processing of gray crude kaolin to produce the ultrafine hydrous kaolin and paint compositions that contain the ultrafine hydrous kaolin.
US08557034B2
A process for manufacturing asphalt is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (i) heating bitumen; (ii) heating aggregate; and (iii) mixing the hot bitumen with the hot aggregate in a mixing unit to form asphalt. From 10 to 200 wt % of sulphur, based upon the weight of the bitumen, is added in at least one of the steps (i), (ii) or (iii) and from 0.1 to 20 wt % of a compound of formula A, based upon the weight of the bitumen, is added in at least one of the steps (i), (ii) or (iii). R1 and R2 are independently chosen from C6-C30 alkyl or alkenyl.
US08557028B2
Binderless BaKX zeolitic adsorbents, methods for their production, and adsorptive separation using the adsorbents are provided. An adsorbent comprises a first Zeolite X having a silica to alumina molar ratio of from about 2.0 to about 3.0; a binder-converted Zeolite X wherein a ratio of the binder-converted Zeolite X to the first Zeolite X ranges from about 10:90 to about 20:80 by weight; and barium and potassium at cationic exchangeable sites within the binderless BaKX zeolitic adsorbent. Potassium ranges from about 0.9 wt % to about 1.5 wt % and barium ranges from about 30 wt % to about 34 wt % of the binderless BaKX zeolitic adsorbent.
US08557021B2
A method by which the amount of nickel contained in an alloy having a composition represented by Sn—X—Ni can be regulated. The method of nickel concentration regulation comprises adding phosphorus to Sn—X—Ni in a molten state (wherein X is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ag, Zn, Cu, Bi, Au, Ti, Ge, Ga, Si, and Ce), holding the mixture at 250-400° C., and removing the resultant dross floating on the surface of the liquid phase and containing a P—Ni compound and a P—Sn—Ni compound. An example of X is copper, and the content thereof may be 0.3-5 wt %. The phosphorus may be added in the state of a Sn—P alloy. The upper limit of the amount of the phosphorus to be added may be about half the nickel amount in terms of atomic amount.
US08557017B2
Continuous, conducting metal patterns can be formed from metal nanoparticle containing films by exposure to radiation (FIG. 1). The metal patterns can be one, two, or three dimensional and have high resolution resulting in feature sizes in the order of micron down to nanometers Compositions containing the nanoparticles coated with a ligand and further including a dye, a metal salt, and either a matrix or an optional sacrificial donor are also disclosed.
US08557015B2
In a Cr—Cu alloy that is formed by powder metallurgy and contains a Cu matrix and flattened Cr phases, the Cr content in the Cr—Cu alloy is more than 30% to 80% or less by mass, and the average aspect ratio of the flattened Cr phases is more than 1.0 and less than 100. The Cr—Cu alloy has a small thermal expansion coefficient in in-plane directions, a high thermal conductivity, and excellent processibility. A method for producing the Cr—Cu alloy is also provided. A heat-release plate for semiconductors and a heat-release component for semiconductors, each utilizing the Cr—Cu alloy, are also provided.
US08557013B2
The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.
US08556994B2
A process for altering the appearance of hair, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a composition for dyeing and reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair, said composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier: (i) at least one non-hydroxide base; (ii) at least one protein denaturant different from (a)(ii); (iii) at least one direct dye; (iv) at least one thickening agent; (v) optionally, at least one alkoxysilane comprising at least one solubilizing functional group; and (vi) optionally, at least one fatty substance; (b) contacting the hair with the composition in (a) to form treated hair; (c) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair to form smoothed hair; (d) optionally, shampooing the smoothed hair; and (e) rinsing the smoothed hair.
US08556993B2
The present invention relates to the use of a combination of a free fluorescent whitening agent and cationic polymer as a brightening agent for a synthetic single or blended textile, especially polyester textile, and to a corresponding brightening agent as well as a laundering process for brightening a synthetic, single or blended textile, which is characterized by a) preparing a composition by contacting a free fluorescent whitening agent with a cationic polymer, and b) treating said synthetic, single or blended textile with the composition prepared in step a).
US08556984B2
An acetabular implant cup insert for a joint prosthesis, the insert being of the type having a metal shell (1) and a polymer lining (14) lining the inside space (4) of the shell (1), a receptacle (18) for a prosthetic head being formed in the lining (14), the shell presenting on its inside space (4) elements for preventing the lining (14) being extracted from the shell (1) and elements for preventing the lining (14) turning in the shell (1), the insert being characterized in that the elements for preventing the lining being extracted include a stud (11) disposed on the end wall (10) of the shell (1) and presenting at least one groove (12) or lip. An acetabular implant including a cup and an insert of the above type. A joint prosthesis of the type including an acetabular implant of the above type and a prosthetic head.
US08556983B2
Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
US08556975B2
A device for use as an implant for surgical displacement of vertebrae, and that is comprised of two parts co-working in a sliding way: a sliding part with an internal thread and a carrier part, and also a driving element with an external thread which is located between the parts, is described. The driving element includes a head and the sliding part of the device includes a threaded guideline cooperating with the driving element and a seat of a diameter corresponding with the head's diameter and length greater than the head's length, and the carrier part has a seat of a diameter and length corresponding with the head's diameter and length.
US08556971B2
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function.
US08556968B2
A fluid-filled surgically-implantable prosthetic device encloses one or more non-enclosing fitted shells arranged adjacent to and in a graduated relation to each other. The invention relates specifically to implantable breast prostheses with a low coefficient of friction between two or more interacting elastomeric shells in an aqueous fluid environment, without the addition of a lubricating agent to the fluid.
US08556961B2
A bifurcated intravascular stent graft comprises primary stent segments and a primary graft sleeve, forming a main fluid channel and having a side opening therethrough. An external graft channel formed on the primary graft sleeve has a first end communicating with the side opening and an open second end outside the primary graft sleeve, thereby providing a branch flow channel from the main channel out through the side opening and external graft channel. The primary stent segments and graft sleeve engage an endoluminal surface of a main vessel and form substantially fluid-tight seals. The stent graft further comprises a secondary stent graft, which may be positioned partially within the external graft channel, through the open second end thereof, and partially within a branch vessel. The secondary stent graft engages the inner surface of the external graft channel and the endoluminal surface of the branch vessel, thereby forming substantially fluid-tight seals.
US08556955B2
A medical device having at least one static state, at least one activated state, and at least one active region including electroactive polymer (EAP) capable of fine electro-activated movements. The EAP movements include bending components for proper alignment, rotating components for proper fittings, making components more rigid or flexible, and increasing and decreasing the volume of components. The fine movements allow for highly versatile and adaptable medical devices.
US08556953B2
Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.
US08556952B2
Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to alter the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein.
US08556945B2
A distal volar fixation plate includes a body portion and a head portion angled upwards relative to the body portion. The head portion includes a lower surface, a central portion, a radial side and an ulnar side. The head portion defines a buttress portion extends greater distally on the ulnar side than on the radial side to support the volar lip of the lunate fossa.
US08556936B2
A prosthesis for the replacement of at least a portion of the bone of a facet located on a mammalian vertebra, comprising: an articulating surface that articulates with another facet; a bone contacting surface that contacts a surface of the vertebra, the articulating surface being connected to the bone contacting surface; and a fixation element that attaches the bone contacting surface to the vertebra, the fixation element being adapted for implantation into an interior bone space of a pedicle of the vertebra; wherein the prosthesis is configured so that no portion of the prosthesis contacts the posterior arch of the vertebra.
US08556932B2
A tissue closure device includes a collapsible plug and an actuator. The plug has a surface extending between a proximal face and an opposing distal face. A lumen extends through the plug between the proximal and distal faces along a longitudinal axis. The plug is collapsible between a non-collapsed state in which the lumen is open and a collapsed state in which the lumen is closed. The actuator is configured to move the plug between the non-collapsed state and the collapsed state by being pulled proximally, such as through the lumen.
US08556929B2
A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
US08556923B2
A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. In order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles, arranged in parallel, is tilted up from its initial position at a predetermined angle, and the puncture needle is guided into a puncture needle holding rod of the lancet. Simultaneously, the puncture needle is pressed up to a position where the rear end part of the needle pushes the bottom surface of a puncture needle loading chamber of the puncture needle holding rod, whereby the puncture needle is loaded. When discarding a used puncture needle, the puncture needle is inserted into a lancet guide member of the puncture needle cartridge, whereby the puncture needle is reliably captured to be discarded.
US08556922B2
A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The surgical instrument is powered by a pressurized fluid and includes a rotatable shaft connected to a dissection tool. The instrument includes a housing member comprising a one-piece base. A rotor housing chamber is defined by the base, and the rotatable shaft is located in the rotor housing chamber. A first bearing housing is defined by the base, located adjacent the rotor housing chamber, and houses a first bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A second bearing housing is defined by the base, located on an opposite side of the rotor housing chamber from the first bearing housing, and houses a second bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A passage is defined by the base and operable to direct a pressurized fluid through the base to the rotor housing chamber in order to rotate the rotatable shaft.
US08556919B2
A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a visceral space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough and an expandable balloon for dilation and a lumen extending therethrough, a first port and a second port in communication with the lumen through which the wire guide is disposed; a magnet comprising a lumen therethrough wherein the magnet is removably secured to the delivery portion of the catheter between the first and second ports by disposing the wire guide through the lumen of the magnet, the first port and the second port.
US08556918B2
A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler anvil. Because of relief features built into the buttress, the stapler anvil may be pulled through the buttress material without causing permanent alteration to the buttress. These relief features may be provided regardless of whether the buttress is made of inelastic or elastic materials. The buttress is generally circular in shape with an outer diameter sized to coincide with the outer diameter of the stapler body staple compression surface and the outer diameter of the anvil compression surface of a circular stapler with which it is used. Prior to surgical use, the buttress is attached to the stapler with disruptable portions extending from outer perimetal areas of the buttress.
US08556904B2
One nonlimiting embodiment is directed to an anchor extender releasably engaged with an anchor configured for engagement with one or more bones or bony portions. The anchor extender generally includes a first member and a second member positioned about and movable relative to the first member. The anchor extender is positionable adjacent the anchor and movement of the second member relative to the first member toward the anchor as the anchor extender is engaged with the anchor results in lateral displacement of the anchor extender relative to the anchor while the first member engages with a first side of the anchor and the second member engages with an opposite second side of the anchor. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.
US08556902B2
A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant site may be excised in the articular surface relative to an axis defined by the access passage.
US08556901B2
Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. A reciprocating rasp for use in the surgical preparation of a glenoid includes a shaft having a first end configured to be secured in a chuck of a reciprocating tool, and a cutting head secured to a second end of the shaft. The cutting head includes a cutting surface having a plurality of cutting teeth arranged in a geometry that corresponds with a geometry of the glenoid prosthesis, and an inwardly curved concave guide surface that is devoid of cutting teeth and configured to receive a guide pin inserted in the glenoid of the patient when the cutting head is secured to the second end of the shaft.
US08556894B2
A sphincterotome is disclosed including an elongate shaft having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the elongate shaft. The lumen includes a proximal segment and a distal segment. A cutting element extends within the lumen through the proximal segment of the lumen and extends exterior of the elongate shaft along the distal segment of the lumen. A stiffening member is positioned within the distal segment of the lumen.
US08556873B2
A drainage valve that has an inlet and outlet openings extending in opposite directions from a valve housing, a movable valve member within the housing and an operating lever connected to the valve member. The valve member is movable between an open position in which the valve member is arranged to permit flow through the valve and a closed position where the valve member prevents flow through the valve. The valve member is configured such that the valve member is moved from the closed position to an open position by rotating the operating lever by a first rotating angle between about 2 degrees to about 80 degrees. This provides a simple and inexpensive drainage valve, where patients having an extremely limited dexterity will only need to rotate the operating lever a few degrees before a flow path is such that drainage can begin.
US08556871B2
A reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a gasket releasably attached around a perimeter of the tissue site that may remain in place for an extended time and allows an over-drape to be attached to it. The system and method further may include a manifold sized and configured to be placed in contact with the tissue site the over-drape positioned over the manifold and sealed to the gasket to create a sealed space between the over-drape and the tissue site; and a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the sealed space to deliver reduced pressure to the tissue site. A method is also presented.
US08556870B2
A dental package and a method of making such dental package for holding flowable dental material. The method comprising the steps of providing a container having an opening and providing first portion of a flowable dental material in the container. Further the method comprises hardening a predetermined second portion of the flowable dental material to form a closure that closes the opening. The invention provides for improved manufacturing and for facilitating the use of the package.
US08556857B2
Guidewire exit ramp members that may be placed over a tubular member having a guidewire lumen, which longitudinally extending and laterally accessible, and methods of use. The guidewire exit ramp member can be placed to force a guidewire loaded through the lumen in a first direction to be forced out of the lumen via an opening, slit or channel. The guidewire exit ramp member, in an illustrative embodiment, takes the form of a relatively short member having a proximal portion and a distally extending flap. The flap may be designed to enter and remain in a longitudinally accessible guidewire lumen. Combinations of such ramp members and device shafts having longitudinally extending laterally accessible guidewire lumens are also disclosed, as are methods for securing such combinations together. A method of backloading a guidewire into a catheter while causing lateral exit of the guidewire at a desired location is also shown.
US08556848B2
A valve is provided herein for permitting mixing of at least two components, the valve including a body configured for slidable liquid tight engagement with an injector or drug cartridge barrel. The body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel extending therebetween, the channel having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A poppet is sealingly and slidably disposed in the channel to selectively move between first and second positions. The poppet includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid channel, the fluid channel being defined in the poppet and extending from an outlet opening located distally of the distal end of the body. With the poppet being in the first position, the poppet defines a liquid tight seal in the channel such that liquid flow through the channel is prevented. With the poppet being in the second position, the fluid channel is in communication with the proximal portion of the channel so as to define a liquid flow path from the proximal portion of the channel to the outlet opening. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a valve is provided which permits controlled separation and mixing of substances in a standard injector or drug cartridge barrel, without any modification required thereto.
US08556845B2
There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed. This separate component may then be connected to the barrel component either before or after an absorbent pledget is loaded into the barrel component.
US08556843B2
Methods for treating malaria are provided, the treatment comprising the step of removing malaria-infected red blood cells from the patient's blood. Blood is drawn from the patient's circulatory system and circulated through a blood purification device that selectively eliminates the infected red blood cells from all other blood's components and replaces the cleansed blood back into the patient's circulatory system. A blood purification device, which is useful to perform the therapeutic methods of the invention, is also provided. The device leverages the magnetic properties of the hemozoin contained within the infected red blood cells and comprises one or more separation chambers (4) though which blood flows through a high-gradient magnetic field generated by an array of wires (5) separated from the chambers and not in contact with the patient blood. The magnetic field gradient acting on the cells magnetic properties displaces the infected and non-infected red blood cells on different layers of the blood flow across the chamber height. The blood flow is split into separated streams and blood streams containing infected cells are filtrated thereby trapping infected cells. Blood containing non-infected red blood cells is circulated back to the patient. The device application is not limited to the treatment of malaria and includes other blood related diseases that affect the magnetic properties of a patient's red blood cells.
US08556841B2
This invention is related to an improved version of the wound wrapping and support means for using in a living body. Rapid wound dressing and wrapping are of significant importance and may save a lot of complications and lives. Also as important is the stability of the wrapped unit, a unit which does not stay stable on the wound will not function properly. The wound compression and prevention of bleeding are of significant importance as well as covering the whole area and preventing a site of wound to be covered. The adjustablility and being able to use one unit in more patients are of clinical and economical importance. This invention introduces a models combination of support units with straps, that can be used in various parts of the body. The new version allows the user to wrap a leg or arm easily and more securely. The use of more than one support is again stressed, so that these better unit can make the patient care a bit easier and help humanity.
US08556840B2
A posture correction brace for a person has a tightening mechanism that allows a user to pull a cord to pull down on the back of a pair of shoulder straps, thereby pulling the shoulders back to correct the person's posture. The front ends of the shoulder straps are typically also attached to the back of the wearer, to help the posture correction brace pull the shoulders back as the shoulder straps tighten.
US08556825B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.
US08556823B2
The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stress of the cornea is derived as a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic, wherein stresses in the corneal material are rendered visible.
US08556810B2
A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in heart failure assessment is provided. Physiological measures are stored, including at least one of direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by an implantable medical device for a patient and measures derived from the direct measures. At least one of those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry are sampled. A status for the patient is determined through analysis of the sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Trends that are indicated by the patient status, which might affect cardiac performance of the patient, are identified. Each trend is compared to worsening heart failure indications to generate a notification of parameter violations.
US08556801B2
An apparatus includes an endoscope and a surgical instrument guide device. An elongated surgical instrument is allowed to insert through a working channel of the endoscope to cooperate with a processor module of the endoscope. The surgical instrument guide device includes a base member, an adjustment member, a catch, a cap member, fasteners, and a tubing. Pegs of the catch are fitted in positioning holes of the base member. A tube of the endoscope is inserted through the tubing of the surgical instrument guide device so as to dispose in close proximity to a target.
US08556796B2
A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises a restriction device implantable in a patient, for engaging the urethra or urine bladder to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable by an implantable operation device to change the restriction of the urine passageway. A control device is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device.
US08556772B2
A manual transmission clutch protection apparatus includes a shift gate cylinder acted upon by the operator controlled shift lever having a first shift pattern that represents all possible shift positions and two or more additional but limited shift patterns corresponding to certain gears which limit the gears selectable and enagageable by the vehicle operator. Two or more actuators which may be solenoids or other electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators translate blocking pins or plungers into the additional or limited shift patterns to lockout or block motion of the shift lever and shift gate cylinder into certain gears. Engine speed and temperature sensors, a vehicle speed sensor and a current gear sensor provide data which is utilized to compute which gears, under current sensed operating conditions, should be locked out, that is, unavailable for selection by the vehicle operator.
US08556753B1
A batting training system is adapted for use with standard variety of conventional baseball and softball batting tees to expand their capabilities by enabling hitters using them to receive an advanced level of training in how to properly swing a bat to effectively hit a ball. The batting training system includes a swing plane guide, a swing barrier guide and/or a swing instructional training guide which serve most effectively as training tools when used in conjunction with one another. However, they also may be used in different paired combinations or individually as training tools. The system also includes a resiliently deformable interface in the form of an insert wedge which enables the swing plane guide or the swing barrier guide to be attached to batting tee columns of different diameters.
US08556752B2
A handheld apparatus comprising: a computing device; a location measuring device connected to the computing device that generates measured location information corresponding to a location of the handheld apparatus; a display connected to the computing device, wherein the measured location information is used to display a representation of an object on that display, as viewed from above the object, and the representation automatically rotates to orient the representation to coincide with the handheld apparatus' line of sight to the object.
US08556744B1
A method of applying decorative layers to a steel golf club shaft is disclosed. The method may be performed on any type of steel shaft and comprises buffing the steel shaft, applying a primer or sealer coat, curing the sealer coat, buffing the sealer coat, applying a decal or decorative layer, applying clear coat over the shaft and decal, and curing the clear coat layer. Some embodiments comprise applying a layer of base coat color before applying a decal. Disclosed methods can, for example, improve adhesion between chrome-plated steel golf club shafts and paint, for golf club branding with increased resistance to wear.
US08556742B2
A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. The swing indicator is integral with the body of the golf club head.
US08556740B1
A portable sandbox comprises a modular sandbox assembly and a plurality of wheels. The sandbox assembly comprises a durable, waterproof open-top box structure, a flat lid, a plurality of attachable handles, and the like. A bottom surface of the box structure comprises the plurality of wheels for transportation along a ground surface. In a preferred embodiment, the box further comprises a drainage hole to allow for use as a planter.
US08556739B2
A main shaft for a transmission or a countershaft for a transmission shall be constructed in an especially light-weight manner. The transmission of high torques, such as is the case for the main shaft or countershaft for a transmission, is problematic when the base body of the shaft consists of a fiber composite material. A metal element (20, 22) is now laminated into the base body, and a gearwheel (28, 30) can then be connected to this metal element (20, 22) in a force-fit manner, so that high torques can be transmitted.
US08556736B2
A device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft includes balls arranged in rows between axial grooves of the inner shaft and axial grooves of the outer shaft, enabling the shafts to slide in the direction of a common axis. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of one of the inner or outer shafts and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the other of the inner and outer shafts. The two rolling tracks are hinged through a convex pivot surface and a corresponding concave support face of one of the inner and outer shafts, and a difference between the radii of the pivot surface and the support face defines two contact areas and a pivot axis parallel to the common axis.
US08556735B1
A universal joint includes a spider operatively coupled to two pairs of trunnions, each pair of trunnions having an axis. The spider includes first and second portions that may substantially bisect the spider along a plane containing the axes. The joint further may include a pair of yokes, each yoke having a shaft and a pair of bosses, and each pair of bosses may receive the distal parts of a corresponding pair of trunnions. The spider further may include a plurality of openings, each opening receiving a ball bearing. Each opening in the spider may include a shoulder configured to abut the ball bearing in a radial direction, e.g., by extending radially inward from an outer surface of the spider. The trunnions may be press fit into the bearings and the bosses, and the bearings may be press fit into the spider openings, thereby eliminating backlash in the universal joint.
US08556708B2
A method for playing a wagering game. The method includes conducting a basic game having a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes and is indicated by a plurality of symbols. Each of the plurality of symbols has a first function. A side-wager option is presented that allows a player to change a function of a certain one of the plurality of symbols to one of a plurality of second functions. In response to the player selecting the side-wager option, one of the plurality of second functions is selected. Also, the second function is attributed to the certain one of the plurality of symbols when the randomly selected outcome is indicated.
US08556707B2
A system and method are provided for performing a cashless gaming ticket redemption transaction for a customer in a casino environment. The system includes a gaming machine, such as a slot machine, that the customer plays. Rather than issuing cash to the customer, the gaming machine issues a redemption ticket with a unique identifier to the customer. The unique identifier and the amount of the customer's winnings accrued on the gaming machine are stored and associated on a redemption ticket database. When the customer wishes to redeem the winnings, the redemption ticket is introduced to a multi-function ATM. To perform the ticket redemption transaction, the ATM is adapted to electronically accept the redemption ticket and read the unique identifier. The ATM then electronically communicates with the redemption database to retrieve the predetermined dollar value associated with the unique identifier. Finally, the ATM transfers to the customer an award equal to the predetermined dollar value in cash or credit.
US08556701B2
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.
US08556698B2
Techniques for execution of multiple application programs and their variations are disclosed. One or more individual application program components that are determined to be already stored and/or loaded into memory are not loaded into memory again, thereby allowing the associated application program to be executed without unnecessarily reloading the one or more individual application program components into memory. Generally, by keeping track and/or predicting of the application components loaded into memory, it can be determined whether to load or unload a particular application program component. In addition, data that can readily identify the application components that are not already into memory can be provided as differential application data for loading various application programs and their variations to facilitate switching between and/or concurrently running multiple application programs and their variations.
US08556696B2
A method and system for providing a puzzle game containing an answer category clue, a letter grid containing multiple letters, numbers or characters, an image, and an answer grid which contains blanks for each letter that will be used to fill-in the correct answer. The game allows a letters from the letter grid to be selected and automatically placed onto the answer grid. Points are awarded if the letter selected is the next available blank in the answer grid. As the player selects a letter from the letter grid, that letter disappears and a portion of an image appears. As additional letters are removed from the letter grid, additional portions of the image are displayed, which provides another clue for the solution to the puzzle.
US08556682B2
A method of cleaving an optical fiber using a disposable abrasive film is disclosed. The method includes preparing an end of an optical fiber by exposing a length of the optical fiber. The exposed optical fiber is brought into contact with a tangential swipe formed of abrasive film to cause the optical fiber to cleave substantially at the location of contact leaving an optical fiber stub with a cleaved end. The optical fiber stub is polished with a polishing film having a coarse grit and may be polished a second time with a polishing film having a fine grit.
US08556676B2
A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.
US08556673B1
A play board set is provided for mounting to a wall, expanding from a storage position, and providing interchangeable background themes and play items to enhance creative interactive play. The set includes a main panel having a magnetic front face and a rear face configured for coupling to a support surface. A pair of secondary panels is pivotally coupled to the main panel. Each secondary panel has a magnetic front face and a magnetic rear face. A plurality of decorative attachments is provided. Each decorative attachment is selectively positionable on the front face of the main panel and the front or rear face of each secondary panel.
US08556671B2
A frit sealing system and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display (OLED) using the frit sealing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the frit sealing system includes: a thermal expansion film formed on the second substrate to pressurize the second substrate when heat is applied to the frit and thermal expansion film, wherein the frit is interposed between the first and second substrates and a mask formed on the thermal expansion film.
US08556663B2
A USB jack includes a case and an installation plate. The case is adapted for receiving a USB plug and includes a top wall and a bottom wall opposite to the top wall. The installation plate is located in the case and between the top wall and the bottom wall. A number of first pins is secured to a top surface of the installation plate facing the top wall, and a number of second pins is secured to a bottom surface of the installation plate facing the bottom wall. The number of first pins and the number of second pins abut a plurality of resilient pieces of the USB plug and are electronically connected with the plurality of resilient pieces of the USB plug along two opposite directions. A USB plug corresponding to the USB jack is further disclosed.
US08556661B2
Disclosed herein is a connection member for secondary batteries to achieve the electrical connection in a battery pack including two or more cylindrical secondary batteries in a physical contact manner, the connection member including an outer circumferential contact part contacting an electrode terminal of a lower battery cell along the outer circumferential region of the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell, such that the outer circumferential contact part can be electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell in a surface contact manner and a central contact part contacting an electrode terminal of an upper battery cell or the central region of a sidewall of the battery pack for providing an elastic contact force to the entire connection member mounted between the electrode terminals of the respective battery cells or between the electrode terminals of the battery cells and the sidewall of the battery pack.
US08556657B1
An electrical connector includes contact modules each holding a plurality of contacts with dielectric frames surrounding corresponding contacts. The contacts are arranged as differential pairs each having a positive contact and a negative contact. The contacts are arranged along rows and columns with the positive and negative contacts of each pair being in the same row. The contacts are divided into a first group of contacts and a second group of contacts. The contacts within the first group of contacts have a first row pitch and the contacts within the second group of contacts have a second row pitch. A void is provided between the first group of contacts and the second group of contacts having a width at least twice the first row pitch and at least twice the second row pitch.
US08556641B2
A level bridge for electrically bridging two contacts located on top of each other in a fastening. The level bridge comprises a conductive section for electrically bridging two contacts located on top of each other and an elastic section allowing introduction and secure fastening. The conductive section and the elastic section of the level bridge are embodied in one piece. Additionally, a method for producing level bridges which comprises the step of punching a metallic material so that a metallic one-piece blank of a level bridge develops is also provided.
US08556625B2
Dental imaging systems include an optical scanner that scans one or more interrogation beams across a portion of at least one tooth to produce a dentally modulated light flux associated with light scattering, absorption, or other interaction of the interrogation beam and a tooth interior. The dentally modulated light flux is detected and processed to produce picture information associated with the tooth. Interrogation wavelengths between 800 nm and 1800 nm can be used to provide images suitable for diagnosis and assessment of demineralization or other defects. Interrogation beams at one or more wavelengths can be used. Multiple detectors can be situated to receive dentally modulated light fluxes at different wavelengths or dentally modulated light fluxes with different directions or different locations. Markers at or on a tooth can be used to for depth determination. Index matching to the tooth can improve image quality.
US08556623B2
The disclosure relates to a hand tool with an incorporated burner comprising: a casing; a burner housed in the casing and connected to an electrically conducting component; a trigger apt to move on the casing; an ignition abutment; and a piezoelectric igniter; wherein the trigger and the piezoelectric igniter form a unit which may be disassembled by detachment of the trigger from the casing.
US08556617B2
For manufacture of fiber-reinforced components, a positionable base frame is used on which a controllable holding device is provided for gripping and holding at least one reinforced fiber layer. A draping device is provided on the base frame, using which the reinforced fiber layer may be draped onto a mold core via the application of a vacuum.
US08556616B2
A nanoimprint lithography template including, inter alia, a body having first and second opposed sides with a first surface disposed on the first side, the second side having a recess disposed therein, the body having first and second regions with the second region surrounding the first region and the recess in superimposition with the first region, with a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the first region being spaced-apart from the second side a first distance and a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the second region being spaced-apart from the second side a second distance, with the second distance being greater than the first distance; and a mold disposed on the first side of the body in superimposition a portion of the first region.
US08556608B2
A rotor drive mechanism 25 is configured to transfer rotation of a driving shaft 38 to an external screw type rotor 22 of a uniaxial eccentric screw pump 23 via a connecting shaft 39, the driving shaft 38 being rotated such that the center thereof is located at a fixed position. The rotor drive mechanism 25 is configured such that: the driving shaft 38 includes an inner space 46 which is open toward the rotor 22; the connecting shaft 39 is inserted in the inner space 46; and a first seal portion 55 seals between an inner peripheral surface of an opening of the driving shaft 38, the opening being open toward the rotor 22, and an outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft 37 connected to the rotor 22 configured to carry out an eccentric rotational movement.
US08556606B2
A screw fluid machine has a first non-contact seal, a second non-contact seal and a lip seal disposed between a rotor chamber and a bearing for a rotor shaft located on the high pressure side, and in this order from the rotor chamber side. It includes a pressurized communicating channel for introducing high-pressure target gas into a pressurized space formed between the first and second non-contact seals, a pressurized pressure detecting device for detecting the pressure of the pressurized space, and an alarm device for generating an alarm when a value detected by the pressurized pressure detecting device falls out of a predefined range of pressurized pressures. The screw fluid machine is capable of detecting or predicting a condition of the shaft sealing device and accurately and reliably reporting the detected condition to an operator.
US08556605B2
An object is to provide a scroll compressor capable of avoiding problems caused by abnormal wear of a retaining ring used to prevent a cylindrical ring from being detached. The scroll compressor includes a crank shaft having a crank pin (6C) at a shaft end, a drive bush (10) into which the crank pin (6C) is fitted, a cylindrical ring (11) that is rotatably fitted to an outer periphery of the drive bush (10) and whose axial movement is inhibited by a retaining ring (27) mounted on the tip of the crank pin (6C), a drive bearing that is fitted to an outer periphery of the cylindrical ring (11). An orbiting scroll fitted to an outer periphery of the drive bearing is driven in an orbiting manner through the rotation of the crank shaft. A rotation inhibitor that interferes with the retaining ring (27) to inhibit the rotation of the retaining ring (27) is provided on an end surface of the drive bush (10).
US08556603B2
A progressing cavity pump adapted for pumping of compressible fluids may include an inner rotor having a number of thread-starts together with an adapted stator or outer rotor provided with one extra thread-start. A number of closed pump cavities are formed which are moved, during fluid conveyance, from the inlet side of the pump to the outlet side of the pump, at which position they become open outlet cavities exposed to the fluid pressure in a downstream pipeline. At least one passage is disposed between the outlet side and the closed pump cavity defined closest to the outlet side. The passage is structured for intentional fluid back-flow from the outlet side in a measured and approximately constant volume.
US08556601B2
A heat-dissipating fan assembly is provided. The heat-dissipating fan includes a base, a axial tube, at least one coil mounted on the base, and an impeller module having an impeller, a plurality of vanes disposed on the circumferential surface of the impeller, a shaft, and a permanent magnet. The axial tube is mounted on the base, and made of a permeability material. The shaft and the permanent magnet are disposed on the same surface of the impeller. The shaft is inserted in conjunction with the axial tube. The at least one coil is used to electrically connect with a power to interact with the permanent magnet, which in turns rotates the impeller module.
US08556593B2
A counter-rotating axial-flow fan may be controlled to improve both cooling efficiency and operating efficiency. A first motor and a second motor are started in a given starting mode. Then, if the temperature of an object to be cooled is higher than a given reference temperature, the rotational speed of the first motor and the rotational speed of the second motor are controlled in a predetermined cooling efficiency mode that gives priority to cooling the object to be cooled over the operating efficiency of the counter-rotating axial-flow fan. If the temperature of the object to be cooled is equal to or lower than the given reference temperature, the rotational speeds of the first and second motors are controlled in a predetermined operating efficiency mode that maintains the object to be cooled at a temperature equal to or lower than the given reference temperature and reduces the power consumption of the counter-rotating axial-flow fan.
US08556586B2
A fluid turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of blade members joining them together, the blade members being rigid, flat panel, multi-ply, composite blade members having a plurality of parallel, longitudinally-oriented, reinforcing cords composed of non-braided aramid synthetic strands, the cords being disposed between at least two cloth layers impregnated with a cured polymer resin.
US08556583B2
A blade cooling structure of a gas turbine, which can reduce the pressure loss of a cooling medium without decreasing the heat transfer coefficient, is provided. The blade cooling structure comprises a cooling passage (15) for flowing cooling air (A) from a proximal end portion (12) toward a blade portion (14) of a moving blade (11), a plurality of turbulators (21) arranged, on both wall surfaces of the cooling passage (15) opposing each other, in such a manner as to be inclined with respect to the flowing direction of the cooling air (A), and a plurality of dimples (22) formed in a downstream region (N) downstream of a center position (O) in the flowing direction of the cooling air (A) on the wall surface of the cooling passage (15) between the adjacent turbulators (21).
US08556579B2
The present invention relates to a reinforcing tip cap for an aerofoil blade. The tip cap comprises a body for attaching to the tip of an aerofoil blade and a plurality of abrading elements fixed in the body for abrading a surface against which the tip cap rubs in use.
US08556568B2
An outlet plate of an impeller pump is provided, the outlet plate having an outlet port disposed in the outlet plate, the outlet port being defined by a first outlet port and a second outlet port each extending through the outlet plate; a separator wall located in the outlet port, the separator wall separating an inlet of the first outlet port from an inlet of the second outlet port; and a groove located only on a first surface of the outlet plate, the groove having a first distal end and a second distal end, the first distal end terminating at the first outlet port, wherein the separator separates the groove from the second outlet port.
US08556566B1
Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a method of stacking disk-shaped substrates for polishing without using a centering shaft and an apparatus for implementing the method. A stack of disk-shaped substrates can be concentrically aligned without contacting the inside circumferential surfaces of the disk-shaped substrates by applying pressure to the outside edges of the disk-shaped substrates in different lateral directions.
US08556562B2
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.
US08556554B2
A chuck for a tubular body having a noncircular outer surface and an interior formed with a gripping formation has a spindle extending along an axis, axially displaceable claws in the spindle each having a pair of opposite ends, and a gripper head engageable with one of the ends of each of the claws in the spindle. This head is displaceable between a holding position in which the claws engage the gripping formation in the tubular-body interior and an open position disengaged from the gripping formation. The jaws move on displacement between the open position and the holding position by engagement of the gripper head with their one ends in a first pivotal movement and then at their other ends in a second pivotal movement to press their other ends against the working spindle.
US08556550B2
A drilling head for a tubular shank having an inside diameter and threads may comprise an axial body comprising a duct exiting through a first end; threads adjacent the first end corresponding to the threads on the shank and aligning the duct with the shank inside diameter; a bore from an outer surface of the body to the duct; and two axially extending approximately parallel and offset surfaces adjacent a second end; and an insert affixed between the offset surfaces, the insert comprising: a first face at least partially contacting one offset surface and a second face at least partially contacting the other offset surface; one or more cutting edges adjacent the first face, the second face, or both; and a cutting lip adjacent one or more cutting edges.
US08556537B2
Methods and compositions for the remediation of environmental contaminants using redox reactions are described. The redox reactions include manganese compounds and peroxide generating compounds. The methods and compositions are also useful for the remediation of highly oxidized environmental contaminants.
US08556535B2
A frame for installing strips of expansion joint material in freshly-poured concrete has an elongated spine around which other elements of the frame are assembled. Spaced retainers are attached along a spine side. A flat side panel extends along another spine side. A space formed between panel and retainer receives a strip of expansion joint material. Notches are spaced along the bottom edge of side panel and serve as guides for spaced nails driven through the joint material. Spaced stakes are driven into the ground to hold the frame in place as concrete is poured around the frame. Handles are attached to the spine for removal of the frame after the concrete has been poured. The nails, immersed in the fresh concrete, hold the strip in place as the frame is lifted from the concrete and the strip remains in place within the concrete.
US08556533B2
A multi-stage flexural pivot includes a first support member, a second support member, a coupler, and a plurality of flexures, each flexure having first and second flexible members arranged substantially perpendicular to one another and laterally offset from one another. A first flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the first support member and the coupler to form a first stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the first support member and the coupler. A second flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the second support member and the coupler to form a second stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the second support member and the coupler. Relative rotational movement between the first support member and the second support member is a sum of the relative rotational movements of the first stage and the second stage.
US08556513B2
A connecting rod bearing in which a semi-cylindrical bearing has an inner circumferential groove that extends from an abutting end with respect to another semi-cylindrical bearing toward a circumferential center part of the semi-cylindrical bearing, and is in alignment with an outlet port of a lubricant oil passage, the abutting end being oriented toward the same direction as a direction of relative rotation of the crankpin with respect to the connecting rod bearing. The dimension are sized such that the connecting rod bearing is capable of preventing large size foreign substances from entering into the clearance defined along the inner surface of the connecting rod bearing even though foreign substances, accompanied in the lubricant oil which is fed to the connecting rod bearing from a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine through the journal portion of a crankshaft, is not caused to discharge from the connecting rod bearing.
US08556502B2
An exemplary embodiment of a temperature probe comprises an elongated shaft having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured for insertion into a unit of food and the second portion being configured to extend outside of the unit of food. The probe further comprises at least two temperature sensors positioned at different longitudinal locations along the first portion of the shaft that are configured to measure temperatures of the unit of food at different locations within the unit of food while the unit of food is being processed thermally. The probe further comprises at least one ambient temperature sensor coupled to the shaft and configured to measure ambient temperature adjacent to the unit of food.
US08556499B2
Anti-trip device (1) for a balance (2) pivoting about an axis (D1) whose position is fixed relative to a plate (3).It includes a banking pin (5) on said plate (3), a bistable assembly (8) including: a rotor (9) which is synchronous with said balance (2) and a lever (11) pivoting about another axis (D2) of said rotor (9) between two extreme positions of indexing means (12) memorizing the position of said balance (2), the trajectory of said lever (11) partially interfering with said banking pin (5) when said balance (2) is pivoting; means (15) for limiting amplitude in the event of a shock, which includes stop means (16) between said lever (11) and said banking pin (5), forming a pivot stop during a normal arc of the balance and which, when pressed, generates a change of position in said indexing means (12) and a stop for said balance (2) in the event of knocking.
US08556481B2
In present invention, the vehicle lighting device includes a heat sink; a light emitting element that is mounted on the heat sink; and a reflector that is disposed on a side of a light emission surface of the light emitting element, the reflector being adapted to reflect light from the light emitting element in a first direction. The heat sink includes: a heat sink main body; and a plate-shaped light source mount member which is protruded from the heat sink main body in the first direction, and on which the light emitting element is to be disposed. A light source is disposed to tit with respect to a horizontal surface in a widthwise direction of the vehicle when a vehicle lighting device is mounted on the vehicle.
US08556479B2
A vehicle lighting fitting can include a housing including an opening end portion, a lens, an outer peripheral portion of which is laser-welded to the opening end portion to define a lighting chamber, and a decorative member disposed in the lighting chamber. The resin decorative member can include an outer peripheral portion on which a joint portion and a non-joint portion are alternately formed along a perimeter thereof, wherein the joint portion of the decorative member and the opening end portion of the housing are laser-welded in a state in which clearances are maintained between the non-joint portion of the decorative member and the housing, and between the lens and the housing.
US08556478B2
The invention relates to a lighting device and a method for illuminating a projection area based on a plurality of different lighting patterns. The lighting unit is controlled based on lighting data, which are received from an external central system via an interface, or stored in a memory unit. In this way, a plurality of different lighting patterns can be realized, so that at least up to four reading lamps can be replaced by a single lighting unit.
US08556476B2
The present invention discloses an electronic candle, consisting of a body, which is provided with a luminescent film on the wall and internally with a cavity. The said cavity is installed internally with an electronic control device controlling the said luminescent film. With reasonable structure and luminescent film positioned on the wall of the body, the candle wall flashes by controlling the electronic control device of the luminescent film, thus diversifying the colors and patterns on the wall.
US08556468B2
A layered dimmer formed of different layers. The front layer may be a scattering layer, and the back layer may be a reflective layer. The light beam is scattered prior to reflecting, to avoid reflection back to form hotspots.
US08556467B1
A light unit includes a tubular part, a shade, a collar, a connector, a circuit board unit and a cover. The tubular part has a flange with multiple first holes and multiple outer fins are located on the outside of the tubular part. A lip extends from the top opening of the shade and second holes are defined through the lip. The shade is mounted to the tubular part to rest the lip on the flange. The collar further has third holes and is mounted to the tubular part. The connector is fixed to the top of the tubular part and Light Emitting Diodes are connected to the circuit board unit and located in the tubular part. The cover is connected to the lower end of the shade. The heat generated by the Light Emitting Diodes is released via the first, second and third holes.
US08556459B2
Provided is a lighting device having high luminance in-plane uniformity without a dark part occurring at a connecting part between surface light source panels.The lighting device (1) is provided with a plurality of surface light source panel (2), and a plurality of light diffusion passive reflectors (3) disposed at the light-emitting side of the surface light source panel (2). In the light diffusion passive reflector (3), a rectangular-shaped bottom surface is disposed on a light emitting region of the surface light source panel (2), and a light-emitting surface (3a) has substantially the same size as a planar outline of the surface light source panel (2), and a side surface (3c) is formed to incline diagonally outward towards the light-emitting surface (3a) from the bottom surface. The light diffusion passive reflectors (3) which are mutually adjoining are disposed to contact with each other without a gap in between, and are disposed so that the light-emitting surface (3a) is continuously arranged.
US08556456B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting device 100 which employs light sources 102 having a narrow or limited light intensity distribution, and which device is arranged for redistributing the light from the light sources and outputting a light with a broader spatial light intensity distribution via a circumferential light output surface 115 arranged on a funnel-shaped light output portion 112. The light emitting device further comprises a light mixing portion 120 for mixing the light emitted from the light sources 112 before entering into the light output portion 112.
US08556453B1
A fluorescent luminaire has a luminaire housing, a lens frame positioned within the luminaire housing, the lens frame having a first side frame member and a second side frame member connected to a first end frame member and a second end frame member, a flexible plastic lens having a length, wherein a distance between the first and second side frames is less than the length of the plastic lens and, wherein the lens curves from the flat orientation to a curved orientation when seated between the first and second side frames corresponding to curvature of the first and second end frames.
US08556444B2
A backlight unit and display device are discussed. According to an embodiment, a light generating device includes an array of light source devices disposed on a substrate and including first and second light source devices forming a first line, the first and second light source devices spaced apart from each other with a first distance and configured to emit light in a first direction; another array of light source devices disposed on the substrate and including third and fourth light source devices forming a second line, the third and fourth light source devices spaced apart from each other with a third distance and configured to emit light in a second direction which is different from the first direction, the second line being spaced apart from the first line so that the first light source device is spaced apart from the third light source device with a second distance therebetween.
US08556436B2
The present invention comprises retroreflective surfaces used on both hunting structures and fire hydrants. A retroreflective surface is added to both of these by way of retroreflective liquid coating, powder coating, and/or retroreflective tape. The retroreflective surfaces may comprise an entire outside surface of the hunting structure or fire hydrant caps, or it may comprise only a portion of the outside surface. Because of their retroreflective properties, both the hunting structures and the fire hydrant caps may be seen more easily. Because retroreflective liquid coating, powder coating, or tape is to be used, these designs are inexpensive, easy to install, and environmentally friendly.
US08556432B2
There is provided a light source unit comprising a luminescent plate having a luminescent light emission portion and a diffuse transmission portion, a first light source which emits light of a wavelength band which can excite the luminescent material, a second light source which emits light of a wavelength band which differs from the luminous light and the light emitted from the first light source, a light guiding optical system which guides light of respective wavelength bands in color emitted from the luminescent plate to a predetermined plane, and a light source control part for controlling individually the emission of light from the first light source and the second light source, wherein the luminescent plate is disposed on optical paths of the first light source and the second light source, wherein a light shining position of light from the first light source and a light shining position of light from the second light source are made to differ from each other on the luminescent plate, and wherein the light source control part controls so that the first light source and the second light source emit light simultaneously or separately to thereby emit synthesized light or monochromatic light.
US08556429B2
A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector used with a multiple-color, color switching device The color switching device produces Blue, Red and Green lights and at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, light is physically blocked. If the non-critical segment is electronically defined, the firmware directly controls the DMD to discontinue the transmission of light for the duration of device's unstable transition phase.
US08556428B2
A scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) that includes at least one adjustable scanning system adapted for a variable field of view; at least one light source having at least a first spectral emission band suitable to effect at least one of a fluorescence signal and a reflectance signal from a retinal cell; and at least one detector configured to detect at least two different spectral bands from the at least one of the fluorescence and reflectance signals.
US08556422B2
A fluorescence image acquisition method including: irradiating an eyeground with a short-pulse beam of light for exciting a fluorescent dye; setting the time point of emission of the light as a reference, measuring the intensities of luminescence of the fluorescent dye at two different times which are predetermined periods of time after the reference, determining the ratio between the intensities of luminescence at the two different times, and detecting the intensity of luminescence of the fluorescent dye having marked a target by using the ratio; and generating a fluorescence image of the fluorescent dye having marked the target, based on the results of detection by the detecting step.
US08556416B2
There is provided a diffractive multifocal lens, wherein a diffraction phase structure of a diffraction pattern has a structure expressed by the following formula: ϕ ( ξ ) = { p 1 ξ , 0 ≤ ξ < w p 2 ( ξ - 0.5 ) - q π , w ≤ ξ < 1 - w p 1 ( ξ - 1 ) , 1 - w ≤ ξ ≤ 1 ( 1 ) wherein ξ indicates a position in a radial direction of the lens in one period of the diffraction pattern, and φ(ξ) indicates a value (radian) of a phase shift amount of light passing through the position of ξ from the phase of light passing through a reference plane.
US08556415B2
An eyewear system is provided with adjustable nose pads. The nose pads are adjustable by being slidably mounted onto a portion of the nose bridge. This adjustability feature provides for wearer-selected pantoscopic angle adjustment, as well as wearer-selected fit for a particular nose and face shape. The eyewear may include plano or corrective lenses and other features of eyewear including polarized, tinted, and/or other types of lenses and lens-related features.
US08556401B2
An inject recording method, including: spraying droplets of an ink composition that contains organic solvent, resin, and a pigment dispersion containing a metal pigment, wherein the metal pigment contains plate-like particles, and in the case where the longitudinal diameter on the planar surface of the plate-like particle is X, the lateral diameter is Y, and the thickness is Z, the 50% average particle diameter R50 of a corresponding circle determined from the surface area in the X-Y plane of the plate-like particle is between 0.5 and 3 μm, and the condition R50/Z>5 is satisfied; and causing the droplets to adhere to a recording medium.
US08556371B2
A recording device includes a conveying part that conveys roll paper, a support part that supports the roll paper, a recording part that that ejects liquid and records an image on the roll paper; a heating part that heats the support part to dry the liquid discharged on the roll paper, a cleaning part that cleans the recording part, and a controller that causes the conveying part to convey the roll paper at a first speed when the recording part performs a recording action for recording the image, and causes the conveying part to convey the roll paper at a second speed, which is slower than the first speed, after the cleaning part performs a cleaning action for cleaning the recording part.
US08556370B2
A content applicator receives a continuous medium and applies content to segments of the continuous medium. The content applicator includes a sensor array, a controller subsystem, and a print station. The sensor array scans the continuous medium as the continuous medium moves along a medium transport pathway. The controller subsystem receives scan information from the sensor array and uses the scan information to establish and maintain registration between the continuous medium and the print station.
US08556365B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a recording medium; a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid onto the recording medium; a carriage that holds the liquid ejecting head; a charge amount detection unit that detects a charge amount on the recording medium; and a driving control unit. In the case where the charge amount detected by the charge amount detection unit has exceeded a predetermined value, the driving control unit performs at least one of the following: controls the transport unit so that the transport speed of the recording medium becomes relatively slower.
US08556349B2
A bouncing seat for a child includes a seat support having an opening for receiving the child, a base, a post connected to and extending upwardly from the base, and first and second arms extending outwardly from a distal end of the post. The first and second arms are connected to the seat support, thereby connecting the seat support to the base. The post is aligned with the opening.
US08556348B2
A seat assembly includes a track mount configured to shift along a track and a platform configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the track mount. The assembly also includes a seat-back and a seat-cushion, each connected to the platform and configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the platform. The assembly additionally includes a first mechanism configured to selectively operate the seat assembly in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-back and unlatching and pivoting the platform such that the seat assembly tumbles relative to the track. The second mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-cushion and unlatching and pivoting the seat-back such that the seat-back comes to rest substantially parallel to the track mount. A vehicle having the seat assembly is also provided.
US08556341B1
The present invention provides a unique shock absorbing module which, when attached to a vehicular seat and chassis, exhibits unexpected superior effectiveness in reducing the effects of impacting shocks emanating from the operation of a vehicle. The shock absorbing system includes shock absorbing members disposed within a guide track supported by support frame. A slideable carriage with tracking members such as wheels saddling onto the shock absorbing system serves to immediately transfer and absorb any impacting forces exerted multidirectionally against the carriage member and a vehicular seat mounted thereto.
US08556332B2
A vehicle door includes a door main body having a hollow portion, a work hole, a door hole seal that covers the work hole, a door trim, a protruding member provided so as to protrude from the door trim toward the vehicle interior side surface, and a harness routed through the door hole seal to the door trim side. The door hole seal is provided with a general surface, a bulging portion facing the protruding member and bulging from the general surface toward the inside of the hollow portion, and a harness pull-out hole through which the harness is passed. The bulging portion has an inclined surface.
US08556327B1
A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel housing having sidewalls and an interior wall defining a fuel nozzle receiving volume for receiving a fuel nozzle. A sealing retainer assembly includes a retainer base integrally formed with the fuel housing and a seal member that engages a locking shaft of a fuel door lock system in both unlocked and locked configurations.
US08556318B2
An electric-controlled operator includes, in part, a first group of grippers and a second group of grippers which are coupled to a base. Grippers in the first group of grippers are adapted to cooperatively grip an object and cooperatively release the object. Grippers in the second group of grippers are adapted to cooperatively grip an object and cooperatively release the object. When the first (or the second) group of grippers cooperatively grips an object, the second (or the first) group of grippers is in a state in which the object is released. The first and second groups of grippers are adapted to put in and take out objects from the same surface of the base thus eliminating the need for turning of the base during the operation.
US08556309B1
A multi-function trash picking device includes a foldable rod, a detachable head portion and a handle. The foldable rod includes two elongate rod arms which are connected through a pivot. The two rod arms are folded and unfolded through the pivot. One rod arm has one end connected to the head portion, and the other rod arm has one end connected to the handle. The handle includes a trigger thereon. The head portion includes a clamp and a metallic slide member adapted to open or close the clamp. Two sides of the clamp are respectively provided with two plastic rings adapted to fasten a trash bag. The multi-function trash picking device of the present invention can pick up the excrement of pets or trash easily. The user can hold the pet while picking up the excrement or trash, so that the pet won't be lost.
US08556308B2
A blocking device for a door of an electric household appliance in which a plate sliding on a support is selectively blocked in use in a engaging position with a striker of the door by a pawl selectively mobile between an extracted position and a retracted position from/into a sliding seat thereof, in which positions the pawl respectively engages/does not engage a perforation of the plate; wherein the pawl is selectively blocked in an extracted position by means of an electromagnet having a winding and a core mobile along the axis of the winding and operatively associated to a mobile slide parallel to the axis of the winding between a first and a second limit stop position, only in the first of which a protrusion of the slide cooperates with the pawl; a retaining device of push-push type being operatively associated on one side to the slide and on the opposite side to a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a shoulder fixed in use to the support; the push-push device being configured to block the slide in the first limit stop position following a single energizing pulse of the electromagnet and to release the slide, so as to allow the spring to take it to the second limit stop position, following two consecutive energizing pulses of the electromagnet.
US08556303B2
An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.
US08556302B2
A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined at one end by a pivot attachment and at an opposite end by an adjustable connection member. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. A gripping body is captured between the segments. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces. The gripping body has angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping body radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping body engage and retain the pipe elements. A method of inserting pipe elements into the coupling while the segments and the gripping body are supported on a seal is also disclosed.
US08556298B2
The invention relates to a personalisable support comprising anti-forgery devices which are provided in order to indicate every attempt of fraudulent personalization. The support comprises a body (2) which is on one side equipped with personalization data (6,7) which are obtained by carbonization of the base material by means of a laser beam. The anti-forgery devices (8), which totally or partly cover these personalization data, draw a pattern (90, 80) along which bubbles (9) are created whose density (d1-d5) varies depending on the degree of carbonization of the areas (61-65) which are covered by the pattern.
US08556296B2
The miniature ski tote of the disclosed invention is characterized by a carriage body, wheel and strap or other means to removably bind the carriage body to a pair of skis disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship. The carriage has a bottom, sides and a rear together forming a channel open to the front and top of the carriage body. The channel is configured to receive the front or rear portion of side edges of the of a pair of skis which are disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship to one another. A strap or other binding means is used to removably bind the carriage body to the skis. A wheel projects rearwardly and downwardly of the carriage body when the front of carriage body is angled upwardly, enabling a pair of skis engaged therewith to be transported by rolling the end to which the carriage is attached.
US08556294B1
An airbag inflator has a primary igniter and a secondary igniter. The primary igniter ignites an ignition enhancer material, which in turn ignites a primary supply of a gas generant material in a first chamber. A secondary supply of the gas generant material is located in a second chamber that is closed and is not in contact with any ignition enhancer material. Activation of the secondary igniter does not ignite the secondary supply of gas generant material, but does cause the second chamber to be opened. Combustion products from the primary supply of gas generant material enter the chamber and ignite the secondary supply of the gas generant material.
US08556291B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag system designed to deploy from a privacy wall in a diagonal manner.
US08556288B1
A lockbox for a coupler of a trailer comprises a bottom assembly, a top cover, and a locking mechanism. The bottom assembly includes a post mounted on a bottom panel within an interior volume defined by bottom, front, and side panels. That post is received into a socket of the coupler with the coupler received into the interior volume through an open back area. The top cover engages the bottom assembly to cover an open top area above the post; the engaged top cover prevents removal of the coupler from the post. When locked, the locking mechanism retains the top cover engaged with the bottom assembly; when unlocked, the locking mechanism enables disengagement of the top cover and removal of the coupler. The bottom assembly includes a rigid tubular member around a lower portion of the post that is rotatable around the post and obstructs access to the post.
US08556278B2
Embodiments of Various packaging assemblies for moving a product in a carton are provided. In this regard, a representative packaging assembly, among others, includes a carton that is designed to contain the product, and a tray that is placed below the carton. The tray has at least one caster that facilitates moving the carton.
US08556277B1
A wheeled dolly for a ladder that connects to two adjacent rungs by means of hooks in the front that hook over one rung and a pincer action in the back actuated by the angle of the wheel assembly and the downward pressure exerted on the dolly by the weight of the ladder. Once engaged the ladder may easily be pulled or pushed with most of the weight resting on the dolly.
US08556263B2
A device for forming a random set of playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises: a top surface and a bottom surface of the device. A single card receiving area is provided for receiving an initial set of playing cards. A randomizing system for randomizing an order of the initial set of playing cards is provided. A card collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards one at a time into the card collection area, the collection surface receiving cards so that all cards are received below the top surface of the device is also provided. An image capture device reads rank and suit of each card before each card is received on the card collection surface. An elevator raises the card collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated at least to the top surface of the device. A processor controls operation of the device. A motor drives the elevator, wherein an encoder is provided for communication with the motor, and wherein the encoder provides a signal indicating that a shuffle has occurred. Embodiments include a processor that creates commands and then receives system signals verifying that the commands were properly executed.
US08556261B2
A power transmission, which transmits a driving force from a driving roller to a driven roller by using a friction roller. The power transmission includes a driving roller, a driven roller spaced apart from the driving roller, and a friction roller to transmit a driving force from the driving roller to the driven roller. The friction roller is disposed above a line connecting between centers of the driving roller and the driven roller. With this construction, the friction roller transmits the driving force in a state of being interposed between the driving rollers and the driven rollers by rotation thereof, thereby allowing the power transmission to have a simplified structure, which does not require a separate pressing spring, and at the same time, to generate a minimum amount of power loss.
US08556259B2
A sheet conveying apparatus including, a conveying portion conveying a sheet; a rotation detection portion rotatably provided; a sensor portion detecting the conveyed sheet based on a rotational position of the rotation detection portion; a rotation transmission portion transmitting a rotational driving force to the rotation detection portion to rotate the rotation detection portion in a predetermined rotational direction after the rotation detection portion is rotated by being pushed by the leading end of the sheet; and an urging unit configured to apply an urging force to the rotation detection portion so that the rotation detection portion comes into contact with a surface of the sheet, thereafter the rotation detection portion is returned to a waiting position along with the passage of the rear end of the sheet through the rotation detection portion after the rotation detection portion is rotated by the rotational driving force of the rotation transmitting unit.
US08556245B2
A work inspector and carrier includes a carrier unit (40, 50, 60) for carrying a workpiece from a carry-in area to a carry-out area, and an inspection unit (70) for performing a predetermined inspection on the workpiece. The carrier unit is formed so as to move the inspection unit (70) together with the workpiece in order to carry the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area while performing the inspection by the inspection unit. When carrying the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area, the inspection unit performs the predetermined inspection on the workpiece while being moved together with the workpiece. Thus, the overall time required for inspection and transportation can be reduced.
US08556236B2
A device is provided for supplying gas into water, especially for aquaculture, including a water inlet arrangement with a pipe having a first plurality of openings and a Venturi type gas dissolver unit built in the pipe, and a surrounding second element having a second plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield.
US08556235B2
A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.
US08556230B2
A firefighting fluid delivery device includes a device body with a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, a fluid flow restrictor member pivotable about a pivot axis to selectively open or close the passage to thereby open or close the device, and an actuator for selectively pivoting the fluid flow restrictor member. The device further includes a sealed rotary sensor that is rotatably coupled to the fluid flow restrictor member for detecting the rotary position of the fluid flow restrictor member to thereby determine the opened or closed state of the device.
US08556224B2
A bar that is to be attached to a wall includes two stanchions, each stanchion supporting a portion of an elongated piece that extends from one stanchion to the other. A supporting connector having a lower portion attaches to and extends upwardly from each of the stanchions and a portion above the lower portion. A horizontal support extends horizontally from the portion above the lower portion of the connector between the stanchions and is disposed a distance D1 above each the stanchion. And, an adhesive is disposed beneath and attaches to the horizontal support and extends along a length thereof.
US08556221B2
A roller mount for seats is used for mounting a seat in a boat. A track is mounted on a base plate in the boat. The Y-shaped track has flanges, a transverse web, and a central pillar. The flanges have slots with detent bores.An inverted U-shaped carriage rides on the track. The carriage has a transverse web and two flanges with detent holes. The carriage has two upper lateral channels facing downward, two lower lateral channels facing upward, and two medial channels facing inward. A plurality of upper transverse rollers is mounted for rotation on axles in the upper lateral channels. Lower transverse rollers are mounted on axles in the lower lateral channels. Vertical rollers are mounted on axles in the medial channels.A top plate is mounted on the carriage to support the seat. A second track, allowing a wider seat, can be mounted on the base plate spaced apart from the first track. A detent locks the seat in the selected position. The detent has conical collars biased by a spring into the track detent bores. The detent collars are mounted on a shaft sliding in shaft supports.
US08556220B1
A locking device for a display mounting assembly comprises, a base frame, two mounting racks and two locking members, wherein the assembly and disassembly of the mounting racks and the base frame can be easily achieved by a simple action of pulling and pressing of the locking members. Furthermore, it doesn't have to drill through holes and the elongated holes in the mounting racks, which consequently reduces manufacturing cost.
US08556219B2
A mounting apparatus for a data storage device comprises a bracket and a locking member attached to the bracket. A plurality of fixing holes is defined in one side of the data storage device. The bracket comprises a bottom wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The bottom wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall together define a receiving space. A through hole is defined on the first sidewall. The locking member comprises a securing portion and at least one resilient piece extending from the securing portion. A latching portion is located on the resilient piece. The latching portion extends through the through hole to engage in the fixing hole, and configured to disengaged from the fixing hole by the resilient piece elastically deformed.
US08556213B2
The invention relates to a structural frame made from a composite material.The purpose of the invention is to obtain a structural frame with high mechanical performances while remaining simple in construction.This purpose is achieved in arranging sets of single-directional fibers in the main part of the structural frame at a predetermined angle.This system may be used as a structural frame particularly for an aircraft fuselage.
US08556211B2
A floor segment for a transportation system, in particular for an aircraft, for the spatial separation of an interior space of the into a lower space and into an upper space. The floor segment has an upper partition and a lower partition, which together with the upper partition encloses a hollow space, which is equipped for accommodating system component of the aircraft. Preferably, the floor segments are of a modular design so that within a floor individual floor segments can be exchanged for other floor segments that comprise identical or compatible dimensions and connections for the system components.
US08556210B2
The invention relates to a method of powering at least one brushless DC electric motor having a plurality of phases for powering, the method including the steps of associating a static contactor with the motor for taking input voltage pulses and delivering polyphase voltage pulses to the motor in a manner that is servo-controlled to the angular position of the rotor of the motor, and for generating from a DC voltage source voltage pulses of frequency that is fixed and at a duty ratio that is controllable, thereby forming the input voltage pulses to the static contactor.
US08556204B2
A curtain control device has a stroke setting device and a damper respectively assembled at both ends of a curtain spindle rod. A torsion element is further assembled on the curtain spindle rod. A curtain spindle sleeve is invaginated on the outside of the curtain spindle rod, the stroke setting device and the damper. The curtain spindle sleeve is assembled with the combination of the curtain spindle rod and the damper, and then a curtain fabric is assembled on the outside of the curtain spindle sleeve. In this manner, the opening range of the curtain fabric roll is controlled by the stoke setting device, and the roll-up speed of each part of the curtain fabric is slowed down by the damper so as to reduce effectively the noise produced by the quick actuation of each part and the defective rate.
US08556186B2
A fail safe engine coolant thermostat includes a body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet. An actuator exposed to coolant fluid and capable of movement based on coolant temperature is disposed in the body. A valve plate is pivotally mounted in the body to open and close fluid flow through the body outlet. A connecting member is coupled between the actuator and the valve plate to pivot the valve plate between fluid flow open and closed positions. The pivot connection of the valve plate is diametrically off center to define a large surface area and a smaller surface area on opposite sides of the pivot connection such that, in absence of a connection between the actuator, the connecting member and the valve plate, the valve plate pivots to the fluid flow open position under the influence of coolant fluid flow through the body.
US08556185B2
The present invention relates to an RFID tag having capacitive load, including: an antenna unit, a capacitive load and an RFID device. The antenna unit includes two metal sheets and a conductive substrate, and the metal sheets are disposed at a corresponding position above the conductive substrate and electrically connected to the conductive substrate. The capacitive load is electrically connected to the metal sheets. The RFID device feeds the antenna unit by electrically connecting to the metal sheets or coupling. This dramatically decreases the operating frequency, so the imaginary part of impedance is higher with the same size of the antenna unit, thereby reducing the size of the RFID tag. As a result, the weight is reduced, the manufacture process is simplified and the subsequent structure can be easily adjusted.
US08556182B2
A card data storage device with detector plate is described.The detector plate consists of a chip and a coupling loop inductively linked with the chip, wherein the coupling loop completely or partially surrounds an electrically non-conducting region of the card data storage device.
US08556172B2
It is an object of the present invention to perform an operation in a store on products which are not registered in a product master. In order to attain the object, an ESL server (10) includes a hard disk (14) memorizing a product master (140) and a link file (141), a bar code reader (17) and a link part (110). In associating a product with any of electronic shelf labels, an operator uses the bar code reader (17) to read out a bar code representing a product code of a product and a bar code representing a device code of an electronic shelf label located near the product. At this time, the link part (110) associates the acquired product specification information (130) with the acquired device specification information (131) to store in the link file (141) whether or not the product designated by the read out product code is registered in the product master (140).
US08556161B2
An electronic ballot facility, using ballot forms, at least one voting booth, and at least one ballot box is noteworthy in that: each ballot is provided with an electronic chip including a first contactless reader memory in which a ballot identification code is recorded, with a second contactless read-write memory provided to receive the voter's selection, on one of its sides, the ballot has at least the name and/or the photograph and/or the number of the candidate whose name is written into the memory, each ballot box includes a reader having sensors, capable of reading, without contact, during insertion of the ballot, and through the envelope, the contents of the memories of this ballot's electronic chip, this reader being connected to a self-contained unit built into the ballot box, this self-contained unit being equipped with a memory in which the contents of the ballot's memories are recorded.
US08556159B2
Forming an embedded electronic component includes attaching an electronic component to a first conductive layer and forming a layer stack with a first partially cured dielectric layer having a first opening and a substrate having a second opening. The partially cured dielectric layer is located over the first conductive layer and the substrate is located over the first partially cured dielectric layer such that the first and second openings surround the electronic component. Heat and pressure are applied to the layer stack such that the first partially cured dielectric layer flows for filling gaps within the first and second openings and becomes fully cured.
US08556145B1
A foldable cargo platform is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and easily folded to a closed position or unfolded to an open position in place on the vehicle or off of the vehicle, due to nestable sections or foldable sections providing a compact platform when the platform is in folded position.
US08556141B1
A backpack with an integral umbrella that enables a user to be protected by an umbrella without the necessity of having to hold it during use, thus leaving one's hands free for other tasks is herein disclosed. A smaller vertical compartment within the backpack houses the umbrella which is deployed by an actuator mechanism on a shoulder strap portion of the backpack. When deployed, the umbrella extends upward over the top of the user via a sectionalized shaft. In such a manner the user is protected from rain and other elements while walking and wearing the backpack, leaving both hands free to perform other tasks.
US08556140B2
A multi-functional backpack and pleated cushion assembly wherein the cushion is attached to and forms a part of the backpack. The backpack portion includes a front panel, a rear panel and a chamber defined between the front and rear panel for containing books, papers, food, etc. The longitudinally extending pleated cushion includes a plurality of laterally extending pockets filled with a sponge like material. The pleated cushion is foldable along the pleats or may be rolled up into a compact roll for carrying.
US08556139B2
A multi-functional backpack and pleated cushion assembly wherein the cushion is attached to and forms a part of the backpack. The backpack portion includes a front panel, a rear panel and a chamber defined between the front and rear panel for containing books, papers, food, etc. The longitudinally extending pleated cushion includes a plurality of laterally extending pockets filled with a sponge like material. The pleated cushion is foldable along the pleats or may be rolled up into a compact roll for carrying.
US08556133B2
A valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, the valve having a valve element moveable between a first equilibrium position and a second open position, wherein when the valve element is in the first position, the inlet and the outlet are not in flow communication and when the valve element is in the second position the inlet and the outlet are in flow communication, and wherein the valve element is moveable between the first position and the second position in response to the pressure at the inlet and the outlet.
US08556127B2
An additive dispensing system for a refrigerator that includes a reservoir configured to contain an additive and an additive outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir. The additive dispensing system is configured to be connected to a refrigerator and is operable to selectively dispense an amount of additive to water dispensed from the refrigerator. The additive dispensing system may be connected to a water filtration system of the refrigerator such that the additive dispensing system may dispense the amount of additive into filtered water dispensed from the refrigerator.
US08556126B2
A small hand-operated sprayer for spraying small volumes of content includes a main body coupled to a top of a container and a hand-operated pump mounted inside the main body to pump content out of the container through movement of a button mounted on top of the hand-operated pump. The button includes a vertical channel communicating with the hand-operated pump and a horizontal channel extending from the vertical channel, a spray nozzle mounted in the horizontal channel in the button, a trigger having one side at which a portion of the button including the spray nozzle is exposed and an opposite side rotatably coupled to the main body such that the trigger presses the button downward when a handle of the trigger is pulled and returns to an original position due to restoring force when the handle is released, and a locking device enabling or disabling operation of the trigger.
US08556125B2
A personal self defense device containing a housing, grip section, canister, actuator, a slide plate, and disarming device. The disarming device prevents operation of the device should the device be removed from the grasp of a victim. The disarming device can rotate in several directions and the force required for its operation can be adjusted. The device further includes a camera, illumination device, power source, and memory storage device.
US08556120B2
Disclosed is a technology of discharging, from a drug cartridge, a drug instructed to discharge, while managing a plurality of drugs stored in a drug cartridge. The technology makes it possible to correctly discharge the drugs even when the dosing order of the drugs is changed. A medical agent dispenser has: a main body case (1); an annular drug cartridge (2) which is housed in the main body case (1) and has a plurality of holders (3) at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction; a discharge mechanism (7) which discharges the drugs from the holders (3); and an input interface (6) which receives operations of leading the drug to be discharged. Based on the number of operations the input interface (6) has received, gears (4a, 4b), i.e., rotating mechanisms which rotationally transfer the drug cartridge (2), are controlled.
US08556117B2
The disclosure describes a novel collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes an automated cover system.
US08556116B2
A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
US08556114B2
A handle (1) for a cooking vessel has a handle body (3) with a hollow space (2) and at least one flange area (4, 4′) for connecting the handle (1) to the cooking vessel. At least one sealing element (5, 5′) made of plastic is provided and can be inserted into the hollow space (2) of the handle body (3) from the flange area (4, 4′). The sealing element (5, 5′) seals the hollow space (2) to the outside.
US08556108B2
Self-heating systems for rapidly and effectively heating a comestible substance are disclosed. Self-heating systems generally include a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber contains a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants that, when contacted, exothermically react. The containers and reactants can be configured to heat at least six fluid ounces of comestible substance in less than one minute. The solid chemical reactant mixture can comprise magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and/or calcium oxide. Methods for heating at least six fluid ounces of comestible substance in less than one minute are also provided.
