US08564924B1
A system and method of treating air. Bipolar ionization is delivered to an airflow within a conduit from a tubeless ion generator. The ionized airflow may be delivered to a conditioned airspace by an HVAC system. In alternate applications, the airflow delivers ionized combustion air to an engine. The invention also includes a mounting assembly for positioning one or more ion generators into an airflow.
US08564918B2
This document discusses methods and apparatus for preventing or reducing sub-threshold pass gate leakage. In an example, an apparatus can include a pass gate configured to electrically couple a first node with a second node in a first state and to electrically isolate the first node from the second node in a second state, control logic configured to control the pass gate, wherein the control logic includes a supply rail, and an over-voltage circuit configured to compare voltages received at a plurality of input nodes and to couple an output to an input node a highest voltage. In an example, the output of over-voltage circuit can be selectively coupled to the supply rail.
US08564910B2
An apparatus and associated method for a magnetic shield structure for data transduction from a recordable media in a data storage device. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a data transducer and a magnetic shield structure comprising a write shield magnetic material constructed of exchange decoupled material.
US08564909B1
A method is presented for creating multilayer bond pads for bonding a disk drive suspension circuit to a read-write head slider. The multilayer bond pads eliminate the need for vias to transition signals between metallization layers within a suspension circuit. The method includes the steps of forming an aperture through an insulating material that has a metalized first side, depositing a second metal layer on the second side and within the aperture, the second metal layer forming an electrical contact with the first metal layer, selectively removing portions of the second metal layer within the aperture and corresponding adjacent portions of the first metal layer thereby dividing the second metal layer and respectively adjacent portions of the first metal layer into a plurality of electrically separated circuit bond pads, each bond pad including respective portions of the first metal layer and respectively adjacent portions of the second metal layer.
US08564906B2
The application discloses a magnetic pole assembly having a pole tip arranged in a magnetic flux path and side shields separated from the pole tip by non-magnetic gap regions. The side shields are shaped to provide a differential shielding effect alongside the pole tip. As described, the sides shields are shaped to provide a non-magnetic gap region having a width that increases in the downtrack direction along a length of the pole tip. The increasing non-magnetic gap region alongside the pole tip provides a smaller non-magnetic gap region separating the pole tip from the side shields at the leading edge than the non-magnetic gap region separating the pole tip from the side shields at the trailing edge of the pole tip.
US08564903B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with main pole and a trailing edge shield antiferromagnetically coupled across a write gap by either having the write gap layer formed as a synthetic antiferromagnetic tri-layer (SAF) or formed as a monolithic layer of antiferromagnetic material. The coupling improves the write performance of the writer by enhancing the perpendicular component of the write field and its gradient. Methods of fabricating the writer are provided.
US08564895B2
A lens barrel comprising: a first retention member that includes a first engaging portion, which engages with a guide shaft, and that retains a first optical system and a second optical system, which is different from the first optical system, to be integrally movable along the guide shaft; and a second retention member that includes a second engaging portion, which engages with the guide shaft, and that retains a third optical system, which is disposed between the first optical system and the second optical system, to be movable independently of the first and second optical systems.
US08564876B2
A pumping unit supplies pumping light to a fiber connecting medium; a light monitoring unit detects light power of multiple-wavelength light; and a control unit controls the pumping light based on light power detected by the light monitoring unit and connecting medium information indicating optical characteristics in the connecting medium. The connecting medium information includes information indicating a fiber type of the fiber connecting medium, information indicating a length of the fiber connecting medium, an average fiber loss coefficient of the fiber connecting medium and an intra-station loss value.
US08564857B2
In an image reading apparatus, cables may be used to connect reading units (e.g., scanning devices) to a controller or control circuit board configured to execute certain instructions and perform various functions. The cables may be routed between the reading units and the controller so as to reduce and/or eliminate noise. For example, the cables may be routed through contact prevention devices that may include ferrite cores. The cables may also be routed in a manner so as to maintain a predefined distance therebetween and to minimize interference. For example, the cables may extend downward from a corresponding reading portion, change course to a horizontal direction parallel to the rotation axis of an openable unit of the image reading apparatus and such that the cable extends toward the controller, and subsequently extend downward such that the flexible flat cable is insertable into a corresponding connector of the controller.
US08564856B2
A method/apparatus receives a user selection of a predetermined standard for scanning sheets of media through a user interface and optically detects marks on the sheets of media using a scanning device to produce electronic images of the sheets of media. The method/apparatus automatically determines if the electronic images comply with the predetermined standard using a processor to classify the electronic images as acceptable electronic images or non-acceptable electronic images. Then, first sheets of media corresponding to the acceptable electronic images are directed into a first sheet storage device and second sheets of media corresponding to the non-acceptable electronic images are directed into a second sheet storage device.
US08564854B2
Top surfaces and inclined surfaces of prisms on a side opposite to a light source are formed such that, in a region on a light source side, light traveling in a light guide body toward the side opposite to the light source is sequentially reflected by the top surfaces and the inclined surfaces of the side opposite to the light surface of the prisms and approaches a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the light guide body. The height of the prisms can be the lowest in the longitudinally central portion of the light guide body, and gradually increases toward the light source side and the side opposite to the light source, from the central portion.
US08564850B2
When optically scanning a medium, scanning can proceed immediately even if the size of the medium is unknown. Before or when an optical reading device starts scanning to read all of a recording medium, the CPU 40 sets a scan block of a size that can always be scanned based on the output of media edge sensors 47 and the distance from the scanning position of the optical reading device to the detection position of the media edge sensors 47, and then scans the set scan block.
US08564848B2
On a bottom surface of a light guide element of an operation device including a panel with a light-transmissive portion, a reflection portion is formed in a first region thereof, which is close to a light source, and a first diffusion surface is formed in a second region of the bottom surface of the light guide element, which is a region distant from the light source. A light-incident side of the light guide element is a non-diffusion surface. Sides other than the light-incident side are second diffusion surfaces. Light that has been emitted from the light source and incident to the light guide element via the light-incident side is totally reflected and is then guided to the first and the second diffusion surfaces and a part of diffusion-reflected light illuminates the light-transmissive portion of the panel.
US08564843B2
An image forming apparatus including a scanning unit, an image data synthesizing unit, and a printing unit is described. The scanning unit reads a first image, generates first image data representing the first image, reads a second image and generates second image data representing the second image. The image data synthesizing unit generates, on the basis of the first and second image data, synthesized image data representing a synthesized image of the first and second images arranged in a contact state where a first side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the first image and a second side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the second image are disposed immediately adjacent to each other or in a close state in which these sides are disposed parallel to and close to each other. The printing unit prints the synthesized image.
US08564839B2
An image forming apparatus selects a screen from a plurality of screens corresponding respectively to a plurality of gradation values and each including a pattern in which a first region to which toner is to adhere and a second region to which toner is not to adhere are defined, and forms a toner image on media. The apparatus includes a storage device for storing a minimum formable distance between first regions or second regions adjacent to each other, and a controller calculating a distance between the first regions or second regions adjacent to each other in the screen and, when the distance of the region of a screen that corresponds to a gradation value of an input image and has a first pattern is smaller than the minimum formable distance, selecting a screen corresponding to the gradation value of the input image and having a second pattern.
US08564836B2
An image forming apparatus is provided which associates specific folders, which are set for specific setting items, with a specific file, and performs operations on the specific file according to the settings of the specific folders. The image forming apparatus includes an associating unit that associates a file having setting on its own file with one of the specific folders, and a setting contents substituting unit that substitutes setting contents of the specific folder with setting contents of the own file.
US08564833B2
A problem of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus, a controlling method, a program, and a recording medium which can print by using at least one or more special colors in addition to four colors of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. To solve the above problem, the control apparatus according to the present invention includes analyzing unit that provides command analysis for a CMYK plate and a clear toner plate, generating unit that generates image data of the CMYK plate based on a result of the command analysis by the analyzing unit, and embedding unit that embeds a clear toner attribute obtained by analyzing the clear toner plate in an attribute flag accompanying each of pixels of the image data of the CMYK plate, which is generated by the generating unit.
US08564832B2
What is provided are a system and method which enables users to configure their respective imaging devices to receive image data in a first coordinate space and map the received data to a second coordinate space for subsequent processing. In such a manner, users or key operators can configure their imaging device to transform image data to any desired orientation for processing across any imaging device. Preset configuration in the imaging device can be setup at the factory or installed in the field for desired behavior. Furthermore, the preset configurations can be used to correct problems with jobs in the field. A simple user interface (UI) addition to the digital front end (DFE) describe below provides operator selection. The operator can emulate current customer workflow across a variety of imaging devices for both intra-brand and inter-brand reduces any impact on legacy work flows. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08564828B2
Methods and systems of assessing color gamut requirements for a print job and a printing device are disclosed. A print job including one or more input color spaces may be received. A computing device may produce a color transformation for each input color space using at least a color gamut error profile. The computing device may further produce result information based on the one or more color transformations. Result information may be provided to a user.
US08564823B2
A scanner device may create original data for one or more pages, and calculate a digest value utilizing the original data so as to create document data in an external storage device. If a remaining capacity in an internal storage device is not deficient, the scanner device may write a first type of target partial data in both of the internal storage device and the external storage device. If a second type of target partial data which is partial data of a target of a calculating process for calculating the digest value is stored in both of the internal storage device and the external storage device, the scanner device may perform a calculating process by utilizing the second type of target partial data being stored in the internal storage device.
US08564821B2
Joint images are end portions of respective read images and are portions to be joined together. The joint images are stored with a compression ratio lower than that with which the read images are stored. Then, the read images are joined together at relative positions determined on the basis of the joint images.
US08564818B2
An image forming apparatus transmits a log notification request to a server before log transmission. The server responds to the image forming apparatus by appropriately performing scheduling of a log transmission time to disperse a load. The image forming apparatus transmits a log at a time designated by the server.
US08564816B2
An image forming apparatus equipped with a processing apparatus which requires a warm-up operation of a predetermined time and performs a predetermined processing to an image-formed sheet includes: a control section to specify whether each of a plurality of input jobs is a first job requiring the processing by the processing apparatus or a second job performing no processing by the processing apparatus, and to determine an execution order of the jobs so that a plurality of first jobs are successively executed when the first jobs are input in addition to the second job; and an image forming section to sequentially execute the jobs in accordance with the execution order of the jobs which is determined by the control section.
US08564809B2
A printing apparatus to process a print job is provided. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit to form an image according to print data, a displaying device to display information concerning an operation of the printing apparatus, a first storage unit to store first user information, which identifies a user of an information processing apparatus, in association with a user-specific thumbnail image, which is to be displayed in the displaying device to identify the print job provided by the user, a first judging unit to determine as to whether the print job includes first security information, which is specified by the user to prevent contents of the print data from being disclosed, and the first user information, and a first display control unit to display the user-specific thumbnail image when the first judging unit determines that the print job includes the first security information and the first user information.
US08564791B2
A sensor apparatus for detecting an overhang on a load of a carrier device, having a sensor arrangement with at least one transmitter and a receiver and also an electronic unit for control purposes. According to the invention, the sensor arrangement senses two regions of the carrier device with a load during a movement of the carrier device such that evaluation of the geometrical position of the regions in relation to one another is made possible, wherein the first region relates to the carrier device and the second region relates to the load. Furthermore, the electronic unit is designed for generating a signal for each region and linking the signals such that it is possible to ascertain an overhang from this.
US08564776B2
A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.
US08564773B2
In a spectroscopy module 1, a light passing hole 50 through which a light L1 advancing to a spectroscopic portion 4 passes is formed in a light detecting element 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positional relationship between the light passing hole 50 and a light detecting portion 5a of the light detecting element 5 from deviating. Moreover, the light detecting element 5 is bonded to a front plane 2a of a substrate 2 with an optical resin adhesive 63. Thus, it is possible to reduce a stress generated onto the light detecting element 5 due to a thermal expansion difference between the light detecting element 5 and the substrate 2. Additionally, on the light detecting element 5, a first convex portion 101 is formed so as to be located at least between the light detecting portion 5a and the light passing hole 50 when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the front plane 2a. Thus, when the light detecting element 5 is attached to the substrate 2 via the optical resin adhesive 63, the optical resin adhesive 63 is dammed at the first convex portion 101. Thus, the optical resin adhesive 63 is prevented from penetrating into the light passing hole 50.
US08564769B2
A hyperspectral imaging light source system includes a light box (1). The light box (1) is a sealed cuboid. In the chamber of the box body a line-scanning camera (2), a beam splitting system (3), an electric control translation platform carrier (5) and the object to be detected (4) on the electric control translation platform carrier, an electric control translation platform screw (6), a linear light source box (7) and a photosensitive diode (8) are respectively provided. A linear light source controller (9), a step motor (10) and a computer (11) are provided outside the box body. The photosensitive diode (8) senses linear light source intensity variation and inputs a feedback signal to the linear light source controller (9). A halogen lamp (13) is installed in the linear light source box (7), and is connected with the linear light source controller (9).
US08564754B2
A liquid crystal display includes first and second gate lines and first and second data lines, on a first substrate, a first thin film transistor connected to the first gate and data lines and including a first source and drain electrode, a second thin film transistor connected to the second gate and data lines and including a second source and drain electrode, first and second pixel electrodes contacting a portion of the first and second drain electrodes, respectively, a passivation layer on the first and second pixel electrodes and the first and second thin film transistors, and a reference electrode on a passivation layer and overlapping the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The reference electrode includes a plurality of branch electrodes. The first thin film transistor is right of the first data line and the second thin film transistor is left of the second data line.
US08564744B2
According to one embodiment, a flat panel display device includes a flat display panel having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, a face panel disposed in front of the flat display panel, a lenticular lens array disposed on an inner surface of the face panel, the inner surface facing the flat display panel, and an adhesive disposed along at least one of the pair of long sides of the flat display panel and attaching the flat display panel and the face panel to each other.
US08564741B2
A cooling device is provided, where an LED backlight can be efficiently cooled in order to suppress display unevenness caused by heat generated from the LED backlight. In addition, a display device including the cooling device is also provided. A display device is provided, where the LED backlight can be cooled by arranging a coolant pipe on a back surface side of the LED backlight and supplying a coolant to a coolant pipe. Further, a display device is provided, where cooling efficiency of the LED backlight can be more improved by arranging a thermal conductor between the LED backlight and the cooling device.
US08564738B2
A light emitting device includes a conductive support layer, a light emitting structure layer on the conductive support layer, a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer disposed between the conductive support layer and the light emitting structure layer, and an electrode on the light emitting structure layer.
US08564735B2
In one embodiment, the liquid crystal display device includes a transmissive type liquid crystal display panel. A backlight unit is arranged on a back side of the liquid crystal display panel, and includes a light source portion for radiating the liquid crystal display panel with plane light. An optical sheet is arranged between the liquid crystal display panel and the back light unit. A rear bezel having a counter surface portion is arranged opposing at least a portion of a back side of the light source portion. An elastic sheet having a plurality of slits is arranged between the back side of the back light unit and the counter surface portion for elastically supporting the back light unit.
US08564734B2
The present invention discloses a resilient engaging member and a liquid crystal display (LCD) module having the same. The resilient engaging member comprises a leaf spring and a post. The leaf spring comprises connecting portions used to fix the leaf spring and stopping portions for engagement with the post. The post comprises a body used to fix the post and a mating portion for fixed engagement with the stopping portions. The LCD module includes a back plate, a panel, and a front frame installed in sequence, and a plurality of the resilient engaging members disposed between the back plate and the front frame and configured for connection therebetween. The resilient engaging member of the present invention has advantages of reliable connection, easy assembly, and fine resistance to any impact, etc. The LCD module adopting the resilient engaging member can significantly get rid of use of buffering material to reduce thickness of the module, and comply with the technical development trend of downsizing LCD television sets.
US08564722B2
A horizontal synchronization signal detection system includes a coarse period estimator and a fine period time estimator. The coarse period estimator estimates a minimum value and corresponding position of each period of a CVBS signal to calculate a coarse period of a horizontal synchronization signal. The fine period time estimator divides the horizontal synchronization signal into a first part and a second part so as to generate a first sum and a second sum by adding signals of the first part and the second part, and detects a middle point of the horizontal synchronization signal when the first sum equals the second sum. The steps of fine-tuning the coarse period to generate a fine-tuned coarse period, extracting the horizontal synchronization signal according to the fine-tuned coarse period, and determining whether the first sum is equal to the second sum are repeatedly executed until the first sum equals the second sum.
US08564721B1
The addition of temporal positions to an inverted index allows for temporal queries in addition to phrase queries. Store additional binary data for each term instance in the word-level index to prepare for searching in response to time-based queries from a user is accomplished through the use of Lucene's binary payload feature where the payload structure is defined for use in such searches. The pre-defined payload fields consist of three integers, which account for 12 extra bytes that must be stored for each term instance. A content database on the Master/Administrator server node provides the indexes for search into content in response to user events, returning results in JSON format. The search results may then be used to locate and present content segments to a user containing both requested search term results and the time location and duration within a content asset where the search term(s) is found.
US08564711B2
A zoom lens includes a first lens group of positive refractive power; a second lens group of negative power; a third lens group of positive power; a fourth lens group of negative power, and a fifth lens group of positive power arranged from the object side to the image side. At activation of variable power from the wide angle end to the telescopic end, the first, third, fourth and fifth lens groups moves so as to get closer to the object side or the image side at the telescopic end than at the wide angle end; and a gap between the first lens group and the second lens group increases; a gap between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases; a gap between the third lens group and the forth lens group increases; and a gap between the forth lens group and the fifth lens group increases.
US08564701B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel including a buried photodiode formed inside a substrate, a buried floating diffusion formed at a depth equal to that of the buried photodiode in the substrate so as to face a bottom of a trench portion formed in the substrate, and a buried gate electrode formed at the bottom of the trench portion in order to transfer a signal charge from the buried photodiode to the buried floating diffusion.
US08564696B2
Grain noise and scratches are applied to an input image as random noise to generate a combined image. When applying grain noise clipped from two-dimensional noise data to the input image, each time clipping is performed, a positional difference from a last clipping position is evaluated. When the positional difference is determined to be small, a current clipping position is changed. When applying scratches clipped from noise data of a plurality of patterns to an input image, when a condition for successively applying scratches for a predetermined time period is selected, a positional difference from a last pasting position is evaluated. When the positional difference is determined to be large, the application of scratches is invalidated.
US08564695B2
Repeated Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) in solid state image sensors for a digitally encoded image captured with a sensor is corrected by exploits the periodicity of FPN pattern. In this way FPN is compensated by using a repeating pattern that is associated with repeating blocks of layout.
US08564693B2
An object plane is set, and appropriate image processing is performed according to the setting of the object plane. An image processing apparatus has a controller (7). The controller (7) receives image data for a captured image and distance information on the distance to a designated point in the captured image, sets an object plane (100) containing the designated point, converts the distance information to the information on the distance from the object plane, and performs predetermined image processing according to the converted distance information.
US08564684B2
A smartphone senses a user's emotional reaction to certain output (e.g., an output from a smartphone's attempt to read a barcode printed in a newspaper). The phone then tailors its operation based on the sensed reaction (e.g., it may turn on a torch to better illuminate the newspaper, or vary image processing or decoding parameters).
US08564673B2
An information processing apparatus of the present invention includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a predetermined image and an image after correction which corrected an anomalous pixel of the predetermined image, and a display control unit configured to display an image expanding a partial region of the predetermined image including the anomalous pixel and a pixel used for correcting the anomalous pixel, and the image after correction.
US08564670B2
Disclosed herein is a camera calibration apparatus. The camera calibration apparatus includes an image reception unit and a camera calibration unit. The image reception unit receives images, in which a same background is captured, from respective cameras placed at locations which are different from each other. The camera calibration unit calculates an entire matrix using canonic topographies for all parallelograms located on respective surfaces which are different from each other within each of the images, and calculates infinite hymnographies between the cameras using the entire matrix at the same time.
US08564669B2
A method is disclosed of analyzing a video stream using a video analyzer. The video stream includes image frame data corresponding to an integer N number of image frames, respectively. The video analyzer includes a controller and a frame processor. The method includes setting a problem threshold value corresponding to a parameter of the image frame data, receiving first image frame data corresponding to a first image frame, analyzing the parameter of a portion of the received first image frame data and generating an analyzed value and determining whether there is a problem based on the analyzed value and the problem threshold value. The portion of the analyzed portion of the received first image frame data is less than the total received first image frame data.
US08564667B2
A surveillance system including a tracking module, a controller and a detection module is provided. The tracking module processes at least one first image frame that is acquired via a first camera to track an object in the at least one first image frame, and generate location information of the object being tracked. The controller generates a control signal based on the location information and transmits the control signal to a second camera to control the movement of the second camera. The detection module processes at least one second image frame that is acquired via the second camera to detect a feature part of the object being tracked.
US08564662B2
The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console).
US08564660B2
A media analysis tool is provided for defining dynamic regions of a digital media segment. The dynamic regions may contain at least part of a visible feature of the segment. Correlation of the defined regions with external data quantifying attention of a subject viewing the segment to locations on the screen provides measures of interest level and attention to visible features in the segment. The dynamic regions may be defined in only some of the frames of a segment. The dynamic region may be interpolated or extrapolated for frames in which it is not explicitly defined.
US08564659B2
According to one embodiment, the flow line recognition system includes a first device, a first recording unit, a second device, a second recording unit and a generation unit. The first device detects a position of a moving object in a monitoring area by laser scanning. The second device detects a position of the moving object in a specific area, which is a part of the monitoring area, more accurately than the first device. The generation unit generates flow line information indicative of a path of the moving object moving in the monitoring area, based on the moving object information for the monitoring area recorded in the first recording unit, and the moving object information for the specific area recorded in the second recording unit.
US08564658B2
An anhydrous ammonia distribution system includes a portable nurse tank 12 powered by an operator cab 13. One or more distributors 22 receive anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tank, and a plurality of knife hoses 30 deliver anhydrous ammonia from a distributor to a selected number of knives 31 for delivery to the field. Pressure gauge 32, 34 is provided for monitoring pressure at one or more distributors, and a camera 42 positioned within enclosure 40 transmits a reading from the pressure gauge to the operator cab, thereby alerting the operator to a malfunction in the delivery system.
US08564654B2
An image pick-up apparatus includes: a color imager having a color filter formed on a light receiving surface thereof; a monochrome imager not having a color filter formed on a light receiving surface thereof; a light guiding unit for guiding, to the color imager and/or the monochrome imager, light originating from a subject; and an image formation unit for forming an image from a signal based on an output from the color imager and/or the monochrome imager.
US08564644B2
Systems and methods are provided for viewing and displaying 3D imagery. In one implementation, a method of displaying 3D imagery comprises receiving layout data comprising data representing a first camera, the first camera being non-editable; generating a first pair of a left camera and a right camera from the layout data based on the first camera, wherein the left camera and the right camera are editable; retrieving, from an external memory, streaming geometry data corresponding to the layout data; and generating the 3D imagery using the first pair of the left camera and the right camera and the streaming geometry data.
US08564643B1
A method for constructing a georeferencing-enabled camera model and its deployment in georeferencing targets located in video sequences due to a single video camera. A video surveillance camera is modeled by a collection of rays converging at a virtual camera point and the retina resolution cell coordinates associated with those rays wherein the ray equations are first established, in the course of a calibration process, for a given camera view, with the aid of other views of the same video surveillance camera, as necessary, and using such a model for mapping image coordinates to terrain coordinates and vice versa in the intended view or its adaptation for use in other views of the same video surveillance camera.
US08564632B2
A thermal printer includes a thermal head and a control unit that controls energization of each of a plurality of heater elements based on printing data including a plurality of line data arrays corresponding to the plurality of heater elements respectively, for selectively heating up the plurality of heater elements, and performs printing according to an order at the printing data while taking a line data array as a basic unit, on each printing cycle including a heating period and a non-heating period. The control unit delays a start of a heating period in a printing cycle with respect to a start of the printing cycle for a predetermined time period when a predetermined condition with respect to the line data array is satisfied.
US08564628B2
An apparatus including at least one light source; a selective attenuation element, used for a plurality of adjacent pixels and configured to attenuate light from the at least one light source; and a group of adjacent mono-chrome light filters, used for the plurality of adjacent pixels, the group including a first mono-chrome light filter, for a first one of the plurality of adjacent pixels, configured to filter light transmitted via the selective attenuation element for the first one of the adjacent pixels; and a second mono-chrome light filter, for a second one of the plurality of adjacent pixels, configured to filter light transmitted via the selective attenuation element for the second one of the adjacent pixels.
US08564623B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing an integrated data visualization interface for multi-dimensional microscopy image and measurement data are disclosed. The integrated data visualization interface utilizes the known dimensional relational relationships between the images to automatically provide synchronized and coordinated visualization and manipulations across multiple related images and measurement data in multiple dataset viewer components (e.g., image grids, browsable image strips, tables, and graphs). Other features of the dataset viewer components are also disclosed.
US08564621B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to replicating changes between corresponding real objects and virtual objects in a virtual world. Embodiments of the invention may include receiving a request to generate a virtual item in a virtual world based on a real-world object, generating the virtual item, synchronizing the virtual item and real-world object, and sharing the virtual item with a second avatar in the virtual world.
US08564618B2
A method of displaying a first image on a mobile terminal, the method comprising: displaying a first image and a second image overlaid on the first image on a display unit of the mobile terminal; and changing the orientation of the first image and the second image according to a variation in the orientation of the mobile terminal.
US08564607B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for creating textures of a building capable of storing textures of a three-dimensional building automatically extracted/obtained from spatial information convergence contents such as photographs, moving pictures, etc., including positional information and directional information, etc. together with a three-dimensional spatial information model. The apparatus for creating textures of a building, includes: an image processing apparatus that detects metadata from one or more image and creates an image topology using the metadata; and a texture processing apparatus that creates a virtual photographing environment based on geographical information and metadata detected in the image processing device, creates a building identifier list of a building model used in creating the virtual photographing environment, detects and groups images including each building based on the building identifier list and an image topology created in the image processing apparatus, and clips the textures of a building included in the grouped images.
US08564606B2
A method and apparatus are provided to generate automatically a mip-map chain of texture images from a portion of texture image data such that it may be used in texturing a computer graphic image. A portion of the texture image data is stored temporarily and is filtered to generate at least one lower level of mip-map data from the texture data. This lower level of mip-map texture image data is then stored for use in texturing. Preferably these are stored on a tile-by-tile basis where a tile is a rectangular area of the image being displayed.
US08564599B2
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that configures a computer system to switch between graphics-processing units (GPUs). In one embodiment, the system drives a display using a first graphics-processing unit (GPU) in the computer system. Next, the system detects one or more events associated with one or more dependencies on a second GPU in the computer system. Finally, in response to the event, the system prepares to switch from the first GPU to the second GPU as a signal source for driving the display.
US08564594B2
A similar shader search apparatus using image feature extraction includes: an image extraction unit configured to classify color, texture, pattern features of a 2D image, into a color feature set, a texture feature set, and a pattern feature set, numerically analyze the respective feature sets, and extract a feature value of the image; a shader extraction unit configured to analyze a predetermined stored shader, classify features having an effect upon color, texture, and pattern into a color feature set, a texture feature set, and a pattern feature set, numerically analyze the respective feature sets, and extract a feature value of the shader; and a distance function calculation unit configured to receive the image feature value and the shader feature value, calculate the similarity of color between the image and the shader, and calculate the similarity of texture between the image and the shader using the Euclidean distance function.
US08564593B2
An improved method for processing image voxel data representative of 3-dimensional images of a colon to remove the effects of tagged stool. The method uses parabolic curve intensity-gradient models at a transition between two material types as a function of the fraction of the two materials for each of a plurality of two-material type classes, including a gas-tissue transition model, a gas-stool transition model and a stool-tissue transition model. The voxels are classified into one of a plurality of substance classes including tagged stool, gas, tissue and unknown classes. The unknown class voxels are processed to classify the unknown class voxels into one of the two-material type classes. The two-material type class voxels are processed to determine the fractions of materials in each voxel. The intensity of the two-material type class voxels is then adjusted as a function of the fraction of the materials in the voxels.
US08564592B2
This invention is directed to provide a technique for efficiently, optimally deciding the shape and number of meshes when performing mesh coding for an object having a gradation. This invention is also directed to provide a technique for setting representative points to minimize the mesh distortion. A mesh generation unit divides an object area into a plurality of meshes and obtains position information, gradient information, and color information for each vertex of a mesh. A mesh control unit decides unnecessary vertices based on the difference between color information of each vertex and color information in the object area that corresponds to the vertex. An optimization unit obtains position information, gradient information, and color information of necessary vertices to minimize the difference between color information of each necessary vertex other than the unnecessary vertices and color information at a position in the object area that corresponds to the necessary vertex.
US08564584B2
An electrophoretic display with threshold voltage drift compensation functionality includes a gate driving circuit, a data driving circuit, a controller and a pixel array. The gate driving circuit provides plural gate signals according to a scan control signal. The data driving circuit provides plural data signals according to a data control signal. The controller is employed to provide the scan control signal and the data control signal. The pixel array is utilized for displaying images according to the gate signals and the data signals. Each of the gate signals includes a writing enable pulse for enabling write operations of the data signals during a writing period. And during a compensation period, each of the gate signals includes a compensation pulse for performing threshold voltage drift compensation operations on the data switches of the pixel array, and the data signals are set to hold a common voltage.
US08564577B2
Disclosed is a display apparatus including a plurality of display pixels formed of a plurality of first electrodes provided in one surface side of a substrate, a second electrode which faces each of the first electrodes and display functional layers which are provided between each of the first electrodes and the second electrode and a resistive film having a predetermined resistivity in which one surface side is provided so as to face the other surface side of the second electrode having a predetermined space above the upper surface of a partition wall layer to define a forming region for each of the display pixels and which is disposed so as to be conductive to the other surface side of the second electrode by a pressure applied from outside, and the second electrode constructing the display pixels is double used as an electrode for detecting a position where the pressure is applied.
US08564571B2
Embodiments of a display device with a vision system are disclosed. In one example, a display device comprises a plurality of pixels for displaying light in a first polarization state, a plurality of photodetectors, where each photodetector in the plurality of photodetectors includes a polarization filter configured to transmit light in a second polarization state to the photodetector and reject light in other polarization states, a plurality of lenslets, where each lenslet in the plurality of lenslets focuses light in the second polarization state onto at least one photodetector in the plurality of photodetectors, a material surrounding the plurality of lenslets, where, for each lenslet in the plurality of lenslets, indices of refraction of the lenslet and the material are substantially equal for light in the first polarization state, and where indices of refraction of the lenslet and the material are different for light in the second polarization state.
US08564566B2
An input device includes a base, a touchscreen, and a projector. The base defines a receiving slot. The touchscreen is secured to the base. The projector can be pivotally received in the receiving slot. The projector includes a holder and a lens. One end of the holder is pivotally secured to the base, and the lens is secured to the other end of the holder. The lens can project a keyboard image on the touchscreen to identify input locations.
US08564554B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling a touch surface control device, including at least one step comprising the generation of sensory feedback corresponding to the detection of a pressure applied by a user on the touch surface, said sensory feedback comprising haptic feedback and acoustic feedback. The invention is characterized in that the generation of the acoustic feedback is initiated after the generation of the haptic feedback once a characteristic value of the haptic feedback has exceeded a pre-defined threshold. The invention also relates to an electric control device having a touch surface, characterized in that it includes means for implementing said method (1).
US08564545B2
A method for controlling an application program, an electronic device thereof, and a recording medium thereof are provided. In the present method, when detecting at least one touch area on a touch screen of the electronic device, all touch points contained within each of the touch areas are obtained. Then, a unique typical coordinate value is determined according to a coordinate value of each of the touch points. Finally, an application program is controlled to execute a function relative to the typical coordinate value. Hence, the application program is controlled to execute the corresponding function by detecting the user operation on the touch screen so as to improve a convenience of operating the electronic device.
US08564543B2
Methods and systems that improve the way media is played, sorted, modified, stored and cataloged on a portable media player are disclosed. One aspect relates to an image based browser that allows a user to navigate through and select images that are related to media items.
US08564538B2
In one embodiment, a kit to enable non-visual use of a touch screen on an electronic device comprises an overlay comprising a surface, where the surface is substantially flat. A first portion of the surface comprises a smooth tactile characteristic, and a second portion of the surface comprises a first textured tactile characteristic, where the first portion is transparent and the second portion is translucent. The first textured tactile characteristic is proximate to an expected icon location at the surface of the overlay. The kit also comprises an instruction that comprises at least one of an indication of an installation of the overlay over the touch screen, or an identification of the electronic device. Other embodiments are described and claimed herein.
US08564536B2
A control device is provided for display means including several screens adapted for displaying several formats. The control device includes several command keys and means for automatic configuration of a command function for display of a format and visualization means associated with the command keys, adapted for respectively assigning to the command keys formats that can be displayed on a screen. The control device is usable in a cockpit of an aircraft.
US08564530B2
An apparatus embodying principles of the invention includes first, second, and at least one pipeline units. The first unit generates synthesized pixel data from pixels of an image and pixels of a previous image. The second unit determines an update mode by comparing pixels of the image with corresponding pixels of the previous image to determine if at least one condition is true. The conditions may be configurable. In addition, the second unit selects an update mode from two or more update modes if the first condition is true. The pipeline unit determines a waveform for each pixel of the image and transmits the waveform as impulse data to a bistable, electro-optic display device. The apparatus may further include a pipeline selecting unit to select a pipeline from two or more pipelines according to the selected update mode.
US08564527B2
A circuit generates a reference voltage in inverse proportion to the variation in temperature to control the gate-on voltage for a gate line of a liquid crystal display so that the liquid crystal display may display an image without distortion.
US08564525B2
A driving device of a liquid crystal display (LCD) utilized for preventing noises of a clock signal from causing error operation of a shift register is disclosed. The driving device includes a shift register, a reception terminal, a noise elimination circuit and a control signal generation circuit. The reception terminal is utilized for receiving a first clock signal. The noise elimination circuit is coupled to the reception terminal, and is utilized for eliminating noises of the first clock signal and delaying the first clock signal for a preset time to generate a second clock signal. The control signal generation circuit is coupled to the reception terminal, the noise elimination circuit and the shift register, and is utilized for generating a first control signal and a second control signal to control the shift register.
US08564524B2
A flat panel display comprises a display panel, a scan driving circuit and a control unit, wherein the display panel includes a plurality of scan lines. The scan driving circuit generates the first and the second scan signals to enable a portion of the scan lines. Furthermore, the control unit may enable a control signal every a predetermined duration according to these scan lines.
US08564523B2
In a shift register and an LCD having the same, the shift register includes plural stages having odd stages for receiving a first clock signal and a first control signal and even stages for receiving a second clock signal and a second control signal. Each of the plural stages includes a pull-up section for providing one of first and second clock signals to an output terminal, a pull-down section for providing a first power voltage to the output terminal, a pull-up driving section for turning on/off the pull-up section in response to an output signal of a front stage and turning off the pull-up section in response to the first and second control signals, a first pull-down driving section for outputting a third control signal, and a second pull-down driving section for turning off the pull-down section in response to the input signal and turning on the pull-down section in response to the third control signal.
US08564516B2
A liquid crystal display device for improving picture quality includes a common electrode formed on a first substrate, gate lines and data lines formed on a second substrate bonded to the first substrate by a sealing member with liquid crystals disposed therebetween, thin film transistors connected to the gate lines and to the data lines, pixel electrodes formed in subpixel regions, each pixel electrode having a long side in a direction of the gate lines and having a short side in a direction of the data lines fanout lines for supplying driving signals from the driving chips to the data lines, first conductive spacers formed between the fanout lines connected to different driving chips, for supplying a common voltage to the common electrode, and second conductive spacers formed between the fanout lines connected to the same driving chip, for supplying the common voltage to the common electrode.
US08564512B2
An improved pixel circuit including N-type transistors is provided. The pixel circuit includes a light emitting device driven by a driving current according to a gate voltage of a driving transistor. The pixel circuit also includes a first capacitor, a second transistor for transferring a data signal to a first terminal of the first capacitor in response to a scan control signal, a third transistor for diode-connecting the driving transistor in response to the scan control signal, a fourth transistor for applying a first power voltage to a first electrode of the driving transistor in response to an emission control signal, a fifth transistor for applying a sustain voltage to the first terminal of the first capacitor in response to the emission control signal, and a sixth transistor for applying the first power voltage to a second terminal of the first capacitor in response to an initialization control signal.
US08564503B2
The present invention generally relates to a screen 1 of the type including a visor 2 whit variable transparency as a function of the extent of the electrical values measurable at its power supply clips 3. The visor 2 is power supplied by a respective electric source with the possible interposition of appropriate devices 4 for the control and management of the electrical values of the power supplied. The liquid crystal visor 2 is flexible to be adapted to the surfaces of installation and the electrical power source includes at least a photovoltaic cell 5.
US08564497B1
A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.
US08564495B2
A portable terminal is discussed. An embodiment of the portable terminal includes a portable terminal comprising a terminal body and a hybrid antenna mounted in the terminal body and having a plurality of antennas of different shapes wherein the hybrid antenna includes a first antenna having one or more dielectric chips, a third radiation patch formed on a first surface of the dielectric chip configured to operate at a first band, a feed pad formed on a second surface of the dielectric chip and the feed pad configured to feed the third radiation patch, and one or more ground pads arranged on the second surface of the dielectric chip located at a predetermined distance from the feed pad and a second antenna connected to the feed pad, and configured to operate at a second band higher than the first band.
US08564494B2
This invention pertains to a lightweight dual-band electronically steered phased array antenna having a multi-layer circuit for supplying DC and a ground plane to RF-on-flex subarrays. A dipole and two additional legs form a four-legged pyramid that stiffens the multi-layer circuit structure and serves as a bonding point to a radome surface. Two of the legs of the pyramid incorporate a low-band V dipole-radiating element. A third leg of the pyramid distributes RF energy to the subarrays via the multi-layer circuit. At the base of the pyramid is an open rectangular frame that accepts the insertion of the multi-layer circuit. An infrared laser transmitter distributes high and low band transmit/receive module control signals to an infrared detector on the opposite side of the subarrays.
US08564486B2
A holding device having a printed circuit board includes a base having a securing recess at a top surface thereof, a securing connector fixed in the securing recess and connected with the printed circuit board, a holding shell rotatably covered to the securing connector, and a flexible antenna of flat plate shape. The antenna has a rectangular radiating body, and a strip-shaped connecting portion extended outwards from a side of the radiating body. A free end of the connecting portion is held by the holding shell and rotated to connect with the securing connector electrically and detachably. An exposed portion of the connecting portion is bent so that the radiating body is attached to the top surface of the base.
US08564471B1
Disclosed is a time-to-digital (TDC) converter comprising an analog voltage source. An analog-to-digital converter quantizes two voltage samples in response to receiving a first input signal at a first time t1 and a second input signal at a second time t2. The first and second digital signals are combined to produce a digital signal that represents the difference (t2−t1).
US08564468B2
An analog-to-digital converter device may include an input multiplexer circuit having analog input terminals configured to receive a respective plurality of analog input signals. The input multiplexer circuit may be responsive to a first select input. The device may also include a trigger multiplexer circuit having input terminals configured to receive respective triggering signals. The trigger multiplexer circuit may be responsive to a second select input. Analog-to-digital converter circuitry may be configured to convert the selected analog signal into a digital signal. A sequence arbiter may be coupled to the first and second select inputs and may have input terminals configured to receive a respective plurality of conversion sequence configuration signals. The sequence arbiter may be configured to manage each conversion sequence of the analog-to-digital converter circuitry based upon the relative conversion sequence configuration signal received, and control the conversion sequences.
US08564464B2
Techniques to reduce correlated errors in a multi-channel sampling system. A plurality of clock signals may be generated from a master clock signal, each with edges offset from each other. The offset clock signals may be distributed to a plurality of sampling devices. Each sampling device may capture a respective input signal according to its offset clock. In this manner, the sampling units may sample their inputs signals over a distributed window of time rather than sampling in response to a common clock edge. By distributing the switching operations performed by the sampling units, noise effects are likely to be reduced.
US08564456B2
A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.
US08564449B2
A component including a surface subject to wear by an electrically conductive wear counterface (50). The component comprises a substrate (10); one or more material layers (32) overlying the substrate (10); a wear surface layer (16) overlying the one or more material layers (32); a first pair of spaced apart and electrically open wear sensor conductors (12/14) disposed in the substrate (10), in the one or more material layers (32), or in the wear surface layer (16); a first wear warning electrical circuit (68/69/70/74) for communicating with the first pair of conductors (12/14) for providing a first wear warning; and wherein when the wear counterface (50) has worn overlying layers, the wear counterface (50) interconnects the first pair of conductors (12/14) to activate the first wear warning circuit (68/69/70/74).
US08564442B2
The invention consists in an RFID label consisting of at least: one functional layer comprising at least one electronic component, one antenna connected to the electronic component; one upper layer; one lower layer having an adhesive surface; wherein the upper and lower layers consist of one or more materials capable of resisting to ultraviolet radiation and/or of filtering the ultraviolet radiation. The invention also includes the method for manufacturing the RFID label and the machine applying the method for manufacturing the RFID label.
US08564439B2
Microstrip patch antenna (46), feed structure (48), and matching circuit (50) designs for an RFID tag (10). A balanced feed design using balanced feeds coupled by a shorting stub (56) to create a virtual short between the two feeds so as to eliminate the need for physically connecting the substrate to the ground plane. A dual feed structure design using a four-terminal IC can be connected to two antennas (46a,46b) resonating at different frequencies so as to provide directional and polarization diversity. A combined near-field/far-field design using a microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and a looping matching circuit providing inductive coupling for near-field operation. A dual-antenna design using first and second microstrip antennas providing directional diversity when affixed to a cylindrical or conical object, and a protective superstrate (66). An annular antenna (46c) design for application to the top of a metal cylinder around a stem.
US08564429B2
A wireless dual tire pressure monitor and equalizer apparatus is adapted to install on a vehicle dual wheel and connect to the two tire valve stems. The apparatus includes capabilities of monitoring individual tire pressure and transmitting tire data to be received by a remote receiver, equalizing pressure in the two tires when pressure is above a selected level, isolating the two tires when pressure is below the selected level, and transmitting warning signals upon detection of low pressure and air leaks. The apparatus further includes capability to integrate with available tire inflation systems for providing tire pressure monitoring and equalizing functionalities.
US08564428B2
A vehicle system includes a plurality of tire sensors, a plurality of low frequency (“LF”) antennas and an ECU. Each tire sensor is mounted in a respective tire of the vehicle. Each LF antenna is mounted on the vehicle and is configured to transmit an LF field to wake up two tire sensors. The ECU is in communication with the tire sensors, via a receiver, and the LF antennas. The ECU is configured to receive identification signals from the respective tire sensors and to determine locations of the respective tire sensors based on which antenna woke up the tire sensor transmitting the respective identification signal and whether the respective identification signal matches other received identification signals. The ECU is further configured to store the identification signals in the memory with the identification signals being associated with the respective tire sensors that transmitted the identification signal.
US08564425B2
A blind spot monitoring and visual display for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side mounted rear view mirrors with one of the rear view mirrors mounted on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of electronic or ultrasonic sensors with one of the sensors disposed on an outer edge of each of the mirrors and each of said sensors constructed and arranged to monitor the blind spots on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of warning lights with one of the warning lights disposed on an inner edge of each of the mirrors to indicate that there is another vehicle in one of the blind spots. In addition, there is a third sensor for sensing the position of the steering wheel or front wheels of the motor vehicle and an audio alarm for warning a driver that there is another motor vehicle in the area that he is moving into to avoid an eminent accident.
US08564424B2
A system is provided for the detection of user hand position on a steering wheel, the system having: a sensor array disposed on the circumference of the wheel configured to detect contact of first and second user hands with the sensor array; a processor whereby data from the sensor array is received and processed generating user hand size, location and movement data; at least one feedback device whereby a user is alerted to an unsafe hand position. the processor being configured to detect conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of unsafe user hand position, allow a delay for correction of the condition and communicate existence of the condition for a period exceeding the delay to the at least one feedback device; a data logger configured to record the conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of the unsafe user hand position; a tamper indicator whereby unauthorized access to the sensor array, the processor, or the at least one feedback device is communicated to authorized noticees; a transceiver communicating with the processor whereby data relating to unsafe user hand positions is transmitted to the authorized noticees.
US08564412B2
A total number of transponders in an interrogation field is estimated or determined based on demodulated baseband direct and quadrature components from a plurality of collided responses from multiple transponders, including collided responses from which information encoded therein cannot be recovered, and would conventionally be discarded. A query or Q value may be set without an a priori knowledge of the actual number or even approximate number of transponders in the field of the interrogator or reader. Such may allow transponders to be quickly and efficiently singulated, for example in a single pass, and information read from and/or written to singulated transponders.
US08564411B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors.
US08564406B2
An improved pager with a touch-sensitive display screen and method for transmitting a message therefrom is provided. Inputting a message onto the touch-sensitive display screen greatly facilitates sending a message from the pager and is more versatile than using navigation or soft keys to transmit built-in messages or using a small keyboard to type in messages. The pager of the preferred embodiments is operative to convert the inputted symbols into a text message and transmit the text message to a paging network. Because the pager transmits the content represented by the inputted symbols, the pager of the preferred embodiments is more versatile than pagers using ink-based systems, which merely transmit the image of the inputted symbol. If the pager is equipped with a browser application, the message from the pager can take the form of a request to a server located in a telecommunication network.
US08564404B2
A store front stock shelf 300 installed together with a sales processing device 200 at a position of cash register detects a stock status of cigarette packs STP housed therein, and produces store front stock data SSD. A user operation terminal 100 installed together with the sales processing device 200 at the position of cash register acquires, from the store front stock shelf 300, store front stock data SSD of cigarette packs STP selected on the commodity selection screen TSG displayed in a switchable manner in response to enter operation by the ordinary user, and makes the touch panel display, in a switchable manner, a commodity selection screen TSG presenting “in stock” if the cigarette packs STP are in stock. In this way, a franchise add-on system capable of simplifying and smoothening purchase of even over-the-counter commodities not readily accessible by the ordinary users, such as cigarette packs STP, and capable of improving LTV and retention, can be provided.
US08564399B2
A vibration protection and condition monitoring system with true digital signal processing based design, with very limited analog based general signal conditioning and integrated specific sensor conditioning and sensor power supply options. In addition to the support for common Eddy Current Probe Systems (employing an external Driver), the device also supports direct connection of the Eddy Current Probe to the module, due to an built-in driver and linearization functionality. The system is a distributed system where the vibration protection and at least a part of the condition monitoring is in an intrinsically safe (IS) distributed unit located on or at the rotating machinery, even in hazardous areas.
US08564398B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.
US08564397B2
The present invention relates to a structure for attaching tactile sensors to a curved surface, comprising a sensor fixing unit configured to have at least part of one surface curved and to have a plurality of sensor insertion grooves, crossing each other, formed in the one surface in a matrix form; tactile sensor units formed in a matrix form, inserted into the respective sensor insertion grooves, and configured to detect external force; sealing units configured to seal the respective sensor insertion grooves; and a support unit configured to come in contact with one face of the sealing units or the sensor fixing units and to support the sensor fixing units. Accordingly, the tactile sensors can be easily attached to a curved surface, and mass production is possible.
US08564385B2
A radio frequency source includes a coaxial non-linear transmission line. The coaxial non-linear transmission line may include a closed, non-magnetic, cylindrical outer conductor defining a cavity therein; and a plurality of stages enclosed by the outer conductor. Each stage may then includes an axial field solenoid wound about the outer conductor; a non-magnetic, cylindrical inner conductor disposed within the cavity and coaxially aligned with the outer conductor; a plurality of cylindrical ferrite switch elements, each defining a respective bore through which the inner conductor runs; and a plurality of inner and outer cups coaxially aligned with the inner and outer conductors, each defining a respective bore through which the inner conductor runs.
US08564384B2
A variable resonator that comprises a loop line (902) to which two or more switches (903) are connected and N of reactance circuits (102) (N≧3), in which switches (903) are severally connected to different positions on the loop line (902), the other ends of the switches are severally connected to a ground conductor, and the switches are capable of switching electrical connection/non-connection between the ground conductor and the loop line (902), the reactance circuits (102) severally have the same reactance value, the loop line (902) has a circumference corresponding to one wavelength or integral multiple thereof at a resonance frequency corresponding to each reactance value of each reactance circuit, and the reactance circuits (102) are electrically connected to the loop line (902) as branching circuits along the circumference direction of the loop line (902) at equal electrical length intervals.
US08564383B2
A signal converter includes: a dielectric substrate; a first conductor layer disposed on one of opposite sides of the dielectric substrate, while including an input section receiving high-frequency signals inputted thereto; a second conductor layer disposed on the other of the opposite sides of the dielectric substrate; and plural first conducting sections penetrating the dielectric substrate for electrically connecting the first and second conductor layers, while forming a waveguide in the inside of the dielectric substrate with the first and second conductor layers. The first conductor layer is disposed on the dielectric substrate without occupying a separator section disposed on the dielectric substrate. The separator section includes first and second sections extend from the input section towards the waveguide. The first and second sections are separated away from each other for gradually increasing their interval in proportion to a distance away from the input section towards the waveguide.
US08564376B2
A physical section of an atomic oscillator includes: a gas cell in which gaseous metal atoms are sealed, and the gas cell includes a first window having optical transparency; a light source that emits excitation light toward the metal atoms through the first window; a first heating unit that disposes at the first window and that is located between the first window and the light source; and a Peltier element that is stacked on the first heating unit, that is located between the first heating unit and the light source, and that decreases a temperature of a side of the Peltier element facing the light source than a temperature of an opposite side of the Peltier element facing the gas cell.
US08564369B2
There is provided a linear amplifier capable of suppressing a reduction in bandwidth and reducing a ripple voltage by using a source follower and a local feedback loop. The linear amplifier includes an amplifier amplifying an input signal according to a difference in signal level between the input signal and a feedback signal, and a buffer buffering a signal amplified in the amplifier by a source follow method, suppressing a reduction in bandwidth of the signal, outputting the signal, and providing the bufferred signal to the amplifier as the feedback signal.
US08564361B2
A semiconductor device includes a regulator including an operational amplifier configured of a current mirror and generating the second voltage V2 from a first voltage V1; and a control circuit that generates the current control signal OVDR, makes a current that is flowed by the current mirror increase by a first transition of the current control signal OVDR, and makes the current that is flowed by the current mirror decrease by a second transition of the current control signal OVDR. The control circuit includes a slew-rate processing unit that makes a second slew rate of the current control signal OVDR related to the second transition be smaller than a first slew rate of the current control signal OVDR related to the first transition.
US08564358B2
An integrator circuit with multiple time window functions for carrying out a plurality of integration operations in parallel, each integration operation being carried out in a coherent manner over a sequence of time windows including at least one such window. The circuit includes a plurality of integration paths each corresponding to an integration operation. The integration paths share a same voltage/current converter and a same first switching mechanism for switching a signal to be integrated at an input of the converter, each integration path further including at least one integration capacitor mounted in counter-reaction to a functional amplifier and receiving a resulting current via a second switching mechanism for selecting the path.
US08564357B2
A level shifter shifts the level of an input signal from a second voltage domain to a first voltage domain. To accommodate different input signal levels (e.g., including sub-threshold input signal levels) that may arise due to changes in the supply voltage for the second voltage domain, current for a latch circuit of the level shifter is limited based on the supply voltage for the second voltage domain. In this way, a drive circuit of the level shifter that controls the latch circuit based on the input signal is able to initiate a change of state of the latch circuit over a wide range of input signal levels.
US08564352B2
A phase interpolator circuit is provided that generates an output clock signal by interpolating between phases of first and second clock signals. Interpolation is performed by detecting an edge of the first clock signal and applying a first current to charge a capacitance of an output node to a voltage level which is less than or equal to a switching threshold of a voltage comparator, and detecting an edge of the second clock signal and applying a second current to charge the capacitance of the output node to a voltage level which exceeds the switching threshold of the voltage comparator. The magnitude of the first current is varied to adjust a timing at which the capacitance of the output node is charged to a voltage level that exceeds the switching threshold of the voltage comparator and to adjust a phase of the output clock signal output from the voltage comparator.
US08564343B2
Nowadays, electronic product designs are aimed at saving, due to the trend to reduce energy consumption and carbon output. Ethernet technology has also been aimed specifically at saving energy; IEEE P802.3az standard (Energy Efficient Ethernet, EEE), for Ethernet released by Broadcom is one example. The disclosure turns off the phase-locked loop when the network communication stops, effectively saving the energy consumption of the network chip under the EEE standard. In the case of network reconnection, the disclosure turns on the phase-locked loop to start the network communication through adjusting the current of current source and the parameters of a low pass filter to increase the charging speed for the reference voltage generation of the low pass filter. The disclosure then shortens the start-up time to quickly output the standard output frequency and phase of the phase-locked loop.
US08564340B2
A dual phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit includes a phase/frequency detector, a charge pump, a frequency tuning circuit and an N divider. The frequency tuning circuit includes a coarse-tuning circuit, for coarse-tuning an output frequency of the dual PLL circuit to approximate a target frequency; a fine-tuning circuit, for fine-tuning the output frequency of the dual PLL circuit to the target frequency; and a current control oscillator (CCO), for generating an output signal of the dual PLL circuit. The output frequency of the output signal is equal to the target frequency.
US08564322B2
A device and method are disclosed wherein a receiver signal line within an integrated circuit may be selected for probing. In one embodiment, a plurality of signal pads and a test pad are provided on an external surface of an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of signal lines extends through the integrated circuit chip to the signal pads. A multiplexer on the integrated circuit chip is configured for individually selecting any of the signal lines. An amplifier on the integrated circuit chip amplifies a selected signal and communicates the amplified signal to an externally-accessible test pad to be probed.
US08564298B2
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy harvesting system is provided. The system comprises a coil wound about a generally cylindrical shaped magnetic core having a first end and a second end. The coil includes wires that are wound in such a manner that the wires are generally parallel to the cylindrical shaped magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core defines a core gap that extends parallel to the magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core also defines an opening extending therethrough from the first end to the second end such that the cylindrical shaped magnetic core is configured to fit around current carrying conductor.
US08564286B2
Embodiments related to giant magneto resistance (GMR) angle sensor layouts having reduced anisotropic magneto resistance (AMR) effects. Embodiments provide GMR angle sensor layouts that reduce or eliminate distortion related to AMR effects, can be more easily scaled up or down, and are more compact to use available surface area more efficiently.
US08564283B2
An apparatus for detecting a rotation angle using a magnet rotor comprising a magnet having 2N poles, wherein N is a natural number, and a sensor device for detecting the direction of a magnetic flux from the magnet rotor, at least one of two output voltages obtained in radial and rotational directions by the sensor device being multiplied by a correction coefficient, and the rotation angle being calculated from the two corrected output voltages to increase the detection accuracy of the rotation angle.
US08564282B2
There is provided an angle sensor and angle detection device of high output and high accuracy with a wide operating temperature range. First through eighth sensor units 511, 522, 523, 514, 531, 542, 543 and 534 are produced from spin valve magnetoresistive films that use a self-pinned type ferromagnetic pinned layer comprising two layers of ferromagnetic films that are strongly and anti-ferromagnetically coupled. The respective sensor units are produced via the formation and patterning of thin-films magnetized at angles that differ by 90°, and the formation of insulation films. By using, for the ferromagnetic films, CoFe and FeCo films that have similar Curie temperatures to make the difference in magnetization amount be zero, high immunity to external magnetic fields, a broad adaptive temperature range, and high output are realized.
US08564274B2
An improved reference voltage (Vref) generator useable, for example, in sensing data on single-ended channels is disclosed. The Vref generator can be placed on the integrated circuit containing the receivers, or may be placed off chip. In one embodiment, the Vref generator comprises an adjustable-resistance voltage divider in combination with a current source. The voltage divider is referenced to I/O power supplies Vddq and Vssq, with Vref being generated at a node intervening between the adjustable resistances of the voltage divider. The current source injects a current into the Vref node and into a non-varying Thevenin equivalent resistance formed of the same resistors used in the voltage divider. So constructed, the voltage generated equals the sum of two terms: a first term comprising the slope between Vref and Vddq, and a second term comprising a Vref offset. Each of these terms can be independently adjusted in first and second modes: the slope term via the voltage divider, and the offset term by the magnitude of the injected current. Use of the disclosed Vref generator in one useful implementation allows Vref to be optimized at two different values for Vddq.
US08564267B2
A system includes an input selection module, a multiplier selection module, a multiplier module, an adding module, a plurality of accumulators, and an estimation module. The input selection module selects input signals including a duty cycle signal and current and voltage signals of a power supply. The multiplier selection module selects inputs from sine and cosine generator. The multiplier module multiplies the selected input signals by the inputs from the sine and cosine generator to generate products. The adding module adds the products to generate sums. The plurality of accumulators accumulates the sums. The estimation module estimates values of a plurality of components including an inductance, a capacitance, and a resistance of the power supply based on the sums accumulated in the plurality of accumulators.
US08564265B2
A driving circuit includes a switching circuit, an acquiring circuit, an amplifying circuit, and an adjusting circuit. The switching circuit includes a driving chip and a switching unit. The switching unit is connected between a power source and a load, the driving chip is configured for controlling the connection and disconnection of the switching unit. The acquiring circuit is connected between the switching unit and the load, and is configured for providing a feedback to the amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit includes two amplifying input terminals connected to two terminals of the acquiring circuit and an amplifying output terminal outputting an amplified voltage. The adjusting circuit is connected to the amplifying output terminal and is configured for outputting different control voltages to the driving chip according to the amplified voltage. The driving chip outputs different driving voltages to the switching unit according to the control voltages.
US08564264B2
A current control system comprising at least one series arm including a linear series regulator for generating a manipulated variable signal, wherein the linear series regulator is connected to a semiconductor control element which is connected to a supply voltage referenced to a ground potential, and the semiconductor control element includes an output voltage at its output side relative to the ground potential. A reference signal fed to the series regulator, a current measurement signal, and the manipulated variable signal are referenced to the ground potential, where the manipulated variable signal is fed to a subtractor which subtracts the difference of the feed voltage minus the output voltage from the manipulated variable signal, and the generated output signal of the subtractor is fed to the semiconductor control element as a corrected manipulated variable signal.
US08564263B2
A voltage regulator includes a constant voltage power circuit and an overcurrent protection circuit. The constant voltage power circuit generates an output voltage, an output current and a divided voltage. The overcurrent protection circuit includes a current sensing unit, a first mirroring unit, a voltage to current converting unit, a second mirroring unit, and a pull up unit. The current sensing unit generates a sensing current according to the output current. The first mirroring unit generates a first mirroring current. The first mirroring current is proportional to the output current. The voltage to current converting unit is used for converting the divided voltage into a first current. The second mirroring unit generates a second mirroring current. The second mirroring current is proportional to the second current. The pull up unit controls the output voltage and the output current according to the first mirroring current and the second mirroring current.
US08564261B2
A power converting apparatus is provided with a step-up chopper circuit (2) that steps-up an input voltage (Vi) from a distributed power supply, an inverter circuit (3) that converts the output voltage (Vd) of the step-up chopper circuit (2) into alternating current, a first control circuit for controlling the output voltage (Vd), and a second control circuit for controlling the chopper input current (Ii). The first control circuit generates a target current value (Ir) so as to make the output voltage (Vd) become a target output voltage value (Vr). The second control circuit controls the step-up chopper circuit (2) so as to make the chopper input current (Ii) become the target current value (Ir). The first control circuit also has a low-pass filter (23a) that removes ripple components included in the output voltage (Vd).
US08564256B2
In an embodiment, a circuit includes a regulated power supply terminal, a processing circuit coupled to the regulated power supply terminal, and a low frequency responsive circuit having a first transistor adapted to be coupled to a power source and having first circuitry configured to control current flow from the power source through the first transistor to supply a low frequency current to the regulated power supply terminal. The circuit device further includes a high frequency responsive circuit having a second transistor coupled to the regulated power supply terminal and having second circuitry configured to control the second transistor to selectively modulate high frequency current components at the regulated power supply terminal to reduce voltage variations on the regulated power supply.
US08564254B2
The power generation amount control apparatus includes a battery state determination section, a generator performance determination section, a power-generation-amount increase determination section, an idle state determination section, and a power generation restriction control section. The power generation restriction control section is configured to perform power generation restriction control to restrict a power generation amount of a vehicle generator driven by a vehicle engine when the idle state determination section determines that the vehicle engine is in the idle state, the power-generation-amount increase determination section determines that the power-generation-amount increase demand is not present, and the battery state determination section determines that the battery charged by the vehicle generator is not deteriorated.
US08564249B2
A charging unit comprises a first input connectable to a first power source, a second input connectable to a second power source, and an output for connection to a battery to be charged. The charging unit also comprises a power supply unit operable simultaneously to provide power from the first input and power from the second input to the output.
US08564239B2
A medium detection device includes: a sensor lever configured to rotate corresponding to a travel of a recording medium; a sensor configured to detect the rotation of the sensor lever; a stopper having a guide surface inclined with respect to the movement direction of the sensor lever and configured to stop movement of the sensor lever upon the rotation of the sensor.
US08564233B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a variable frequency drive system and a method of controlling a pump driven by a motor with the pump in fluid communication with a fluid system. The drive system and method can provide one or more of the following: a sleep mode, pipe break detection, a line fill mode, an automatic start mode, dry run protection, an electromagnetic interference filter compatible with a ground fault circuit interrupter, two-wire and three-wire and three-phase motor compatibility, a simple start-up process, automatic password protection, a pump out mode, digital input/output terminals, and removable input and output power terminal blocks.
US08564230B2
A method and a circuit arrangement are provided which enable a mechanical load applied to the motor shaft of a stepper motor (M) or a load angle of the stepper motor to be detected in a sensorless manner. A method and circuit arrangement are also provided which enable the motor current(s) of a stepper motor to be controlled in accordance with the load value such that the load angle is as high as possible without risking step losses, in order to maintain the current consumption of the motor as low as possible. This is achieved according by evaluating the temporal duration of the ON- and the FD-phases during the chopper control of the motor.
US08564227B2
In order to activate a control element (4) of a drive apparatus (1) for driving an object that can be moved between two end positions, the control element having a response delay (Δtanspr) a parameter (Fakt) influenced by the drive apparatus (1) is monitored and compared with a specified threshold (FTh), upon the achievement of which a control signal is output to the control element (4); a pre-threshold (Fv) to be achieved before the achievement of the threshold (FTh) is defined, upon the achievement of which pre-threshold a pre-control signal is output to the control element (4) for the preparatory activation thereof, and afterwards further monitoring for the achievement of the actual threshold (FTh) is performed, wherein upon achievement of the actual threshold (FTh), the control element activation is retained, whereas if the actual threshold (FTh) is not achieved, the control element activation is rescinded.
US08564224B2
An electron injector including an electron source and a conducting grid situated close to the electron source, one or more RF accelerating/bunching cavities operating at the same fundamental RF frequency; a DC voltage source configured to bias the cathode at a small positive voltage with respect to the grid; a first RF drive configured to apply an RF signal between the cathode and grid at the fundamental and third harmonic RF frequencies; and a second RF drive configured to apply an RF drive signal to the accelerating/bunching cavities. Electrons are emitted by the cathode and travel through the grid to the accelerating/bunching cavities for input into an RF linac. The first RF drive applies a first RF drive signal at the fundamental frequency of the linac plus higher harmonics thereof to the gap between the cathode and the grid to cause the emitted electrons to form electron bunches and the second RF drive applies a second RF drive signal to the accelerating/bunching cavities on the other side of the grid to further accelerate and optimize the size of the electron bunches. Because the applied RF signals contain at the fundamental linac frequency, the electrons are bunched at that frequency and each RF bucket of the linac is filled with an electron bunch.
US08564222B2
The present invention relates to a lighting device controlling circuit module, comprising: a first bridge rectifier unit, a second bridge rectifier unit, a power factor correction unit, a controlling unit, a feedback unit, at least one switching unit, and at least one boost/buck unit. The lighting device controlling circuit module of the present invention can be made as an electronic chip for easily being integrated into an LED fluorescent lamp, therefore, a user can replace the traditional fluorescent lamp with the LED fluorescent lamp having the lighting device controlling circuit module so easily, and the user does not need to identify which two contacts of the LED fluorescent lamp are used as the power-inputting terminal before replacing the traditional fluorescent lamp by the LED fluorescent lamp.
US08564219B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a bridge rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a first switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the first switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the first switch is controlled linearly. The circuit further includes a current path coupled in parallel with the LED light source and an illuminated switch coupled between the AC power source and the bridge rectifier.
US08564217B2
Apparatus and method are provided for reducing acoustical noise when cooling a device, such as a lamp system. The apparatus includes at least a set of a first synthetic jet and a second synthetic jet. The first and second synthetic jets are responsive to respective actuating signals having a phase difference (e.g., 180°) between one another chosen to reduce acoustic noise produced by the first and second synthetic jets when cooling the device.
US08564210B2
A light source module includes a substrate unit for mounting multiple light emitting diodes thereon to electrically connecting them; first and second electrical connecting terminals for supplying a current to the light emitting diodes based on a voltage applied from outside the substrate unit; and a characteristic setting unit for presetting characteristic information corresponding to a electrical characteristic of the light emitting diodes. Further, the light source module includes a third electrical connecting terminal for outputting a setting signal based on the characteristic information preset in the characteristic setting unit, and the characteristic setting unit is connected at least between the third and first electrical connecting terminals or between the third and second electrical connecting terminals, and the characteristic setting unit responds to a set-up power inputted from the third electrical connecting terminal to generate the setting signal.
US08564209B2
A circuit capable of receiving, in series with at least one light-emitting diode, a rectified A.C. voltage, comprising: a first gate turn-off thyristor connected to first and second terminals of the circuit; and a control circuit for turning off the first thyristor when the voltage between the first and second terminals exceeds a threshold.
US08564208B2
The present invention relates to a lighting device with color temperature adjusting functionality, comprising: a light-emitting device array module, a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a third driving unit, a fourth driving unit, a main controlling unit, and a power management unit, wherein the first driving unit, the second driving unit, the third driving unit, the fourth driving unit are used for respectively driving a first high color temperature light-emitting device array, a first low color temperature light-emitting device array, a second low color temperature light-emitting device array, and a second high color temperature light-emitting device array of the light-emitting device array module, so as to selectively drive a plurality of first high color temperature light-emitting devices, a plurality of first low color temperature light-emitting devices, a plurality of second low color temperature light-emitting devices, and a plurality of second high color temperature light-emitting devices to emit a color light with a specific color temperature.
US08564205B2
A vehicle signal light assembly includes: at least one color mixing light source; a support element configured to support the at least one color mixing light source on a vehicle as a signal light; and a controller configured to selectively drive each color mixing light source to generate light of a selected visually perceived color based on a received control signal. In some such embodiments, each color mixing light source of the vehicle signal light assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of at least two constituent colors. In some such embodiments, the controller is configured to operate each color mixing light source of the vehicle signal light assembly using time domain multiplexing (TDM) to generate the light of the selected visually perceived color. In some such embodiments, the vehicle signal light assembly comprises a taillight assembly. In some of the embodiments, the vehicle light assembly comprises an ambient or auxiliary lighting, or a dashboard lighting assembly.
US08564202B2
A LED package includes a LED die, and a memory device. The memory device is arranged for holding LED data information for driving the LED die. A LED driver arrangement includes a LED package as described above, a LED driver device and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to the memory device for accessing the LED data information for driving the LED die and to the LED driver for sending an output flux settings signal. The LED driver device is connected to the LED die for providing a driving signal to the LED die, the driving signal being based on the output flux in package settings signal from the microcontroller.
US08564180B2
A piezoelectric composition includes a compound represented by a general expression Bi4Ti3O12—SrBi4Ti4O15 as a main component; and Mn or a Mn compound as an additive. A Mn content is less than 1.0% by mass based on a main component amount.
US08564154B2
One example of our system makes it easier to bring the wind turbines to the residential and densely populated areas. The systems can be cascaded together to supply a bigger population or area. Since most of the system is hidden, it looks better for appearance of the city/houses. It has less of noise problem near houses, and less bird and bat mortality rates, with less radar interferences, less maintenance worker hazard, and less shipping/installation cost. This technology addresses e.g. Energy and Power Management Systems for harvesting wind energy by wind-catcher tower and diffuser augmented wind turbines. For example, we discuss the placement of diffusers at the intake of the wind turbines, inside a wind-catcher tower, to significantly increase the efficiency of the wind energy capture, plus the modular design of the wind-catcher tower. Various designs for the system and components are presented here.
US08564149B2
A method for operating a wave power plant, where the method supplying, using a electrical generator, electrical power to a power grid, which is averaged over a plurality of flow oscillation periods using a generator side converter, a direct current link and a network side converter, where an electrical energy storage is connected to the direct current link using a DC converter, and maintaining the voltage value of the direct current link between a lower limiting voltage and an upper limiting voltage by at least one of a closed-loop and an open-loop control of a power input and a power output, wherein an air turbine is speed guided, depending on a variable, which characterises the flow in at least one of the flow channel and the pressure in the wave chamber, wherein the rotational speed is guided continuously during a flow oscillation period.
US08564131B2
The invention is characterized in including interconnect layer formed on surface of a substrate forming desired element region, inter layer dielectric covering surface of said interconnect layer, silicon nitride film formed so as covering whole surface of said inter layer dielectric, metal interconnect layer consisting of gold layer as the uppermost lay metal formed on the upper layer of said silicon nitride film, and planarized dielectric formed on said metal interconnect layer.
US08564120B2
By providing heat dissipation elements or heat pipes in temperature critical areas of a semiconductor device, enhanced performance, reliability and packing density may be achieved. The heat dissipation elements may be formed on the basis of standard manufacturing techniques and may be positioned in close proximity to individual transistor elements and/or may be used for shielding particular circuit portions.
US08564117B2
The present invention is an apparatus for integrating multiple devices. The apparatus includes a substrate having a first via and a second via, a semiconductor chip positioned on a top portion of the substrate and positioned between the first via and the second via, first and second bumps positioned on the semiconductor chip, and an interposer wafer having a first interposer spring assembly and a second interposer spring assembly, the first interposer spring assembly having a first interposer spring and a first electrical connection attached to the first interposer spring, and the second interposer spring assembly having a second interposer spring and a second electrical connection attached to the second interposer spring.
US08564116B2
A semiconductor device includes a reinforcement plate having an accommodating hole and a through hole extending from a first surface to a second surface, a semiconductor chip including a chip core and a pad formed on a pad surface of the chip core, the semiconductor chip disposed in the accommodating hole with the pad surface flush with the first surface, the chip core having substantially the same thickness as the reinforcement plate and including a semiconductor substrate, a through-hole electrode disposed in the through hole, resin sealing the semiconductor chip and the reinforcement plate, a interconnection pattern disposed on the first-surface side of the reinforcement plate to connect between the through-hole electrode and the pad, and a interconnection pattern disposed on the second-surface side of the reinforcement plate to be connected to the through-hole electrode, wherein the reinforcement plate is made of the same material as the semiconductor substrate.
US08564115B2
Proposed is a package structure having a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) element, including a chip having a plurality of electrical connecting pads and a MEMS element formed thereon; a lid disposed on the chip for covering the MEMS element; a stud bump disposed on each of the electrical connecting pads; an encapsulant formed on the chip with part of the stud bumps being exposed from the encapsulant; and a metal conductive layer formed on the encapsulant and connected to the stud bumps. The invention is characterized by completing the packaging process on the wafer directly to enable thinner and cheaper package structures to be fabricated within less time. This invention further provides a method for fabricating the package structure as described above.
US08564110B2
A power semiconductor package has an ultra thin chip with front side molding to reduce substrate resistance; a lead frame unit with grooves located on both side leads provides precise positioning for connecting numerous bridge-shaped metal clips to the front side of the side leads. The bridge-shaped metal clips are provided with bridge structure and half or fully etched through holes for relieving superfluous solder during manufacturing process.
US08564107B2
A lead frame comprises: a base metal layer; a copper plating layer, including one of a copper layer and an alloy layer including a copper, configured to plate the based metal layer to make a surface roughness; and an upper plating layer, including at least one plating layer including at least one selected from the group of a nickel, a palladium, a gold, a silver, a nickel alloy, a palladium alloy, a gold alloy, and a silver alloy, configured to plate the copper plating layer.
US08564103B2
In order to protect IMD layers, particularly low-k dielectrics, a protection film is formed on the sidewall of an opening in the IMD layers prior to etching a trench in the underlying silicon substrate. After etching the trench, such as through a TMAH wet etch, at least part of the protection film can be removed. The protection film can be removed in an anisotropic etch process such that a portion of the protection film remains as a sidewall spacer on the sidewall of the opening within the IMD layers.
US08564097B2
An insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is provided comprising a semiconductor substrate having the following regions in sequence: (i) a first region of a first conductive type having opposing surfaces, a column region of a second conductive type within the first region extending from a first of said opposing surfaces; (ii) a drift region of the second conductive type; (iii) a second region of the first conductive type, and (iv) a third region of the second conductive type. There is provided a gate electrode disposed to form a channel between the third region and the drift region, a first electrode operatively connected to the second region and the third region, a second electrode operatively connected to the first region and the column region. The arrangement of the IGBT is such that the column region is spaced from a second surface of the opposing surfaces of the first region, whereby a forward conduction path extends sequentially through the third region, the second region, the drift region, and the first region, and whereby a reverse conduction path extends sequentially through the second region, the drift region, the first region and the column region. Reverse conduction of the IGBT occurs through a thyristor structure which is embedded in the IGBT. Such an IGBT structure is advantageous over a reverse conducting IGBT structure in which an anti-parallel diode is integrated or embedded because it provides improved reverse conduction and snapback performance.
US08564090B2
A semiconductor device include an insulating interlayer formed over a substrate; an electrical fuse which is composed of a first wiring formed in the insulating interlayer, and has a cutting portion; and a second wiring and a third wiring, formed respectively on both sides of the cutting portion to extend along the cutting portion in the same layer as the first wiring. Air gaps formed to extend along the cutting portion are respectively provided between the cutting portion and the second wiring and between the cutting portion and the third wiring.
US08564085B2
Provided is a method of fabricating an image sensor device. The method includes providing a first substrate having a radiation-sensing region disposed therein. The method includes providing a second substrate having a hydrogen implant layer, the hydrogen implant layer dividing the second substrate into a first portion and a second portion. The method includes bonding the first portion of the second substrate to the first substrate. The method includes after the bonding, removing the second portion of the second substrate. The method includes after the removing, forming one or more microelectronic devices in the first portion of the second substrate. The method includes forming an interconnect structure over the first portion of the second substrate, the interconnect structure containing interconnect features that are electrically coupled to the microelectronic devices.
US08564080B2
A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) storage element may comprise a pinned layer stack and a first functional layer. The pinned layer stack is formed of a plurality of layers comprising a bottom pinned layer, a coupling layer, and a top pinned layer. The first functional layer is disposed in the bottom pinned layer or the top pinned layer.
US08564079B2
A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device for a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) in a semiconductor back-end-of-line (BEOL) process flow includes a first metal interconnect for communicating with at least one control device and a first electrode for coupling to the first metal interconnect through a via formed in a dielectric passivation barrier using a first mask. The device also includes an MTJ stack for storing data coupled to the first electrode, a portion of the MTJ stack having lateral dimensions based upon a second mask. The portion defined by the second mask is over the contact via. A second electrode is coupled to the MTJ stack and also has a same lateral dimension as defined by the second mask. The first electrode and a portion of the MTJ stack are defined by a third mask. A second metal interconnect is coupled to the second electrode and at least one other control device.
US08564078B2
A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is proposed. In this context, at least one trench structure having a depth less than the substrate thickness is to be produced in a substrate. In addition, an insulating layer and a filler layer are produced or applied on a first side of the substrate. The filler layer comprises a filler material that substantially fills up the trench structure. A planar first side of the substrate is produced by way of a subsequent planarization within a plane of the filler layer or of the insulating layer or of the substrate. A further planarization of the second side of the substrate is then accomplished. A micromechanical component that is manufactured in accordance with the method is also described.
US08564077B2
A package for electronic component comprises a rectangular package body having a flat cut surface to be abutted on a flat mounting surface of a mounting substrate, a first side surface intersecting with the flat cut surface, and a first notch part formed at a boundary between the flat cut surface and the first side surface, an electronic component installed in the package body, and a first pad electrically connected to the electronic component and formed on an inner wall surface of the first notch part.
US08564075B1
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method. The apparatus has a movable base structure including an outer surface region and an inner surface region. At least one central anchor structure can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the inner surface region and at least one peripheral anchor structure can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the outer surface region. Additionally, the apparatus can have at least one peripheral spring structure. The peripheral spring structure(s) can be coupled to the peripheral anchor structure(s) and at least one portion of the outer surface region. The apparatus can also have at least one central spring structure. The central spring structure(s) can be operably coupled to the central anchor structure(s) and at least one portion of the inner surface region.
US08564073B1
A technique for and structures for camouflaging an integrated circuit structure and strengthen its resistance to reverse engineering. A plurality of transistors are formed in a semiconductor substrate, at least some of the transistors being of the type having sidewall spacers with LDD regions formed under the sidewall spacers. Transistors are programmably interconnected with ambiguous interconnection features, the ambiguous interconnection features each comprising a channel formed in the semiconductor substrate with preferably the same dopant density as the LDD regions, with selected ones of the channels being formed of a conductivity type supporting electrical communication between interconnected active regions and with other selected ones of the channels being formed of a conductivity type inhibiting electrical communication but ambiguously appearing to a reverse engineer as supporting electrical communication.
US08564069B1
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductor devices and, more particularly, to semiconductor devices having field effect transistors (FETs) with a low body resistance and, in some embodiments, a self-balanced body potential where multiple transistors share same body potential. In one embodiment, the invention includes a field effect transistor (FET) comprising a source within a substrate, a drain within the substrate, and an active gate atop the substrate and between the source and the drain, an inactive gate structure atop the substrate and adjacent the source or the drain, a body adjacent the inactive gate, and a discharge path within the substrate for releasing a charge from the FET, the discharge path lying between the active gate of the FET and the body, wherein the discharge path is substantially perpendicular to a width of the active gate.
US08564064B2
A placement of non-planar FET devices is disclosed, which includes non-planar devices that have electrodes, and the electrodes contain fins and an epitaxial layer which merges the fins together. The non-planar devices are so placed that their gate structures are in a parallel configuration separated from one another by a first distance, and the fins of differing non-planar devices line up in essentially straight lines. The electrodes of differing FET devices are separated from one another by a cut defined by opposing facets of the electrodes, with the opposing facets also defining the width of the cut. The width of the cut is smaller than one fifth of the first distance which separates the gate structures.
US08564061B2
A semiconductor device has elongate plug structures extending in the lateral direction. The plug structures serve as electrical lines in order to enable locally defined lateral current flows within the cell array, within edge regions or logic regions of the semiconductor device.
US08564049B2
This invention discloses a power device package for containing, protecting and providing electrical contacts for a power transistor. The power device package includes a top and bottom lead frames for directly no-bump attaching to the power transistor. The power transistor is attached to the bottom lead frame as a flip-chip with a source contact and a gate contact directly no-bumping attaching to the bottom lead frame. The power transistor has a bottom drain contact attaching to the top lead frame. The top lead frame further includes an extension for providing a bottom drain electrode substantially on a same side with the bottom lead frame. In a preferred embodiment, the power device package further includes a joint layer between device metal of source, gate or drain and top or bottom lead frame, through applying ultrasonic energy. In another embodiment, a layer of conductive epoxy or adhesive, a solder paste, a carbon paste, or other types of attachment agents for direct no-bumping attaching the power transistor to one of the top and bottom lead frames.
US08564047B2
A semiconductor power device having shielded gate structure integrated with a trenched clamp diode formed in a semiconductor silicon layer, wherein the shielded gate structure comprises a shielded electrode formed by a first poly-silicon layer and a gate electrode formed by a second poly-silicon layer. The trenched clamp diode is formed by the first poly-silicon layer. A shielded gate mask used to define the shielded gate is also used to define the trenched clamp diode. Therefore, one poly-silicon layer and a mask for the trenched clamp diode are saved.
US08564045B2
Memory arrays and methods of their formation are disclosed. One such memory array has memory-cell strings are formed adjacent to separated substantially vertical, adjacent semiconductor structures, where the separated semiconductor structures couple the memory cells of the respective strings in series. For some embodiments, two dielectric pillars may be formed from a dielectric formed in a single opening, where each of the dielectric pillars has a pair of memory-cell strings adjacent thereto and where at least one memory cell of one of the strings on one of the pillars and at least one memory cell of one of the strings on the other pillar are commonly coupled to an access line.
US08564023B2
At least one MOS parameter of a MOS fuse is characterized to provide at least one MOS parameter reference value. Then, the MOS fuse is programmed by applying a programming signal to the fuse terminals so that programming current flows through the fuse link. The fuse resistance is measured to provide a measured fuse resistance associated with a first logic value. A MOS parameter of the programmed MOS fuse is measured to provide a measured MOS parameter value. The measured MOS parameter value is compared to the reference MOS parameter value to determine a second logic value of the MOS fuse, and a bit value is output based on the comparison.
US08564022B2
Provided is a power device. The power device may include a two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) layer in a portion corresponding to a gate electrode pattern since a second nitride layer is further formed on a lower portion of the gate electrode pattern after a first nitride layer is formed and thus, may be capable of performing a normally-OFF operation. Accordingly, the power device may adjust generation of the 2-DEG layer based on a voltage of a gate, and may reduce power consumption. The power device may regrow only the portion corresponding to the gate electrode pattern or may etch a portion excluding the portion corresponding to the gate electrode pattern and thus, a recess process may be omissible, a reproducibility of the power device may be secured, and a manufacturing process may be simplified.
US08564017B2
A drift layer has a thickness direction throughout which a current flows and has an impurity concentration N1d for a first conductivity type. A body region is provided on a portion of the drift layer, has a channel to be switched by a gate electrode, has an impurity concentration N1b for the first conductivity type, and has an impurity concentration N2b for the second conductivity type greater than the impurity concentration N1b. A JFET region is disposed adjacent to the body region on the drift layer, has an impurity concentration N1j for the first conductivity type, and has an impurity concentration N2j for the second conductivity type smaller than the impurity concentration N1j. N1j−N2j>N1d and N2j
US08564015B2
An organic light-emitting diode with high color rendering is provided, which includes: a substrate; a first electrode disposed over the substrate; a light-emitting region disposed over the first electrode, in which the light-emitting region includes a plurality of light-emitting layers and at least one spacer, the spacer being disposed between any two of the light-emitting layers and each of the light-emitting layers individually including a dye; and a second electrode disposed over the light-emitting region. Accordingly, the organic light-emitting diode according to the present invention can exhibit high color rendering and high illumination efficiency.
US08564012B2
A method for manufacturing an optoelectronic apparatus includes attaching bottom surfaces of first and second packaged optoelectronic semiconductor devices (POSDs) to a carrier substrate (e.g., a tape) so that there is a space between the first and second POSDs. An opaque molding compound is molded around portions of the first and second POSDs attached to the carrier substrate, so that peripheral surfaces of the first POSD and the second POSD are surrounded by the opaque molding compound, the space between the first and second POSDs is filled with the opaque molding compound, and the first and second POSDs are attached to one another by the opaque molding compound. The carrier substrate is thereafter removed so that electrical contacts on the bottom surfaces of the first and second POSDs are exposed. A window for each of the POSDs is formed during the molding process or thereafter.
US08564010B2
An LED device includes a strip-shaped electrode, a strip-shaped current blocking structure and a plurality of distributed current blocking structures. The current blocking structures are formed of an insulating material such as silicon dioxide. The strip-shaped current blocking structure is located directly underneath the strip-shaped electrode. The plurality of current blocking structures may be disc shaped portions disposed in rows adjacent the strip-shaped current blocking structure. Distribution of the current blocking structures is such that current is prevented from concentrating in regions immediately adjacent the electrode, thereby facilitating uniform current flow into the active layer and facilitating uniform light generation in areas not underneath the electrode. In another aspect, current blocking structures are created by damaging regions of a p-GaN layer to form resistive regions. In yet another aspect, current blocking structures are created by etching away highly doped contact regions to form regions of resistive contact between conductive layers.
US08563991B2
An optical semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate, an optical semiconductor region and a heater. The optical semiconductor region is provided on the semiconductor substrate and has a width smaller than that of the semiconductor substrate. The heater is provided on the optical semiconductor region. The optical semiconductor region has a cladding region, an optical waveguide layer and a low thermal conductivity layer. The optical waveguide layer is provided in the cladding region and has a refractive index higher than that of the cladding region. The low thermal conductivity layer is provided between the optical waveguide layer and the semiconductor substrate and has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the cladding region.
US08563987B2
The semiconductor device 100 of this invention includes: a semiconductor layer 2 arranged on the principal surface of a substrate 1 and made of a wide bandgap semiconductor; a trench 5 which is arranged in the semiconductor layer 2 and which has a bottom and a side surface; an insulating region 11 arranged on the bottom and side surface of the trench 5; and a conductive layer 7 arranged in the trench 5 and insulated from the semiconductor layer 2 by the insulating region 11. The insulating region 11 includes a gate insulating film 6 arranged on the bottom and the side surface of the trench 5 and a gap 10 arranged between the gate insulating film 6 and the conductive layer 7 at the bottom of the trench 5. The gate insulating film 6 contacts with the conductive layer 7 on a portion of the side surface of the trench 5 but does not contact with the conductive layer 7 at the bottom of the trench 5. The thickness of the insulating region 11 measured from the bottom of the trench 5 through the lower surface of the conductive layer 7 is greater around the center of the trench than beside its side surface.
US08563980B2
Manufacturing an array substrate includes forming data and gate lines which cross and a gate electrode on a substrate. The data line is discontinuously disposed to be separated from the gate line, or the gate line is discontinuously disposed to be separated from the data line. Active and gate insulating layers including bridge and source electrode vias are formed on the substrate. The bridge vias correspond to adjacent discontinuous sections of the data line or the gate line. The source electrode via corresponds to the data line. Pixel, source, and drain electrodes and a bridge line are formed on the substrate. The pixel electrode and the drain electrode are integral. The source electrode is connected to the data line through the source electrode via. The bridge line connects adjacent discontinuous sections of the data line or adjacent discontinuous sections of the gate line through bridge vias.
US08563977B2
A transistor is constituted of a gate electrode 2, a gate insulation layer 3, a semiconductor layer 4 formed of an amorphous oxide, a source electrode 5, a drain electrode 6 and a protective layer 7. The protective layer 7 is provided on the semiconductor layer 4 in contact with the semiconductor layer 4, and the semiconductor layer 4 includes a first layer at least functioning as a channel layer and a second layer having higher resistance than the first layer. The first layer is provided on the gate electrode 2 side of the semiconductor layer 4 and the second layer is provided on the protective layer 7 side of the semiconductor layer 4.
US08563969B2
A compound having the structure represented by the following formula (1) or (1)′ as at least a part: wherein FA is a fused aromatic ring, and Ar is an aromatic group.
US08563968B2
The present invention provides an EL device that contains a quantum-dots-containing layer in which quantum dots hardly coagulate even under high-temperature conditions, e.g., at a temperature of 90° C. or more, that has a good performance even if heat treatment was carried at a high temperature in its production process, that can retain its emission characteristics for a prolonged period of time, and that has high durability. An electroluminescent device comprises a pair of electrodes, and an electroluminescent layer containing at least a luminescent layer, situated between the electrodes. The luminescent layer contains quantum dots whose surfaces are protected by one or more protective materials. At least one of the protective materials has a glass transition temperature and a melting point of 90° C. or more.
US08563966B2
A new devices structure of nano tunneling field effect transistor based on nano metal particles is introduced. The nano semiconductor device, comprising a source and a drain, wherein each of the source and drain comprise an implanted nano cluster of metal atoms, wherein the implanted nano cluster of metal atoms forming the source has an average radius in the range from about 1 to about 2 nanometers, and the implanted nano cluster of metal atoms forming the drain has an average radius in the range from about 2 to about 4 nanometers. Processes for producing the nano semiconductor device are detailed.
US08563962B2
Disclosed is a memory device provided with a plurality of memory cells and a lead-out line (12) shared among the memory cells. Each memory cell is provided with a transistor (6) formed above a substrate (1) and a variable resistance element (10) having a lower electrode (7), an upper electrode (9) that comprises a noble metal, and a variable resistance layer (8) disposed between the lower electrode (7) and the upper electrode (9). The resistance value of the variable resistance layer (8) changes reversibly in response to electric pulses that go through the transistor (6) and are applied between the lower electrode (7) and the upper electrode (9). The lead-out line (12) is in direct contact with the upper electrodes (9) of the memory cells.
US08563958B2
Reflected light caused by the state of the surface of a wafer, a foreign material, or a defect is superimposed on a haze frequency component caused by the type and thickness of a film or a surface irregularity. In order to detect a haze frequency component caused by a haze present on the surface of an object to be inspected, light propagating from the object to be inspected is detected and converted into an electric signal. The electric signal is sampled at a predetermined sampling time interval and converted into digital data. A frequency component caused by a foreign material, a defect or the like is separated from the digital data to ensure that a haze frequency component is selected. The haze frequency component is caused by a stain attached to the surface of the wafer, hazy tarnish, a surface irregularity or the like.
US08563955B2
The invention concerns a passive terahertz radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having frequency in the range of 10 GHz to 50 THz and a method for generating a terahertz radiation. The passive terahertz radiation source comprises: a source of a pulsed excitation light; an emitter comprising one or more emitter elements, each emitter element comprising a semiconductor layer being arranged such that at least a portion of a first major surface of said semiconductor layer is exposed to the excitation light, wherein each emitter element is configured such that upon exposure to the excitation light, a gradient of the charge carrier density is generated in the semiconductor layer in the area of transition between a first area of the semiconductor layer and a second area of the semiconductor layer, the gradient being substantially parallel to the first major surface of the semiconductor layer.
US08563950B2
An energy beam drawing apparatus includes a member, positioned between an energy beam source and a substrate, on which a deposit is deposited and a removing unit which removes the deposit. The removing unit includes a catalyst for generating, from a gas, an active species for decomposing the deposit by irradiation with the energy beam, a supplying mechanism for supplying the gas to a position where the active species is generated, and a moving mechanism for moving, when executing processing of removing the deposit, the catalyst to a first position which is irradiated with the energy beam, and moving, when executing drawing processing on the substrate, the catalyst to a second position which is not irradiated with the energy beam.
US08563942B2
The invention relates to a multi-beam deflector array means for use in a particle-beam exposure apparatus employing a beam of charged particles, said multi-beam deflector array means having an overall plate-like shape with a membrane region and a buried CMOS-layer, said membrane region comprising a first side facing towards the incoming beam of particles and a second side opposite to the first side, an array of apertures, each aperture allowing passage of a corresponding beam element formed out of said beam of particles, and an array of electrodes, each aperture being associated with at least one of said electrodes and the electrodes being controlled via said CMOS layer, wherein the electrodes are pillared, standing proud of the main body of the multi-beam deflector array means, the electrodes being connected to one side of the main body of the multi-beam deflector array means by means of bonding connections.
US08563929B2
A two fields-of-view system has both fields of view imaged simultaneously to the same image plane. For example, an optical system comprising of two or more FOV where a common dual band focal plane array is used in order to image both spectral bands independently. Each spectral band is passed through a common imager, but split off by a beam splitter so that each spectral band sees a different field of view centered at the same point. The two fields of view are separated spectrally but enabled to be imaged simultaneously due to the spectral separation of the focal plane array and the use of a beam splitter. Such a system allows viewing two fields of view simultaneously.
US08563928B2
Methods and apparatus for producing sub-diffraction limited images utilizing an exponential scaling effect. An exemplary system provides an optical source that focuses an optical beam onto a target. The focused optical beam has sufficient optical intensity to induce an exponential signal response within the target. A detection device detects the exponential signal response. A scanning device scans the focused optical source and another device records the detection of the exponential signal response for purposes of producing a sub-diffraction limited image. The system further includes a display device that displays at least a portion of the recorded detection.
US08563927B2
A shielding member for a charged particle beam apparatus includes a conductive substrate; and a through hole extending through the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate is comprised of a material having a specific electrical resistivity in a range from about 106 Ωcm to about 1012 Ωcm.
US08563920B2
A radio-frequency ion guide (20) for converging ions by a radio-frequency electric field and simultaneously transporting the ions into the subsequent stage is composed of eight rod electrodes (21 through 28) arranged in such a manner as to surround an ion optical axis (C). Each of the rod electrodes (21 through 28) is disposed at a tilt with respect to the ion optical axis (C) so that the radius r2 of the inscribed circle (29b) at the end face of the ion exit side is larger than the radius r1 of the inscribed circle (29a) at the end face of the ion injection side. Accordingly, the gradient of the magnitude or depth of the pseudopotential is formed in the ion's traveling direction in the space surrounded by the rod electrodes (21 through 28). Ions are accelerated in accordance with this gradient. Therefore, even in the case where the gas pressure is relatively high and ions have many chances to collide with gas, it is possible to moderate the ions' slowdown and prevent the ions' delay and stop.
US08563919B2
A phantom for simulation of perfusion, for use in dynamic flow imaging. The phantom includes a first compartment having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second compartment having a second outlet. The first and the second compartments have fluid communication with each other, to simulate perfusion between the first and the second compartments. The first and the second outlets are separately controllable to adjust outflow of fluid from each compartment and to adjust fluid pressure in each compartment, thereby controlling rates of communication of fluids between the first and the second compartments.
US08563906B2
In one embodiment, an insulating microwave packaging material (200) includes a microwave interactive material substrate (205) joined to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) to define closed cells (214). Upon impingement of the insulating microwave packaging material (200) by microwave energy in a microwave oven, the closed cells (214) expand to form insulating pockets (216). One side of the insulating pocket (216) bulges and lofts above the opposite side. When a food product is situated on the insulating microwave packaging material (200), the insulating pockets (216) insulate the food product from the microwave oven environment.
US08563901B2
A method and apparatus are described for providing top heat to assist with baking in an oven appliance having a gas bake burner. The top heat is provided by a heating element positioned in the top of the oven cavity. This top heating element is operated in a manner that assists the bottom, gas bake burner with properly browning the food on both its top and bottom. The operation of the both the top heating element and the gas bake burner can be varied to provide proper cooking and browning based upon e.g., the type of food being cooked, the amount of food being cooked, and the level of browning desired.
US08563891B2
A welding assembly including a current generator, an electrode electrically coupled to the current generator, the electrode including a first engagement surface, and a workpiece including at least two members, wherein at least one of the members includes a second engagement surface, defines a recess in the second engagement surface, and is electrically coupled to the current generator.
US08563889B2
An electrical discharge assembly for processing a workpiece having a cooling passage with first and second portions includes a first electrode having a first shape for machining the first portion of the cooling passage and a second electrode having a second shape for machining the second portion of the cooling passage. In a method for repairing cooling passages in a workpiece, a first electrode having a first shape is positioned in a cooling passage. The first electrode is electrically powered to machine a first portion of the cooling passage. A second electrode having a second shape is positioned in the cooling passage. The second electrode is electrically powered to machine a second portion of the cooling passage.
US08563887B2
A trip latch assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip latch assembly includes a trip latch pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing and being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A trip latch reset spring is structured to bias the trip latch toward the latched position. A spring housing at least partially overlays the trip latch reset spring. A trip latch spring link includes a first end movably coupled to the pole shaft, and a second end cooperating with the spring housing. When the circuit breaker needs to be reset, the trip latch spring link engages the spring housing, in order apply torque to the trip latch reset spring. When the circuit breaker is closed, the bias of the trip latch reset spring on the trip latch is removed.
US08563881B2
An input device and an electronic apparatus having the same are provided. The input device includes a main body, and a plurality of keys each having a contact part which contacts a pressing unit and a non-contact part which extends from the contact part and is spaced apart from the pressing unit. The contact parts and the non-contact parts of the keys may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The electronic apparatus includes the above-mentioned input device and a display device which is provided in the main body.
US08563878B2
The grommet disclosed includes a first diameter tubular section that allows a wire harness to pass through, and a second diameter tubular section that is provided on the first diameter tubular section. The first diameter tubular section is provided with an outer tubular section that extends in the axial direction. A projecting end of the outer tubular section is connected to the second diameter tubular section. A vehicle body latch portion is provided on an outer periphery or a resin inner of the second diameter tubular section. A grommet-pushing side of the first diameter tubular section is not secured to a wire harness. A grommet-inserting side of the first diameter tubular section is secured to the wire harness. The turning portion is deformed when the grommet is inserted into a through-hole in a vehicle body panel so that the first diameter tubular section is elongated.
US08563863B2
A smooth-bore plastic tubing with an outer helical support bead is resistant to collapse and incorporates plural conductors disposed outside of the tubing bore and insulated both from ambient and from one another. The conductors may have a desired relatively high thermal conductivity to tidal air flow within the tubing, while also having a comparatively high thermal resistance to ambient. The conductors may be electrical conductors, or may include fiber optic conductors as well in the same tubing structure. A method for making the tubing includes extruding a molten thermoplastic ribbon with an elevated plateau portion defining at least one conductor-receiving groove. The plastic ribbon is wrapped to form a tube and at least one conductor is embedded in the groove of the plateau portion. Finally a molten thermoplastic bead is then applied atop the plateau portion and atop of the embedded conductor providing a unitary flexible tubing structure with substantially smooth inside and outside surfaces free of crevices which could retain soil or bacteria.
US08563861B2
An inner conductor cap, with a connector end and a cable end, is provided with an inner conductor socket at the cable end and an inner conductor interface at the connector end. The inner conductor socket may be dimensioned to mate with a prepared end of an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. At least one material gap may be provided between a sidewall of the inner conductor socket and an outer diameter surface of the prepared end when the inner conductor cap is mated with the prepared end. A rotation key may be provided for rotating the inner conductor cap.
US08563860B1
An electrical power cable extension cord with a coiled section between the first and the second ends and at least one metal core conductor contained within the electrical power cable extension cord for transmitting electrical current to supply electrical power to a power device. The coiled section has a coiled diameter of approximately five times or more greater than the diameter of the electrical power cable extension cord.
US08563846B2
A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, the thin film type solar cell comprising a substrate; a plurality of front electrodes on the substrate at fixed intervals by each first separating part interposed in-between; a plurality of semiconductor layers on the front electrodes at fixed intervals by each contact part interposed in-between; and a plurality of rear electrodes connected with the front electrodes through the contact part, provided at fixed intervals by each second separating part interposed in-between, wherein a main isolating part is formed in the outermost front electrode, the outermost semiconductor layer, and the outermost rear electrode, wherein an auxiliary isolating part is formed in at least one of the outermost front electrode and the outermost rear electrode, wherein the auxiliary isolating part is positioned on the inside of the main isolating part.
US08563837B1
The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated CIN683A/B. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line CIN683A/B, to the plants of inbred sunflower line CIN683A/B and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CIN683A/B 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 CIN683A/B.
US08563834B1
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 570007. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 570007, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 570007 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 570007.
US08563828B1
A novel maize variety designated PH17C4 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17C4 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17C4 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17C4 or a locus conversion of PH17C4 with another maize variety.
US08563826B1
A soybean cultivar designated 5555821658 is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include the seeds of soybean 5555821658, the plants of soybean 5555821658, to plant parts of soybean 5555821658, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 5555821658 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 5555821658, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 5555821658, 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 5555821658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08563825B1
A soybean cultivar designated 5571721658 is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include the seeds of soybean 5571721658, the plants of soybean 5571721658, to plant parts of soybean 5571721658, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 5571721658 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 5571721658, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 5571721658, 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 5571721658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08563818B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP32006 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP32006, cells from soybean variety XBP32006, plants of soybean XBP32006, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP32006. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP32006 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP32006, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP32006, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP32006. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP32006 are further provided.
US08563806B2
The invention provides isolated promoter polynucleotides that are root-specific and/or induced by plant parasitic nematodes. The promoters of the invention are useful for controlling expression of nucleic acids of interest in plant roots and are particularly useful for controlling transcription of nucleic acids encoding agents that disrupt formation or maintenance of parasitic nematode feeding sites in plants.
US08563802B2
To apply a clear pattern to an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin without worsening the soft and comfortable touch to skin and allowing the colorant from coming into direct contact with the skin of a wearer.An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, an absorber sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet, and side sheets joined to at least a part of the right and left both sides of the liquid-permeable sheet and to at least a part of the liquid-impermeable sheet, wherein a plurality of recess parts are provided in the side sheet, at least the portion provided with the recess part has a colored layer between the side sheet and the liquid-permeable sheet, and the recess part appears in a color different from the portion other than the recess part. The recess part is provided by stacking the liquid-permeable sheet, the colored layer and the side sheet in this order and applying embossing from the side sheet side to the region where the colored layer is present.
US08563800B2
A sacral wound dressing having a bottom end with three substantially V-shaped projections. In use, a protective layer of the wound dressing is removed to expose an adhesive layer and an absorbent layer, the wound dressing is folded over on itself substantially along a central axis, a medial V-shaped projection is inserted into a superior portion of the gluteal cleft of the person to adhere the medial projection to the skin within the gluteal cleft, two lateral V-shaped projections are then pushed against a superior portion of the buttocks of the person to adhere the lateral projections to the skin, and the opposing lateral ends and the top end of the wound dressing are then pushed against the skin of the person until the wound dressing is properly adhered to the sacrococcygeal region over the sacral wound.
US08563798B2
A bandage for improved wound care is disclosed. The bandage comprises a non-adherent, deformable inner layer, a leak-proof outer layer that is substantially coextensive with the inner layer, and an absorbent middle layer contacting both the inner and outer layers. An adhesive strip and adhesive tabs along the bandage's side attach and adjust the fit of the bandage to securely hold the absorbent layer in contact with the wound, without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort upon removal or replacement. The bandage allows substantial freedom of motion without slipping. The adhesive strip and tabs secure the bandage in place without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby providing convenience and causing no pain or discomfort upon removal or replacement of the bandage. The bandage may use a non-stick netting material layer to improve patient comfort, and elastic cuffs to improve fit and leakage.
US08563797B2
A method for safely disposing of medicines includes converting the medicines into a partially solid mass that may be incinerated. The medicines may be treated with a bittering agent capable of denaturing the stored medicines and with a coloring agent capable of providing a characteristic color to the denatured medicines. The medicines may also be treated with a thickening agent that is capable of converting the denatured medicines into a partially solid disposable mass, prior to incinerating the medicines.
US08563796B2
The invention relates to a coating composition for the storage or containment of waste that is toxic to health and/or the environment, comprising a composition based on an epoxy resin and a curing composition free from an aromatic amine curing agent. The invention also relates to the use of this composition for the coating of said waste.
US08563793B2
Processes utilizing the integration of (i) processes and the associated equipment used to purify and recover propylene from propane- and/or C4+-containing refinery hydrocarbon streams, with (ii) catalytic dehydrogenation are disclosed. This integration allows for elimination of some or all of the conventional fractionation section of the dehydrogenation process, normally used to purify propylene from unconverted propane in the reactor effluent. Significant capital and utility savings are therefore attained.
US08563789B2
In this invention we are disclosing a process for the synthesis of hydrocchlorofluoro olefins (HCFO) and/or hydrofluoroolefins (HFO). The process is based on the steps of fluorination of hydrochloropropenes or hydrochloropropanes to form hydrochlorofluoropropenes and/or hydrofluoropropenes, followed by gas phase, catalytic fluorination of the hydrochlorofluoropropenes to form hydrofluoropropenes.
US08563788B2
A process for recovering butanol from a mixture comprising a water-immiscible organic extractant, water, butanol, and optionally a non-condensable gas, is provided. The butanol is selected from 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof. The extractant comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of C7 to C22 fatty alcohols, C7 to C22 fatty acids, esters of C7 to C22 fatty acids, C7 to C22 fatty aldehydes, and mixtures thereof.
US08563786B2
Disclosed is a method for producing an optically active alcohol including reacting a titanium compound, an aromatic magnesium compound and a carbonyl compound in the presence of an optically active biphenol compound having a predetermined structure and an ether compound having a predetermined structure.
US08563775B2
This invention relates to the preparation of (R)-(−)-3-(carbamoylmethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, in particular, the resolution of the acid racemate by means of salification with optically active amines and subsequent acidification to give the (R) enantiomer of the acid; this invention also concerns the salt intermediates formed with said amines and the conversion of said (R)-(−)-3-(carbamoylmethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid into biologically active molecules such as pregabalin.
US08563763B2
The present invention relates to isonitrile compounds, methods of synthesis, and uses in a variety of fields. In one aspect, the present invention includes sulfinyl methyl isonitriles and methods for their preparation. In another aspect, the present invention includes the use of sulfinyl methyl isonitriles to prepare various other isonitrile compounds and derivatives thereof. In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a relatively simple and routine synthesis of sulfinyl methyl isonitrile compounds, other isonitrile compounds and derivatives thereof.
US08563762B2
This disclosure concerns a metal oxide surface treatment with a fluoroalkyl silanizing agent.
US08563759B2
A process for extracting lipids from microalgae; the process involves pretreating a quantity of non-homogenized microalgae with an aliphatic alcohol for a predetermined period of time. The pretreatment liberates a substantial portion of lipids from the microalgae without requiring energy intensive cell membrane disruptive technologies. The liberated lipids are then treated with a transesterification reagent to form fatty acid methyl esters. The fatty acid methyl esters are separated from the resulting mixture and may be further purified to remove remaining solvents or other impurities. The fatty acid methyl esters produced by the process are suitable as a green energy biodiesel product.
US08563752B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of L-carnitine, wherein a chiral β-lactone carnitine precursor is obtained by a [2+2] cycloaddition of ketene with an aldehyde X—CH2—CHO, wherein X is selected from Cl, Br, I and trimethylamine, in the presence of a chiral catalyst.
US08563750B2
Novel forms of [R—(R*,R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β,δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid hemi calcium salt designated Form XX, Form XXI, Form XXII, Form XXIII, Form XXIV, Form XXV, Form XXVI, Form XXVII, Form XXVIII, Form XXIX, and Form XXX, characterized by their X-ray powder diffraction, solid-state NMR, and/or Raman spectroscopy are described, as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical composition of the same, which are useful as agents for treating hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Alzheimer's disease.
US08563748B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a ring-substituted N-phenylhydroxylamine by reduction of the correspondingly substituted nitrobenzene compound, wherein the reduction is carried out by reacting the substituted nitrobenzene compound with hydrazine in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst.
US08563732B2
The invention relates to oxyimino compounds of (Formula I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, wherein: Y is CO or SOm; Z is hydrogen, each optionally substituted lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, aryl, heterocyclyl etc. R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, each optionally substituted lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl etc., each X is independently ═O, optionally substituted lower alkyl, cyano, nitro etc., m is 1 or 2, p is O, 1 or 2 and q is O or 1. The invention is also directed to the use compounds of Formula I to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disorder responsive to the blockade of calcium channels, and particularly N-type calcium channels. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.
US08563728B2
The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of Dutasteride (I) which comprises: (i) reacting 4-aza-5α-androst-1-en-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid (VII), Formula VII with sulfonic acid anhydride (RSO2)2O in presence of base to produce an intermediate compound of Formula (XIII), wherein R represents C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 halo alkyl, C6-10 aryl, halo aryl; (ii) condensing compound of Formula (XIII) with 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline (III), Formula (III) in the presence or absence of a base to produce Dutasteride (I).
US08563722B2
The present invention relates to a method comprising reducing a ketone of formula I: with an enantioselective hydrogenating agent to form substantially enantiomerically pure alcohol of formula II: where R—R4 and m are as defined herein. The method of the present invention is useful for making CCR2 modulators as wells as precursors CCR2 modulators.
US08563721B2
The present invention relates to morphinan derivatives and preparation methods thereof, especially to ketal hydroxyl protected compounds of morphinan derivatives and preparation method thereof, and to a method for preparing corresponding alkylated morphinan derivatives by using the ketal hydroxyl protected compounds as intermediates, and more especially to a ketal hydroxyl protected compound of methylnaltrexone as intermediate for preparing methylnaltrexone and a method for preparing methylnaltrexone through said intermediate.
US08563713B2
The present disclosure is directed to antibodies specific to carbamazepine, immunogens used to produce the antibodies, and immunoassay kits and methods for using the antibodies.
US08563709B2
A miRNA-inhibiting RNA complex has a double-stranded structure, in which at least one RNA strand that includes a miRNA-binding sequence is linked to the two strands at at least one end of the double-stranded structure. The complex can efficiently inhibit miRNAs. In particular, RNAs in which two RNAs containing a miRNA binding sequence are positioned between two double-stranded structures were able to strongly inhibit miRNA. These RNAs can be expressed from, for example, a PolIII promoter, and by integration into a vector, miRNAs can be stably inhibited for a long period of time.
US08563707B2
Nucleic acid oligomeric sequences and in vitro nucleic acid amplification and detection methods for detecting the presence of HAV RNA sequences in samples are disclosed. Kits comprising nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying and detecting HAV nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.
US08563700B2
The present invention encompasses a combination of at least one conjugate and one or more chemotherapeutic agent(s) which when administered exerts an unexpectedly enhanced therapeutic effect. The therapeutic effectiveness of the combination is greater than that of the conjugate alone or the administration of one or more of the drug(s) without the conjugate. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising at least one conjugate and at one or more of chemotherapeutic agent and to methods of treating cancer using at least one conjugate and at least one or more of chemotherapeutic agent(s). The present invention also provides methods of modulating the growth of selected cell populations, such as cancer cells, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more chemotherapeutic agent(s) and at least one conjugate. In each case, such combination has therapeutic synergy or improves the therapeutic index in the treatment of cancer over the anticancer agent(s) alone.
US08563688B2
A peptide or peptide derivative comprising: (i) WDLYFEIVW (SEQ ID NO: 1); or (ii) a variant amino acid sequence comprising one, two, three or four L-amino acid substitutions in WDLYFEIVW (SEQ ID NO: 1); or (iii) the retro-inverso variant of the peptide or peptide derivative of either one of parts (i) and (ii), wherein said peptide or peptide derivative has procoagulant activity. A peptide or peptide derivative comprising: (i) an amino acid sequence comprising imfwydcye; or (ii) a variant amino acid sequence comprising one, two, three, four, five or six amino acid substitutions in imfwydcye, wherein said peptide or peptide derivative has procoagulant activity.
US08563682B2
Guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions are disclosed. Conjugated compounds comprising guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions conjugated to detectable or therapeutic moieties are disclosed. Methods of detecting, imaging and treating cancer and treating diarrhea are disclosed.
US08563681B2
This invention provides a process for producing fine PPS resin particles and dispersion thereof by industrially applicable simple operation. This invention further provides very fine PPS resin particles, and furthermore provides fine PPS resin particles uniform in particle size. This invention is a process for producing fine polyphenylene sulfide resin particles comprising the following steps (a) and (b); (a) a step of heating a polyphenylene sulfide resin in an organic solvent, for obtaining a solution with the polyphenylene sulfide resin dissolved therein (dissolution step) (b) a step of flushing-cooling the aforementioned solution, for precipitating the fine particles of the polyphenylene sulfide resin (precipitation step).
US08563680B2
Thermoplastic molding compositions, comprising A) from 10 to 99.99% by weight of a polyamide B) from 0.01 to 20% by weight of a high-functionality polyetherol with an OH number of from 3 to 1350 mg KOH/g of polyetherol (to DIN 53240, part 2), C) from 0 to 70% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%.
US08563668B2
A resin composition is provided that includes two or more types of compounds selected from the group consisting of (Component A) a compound comprising a silicon atom having a total of one or two alkoxy and hydroxy groups, (Component B) a compound comprising a silicon atom having a total of three alkoxy and hydroxy groups, and (Component C) a compound comprising a silicon atom having a total of four alkoxy and hydroxy groups. There are also provided a relief printing plate precursor that includes a relief-forming layer formed from the resin composition, a process for producing a relief printing plate precursor that includes a layer formation step of forming a relief-forming layer from the resin composition and a crosslinking step of thermally crosslinking the relief-forming layer so as to form a crosslinked relief-forming layer.
US08563667B2
The present invention relates to a composition for thermosetting silicone resin including: (1) a dual-end silanol type silicone resin represented by formula (I) in which R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and n is an integer of 20 to 10,000, provided that all R1 groups may be the same or different; (2) a trialkoxysilane; and (3) a condensation catalyst.
US08563666B2
A curable silicone composition comprising: (A) a liquid organopolysiloxane having in one molecule at least two epoxy groups; (B) a compound containing groups that react with the epoxy groups; (C) a thermally conductive filler; and (D) a silicone powder, preferably, an epoxy-containing silicone powder; possesses excellent handleability and workability in combination with low viscosity and that, when cured, forms a cured body of excellent elasticity, adhesiveness, and thermal conductivity.
US08563633B2
A compound includes a lignophenol derivative having a weight average molecular weight in a range of 5000 to 10000, and satisfying the following formula (1): 3.0≦pH value≦4.5 (1) wherein the pH value is a determined value for a liquid mixture containing 0.2 g of the lignophenol derivative added to 40 ml of pure water.
US08563632B2
A sealant composition comprising a binder and a filler material. The binder comprising a residual pitch product and an elastomeric material and, optionally, asphalt, a microcrystalline wax, and/or oil. The filler material is present in an amount of between about 11 vol. % and about 67 vol. % of the sealant composition. In one embodiment, the filler material is present in an amount of between about 25 wt. % and about 70 wt. % of the sealant composition.
US08563631B2
The invention mainly relates to the use of a (co)polymer having a main chain essentially consisting of (meth)acrylic units and polyoxyalkylated side-chains containing statistically-distributed hydrophobic units as an adjuvant for lowering the viscosity of hydraulic compositions.
US08563625B2
The invention relates to hydrophilized curable silicone compositions which contain organopolysiloxanes, hydrophilizers and at least one stabilizing phosphorous compound. The compositions are particularly suitable as curable impression materials in dental applications, especially as wash impression materials.
US08563622B2
The present application relates to novel monodisperse, gel-type or macroporous picolylamine resins which are based on at least one monovinylaromatic compound and at least one polyvinylaromatic compound and/or a (meth)acrylic compound and contain tertiary nitrogen atoms in structures of the general formula (I) as functional group, where R1 is an optionally substituted radical from the group consisting of picolyl, methylquinoline and methylpiperidine, R2 is a radical —(CH2)q—COOR3, R3 is a radical from the group consisting of H, Na and K, m is an integer from 1 to 4, n and p are each, independently of one another, a number in the range from 0.1 to 1.9 and the sum of n and p is 2, q is an integer from 1 to 5 and M is the polymer matrix, a process for preparing them and their uses, in particular the use in hydrometallurgy and electroplating.
US08563614B2
The present invention describes novel methods for using 9-deoxy-2′,9-α-methano-3-oxa-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-(1′,3′-interphenylene)-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F1 (also known as Treprostinil) or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment and/or prevention of foot ulcers in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. The invention also relates to kits for treatment and/or prevention of foot ulcers, comprising an effective amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08563612B2
The invention relates to an antimicrobial agent where a cysteine compound is covalently bound to a substrate, in particular by binding through an S—S bridge via a spacer molecule to the substrate. The spacer comprises a carbon chain, optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, e.g. O, S, N, P and Si; the chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl groups, preferably lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms, hydroxyl groups or alkoxy groups. Also, the invention refers to a substrate that is coated with the antimicrobial agent of the invention. The agent has excellent antimicrobial properties and can be used to coat surfaces and substrates of various devices, such as medical devices or devices used in food handling, in order to prevent or inhibit accumulation and/or growth and/or proliferation and/or the viability of microorganisms and/or formation of biofilm.
US08563610B2
This invention relates to the identification and treatment of the effects of products derived from oxidative pathways for polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, i.e., oxidative stress in a patient by monitoring the metabolism of DHA or by administering DHA.
US08563606B2
The present invention relates to solid forms of (S)-N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide and process for producing the same.
US08563599B2
Two distinct methods are disclosed and claimed for synthesizing glyceollin I plus glyceollin II as a mixture and as their pure forms. Stereochemical isomers and various synthetic intermediates are also synthesized and claimed for their novel compositions of matter. All compounds and their mixtures are claimed for use in formulations that are useful to treat or prevent cancer, or that have utility as selective estrogen receptor modulators, such formulations including enhanced or medical foods, dietary supplements and ethical pharmaceutical agents.
US08563594B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating pain using S1P3 receptor inhibitors.
US08563590B2
Dihydroxyaryl compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of IAPP or amylin fibril diseases, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment.
US08563589B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to the treatment of neuropathic pain in mammals. Embodiments of the invention include methods for treating neuropathic pain with benzimidazole derivatives with PPARgamma agonist activity, as well as methods for preparing medicaments used in such treatments of mammalian pain.
US08563584B2
The present application relates to novel substituted enaminothiocarbonyl compounds, to processes for their preparation and to their use for controlling animal pests, especially arthropods, in particular insects.
US08563580B2
Methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating a Flavivirus infection in a subject are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Flavivirus inhibitor, e.g., a Flavivirus serine protease inhibitor. These methods are useful in treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating Flavivurs infections such as, for example, West Nile Virus, Dengue Virus, and Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
US08563575B2
The present invention provides a compound which has the effect of PDE inhibition, and which is useful as an agent for preventing or treating schizophrenia. The compound is represented by the formula (I): wherein the symbols are defined in the specification.
US08563574B2
Described herein are ways to solubilize clopidogrel for parenteral administration containing clopidogrel and a diluent NNDMA (N,N-dimethylacetamide); useful in the prevention of platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction or to prevent platelet facilitated thrombosis following coronary angioplasty and/or coronary stenting.
US08563572B2
Compounds of formulas: are disclosed. The compounds are useful for ameliorating the side effects of therapeutic opiates.
US08563569B2
Disclosed are compounds of formula I, compositions containing them, and methods of use for the compounds and compositions in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK 2 and JAK3, are therapeutically useful.
US08563565B2
A compound and/or pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof represented by the formula (I) has PDE9 inhibitory action, so that the intracerebral cGMP concentration is anticipated to be elevated. The PDE9 inhibitory action and the increase in cGMP lead to the improvement of learning and memory behaviors, and the compound (I) has a potential use of a therapeutic agent for cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease. wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom; R2 is an aromatic ring group, etc.; R3 is a hydrogen atom, etc; R4 is a hydrogen atom; R5 is an oxepanyl group, etc.; R6 is a hydrogen atom.
US08563564B2
The present invention relates to a composition for external skin application having a skin-moisturizing effect, which comprises gallocatechin gallate as an active ingredient. More particularly, the composition for external skin application comprises gallocatechin gallate as an active ingredient to activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor isoform alpha (PPAR-α), to stimulate expression of filaggrin and involucrin that are skin-moisturizing factors, and thus to provide excellent anti-drying and skin-moisturizing effects. More particularly, the composition for external skin application may further comprise theobromine and quercetin in addition to gallocatechin gallate to maximize such effects.
US08563557B2
The invention provides a compound according to formula (I): wherein: X is O or S; Y is O or S; each Ar and Ar′ is independently a mono-, bi- or tricyclic aryl or heteroaryl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halo, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkoxy, alkylthio, cyano, thio, ester, acyl and amido; each R2 is independently hydrogen, halo, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkoxy, alkylthio, cyano and thio; and R1 is as defined herein, or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, amide or other physiologically functional derivative thereof.
US08563549B2
Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor compounds (I), their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and prodrugs thereof; compositions of the new compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and uses of the new compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, in the prophylaxis or treatment of proliferative diseases characterized by the abnormal activity of growth factors, protein serine/threonine kinases, and phospholipid kinases.
US08563547B2
(6,7-Dihydro-2-nitro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazin-6-yl)amide compounds of formula (I), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, preparation methods and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are disclosed, wherein m and R are defined as in the description. The uses of the compounds in preparing medicaments for treating infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially infectious diseases caused by multi-drug resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosi are also disclosed.
US08563545B2
A novel compound able to inhibit JAK is disclosed, that comprises a compound according to Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound may be prepared as a pharmaceutical composition, and may be used for the treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, proliferative diseases, transplantation rejection, diseases involving impairment of cartilage turnover, congenital cartilage malformations, and/or diseases associated with hypersecretion of IL6.
US08563542B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (VII)I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein: X is NR7; Y is O or N—(CH2)nR19; n is 1, 2 or 3; m is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 are each independently H, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R4 and R4′ each independently H alkyl; or R4 and R4′ together form a spiro cycloalkyl group; R19 is H, alkyl, aryl or a cycloalkyl group; R6 is OR8 or halogen; and R7 and R8 are each independently H or alkyl. Further aspects relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and use therefore in the treatment of proliferative disorders and the like.
US08563523B2
The invention provides functionalized monosaccharides and disaccharides suitable for use in synthesizing a lipid A derivative, as well as methods for synthesizing and using a synthetic lipid A derivative.
US08563522B2
Methods of maintaining and/or attenuating a decline in the quality of life of a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal a composition comprising an effective amount of mannoheptulose wherein the effective amount of mannoheptulose provides a dosage to the mammal on a daily basis from about 0.001 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal to about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal.
US08563520B2
The present invention relates to methods to treat glaucoma and glaucoma-related conditions through the regulation of changes in gene expression that are mediated by high intraocular pressure or α2 macroglobulin administration. Glaucoma, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and chronic ocular hypertension are treated using pharmaceutical compositions which comprise substances that inhibit the expression or activity of intraocular pressure-regulated early genes (IPREGs) or their gene products that are up-regulated by high intraocular pressure or α2 macroglobulin administration and/or which increase the expression or activity of IPREGs or their gene products that are down-regulated by high intraocular pressure or α2 macroglobulin administration. The invention also relates to methods of identifying an IPREG and methods to test for chronic ocular degeneration and the onset of RGC stress in an individual by measuring the expression level of IPREG proteins.
US08563517B2
The present invention is directed to novel compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers thereof having inhibiting properties of dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme (DP-IV inhibitors). The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds along with its composition in the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with DP-IV enzyme. wherein, A is defined as R3-R4 wherein R3 and R4 are together or independently defined as peptides having amino acids ranging from 1 to 10, B is chemical bond between peptide and substituted amine, R1, and R2 are as defined in specification.
US08563516B2
The present invention provides Foxp3 peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, 7-9, 12, 15-19, 22, 24, 27-30, 37, 67 or 74, and Foxp3 peptides comprising the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acids are substituted or added, and having cytotoxic T cell inducibility, and also provides drugs for regulating regulatory T cells comprising these Foxp3 peptides. The Foxp3 peptides of this invention find use as vaccines.
US08563515B2
The invention provides tight junction protein modulators, compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides tight junction protein modulators that modulate the second extracellular loop of tight junction proteins, such as occludin or claudin.
US08563509B2
The present invention discloses a method for targeting maytansinoids to a selected cell population, the method comprising contacting a cell population or tissue suspected of containing the selected cell population with a cell-binding agent maytansinoid conjugate, wherein one or more maytansinoids is covalently linked to the cell-binding agent via a non-cleavable linker and the cell-binding agent binds to cells of the selected cell population.
US08563508B2
The invention describes peptide analogues of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native α-MSH peptide. The α-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to α-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.
US08563507B2
An isolated protein complex is provided which includes a growth factor, growth factor binding protein and vitronectin. Preferably, the isolated protein complex includes an insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 and vitronectin. Also provided are methods of modulating cell proliferation and/or migration by administering said protein complex for the purposes of wound healing, skin repair and tissue replacement therapy. Conversely, by using agents that disrupt growth factor protein complexes formed in vivo, growth factor-driven cell proliferation and/or migration may be suppressed such as for the purposes of treating cancers, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and wounds prone to hypertrophic scarring.
US08563504B2
The present invention is directed to isolated and chimeric polypeptides of bacteriophage origin having antibiotic activity and use thereof in the treatment and control of bacterial infections. Specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of a novel antibacterial polypeptide derived from bacteriophage F87s/06 and chimeric constructs thereof, and their use for the treatment and control of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
US08563501B2
A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.
US08563499B2
A fabric softener active composition, comprising from 65 to 95% by weight of a bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester having a molar ratio of fatty acid moieties to amine moieties of from 1.80 to 1.96, an average chain length of the fatty acid moieties of from 16 to 18 carbon atoms and an iodine value of from 0 to 50, from 2 to 8% by weight of a fatty acid triglyceride having an average chain length of the fatty acid moieties of from 10 to 14 carbon atoms and an iodine value of from 0 to 15, and from 3 to 12% by weight of an alcohol selected from ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol has low melt viscosity, high stability towards dealkylation in the molten state and low flammability.
US08563492B2
A skin cleaning agent containing from 2 to 25% by weight of a cleaning body having a mean grain size of from 100 to 1000 μm and containing at least 50% hydrogenated castor oil; from 2 to 30% by weight of surfactants; from 0.1 to 10% by weight of thickeners; water and optionally further auxiliaries.
US08563485B2
A tribo-system includes a metal substrate having a surfactant layer chemisorbed to a side thereof, a lubricant established on the metal substrate, and a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in the lubricant. Each of the nanoparticles includes i) an inorganic core having a predetermined size and shape, and ii) a surfactant shell chemisorbed to a surface of the inorganic core, where the surfactant shell has a predetermined thickness. The adhesive force and energy between the metal substrate surface and the nanoparticles is higher than the adhesive force and energy between individual particles of the nanoparticles.
US08563472B2
The present invention relates to the use of mixtures containing 2-hydroxyphenylaldehyde and 2-hydroxyphenylketone heterocycloylhydrazone compounds and copper for controlling the growth of fungi and algae.
US08563471B2
The present invention relates to novel suspension concentrate and suspoemulsion formulations comprising a herbicidally active amount of 2-(2′-nitro-4′-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione(mesotrione), as well as agrochemically acceptable salts thereof, having a particle size, as defined herein, of less than 1 micron and to the use of thereof in controlling weeds in crops of useful plants.
US08563470B2
Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: a) from about 9 to about 91% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; and (b) from about 9 to about 91% of a cyclodextrin; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight. Also disclosed are inclusion complexes of the anthranilic diamide insecticides with the cyclodextrin.Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with an insecticidally effective amount of the aforedescribed composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.
US08563467B2
A method of preparing activated carbon, is disclosed, comprising: exposing carbonaceous material to microwave radiation in the presence of water to produce activated carbon.
US08563460B2
A catalyst unit is described comprising a cylinder with a length C and a diameter D, wherein said unit has five holes arranged in a pentagonal pattern extending longitudinally therethrough, with five flutes running along the length of the unit, said flutes positioned equidistant adjacent holes of said pentagonal pattern. The catalyst may be used particularly in steam reforming reactors.
US08563458B2
A method of polymerizing olefins with catalyst systems, such as, for example, a multimodal catalyst system, wherein the catalyst system is stored at a controlled temperature to minimize loss of catalyst system productivity.
US08563453B2
To provide a high zirconia fused cast refractory which hardly has cracks, and has excellent durability and reusability, at the time of production of the refractory and during use for a glass melting furnace. A high zirconia fused cast refractory which has a chemical composition comprising from 85 to 95 mass % of ZrO2, at least 2.5 mass % of SiO2, at most 0.04 mass % of Na2O, at most 0.04 mass % of B2O3, and at most 0.04 mass % of P2O5, containing SrO as an essential component, and containing at least one of K2O and Cs2O, wherein contents of SrO, K2O and Cs2O satisfy the relations of the following formula (1) and (2) at the same time: 0.20≦[0.638×CK2O+0.213×CCs2O+0.580×CSrO]/CSiO2≦0.40 (1) 0.10≦0.580×CSrO/CSiO2 (2)
US08563450B2
Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Fiberglass-reinforced composite articles such as windmill blades are also disclosed.
US08563444B2
Methods for forming metal silicate films are provided. The methods comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential vapor phase pulses of a silicon source chemical, metal source chemical, and an oxidizing agent, wherein the metal source chemical is the next reactant provided after the silicon source chemical. Methods according to some embodiments can be used to form silicon-rich hafnium silicate and zirconium silicate films with substantially uniform film coverages on substrate surface.
US08563443B2
A method of forming a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on a semiconductor substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD), includes: supplying a precursor in a pulse to adsorb the precursor on a surface of a substrate; supplying a reactant gas in a pulse over the surface without overlapping the supply of the precursor; reacting the precursor and the reactant gas on the surface; and repeating the above steps to form a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on the substrate. The precursor has at least one Si—C or Si—N bond, at least one hydrocarbon, and at least two halogens attached to silicon in its molecule.
US08563442B2
In order to provide a method for manufacturing a single crystal SiC substrate that can obtain an SiC layer with good crystallinity, an Si substrate 1 having a surface Si layer 3 of a predetermined thickness and an embedded insulating layer 4 is prepared, and when the Si substrate 1 is heated in a carbon-series gas atmosphere to convert the surface Si layer 3 into a single crystal SiC layer 6, the Si layer in the vicinity of an interface 8 with the embedded insulating layer 4 is left as a residual Si layer 5.
US08563434B2
A method of fabrication of electrical contact structures on a semiconductor material includes depositing an oxide of a desired contact material by a chemical electroless process on a face of the semiconductor material and reducing the oxide via a chemical electroless process to produce a contact of the desired contact material. A method of fabrication of a semiconductor device incorporating such electrical contact structures and a semiconductor device incorporating such electrical contact structures are also described.
US08563427B2
A semiconductor chip includes a substrate with a barrier region and a conductive diffusion region formed in the substrate and is surrounded by the barrier region. The conductive diffusion region may provide a conductive oath from top of the substrate to bottom of the substrate.
US08563424B2
Methods for forming cobalt silicide are provided. One method for forming a cobalt silicide material includes exposing a substrate having a silicon-containing material to either a wet etch solution or a pre-clean plasma during a first step and then to a hydrogen plasma during a second step of a pre-clean process. The method further includes depositing a cobalt metal layer on the silicon-containing material by a CVD process, heating the substrate to form a first cobalt silicide layer comprising CoSi at the interface of the cobalt metal layer and the silicon-containing material during a first annealing process, removing any unreacted cobalt metal from the substrate during an etch process, and heating the substrate to form a second cobalt silicide layer comprising CoSi2 during a second annealing process.
US08563419B2
A method of manufacturing the IC is provided, and more particularly, a method of fabricating a cap for back end of line (BEOL) interconnects that substantially eliminates electro-migration (EM) damage. The method includes forming an interconnect in an insulation material, and selectively depositing a metal cap material on the interconnect. The metal cap material includes RuX, where X is at least one of Boron and Phosphorous.
US08563417B2
The invention generally relates to a packaging method of an ultra-thin chip, more specifically, the invention relates to a method for packaging the ultra-thin chip with solder ball thermo-compression in wafer level packaging process. The method starts with disposing solder balls on metal pads arranged on the front surface of semiconductor chips that are formed at the front surface of a semiconductor wafer. The solder balls are soften by heating the wafer, a compression plate is applied with a pressure on the top ends of the solder balls thus forming a co-planar top surface at the top ends of the solder balls. A molding compound is deposited on the front surface of the wafer with the top ends of the solder balls exposed. The wafer is then ground from its back surface to reduce its thickness to achieve ultra-thin chip.
US08563416B2
A solder bump support structure and method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The solder bump support structure includes an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer formed over a silicon substrate. The ILD layer has a plurality of conductive vias. The structure further includes a first insulation layer formed on the ILD layer. The solder bump support structure further includes a pedestal member formed on the ILD layer which includes a conductive material formed above the plurality of conductive vias in the ILD layer coaxially surrounded by a second insulation layer. The second insulation layer is thicker than the first insulation layer. The structure further includes a capping under bump metal (UBM) layer formed over, and in electrical contact with, the conductive material and formed over at least a portion of the second insulation layer of the pedestal member.
US08563414B1
Conductive carbon films having a resistivity of less than about 0.2 Ohm-cm, preferably less than about 0.05 Ohm-cm, are deposited by PECVD. Conductive carbon films are essentially free of sp3-hybridized carbon and contain predominantly sp2 carbon, based on IR spectral features. Carbon content of the films is at least about 75% atomic C. Conductive carbon films may contain hydrogen, but are typically hydrogen-poor, containing less than about 20% H. In some embodiments, conductive carbon films further contain nitrogen (N). For example, conductive films having a CxHyNz composition, where nitrogen is present at between about 5-10% atomic, have both high conductivity and low roughness, because introduction of nitrogen delays formation of crystallites in the film. The films are deposited at a process temperature of at least about 620° C., and at a pressure of less than about 20 Torr in a dual-frequency plasma process dominated by low frequency (LF) plasma.
US08563398B2
Methods of forming an electrically conductive path under a barrier oxide layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and an integrated circuit including the path are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an electrically conductive path below a barrier oxide layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, the method comprising: forming a first barrier oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming the electrically conductive path within the first barrier oxide layer; and forming a second barrier oxide layer on the first barrier oxide layer. The electrically conductive path allows reduction of SRAM area by forming a wiring path underneath the barrier oxide layer on the SOI substrate.
US08563397B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and its manufacturing method including the steps of: forming a first semiconductor element layer having a first wiring over a substrate; forming a second semiconductor element layer having a second wiring and fixed to a first structure body having a first sheet-like fiber body, a first organic resin, and a first electrode; preparing a second structure body having a second sheet-like fiber body, a second organic resin which is not cured, and a second electrode; disposing the second structure body between the first and second semiconductor element layers so that the first wiring, the second electrode, and the second wiring are overlapped with each other over the substrate; and curing the second organic resin.
US08563393B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which prevents damage to alignment marks used for alignment between a superjunction structure and process layers at subsequent steps. In the related art, recesses are made in a semiconductor substrate before the formation of the superjunction structure and used as alignment marks and in order to prevent damage to the alignment marks, the alignment marks are covered by an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film during the subsequent process of forming the superjunction structure, but the inventors have found that damage may penetrate the cover film, reach the semiconductor substrate and destroy the marks. In the method according to the invention, alignment marks for alignment between the superjunction structure and process layers at subsequent steps are formed after the formation of the superjunction structure.
US08563390B2
A semiconductor device includes capacitors connected in parallel. Electrode active portions and a discharge active portion are defined on a semiconductor substrate, and capping electrodes are disposed respectively on the electrode active portions. A capacitor-dielectric layer is disposed between each of the capping electrodes and each of the electrode active portions that overlap each other. A counter doped region is disposed in the discharge active portion. A lower interlayer dielectric covers the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate. Electrode contact plugs respectively contact the capping electrodes through the lower interlayer dielectric, and a discharge contact plug contacts the counter doped region through the lower interlayer dielectric. A lower interconnection is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric and contacts the electrode contact plugs and the discharge contact plug.
US08563379B2
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes preparing a structure having a substrate, a planar semiconductor layer and a columnar semiconductor layer, forming a second drain/source region in the upper part of the columnar semiconductor layer, forming a contact stopper film and a contact interlayer film, and forming a contact layer on the second drain/source region. The step for forming the contact layer includes forming a pattern and etching the contact interlayer film to the contact stopper film using the pattern to form a contact hole for the contact layer and removing the contact stopper film remaining at the bottom of the contact hole by etching. The projection of the bottom surface of the contact hole onto the substrate is within the circumference of the projected profile of the contact stopper film formed on the top and side surface of the columnar semiconductor layer onto the substrate.
US08563376B2
A method of forming a hybrid semiconductor structure on an SOI substrate. The method includes an integrated process flow to form a nanowire mesh device and a bulk CMOS device on the same SOI substrate. Also included is a semiconductor structure which includes the nanowire mesh device and the bulk CMOS device on the same SOI substrate.
US08563368B2
A thin film transistor substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an insulation substrate; a gate line formed on the insulation substrate; a first interlayer insulating layer formed on the gate line; a data line and a gate electrode formed on the first interlayer insulating layer; a gate insulating layer formed on the data line and gate electrode; a semiconductor formed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping the gate electrode; a second interlayer insulating layer formed on the semiconductor; a first connection formed on the second interlayer insulating layer and electrically connecting the gate line and the gate electrode to each other; a drain electrode connected to the semiconductor; a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode; and a second connection connecting the data line and the semiconductor to each other.
US08563366B2
A resistor structure incorporated into a resistive switching memory cell or device to form memory devices with improved device performance and lifetime is provided. The resistor structure may be a two-terminal structure designed to reduce the maximum current flowing through a memory device. A method is also provided for making such memory device. The method includes depositing a resistor structure and depositing a variable resistance layer of a resistive switching memory cell of the memory device, where the resistor structure is disposed in series with the variable resistance layer to limit the switching current of the memory device. The incorporation of the resistor structure is very useful in obtaining desirable levels of device switching currents that meet the switching specification of various types of memory devices. The memory devices may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices.
US08563365B2
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a chip for use in fabricating a three-dimensional integrated circuit, the chip comprising a wafer, one or more metallic-filled, electrical vias, and one or more hollow, fluidic vias. The wafer can comprise a first surface and a second surface. The one or more metallic-filled, electrical vias can extend through the wafer. Each electrical via can be in electrical communication with an electrical interconnect proximate the first surface, providing electrical communication between chips in the integrated circuit. The one or more hollow, fluidic vias can extend through the wafer. Each fluidic via can be in fluid communication with a fluidic interconnect, providing fluid communication between adjacent chips in the integrated circuit. Each fluidic interconnect can comprise a first end proximate the first surface, a second end, and a cap proximate the second end, defining an air-filled space within the fluidic interconnect.
US08563363B2
A fabricating method of a semiconductor package structure is provided. A dielectric layer having a first surface and a second surface is provided. A patterned metal layer has been formed on the first surface of the dielectric layer. An opening going through the first and the second surfaces is formed. A carrier having a third surface and a fourth surface is formed at the second surface. A portion of the third surface is exposed by the opening of the dielectric layer. A semiconductor die having a joining surface and a side-surface is joined in the opening. At least a through hole going through the third and the fourth surfaces is formed. A metal layer having at least a heat conductive post extending from the fourth surface of the carrier to the through hole and disposed in the through hole and a containing cavity is formed on the fourth surface.
US08563360B2
A power semiconductor device package includes a conductive assembly including a connecting structure and a semiconductor die having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture being sized and configured to spacedly receive the connecting structure. In an alternative embodiment, a power semiconductor device package includes a conductive assembly including a connecting structure and a pair of semiconductor die disposed on either side of the connecting structure in spaced relationship thereto.
US08563355B2
A phase change memory (PCM) cell includes a transistor, a PCM structure, and a heater. The transistor has a first current electrode and a second current electrode in a structure, and a channel region having a first portion along a first sidewall of the structure and having a second portion along a second sidewall of the structure. The second sidewall is opposite the first sidewall. The transistor has a control electrode that has a first portion adjacent to the first sidewall and a second portion adjacent to the second sidewall. The PCM structure exhibits first and second resistive values when in first and second phase states, respectively. The heater is on the structure and produces heat when current flows through the heater for changing the phase state of the phase change structure.
US08563352B2
Low-relief texture can be created by applying and firing frit paste on a silicon surface. Where frit contacts the surface at high temperature, it etches silicon, dissolving silicon in the softened glass frit. The result is a series of small, randomly located pits, which produce a near-Lambertian surface, suitable for use in a photovoltaic cell. This texturing method consumes little silicon, and is advantageously used in a photovoltaic cell in which a thin silicon lamina comprises the base region of the cell. When the lamina is formed by implanting ions in a donor wafer to form a cleave plane and cleaving the lamina from the donor wafer at the cleave plane, the ion implantation step will serve to translate texture formed at a first surface to the cleave plane, and thus to the second, opposing surface following cleaving. Low-relief texture formed by other methods can be translated from the first surface to the second surface in this way as well.
US08563344B2
A method for producing microelectromechanical structures in a substrate includes: arranging at least one metal-plated layer on a main surface of the substrate in a structure pattern; leaving substrate webs open beneath a structure pattern region by introducing first trenches into the substrate perpendicular to a surface normal of the main surface in a region surrounding the structure pattern; coating the walls of the first trenches perpendicular to the surface normal of the main surface with a passivation layer; and introducing cavity structures into the substrate at the base of the first trenches in a region beneath the structure pattern region.
US08563342B2
A method of making a semiconductor optical integrated device includes the steps of forming, on a substrate, a plurality of semiconductor integrated devices including a first optical semiconductor element having a first bonding pad and a second optical semiconductor element; forming a plurality of bar-shaped semiconductor optical integrated device arrays by cutting the substrate, each of the semiconductor optical integrated device arrays including two or more semiconductor optical integrated devices; alternately arranging the plurality of semiconductor optical integrated device arrays and a plurality of spacers in a thickness direction of the substrate so as to be fixed in place; and forming a coating film on a facet of the semiconductor optical integrated device array. Furthermore, the spacer has a movable portion facing the first bonding pad, the movable portion protruding toward the first bonding pad and being displaceable in a protruding direction.
US08563341B2
The present invention discloses a thin film transistor array substrate and a manufacturing method for the same. A transparent conductive layer and a first metal layer are deposited on a substrate, and a multi-tone mask is utilized to form a gate electrode and a common electrode. A gate insulative layer and a semi-conductive layer are deposited on the substrate with the gate electrode and the common electrode, and the semi-conductive layer is patterned by a second mask to retain a region of the semi-conductive layer that is there-above the gate electrode. A second metal layer is deposited on the substrate with the gate insulative layer along with the retained semi-conductive layer, and the second metal layer is patterned by a third mask to form a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode. The present invention provides a simple manufacturing method.
US08563338B2
Provided is a light emitting diode (LED) package including a phosphor substrate; an LED chip mounted on the phosphor substrate; a circuit board mounted on the other region of the phosphor substrate excluding the region where the LED chip is mounted; an electrode connection portion for electrically connecting the LED chip and the circuit board; and a sealing member that covers the LED chip, the circuit board, and the phosphor substrate.
US08563335B1
A method of controlling a polishing operation includes polishing a substrate, during polishing obtaining a sequence over time of measured spectra from the substrate with an in-situ optical monitoring system, for each measured spectrum from the sequence of measured spectra applying a Fourier transform to the measured spectrum to generate a transformed spectrum thus generating a sequence of transformed spectra, for each transformed spectrum identifying a peak of interest from a plurality of peaks in the transformed spectrum, for each transformed spectrum determining a position value for the peak of interest in the transformed spectrum thus generating a sequence of position values, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment of a pressure to the substrate from the sequence of position values.
US08563321B2
A enhancing reagent for enhancing chemiluminescence of 1,2-dioxetane compounds and a method for using the enhancing reagent to enhance the chemiluminescence are provided, in which the enhancing reagent contains an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I. A chemiluminescent composition with a 1,2-dioxetane compound as a substrate and a kit thereof are further provided, which contain a 1,2-dioxetane compound and an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I.
US08563319B2
A nitrogen dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a first functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a second functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of nitrogen dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam and the second beam are each functionalized with one or more soft bases having comparable viscoelastic properties is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift and accurate detection of nitrogen dioxide levels at the zeptogram level. Methods of making and using a nitrogen dioxide sensor are also provided.
US08563315B2
A Mixture of substances is provided for precise calibration of the mass scale of mass spectrometers equipped with ion sources that operate at atmospheric pressure (AP) with ionization of the analyte molecules, for example by APCI (chemical ionization), or by APPI (photoionization), often at high temperatures of up to 470° C. Out of physical reasons, the mass scale of any time-of-flight mass spectrometer deviates in the lower mass range from the theoretical relation between charge-related mass m/z and flight time t. A closely spaced arrangement of low mass calibration reference points is necessary if high mass accuracy is to be achieved for substances of low molecular weight. APCI and APPI sources are increasingly used in time-of-flight mass spectrometers with orthogonal ion injection (OTOF MS) for the detection of non-polar and weakly polar compounds, in particular, for analyte molecules with relatively low molecular weights. Calibration substances in solutions that are easily handled, nontoxic, stable at the high temperatures involved, will accept both positive and negative ionization, and supply enough reference points for calibration in the mass range up to 500 daltons. Mixtures of saturated fatty acids dissolved in toluene may be used. For photoionization, also mixtures of phenyl and naphthyl fatty acids.
US08563311B2
The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.
US08563307B2
Disclosed are methods of using blastomere-like stem cells to (1) decrease the level of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, (2) modulate immune response, (3) overcome a myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression, and (4) treat a cellular proliferative disorder. The blastomere-like stem cells, positive for CD66e, can be isolated from blood, bone marrow, or skeletal muscle.
US08563300B2
An incubator comprising: a culture chamber configured to accommodate culture; a dish structure configured to contain a liquid; an ultrasonic vibrator provided in a part of the dish structure, the ultrasonic vibrator configured to atomize the liquid; and a gas-liquid contact structure configured to bring the atomized liquid into contact with air in the chamber to be cultured.
US08563299B2
A process for converting a feed gas containing at least one of CO, CO2, and/or H2 to a liquid product using biomass that grow on the surface of carriers suspended in a fermentation broth within the vessel of a moving bed bioreactor (MMBR). An injector is used to at least partially dissolved the feed gas in the fermentation broth, at least partially entrain the gas in the broth as microbubbles and to introduce the mixture of the entrained gas and broth into the vessel in a substantially horizontal direction. The injection of the mixture creates eddy current in the surrounding liquid for thoroughly mixing the fermentation broth in the vessel and for keeping the biomass carrier moving to provide sufficient shear so as to maintain a biofilm thickness on the carrier in a desirable range.
US08563296B2
Embodiments of a process for discharging amine byproducts formed in an amine-based solvent are provided. The process comprises the steps of contacting the amine-based solvent with flue gas comprising carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, NOx, SOx, or mixtures thereof to form a carbon dioxide-laden amine-based solvent that contains the amine byproducts. Carbon dioxide is separated from the carbon dioxide-laden amine-based solvent to form a carbon dioxide-depleted amine-based solvent. The amine byproducts from the carbon dioxide-depleted amine-based solvent are fed to an algae source.
US08563293B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for protection against bacterial contamination. The invention provides bactericidal yeast expressing bacteriocin proteins and methods of using the bactericidal yeast.
US08563289B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing variants of a parent RP-II protease and the variants having altered properties as compared to the parent RP-II protease.
US08563285B2
The present invention relates to unique isoforms of eukaryotic initiation Factor 5A (“eIF-5A”): senescence-induced eIF-5A; wounding-induced eIF-5A; and growth eIF-5A, as well as polynucleotides that encode these three factors. The present invention also relates to methods involving modulating the expression of these factors. The present invention also relates to deoxyhypusine synthase (“DHS”), polynucleotides that encode DHS, and methods involving modulating the expression of DHS.
US08563284B2
This invention relates to mutant xylanases, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of using these xylanases.
US08563282B2
This disclosure provides for materials and methods for converting biomass to biofuels. The materials include a colloid mill with or without cellulase enzymes, and the methods include the use of a colloid mill and optionally cellulose enzymes to pretreat biomass for use in a biomass to biofuel production process.
US08563276B2
The invention relates to a method for enzyme cleavage of polysaccharides comprising a first sequence [→4)-β-D-GlcpA-(1→4)-α-L-Rhap3 sulphate-(1→]n and a second sequence [→4)-α-L-IdopA-(1→4)-α-L-Rhap3 sulphate-(1→]m, the first and second sequences respectively comprising two monosaccharide units connected by an osidic bond, wherein said method is such that: said polysaccharide sequences are provided; a microorganism capable of producing an enzyme substance of the lyase class is provided; and said enzyme substance is brought into contact with said polysaccharide sequences in such a way as to bring about cleavage of the osidic bond according to a β-elimination reaction. The invention is characterized in that a microorganism belonging to the bacteria of the Ochrobactrum genus is chosen for producing said enzyme substance.
US08563274B2
Aspects of the present invention are drawn to processes for moving a region of interest in a polynucleotide from a first position to a second position with regard to a domain within the polynucleotide, also referred to as a “reflex method”. In certain embodiments, the reflex method results in moving a region of interest into functional proximity to specific domain elements present in the polynucleotide (e.g., primer sites and/or MID). Compositions, kits and systems that find use in carrying out the reflex processes described herein are also provided.
US08563273B2
A peptide comprising at least 5 amino acid residues and less than 15 amino acid residues, the peptide including an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 as well as pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.
US08563271B2
Compositions and methods relating to antibodies that specifically bind to TGF-beta binding proteins are provided. These methods and compositions relate to altering bone mineral density by interfering with the interaction between a TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin and a TGF-beta superfamily member, particularly a bone morphogenic protein. Increasing bone mineral density has uses in diseases and conditions in which low bone mineral density typifies the condition, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fractures.
US08563268B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having tyrosinase 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.
US08563261B2
A method for diagnosing, or differentially diagnosing, interstitial cystitis (IC) involves detecting or measuring increased expression of a biomarker Endothelin 1 (ET-1) in a biological sample from a mammalian subject, particularly in the urine or urothelial tissue. An increased level of expression of ET-1 above the level of expression in the same sample of a healthy mammalian subject is an indication of a diagnosis of IC. Such diagnosis may further involve identify other clinical symptoms of IC. Additionally the method may use additional biomarkers, such as Hb-EFG, EGF, APF, IL-8, IL-6, and cGMP. Assay methods and diagnostic reagents and kits for such diagnosis are provided. Methods and compositions for treating IC by reducing the action, production or synthesis of ET-1 in the urine or urothelium and/or inhibiting its binding to its ETA and/or ETB receptors are also provided.
US08563258B2
The invention pertains to a method for the determination of basophil activation induced by a test substance by flow cytometric measurement of the changes of the mean or median fluorescence intensities (MFI) of the basophilic FcεRI receptor present on the cell surface of basophils (MFI-FcεRI) and/or the IgE antibodies bound to the FcεRI receptor (MFI-IgE), and the CD63 antigen exposed on the cell surface of basophils after their activation (MFI-CD63), by means of a mixture of anti-CD63, anti-FcεRI or anti-IgE, and anti-CCR3 antibodies each labelled with a distinct fluorophore, of which at least one antibody acts as a basophil selection marker and at least two antibodies act as basophil activation markers, and bringing the mean fluorescence intensities of the activation markers in correlation to obtain an Activation Index. These methods combining the measurement of an early (such as IgE, FcεRI or CD203c) and a late basophil activation marker (such as CD63), respectively, provide a markedly improved clinical sensitivity in allergy diagnosis over existing methods which consider only one activation marker, such as CD203c or CD63, expressed in percentage of basophil activation. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide an ex-vivo allergy provocation test comprising the above-mentioned flow cytometric measurement and analysis of the results as well as a test kit for carrying out the test in-vitro.
US08563257B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays. Such improvements are based upon the superior performance of assays comprising a chimeric TSH receptor in the presence of a glucocorticoid including, but not limited to, dexamethasone.
US08563242B2
The present invention relates to a new, non-invasive method for detecting chromosomal aneuploidy by analyzing a sample from a pregnant woman. The detection is based on the ratio between the amount of a fetal methylation marker located on a chromosome relevant to the aneuploidy and the amount of a fetal genetic marker located on a reference chromosome, offering improved accuracy.
US08563241B2
There are disclosed methods and kits for identifying a subject having genetic predictors of predisposition to abnormal international normalized ratio (INR) fluctuation during warfarin therapy. In an embodiment, a method includes testing the subject to check for a presence of a predetermined genetic variation. The predetermined genetic variation is correlated with abnormal INR fluctuation during warfarin therapy. The subject is identified as having a predisposition to abnormal INR fluctuation during warfarin therapy when the testing indicates the presence of the predetermined genetic variation. In one embodiment, a kit includes a test to check the subject for a presence of a predetermined genetic variation. The predetermined genetic variation is correlated with abnormal INR fluctuation during warfarin therapy. The kit includes an indicator to identify the presence of the predetermined genetic variation so as to identify the subject as having a predisposition to abnormal INR fluctuation during warfarin therapy.
US08563236B2
The invention provides novel mutations, mutation combinations or mutational profiles of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and/or protease genes correlated with phenotypic resistance to HIV drugs. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of genotypic characterization of a target population of HIV and the subsequent correlation of this information to phenotypic interpretation in order to correlate virus mutational profiles with drug resistance. The invention also relates to methods of utilizing the mutational profiles of the invention in databases, drug development, i.e., drug design, and drug modification, therapy and treatment design, clinical management and diagnostic analysis.
US08563226B2
The invention relates to a method (3) of fabricating a mold (39, 39′) including the following steps: (a) depositing (9) an electrically conductive layer on the top (20) and bottom (22) of a wafer (21) made of silicon-based material; (b) securing (13) the wafer to a substrate (23) using an adhesive layer; (c) removing (15) one part (26) of the conductive layer from the top of the wafer (21); and (d) etching (17) the wafer as far as the bottom conductive layer (22) thereof in the shape (26) of the one part removed from the top conductive layer (22) to form at least one cavity (25) in the mold. The invention concerns the field of micromechanical parts, particularly, for timepiece movements.
US08563214B2
The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive resin composition comprising [A] an alkali-soluble resin, [B] a 1,2-quinonediazide compound and [C] a radical trapping agent.The radiation sensitive resin composition can provide an interlayer insulating film which satisfies general requirements for an interlayer insulating film such as high light transmittance and has excellent heat-resistant dimensional stability, heat discoloration resistance and adhesion to a substrate along with the improvement of process efficiency for improving product yield at a high resolution and has excellent storage stability.
US08563211B2
A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes co-emulsifying a bio-based resin with an insoluble component, such as a pigment or wax, whereby the resin encapsulates the insoluble component. The resulting latex, including the insoluble component encapsulated in the resin, may then be utilized to form a toner. The insoluble component may thus be included in toner particles, which might otherwise be difficult to achieve, using emulsion aggregation processes.
US08563198B2
Disclosed is a photomask having a wavelength-reducing material that may be used during photolithographic processing. In one example, the photomask includes a transparent substrate, an absorption layer having at least one opening, and a layer of wavelength-reducing material (WRM) placed into the opening. The thickness of the WRM may range from approximately a thickness of the absorption layer to approximately ten times the wavelength of light used during the photolithographic processing. In another example, the photomask includes at least one antireflection coating (ARC) layer.
US08563197B2
Design rules for circuit patterns of a semiconductor device are identified, and schematic layouts of the circuit patterns are generated according to the design rules. Lithography friendly layout (LFL) circuit patterns are generated from the schematic layouts. Target layout circuit patterns are generated from the LFL circuit patterns. Optical proximity effect correction (OPC) is performed on the target layout circuit patterns to generate OPC circuit patterns. A mask is fabricated from the OPC circuit patterns, and may be used fabricate a semiconductor device.
US08563196B2
A ventilation system for a fuel cell power module is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation enclosure for evacuating fluids from the fuel cell power module, the ventilation enclosure having an air inlet for providing ingress of air to the enclosure. The ventilation system further concludes a ventilation shaft in fluid communication with the ventilation enclosure and an evacuation pump arranged to exhaust fluid from the ventilation enclosure to a desired location.
US08563190B2
A fuel cell comprises: multiple unit cells stacked upright in a vertical direction or stacked in a vertically inclined orientation; an insulating plate arranged on a vertically upper-side end of the stacked multiple unit cells; a cooling medium supply manifold arranged to distribute a supply flow of a cooling medium into the multiple unit cells and a cooling medium discharge manifold arranged to join together discharged flows of the cooling medium from the multiple unit cells; and a de-airing passage formed to release a gas accumulated in either the cooling medium supply manifold or the cooling medium discharge manifold, wherein the cooling medium supply discharge manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold are respectively connected to a cooling medium supply piping and a cooling medium discharge piping on a vertically lower-side end of the fuel cell, and the de-airing passage is formed such that a portion of the de-airing passage is made in the insulating plate wherein the portion of the de-airing passage extends in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of the unit cells, and the de-airing passage is connected to either the cooling medium discharge manifold or the cooling medium supply manifold on a vertically upper end side of the cooling medium discharge manifold or the cooling medium supply manifold.
US08563187B2
The subject of the present invention relates to a method and a protector for reducing degradation of fuel cell systems at transitions in operation, in particular at electrodes or catalysts in a combustion chamber of a stack of a PEM fuel cell system in startup and shutoff events of the fuel cell system. A switchable material delivery device is provided for varying a delivery of material to the fuel cell system, so that a transition from a first state of the fuel cell system to a second state of the fuel cell system can be initiated, such that a potential difference between different electrodes can be effected. At least one reducing mechanism is provided for reducing the potential difference between the different electrodes during the transition, in which the reducing mechanism includes at least one compensating device for an unequal gas distribution by reducing the proportions causing degradation, to reduce degradation. The compensation device includes at least one short-circuiting unit, with which the different electrodes can be short-circuited, in order to reduce the potential difference.
US08563184B2
A fuel cell system (1), especially in a motor vehicle, is provided with a fuel cell (2), which generates electric current during the operation from anode gas and cathode gas, with a residual gas burner (3), which reacts anode waste gas with cathode waste gas into burner waste gas during the operation; with an air delivery device (17), which feeds air as cathode gas to the fuel cell (2) via a fuel cell air line (12) during the operation; and with a first heat exchanger (14), which couples a waste gas line (13) removing burner waste gas from the residual gas burner (3) with the fuel cell air line (12) in a heat-transmitting operation. The start-up process of the system (1) is improved with an auxiliary burner (20), which reacts air with a fuel into an auxiliary burner waste gas during the operation; with a bypass air line (24), which is connected on the inlet side to the fuel cell air line (12) between the air delivery device (17) and the first heat exchanger (14) and which is connected to the fuel cell air line (12) on the outlet side between the first heat exchanger (14) and the fuel cell (2). A second heat exchanger (23) couples an auxiliary waste gas line (21) removing auxiliary burner waste gas from the auxiliary burner (20) with the bypass air line (24) in a heat-transmitting manner.
US08563180B2
Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components.
US08563177B2
A galvanic element, for example a battery or an accumulator, in particular a lithium-ion cell, includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator lying between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. In order to increase the specific capacitance, the negative electrode includes at least one layer system, said layer system including at least two graphene layers and at least one polymer layer. A polymer layer lies between two graphene layers.
US08563169B2
Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.
US08563164B2
A cylindrical type alkaline storage battery includes a cylindrical container having electrical conductivity, and an electrode assembly contained in the container, the electrode assembly being a roll obtained by rolling up a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator together. Provided that the maximum diameter of the container is Dmax and that the number of turns of the positive electrode plate is N, the relationship N≧[0.5×Dmax−2.65] is fulfilled (where “[ ]” represents Gauss' notation). Where the battery is of AA size, for example, the number N of turns is four or more. Also, provided the circumferential position of the roll starting end of the positive electrode plate is a reference position, the angle θ measured from the circumferential position of the roll terminating end of the positive electrode plate to the reference position ranges from 180° to 270°.
US08563161B2
A power supply system including a plurality of batteries includes a busbar, a terminal and a busbar module. The busbar connects a first electrode of one of the batteries with a second electrode of another one of the batteries. The terminal is mounted on the busbar and is contacted with the first electrode. The busbar module has a bulkhead defining a space accommodating the busbar. A locking member is extended from the bulkhead into the space and restricts the busbar. An abutment portion is provided at an edge part of the terminal. The abutment portion abuts the locking member when the terminal is rotated about the first electrode.
US08563155B2
Disclosed herein is a battery module constructed in a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are sequentially stacked in a module case, wherein each of the plate-shaped battery cells includes an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a battery case formed of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, a plurality of heat dissipation members are disposed at two or more interfaces between the battery cells, and a heat exchange member integrally interconnecting the heat dissipation members is mounted to one side of a stack of the battery cells, whereby heat generated from the battery cells during the charge and discharge of the battery cells is removed by the heat exchange member.
US08563153B2
A battery module including a row of batteries; and end plates coupled to ends of the row of batteries, wherein the end plates include a reinforcing portion for increasing strength of the end plates.
US08563152B2
A battery cell includes a power generating element, an electrode connected to the power generating element and configured to electrically connect the power generating element to outside, and an exterior member configured to cover the power generating element. The exterior member includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer, and the conductive layer includes a connection section electrically connected to the outs.
US08563148B2
Subject: A process for producing a magnetic recording medium, having a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer on a substrate which is a non-magnetic support, wherein the medium is able to greatly inhibit migration of a lubricant from the protective layer to the surface of the metal pressing plate having a mirrored finish in a hot pressing step during production of the magnetic recording medium, while maintaining satisfactory scratch resistance, suitable adhesion with the magnetic recording layer and the protective layer, and excellent read and write properties of the magnetic recording medium.Means to Achieve the Subject: A process for producing a magnetic recording medium, comprising: forming a laminate on a substrate which is a non-magnetic support, wherein the laminate has an adhesive layer, a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer in this order from the side near the substrate, and embedding the laminate into the substrate by carrying out hot pressing on the protective layer to provide a level smooth plane formed by the surface of the substrate and the uppermost surface of the laminate; wherein the protective layer contains a binder resin and particles composed of a mixture including polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.
US08563144B2
An organic electroluminescent (EL) device is provided which uses an electron-transport layer including hole blocking capability. The device includes a stack structure, with an emitting layer and an electron-transport layer provided between an anode and a cathode. The electron-transport layer is a mixture of at least two materials. This mixture may include an organic compound and one or more other organic compounds, or may include a metal or inorganic compound and one or more other metal or inorganic compounds, or may include one or more organic compounds and one or more metal or inorganic compounds. By incorporating a hole blocking capability into the electron-transport layer, structure and fabrication of the device is simplified and efficiency is increased.
US08563141B2
Disclosed is a carrier for manufacturing a printed circuit board, which includes a first carrier including a first binder having a first opening and a first metal layer formed in the first opening of the first binder, and a second carrier, stacked with the first carrier and including a second binder having a second opening and a second metal layer which is formed in the second opening of the second binder and which partially overlaps with the first metal layer, so that the carrier is simply configured and the binders are formed not only on the lateral surfaces of the metal layers but also on the upper surfaces thereof, thus improving the reliability of bonding of the carrier at the periphery. A method of manufacturing the carrier and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board using the carrier are also provided.
US08563132B2
Glass fiber-treating agent which includes: (A) 5-95% by weight of an acetylene glycol or an ethylene oxide and/or a propylene oxide adduct of an acetylene glycol; and (B) 5-95% by weight of a silicone surfactant which may be polyoxyalkylene-modified. The glass fiber-treating agent reduces dynamic and static surface tension and contact angle. The glass fiber-treating agent provides excellent wetting, penetration, and antifoaming properties when glass fibers are treated therewith.
US08563127B2
An absorbent composite comprising: a base material and water-absorbent resin particles; wherein the following conditions (1) to (4) are fulfilled: (1) the weight ratio of water-absorbent resin relative to the total weight of the base material and water-absorbent resin is 65 to 99 wt %, (2) the water-absorbent resin particles adhering directly to the base material constitute 50 wt % or more of the total water-absorbent resin particles; (3) the average absorption capacity of the water-absorbent resin particles is 50 g/g or more; and (4) the amount of residual monomers in the water-absorbent resin is 200 ppm or less.
US08563120B2
The present invention relates to a multi-layered microporous polyolefin film for a battery separator and a method for preparing the same. The microporous multi-layered film of the present invention has a characteristics to have both the low shutdown temperature conferred by the polyethylene and the high melt fracture temperature conferred by the polypropylene and heat-resistant filler. In addition, it has the high strength and stability conferred by the micropores prepared under wet process and the high permeability and high strength conferred by the macropores prepared under dry process. Therefore, this multi-layered film can be used effectively to manufacture a secondary battery with high capacity and high power.
US08563111B2
Disclosed is a digital information media having an adhesion promotion layer supported on a dummy (L1) substrate that enables secure bonding of the L1 layer, directly or indirectly, to the rest of the stack of layers in the digital information media. Certain materials including metals, metal alloys, or metalloids enhance adhesion between the adhesive layer and the L1. By applying an adhesion promotion layer of such materials on an inner surface of the L1, the bond between the adhesive and the adhesion promotion layer improves bonding and reduces a tendency for the L1 to delaminate from the rest of the stack. The tendency for breakage of the media at the juncture between the adhesion promotion layer and the adhesive is reduced, and incursion of moisture or oxygen through the interface between the adhesion promotion layer and the adhesive is inhibited.
US08563110B2
Optical information media containing an ultraviolet protection layer are described. The protection layer will reduce or eliminate damage to the media's data layer and substrate.
US08563109B2
A pressureless polymer pipe, a composition therefore, and a process of preparing the composition are described. The pipe is characterized in that the polymer comprises a propylene polymer composition where the propylene base polymer is a heterophasic propylene copolymer having a matrix of a propylene homopolymer and a dispersed phase of an elastomeric copolymer of propylene and at least one olefin comonomer; has a comonomer content of 2-7% by weight, based on the weight of the heterophasic propylene copolymer; has a melt flow rate MFR (2/230), determined according to ISO 1133 C4, of 0.1-2.0 g/10 min; has a broad molecular weight distribution as defined by its rheology shear thinning index, SHI0/50, measured at 200° C. of 9-30; has a tensile modulus, determined according to ISO 527-2/1B at 1 mm/min and 23° C. of at least 1800 MPa; has an impact strength, determined according to ISO 179/1 eA of at least 6 kJ/m2 at 0° C. and at least 2 kJ/m2 at −20° C. The composition is a polymer composition as defined above. The process is characterized by polymerizing in the presence of a stereospecific Ziegler-Natta catalyst including an electron donor:(i) a propylene homopolymer matrix in at least one loop reactor at a temperature of at least 80° C. and a pressure of 4600-10000 kPa; and (ii) an elastomeric copolymer of propylene and at least one olefin comonomer in at least one gas-phase reactor at a lower temperature than in stage (i); to obtain a base polymer of heterophasic propylene copolymer as defined above.
US08563106B2
The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition producing an extremely small amount of outgas and providing a molded article having excellent antistaticity. The present thermoplastic resin composition comprises a thermoplastic resin and is characterized in that the amount of outgas is 1500 μg/g or less. The composition may comprise a surface resistivity reducing substance in an amount of 0.1 to 70 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin. The present invention is suitable to a composition comprising a styrenic resin as the thermoplastic resin. The surface resistivity reducing substrate is preferably a polyamide elastomer comprising a hard segment formed of polyamide 12 and a soft segment formed of poly(alkylene oxide)glycol. The polyamide elastomer preferably has a refractive index of 1.5 to 1.53, a melting point of 130 to 160° C., a solution viscosity of 1.35 to 1.70 and a surface resistivity of 1×108 to 1×1011Ω.
US08563103B2
A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.
US08563098B2
An inflatable article is provided with a layer impermeable to inflation gases. The layer has an elastomer composition that includes at least, as a predominant elastomer by weight, a thermoplastic styrene (TPS) elastomer and a platy filler. The platy filler has an equivalent diameter (Dv (0.5)) of between 20 and 45 micrometers, and has a shape factor (F) greater than 65.
US08563092B2
Technologies are generally described for methods and systems of forming a palladium sulfide film on a substrate including flexible substrate. A palladium sulfide precursor may be applied to the substrate. The palladium sulfide precursor may comprise a palladium organothiolate. The palladium sulfide precursor may be heated under reaction conditions sufficient to decompose the palladium sulfide precursor to form the palladium sulfide film or patterns, the latter using various lithography techniques.
US08563089B2
Disclosed are a functional reinforcing filler including inorganic particles surface-modified with an alkenylsilanol obtained by hydrolyzing an alkenylalkoxysilane compound, and a method for preparing the same.Since the disclosed functional reinforcing filler has a functional group having a double bond, it has good reactivity for styrene-butadiene rubber and sulfur. Thus, when used as a functional reinforcing filler in the manufacture of rubber, it allows improvement of physical properties through adjustment of the addition amount of sulfur without additional use of the coupling agent. In addition, because of superior hydrolysis reactivity, the problem of alcohol can be solved and a rubber mixture with long scorch time can be prepared. In particular, when the functional reinforcing filler of the present invention is used in the manufacture of tires, improvement in modulus, tensile strength, rotational resistance and wet traction performance can be expected.
US08563087B2
Flexographic printing precursors are prepared by providing an elastomeric mixture of one or more elastomeric resins and non-metallic fibers having an average length of at least 0.1 mm and an average diameter of at least 1 μm, and adding a vulcanizing composition and optional other components to the elastomeric mixture. The elastomeric mixture is then mechanically treated to orient the non-metallic fibers predominantly in the same dimension in the elastomeric mixture. It is then vulcanized and formed into a laser-engraveable layer having two orthogonal dimensions. The non-metallic fibers are predominantly oriented in one of the two orthogonal dimensions.
US08563084B2
A process and a device for coating substrates with a stoichiometric gradient in an in-line coating system include at least two evaporation devices, each with an evaporator tube. The evaporator tubes are implemented so as to be tiltable independently of one another, whereby the transition area of the two vapor lobes can be adapted to the requirements of the gradient profile. Furthermore, the spacing of the evaporator tubes from the substrate and each other can be set.
US08563081B2
Fabrication and arrangement of nanoparticles into one-dimensional linear chains is achieved by successive chemical reactions, each reaction adding one or more nanoparticles by building onto exposed, unprotected linker functionalities. Optionally, protecting groups may be used to control and organize growth. Nanoparticle spheres are functionalized in a controlled manner in order to enable covalent linkages. Functionalization of nanoparticles is accomplished by either ligand exchange or chemical modification of the terminal functional groups of the capping ligand. Nanoparticle chains are obtained by a variety of connectivity modes such as direct coupling, use of linker molecules, and use of linear polymeric templates. In particular, a versatile building block system is obtained through controlled monofunctionalization of nanoparticles.
US08563072B2
The present invention relates to hydronium stabilized silicic acid nanoparticles, to the formulation obtained from the said diluted suspension, to the powder obtained from the said dehydrated suspension and to the preparation or dosage form obtained from the said suspension, formulation or powder, to their preparation and their use in all kinds of applications in the domains of food, medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics. The present invention provides a stable suspension of colloidal silicic acid nanoparticles having a pH lower than 0.9, a molar silicon concentration between 0.035 and 0.65, a free water concentration of at least 30% (w/v) and a ratio between hydronium ion and Si molar concentrations higher than 2 and preferably inferior to 4. The present invention further provides a method for preparing a stable suspension of colloidal silicic acid nanoparticles, which comprises the steps of providing an aqueous inorganic or organic silicon solution and quick mixing said aqueous inorganic or organic silicon solution with water containing a strong acidic compound at a temperature inferior at 30° C., preferably comprised between 1 and 25° C., to form a suspension of colloidal silicic acid nanoparticles having a pH lower than 0.9, stabilized by hydronium ions, the ratio between hydronium ions and Si molar concentrations being higher than 2 and preferably inferior to 4, for a molar silicon concentration between 0.035 and 0.65 and a free water concentration of at least 30% (w/v).
US08563067B2
Carbon dioxide is dissolved in liquid dairy products loaded and transported in bulk containers so as to improve product shelf life, thereby providing options for more economical shipment, as by rail and ocean vessels and for extended transport by truck and to facilitate extended storage of perishable products and to avoid the necessity of multiple treatments for pathogen reduction.
US08563063B2
A melon peeler system designed to safely and quickly separate the rind from a melon for consumption. The melon peeler system includes a melon peeler assembly having a concave base, a horizontal blade, fasteners, and vertical supports. The concave base has a smooth surface and serves as a melon cutting guide. The horizontal blade is supported a user-determined distance above the concave base by the vertical supports and the blade is a small, flat cutting edge sufficiently sharp to slice through a melon but not sufficiently sharp to easily cut a user. Suction cups fasteners located on the bottom of the device provide stability and allow the assembly to be removably affixed to a planar surface of the user's choice.
US08563059B2
The invention in particular relates to an oven (1) for baking food products (3). In order to improve automated heating procedures, the oven (1) comprises a camera (7) and a distance sensor (8), for example, which are used in concert to enable precise extraction of product-features that are relevant and used with automated heating procedures.
US08563049B2
The present invention relates in general to a sweet. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sweet which provides beneficial effects on the teeth. The sweet according to the present invention promotes good oro-dental hygiene, and more particularly provides oro-dental care, and promotes and maintains healthy teeth and gums. It is characterized in that it contains microalgae and/or extracts of microalgae, and more particularly Chlorella and/or extracts of Chlorella. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of a sweet, preferably a sugar-free sweet, containing Chlorella for promoting and maintaining good oro-dental health.
US08563046B2
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a composition of matter comprising chlorine dioxide dissolved in acetic acid. When stored, a concentration of the chlorine dioxide in the composition of matter can be retained, with respect to an initial concentration of chlorine dioxide in said composition of matter, at, for example, greater than 30% for at least 28 days. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising releasing chlorine dioxide from a composition comprising chlorine dioxide dissolved in acetic acid.
US08563043B2
A gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle, method of making thereof, and method of using thereof is disclosed. The nanoparticle is substantially toxin free (making it clinically applicable), easily functionalized, and can serve as a contrast agent for a number of imaging techniques, including imaging a subject in at least two distinct imaging modes. Further, the nanoparticle is well-suited for therapeutic uses.
US08563040B2
Compositions are provided which stimulate bone growth. Also provided are methods for utilizing the compositions for filling in bone defects, promoting rapid fusion of bone fractures, grafts, and bone-prostheses, and promoting strengthening of osteoporotic bones.
US08563035B2
Oral tablet compositions of dexlansoprazole or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrated forms thereof having a gradual release and processes for the manufacture of the tablet composition and its use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
US08563017B2
A disinfectant wet wipe that contains a germicidal solution and a nonwoven web material is provided. The germicidal solution includes a peracid and peroxide, which can act synergistically together to be efficacious against pathogens when exposed thereto. To stabilize the solution over a period of time (e.g., during storage), a variety of aspects of the wipe are selectively controlled in accordance with the present invention. For example, the nonwoven web material used in the wipe is formed from a synthetic polymer and is relatively hydrophobic in nature. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such materials possess a lower reduction potential for peroxides/peracids than cellulosic-based materials. In this manner, significant degradation of the peroxide or peracid contained in the germicidal solution is limited. To improve the wettability of the nonwoven web material, one or more surfactants are also employed in the germicidal solution. Besides improving wettability, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that certain surfactants may also improve the stability of the solution.
US08563012B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08563008B2
The disclosure provides novel antigens involved in gestational malaria, and more particularly to polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences, conjugates, cloning vectors including the sequences for the preparation of immunogenic compositions and vaccines, antibodies, and to their for treating gestational malaria. Diagnostic methods and kits are described.
US08563005B2
The invention provides immunogenic compositions useful for inhibiting, treating, protecting, or preventing infection by Actinobacillus suis. These immunogenic compositions are demonstrated to usefully stimulate immunogenic responses in treated pigs. Some vaccines stimulated reactions sufficient to be protective against A. suis. In addition, the invention provides kits comprising the immunogenic compositions; as well as, methods of using the compositions and kits.
US08562992B2
The invention provides humanized and chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies for treatment of CD20 positive malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
US08562989B2
A novel gene 0161P2F10B (also designated 161P2F10B) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 161P2F10B exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 161P2F10B provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 161P2F10B gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 161P2F10B can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08562988B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming anti-cancer vaccine complexes. In preferred embodiments, the anti-cancer vaccine complex comprises an antibody moiety that binds to dendritic cells, such as an anti-CD74 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, attached to an AD (anchoring domain) moiety and a xenoantigen, such as CD20, attached to a DDD (dimerization and docking domain) moiety, wherein two copies of the DDD moiety form a dimer that binds to the AD moiety, resulting in the formation of the vaccine complex. The anti-cancer vaccine complex is capable of inducing an immune response against xenoantigen expressing cancer cells, such as CD138negCD20+ MM stem cells, and inducing apoptosis of and inhibiting the growth of or eliminating the cancer cells.
US08562981B2
Compositions of the present invention, comprising at least one digestive enzyme (e.g., pancrelipase) are useful for treating or preventing disorders associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies. The compositions of the present invention can comprise a plurality of coated particles, each of which is comprised of a core coated with an enteric coating comprising at least one enteric polymer and 4-10% of at least one alkalinizing agent, or have moisture contents of about 3% or less, water activities of about 0.6 or less, or exhibit a loss of activity of no more than about 15% after six months of accelerated stability testing.
US08562971B2
The use of a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus and a probiotic Bifidobacterium longumin the manufacture of a medicament or therapeutic nutritional composition for administration to an infant during at least the first three months of life for the long-term prophylaxis of diarrhea in infants and young children.
US08562966B2
Poly(beta-amino esters) are end-modified to form materials useful in the medical as well as non-medical field. An amine-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with an electrophile, or an acrylate-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with a nucleophile. The inventive end-modified polymers may be used in any field where polymers have been found useful including the drug delivery arts. The end-modified polymers are particularly useful in delivery nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. The invention also provides compositions including the inventive end-modified polymers, methods of preparing the inventive polymers, and method of using the inventive polymers.
US08562960B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing a unique polymer blend, which includes: (a) a first polymeric film-former having a first glass transition temperature ranging from about −20° C. to about 0° C.; (b) a second polymeric film-former having a second glass transition temperature that is at least 50° C. higher than the first glass transition temperature; and (c) a third cross-linked polymeric film-former. The cosmetic composition of the present invention can be applied to human skin or keratinous fibers for forming a film thereon with exceptionally long wearability, reduced flaking and smudge properties, and good removability by warm water.
US08562946B2
A new system accomplishes easy, interchangeable production of multiple PET radiopharmaceuticals through the use of a simplified eluant-only generator and a kit based synthesis technique employing lyophilized or freeze dried ligand. Thus, by simply switching the lyophilized ligand vial kit, any number of 62Cu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals (62Cu-ligand) can be interchangeably synthesized with only one 62Zn/62Cu generator.
US08562944B2
A composition comprising PAA nanoparticles containing a post loaded tetrapyrollic photosensitizer and an imaging agent and methods for making and using same.
US08562935B2
The present invention is directed towards methods (processes) of providing large quantities of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of defined diameter and chirality (i.e., precise populations). In such processes, CNT seeds of a pre-selected diameter and chirality are grown to many (e.g., hundreds) times their original length. This is optionally followed by cycling some of the newly grown material back as seed material for regrowth. Thus, the present invention provides for the large-scale production of precise populations of CNTs, the precise composition of such populations capable of being optimized for a particular application (e.g., hydrogen storage). The present invention is also directed to complexes of CNTs and transition metal catalyst precurors, such complexes typically being formed en route to forming CNT seeds.
US08562931B2
A method for cyclically preparing monomer boron and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluoborate as an intermediate material, which includes following steps: A) adding hydrofluoric acid to boric acid or boron oxide to enable a reaction to form fluoboric acid; B) adding a potassium sulphate aqueous solution to the fluoboric acid to enable a reaction to form the potassium fluoborate; C) putting the potassium fluoborate into a reactor, adding aluminium to react with the potassium fluoborate to form the monomer boron and potassium cryolite; D) extracting the potassium cryolite, sending the potassium cryolite to a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulphuric acid to enable a reaction to form hydrogen fluoride gas and aluminium potassium sulphate, potassium 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.
US08562930B2
Hazardous process gases are heated to auto ignition temperatures by rods and cylinders in a heating chamber. The heated gases and oxygen mix in a combustion chamber, and the gases ignite and combust. Air is introduced to cool the hot combustion products. Particles are separated from the cooled gases. Pure non hazardous gases and air are exhausted.
US08562929B2
A method for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a combustion exhaust gas treatment system is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The ammonia generator, which includes an electrolysis apparatus including an electrolytic flow cell, an alkaline electrolyte composition, and a recirculation system, may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.
US08562921B2
A process for the production of high purity ethyl acetate from ethanol is described. The process involves reacting ethanol over a suitable catalyst in a reactive distillation column. The reactive distillation setup allows overcoming the reaction equilibrium for increased conversion of ethanol. Hydrogen is removed as the distillate and ethyl acetate is obtained as a bottoms product from the reactive distillation column. A feed of hydrogen at the bottom of the column and a suitable hydrogenation catalyst placed at the bottom of the column allows for a significant reduction of impurities such as butan-2-one and/or n-butyraldehyde in the ethyl acetate product. Adding side reactors to the reactive distillation column allows additional catalyst holdup for improved reactant conversion.
US08562919B2
It is to provide a device for sampling feces that enables an accurate and quantitative evaluation by decreasing the variations of feces sampling levels, wherein the confirmation of the presence or absence of feces sampling can be performed hygienically and simply from an outside of a container. A device for sampling feces comprising a feces sampling stick 10, a container body 20, and a fitting body (30, 40) fitted to the inner part of the container body; the feces sampling stick having a gripping part 11 and a stick part 12, being provided with a feces sampling part 14 at the end; the container body having an opening part to fit the fitting body on one side, and a bottom part 21 on the other side, wherein a feces-suspending liquid container part for preserving a liquid for suspending feces 22 is formed in a space between the lower part of the container body and the lower side of the fitting body; the fitting body having a tubular guide part 34 that enables introduction of the stick part of the feces sampling stick, a first leveling hole 35 to remove excess feces, and a second leveling hole 42 below the first hole for further removing excess feces; wherein a domain for detecting collected feces 39 is formed in a tubular guide part adjacent to the upper end of the first leveling hole.
US08562909B2
A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.
US08562902B2
A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes a plurality of crane access zones that are outboard of a gas delivery main to enable solids injection lances to be removed from and replacement lances to be positioned in openings in a side wall of a direct smelting vessel. The plant also includes a plurality of crane access zones that are inboard of the gas delivery main to enable gas injection lances to be removed from and replacement lances to be positioned in openings in the side wall of the vessel.
US08562901B1
The current invention provides a method to fabricate a crack-free continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite by eliminating shrinkage stresses through a unique combination of freeze forming and a non-shrinking matrix composition. Cracks related to drying shrinkage are eliminated through freeze forming and cracks related to sintering shrinkage are eliminated by using a matrix that does not shrink at the given sintering temperature. After sintering, a crack-free ceramic composite is obtained.
US08562898B2
A method for forming a resin molded article includes a step of extruding a thermoplastic resin intermittently at a predetermined speed from an extrusion slit, such that the resin droops downward in a shape of a sheet. The method further includes the steps of: feeding the extruded sheet-shaped resin downward by a pair of rollers; and forming the sheet-shaped resin with a mold. In the step of feeding the sheet-shaped resin, one of the rollers is pressed against the other, but not to the extent of crushing the sheet-shaped resin, regardless of the thickness of the sheet-shaped resin. In addition, a surface temperature of each of the rollers is set lower than a temperature of the sheet-shaped resin and within a predetermined temperature range. This method can prevent sliding contact between the rollers and the sheet, while preventing the sheet from being wound around the rollers.
US08562894B2
A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article.
US08562888B2
A system and method for dispensing a sealant over aircraft fasteners secured to a surface in the aircraft. The system includes a nozzle tip having a shroud configured for placement over the fasteners. Sealant is metered to the shroud via an orifice within the nozzle tip. The shroud is sized to leave a space between it and the fastener to control the amount of sealant applied to the fastener upper surface and along the interface between the fastener and aircraft surface. Pressurized fluid urges the sealant through the orifice.
US08562886B2
A composite laminate includes a plurality of sheets of prepreg stacked one over another, and a scrim layer provided on an exterior surface of the sheets of prepreg. Each prepreg sheet is formed of fibers preimpregnated with resin. The scrim layer and the sheets of prepreg form a composite laminate whereby the scrim layer constitutes an outer, exposed surface of the composite laminate. The scrim layer may be a nonwoven carbon or glass fiber scrim that has absorbed resin from the sheets of prepreg. A method of making a composite laminate includes placing into a mold a scrim and a plurality of sheets of prepreg, with the scrim extending between an exterior surface of the sheets of prepreg and an inner surface of the mold; forming a composite laminate whereby the scrim is adhered to the sheets of prepreg; and removing the composite laminate from the mold. An outer layer of the composite laminate includes the scrim.
US08562879B2
Methods are disclosed in which two or more forming chambers are used to process inorganic fibers by gravity-laying methods. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to open inorganic fibers and using a second forming chamber to process the opened inorganic fibers, optionally to blend the opened inorganic fibers with additional inorganic fibers and/or with particulate additives, and to collect the inorganic fibers as a mat. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to form a first inorganic fiber layer and a second forming chamber to form a second inorganic fiber layer, and consolidating the first and second inorganic fiber layers so as to provide a multilayer gravity-laid inorganic fiber web.
US08562878B1
A method for making a composite polymeric material with electrical conductivity determined by stress-tuning of the conductor-polymer composite, and sensors made with the stress-tuned conductor-polymer composite made by this method. Stress tuning is achieved by mixing a miscible liquid into the polymer precursor solution or by absorbing into the precursor solution a soluble compound from vapor in contact with the polymer precursor solution. The conductor may or may not be ordered by application of a magnetic field. The composite is formed by polymerization with the stress-tuning agent in the polymer matrix. The stress-tuning agent is removed following polymerization to produce a conductor-polymer composite with a stress field that depends on the amount of stress-tuning agent employed.
US08562877B2
A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube array on a substrate is provided. The carbon nanotube array is divided with a separating line to form a strip-shaped carbon nanotube array. A carbon nanotube film is pulled out from the strip-shaped carbon nanotube array.
US08562875B2
Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.
US08562874B2
A method for preparing uniquely sized nanoparticles of CaF2 by simultaneously spray drying a first NH4F and a biocompatible salt solution and a second Ca(OH)2 and biocompatible salt solution to form CaF2 solid particles in a soluble salt matrix wherein the salt is more soluble than CaF2. The salt matrix may then be dissolved and the separate CaF2 nanosized particles collected for use as a dental therapeutic material. The technique is useful in the preparation of other discrete, nanoparticle sized compounds and combinations by carefully choosing the solvents and solutes of the two spray dried solutions.
US08562868B2
The present invention is related to ternary metal transition metal non-oxide nano-particle compositions, methods for preparing the nano-particles, and applications relating in particular to the use of said nano-particles in dispersions, electrodes and capacitors. The nano-particle compositions of the present invention can include a precursor which includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of alkoxides, carboxylates and halides of transition metals, the material including transition metal(s) selected from the group consisting of vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum.
US08562867B2
The present invention provides polymeric compositions that can be used to modify charge transport across a nanocrystal surface or within a nanocrystal-containing matrix, as well as methods for making and using the novel compositions.
US08562866B2
A preparation method of zinc manganese silicate is provided. The method includes the following steps: step 1, preparing silicon dioxide sol with distilled water, anhydrous ethanol and tetraethyl orthosilicate; step 2, preparing a mixture solution of a zinc salt and a manganese salt; step 3, adjusting the silicon dioxide sol to be neutral or acidic; step 4, adding the mixture solution of the zinc salt and the manganese salt into the silicon dioxide sol to form a gelatin; step 5, drying the gelatin, keeping the temperature, grinding, reducing with keeping the temperature in a reductive atmosphere to obtain zinc manganese silicate. The preparation method has simple technique and low equipment requirement. The particles of the zinc manganese silicate phosphor prepared by the method have a regular size, uniform shape and good luminescent performance.
US08562865B2
A method of producing an M-C-N-O based phosphor with reduced non-uniform emission and improved color purity is provided. The method of producing an M-C-N-O based phosphor comprising a group IIIB element (M), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) comprises: heating a mixture comprising a group IIIB element-containing compound and a nitrogen-containing organic compound to form a pyrolysate; disintegrating the resulting pyrolysate-containing product; and firing the disintegrated product.
US08562858B2
In a process for the aqueous suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride, alone or in mixture with other monomers, in the presence of at least one of dialkylperoxydicarbonate, peroxyester and diacyl peroxide, the polymerization composition according to the invention comprises at least one dialkylhydroxylamine as a shortstopping agent along with a totally or partially hindered phenolic antioxidant.
US08562842B2
A method of fabricating a nanoimprint stamp includes forming a resist pattern having a nano size width on a stamp substrate by performing imprint processes repeatedly. In the imprint processes, resist layers that are selectively etched are sequentially used. The stamp substrate is etched using the resist pattern as an etch mask.
US08562841B1
One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.
US08562835B2
A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibers (211), with the fibers being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibers around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibers are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.
US08562819B2
We provide a process to manufacture a base stock, comprising hydrocracking, separating, and dewaxing, wherein the base stock has a ratio of Noack volatility to CCS VIS at −25° C. multiplied by 100 from 0.15 to 0.40. We also provide a base stock made by a process, and a base oil manufacturing plant that produces the base stock.
US08562816B1
A method for treating crude oil and petrochemical product tank bottoms treats the tank bottoms sludge with a paraffin modifier that converts the tank bottom sludge, in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent (cutter stock) and heat, into three separate phases. The resulting three phase separation is stable enough that there is no need for the use of any mechanical equipment such as centrifuges or decanters to enhance the separation.
US08562811B2
Methods for electrochemical production of formic acid are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is selected from the group consisting of indium, lead, tin, cadmium, and bismuth. The second compartment may include a pH of between approximately 4 and 7. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to formic acid. Step (D) may maintain a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm.
US08562797B2
An electrode for use in a electrochemical sensor comprises carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox-active compound, excluding an electrode based on carbon having derivatised thereron two redox-active species wherein at least one of said species is selected from anthraquinone, phenanthrenequinone and N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD). The invention further provides a pH sensor comprising: a working electrode comprising carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox active material; and a counter electrode, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the working electrode to the surface area of the counter electrode is from 1:10 to 10:1. Also provided is a pH sensor comprising: a working electrode comprising carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox active material, and a counter electrode, wherein the area of the working electrode is from 500 μm2 to 0.1 m2. The uses of these electrodes and sensors are also described.
US08562788B2
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08562786B2
A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet. A papermaking furnish is compactively dewatered to form a nascent web. The nascent web is applied to a translating transfer surface and is fabric-creped from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric. The creping fabric travels at a fabric speed that is slower than the speed of the transfer surface. The nascent web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric to form a creped web with a drawable reticulum having a plurality of interconnected regions of different local basis weights. The creped web is dried to form a dried web, and the dried web is drawn. The drawing step includes drawing the dried web between a first draw roll and a second draw roll.
US08562778B2
A tape adhering apparatus and a tape adhering method for adhering an ACF tape formed from an anisotropic conductive film to a target adhering area on a substrate are disclosed. It is an objective of the invention to provide a tape adhering apparatus and a tape adhering method that enable shortening of a time consumed by operation for adhering one cut piece of an ACF tape. According to the present invention, the separator is peeled from the cut piece of the ACF tape by letting the tape conveyor means convey the tape member in synchronism with the transfer action of the transfer base and thereafter a cut portion of the ACF tape to be next adhered is placed at the cutting position of the tape cutting means by letting the tape conveyor means continually convey the tape member in the forward conveyance direction.
US08562776B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for infrared imagers including fast electrostatic shutters and offset compensation. Fast electrostatic shutters are used for video image correction including image offset compensation where temporal noise and scene nonuniformity are corrected. This method provides a shutterless experience for the user because the image will be blocked for only one frame at a time. A method of manufacturing an electrostatic infrared shutter includes a conductive infrared-transparent substrate, covering it with an insulating layer, depositing adhesive and a thin film stack, delineating a working area, providing contacts, heat-treating the assembly, and making the polymer non-reflective in the infrared.
US08562774B2
In some embodiments, a nonwoven fabric includes a first web that is at least partially formed of extruded strands which include an auto-adhesive material. The nonwoven fabric is adapted to be bonded to another item that includes a similar auto-adhesive material. In other embodiments, a method of forming a nonwoven fabric includes extruding a plurality of strands that are formed of an auto-adhesive material. The method further includes routing the plurality of strands toward a moving support, depositing the plurality of strands onto the moving support, and then stabilizing the plurality of strands to form a web. In other embodiments, a fastening system includes a nonwoven fabric that has a web which is formed of a plurality of extruded strands that include an auto-adhesive material. The fastening system further includes a foam layer that has a surface with a plurality of free-standing struts that include a similar auto-adhesive material.
US08562772B2
This invention relates to an improvement for applying a layered structure onto a convex surface of a lens. After thermoforming the layered structure, a curvature direction of the layered structure is inverted. The structure is then applied on the lens surface by continuously pushing the structure against the lens surface, starting from a contact point between a convex surface of the structure and the convex surface of the lens. The curvature direction of the layered structure is then inverted again, so that it recovers the curvature direction that resulted from thermoforming. Stresses within the layered structure are then reduced, and the structure can be assembled with the lens without defects.
US08562769B2
A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
US08562767B2
A bearing component formed from a bearing steel, wherein the component has an outer surface and comprises through-hardened bainite and/or martensite and has a substantially homogeneous chemical composition, at least a part of the bearing component having a compressive residual stress profile comprising −25 to −1000 MPa at the near surface, wherein the near surface is defined as a region 500 microns or less below the outer surface.
US08562763B2
A high strength α+β-type titanium alloy, containing, by mass %, 4.4% to less than 5.5% of Al, 1.4% to less than 2.1% of Fe, and 1.5 to less than 5.5% of Mo and including, as impurities, Si suppressed to less than 0.1% and C suppressed to less than 0.01% and a balance of Ti and unavoidable impurities.
US08562759B2
Disclosed herein are iron-based alloys having a structure comprising fine-grained ferritic matrix and having a 60+ Rockwell C surface, wherein the ferritic matrix comprises <10 μm Nb and W carbide precipitates. Also disclosed are methods of welding comprising forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay coating with such an iron-based alloy. Also disclosed are methods of designing an alloy capable of forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay, the methods comprising the step determining an amorphous forming epicenter composition, determining a variant composition having a predetermined change in constituent elements from the amorphous forming epicenter composition, and forming and analyzing an alloy having the variant composition.
US08562756B2
The present invention is aimed at providing a method for producing an NdFeB sintered magnet having a higher coercivity and higher squareness of the magnetization curve than ever before. A method for producing an NdFeB sintered magnet according to the present invention includes the steps of forming a layer containing Dy and/or Tb on the surface of an NdFeB sintered magnet base material and then performing a grain boundary diffusion process for diffusing Dy and/or Tb from the aforementioned layer through the crystal grain boundaries of the magnet base material into the magnet base material by heating the magnet base material to a temperature equal to or lower than the sintering temperature thereof, and this method is characterized in that a) the content of a rare earth in a metallic state in the magnet base material is equal to or higher than 12.7 at %; b) the aforementioned layer is a powder layer formed by depositing a powder; and c) the powder layer contains Dy and/or Tb in a metallic state by an amount equal to or higher than 50 mass %.
US08562752B2
A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
US08562749B2
A wafer fabrication process with removal of haze formation from a pellicalized photomask surface is provided. The wafer fabrication process includes pre-print wafer processing, wafer print processing using at least one photomask having a pellicle, photomask clean processing, wafer print processing using the photomask, and post-print wafer processing. The photomask clean processing step includes directing a laser through the pellicle towards an inorganic particle disposed on the photomask to remove the particle from the photomask by thermal decomposition.
US08562744B2
A coating device includes two workspaces, two first slide rails, two second slide rails, two transporting loops, a number of rotating platforms, and a number of loading poles. The first slide rails are respectively fixed on the bottoms of the workspaces. The second slide rails are respectively fixed on the tops of the workspaces. The transporting loops are movably positioned on the first slide rails respectively. The rotating platforms are rotatably positioned on the transporting loops and capable of being driven by the transporting loops to rotate and slide along the first slide rails. The loading poles are positioned between the rotating platforms and the second slide rails, and are used for holding substrates. The loading poles are capable of being transported from one workspace to another workspace.
US08562743B2
A high pressure processing system including a chamber configured to house a substrate. A fluid introduction system includes at least one composition supply system configured to supply a first composition and a second composition, and at least one fluid supply system configured to supply a fluid. The fluid supply system is configured to alternately and discontinuously introduce the first composition and the second composition to the chamber within the fluid.
US08562741B2
The present invention relates to an evaporation source for evaporating an organic electroluminescent layer. In particular, the present invention relates to the evaporation source preventing an aperture, through which a vaporized evaporation material is emitted, from being clogged by restricting heat transfer to outward. The evaporation source according to the present invention includes a cell retaining an evaporation material therein; a cell cap installed on the upper part of the cell and having a cell cap aperture for emitting a vaporized evaporation material; an external wall placed in the outside of the cell to support a heating means set up at the outside of the cell; a cover placed above the cell cap, fixed to the upper end of the external wall, and having a cover aperture corresponding to the cell cap aperture; and a shut-off plate placed between the cover and the cell cap and having a shut-off plate aperture corresponding to the cell cap aperture and the cover aperture in the center of the shut-off plate.
US08562738B2
A nitride-based light-emitting device includes a substrate and a plurality of layers formed over the substrate in the following sequence: a nitride-based buffer layer formed by nitrogen, a first group III element, and optionally, a second group III element, a first nitride-based semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second nitride-based semiconductor layer.
US08562737B2
A crystal growth method, comprising the steps of: a) bringing a nitrogen material into a reaction vessel in which a mixed molten liquid comprising an alkaline metal and a group-III metal; and b) growing a crystal of a group-III nitride using the mixed molten liquid and the nitrogen material brought in by the step a) in the reaction vessel, wherein a provision is made such as to prevent a vapor of the alkaline metal from dispersing out of the reaction vessel.
US08562736B2
This invention relates to a new class of chemical admixtures for hydraulic cement compositions such as pastes, mortars, grouts and concretes. The cement compositions are comprised of ordinary Portland cement, blended cements, or non-Portland cements made with Supplementary Cementitious Materials. The admixtures contain complexes of metals with derivatives of hydroxycarboxylic acids, and improve properties of cement compositions, including setting, hardness, compressive strength, shrinkage, and freeze-thaw resistance. The invention discloses a method for improving the properties of hydraulic cements by adding the disclosed chemical admixtures to cement compositions, and also discloses methods of preparing said admixtures.
US08562734B2
A low-calcium-cementitious material having a calcium oxide content less than or equal to 10 wt % which is processed at room temperature into a low calcium cement mainly composed of mullite and a method manufacturing of the low calcium cement are provided. The low-calcium-cementitious material includes low calcium fly ash, an alkaline agent, and a congealing agent, wherein the calcium oxide content of the low-calcium-cementitious material is less than or equal to 10 wt %. The low calcium fly ash has a calcium oxide content less than or equal to 10 wt %. The low calcium cement manufacturing method includes providing a low calcium fly ash having a calcium oxide content less than or equal to 10 wt %; providing an alkaline agent; providing a congealing agent; and mixing the low-calcium-content fly ash, the alkaline agent, and the congealing agent and standing the mixture at room temperature to form a low calcium cement.
US08562727B2
Disclosed is an electroless palladium plating solution which can form a plating layer having excellent soldering properties onto electronic components and the like and excellent wire bonding properties. The electroless palladium plating solution comprises a palladium compound, an amine compound, an inorganic sulfur compound and a reducing agent, wherein a combination of hypophosphorous acid or a hypophosphorous acid compound and formic acid or a formic acid compound is used as the reducing agent, and wherein the palladium compound, the amine compound, the inorganic sulfur compound, the hypophosphorous acid compound, and formic acid or the formic acid compound are contained in amounts of 0.001 to 0.1 mole/l, 0.05 to 5 mole/l, 0.01 to 0.1 mole/l, 0.05 to 1.0 mole/l and 0.001 to 0.1 mole/l, respectively. The electroless palladium plating solution is characterized by having excellent soldering properties and excellent wire bonding properties.
US08562711B2
A dry flowable additive for aqueous urea-based fertilizers made of solid urea formaldehyde polymer (UFP), N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), and, optionally, dicyandiamide (DCD), wherein the liquid fertilizer containing the additive provides reduced nitrogen loss from the soil. Optionally, the dry additive may also be blended with molten or solid urea to form a solid urea-based fertilizer with reduced nitrogen loss from the soil.
US08562707B2
An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner.
US08562704B2
A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.
US08562702B2
The invention relates to an abrasive compact comprising a mass of diamond particles and a silicon containing binder phase wherein the diamond particles are present in an amount less than 75 volume % and the binder phase contains less than 2 volume % unreacted (elemental) silicon. The invention further relates to a method of producing an abrasive compact including the steps of forming a feed diamond powder into a diamond preform, interposing a separating mechanism between the diamond preform and a silicon infiltrant source, heating the diamond preform and silicon infiltrant source until the infiltrant is molten and the preform and infiltrant are isothermal and allowing infiltration from the molten silicon infiltrant source to occur into the diamond preform.
US08562691B2
A training device capable of converting kinetic energy of an agent into electric energy while applying to the agent a resistance force of a variation behavior appropriate to a motion behavior of the agent. According to the training device, a strength and a direction of a resistance force applied to the agent can be varied via a regenerative braking on a motor according to at least one of a variation behavior of a relative posture between an upper body and a leg of the agent and a temporal variation behavior of the relative posture therebetween.
US08562687B2
Disposable modular spacer device of the articulation of a knee including a tibial element, constrainable to an end of the tibial bone in proximity of the articulation of the knee and including a lower surface and an upper surface provided with a radius of curvature R2, and a femoral element, including an inner surface, constrainable to an end of the femoral bone at the articulation of the knee and an outer convex surface, provided with a radius of curvature R1 and in contact with the upper surface of the tibial element, the tibial element and the femoral element having various dimensions or sizes, the tibial element being configured so as to be coupled with any size of the femoral element to adapt the dimensions of the modular spacer device with the dimensions of the bone ends to which it should be connected.
US08562686B2
A joint prosthesis includes a bone engaging portion having a first recess portion, and an internal wall defining a second recess portion, an articulating component, an insert component having (i) a first insert portion configured to snugly fit within said second recess portion in contact with the internal wall, and (ii) a projecting portion that fixedly projects from said first insert portion and is configured to snugly fit with the first recess portion so as to rotationally fix the first insert portion within the second recess portion, said insert component also having a first coupling portion, and a mating component configured to mate with said articulating component and having a second coupling portion configured to mate with the first coupling portion to form a fixed male/female couple at variable version and inclination angular orientations with respect to the insert component.
US08562682B2
An intervertebral joint prosthesis having a ball component (22) for engagement with a first vertebra (26) and a trough component (24) for engagement with a second vertebra (27) adjacent to the first vertebra is disclosed. The trough component (24) includes a generally concave surface (50) having a substantially flat portion (52). When the ball component (22) and the trough component (24) are engaged to their respective vertebrae, the ball component (72) and the trough component (24) engage each other, permitting rotation and translation of the vertebrae with respect to each other. Both components include a flange (34, 56) for engaging a vertebra. The invention also contemplates a method for and a tool for use in implanting a two-piece intervertebral joint prosthesis.
US08562677B2
Shells for mammary prostheses and other devices are created by spraying a silicone dispersion onto a mandrel. Several coats of dispersion are applied with an interval for evaporation of solvent from the dispersion between application of coats. The shells created are uniform in thickness and have a desirably defect-free surface.
US08562675B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides an ophthalmic lens (e.g., an IOL) that includes an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface disposed about an optical axis. At least one of the surfaces (e.g., the anterior surface) has a profile characterized by superposition of a base profile and an auxiliary profile. The auxiliary profile can include an inner region, an outer region and a transition region between the inner and the outer regions, where an optical path difference across the transition region (i.e., the optical path difference between the inner and the outer radial boundaries of the transition region) corresponds to a non-integer fraction (e.g., ½) of a design wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of about 550 nm).
US08562674B2
An insertion system is provided for delivering an intraocular lens into an eye. The insertion system has an inserter for delivering the lens and a lens case for holding the lens prior to delivery. The inserter has a handpiece having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The inserter also has a nosepiece disposed at the distal end of the inserter, the nosepiece having a rotational axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a load chamber with a transfer interface for receiving the lens. The case has a transfer port for transferring the lens from the case into the load chamber. Once the lens is transferred into the load chamber, the nosepiece is adapted to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the rotational axis between a first position for loading the lens and a second position for delivering the lens into the eye.
US08562672B2
A prosthetic valve including a replacement valve having a tubular valve body wall, an expandable stent having a framework with first and second ends, and suturing holding the framework to the valve body at the first and second ends. The suturing at the first end is colored differently from the suturing at the second end.
US08562665B2
A circumferentially connected stent in a non-expanded state with a longitudinal axis, includes a first expansion column strut pair having a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut with a joining strut. The first expansion column strut pair defines a chevron shaped slot, and a plurality of the first expansion strut pair forms a first expansion column. A second expansion column strut pair includes a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut and a joining strut. The second expansion column strut pair defines a chevron shaped slot, and a plurality of the second expansion strut pair forms a second expansion column. A first serial connecting strut column is formed of a plurality of first connecting struts, and the first connecting strut column couples the first expansion column to the second expansion column.
US08562661B2
Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing hypertension/high blood pressure symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method further includes regulating of a blood pressure and an advanced glycation end product (AGE) in the blood caused by one of a disease associated with hypertension and blood pressure. Additionally, the method includes providing a relief from high blood pressure when the treatment is complete.
US08562659B2
A sleep mask is configured to provide light therapy to a subject. The sleep mask may provide a comfortable delivery mechanism for the light therapy, and may deliver the light therapy to the subject while the subject is asleep, in the process of going to sleep, and/or waking from sleep. In one embodiment, the sleep mask includes one or more of a shield, a strap, a first lighting module, and/or a second lighting module.
US08562655B2
A lumbar plate assembly for use between at least two vertebral bodies is disclosed. The assembly includes a lumbar plate having at least one opening for each vertebral body, a screw configured to secure the lumbar plate to a vertebra through the at least one opening, and a rotatable locking mechanism proximate the least one opening configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration allowing the screw to pass into the opening and the second configuration engaging the screw to prevent withdrawal of the screw from the opening.
US08562652B2
A dynamic anchoring device is described. An element with a shank for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra and with a head connected to the shank is provided with a receiving part for the head and with an elastomeric pressure element acting on the head. The pressure element is formed and located in such a way that, upon a movement of the element from a first angular position of the shank relative to the receiving part into a second angular position, it exerts a return force on the head. Further, a dynamic stabilization device, in particular for vertebrae, is provided. In such a stabilization device, a rod is connected two anchoring devices. At least one of the anchoring devices is constructed as dynamic anchoring element.
US08562649B2
Facet joint replacement implants may be designed for use on multiple adjacent vertebral levels. Each superior implant may have a substantially semispherical concave surface, and each inferior implant may have a cooperating semispherical convex surface that is deformable to enable it to be pressed into the superior implant concave surface to fix the relative orientations of the superior and inferior implants. Thus, the inferior implant may be attached to the same pedicle as the superior implant, but may also be oriented independently of the superior implant and then fixed in position. Similar mounting structures may be used to attach one or more fusion implants to a level adjacent to that of a facet joint replacement implant.
US08562640B2
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. The tool may also include other features. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.
US08562632B2
An instrument for use in minimally-invasive procedures generally including a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The end-effector is in the form of a suture holder which includes a first, fixed arm at a distal end of a first, fixed outer shaft, and a second, movable arm at a distal end of a second, movable inner shaft. The fixed arm includes a u-shaped end, which defines an opening adapted to receive a portion of an elongate flexible suture material. A closure pin fixed at an end of the movable arm moves back and forth, opening and closing the opening in the u-shaped end of the fixed arm. The closure pin extends from the movable arm into a pin guide opening through one leg of the u-shaped end of the fixed arm.
US08562627B2
Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.
US08562620B2
Systems, bone cements and methods for treating vertebral compression fractures can utilize a bone cement comprising of a mixable liquid monomer component and a non-liquid component including polymer particles, wherein the non-liquid component is configured for controlled exposure to the liquid monomer over a setting interval of the bone cement. In a method of use, liquid and non-liquid components are mixed, and the bone cement is injected into bone wherein a lengthened setting interval is provided in which the mixture is configured for a flowability that prevents unwanted extravasation.
US08562619B2
A method for filling a bone defect in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method includes heating a bone cement composition at a first temperature where the bone cement composition is fluidic, and delivering an effective amount of the fluidic bone cement composition at a second temperature to the bone defect thereby filling the bone defect and allowing the fluidic bone cement composition to solidify, the second temperature being sufficiently high for maintaining the bone cement composition fluidic without causing thermal necrosis. Also disclosed are systems for carrying out the method.
US08562615B2
An apparatus for introducing a bone portal into a bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a stylet and a handle. The stylet is configured to support an infusion tube assembly. The infusion tube assembly comprises a bone portal. The handle is drivingly coupled to the stylet by a release mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a bone probe that, in a first configuration, extends generally parallel to the stylet. The release mechanism is operative to uncouple the driving coupling between the handle and the stylet upon axial motion of the bone probe relative to the handle. The stylet and bone probe are movable apart from one another to a second configuration.
US08562611B2
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08562609B2
A device for creating a cavity in a bone, said cavity having a cross-section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side, and contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity, includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a larger cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than the corresponding cross section of the distal portion, and a broach non-rotationally supported by the shaft and having a first cutting side supported at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the distal portion of the shaft is formed to include witness marks which when registered with an indicator after advancing the shaft facilitate selection of an appropriately sized prosthesis component.
US08562608B2
An orthopedic system prepares a surface of an anatomical structure to receive an orthopedic prosthesis. A method for using the same is also disclosed. The orthopedic system includes a surgical instrument and a guide. The guide includes an anterior portion and a distal portion that is at least partially elevated relative to the anterior portion. The distal portion includes at least one track that is sized to receive the surgical instrument while preparing the surface of the anatomical structure.
US08562593B2
A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.
US08562586B2
Devices and methods are provided for delivery of a positive inotropic agent to the heart of a patient in need thereof. An epicardial patch includes (i) a backing layer which is impermeable to the positive inotropic agent; and (ii) a drug release layer attached to the backing layer and including the positive inotropic agent and a polymeric membrane material. The polymeric membrane material provides controlled release of the positive inotropic agent to the epicardium to a region of the myocardium and in an amount effective to increase contractility. At least one of the backing layer or the drug release layer includes a tissue coupling portion for affixing the epicardial patch to an area of the epicardial surface. The epicardial patch is dimensioned and compliant to substantially avoid impeding myocardial functionality when affixed to the area of the epicardial surface.
US08562584B2
This disclosure relates to drug delivery devices and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a drug delivery device includes a drug vial holder and a mechanism configured to compress a drug vial between upper and lower members of the drug vial holder.
US08562578B2
A drainable pouch is disclosed which comprises a pair of sidewalls of flexible sheet material having side edges joined together to define a cavity having a discharge end provided with an outlet valve for draining the cavity. The sidewalls also are joined together throughout a central region thereof such that the cavity formed by the sidewalls completely surrounds the central region. With this construction, the central region defines a peripheral edge and has at least one opening in a location which is spaced inwardly of the peripheral edge to receive and secure the outlet valve when the discharge end has been folded.
US08562575B2
The Holistic Breast Patch is the first known, non-pharmaceutical, effective device available which inhibits prolactin production safely and aids the relief of discomfort from breast engorgement pain by drying breast milk after pregnancy. The benefits of treatment of prolactin dependent diseases remain to be fully disclosed. It works transdermally and is comprised of a unique, approximately 1½ inch by ¾ inch natural and organic carbonyl disc housed within cotton gauze and nonstick adhesive Telfa®. It meets the Federal Drug Administration's definition of a non-significant risk device (21 CFR 812). Its use will aid in the treatment of prolactin dependent diseases and conditions and eliminate the serious risks of health complications and fatalities that have been documented by the use of prescription drugs, hormones and pharmaceuticals lacking FDA approval for this use by women. Wearing the Patch device is both easy and convenient. Using it as directed expedites the suppression of lactation, significantly reducing the duration of lactation and also alleviates pain associated with breast milk engorgement, in addition to the benefits derived from use in prolactin dependent and related disease treatment.
US08562570B2
An injection device having a safeguard for preventing a filling or adjusting motion of the injection device when a prescribed dispensing motion has been performed, the injection device including an adjusting element and/or a filling element, a blocking mechanism including a first blocking element and a second blocking element, the blocking mechanism allowing a motion of the adjusting and/or filling element in a release position and preventing the motion in a blocking position, and a piston rod including a block trigger element that can bring one of the blocking elements into interaction with the other blocking element thereby creating a blocking position at a prescribed insertion position to cause a blocking of at least one of the adjusting element and/or the filling element.
US08562551B2
A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine.
US08562538B2
In order to reliably determine the left-ventricular ejection time TLVE of a heart of a subject, at least two different measuring methods are employed. This includes in any case the derivation of a first waveform related to thoracic electrical bioimpedance or bioadmittance. A second waveform can be determined by using pulse oximetry, Doppler velocimetry, measurement of arterial blood pressure and measurement of peripheral electrical bioimpedance or bioadmittance. Depending on signal quality, the results obtained by each method are weighted and then averaged. The weighted average for left-ventricular ejection time is used as an input variable for cardiovascular monitoring methods, which determine objective measurements of cardiovascular function and performance. Such measurements include, but are not limited to, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume, cardiac output, systolic time ratio, and indices of ventricular contractility.
US08562532B2
A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response.
US08562531B2
There is provided a ultrasonic motion detecting device that detects a three-dimensional motion of an object. The ultrasonic motion detecting device, comprises first and second ultrasonic transducers 13 having piezoelectric elements arranged in an array, which transmit ultrasonic waves to an object and acquire reflection signals from the object, a motion detection unit 20 that extracts an estimation region which is used for estimating a motion of the object from the reflection signals that are acquired by the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and detects a three-dimensional motion within the estimation region, and an image display unit 19 that displays the three-dimensional motion within the estimation region, wherein ultrasonic wave scanning surfaces due to the first and second ultrasonic transducers cross over each other.
US08562525B2
A biological signal processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains a spectrum of a biological signal that has been obtained, a generation unit that generates a three-dimensional waveform by plotting elements of the spectrum obtained by the obtaining unit in a space defined by a time axis, a frequency axis, and an intensity axis, and a detection unit that detects a specified waveform component using a position along the intensity axis at which a cross-section of the three-dimensional waveform in a time-frequency domain generated by the generation unit is to be observed and a state of the cross-section at the position as criteria for recognition.
US08562524B2
A method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy is provided. The method includes receiving cardiac data and determining a cardiac index based upon the cardiac data. The method includes determining an increased risk of death associated with epilepsy if the indices are extreme, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. Also presented is a second method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy comprising receiving at least one of arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data and determining an arousal index, a responsiveness index or an awareness index, where the indices are based on arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data respectively. The second method includes determining an increased risk of death related to epilepsy if indices are extreme values, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. A computer readable program storage device is also provided. Also provided is a method for receiving body data, determining a cardiac, an arousal, a responsiveness, or a kinetic index, determining an increased or increasing risk of death over a first time window relating to a patient with epilepsy and issuing a warning and logging relevant information.
US08562523B2
Methods and apparatus for identifying an extreme epileptic state/event in a patient are provided. One method includes determining at least one of an autonomic index, a neurologic index, a metabolic index, an endocrine index, or a tissue stress index, where at least one determined index is based upon body data. The method also includes identifying a seizure event based upon the at least one determined index and determining at least one seizure severity index (SSI) value indicative of the severity of the seizure event. The method further includes comparing the determined at least one SSI value to at least one reference value and identifying an occurrence of an extreme seizure event, based upon the comparison of the determined SSI value to the at least one reference value.
US08562521B2
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08562520B2
A surgical access port assembly is provided including a cannula and an obturator insertable through the cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a hollow elongate tubular member extending distally from the housing. A duckbill valve is provided within the housing and includes an outer support rim and a pair of opposed multi-angle leaflets extending inwardly from the outer support rim. Each leaflet includes a lead in portion oriented at a first angle relative to the support rim and an entry portion extending from the lead in portion and oriented at a second angle relative to the support rim. The second angle is greater than the first angle.
US08562512B2
A surgical tool assembly is provided having a surgical tool, a scope; and a detachable clip which couples the tool and scope. The clip includes a first grip which engages a peripheral surface of the tool and a second grip which engages a peripheral surface of the scope. Additionally, the first and second grips may be formed continuously with one another.
US08562510B2
An incubator or open patient care unit (1) is provided, which can be opened and closed by one or more side panes (2). The side pane (2) or each side pane (2) is equipped with essentially vertical guide elements (3, 4). A drive (10) may be provided with an associated analysis unit (11) for the drive (10), wherein the analysis unit (11) receives sensor and/or switching signals, so that the side pane (2) can be automatically opened and/or closed by a preset time or sensor signal.
US08562509B2
A ventricular assist device includes an intravascular blood pump and a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame receives the blood pump therein and is movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible frame engages an interior wall of a body cavity when in the expanded state and is retrievable from the body cavity in the collapsed state.
US08562508B2
A blood pump system includes a first implantable housing, an implantable blood pump independent from the first implantable housing, and a percutaneous extension. The first implantable housing includes a rechargeable power storage device. The implantable blood pump supplements the pumping function of a heart. The rechargeable power storage device supplies electrical power to the implantable blood pump. The percutaneous extension is coupled to the rechargeable power storage device and adapted to traverse the skin. The percutaneous extension is configured to releasably connect to an external power supply adapted to provide power for recharging or supplementing the rechargeable power storage device to power the implantable blood pump.
US08562507B2
Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.
US08562503B2
The invention refers to a disk package for a centrifuge. The disk package comprises a plurality of separating disks provided on each other in the disk package. Each separating disk extends around an axis of rotation for the centrifuge rotor and has tapering shape with an inner surface and an outer surface along the axis of rotation. Each separating disk has inner edge, defining a central opening of the separating disk, and outer edge. Each separating disk is manufactured of a material. The separating disks comprise a plurality of first separating disks comprising a number of distance members, which extend away from the inner surface and/or outer surface. Each distance member comprises at least one contact zone abutting an outer surface and inner surface, respectively, of an adjacent separating disk in the disk package. The contact zone has a continuously convex shape seen in a cross section.
US08562502B2
A centrifugal separator includes: a rotor configured to hold a sample to be separated; a driving device configured to rotate the rotor and including a driving shaft; a chamber configured to contain the rotor and including a through hole through which the driving shaft is passed; a seal member configured to fitted over the through hole of the chamber and the driving shaft; a drain hole configured to discharge liquid in the chamber to an exterior; and an undulated part configured to guide a flow of the liquid and is provided on an upper surface of the seal member.
US08562499B2
A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
US08562495B2
An upper body exercise apparatus includes a spring positioned in a housing interior area. First and second cables have respective first ends operatively coupled to the spring and respective second ends extending away from the housing. Respective movements of the first and second cables away from the housing cause the spring to move toward a biased configuration. The exercise apparatus includes a transmission configured such that an outward movement of the first cable in the absence of an outward movement of the second cable causes all of the springs resistance to be transmitted to the first cable, an outward movement of the second cable in the absence of movement of the first cable causes all of the spring's resistance to be transmitted to the second cable, and an outward movement by both cables causes the spring's resistance to be distributed equally between the first and second cables.
US08562494B2
According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.
US08562493B2
The exercise and training apparatus includes: A base disposed on a supporting surface for the apparatus. An upper body support arrangement secured to the base frame in a manner that allows several positions from generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. A lower body support arrangement secured to the base frame adjacent to the upper body support having a generally horizontal position. A head support secured to the upper body support arrangement. A pair of hand levers attached to the upper body support one on each side in a manner that allows the user's hands to move the levers in plural directions. A lever secured to the lower body support arrangement capable of receiving the user's legs in a manner that allows the user to move the lever in plural directions. An adjustable resistance device secured to each lever in order to provide resistance to movement of the lever.
US08562488B2
One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.
