US08599124B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device in which images can be seen under a dark place to intense external light. In the display device, display is performed by changing the gray scale number depending on external light intensity, and display modes can be switched depending on contents displayed on the screen. An analog mode and a digital mode are switched depending on external light intensity. In an analog digital switching circuit, when a video signal is an analog value, a signal is outputted to a pixel array without any change and, when the video signal is a digital value, the signal is outputted to a circuit that performs a digital operation such as a latch circuit. Consequently, display gray scales of a pixel are changed appropriately. Accordingly, a clear image can be displayed. For example, it is possible to ensure visibility in a wide range of a dark place or under indoor florescent light to outdoor sun light.
US08599113B2
An organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting display device includes a substrate on which first, second and third pixel units are arranged in row and column directions. To simplify manufacturing and reduce defects, the first, second and third pixel units are arranged so that each column of the display is formed of only one of the first, second, and third pixel units.
US08599110B2
A driver for a display may include a first signal processor adapted to output first and third control signals, and a second signal processor adapted to output a second control signal. The first signal processor may include a first shift register adapted to receive clock signals, and a first input signal, and to output a shifted signal. A first logic gate may be adapted to receive the shifted control signal and a separation signal to output the first control signal. A second logic gate may be adapted to receive the shifted signal and a negative separation signal, and to output the third control signal. The second signal processor may include a second shift register adapted to receive clock signals and the second input signal, and to output a shifted signal, and a first inverter adapted to receive the shifted signal of the second shift register and to output a second control signal.
US08599105B2
Various methods for implementing a multiple display mode are provided. One example method includes receiving an indication of a transition to a multiple display mode, and in response to at least receiving the indication of the transition to the multiple display mode, causing a home screen with home screen content to be displayed by a first display of a device. The example method may further include, in response to at least receiving the indication of the transition to the multiple display mode, causing application content provided by an application being implemented to be displayed by a second display of the device while the home screen with the home screen content is being displayed by the first display. Similar and related example methods and example apparatuses are also provided.
US08599097B2
A collapsible portable stand comprises support legs and a mast that collapse into a small equipment enclosure or case, forming one single, integral unit that provides for storage, stable support for a device that is mounted onto the mast, and portability. The legs and mast are operatively connected to the case and preferably have extendable length. In an embodiment, the legs and mast are connected to the case via hinges that provide for the legs and mast to rotate with respect to the case. The case preferably has wheels and an extendable handle for ease of transport when the legs and mast are collapsed into the case. An embodiment includes an internal storage case that has a moveable cover that can include controls for and/or connections to a device stored in the internal storage case. An alternative embodiment includes a larger portable stand that has components that are external of the case and/or are independent of a case.
US08599089B2
Electronic devices may be provided with antennas. The antennas may include conductive antenna cavities. Antenna resonating elements may be mounted in the antenna cavities to form cavity antennas. An antenna cavity may be formed from metal structures with curved edges that define a curved cavity opening. A flexible printed circuit substrate may be coated with a layer of metal. Slot antenna structures such as a directly fed antenna slot and a parasitic antenna slot may be formed from openings in the metal layer. The flexible printed circuit substrate may be flexed so that the antenna resonating element forms a non-planar curved shape that mates with the opening of the antenna cavity. A ring of solder may be used to electrically seal the edges of the cavity opening to the metal layer in the antenna resonating element. The curved opening may be aligned with curved housing walls in an electronic device.
US08599088B2
Dual slot antennas are provided for portable electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices. A dual slot antenna may have an open slot that has an open end that is not encircled by conductive material and may have a closed slot in which each end is surrounded by conductor. The closed and open slots may have portions that run parallel to each other. The antenna may be fed using feed terminals that bridge the closed and open slots in the vicinity of the portions of the slots that run parallel to each other. The slots may have portions that are angled with respect to each other. An end portion of one of the slots may be bent and widened for impedance matching and broadened bandwidth. Other portions of the slots may also be angled with respect to their main longitudinal axes.
US08599071B2
A device for estimating a direction-of-arrival of a radio wave, the device comprising an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements for receiving a high frequency signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the received high frequency signal for each of the plurality of antenna elements to generate a plurality of frequency component signals and a direction estimating unit for estimating the direction-of-arrival of the radio wave by using two or more of the plurality of frequency component signals which are contiguous in a frequency direction.
US08599060B2
The present invention relates to a system (300) for reducing or cancelling unwanted signals when detecting objects of interest with a detection system (200). The detection system thereby is an antenna based system using two or more receive beams as echo response to an emission signal. The system (300) for reducing or cancelling unwanted signals comprises an input means (310) adapted for obtaining from said antenna system (210) receive signals from a first receive beam and receive signals from at least one second receive beam responsive to the same emission signal. It furthermore comprises a coupling means (320) adapted for coupling the receive signals from the first receive beam to the receive signals from the at least one second receive beam, so as to obtain a detection signal for the objects of interest with suppressed unwanted signal contribution.
US08599057B2
A system and method for converting a digital signal to an analog signal is provided. The present disclosure provides a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that can convert a large bit value digital signal to a corresponding analog signal. In accordance with an embodiment, a method comprises receiving portions of a digital signal by a plurality of sub-DACs; converting the portions of the digital signal to a corresponding analog signal by the plurality of sub-DACs; biasing one or more of the plurality of sub-DACs; and calibrating the portions of a digital signal by one or more calibration elements.
US08599054B2
A modulator is provided in operative engagement with a sensor element having a plurality of electrodes. The modulator has a single-bit quantizer electrically connected to a digital accumulator. The accumulator accumulates output information received from the single-bit quantizer. The accumulator converts the accumulated output information received from the single-bit quantizer to a multi-bit feedback signal and sends the multi-bit feedback signal in a primary feedback loop back to the sensor element. The quantizer sends a single-bit feedback signal in a secondary feedback loop back to a point before the quantizer.
US08599052B2
An controller for use in a power supply includes a variable oscillator and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The variable oscillator generates a switching signal having an on-time and a switching period to control a first switch to regulate an output of the power supply. The DAC provides the variable oscillator with a first analog signal and a second analog signal, where the on-time of the switching signal is responsive to the first analog signal and where the switching period is responsive to the second analog signal. The DAC includes a current source and a second switch that is configured to couple the current source to provide current to the first analog signal in response to a binary digit received by the DAC, and to couple the current source to provide current to the second analog signal in response to a complement of the binary digit.
US08599035B2
Equipment module indicator handle apparatus and methods are provided for displaying indications of the status conditions of equipment module circuitry using a light-conductive handle body that includes at least one handle leg at least partially composed of light conductive material and configured to transmit emitted light from a proximate end of the indicator handle toward a distal end of the indicator handle to visibly display a status condition of the module circuitry to a user on a surface of the indicator handle that is spaced apart from the wall of a chassis of the module.
US08599024B2
A method and apparatus for monitoring untagged objects in a target area including calibrating a radio environment monitoring system including a rules engine and a baseline data set for a target area by recording a set of changes to the RF environment fingerprint of the target area received by the radio environment monitoring system as the target area is filled with objects. During system operation, scanning the target area with the radio environment monitoring system for a current RF environment fingerprint, comparing the current RF environment fingerprint with the baseline data set by a rules engine and reporting an output of the rules engine.
US08599021B2
A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A merchandise display system includes a display cabinet, an alarm unit and a key extension device. The display cabinet can display several different kinds of merchandise items. The alarm unit generates an alarm when one of the merchandise items is removed from a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. The key extension device can be mounted on the display cabinet away from the alarm unit to allow an electronic key to be inserted into the key extension devise to control the alarm unit.
US08599017B2
A method and a device for monitoring the presence of at least one guide rail for a guided vehicle, include a first detector located downstream of a wheel. The detector is capable of detecting the presence of the rail and of transmitting a first signal relating to the presence of the rail to a monitoring member. A second detector located upstream of the wheel can be connected in parallel to the first detector and is capable of detecting the presence of the rail. The second detector can communicate a second signal, relating to the presence of the rail, to the monitoring member.
US08599011B2
The present application describes firefighter location and rescue equipment (FLARE) comprising: a plurality of tag transmitters, a first tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a first signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said first signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a first set of signal characteristic data for said first signal, a computer compiling said first set of signal characteristic data in a reference database along with an associated path variable, a second tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a second signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said second signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a second set of signal characteristic data for said second signal, said computer comparing said second set of signal characteristic data to the reference database, said computer displaying said comparison for evaluating the location of said second tag transmitter relative to a path taken by said first tag transmitter.
US08599006B2
A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device is configured to emit a movement notification sound to outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will move. The notification sound control device is configured to operate the sound emitting device to emit a movement notification during a period from when a vehicle speed becomes equal to or smaller than a prescribed value until a prescribed amount of time has elapsed in a situation where the vehicle speed becomes equal to or smaller than the prescribed value while the forward movement notification sound is being emitted.
US08599000B2
Systems and methods for occupant reporting of a vehicle issue over-the-air from within a vehicle include a cellular device in the vehicle that establishes a connection with a cellular network. A user interface includes a display that provides occupant selectable menu options for reporting a vehicle issue. A processing system generates issue data based on a selected menu option. The issue data is selectably provided to one or more issue receiving servers including a first issue receiving server associated with a first organization and a second issue receiving server associated with a second, different organization using the cellular network.
US08598996B2
A system and method is provided for monitoring hygiene compliance.
US08598989B2
An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.
US08598972B2
An electromagnetic multi-axis actuator, which can realize small size, light weight and low power consumption while being capable of performing multi-axis motion by overcoming limitations in a driving range, compared to a typical electrostatic actuation scheme or a typical electric motor actuating scheme. The electromagnetic multi-axis actuator includes an actuating unit (1) capable of being driven in a multi-axis manner, one or more elastic parts (2) connected to the actuating unit and made of a conductive material, and one or more coil substrates (3) disposed either above or below or both above and below the elastic parts and provided with conductive coils formed thereon to form magnetic fields around the elastic parts. The multi-axis actuator having the above construction can realize high response speed while having a driving range of high power caused by low power consumption, a large displacement, and multiple axes.
US08598970B2
A resonator cavity for supporting a plurality of resonant modes and filtering electromagnetic energy includes a cavity and a resonator element with a mounting flange. The cavity is defined by a top end wall, a bottom end wall and a sidewall and has a longitudinal axis along its length is defined. The resonator element is positioned within the cavity along the longitudinal axis and includes a mounting flange. The resonator element is only in physical contact with the cavity through the mounting flange at a mounting location and where at least one resonant mode of the electromagnetic energy exhibits a local minimum. The dimensions of the cavity and the resonator element are selected so that the associated electromagnetic energy is defined by an electromagnetic field pattern that substantially repeats itself at least twice along the length of the resonator.
US08598966B2
In general, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, an electrical system configured to use power combining of microwave signals, such as those from monolithic microwave integrated circuits or MMICs is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the system of the present invention further comprises a low loss interface that the circuits are directly connected to. In another exemplary embodiment, the circuits are connected to a pin which is connected to the low loss interface. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a multi-layer power amplifier is provided that comprises two or more chassis and circuits attached to impedance matching interfaces according to the present invention. This multi-layered power amplifier is configured to amplify an energy signal and have a significantly reduced volume compared to existing power combiners.
US08598955B2
A PLL including an adaptive loop filter. The PLL includes a feedback circuit which provides a feedback signal based on an output signal and a phase detector generating an adjust signal based on a frequency of the feedback signal compared with a reference frequency. A charge pump receives the adjust signal and provides a control voltage. The adaptive loop filter includes a capacitor and an adaptive resistance with a current control input. A VCO has an output providing the output signal based on a voltage level of the control voltage. A bias generator converts the control voltage to a loop bias current, and has a bias output based on the loop bias current coupled to the current control input of the adaptive resistance. The bias output of the bias generator may also be used to control the charge current and the VCO using currents proportional to the loop bias current.
US08598944B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a semiconductor integrated circuit a voltage regulator providing a prescribed power-supply voltage, a plurality of delay test circuits, each of the delay test circuits being configured in each of areas where electrical current flows in response to each of operation modes, a test control unit executing a delay test using the delay test circuit under a test mode while decreasing a power-supply voltage in a stepwise fashion, a supply voltage decision unit deciding the power-supply voltage of the operation mode on a basis of the delay test, a memory unit storing the power-supply voltage of each operation mode, a supply voltage configuration unit reading out the power-supply voltage corresponding to the operation mode from the memory unit, and the supply configuration unit arranging the power-supply voltage as an output voltage of the voltage regulator when each of the operation modes starts to execute.
US08598941B2
A compensation circuit for controlling a variation in output impedance of at least one buffer circuit includes a monitor circuit and a control circuit coupled with the monitor circuit. The monitor circuit includes a pull-up portion including at least one PMOS transistor and a pull-down portion comprising at least one NMOS transistor. The monitor circuit is configured to track an operation of an output stage of the buffer circuit and is operative to generate at least a first control signal indicative of a status of at least one characteristic of corresponding pull-up and pull-down portions in the output stage of the buffer circuit over variations in PVT conditions to which the buffer circuit may be subjected. The control circuit is operative to generate a set of digital control bits as a function of the first control signal. The set of digital control bits is operative to compensate the pull-up and pull-down portions in the output stage of the buffer circuit over prescribed variations in PVT conditions.
US08598932B2
A clock divider is provided that is configured to divide a high speed input clock signal by an odd, even or fractional divide ratio. The input clock may have a clock cycle frequency of 1 GHz or higher, for example. The input clock signal is divided to produce an output clock signal by first receiving a divide factor value F representative of a divide ratio N, wherein the N may be an odd or an even integer. A fractional indicator indicates the divide ratio is N.5 when the fractional indicator is one and indicates the divide ratio is N when the fractional indicator is zero. F is set to 2(N.5)/2 for a fractional divide ratio and F is set to N/2 for an integer divide ratio. A count indicator is asserted every N/2 input clock cycles when N is even. The count indicator is asserted alternately N/2 input clock cycles and then 1+N/2 input clock cycles when N is odd. One period of an output clock signal is synthesized in response to each assertion of the count indicator when the fractional indicator indicates the divide ratio is N.5. One period of the output clock signal is synthesized in response to two assertions of the count indicator when the fractional indicator indicates the divide ratio is an integer.
US08598927B2
An internal clock signal generation circuit includes a variable delay line unit including an initial variable delayer having an initial delay amount controlled based on condition information and configured to delay an input clock signal by a time corresponding to a delay control signal to output a delay locked loop (DLL) clock signal, a delay replica modeling unit configured to delay the DLL clock signal by a time obtained by modeling a clock delay component and output a feedback clock signal, and a phase comparison unit configured to compare a phase of the input clock signal with a phase of the feedback clock signal and generate the delay control signal.
US08598923B2
A bias-shaping circuit for adjusting power consumption in a frequency divider to a temperature-dependent minimum includes a temperature-dependent bias source for producing a temperature-dependent bias. The bias is combined with an input signal to create an output bias. The output bias changes in response to a change in temperature to compensate for at least a portion of a temperature-induced change in the frequency divider, thereby adjusting power consumption in the frequency divider to a temperature-dependent minimum.
US08598918B2
When a transmission signal is detected as having been changed from a high level to a low level, two transmission lines are connected for only a predetermined time through a diode by a first transistor and a second transistor. The diode is arranged such that its forward direction is from a high-side transmission line to a low-side transmission line. The diode turns on, when a potential of the high-side transmission line becomes higher than that of the low-side transmission line by ringing and a potential difference therebetween exceeds a forward drop voltage of the diode. As a result, a peak wave level of a positive side in the ringing is limited to the forward drop voltage of the diode.
US08598917B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a transmitter module includes a line drive including a current digital-to-analog converter, where the line driver provides an analog output waveform. The current digital-to-analog converter receives a digitally filtered input waveform including at least two voltage steps. The at least two voltage steps of the digitally filtered input waveform cause a rise time of the analog output waveform to have a reduced dependency on process, voltage, and temperature variations in the line driver, while meeting stringent rise time requirements. The digitally filtered input waveform has an initial voltage level and a final voltage level, where the final voltage level is substantially equal to a sum of the at least two voltage steps of the digitally filtered input waveform.
US08598913B2
This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for controlling a hysteresis range of a voltage comparator. In an example, an apparatus can include an amplifier having a temperature dependency, a comparator configured to receive first and second currents and to provide an output voltage indicative of a hysteretic comparison of the first and second input voltages, wherein a range of hysteresis of the apparatus is controlled over a range of temperatures. In an example, the amplifier can be configured to receive first and second input voltages and to provide the first and second currents.
US08598909B2
Some embodiments provide a configurable integrated circuit (IC) comprising multiple deskew circuits for delaying data passage. Each of the deskew circuits comprises a stepwise delay circuit with multiple outputs and an input selection circuit with multiple inputs. Multiple outputs connect to multiple inputs.In some embodiments the configurable IC is a subcycle reconfigurable IC. In some such embodiments each of the deskew circuits further includes a space-time load control circuit for commanding the stepwise delay circuit to load during a selected subcycle. In some embodiments the multiple deskew circuits send data to a trigger circuit. In some such embodiments the trigger circuit triggers a trace buffer to stop recording a data stream. In some such embodiments the trigger circuit triggers the trace buffer to stop after a programmable delay.
US08598906B2
An electrical circuit comprising a line driver for providing Ethernet signals is disclosed. The line driver comprises a voltage mode line driver for producing 1000BT and 100BT Ethernet signals and an active output impedance line driver arranged parallel to the voltage mode line driver. The line driver is capable of producing 1000BT or 100BT or 10BT Ethernet signals, wherein either the voltage mode line driver or the active impedance line driver is active.
US08598902B2
A probe comprises: a membrane having a bump which contacts an input/output terminal of an IC device built into a semiconductor wafer under test; a pitch conversion board having a bottom surface on which a first terminal is provided and a top surface on which a second terminal connected to the first terminal is provided; a circuit board which is electrically connected to a test head and has a third terminal; a first anisotropic conductive rubber member having a first conductor part which electrically connects the bump of the membrane and the first terminal of the pitch conversion board; and a second anisotropic conductive rubber member having a second conductor part which electrically connects the second terminal of the pitch conversion board and the third terminal of the circuit board, and the second conductor parts are provided on the whole of the second anisotropic conductive rubber member.
US08598901B2
A system includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix; a reference signal generating unit for generating a ramp signal; A/D converters each arranged correspondingly to each of columns to A/D-convert a signal from the pixel; a counter that performs a count operation according to an output of the ramp signal, and supplies the count signal through the count signal line to the A/D converter; and a counter test circuit that is provided independently from the A/D converter, and tests the counter, based on a matching of the expected value of the count signal with the count signal supplied through the count signal line from the counter. This configuration allows the count signal to be checked concurrently with imaging of an object.
US08598891B2
Detecting and/or mitigating the presence of particle contaminants in a MEMS device involves converting benign areas in which particles might become trapped undetectably by electric fields during test to field-free regions by extending otherwise non-functional conductive shield and gate layers and placing the same electrical potential on the conductive shield and gate layers. Particle contaminants can then be moved into detection locations remote from the potential trap areas and having particle detection structures by providing some mechanical disturbance.
US08598890B2
A system employs physical unclonable functions of an integrated circuit for detecting integrated circuits and protecting products and technology from integrated circuits which have been subject to tampering, stressing and replacement, and counterfeit components. The system includes a sensor detecting a characteristic impedance generated as a result of controlled access to a memory device of the integrated circuit. The characteristic impedance is applied in the creation of a discrimination matrix of values based on electrical interface signals for the integrated circuit. The sensor includes a ring oscillator and associated monitoring components. The ring oscillator is composed of the memory device of the integrated circuit and a sensory circuitry, wherein changes in a frequency generated by the ring oscillator is indicative of changes in circuitry.
US08598888B2
An improved method of testing and sorting electronic devices uses two or more test stations and two or more sorting stations applied to a single track to improve system throughput. Applying two or more test stations and two or more sorting stations to a single track accomplishes improved system throughput while increasing system cost less than would be expected if a duplicate track was installed for each test station.
US08598877B2
A system and method for coil disabling in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. One magnetic resonance coil includes a radio-frequency (RF) coil having end rings with a plurality of conductors connected therebetween and at least one loop coil positioned at one of the end rings. The one loop coil is configured to operate at a resonant frequency of the RF coil.
US08598874B2
A magnetic resonance system includes a wireless local coil which functions as a transmit only or a transmit and receive coil. The local coil includes an RF coil with a plurality of coil elements. A corresponding number of transmit amplifiers apply RF signals to the RF coil elements to transmit an RF signal. A peak power supply provides electrical power to the transmit amplifiers to transmit relatively high power RF pulses. A trickle charging device recharges the peak power supply between RF pulses front a local coil power supply. A power transfer device wirelessly transfers power to a coil power supply recharging device which recharges the local coil power supply.
US08598869B2
A device for compensating magnetic fields, comprising a single magneto resistive sensor to which at least two parallel measuring amplifier loops are connected in series, one being an analogue broadband controller loop and the other being a digital broadband controller loop.
US08598868B2
A gasket according to the present invention is for sealing a valve or pipe used in a high-pressure gas supplying equipment, which is comprised of a polymer material containing magnetic particles. Also, in a determination method of deterioration and damages of a gasket according to the present invention, the aforementioned gasket is used as the gasket for sealing a valve or pipe in a high-pressure gas supplying equipment, and the magnetic force of the gasket is measured to determine the deterioration and the damages of the gasket.
US08598859B2
A first current corresponding to the drain-to-source voltage of a power MOSFET can pass through an FET; and a second current corresponding to a constant voltage can pass through an FET; a third current corresponding to the difference determined by subtracting the first current from the second current can pass into threshold setting resistors from the connecting point between FETs. Consequently, divided voltages at the connecting points between the threshold setting resistors varies directly with a voltage corresponding to the difference determined by subtracting the drain-to-source voltage of the power MOSFET from the constant voltage.
US08598857B2
Methods and apparatus for a multiphase power regulator according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with an active transient response (ATR) system for applying a correction signal to a multiphase pulse width modulator. In the event of a transient, the ATR system may adjust the output of the pulse width modulator to quickly respond to load requirements. The output may be modified by adding pulses, blanking pulses, advancing pulses, and scaling pulses to one or more phases.
US08598854B2
An amplifier drives the gate of a master source follower and of at least one slave source follower to form a low-dropout (LDO) regulator. Alternatively, a charge pump drives the master source follower to form the regulator. Additional slave source followers may be used in conjunction with the charge pump and the master source follower to improve the regulator performance.
US08598852B2
A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) for a hybrid electric vehicle includes a power supply module that includes at least one battery. A startup module includes N supercapacitors arranged in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal 1, and an adjustable power supply arranged in series with at least one of the N supercapacitors and in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein the adjustable power supply maintains a voltage across the N supercapacitors below a predetermined voltage.
US08598851B2
A charging circuit that prevents a system abnormality caused by removal of a battery. The charging circuit includes a constant voltage charge controller which detects charge voltage and performs a constant voltage charging operation. A constant current charge controller detects charge current and performs a constant current charging operation. A controller controls the constant voltage charge controller to perform the constant voltage charging operation during a period from when the charge voltage reaches a fully charged voltage to when the charge current decreases to a charge completion current. The controller suspends charging the battery when the constant voltage charging operation is being performed and detects whether or not the battery is coupled to the charging circuit based on the charge voltage during the charging suspension.
US08598847B2
A method for balancing voltage for a multi-cell battery system, in which the battery system includes at least two parallel groups of cells connected in series and in which the parallel group of cells includes at least one battery cell, includes: charging the battery system by keeping the voltage of all parallel groups of cells less than or equal to a second threshold voltage value, while at least the voltage of one group of parallel cells is less than or equal to a first threshold voltage; and while at least the voltage of one group of parallel cells is less than or equal to a second threshold voltage; and while the charging current is above a predefined minimal current. The method further includes measuring the voltage of each parallel group of cells while electrical loads are shut off and dissipating energy in each of the parallel group of cells of the amount that is represented by the voltage difference between the individual parallel group of cells and the parallel group of cells with the lowest voltage.
US08598846B1
The present invention generally relates to a device and method for stabilizing a battery pack, wherein the battery pack stabilization device has a by-pass circuit to prevent individual cell overcharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an efficient balancing and monitoring system for use in an electric vehicle that utilizes nickel-zinc-based batteries. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a device that permits over-voltage protection as well as the ability to monitor cell voltage. In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a method to coordinate multiple packs of cells within a vehicle so a driver could be aware of possible distance and time parameters, as well as a monitoring or alert system to inform the driver of reduced power, thus preventing damage to the cells.
US08598844B2
In a power converter, a primary winding receives an input power. In addition, multiple secondary windings transform the input power into multiple charging currents to charge a set of cells via a set of paths. The multiple secondary windings further balance the set of cells based on the charging currents. A ratio between a first turn number of a first secondary winding of the secondary windings and a second turn number of a second secondary winding of the secondary windings is determined by a nominal voltage ratio between two corresponding cells of the set of cells.
US08598831B2
A vehicle damper including an electromagnetic damper configured to generate a damping force with respect to a motion of a sprung portion and an unsprung portion toward each other and a motion thereof away from each other and includes: an electromagnetic motor; a motion converting mechanism; and an external circuit which is disposed outside the electromagnetic motor and including a first connection passage and a second connection passage and which includes a battery-device connection circuit for connecting the motor and a battery device and a battery-device-connection-circuit-current adjuster configured to adjust an electric current that flows in the battery-device connection circuit, wherein the damper system further includes an external-circuit controller configured to control an electric current that flows in the electromagnetic motor by controlling the external circuit and configured to control a flow of an electric current between the battery device and the electromagnetic motor by controlling the battery-device-connection-circuit-current adjuster.
US08598818B2
A control device for safely controlling an electrical motor during decelerating and stopping operations of the motor. The control device includes a control part for controlling the decelerating and stopping operations; a monitoring part for monitoring the operations of the electric motor; and a judging part for judging whether the velocity of the electric motor monitored by the monitoring part is abnormal while the control part controls the motor so as to decelerate and stop the motor. The judging part forcibly cuts off power to the electric motor, via a circuit breaker, when the judging part judges that the velocity of the motor is abnormal.
US08598815B2
Torsional loads can impart painful and potentially injurious shear stresses upon residual limb soft tissues in lower limb amputees. To protect the soft tissues, a controllable transverse rotation adapter (TRA) has been developed that permits rotation of the prosthetic socket relative to the prosthetic foot, relieving some of the rotational loads experienced by the residual limb, and controlling either the stiffness resisting the transverse rotational torque, or the torque. This TRA uses series elastic actuator (SEA) technology and includes a prime mover, a speed reduction device, and a torsion spring mounted in series. By measuring a displacement of the spring (e.g., using a strain gauge), motor current, and the motor shaft position, the load torque and position can be used to calculate actual stiffness or applied torque. The motor position is then adjusted relative to the load, to control the effective stiffness or torque.
US08598810B2
A constant current driving circuit of a light emitting diode (LED) including a control unit, a buck converter, and a compensation unit is provided. The control unit has an input terminal and an output terminal, and outputs a control signal through the output terminal. The buck converter is coupled to an input power, and is coupled between the output terminal of the control unit and an LED string. The compensation unit is coupled between the LED string and the input terminal of the control unit. The control unit receives a compensation signal of the compensation unit through the input terminal. Besides, a lighting apparatus is also provided.
US08598800B2
A soft-start circuit generates a soft-start voltage Vss having a voltage level that rises over time. A pulse width modulator generates a PWM signal having a duty ratio adjusted such that a feedback voltage Vout′ that corresponds to the output voltage Vout of the switching power supply matches the soft-start voltage Vss. A driver circuit controls a switching element according to the PWM signal. A capacitor is arranged such that one terminal thereof is set to a fixed electric potential. A current source generates a charge current that flows intermittently in synchronization with the PWM signal so as to charge the capacitor. The soft-start circuit outputs, as the soft-start voltage Vss, a voltage that occurs at the capacitor.
US08598796B2
A driver circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs). The driver circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs) includes a string of LEDs divided into n groups. The n groups of LEDs are electrically connected to each other in series and the downstream end of group m−1 is electrically connected to the upstream end of group m, where m is a positive number equal to or less than n. The driver circuit also includes a plurality of current regulating circuits, where each of the current regulating circuits is coupled to a downstream end of a corresponding group and has at least one transistor and a detector for measuring a current flowing through the corresponding group.
US08598792B2
Embodiments of the invention provided a driving circuit for powering a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. The driving circuit includes a rectifier, a filter capacitor, and a control circuit. The rectifier converts an AC voltage from an AC power source to a rectified AC voltage. The filter capacitor coupled to the rectifier filters the rectified AC voltage to provide a DC voltage. The control circuit controls power supplied to the LED light source. The control circuit enables a discharging current periodically to discharge the filter capacitor if a switch coupled between an AC power source and a rectifier is turned off and disables the discharging current if the control circuit determines that the switch is turned on.
US08598791B2
A vehicular LED lamp includes a mounting seat and a plurality of LED light-emitting units mounted on the mounting seat. Each LED light-emitting unit includes a carrier plate having inner and outer surfaces, a circuit board engaged on the outer surface of the carrier plate, and at least one LED mounted on the circuit board and in contact with the outer surface of the carrier plate. The mounting seat includes a plurality of mounting grooves each having a bottom wall and two side walls with inclined sections. The LED light-emitting units are received in the mounting grooves of the mounting seat, with the inner surface of each carrier plate in contact with the bottom wall of an associated mounting groove, with two sides of each carrier plate abutting the inclined sections of the associated mounting groove.
US08598762B2
A permanent magnet rotating electric machine includes: a stator including: a stator core having teeth, and an armature winding wound around each of the teeth to configure the multiple phases; and a rotor including a rotor core, and permanent magnets provided in order around the rotor core. The rotor is arranged to be spaced apart from the stator with an air gap therebetween. Each of the permanent magnets has a curved surface opposed to the stator and is configured to satisfy the following relationship: 0.65 ≤ Rm × h 1 W ( h 1 + g ) ≤ 1.37 where Rm denotes a radius of curvature of the curved surface, h1 denotes a thickness of a central portion of the permanent magnet in the peripheral direction, W denotes a width of the permanent magnet in the peripheral direction, and g denotes an air gap length of the air gap.
US08598758B2
An electric motor, particularly for an actuating device for displacing a control device, such as a valve, a gate valve, a blow-out preventer or the like, for use in oil or gas production includes a stator and a rotor assigned to a motor shaft, and a position holding device for exerting a holding torque on the motor shaft. To improve an electric motor of this type such that said motor is of a compact structure, includes less additional parts for a corresponding position holding device and, particularly in case of failure of an external power supply, reliably prevents a situation where the motor shaft is moved out of the attained position upon corresponding pressure application e.g. by the control device, the position holding device comprises a plurality of permanent magnets, the permanent magnets being arranged in radial direction relative to the rotor and the motor shaft, respectively.
US08598756B2
Electric-motor auxiliary drive for vehicles, in particular screen-wiper drive, having an electric motor and a gear mechanism, having at least two housing elements which are connected to one another and having a shaft which is mounted in a first housing element by way of at least one first bearing and in a second housing element by way of at least one second and one third bearing.
US08598754B2
The invention relates to a rotary electric machine with an eccentric rotor that comprises a stator and an eccentric rotor, the stator including a plurality of magnetic poles circumferentially distributed in order to define a closed cylindrical space, the rotor having a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter lower than that of said closed space and including a plurality of magnetic poles circumferentially distributed, the rotor rotating inside the closed space, wherein the machine further includes a shaft depending on the rotational component of the rotor, said machine being characterized in that, at the area of electromagnetic interaction between the stator and the rotor, the evolute of a stator pole and the evolute of a rotor pole have substantially equal lengths.
US08598752B2
Disclosed is a motor. The motor includes a rotor case, a ring member mounted on the rotor case and including an encoder on a bottom surface thereof extending outside of the rotor case, and an encoder sensor detecting speed information of the rotor case from the encoder such that the rotor case rotates at low speeds enabling a LightScribe operation.
US08598751B2
An air-cooled generator may be provided with a centrifugal blower configured for rotation on a shaft of the generator. The centrifugal blower may have an axially oriented outlet. An impeller of the blower may have blades with trailing edges oriented at an angle between 80° to about 90° relative to an axis of the shaft of the generator.
US08598749B2
A converter to supply an AC voltage on a modulated signal output, having two switching units each provided with a DC voltage input and a switching output to supply pulses varying between the voltage on the input in a first switched state, and a reference voltage in a second switched state, each switching unit comprising a first switch connected between the input and the switching output to establish the first switched state, and for each switching unit, a second switch connected between the switching output and the modulated signal output to activate that switching unit, and a third switch connected between the input of that switching unit and the modulated signal output. The converter may be a part of an uninterruptible power supply.
US08598746B2
Provided is a resonance power generator and a resonance power receiver, and methods thereof. The resonance power generator may include a frequency generator to receive a direct current (DC) voltage, and to generate a power carrier signal, a high voltage matching transformer to be adjusted to enable an output voltage to be greater than an input voltage, a high current matching transformer to be adjusted to enable an output current to be greater than an input current, a switching unit to switch between the high voltage matching transformer and the high current matching transformer, a control unit to control the switching unit in accordance with an input signal, and a power resonator to transmit a power to a target resonator.
US08598741B2
There are disclosed a photovoltaic and fuel cell (PV-FC) hybrid generation system using a single converter and a single inverter, and a method of controlling the same. The PV-FC hybrid generation system includes a DC/DC converter unit converting an FC output voltage from a fuel cell, converting chemical energy into electrical energy, into a preset voltage, a DC link unit commonly connecting an output terminal of a photovoltaic cell, converting the sunlight into electrical energy, and an output terminal of the DC/DC converter unit, and linking the converted FC output voltage from the DC/DC converter unit with a PV output voltage from the photovoltaic cell to thereby generate a DC voltage, and a DC/AC inverter unit converting the DC voltage from the DC link unit into a preset AC voltage. Furthermore, a method of controlling the PV-FC hybrid generation system is proposed.
US08598733B2
Provided is a power module in which a motor and a motor driving unit are efficiently configured and a vehicle having the same. The power module includes a power module case forming an external form; an inverter provided within the power module case and configured to convert a direct current (DC) power into an alternating current (AC) power; an AC power conductor provided in the power module case and connected to the inverter to cause the AC power converted by the inverter to flow therethrough; and a motor provided in the power module case and connected to the AC power conductor to receive the AC power and generate a rotational force.
US08598732B2
A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a direct drive generator, which includes an inner stator arrangement and an outer rotor arrangement, a stationary outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft having a center axis. At least two main bearings support the rotatable inner shaft inside the stationary outer shaft. The stator arrangement is arranged on the outside of the stationary outer shaft. The rotor arrangement is substantially arranged around the stator arrangement on the front side at least indirectly attached to the rotatable inner shaft and/or to the hub of the wind turbine.
US08598730B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a wind energy conversion system including a plurality of wind energy conversion modules integrated into a superstructure for the conversion of wind energy to electrical energy, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including a nozzle comprising: an intake having an intake length; a throat coupled in fluid communication with a wind power generating turbine, wherein the throat is downstream of the intake; a diffuser comprising a housing and having a length, the diffuser downstream from the throat, wherein a diameter of the diffuser is greater than a diameter of the throat; and a vortex-forming aerodynamic feature on at least one of the intake, the throat, the turbine, and the diffuser, wherein the aerodynamic feature acts to increase throughput through the nozzle.
US08598729B2
A wave power plant is disclosed which has one or more foils that are pivotally movable about a body. The foil is set into an oscillating, pivotal motion about the body by the force of the waves. A power engine is mounted between the body and the foil and extract works as the foil pivots about the body. The foil and body are held submerged below the surface of the water to reduce the effects of extreme weather conditions on the structural components.
US08598723B2
A power generator starts an engine by overcoming an inrush current occurs. A calculator (21) retrieves an outputtable current of a generator according to an engine speed. A calculator (23) calculates the lacking amount of the outputtable current relative to a load current. When the remaining battery level is sufficient, a DC/DC converter controller (24) supplies a current corresponding to the lacking amount from the battery (4) to a DC part (52). If the battery (4) starts supplying a power, FETs (Qa to Qf) of a rectifying part (51) are powered off and an output of the power generator (3) is stopped. When an engine frequency stability deciding part (27) decides the engine frequency is stable the rectifying part (51) restarts the output of the generator (3) and the current supply from the battery (4) to the DC part (52) is stopped.
US08598721B2
Seating systems in which energy is harvested from the physical movement of the seat. The seating system includes a seating article, an electrical generator, a drive mechanism, and a battery. The generator, the drive mechanism, and the battery are supported on the seating article. The generator is powered by the drive mechanism in response to movement of the user. For example, the drive mechanism may be responsive to the vertical movements of a seat.
US08598720B2
A semiconductor device and its manufacturing method are offered to increase the number of semiconductor devices obtained from a semiconductor wafer while simplifying a manufacturing process. After forming a plurality of pad electrodes in a predetermined region on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, a supporter is bonded to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate through an adhesive layer. Next, an opening is formed in the semiconductor substrate in a region overlapping the predetermined region. A wiring layer electrically connected with each of the pad electrodes is formed in the opening. After that, a stacked layer structure including the semiconductor substrate and the supporter is cut by dicing along a dicing line that is outside the opening.
US08598716B2
The present invention provides an apparatus having stacked semiconductor components. Two semiconductor components (21, 26) are arranged such that their contact regions (28, 22) are opposite one another. A contact-connection device (29) forms a short electrical connection between the two contact regions (28, 22). The contact regions (28, 22) are connected to external contact regions (36) of the apparatus via a rewiring (23).
US08598709B2
A method and a system for routing electrical connections are disclosed. A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip and a routing plane having a plurality of routing lines. A first connecting line is electrically coupled to the first semiconductor chip and one of the plurality of routing lines and a second connecting line is electrically coupled to the one of the plurality of routing lines and to one of a second semiconductor chip or a first external contact element.
US08598703B2
A semiconductor device having a via chain circuit including a plurality of fine interconnections and an extension interconnection wider than the fine interconnections, having a first end connected to one or more of the fine interconnections and a second end located in an area of the semiconductor device external to the via chain circuit. One or more of the fine interconnections becomes wider gradually towards the connection to the extension interconnection. The extension interconnection is formed in a same layer as the one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection. The one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection is connected to the extension interconnections at a position where the fine interconnections become wider.
US08598698B1
An integrated circuit (IC) package substrate with an embedded stiffener is disclosed. The IC package substrate is a multilayer package substrate that has build-up layers and metal layers stacked up alternately and a core layer in between the multiple build-up and metal layers. The core layer has an embedded stiffener that surrounds a perimeter of the core layer. Metal layers and build-up layers that are stacked alternately are placed on each surface of the core layer. Each metal layer has transmission traces and each build-up layer has vias that connect the transmission traces on one metal layer to the transmission traces on another metal layer. The embedded stiffener in the IC package substrate creates a more stable IC package structure and may eliminate the need to have a stiffener in addition to the IC package substrate.
US08598697B2
A power semiconductor module includes a housing element into which one or more connecting lugs are inserted. Each connecting lug has a foot region on the topside of which one or more bonding connections can be produced. In order to fix the foot regions, press-on elements are provided, which press against the end of the connecting lug.
US08598694B2
Various embodiments provide a chip-carrier including, a chip-carrier surface configured to carry a first chip from a first chip bottom side, wherein a first chip top side of the first chip is configured above the chip-carrier surface; and at least one cavity extending into the chip-carrier from the chip-carrier surface; wherein the at least one cavity is configured to carry a second chip from a second chip bottom side, wherein a second chip top side of the second chip is substantially level with the first chip top side. The second chip is electrically insulated from the chip-carrier by an electrical insulation material inside the cavity.
US08598687B2
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a via structure and method of manufacturing same. In an example, a via structure includes a via having via sidewall surfaces defined by a semiconductor substrate. The via sidewall surfaces have a first portion and a second portion. A conductive layer is disposed in the via on the first portion of the via sidewall surfaces, and a dielectric layer is disposed on the second portion of the via sidewall surfaces. The dielectric layer is disposed between the second portion of the via sidewall surfaces and the conductive layer. In an example, the dielectric layer is an oxide layer.
US08598669B2
The present invention provides a high breakdown voltage transistor that eases an electric field concentration caused between a gate and a drain. The present invention provides a semiconductor device comprising: a first gate electrode formed above a semiconductor substrate through a gate insulating film; a second gate electrode that is formed above the semiconductor substrate through the gate insulating film, and that is arranged at the side of the first gate electrode through an insulating spacer; a source region and a drain region formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to sandwich the first and second gate electrodes; and an electric-field concentration easing region that is formed to sandwich some region of the semiconductor substrate below the first gate electrode, and that is formed to be overlapped with the second gate electrode and the source and drain regions.
US08598667B2
A semiconductor device includes a thin-film diode (1) and a protection circuit with a protection diode (20). The thin-film diode (1) includes: a semiconductor layer with first, second and channel regions; a gate electrode; a first electrode (S1) connected to the first region and the gate electrode; and a second electrode (D1) connected to the second region. The conductivity type of the thin-film diode (1) may be N-type and the anode electrode of the protection diode (20) may be connected to a line (3) that is connected to either the gate electrode or the first electrode of the thin-film diode (1). Or the conductivity type of the thin-film diode may be P-type and the cathode electrode of the protection diode may be connected to the line that is connected to either the gate electrode or the first electrode of the thin-film diode. The protection circuit includes no other diodes that are connected to the line (3) so as to have a current flowing direction opposite to the protection diode's (20). As a result, deterioration of a thin-film diode due to ESD can be reduced with an increase in circuit size minimized.
US08598666B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. A semiconductor structure comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first insulating material layer, a first conductive material layer, a second insulating material layer, a second conductive material layer and an insulating buried layer formed in sequence on the semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor layer bonded on the insulating buried layer; transistors formed on the semiconductor layer, the channel regions of the transistors each being formed in the semiconductor layer and each having a back-gate formed from the second conductive material layer; a dielectric layer covering the semiconductor layer and the transistors; isolation structures for at least electrically isolating each transistor from its adjacent transistors, the top of the isolation structures being flush with or slightly higher than the upper surface of the semiconductor layer, and the bottom of the isolation structures being in the second insulating material layer; and a conductive contact running through the dielectric layer and extending down into the first conductive material layer.
US08598664B2
Disclosed are a field effect transistor structure and a method of forming the structure. A gate stack is formed on the wafer above a designated channel region. Spacer material is deposited and anisotropically etched until just prior to exposing any horizontal surfaces of the wafer or gate stack, thereby leaving relatively thin horizontal portions of spacer material on the wafer surface and relatively thick vertical portions of spacer material on the gate sidewalls. The remaining spacer material is selectively and isotropically etched just until the horizontal portions of spacer material are completely removed, thereby leaving only the vertical portions of the spacer material on the gate sidewalls. This selective isotropic etch removes the horizontal portions of spacer material without damaging the wafer surface. Raised epitaxial source/drain regions can be formed on the undamaged wafer surface adjacent to the gate sidewall spacers in order to tailor source/drain resistance values.
US08598659B2
A transistor device includes a lightly doped layer of semiconductor material of a first type and a body region of semiconductor material of a second type. A source region of the first type is formed in the body region, the source region being more doped than the lightly doped layer. A drain region of the first type is formed in the lightly doped layer, the drain region being more doped than the lightly doped layer. A drift region of the lightly doped layer is further provided disposed between the body region and the drain region. Additionally, a gate electrode is provided surrounding the drain region. The gate electrode is partially disposed over a thin oxide and partially over a thick oxide, wherein the gate electrode extended over the thick oxide from the thin oxide controls the electric field in the drift region to increase the avalanche breakdown of the drain region.
US08598656B2
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device having a transistor. The transistor includes a source region, a drain region, and a channel region that are formed in a semiconductor substrate. The channel region is disposed between the source and drain regions. The transistor includes a first gate that is disposed over the channel region. The transistor includes a plurality of second gates that are disposed over the drain region.
US08598651B2
A semiconductor device includes a transistor having multiple trenches with the thickness thereof being intermittently changed in the lateral direction of a gate, a gate insulating film formed on the side walls and at the bottom of each of the trenches, a gate electrode formed over the gate insulating film, a source region formed in the surface of the substrate on one side in the longitudinal direction of the gate, and a drain region formed in the surface of the substrate on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the gate. The thickness of the gate insulating film in the lower portion of the side wall of the trench from an intermediate position directing from the surface of the substrate to the bottom of the trench to the bottom thereof is larger than the thickness of the gate insulating film in the upper portion on the side wall of the trench from the intermediate position directing from the surface of the substrate to the bottom of the trench and equal with or larger than the thickness of the gate insulating film at the bottom of the trench.
US08598649B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate having an upper portion being partitioned into a plurality of semiconductor portions extending in a first direction; a charge storage film provided on the semiconductor portion; a word-line electrode provided on the semiconductor substrate and extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; and a pair of selection gate electrodes provided on both sides of the word-line electrode in the first direction on the semiconductor substrate and extending in the second direction, a shortest distance between a corner portion of each of the semiconductor portions and each of the selection gate electrodes being longer than a shortest distance between the corner portion of the semiconductor portion and the word-line electrode in a cross section parallel to the second direction.
US08598641B2
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, wherein the method includes forming, on a substrate, a plurality of planarized fin bodies to be used for customized fin field effect transistor (FinFET) device formation; forming a nitride spacer around each of the plurality of fin bodies; forming an isolation region in between each of the fin bodies; and coating the plurality of fin bodies, the nitride spacers, and the isolation regions with a protective film. The fabricated semiconductor device is adapted to be used in customized applications as a customized semiconductor device.
US08598634B1
A semiconductor device includes a field-effect transistor (FET), and a fuse which includes a graphene layer and is electrically connected to the FET.
US08598630B2
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions being isolated from each other, a plurality of transistors formed in the first region, an alignment mark formed in the second region, the alignment mark having a plurality of active regions in a first direction, and a dummy gate structure formed over the alignment mark, the dummy gate structure having a plurality of lines in a second direction different from the first direction.
US08598627B2
An n-layer is arranged above a substrate, which can be GaAs, and a p-layer (4) is arranged on the n-layer. The p-layer is separated by a gate electrode into two separate portions forming source and drain. The gate electrode is insulated from the semiconductor material by a gate dielectric. Source/drain contacts are electrically conductively connected with the portions of the p-layer.
US08598626B2
Provided is an epitaxial substrate for semiconductor device that is capable of achieving a semiconductor device having high reliability in reverse characteristics of schottky junction. An epitaxial substrate for semiconductor device obtained by forming, on a base substrate, a group of group III nitride layers by lamination such that a (0001) crystal plane of each layer is approximately parallel to a substrate surface includes: a channel layer formed of a first group III nitride having a composition of Inx1Aly1Gaz1N (x1+y1+z1=1, z1>0); and a barrier layer formed of a second group III nitride having a composition of Inx2Aly2N (x2+y2=1, x2>0, y2>0), wherein the second group III nitride is a short-range-ordered mixed crystal having a short-range order parameter α satisfying a range where 0≦α≦1.
US08598622B2
A semiconductor device includes: a transistor region including an IGBT having a gate electrode and an emitter electrode; a termination region placed around the transistor region; and an extraction region placed between the transistor and the termination region and extracting redundant carriers. A P-type layer is placed on an N-type drift layer in the extraction region. The P-type layer is connected to the emitter electrode. A dummy gate electrode is placed via an insulation film on the P-type layer. The dummy gate electrode is connected to the gate electrode. Life time of carriers in the termination region is shorter than life time of carriers in the transistor region and the extraction region.
US08598620B2
A modified MOSFET structure comprises an integrated field effect rectifier connected between the source and drain of the MOSFET to shunt current during switching of the MOSFET. The integrated FER provides faster switching of the MOSFET due to the absence of injected carriers during switching while also decreasing the level of EMI relative to discrete solutions. The integrated structure of the MOSFET and FER can be fabricated using N-, multi-epitaxial and supertrench technologies, including 0.25 μm technology. Self-aligned processing can be used.
US08598613B2
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a substrate; a buffer layer over the substrate; an electrode including a perforation pattern through top and bottom surfaces of the electrode over the buffer layer; a first semiconductor layer over the electrode; an active layer over the first semiconductor layer; and a second semiconductor layer over the active layer. The first semiconductor layer extends onto a top surface of the perforation pattern by passing through the perforation pattern while making contact with the buffer layer.
US08598606B2
A mounting substrate for a semiconductor light emitting device includes a solid metal block having first and second opposing metal faces. The first metal face includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer on the insulating layer. The conductive layer is patterned to provide first and second conductive traces that connect to a semiconductor light emitting device. The second metal face may include heat sink fins therein. A flexible film including an optical element, such as a lens, also may be provided, overlying the semiconductor light emitting device.
US08598603B2
Provided is a liquid crystal display device, including: a liquid crystal display panel; and a backlight unit, in which: the backlight unit includes: a plurality of light emitting diodes each having an anode and a cathode; a first substrate; and a second substrate, the plurality of light emitting diodes being mounted on the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate and the second substrate are disposed adjacent to each other; light emitting diodes which are adjacent across a boundary between the first substrate and the second substrate are disposed so that the respective anodes are opposed to each other and so as to have a pitch equal to or smaller than a pitch of other adjacent light emitting diodes.
US08598597B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element; a wiring board including a connection terminal to be electrically connected to the semiconductor element; and a metal plate disposed between the semiconductor element and the wiring board; wherein the metal plate is provided with an opening for exposing the connection terminal to the semiconductor element.
US08598593B2
A chip includes an integrated circuit and a carbonic layer. The carbonic layer includes a graphite-like carbon, wherein a lateral conducting path through the graphite-like carbon electrically connects two circuit elements of the integrated circuit.
US08598575B2
Disclosed are new semiconductor materials prepared from thienocoronene-based compounds and related heteroaromatic analogs. Such compounds can exhibit high carrier mobility and/or good current modulation characteristics. In addition, the compounds of the present teachings can possess certain processing advantages such as solution-processability and/or good stability at ambient conditions.
US08598574B2
To provide a light-emitting device having a top-emission structure with low power consumption. A convex structure body is formed over a substrate to be provided with an organic EL element, and then an upper electrode layer is formed. Thus, the upper electrode layer has a shape following the convex shape. In addition, a conductive layer is formed over a substrate sealing an organic EL layer. Then, by sealing a surface where the upper electrode layer is formed and a surface where the conductive layer is formed are sealed to face each other, at least part of the electrode layer overlapped with the convex structure body is in contact with the conductive layer, so that the resistivity of the upper electrode layer is significantly reduced. Thus, power consumption of a light-emitting element can be reduced.
US08598572B2
Provided are an electronic device including a bank structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing the electronic device requires a fewer number of processes and comprises a direct patterning of insulating layers, such as fluorinated organic polymer layers, is possible using cost-efficient techniques such as inkjet printing.
US08598563B2
A phase-change material, which has a high crystallization temperature and is superior in thermal stability of the amorphous phase, which has a composition of the general chemical formula GexMyTe100-x-y wherein M indicates one type of element which is selected from the group which comprises Al, Si, Cu, In, and Sn, x is 5.0 to 50.0 (at %) and y is 4.0 to 45.0 (at %) in range, and x and y are selected so that 40 (at %)≦x+y≦60 (at %). This phase-change material further contains, as an additional element L, at least one type of element L which is selected from the group which comprises N, O, Al, Si, P, Cu, In, and Sn in the form of GexMyLzTe100-x-y-z wherein z is selected so that 40 (at %)≦x+y+z≦60 (at %).
US08598561B2
A nonvolatile memory device includes first and second conductive layers, a resistance change layer, and a rectifying element. The first conductive layer has first and second major surfaces. The second conductive layer has third and fourth major surfaces, a side face, and a corner part. The third major surface faces the first major surface and includes a plane parallel to the first major surface and is provided between the fourth and first major surfaces. The corner part is provided between the third major surface and the side face and has a curvature higher than that of the third major surface. The resistance change layer is provided between the first and second conductive layers. The rectifying element faces the second major surface of the first conductive layer. An area of the third major surface is smaller than that of the second major surface.
US08598560B1
A resistive memory element comprising a conductive material, an active material over the conductive material, and an ion source material on the active material and comprising at least one chalcogen, at least one active metal, and at least one additional element. Additional resistive memory elements, as well as methods of forming resistive memory elements, and related resistive memory cells and resistive memory devices are also described.
US08598559B2
Optical systems and methods in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein can receive one or more beams of light from the system's field of view. Internal optical components can then direct the beam of light, including splitting the beam of light, rotating at least one of the split beams of light, and displacing one or more of the beams of light, such that the split beams of light are parallel to each other. Each beam of light may then be directed onto at least one linear detector array. The linear detector array can transform the light into electrical signals that can be processed and presented in a human-readable display.
US08598555B2
A finger sensing device may include an integrated circuit (IC) substrate and an array of pixels on the IC substrate. Each pixel may be selectively operable in at least a receiving mode for receiving radiation from an adjacent finger, or a transmitting mode for transmitting radiation into the adjacent finger. The finger sensing device may also include a controller coupled to the array of pixels for selectively operating at least one first pixel in the receiving mode, and while selectively operating at least one second pixel in the transmitting mode. Each pixel may also be selectively operable in a mask mode for neither receiving nor transmitting radiation. The controller may also selectively operate at least one third pixel in the mask mode while selectively operating the at least one first and second pixels in the receiving and transmitting modes.
US08598554B2
An improved personal radiation protection system that substantially contours to an operator's body is suspended from a suspension means. The garment is operable to protect the operator from radiation. The suspension means is operable to provide constant force and allows the operator to move freely in the X, Y and Z planes simultaneously, such that the protective garment, face shield, illumination means or other attachments integrated the system are substantially weightless to the operator. A face shield and arm cover can also be incorporated with the system, such that the face shield and arm cover are substantially weightless to the operator. The suspension means may be mounted to the ceiling, a vertical wall, the floor, or on a mobile platform.
US08598550B2
A collector assembly with a radiation collector, a cover plate and a support member connecting the radiation collector to the cover plate are provided. The cover plate is designed to cover an opening in a collector chamber. The collector chamber opening may be large enough to pass the radiation collector and the support member. The removed radiation collector can be cleaned with different cleaning procedures, which may be performed in a cleaning device. Such cleaning device may for example consist of the following: a circumferential hull designed to provide an enclosure volume for circumferentially enclosing at least the radiation collector; an inlet configured to provide at least one of a cleaning gas and a cleaning liquid to the enclosure volume to clean at least said radiation collector; and an outlet configured to remove said at least one of said cleaning gas and said cleaning liquid from the enclosure volume.
US08598534B2
A diagnostic imaging device includes a signal processing circuit (22) processes signals from a detector array (16) which detects radiation from an imaging region (20). The hit signals are indicative of a corresponding detector (18) being hit by a radiation photon. The signal processing circuit (22) includes a plurality of input channels (321, 322, 323, 324), each input channel receiving hit signals from a corresponding detector element (18) such that each input channel (321, 322, 323, 324) corresponds to a location at which each hit signal is received. A plurality of integrators (42) integrate signals from the input channels (32) to determine an energy value associated with each radiation hit. A plurality of analog-to-digital converters (441, 442, 443, 444) convert the integrated energy value into a digital energy value. A plurality of time to digital converters (40) receive the hit signals and generate a digital time stamp. OR logic (36, 38) relays signal hits from a subset of the plurality of input channels (32) to one of the ADC (44) and one of the time to digital converters (40), the subset including more than one input channel such that more than one input channel is connected with each ADC (44) and/or each time-to-digital converter (40). A register and read out (25) reads out the locations, the digital energy values, and the digital time stamps for hit signals.
US08598529B2
A process of forming a radiation detection system can include forming an array of scintillator elements, which can include joining a plurality of pieces including scintillator material together to form an object. A joining region can include the space between the immediately adjacent pieces. The process can also include cutting the object to obtain a portion having a face, wherein cutting is performed such that the portion includes parts of different pieces within the plurality of pieces. The process can further include cutting a groove within the portion, wherein the groove extends from the face and intersects the joining region. The process can include optically coupling the array to a photosensor. A radiation detection system can include an array of scintillator elements wherein a reflective sheet may lie between a pair of scintillator elements and no reflective sheet between another pair of scintillator elements.
US08598524B2
An apparatus for loading a sample into a particle-optical instrument that includes a slider bearing having a base plate in contact with the vacuum chamber at one side, said base plate showing a first through-hole in contact with the vacuum chamber, and a second plate, one side of the second plate in contact with the base plate, said second plate also showing a through-hole, where the faces of the base plate and the second plate facing each other are sufficiently smooth to form a non-elastomeric vacuum seal and where the second plate is a flexible plate and the face of the flexible plate opposite to the base plate is equipped to seal against a cup equipped to hold a sample. Preferably the through-hole in the base plate shows a rim facing the flexible plate with a controlled curvature, the curvature of the rim formed such that the vacuum seal between the base plate and the flexible plate forms on a pre-defined contour and that the Hertzian contact pressure is smaller than a pre-defined maximum contact pressure, the pre-determined maximum contact pressure chosen to minimize particle generation. By forming the second plate as a flexible plate the pressure with which the base plate and the second plate are pressed together is better reproducible than when both plates are rigid. By forming the rim with a controlled radius, particle generation is minimized.
US08598521B2
Methods and apparatus for analyzing samples are disclosed. The samples are analyzed by vaporizing molecules from a sample in a sample area with a femtosecond laser beam under ambient conditions, ionizing the vaporized molecules with electrospray ionization under the ambient conditions to form ions; and analyzing and detecting the ions.
US08598520B2
A particle inlet system comprises a first chamber having a limiting orifice for an incoming gas stream and a micrometer controlled expansion slit. Lateral components of the momentum of the particles are substantially cancelled due to symmetry of the configuration once the laminar flow converges at the expansion slit. The particles and flow into a second chamber, which is maintained at a lower pressure than the first chamber, and then moves into a third chamber including multipole guides for electromagnetically confining the particle. The vertical momentum of the particles descending through the center of the third chamber is minimized as an upward stream of gases reduces the downward momentum of the particles. The translational kinetic energy of the particles is near-zero irrespective of the mass of the particles at an exit opening of the third chamber, which may be advantageously employed to provide enhanced mass resolution in mass spectrometry.
US08598517B2
A method and apparatus for radial activation of transmission-mode electron transfer ion/ion reactions using a dipolar AC field applied transverse to a transit direction is disclosed. Increases in fragment ion yields and structural information from electron transfer dissociation (ETD) were observed. The method may be used for transmission mode ETD for relatively low charge states of peptides and proteins.
US08598515B2
Described herein are methods that may be used related to mass spectrometry, such as mass spectrometry analysis, mass spectrometry calibration, identification of proteins/peptides by mass spectrometry and/or mass spectrometry data collection strategies. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses a phase-modeling analysis method for identification of proteins or peptides by mass spectrometry.
US08598514B2
An in-source atmospheric pressure electron capture dissociation (AP-ECD) method and apparatus for mass spectrometric analysis of peptides and proteins. An electrified sprayer generates a multiply-charged peptide/protein ions from a sample solution, a source of electrons for negative reagents, and a flow of gas for guiding positively charged ions from the electrified sprayer to a downstream reaction region within the guide. The reaction region being at or near atmospheric pressure and substantially free of the electric field from the electrified sprayer. In another embodiment, the method uses electron transfer dissociation (ETD), in the event that anions are substituted for electrons as the negative reagents. Fragment ions exiting the reaction region are subsequently passed into a mass analyzer of a mass spectrometer for mass analysis of the ions.
US08598513B2
A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein a signal output from an ion detector is digitised using an Analogue to Digital Converter. A background or baseline level is dynamically subtracted from the digitised signal whilst the time of flight data is still being acquired. A threshold is also applied dynamically to the digitised signal in order to reduce electronic noise.
US08598505B2
An apparatus for cancellation of a transient voltage spike, includes: a first photodiode for detecting a photon in an optical signal input from an outside, a second photodiode for detecting the photon in the optical signal input from the outside, and a differential amplifier for canceling the same signal component in a first output signal of the first photodiode and a second output signal output from the second photodiode, and to amplify a voltage difference between the first output signal and the second output signal. The transient voltage spike cancellation apparatus cancel a transient voltage spike occurring in an avalanche photodiode operating in a gated Geiger mode, using the differential amplifier.
US08598501B2
A sensor system uses ground emitters to illuminate a projectile in flight with a polarized RF beam. By monitoring the polarization modulation of RF signals received from antenna elements mounted on the projectile, both angular orientation and angular rate signals can be derived and used in the inertial solution in place of the gyroscope. Depending on the spacing and positional accuracies of the RF ground emitters, position information of the projectile may also be derived, which eliminates the need for accelerometers. When RF signals of ground emitter/s are blocked from the guided projectile, the sensor deploys another plurality of RF antennas mounted on the projectile nose to determine position and velocity vectors and orientation of incoming targets.
US08598500B2
A susceptor assembly includes electrically conductive vanes configured to prevent arcing in an unloaded microwave oven.
US08598497B2
A system and method for controlling the power delivered to cookware by a power control system that comprises a heating control user interface that is set by the user to a particular heating control user interface set point within an operating range. A controller derives from the heating control user interface set point a desired cookware temperature set point, and, over at least a first portion of the operating range that encompasses the boiling range, also derives from the heating control user interface set point a maximum limit of power that can be delivered to the cookware to maintain the cookware at the desired cookware temperature set point. The maximum power limit varies monotonically over the first portion of the operating range.
US08598494B2
A method for controlling power supply to the liquid contents of a cooking vessel or the like, particularly for controlling the electrical power supply in an induction heating system, wherein a predetermined thermodynamic state is detected and the user is alerted, comprises maintaining a predetermined high power condition after reaching the predetermined thermodynamic state for a predetermined time and then reducing the power supply to a predetermined level.
US08598493B2
The invention relates to a heating system (190) for a switch (4) of a trackway (3) and comprising applicable electrically operating heater elements (2; 100; 103; 300). Said electrical heater elements (2; 100; 103) are arranged selectably connectable to a branch network (104) of electric connections extending along the switch (4) in question and intended for the connection of a desired number of heating plates (2) for the track railbase (23), friction-plate heaters (100) as well as supporting cleat heaters (103) to a relevant supply bar (110) for current extending along the length (L) of the switch.
US08598486B2
A method and an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma, capable of treating sintered return ores generated in a sintering process in a steel maker or return ores (iron ores) employed in other ironmaking process such as FINEX. The method of treating return ores using plasma includes: providing return ores sorted out by a sorting process; and bonding the return ores by fusing and agglomerating the return ores using plasma. Also, an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma includes a plasma heating device used to fuse and agglomerate sorted return ores. The return ores of a predetermined grain size are fusion-bonded and agglomerated using a flame of a plasma heating device. Particularly, the return ores can be treated in a massive amount to enhance productivity of a fusion-bonding process of the return ores. Furthermore, a great amount of sintered return ores generated in the sintering process can be subjected to a fewer number of re-treatment processes.
US08598477B2
A universal restraint device for a switch handle includes a channel adapted to accommodate the switch handle. The channel includes a base wall, first and second side walls that extend generally perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second feet that extend toward one another from distal ends of the first and second side walls. The channel includes a width defined by a distance measured between the first and second side walls. A lever arm extends from the base wall a distance greater than the width of the channel.
US08598470B2
An electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film comprising a plastic film, and a single- or multi-layer, thin metal film formed on at least one surface of the plastic film, the thin metal film being provided with large numbers of substantially parallel, intermittent, linear scratches with irregular widths and intervals.
US08598464B2
A solder material includes 1.0-4.0% by weight of Ag, 4.0-6.0% by weight of In, 0.1-1.0% by weight of Bi, 1% by weight or less (excluding 0% by weight) of a sum of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Sb, and a remainder of Sn. When a copper-containing electrode part of an electronic component is connected to a copper-containing electrode land of a substrate by using this solder material, a part having an excellent stress relaxation property can be formed in the solder-connecting part and a Cu—Sn intermetallic compound can be rapidly grown from the electrode land and the electrode part to form a strong blocking structure.
US08598463B2
A circuit board includes a metal pattern layer, a thermally conductive plate, an electrically insulating layer, and at least one electrically insulating material. The thermally conductive plate has a plane. The electrically insulating layer is disposed between the metal pattern layer and the plane and partially covers the plane. The electrically insulating material covers the plane where is not covered by the electrically insulating layer and touches the thermally conductive plate. The electrically insulating layer exposes the electrically insulating material, and a thermal conductivity of the electrically insulating material is larger than a thermal conductivity of the electrically insulating layer.
US08598454B2
An electrical box has four sides that define a rectangular space. The box has flanges extending outward from opposite sides, for mounting the box to a stud or other structure. One of the flanges has one or more tabs, outward protrusion(s) that fit into one or more openings in the flange on the opposite side. The fitting of the one or more tabs into the one or more openings allows two such electrical boxes to be conveniently located at the same height, on opposite sides of the stud. The tab(s) and opening(s) automatically align the boxes with each other. The result is an easier and accurate installation, with less time and effort expended.
US08598452B2
The present invention is oriented to solving existing problems in the ground systems of aerial networks of electric energy distribution, providing a pole with an incorporated ground system. Said pole has a ground lead embedded in its structure, and two connection terminal boards fitted in the upper and lower sections. This ground system completely avoids the subtraction of the lead, is effective in the grounding and ensures the efficient performance of the electrical distribution system by guaranteeing an effective connection to the ground system with operation, protection and control elements that are installed in the distribution network.
US08598449B2
Disclosed are certain oligomeric and polymeric compounds and their use as organic semiconductors in organic and hybrid optical, optoelectronic, and/or electronic devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, light emitting transistors, and field effect transistors. The disclosed compounds can provide high power conversion efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage, field-effect mobility, on/off current ratios, and/or air stability when used in photovoltaic cells or transistors. The disclosed compounds can have good solubility in common solvents enabling device fabrication via solution processes.
US08598441B1
A wheat variety designated A000301E1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety A000301E1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety A000301E1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety A000301E1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety A000301E1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety A000301E1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08598434B1
A novel maize variety designated X03B453 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03B453 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03B453 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03B453, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03B453. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03B453.
US08598433B1
A novel maize variety designated X13B604 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B604 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B604 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B604, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B604. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B604.
US08598432B1
A novel maize variety designated X13B653 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B653 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B653 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B653, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B653. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B653.
US08598431B1
A novel maize variety designated X03B491 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03B491 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03B491 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03B491, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03B491. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03B491.
US08598426B2
A celery cultivar, designated ADS-24, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar ADS-24, to the plants of celery cultivar ADS-24 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar ADS-24 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar ADS-24, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar ADS-24 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar ADS-24 with another celery cultivar.
US08598422B1
A soybean cultivar designated 7991150112 is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include the seeds of soybean 7991150112, the plants of soybean 7991150112, to plant parts of soybean 7991150112, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 7991150112 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 7991150112, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 7991150112, 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 7991150112 with another soybean cultivar.
US08598417B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090033 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090033, to the plants of soybean cultivar S090033, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S090033, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S090033. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090033. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090033, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S090033 with another soybean cultivar.
US08598414B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL0911705-2 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL0911705-2 and its progeny, and methods of making CL0911705-2.
US08598411B2
The present invention is a method for improving plant growth by increasing activity of DP protein in shoot tissue. The invention also relates to transgenic plants having improved growth characteristics, which plants have increased expression of a DP nucleic acid specifically in shoot-tissue. The increased expression of the nucleic acid encoding a DP protein, according to the methods of the present invention, may be mediated by a shoot-tissue-specific promoter.
US08598409B2
This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel ecdysone receptor/chimeric retinoid X receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large-scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08598404B2
A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The film contains a biodegradable polyester, starch, water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth.
US08598377B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid esters from fats and/or oils of biogenic origin by transesterification with monovalent or polyvalent alcohols in the presence of a special hydroxy-functional quaternary ammonium compound as the catalyst.
US08598362B2
Processes for the preparation of charged crosslinkers bearing a sulfonic acid moiety are disclosed. These procedures also optionally include methods to convert the resulting products to substantially a single salt form.
US08598360B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, R1, R2, R3 are as defined above. The compounds have apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (“ASK1”) inhibitory activity, and are thus useful in the treatment of ASK1-mediated conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of Formula (I), and to methods of preparing the compounds of Formula (I).
US08598357B2
The present invention is concerned with novel dual modulators of the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors of formula (I) wherein n, Y, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US08598354B2
Compounds of formula I: or formula II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of formula I or formula II, wherein: R1 is H, hydroxyl, alkoxy, acyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; R2 is methyl or haloalkyl; R4 is hydroxyl, carbonyloxy, or carbonyldioxy; and R3 is aliphatic, aryl, aralkyl, or alkylaryl; and R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each individually H, halogen, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, nitro, cyano, amino, amido, acyl, carboxyl, substituted carboxyl, or —SO2R10, wherein R10 is H, alkyl, amino or haloalkyl; provided that in formula I, R5 and R7 are not both H or R6 is not H or methoxy; and in formula II that if R4 is carbonyldioxy then R7 is not methoxy.
US08598352B2
Method for producing nalmefene hydrochloride from naltrexone, which method is particular well adapted for large-scale industrial application, and has been found to be efficient, to give a high yield and to afford highly pure nalmefene hydrochloride salt.
US08598348B2
The present invention concerns a process for the manufacture of 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl)phenyl]piperazine.
US08598341B2
4-[[6-chloro-2-[(4-cyanophenyl)amino]-4-pyrimidinyl]oxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzonitrile is a key intermediate for the preparation of etravirine. The present invention provides a process for preparation of 4-[[6-chloro-2-[(4-cyanophenyl)amino]-4-pyrimidinyl]oxy]-3,5-dimethylbenzonitrile. The present invention also provides a novel process for the preparation of etravirine crystalline form I. The present invention further provides novel crystalline forms of etravirine, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08598338B2
The present disclosure provides methods for isolating substantially pure and undegraded DNA from biological material via a solid support. The methods may use a DNA lysing solution that comprises a surfactant, a DNA-complexing salt (e.g., a lithium salt), and a buffer. Alternatively, the methods may use a solid support pre-treated with the DNA lysing solution.
US08598334B2
Antisense oligomers useful for modulating hepatitis B virus infections, and for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis B virus-related conditions in animals including humans. More particularly, antisense oligomers with modified nucleotides for treatment of HBV in animals, more particularly antisense oligomers comprising 2′O-4′C-methylene-bridged sugars, or nucleotides with other 2′O-4′C bridged sugars, also known as locked nucleic acids (LNA), for treatment of HBV in animals, and more particularly for treatment of HBV in humans.
US08598331B2
Isolated polynucleotides comprising a CLDN5 mini-promoter are provided. The mini-promoter may be operably linked to an expressible sequence, e.g. reporter genes, genes encoding a polypeptide of interest, regulatory RNA sequences such as miRNA, siRNA, anti-sense RNA, etc., and the like. In some embodiments a cell comprising a stable integrant of an expression vector is provided, which may be integrated in the genome of the cell. The mini-promoter may also be provided in a vector, for example in combination with an expressible sequence. The polynucleotides find use in a method of expressing a sequence of interest, e.g. for identifying or labeling cells, monitoring or tracking the expression of cells, etc.
US08598329B2
The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding cysteine proteinases; cysteine proteinase inhibitors; and aspartic endoproteinases. The invention also relates to a transformed host cell, preferably a plant cell, in which over- or under-expression of these polynucleotides result in altered levels of coffee flavor precursor levels, specifically, amino group-containing molecules such as amino acids, peptides and proteins, in green coffee grains.
US08598311B2
The technology described herein is directed to conjugating various therapeutic or functional molecules, such small chemical drugs, peptides, oligonucleotides, isotopes and imaging regents with fatty acids, such as LCFAs. The fatty acid-conjugated molecules are complexed with a human serum albumin protein in vitro.
US08598310B2
Interlock for use in a process for degassing of a polymer powder in a degassing vessel. The interlock includes (a) measuring the temperature of the vapor phase resulting from a liquid-vapor separation, which vapor phase is used as a purge gas in a degassing vessel, (b) comparing the measured temperature to a threshold value, and (c) in the event that the measured temperature is above the threshold value then use of the vapor as purge gas is stopped or reduced.
US08598309B2
This invention relates to a Salen type ligand including three or more quaternary ammonium salts of nitrate anions, to a trivalent metal complex compound prepared from this ligand and a method of preparing the same, to a method of preparing polycarbonate by copolymerizing an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide using the complex compound as a catalyst, and to a method of separating and collecting the catalyst from the copolymer after copolymerization. This catalyst used to copolymerize an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide can be more simply prepared, and has lower catalyst preparation and recovery costs, and higher activity, compared to conventional catalysts.
US08598307B2
A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the following formula is provided: in which: R1-R4, A, Q and m are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (I) is also provided. A polymer of formula (PA), and preparation process and use thereof are further provided. A polymer of formula (PI), and preparation process and use thereof are also provided.
US08598302B2
A perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide organic semiconductive material is represented by the following formula (I), which belongs to the field of photoelectric material. In formula (I), n is an integer of 1-100, R1, R2 or R3 is hydrogen, C1-C20 alkyl, C1-C20 alkoxyl, phenyl or alkoxyphenyl, R4 or R5 is C1-C20 alkyl, R6 or R7 is hydrogen, C1-C20 alkyl, C1-C20 alkoxyl or phenyl.
US08598300B2
The invention provides an amorphous polyester resin that can sufficiently achieve the reciprocal performance properties of hot offset resistance and cold offset resistance, which is a major issue for a toner for electrostatic image development, while allowing adequate blocking resistance to be obtained, as well as a binder resin for toner for electrostatic image development, and an amorphous polyester resin production method, the amorphous polyester resin being obtained by reaction between a polybasic carboxylic acid compound and a polyhydric alcohol, wherein the polybasic carboxylic acid compound comprises (a) the reaction product between an aromatic polybasic carboxylic acid compound and a C2-4 glycol at 60 mol % or greater based on the total amount of the polybasic carboxylic acid compound, and the amorphous polyester resin has a glass transition point of 55° C. to 75° C. and a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000 to 50,000.
US08598291B2
Antifouling composition containing a fluorocopolymer which contains from 30 to 70 mass % of polymerized units (a′) having a C1-6 perfluoroalkyl group, from 20 to 69 mass % of polymerized units (b′) having an alkylene oxide chain and from 1 to 10 mass % of polymerized units (c′) having an amino group, and which has anionic groups at its main chain terminals. Method of making.
US08598284B2
An oxygen-bridged bimetallic complex of the general formula (I) Cp2R1M1-O-M2R22Cp (I), wherein Cp is independently a cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or fluorenyl ligand which can be substituted, or a ligand isolobal to cyclopentadienyl, R1, R2 independently are halide, linear or branched or cyclic alkyl, aryl, amido, phosphido, alkoxy or aryloxy groups, which can be substituted, M1 is Zr, Ti or Hf, and M2 is Ti, Zn, Zr or a rare earth metal. The complex can be useful as a polymerization catalyst.
US08598283B2
Methods for shutting down and restarting polymerization in a gas phase polymerization reactor are provided. The method can include introducing a polymerization neutralizer to the reactor in an amount sufficient to stop polymerization therein. The method can also include stopping recovery of a polymer product from the reactor and stopping introduction of a catalyst feed and a reactor feed to the reactor. The method can also include adjusting a pressure within the reactor from an operating pressure to an idling pressure. The method can also include adjusting a superficial velocity of a cycle fluid through the reactor from an operating superficial velocity to an idling superficial velocity. The method can also include maintaining the reactor in an idled state for a period of time.
US08598271B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a block copolymer composition containing an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl block copolymer, which is capable of achieving a high-level balance between a high elastic modulus and a small permanent set, and is capable of producing a highly isotropic molded product having uniform mechanical properties even when a molding method which is likely to cause molecular orientation, such as extrusion molding, is applied. The object is attained by providing a block copolymer composition comprising a block copolymer A represented by the following Formula (A) and a block copolymer B represented by the following Formula (B), wherein a weight ratio (A/B) between the block copolymer A and the block copolymer B is 36/64 to 85/15: Ar1a−Da−Ar2a (A) (Arb−Db)n−X (B), in the Formulae (A) and (B), Ar1a and Arb each represent an aromatic vinyl polymer block having a weight average molecular weight of 6,000 to 15,000; Ar2a represents an aromatic vinyl polymer block having a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 400,000; Wand Db each represent a conjugated diene polymer block having a vinyl bond content of 1 mol % to 20 mol %; X represents a residue of a coupling agent; and n represents an integer of 3 or greater.
US08598266B2
The present technology relates to compositions comprising a copolymer comprising a poly(C2-4 alkylene oxide) and a cationic polyacrylamide, and a plurality of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or a mixture thereof. The compositions may serve as flocculating agents to remove neutral and negatively charged nanoparticle pollutants from gasses, including air, and liquids such as water.
US08598261B2
A process for producing a nanocomposite of a halogenated elastomer and an inorganic, exfoliated clay includes the in-situ protonation of a modifier, which may be an alkylamine, arylamine or an alkylarylamine. This process can be integrated with a polymer halogenation process. The nanocomposite so formed has improved air barrier properties and is suitable for use as a tire innerliner or innertube.
US08598257B2
Disclosed are a polycarbonate resin composition and a molded product formed of the same. The polycarbonate resin composition includes a polycarbonate resin and three types of UV stabilizers including a first benzotriazole UV stabilizer, a second benzotriazole UV stabilizer, and a bismalonate UV stabilizer to improve heat stability, weather resistance, and visible light transmittance.
US08598252B2
A compressible and highly flexible plugging agent comprises the following components in parts by weight: 70-80 parts of natural rubber, 0.5-1 part of polyacrylamide (PAM), 1.5-3 parts of polyanionic cellulose (PAC), 0.5-1 part of biopolymer XC and 10-15 parts of ultrafine calcium carbonate; and the preparation method thereof comprises the following steps: adding the components in the weight parts into the natural rubber in order according to the common preparing method at normal temperature and pressure, mixing and stirring evenly, drying and then grinding into particles of 0.05-50 mm. The plugging agent is characterized by wide raw material sources, simple process, safe application, high plugging ratio and high compressibility, which is suitable for oil recovering and geological drilling applications.
US08598241B2
Provided are polypropylene resin pre-foamed particles including, as base resin, polypropylene resin that satisfies the following requirements (a) through (c): (a) in cross fractionation chromatography, an amount of components eluted at a temperature of not more than 40° C. is not more than 2.0% by weight; (b) a melting point is not less than 100° C. but not more than 160° C.; and (c) propylene monomer units are present in an amount of not less than 90 mol % but not more than 100 mol %, and olefin units each having a carbon number of 2 or 4 or more are present in an amount of not less than 0 mol % but not more than 10 mol %. The polypropylene resin pre-foamed particles can be molded by in-mold foaming molding at a not high molding heating steam pressure, and a polypropylene resin in-mold foaming molded product excellent in dimensional stability at high temperatures can be prepared from the polypropylene resin pre-foamed particles.
US08598240B2
A Fischer-Tropsch process for converting a syngas to hydrocarbon products in the presence of a permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheet comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A second solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive fibers. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network, said conductive fibers, or both. A fourth phase can be present, which fourth phase is comprised one or more conductive species or one or more non-conductive species embedded in said first solid phase.
US08598239B2
Use a transition metal-containing, Anderson-type heteropoly compound catalyst to convert synthesis gas to an oxygenate, especially an alcohol that contains from one carbon atom to six carbon atoms.
US08598234B2
A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and sodium ortho-phenylphenol, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US08598229B2
The present invention relates to tiglien-3-one compounds and their use in methods of treating or preventing protozoal infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections and cell proliferative disorders. The tiglien-3-one compounds are also used in methods of controlling pests in humans, animals, plants and the environment.
US08598228B2
The invention relates to specific cinnamic acid ascorbates and to the use thereof as UV filters which bond to the skin, and to a process for the preparation thereof, and to preparations comprising these compounds.
US08598224B2
The present invention relates to thiophene containing compounds of formula (I) wherein m, n, p, q, r, s, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the description. Included also are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08598219B2
The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid formulations of palonosetron for reducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced emesis with palonosetron. The formulations are particularly useful in the preparation of intravenous and oral liquid medicaments.
US08598213B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful in therapy, to compositions comprising said compounds, and to methods of treating diseases comprising administration of said compounds. The compounds referred to are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the nicotinic acetylcholine α7 receptor.
US08598211B2
The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity.The carboxamide compounds are compounds of the general formula I in which R1, R2, R3 R4, R5, m and n have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, the tautomers thereof, the hydrates thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof. Of these compounds those are preferred wherein R1 is optionally substituted phenyl-C1-C2-alkyl or hetaryl-C1-C2-alkyl, R2 is optionally substituted aryl, hetaryl, aryl-C1-C6-alkyl, aryl-C2-C6-alkenyl or hetaryl-C1-C4-alkyl, R3 is C3-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C2-C4-alkenyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl-C1-C2-alkyl, C3-C6-heterocycloalkyl-C1-C2-alkyl, phenyl-C1-C3-alkyl, pyridin-2-yl-C1-C3-alkyl or 1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl-methyl, R4 and R5 independently of one another are halogen, CF3, CHF2, CH2F, C1-C2-alkyl or C1-C2-alkoxy, and m and n independently of one another are 0 or 1.
US08598206B2
The invention provides compounds that are effective as inhibitors of human plasmin and plasma kallikrein, and that are useful for the prevention of blood loss and as components of fibrin adhesives. The invention further provides methods of making and using the compounds.
US08598203B2
This application provides for a method of treating a subject suffering from Crohn's disease, the method comprising periodically administering to the subject an amount of laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the subject. This application provides for use of laquinimod in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a subject suffering from Crohn's disease. This application also provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising laquinimod for use in treating a subject suffering from Crohn's disease.
US08598198B2
The invention provides novel compounds and compositions of Formulas I and II, as well as methods of using them. The compounds can be used, for example, to quantify an amount of double stranded DNA in a sample subjected to nucleic acid amplification, or for real time monitoring of a nucleic acid amplification reaction. The compounds can be provided in a kit, for example, with other reagents and instructions for using the compounds and reagents.
US08598197B2
Compounds of formulae I, II or III, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful as CDK inhibitors.
US08598195B2
The present invention relates to new compounds of the formula (I), (II), or (III) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and W are as defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of amyloid diseases, especially Aβ amyloid disease, such as observed in Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases, PAI-I related disease, and in the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment.
US08598187B2
The present invention discloses a series of pyrimidone derivatives represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof or a hydrate thereof: Wherein X, Z, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, n and m are as defined herein. Also disclosed herein are the methods of preparation of compounds of formula (I), intermediates therefor and their utility in treating a variety of disease conditions.
US08598186B2
Compounds of formulae I, II or III, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful as CDK inhibitors.
US08598182B2
Pyrimidinyl aryl hydrazones are effective at controlling insects.
US08598181B2
Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08598177B2
The invention relates to novel compounds of formula I where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, Q1, Q2 and Q3 are each as defined below. The compounds of formula I have antithrombotic activity and inhibit especially protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). The invention further relates to a process for preparing the compound of formula I and to the use thereof as a medicament.
US08598173B2
The present invention relates to novel quioxaline-piperazine compounds, 1-[(6,7-substituted alkoxyquinoxalinyl)aminocarbonyl]-4-(hetero)arylpiperazine derivatives of formula (1): and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, a process for their preparation thereof, and compositions containing such compounds. Therapeutic methods for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering quioxalin-piperazine compounds are also included.
US08598164B2
The invention relates to heterocyclic chromene-spirocyclic piperidine amides useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08598157B2
5-alkynyl-pyridine of general formula (I) their use as inhibitors of the activity of PI3Kalpha, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as a medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation and associated conditions such as cancer. The groups R1 to R6 and n have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification.
US08598153B2
The present invention relates to natural products that possess fatty acid synthesis inhibitor activity and can be used to treat and prevent diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, fungal infections, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, malarial infections and other apicomplexan protozoal diseases.
US08598145B2
This invention relates to anti-cancer compounds and to methods for treating or preventing cancer. In one aspect the invention concerns mitochondrially delivered pro-oxidant anti-cancer compounds that generate reactive oxygen species and induce apoptosis of cancerous cells. The delivery moiety can be a lipophilic cation and the pro-oxidant vitamin E analogue, such as α-tocopheryl succinate, α-tocopheryl maleate, α-tocopheryl maleyl amide, or 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2R-(4R,8R,12-trimethyltridecyl)-chroman-6-yloxyacetic acid (α-tocopheryloxyacetic acid).
US08598140B2
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of nucleic acids and, more particularly, to aptamers capable of binding to β-NGF; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such β-NGF aptamers; and methods of making and using the same.
US08598137B2
Sam68 plays a role in TNF-dependent signaling, including NF-kB signaling and extrinsic activation of apoptosis. In some embodiments, inhibitors of Sam68 are administered to inhibit TNF-dependent signaling, for example to inhibit NF-kB signaling or apoptosis in a patient in need. In some embodiments, functional Sam68 is administered to increase TNF-dependent signaling, for example to induce apoptosis in a patient in need. In some embodiments, methods are provided determining whether the TNF-dependent or TNF-independent branch of a signaling pathway is active in a cell or cells, or for drug screening applications.
US08598134B2
The present invention is based on the in vivo demonstration that RSV and PIV can be inhibited through intranasal administration of RNAi agents as well as by parenteral administration of such agents. Further, it is shown that effective viral reduction can be achieved with more than one virus being treated concurrently. Based on these findings, the present invention provides general and specific compositions and methods that are useful in reducing RSV or PIV mRNA levels, RSV or PIV protein levels and viral titers in a subject, e.g., a mammal, such as a human. These findings can be applied to other respiratory viruses.
US08598114B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) AA-AA-AA-X—Y—Z wherein, in any order, 2 of said AA (amino acid) moieties are cationic amino acids and 1 of said AA is an amino acid with a lipophilic R group, the R group having 14-27 non-hydrogen atoms; X is a N atom, which may be substituted by a branched or unbranched C1-C10 alkyl or aryl group which group may incorporate up to 2 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; Y represents a group selected from —Ra—Rb—, —Ra—Rb—Rb— and —Rb—Rb—Ra— wherein Ra is C, O, S or N, and Rb is C; each of Ra and Rb may be substituted by C1-C4 alkyl groups or unsubstituted; and Z is a group comprising 1 to 3 cyclic groups each of 5 or 6 non-hydrogen atoms, 2 or more of the cyclic groups may be fused and one or more of the cyclic groups may be substituted; the Z moiety incorporates a maximum of 15 non-hydrogen atoms; and wherein the bond between Y and Z is a covalent bond between Ra or Rb of Y and a non-hydrogen atom of one of the cyclic groups of Z. The invention further relates to formulations containing these compounds and their uses in therapy, particularly as antimicrobial or antitumoural agents.
US08598113B2
This invention relates to polypeptides which bind to EGFR family receptors and to applications of those polypeptides in medicine, veterinary medicine, diagnosis diagnostics and imaging.
US08598110B2
The present invention relates to novel 1,3-oxathiane compounds represented by Formula I: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of ethyl, butyl, propyl, and (methylthio)ethyl, and their uses to enhance a flavor or fragrance composition.
US08598103B2
The present invention is directed to a method for improving the fuel efficiency of engine oil compositions for large low, medium and high speed engines by reducing the traction coefficient of the oil by formulating the oil using at least two base stocks of different kinematic viscosity wherein the differences in kinematic viscosity between the base stocks is at least 30 mm2/s, and additizing the composition with one or more detergents.
US08598102B2
Provided is a block copolymer having an “A” block of a functionalized hydrocarbon moiety including one or more functional end groups selected from the group consisting of: epoxides, amines, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, halogens, vinyl or vinylidene double bond, aromatic rings and thiols, and a “B” block of a functionalized polyether moiety including one or more functional end groups selected from the group consisting: epoxides, amines, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, halogens, vinyl or vinylidene double bond, aromatic rings and thiols. The end group of the polyether moiety is different than the end group of the hydrocarbon moiety, and the hydrocarbon moiety and the polyether moiety are copolymerizable therewith. Preferably, the hydrocarbon moiety is a poly-α-olefin and the polyether moiety is a polyalkylene glycol.
US08598097B2
A low-sulfur, low-phosphorus composition comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity; a substantially nitrogen-free sufurized olefin antiwear agent; a nitrogen-containing dispersant; and an overbased detergent selected from the group consisting of salixarates, saligenins, salicylates, and glyoxylates; containing less than about 0.1 percent by weight phosphorus, less than about 0.5 percent by weight sulfur, and having less than about 1.2% sulfated ash, is useful for lubricating a diesel engine, exhibiting good antiwear performance.
US08598090B2
A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.
US08598085B2
2-(2-Fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid and its derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.
US08598084B2
An herbicide/insecticide composition containing (a) a pyridine carboxylic acid component and (b) an insecticide component provides synergistic control of selected weeds.
US08598083B2
A novel strain of Trichoderma harzianum called TSTh20-1 is described. TSTh20-1 is useful in promoting plant growth, increasing water use efficiency of plants and in remediation of soil or water.
US08598079B2
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations consisting of, firstly, the known carboxamide penflufen and, secondly, known insecticidally active compounds, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling unwanted animal pests such as insects or acarids and also unwanted phytopathogenic fungi.
US08598073B2
The present disclosure relates to methods of making and using activated carbon-containing coated substrates, and products made therefrom.
US08598069B2
A composition which provides enhanced removal of aldehydes from the air of the building interior. The composition includes an amino silane and a multivalent metal carbonate and is especially suitable for adding to building product board substrates, such as acoustical ceiling panels and gypsum wallboards. The composition of the invention can be applied during manufacturing or can be post applied to already constructed room surfaces. The composition provides longevity of aldehyde removal heretofore unachieved.
US08598066B2
The present invention relates to a process of preparing of a phosphorus-containing phosphorus-alumina support by a sol-gel method and a cobalt/phosphorus-alumina catalyst where cobalt is supported onto the phosphorus-alumina support as an active ingredient. The phosphorus-alumina support is prepared by a sol-gel method and has wide specific surface area with bimodal pore size distribution and high cobalt dispersion, thereby enabling to increase heat and mass transfer, stabilize the structure by modifying the surface property of alumina and decrease the deactivation rate due to the reduced oxidation of cobalt component during the F-T reaction. When Fischer-Tropsch reaction (F-T) is conducted on the catalyst, the catalyst maintains a superior thermal stability, inhibits the deactivation due to water generation during the F-T reaction and also causes relatively high conversion of carbon monoxide and stable selectivity of liquid hydrocarbons.
US08598065B2
A process for charging a longitudinal section of a catalyst tube with a homogeneous fixed catalyst bed section whose active composition is at least one multielement oxide or comprises elemental silver on an oxidic support body and whose geometric shaped catalyst bodies and shaped inert bodies have a specific inhomogeneity of their longest dimensions.
US08598058B2
Sintered bodies containing zirconia-based ceramic materials and partially sintered bodies that are intermediates in the preparation of the sintered bodies are described. The zirconia-based ceramic material is doped with lanthanum and yttrium. The grain size of the zirconia-based ceramic material can be controlled by the addition of lanthanum. The crystalline phase of the zirconia-based ceramic material can be influenced by the addition of yttrium.
US08598057B1
A monolithic, unitary, seamless and physically continuous ceramic armor plate having first regions of one mechanical property and one chemical composition and one microstructural composition isolated from one another by a network of second regions of another mechanical property different from the one mechanical property and another chemical composition different from the one chemical composition and another microstructural composition different from the one microstructural composition, the one mechanical property and the another mechanical property being the propensity to crack.
US08598047B2
A substrate treatment apparatus includes a reaction tube and a heater heating a silicon wafer. Trimethyl aluminum (TMA) and ozone (O3) are alternately fed into the reaction tubeto generate Al2O3 film on the surface of the wafer. The apparatus also includes supply tubes and for flowing the ozone and TMA and a nozzle supplying gas into the reaction tube. The two supply tubes are connected to the nozzle disposed inside the heater in a zone inside the reaction tube where a temperature is lower than a temperature near the wafer, and the ozone and TMA are supplied into the reaction tube through the nozzle.
US08598037B2
A method of etching a silicon layer through a patterned mask is provided. The method uses an etch chamber in which the silicon layer is placed. The method includes (a) providing the silicon layer having the patterned mask formed thereon, (b) providing an etch gas comprising a fluorine containing gas and an oxygen and hydrogen containing gas into the etch chamber in which the silicon layer has been placed, (c) generating a plasma from the etch gas, (d) etching features into the silicon layer through the patterned mask using the plasma, and (e) stopping the etch gas. The oxygen and hydrogen containing gas contains water vapor.
US08598031B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device is presented. A substrate prepared with a dielectric layer formed thereon is provided. A sacrificial and a hard mask layer are formed on the dielectric layer. The dielectric, sacrificial and hard mask layers are patterned to form an interconnect opening. The interconnect opening is filled with a conductive material to form an interconnect. The conductive material is processed to produce a top surface of the conductive material that is substantially planar with a top surface of the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is removed. The sacrificial layer protects the dielectric layer during processing of the conductive material.
US08598029B2
A semiconductor device, which comprises a workpiece with an outline and a plurality of contact pads and further an external part with a plurality of terminal pads. This part is spaced from the workpiece and the terminal pads are aligned with the workpiece contact pads, respectively. A reflow element interconnects each of the contact pads with its respective terminal pad. Thermoplastic material fills the space between the workpiece and the part; this material adheres to the workpiece, the part and the reflow elements. Further, the material has an outline substantially in line with the outline of the workpiece, and fills the space substantially without voids. Due to the thermoplastic character of the filling material, the finished device can be reworked, when the temperature range for reflowing the reflow elements is reached.
US08598028B2
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a first gate structure over an iso region of a substrate and a second gate structure over a dense region of the substrate. The dense region has a greater pattern density than the iso region. The first and second gate structures each have a respective hard mask disposed thereon. The method includes removing the hard masks from the first and second gate structures. The removal of the hard mask from the second gate structure causes an opening to be formed in the second gate structure. The method includes performing a deposition process followed by a first polishing process to form a sacrificial component in the opening. The method includes performing a second polishing process to remove the sacrificial component and portions of the first and second gate structures.
US08598016B2
Methods of dicing substrates by both laser scribing and plasma etching. A method includes forming an in-situ mask with a plasma etch chamber by accumulating a thickness of plasma deposited polymer to protect IC bump surfaces from a subsequent plasma etch. Second mask materials, such as a water soluble mask material may be utilized along with the plasma deposited polymer. At least some portion of the mask is patterned with a femtosecond laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with trenches. The patterning exposing regions of the substrate between the ICs in which the substrate is plasma etched to singulate the IC and the water soluble material layer washed off.
US08598015B2
A laser processing method which can highly accurately cut objects to be processed having various laminate structures is provided. An object to be processed comprising a substrate and a laminate part disposed on the front face of the substrate is irradiated with laser light L while a light-converging point P is positioned at least within the substrate, so as to form a modified region due to multiphoton absorption at least within the substrate, and cause the modified region to form a starting point region for cutting. When the object is cut along the starting point region for cutting, the object 1 can be cut with a high accuracy.
US08598003B2
Embodiments of the present invention describe a epitaxial region on a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the epitaxial region is deposited onto a substrate via cyclical deposition-etch process. Cavities created underneath the spacer during the cyclical deposition-etch process are backfilled by an epitaxial cap layer. The epitaxial region and epitaxial cap layer improves electron mobility at the channel region, reduces short channel effects and decreases parasitic resistance.
US08597995B2
A semiconductor device with a metal gate is disclosed. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, source and drain features on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate and disposed between the source and drain features. The gate stack includes an interfacial layer (IL) layer, a high-k (HK) dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, an oxygen scavenging metal formed on top of the HK dielectric layer, a scaling equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) formed by using a low temperature oxygen scavenging technique, and a stack of metals gate layers deposited over the oxygen scavenging metal layer.
US08597991B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a gate stack on an active region of a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The active region is within a semiconductor layer and is doped with an p-type dopant. A gate spacer is formed surrounding the gate stack. A first trench is formed in a region reserved for a source region and a second trench is formed in a region reserved for a drain region. The first and second trenches are formed while maintaining exposed the region reserved for the source region and the region reserved for the drain region. Silicon germanium is epitaxially grown within the first trench and the second trench while maintaining exposed the regions reserved for the source and drain regions, respectively.
US08597990B2
A method for making a thin film transistor, the method comprising the steps of: providing an insulating substrate; forming a carbon nanotube layer on the insulating substrate, the carbon nanotube layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes; applying a source electrode and a drain electrode spaced from each other and electrically connected to two opposite ends of at least one of carbon nanotubes; covering the carbon nanotube layer with an insulating layer; and placing a gate electrode on the insulating layer, the gate electrode being opposite to and electrically insulated from the carbon nanotube layer by the insulating layer.
US08597982B2
In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for fabricating an electronics assembly having a substrate and a plurality of circuit elements. The method includes forming a liquid barrier on the substrate, placing a first circuit element on one side of the liquid barrier, and placing a second circuit element on the opposite side of the liquid barrier. A liquid is applied to the first circuit element. The method further includes using the liquid barrier to prevent the liquid applied to the first circuit element from contaminating the second circuit element so that the spacing between the first and second circuit elements can be minimized.
US08597978B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes physically attaching a first semiconductor die to front surface of a first substrate. The first die is electrically connected to routings on front surface of the first substrate. The routings are electrically connected with conductive pads on back surface of the first substrate. A second semiconductor die is physically attached to front surface of a second substrate. The die is electrically connected to routings on front surface of second substrate. These routings are electrically connected with conductive pads on front surface of the second substrate. A third semiconductor die is physically attached to the second die. The third die is electrically attached to the second die through a plurality of through substrate vias (TSVs) within the second die. The conductive pads on back surface of first substrate are electrically connected to the conductive pads on front surface of second substrate.
US08597977B2
In a thin film transistor which uses an oxide semiconductor, buffer layers containing indium, gallium, zinc, oxygen, and nitrogen are provided between the oxide semiconductor layer and the source and drain electrode layers.
US08597969B2
In an optical semiconductor device including a semiconductor laminated body including at least a light emitting layer, a first metal body including at least one first metal layer formed on the semiconductor laminated body, a support substrate, a second metal body including at least one second metal layer formed on the support substrate, and at least one adhesive layer formed in a surface side of at least one of the first and second metal bodies, the semiconductor laminated body is coupled to the support substrate by applying a pressure-welding bonding process upon the adhesive layer to form a eutectic alloy layer between the first and second metal bodies. At least one of the first and second metal layers has a triple structure formed by two tight portions and a coarse portion sandwiched by the tight portions.
US08597961B2
A method for improving internal quantum efficiency of a group-III nitride-based light emitting device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a group-III nitride-based substrate having a single crystalline structure; forming on the group-III nitride-based substrate an oxide layer, having a plurality of particles, without absorption of visible light, size, shape, and density of the particles are controlled by reaction concentration ratio of nitrogen/hydrogen, reaction time and reaction temperature; and growing a group-III nitride-based layer over the oxide layer; wherein the oxide layer prevents threading dislocation of the group-III nitride-based substrate from propagating into the group-III nitride-based layer, thereby improving internal quantum efficiency of the group-III nitride-based light emitting device.
US08597958B2
This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.
US08597947B2
The present application discloses methods expanding SCs in an undifferentiated state, the methods comprising incubating undifferentiated SCs in suspension within a culture system comprising basic medium and knockout serum replacement (KOSR). The methods may also be applicable for selective spontaneous or directed differentiation of SCs into a selected population of somatic cells from a culture system of SCs in suspension, the method further comprising incubating said undifferentiated SCs in culture system that support respectively, spontaneous or directed differentiation of SCs into the selected population of somatic cells. The present application also discloses a culture system for expansion of stem cells (SCs) comprising a suspension of undifferentiated stem cells within basic medium and knockout serum replacement (KOSR). The methods and culture system of the invention may be used for large scale production of differentiated cells.
US08597944B2
The present invention provides methods for the culture of animal pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny cells, tissues, and organs, and nonhuman animal embryos and fetuses.
US08597940B2
A gas cracking apparatus adapted to simultaneously efficiently discharge gas heavier than air and gas lighter than air resulting from assimilations of malodorous gas and greenhouse gas. The main frame of the gas cracking apparatus includes a closed metallic circular tube or angular tube. This tube is provided at its superior portion with a superior vent and provided at its inferior portion with an inferior vent, and the tube is further provided with a gas inlet disposed between the superior vent and the inferior vent.
US08597930B2
In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides new isolated strains of a Geobacter species that are capable of using a carbon source that is selected from C3 to C12 organic compounds selected from pyruvate or metabolic precursors of pyruvate as an electron donor in metabolism and in subsequent energy production. In other aspects, other preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods of making such strains and methods of using such strains. In general, the wild type strain of the microorganisms has been shown to be unable to use these C3 to C12 organic compounds as electron donors in metabolic steps such as the reduction of metallic ions. The inventive strains of microorganisms are useful for improving bioremediation applications, including in situ bioremediation (including uranium bioremediation and halogenated solvent bioremediation), microbial fuel cells, power generation from small and large-scale waste facilities (e.g., biomass waste from dairy, agriculture, food processing, brewery, or vintner industries, etc.) using microbial fuel cells, and other applications of microbial fuel cells, including, but not limited to, improved electrical power supplies for environmental sensors, electronic devices, and electric vehicles.
US08597925B2
A homogeneously-structured catalyst/enzyme composite structure formed by electrophoresis deposition (EPD) method. Catalyst and enzyme are simultaneously deposited onto the electrode surface by the EPD method, so as to form a film of catalyst/enzyme composite thereon. The film of catalyst/enzyme composite includes enzyme for catalyzing the biochemical reaction, and catalyst for increasing the rate of the electrochemical reaction, which are homogeneously mixed and forms a stable and three-dimensional structure. Also, this homogeneously-structured catalyst/enzyme composite is applicable as a working electrode of the bioreceptor in a mini-biosensor.
US08597916B2
The present invention concerns multimeric oxidoreductase complexes which function in the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate, said complexes having a dehydrogenase subunit and a cytochrome C subunit. The invention further relates to polynucleotides coding for the multimeric complexes and methods of use thereof.
US08597914B2
Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.
US08597912B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generation of Bak- and/or Bax-deficient cell lines using engineered nucleases.
US08597899B2
The invention provides an improved method for identifying and interpreting tissue specimens and/or cells derived from tissue specimens. A panel of cell-based reagents provides a number of readouts of cellular states or biomarkers that together define a profile of a diversity of cellular states or biomarkers in a tissue specimen representing the ‘systems” nature of biology. This cellular profile is interpreted using informatics tools, to identify similarities between specimens, in vivo medical conditions, and suggest options for treating medical conditions.
US08597897B2
The present invention relates to a method of rapidly detecting microorganisms using nanoparticles, and more particularly to a method and device of rapidly detecting microorganisms by adding, to the microorganisms to be detected, nanoparticles having immobilized thereon an antibody that binds specifically to the microorganisms to be detected, subjecting the mixture to an immune reaction to form a reaction solution, passing the reaction solution through a microorganism-concentrating film to concentrate the microorganisms, capturing microorganisms, which was immune-reacted with the antibody-immobilized nanoparticles, by a microorganism-capturing filtration membrane, and determining the presence and concentration of the microorganisms.The present invention detects microorganisms using nanoparticles having immobilized thereon an antibody that binds specifically to the microorganisms to be detected, so that the presence and concentration of the microorganisms can be determined in a more effective and simpler manner than a conventional detection method, and the inventive method is effective in detecting a small amount of microorganisms owing to high sensitivity.
US08597893B2
A novel function phospholipase A2, referred to herein as calcium-independent phospholipase A2ε (iPLA2ε) having SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, and nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4) encoding and expressing iPLA2ε is disclosed. This novel enzyme has been isolated and characterized and is involved in the catalysis and hydrolysis of lipids cycling in a living cell biosystem. In an embodiment, the iPLA2ε polypeptide is encoded and expressed by an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a set of iPLA2ε polynucleotides. In one aspect, an isolated and characterized gene comprises a polynucleotide having a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4.
US08597889B2
Provided are a primer set, a method and a kit therefor, which can easily perform with high accuracy the detection of a cancer cell caused by HPV and the determination of whether or not a tissue is a tissue with high-grade dysplasia or in a more severe phase. As a primer set, used is a primer set consisting of a first primer which hybridizes with a nucleic acid consisting of a nucleotide sequence in which cytosine present in a site other than a CpG site is converted into another base in a nucleotide sequence having a CpG site in L1 region or L2 region of HPV and a second primer which hybridizes with a nucleic acid consisting of a nucleotide sequence in which cytosine is converted into another base in a nucleotide sequence having a CpG site in LCR or E6 region of HPV.
US08597887B2
The present application describes SNPs useful for the genetic analysis of Atlantic cod. Also described are QTLs and SNP marker associations for commercially important traits such as weight, nodavirus resistance, resistance to stress and for determining geographic origin. The application also provides methods and uses of the SNPs for identifying family members and/or estimating relatedness, marker assisted selection, breeding programs, population management, identification of geographic origin and trait-association studies. A SNP-based linkage map for Atlantic cod is also provided.
US08597883B2
Described herein is the identification of genes that are significantly up- or down-regulated in patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue (CRF), providing a means for the diagnosis and treatment of CRF. In particular, provided herein is a method of diagnosing a subject with CRF by detecting expression of at least one gene associated with CRF in a sample obtained from the subject; and comparing expression of the at least one gene to a control. Also described herein is a method of treating a patient with CRF by administering to the subject an agent that alters expression or activity of a gene associated with CRF. Further provided is array that includes a plurality of genes associated with CRF, such as TNFRSF25, SLC6A8, OGT, SNCA, APBA2, CASK, OR2W3, MYL4, IL7R, ARHGEF10 and ITGA6.
US08597874B2
A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.
US08597865B2
An electrostatic-image-developing toner includes a polyester resin; two or more pigments; a polyethylene wax; and a polyolefin-polyvinyl-based graft copolymer, and satisfies the relationship represented by the following equation (1): 0.2≦wd/wp≦5.0 (1) wherein wp represents a total content (wt. %) of the pigments, and wd represents a content (wt. %) of the polyolefin-polyvinyl-based graft copolymer.
US08597861B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a color filter and a color filter manufactured by using the same. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method for manufacturing a color filter, which includes performing plasma treatment of a black matrix (BM) pattern formed on a substrate to increase a difference in ink repellency of the black matrix pattern and a pixel unit, and a color filter manufactured by using the same. When the production method of the present invention is used, it is possible to provide the color filter in which color mixing does not occur in a pixel unit or between pixel units during discharging of ink by using an inkjet printing process, discoloration due to unfilling does not occur, a surface is uniform, and there is an insignificant step in the pixel unit or between the pixel units.
US08597857B2
The present invention provides a metallic porous body for a fuel cell, which includes a flat portion formed to be integrated with a gasket or a separator and a gasket, and thus the metallic porous body has improved handling and working properties and can be accurately and precisely stacked, thus improving the stability of cell performance, the air-tightness, and the productivity of a fuel cell stack. As such, the present invention provides a metallic porous body for a fuel cell including a porous portion, which is in contact with a reactive area of a membrane electrode assembly and corresponds to a reactive area of each unit cell, and a flat portion having a flat surface structure formed along outer edges of the metallic porous body other than the porous portion corresponding to the reactive area.
US08597854B2
Disclosed is a fuel cell in which a membrane electrode assembly less undergoes increase in ion conduction resistance, and a polymer electrolyte membrane less undergoes deterioration. Specifically, the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a first membrane and a second membrane being two different membranes composed of polymer electrolytes having different ion-exchange capacities, in which the first membrane has an area of one surface thereof equal to or larger than an area of one surface of an anode or a cathode, and the second membrane has an area of one surface thereof smaller than that of the first membrane and is arranged in a gas inflow region on a side being in contact with the cathode. The second membrane has an ion-exchange capacity smaller than that of the first membrane or has a number-average molecular weight larger than that of the first membrane.
US08597853B2
An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including a carbon-based carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, for example, an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, wherein the electrode catalyst has an X value of 95 to 100% in Equation 1. X(%)=(XPS measurement value)/(TGA measurement value)×100 [Equation 1] wherein, the XPS measurement value represents a quantitative amount of the active metal present on a surface of the electrode catalyst, the TGA measurement value represents the XPS measurement value using a monochromated Al Kα-ray, which is the quantitative amount of total active metal supported in the catalyst.
US08597841B2
The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.
US08597833B2
A rechargeable lithium battery including: a negative electrode having a composite negative active material of a metal and a carbonaceous material; a positive electrode having a mixed positive active material of about 90 to 99 wt % of a first positive active material selected from cobalt, manganese, phosphate acid-based, or combinations thereof and about 1 to about 10 wt % of a nickel-based second positive active material; and a non-aqueous electrolyte.
US08597828B2
The invention relates to a lithium battery including a cell comprising: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of a lithium salt, characterized in that the electrolyte has a pH of at least 14, the positive electrode has a lithium intercalation potential greater than 3.4 V, and the negative electrode has a lithium intercalation potential less than 2.2 V.
US08597825B2
A battery module includes pressure release features for releasing excess pressure in a battery container, a wrap blanket disposed between a module and potting material disposed in a case to secure modules while allowing repair, replacement, recycling and/or reuse of modules and a connector.
US08597823B2
A battery includes: a first member having an opening a housing space which houses a generation element; and a second member which closes the opening of the first member. The first member and the second member have welded portions which are welded to each other. A groove which can receive a part of molten metal MM generated upon welding is formed in a channel between the first and the second member, i.e., from the welded portion to the housing space. This prevents flow of the molten metal generation upon welding to the housing space. A vehicle using the battery and a method for manufacturing such a battery are also provided.
US08597821B1
The present invention is directed to the fabrication of thin aluminum anode batteries using a highly reproducible process that enables high volume manufacturing of the galvanic cells. In the present invention, semiconductor fabrication methods are used to fabricate aluminum galvanic cells, wherein a catalytic material to be used as the cathode is deposited on a substrate and an insulating spacing material is deposited on the cathode and patterned using photolithography. The spacing material can either be used as a sacrificial layer to expose the electrodes or serve as a support for one of the electrodes. Similarly, the aluminum anode may be deposited and patterned on another substrate and bonded to the first substrate, or can be deposited directly on the insulating material prior to patterning. The cell is packaged and connected to a delivery system to provide delivery of the electrolyte when activation of the cell is desired.
US08597812B2
An object is to, in a battery pack device in which battery cells are lined up, provide a thermally conductive member that can reduce the risk of heat being conducted to an adjacent battery cell in order to make the cooling property of each battery cell uniform, and a battery pack device using this thermally conductive member. Provided is a thermally conductive member arranged between battery cells when assembling the battery cells into a battery pack, wherein the thermally conductive member includes thermally conductive layers each having a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W/mK or more provided respectively on both sides of a backing layer having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.5 W/mK. Especially, it is preferred that a resin member forming the backing layer has a flexural modulus of 1 GPa or more.
US08597807B2
A battery includes an external terminal, a thermal fuse, a bare cell, an electrode assembly disposed within the bare cell and electrically coupled to the external terminal via the thermal fuse, such that the thermal fuse electrically disconnects the electrode assembly from the external terminal when a temperature of the battery reaches a predetermined value, a top cover, a protective circuit module within the top cover and on the bare cell, and a thermally insulating top sheet disposed on the thermal fuse, between the thermal fuse and the protective circuit module, the top sheet having a recess configured to receive the thermal fuse, such that the top sheet covers the top surface of the thermal fuse.
US08597806B2
A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.
US08597802B2
Disclosed are an acridine derivative and an organic electro-luminescence device including the same. Specifically, the disclosed acridine derivative compound has an aryl moiety or a heteroaryl moiety, linked to an acridine moiety and an amine moiety, and the disclosed organic electro-luminescence device including the acridine derivative compound requires a low operating voltage, shows high efficiency, and is enhanced in life-span.
US08597800B2
An aromatic amine derivative represented by the following formula (1); wherein Ar1 to Ar4 are independently a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 20 ring carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 5 to 20 ring carbon atoms and at least one of Ar1 to Ar4 has a substituted or unsubstituted silyl group; Ar5 is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group having 6 to 20 ring carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene group having 5 to 20 ring carbon atoms; and L is a group represented by the following formula (A) or (B);
US08597798B2
The present invention relates to transition-metal complexes of the general formula I or II, in particular as emitter molecules in organic electronic devices, to a layer and an electronic device which comprise the compounds according to the invention, and to a process for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention.
US08597787B2
Disclosed is a polyurethane elastic yarn which is excellent in elongation, resilience, heat resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, and capability of being dyed with a cationic dye and which is suitable for use in a stretch cloth, a wearing apparel or the like. The polyurethane elastic yarn comprises: an elastic yarn comprising a polyurethane mainly composed of a polymer diol and a diisocyanate; and a polymer of a compound having a sulfonate group contained in the elastic yarn.
US08597782B2
A housing is provided which includes an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate, an aluminum layer and a corrosion resistant layer formed on the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate in that order. The corrosion resistant layer is an Al—O layer. Then, Nd ions are implanted in the Al—O layer by ion implantation process. The atomic percentages of O in the Al—O gradient layer gradually increases from the side of Al—O gradient layer near the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate to the other side of Al—O gradient layer, away from aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate. Therefore the housing has a high corrosion resistance. A method for making the housing is also provided.
US08597777B2
The transparent fire-resistant glazing has at least two glass or glass ceramic panes with a gap between them, which is filled with a UV-cured material. It is made by curing a UV-curable material filling the gap with UV radiation. The UV-curable material includes polymerizable components, namely a monomer with acrylate functionality and an oligomer, and at least one bromine-containing flame retardant. The fire retardant can be a polybrominated diphenyl ether, a brominated alcohol, or a polybrominated cycloalkane, and/or a mixtures thereof. The glazing is made by a process in which the panes are cleaned and masked to form the gap between them, the UV-curable material is filled into the gap and then cured with the UV radiation.
US08597771B2
Aircraft fuselage frame (9) in composite material with stabilized web whose omega-shaped cross section (11) in at least a first segment (31) is formed by one head (23), two webs (25, 25′), two feet (27, 27′) with a stiffening element (29) between the two webs (25, 25′). The invention also refers to a manufacturing procedure for the first segment (31) comprising steps to: a) provide an external element (41) with an omega-shaped cross section formed by one head (43), two webs (45, 45′) and two feet (47, 47′), and an internal element (51) with omega-shaped section formed by one head (53), two webs (55, 55′) and two feet (57, 57′), with their respective webs (45, 55; 45′, 45′) and feet (47, 57; 47′, 57′) oriented in parallel; b) join the internal element (51) to the external element (41).
US08597753B2
Provided herein is a self-adhesive radiant heat underlayment that may be utilized in flooring and/or outdoor applications. The heating underlayment has an adhesive backing that allows for conveniently adhering a flexible heating element place prior to applying a material over the top surface thereof. In one arrangement, a mesh grounding layer is provided to ground the flexible heating element to reduce unintended electrical tripping of the installed underlayment.
US08597741B2
The invention relates to an insulated glass unit having an increased service life. An outer glass pane and inner glass pane are sealed to a spacer to provide an improved gas impermeable space. The glass unit includes a curable two-part sealer composition which, upon curing, exhibits unexpectedly high adhesion to substrates.
US08597738B2
The synthesis of ordered arrays of GSC's by re-growth from pre-patterned seed crystals that offer an approach for scalable fabrication of single crystal graphene devices while avoiding domain boundaries is demonstrated herein. Each graphene island is a single crystal and every graphene island is of similar size. The size of graphene island arrays can be as small as less than 1 mm2 or as large as several m2. The distance between each GSC island is also adjustable from several micrometers to millimeters. All of the graphene islands are addressable for devices and electrical circuit fabrication.
US08597732B2
A method comprising: supplying a gas whose water concentration has been controlled to become smaller than 1 PPB, whose oxygen partial pressure has been controlled to become lower than 10−21 atm by a water/oxygen molecule discharging apparatus into the interior of a reaction chamber and carrying out a dehydration/deoxidation process in the interior of said reaction chamber so as to control water vapor partial pressure to become lower than 10−10 atm; depositing a metal film on a substrate by supplying a carrier gas or a plasma excitation gas whose water concentration has been controlled to become smaller than 1 PPB, whose oxygen partial pressure has been controlled to become lower than 10−21 atm into the interior of said reaction chamber; forming an insulating film on the wafer by oxidizing the metal film in a low-oxygen atmosphere whose oxygen partial pressure has been controlled to become lower than 10−20 atm.
US08597721B2
A touch fastener product has a base strip of resin carrying both mechanical fastener projections and adhesive, in some cases disposed on raised portions of the base strip. The fastener projections are arranged in discrete fields with lanes between the fields, and the adhesive is disposed within the lanes. The adhesive in each lane is shorter, as measured perpendicularly from the base strip, than the projections nearest the lane, by a distance that is less than ten percent of the width of the lane. In some cases molded stems extend through the adhesive in the lanes. The fastening face of the molded base strip is treated to give the fastening face a higher surface energy than the back face, to resist adhesive delamination during unspooling.
US08597709B2
One aspect of the invention provides dietary fiber compositions comprising effective amounts of glucomannan, xanthan gum, and alginate to produce a desired viscosity. The invention also provides food products comprising an effective amount of a dietary fiber composition. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for preparing a dietary fiber composition or a food product comprising a dietary fiber composition and methods for promoting satiety, promoting weight loss, lowering blood glucose levels, or lowering blood cholesterol levels in a mammal.
US08597702B1
A method to improve shelf life of a baked edible product includes baking dough in a sealable container that is provide with a lining of flexible material, thereby converting the dough into a baked edible product. Thereafter, a top surface of the baked edible product is covered using the flexible material and placed against a surface at baking temperature. The container may be inverted. Thereafter, the container and baked edible product is cooled in a dry and sterile atmosphere.
US08597697B2
Compositions including combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera for increasing the immune activity of certain target cytokines and phagocytosis, and reducing cortisol or corticosterone. Methods of improving immunity activity under periods of stress including chronic stress with a combination of β-glucan and Withania somnifera are also described. Particular combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera synergistically increases the immune activity of the cytokines IL-12 and IL-6 over expected values.
US08597696B2
A pharmaceutical composition characterized in that the composition contains at least 4 wt % relative to the total weight of the composition of an active principle selected from among cetearyl octanoate and hexanoic acid, beeswax and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s), as well as to the use thereof for the treatment of cutaneous pre-burns or burns and for reducing pain following a thermal shock.
US08597686B2
A porous cellulose aggregate which has a secondary aggregation structure formed by the aggregation of primary cellulose particles, has a pore volume within a particle of 0.265 cm3/g to 2.625 cm3/g, contains I type crystals, has an average particle diameter of more than 30 μm and 250 μm or less, has a specific surface area of 1.3 to 20 cm2/g, has an angle of repose of 25° or more and less than 44°, and has the property that it collapses in water.
US08597682B2
Method for manufacturing mesoporous materials, materials so produced and use of mesoporous materials
The present invention relates to a new synthetise for the preparation of mesoporous structures including mesoporous materials with chiral morphologies and mesoporous materials with local or surface chirality. The method can be used for manufacturing controlled drug delivery devices, for example for delivery of folic acid, and fluorescent particles.
US08597680B2
Methods and systems are provided for making a drug microtablet. The method includes loading a lyophilization capillary channel with a liquid drug solution; lyophilizing the liquid drug solution in the lyophilization capillary channel to produce a lyophilized drug formulation; compressing the lyophilized drug formulation in the lyophilization capillary channel, or in a compression capillary channel, to form a microtablet; and ejecting the microtablet from the lyophilization capillary channel or compression capillary channel. The methods and systems may provide drug microtablets having improved content uniformity and reduced weight variability.
US08597675B2
Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.
US08597662B2
The present invention pertains to the use of a non-live carbohydrate containing composition, the carbohydrate being also found in live Lawsonia intracellularis cells in association with the outer cell membrane of these cells, for the manufacture of a vaccine for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis, the vaccine being in a form suitable for systemic administration.
US08597655B2
The present invention relates to a polynucleotide construct encoding a fusion protein consisting of a domain which binds the immunoglobulin Fc region, genetically fused to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). In particular, the invention discloses the fusion protein, ZZ-PE38, and further provides immunotoxins, formed from complexes of the fusion protein with antibodies for targeted cell killing.
US08597653B2
A conjugate of a modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer without a core and a member of a binding pair is described. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain chain branches, terminal branches or both. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain random asymmetric branches or random asymmetric junctions. The binding pair can be an antibody, antigen or a ligand.
US08597652B2
The invention provides anti-HER antibodies, including multispecific anti-HER antibodies, compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies. Also provided herein are EGFR/HER3 multispecific antibodies that are less toxic than traditional EGFR antagonists.
US08597650B2
It provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising antagonists to the protein Bile Salt-Stimulated Lipase (BSSL) for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising BSSL antagonists and their use in methods for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Suitable BSSL antagonists to be used according to the invention are BSSL antibodies.
US08597648B2
The present invention provides a full human anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, the preparation method and use thereof. The antibody in the present invention has an amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and an amino acid sequence of light chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO: 8. The antibody in the present invention can be used to prepare medicines for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
US08597644B2
A method for treating psoriasis comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as, for example, an antibody against IL-6 receptor.
US08597640B2
The present invention provides methods for improving cognitive function, improving mood, and decreasing aggression in a normal adult subject, and in a subject having symptoms characteristic of a neurological disorder, by administration of a nutriceutical formulation of the invention to the subject. The invention additionally features methods of treating neurological disorders, depression, and aggression using nutriceutical formulations. Nutriceutical compositions and formulations for use in the methods of the invention, and kits containing nutriceutical compositions and formulations, are also provided.
US08597637B1
The invention discloses an engineered oncolytic respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), NS1 gene deficient RSV, and its usage to treat breast cancer by killing cancer cells with in vitro and in vivo evidences.
US08597632B2
The invention relates to anionic oligosaccharide conjugates that may be used to mimic the structure and/or activity of the anionic bioactive molecules known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
US08597631B2
The present invention relates to a linear self-eliminating oligomer comprising one or more cleavable triggers, linker units, effector units and a carrier, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said oligomer.
US08597629B1
The invention provides artificial tear compositions comprising one or more nonionic surfactants with one or more non-Newtonian viscosity enhancing excipients.
US08597625B2
The invention relates to aqueous compositions comprising an anionic surfactant and a hyperbranched polyesteramide comprising at least one secondary amide bond and having at least one quarternized amine end-group. The compositions, in particular in the form of shampoo preparations are suited for increasing the volume of hair treated therewith. Furthermore, such compositions provide styling attributes and increase the wet-combability of hair.
US08597622B2
The present invention relates to a deodorant cosmetic composition comprising: (a) at least one lipophilic salicylic acid derivative of formula (I) below, or a salt thereof: (b) at least one antiperspirant aluminum salt; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of less than 1/20. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating human perspiration and human body odor, in particular underarm perspiration and underarm odor, using this composition. The invention relates to the use of a combination of at least (a) one lipophilic salicylic acid derivative of formula (I), or a salt thereof, and of at least (b) one antiperspirant aluminum salt, in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of less than 1/20, as a deodorant active agent in a cosmetic composition.
US08597615B2
The present embodiments relate to methods of identifying and creating human or humanized antibodies that possess a reduced risk of inducing a Human Anti-Human Antibody (HAHA) response when they are applied to a human host. Other methods are directed to predicting the likelihood of a HAHA response occurring. Methods for screening for anti-HAHA compounds are also included. Methods for determining if various conditions for administering an antibody to a subject enhance or suppress a HAHA response are also included.
US08597605B2
A method for removing impurities from carbon nanotubes is described. Impurities may be removed from the carbon nanotubes by exposing the carbon nanotubes to a temperature, and controlling the temperature such that the temperature is constantly increasing to remove at least a portion of the impurities from the carbon nanotubes.
US08597604B2
Methods for the synthesis of tricalcium phosphates are presented, as well as a series of specific reaction parameters that can be adjusted to tailor, in specific ways, properties in the tricalcium phosphate precursor precipitate. Particulate tricalcium phosphate compositions having an average crystal size of about 250 nm or less are provided. Compositions of the invention can be used as prosthetic implants and coatings for prosthetic implants.
US08597603B2
The present invention provides a new method for decomposing and/or removing hazardous substances using a photocatalytic material. The method of the present invention is sufficiently useful in fields requiring quick decomposition and/or removal of hazardous substances in gas and/or liquid phases. The decomposition method of the present invention using a photocatalytic material enables significantly efficient and rapid decomposition of hazardous substances in gas and/or liquid phases by causing a photocatalytic material to coexist with a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution.
US08597594B2
An apparatus for fragmenting nucleic acid. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir that comprises a fluid having nucleic acids. The apparatus can also include a shear wall that is positioned within the sample reservoir. The shear wall includes a porous core medium that has pores that are sized to permit nucleic acids to flow therethrough. The apparatus also includes first and second chambers that are separated by the shear wall. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with each other through the porous core medium of the shear wall. Also, the apparatus may include first and second electrodes that are located within the first and second chambers, respectively. The first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field that induces a flow of the sample fluid. The nucleic acids move through the shear wall thereby fragmenting the nucleic acids.
US08597592B2
An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.
US08597587B2
Method for the manufacture of carbon nanotubes by thermal decomposition of at least one gaseous hydrocarbon (14) in the presence of a solid catalyst in a reactor (4) into which the catalyst is introduced via an inlet lock chamber (17) flushed by an inert gas (21, 22, 25, 26) and from which the carbon nanotubes are withdrawn via an outlet lock chamber (37) which is flushed with a flow of inert gas (39, 40).
US08597586B2
A shell-and-tube reactor is disclosed. Contact tubes are disposed within a cylindrical housing and are secured to tube plates. Gas and liquid phases are received via a feed opening in a lower end cap and discharged via an upper end cap in the housing. A distributor device for a gas phase/liquid phase mixture is disposed below the lowermost tube plate. The distributor device includes a distributor plate and a predistributor. The distributor plate is arranged horizontally within the housing and includes an active area having through-openings and a downward-extending margin, but does not extend over the entire cross section of the housing. The predistributor includes a second distributor plate disposed between the feed opening and the first distributor plate, wherein the second distributor plate includes a second active area with second through-openings and a second downward-extending margin.
US08597581B2
A system may include a sulfur recovery unit. The sulfur recovery unit may include an acid gas supply, which may supply acid gas, an oxygen supply, which may supply oxygen, a fuel supply, which may supply fuel. The fuel may have a higher heating value than the acid gas. Also, the sulfur recovery unit may include a thermal reaction zone, which may thermally recover sulfur from the acid gas by combustion of the fuel and the acid gas with the oxygen and through reaction of the acid gas with combustion products arising from the combustion.
US08597579B1
A molecularly imprinted polymer denuder sensor that includes a trapping solution; a delivery device transporting the trapping solution; a denuder operatively connected to the trapping solution and contacting ambient air, wherein the denuder infuses the sample into the trapping solution; a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor operatively connected to the denuder, wherein the MIP sensor captures and detects the threat material; an excitation source operatively connected to the MIP sensor and having an excitation band, wherein the excitation band excites europium (or other signal transducing lanthanide or metal ion) in the MIP when it is bound to the threat material providing unique emission band(s); and an analytical device operatively connected to the MIP sensor, wherein the analytical device senses the presence of the threat material in the sample.
US08597578B2
The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.
US08597573B2
A fluid flow characteristic regulator (58) which provides a variable volume flow path in which a fluid flow can be continuously adjusted by a control fluid (57) to regulate at least one fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow (11) within the variable volume flow path.
US08597571B2
Electrolytic eluent recycle systems for ion chromatography using a multi-channel electrolytic ion exchange device which integrates suppression, eluent generation, and eluent recycle. The systems recycle the eluent into the analytical system without passing the eluent through the electrode chambers. Also, such systems with a channel for electrolytic removal of ions from the suppression effluent before recycle.
US08597566B2
A non-shortening catheter balloon having a longitudinal axis and an inflatable balloon able to be affixed to a catheter shaft is provided. The balloon has an uninflated length which remains relatively unchanged upon inflation and is formed of least two helically oriented wrapped passes of balloon materials at a balanced force angle. Methods of making this balloon are also provided.
US08597563B2
The present invention provides methods for making shapeable composite materials or shaped articles from recycled materials comprising forming a crumb slurry by, in any order, increasing the particle size of a composition comprising white water waste from one or more emulsion or dispersion polymer and combining the white water waste polymer with one or more waste thermoset material, preferably, ground tire rubber (GTR), and, then processing the combined material wet or dry as a thermoplastic to form the composite material or article. Additionally, shaped articles and composite materials can be made from substantially all recycled waste materials, such as white water waste from acrylic or vinyl polymer emulsions and waste rubber vulcanizates. The composite materials can consist essentially of reshapeable materials, i.e. without crosslinking agents, thermosettable compositions or compatibilizers to provide reshapeable or recyclable articles.
US08597562B2
A process comprising: placing a preform stack in a cavity of a molding tool; the preform stack comprising a fiber mat, and at least a first veil underlying the fiber mat, and a first resin impregnating at least the fiber mat, and wherein at least a portion of the first resin is cured; injecting a second resin into the cavity of the molding tool and over at least the fiber mat; applying heat and pressure to the preform stack and second resin to cure any uncured portion of the first resin and to cure the second resin to form a composite having a resin layer over the fiber mat as the cosmetic surface.
US08597561B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a pneumatic tire, that does not cause an air-in phenomenon between an inner liner and an insulation or carcass by preventing adhesion of an inner liner to a bladder. The method for producing a pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes the following steps. A green tire using, as an inner liner, a polymer composition in which a polymer component contains 100 to 60% by mass of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer and 0 to 40% by mass of a polyamide-based polymer that contains polyamide in the molecular chain and has a Shore D hardness of 70 or less is prepared. The green tire is mounted in a mold and vulcanized while being pressurized by a bladder. The resultant vulcanized tire is cooled at 10 to 120° C. for 10 to 300 seconds.
US08597552B2
An apparatus for forming particles from a liquid, including a rotor assembly having at least one surface sized and shaped so as to define at least one capillary. Each capillary has an inner region adjacent an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly, an outer region distal from the axis of rotation, and an edge adjacent the outer region. The rotor assembly is configured to be rotated at an angular velocity selected such that when the liquid is received in the inner region of the at least one capillary, the liquid will move from the inner region to the outer region, adopt an unsaturated condition on the at least one surface such that the liquid flows as a film along the at least one surface and does not continuously span the capillary, and, upon reaching the edge, separates from the at least one surface to form at least one particle.
US08597548B2
Solvent systems and dispersions including such solvent systems for use in compositions including metals and inks are provided. In certain examples, the solvent systems may be used with capped metal particles to provide a dispersion that may be used to print conductive lines.
US08597547B2
This invention relates to a process for preparing an electrically conductive composite comprising the weight ratio of carbon to polymer of greater than 0.11. The process comprises the steps of mixing non-predispersed carbon with an emulsion comprising a polymer in a liquid solvent to obtain a dispersion of the carbon within the polymer matrix, wherein the weight ratio of carbon to polymer is greater than 0.11; and removing the liquid solvent from the dispersion. The invention also relates to conductive polymer composites prepared by the process.
US08597542B2
The invention relates to luminous substances which contain Eu2+ doping and at least one silicate mineral from the garnet group and/or a mono and/or polycrystalline yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) and/or a luminous substance derived from Y3Al5O12 by partial or complete substitution, and to the production and use thereof.
US08597540B2
The invention provides chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions and methods for polishing a silicon-containing substrate. A method of the invention comprises the steps of contacting a silicon-containing substrate with a polishing pad and an aqueous CMP composition, and causing relative motion between the polishing pad and the substrate while maintaining a portion of the CMP composition in contact with the surface of the substrate to abrade at least a portion of the substrate. The CMP composition comprises a ceria abrasive, a polishing additive bearing a functional group with a pKa of about 4 to about 9, a nonionic surfactant with an hydrophilic portion and a lipophilic portion wherein the hydrophilic portion has a number average molecular weight of about 500 g/mol or higher, and an aqueous carrier, wherein the pH of the composition is 7 or less. The method reduces defects on the wafers, particularly local areas of high removal. The method is also useful for polishing dielectric silicon-containing substrates at a high rate relative to semiconductor silicon-containing substrates.
US08597538B2
The invention provides a composition for slicing a substrate using a wire saw wherein the composition comprises a liquid carrier and an abrasive. The invention further provides methods of slicing a substrate using a wire saw and a composition.
US08597521B1
This invention relates to a method for selective removal of silica and silicon containing compounds from solutions that include silica and silicon containing compounds, including geothermal brines.
US08597517B2
A process for recovering ionic liquids comprising the steps of: providing a first ionic liquid mixture, the first ionic liquid having a halogen metallate anion, the mixture containing an organic solvent; adjusting the pH of the mixture to pH 7-10 by the addition of a base to form a first precipitate; separating the first precipitate from the mixture; removing the organic solvent from the first mixture to form a second precipitate and separating the second precipitate from the first mixture; acidifying the resulting mixture to pH 2-7 by the addition of an acid; and drying the mixture to obtain a second ionic liquid having a halogen anion.
US08597511B2
A profiled strip for the installation in honeycomb-like separator packages and a honeycomb-like separator package formed by a plurality of profiled strips are described. The profiled strip has two long base sides and two connection sides. It is distinguished by the fact that a single groove connection portion is respectively arranged at the free ends of the connection sides and a single tongue connection portion is respectively arranged at the ends of the base sides that abut the connection sides, or vice versa. By this, corresponding separator packages can be assembled very simple.
US08597496B2
A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and at least one catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product. The hydrocarbon-containing feedstock, the catalyst(s), and the hydrogen are provided to a mixing zone and blended in the mixing zone at a temperature of from 375° C. to 500° C. A vapor comprised of hydrocarbons that are vaporizable at the temperature and pressure within the mixing zone is separated from the mixing zone, and, apart from the mixing zone, the vapor is condensed to produce a liquid hydrocarbon-containing product. The hydrocarbon-containing feedstock is continuously or intermittently provided to the mixing zone at a rate of at least 350 kg/hr per m3 of the mixture volume in the mixing zone.
US08597492B2
A method and system for detecting a DNA strand using carbon nanotubes or nanowires. A specific single strand of template DNA serves as a probe for its complementary strand in a solution containing DNA segments to be tested. The single-stranded sequence-specific DNA probe segment, whose ends are modified with amine, is attached between two carbon nanotubes/nanowires. When complementary strands representing DNA segments under test are brought near the probe strands, a dielectrophoresis (DEP) field may enhance the probability of selective hybridization between the complimentary target DNA and probe DNA. A change in electrical conductance in the probe strand occurs upon hybridization of the complementary target DNA with the single probe strand. This conductance change may be measured using the two carbon nanotubes or nano-dimensional electrodes. By exploiting nano-dimensional electrodes and single strand probe DNA, the proposed system is capable of accurately detecting a single molecule of DNA.
US08597489B2
Conventional electrochemical machining process requires fixed shaped tool cathodes, which makes retooling time consuming and expensive. Flexible tool cathodes include elastically deformable cathodes that can deform in two or three dimensions and can adapt to the contour of the workpiece while the workpiece is moving relative to the flexible tool cathode. That is, the flexible tool cathode can perform tracing. Certain flexible tool cathodes can be also used for special configurations such corners and edges. The flexible tool cathodes can be used to polish, finish, or shape the workpiece through electrochemical processes.
US08597487B2
Provided is a method of producing an aluminum structure using a porous resin molded body having a three-dimensional network structure, with which it is possible to form an aluminum structure having a low oxide content in the surface of aluminum (i.e., having an oxide film with a small thickness), and in particular, it is possible to obtain an aluminum porous body that has a large area. The method includes a step of preparing an aluminum-coated resin molded body in which an aluminum layer is formed, directly or with another layer therebetween, on a surface of a resin molded body composed of urethane, and a step of decomposing the resin molded body by bringing the aluminum-coated resin molded body into contact with concentrated nitric acid with a concentration of 62% or more.
US08597486B2
The present invention refers to a droplet-based miniaturized device with on-demand droplet-trapping, -fusion, and -releasing. The device makes use of different electrical fields for directing droplets into microwells and releasing them from the same. In another aspect, the present invention refers to a system comprising such a microfluidic device and a method of operating it.
US08597478B2
To provide a sputtering target structure which has good machinability and thermal conductivity and has good wettability with soldering materials, which is inexpensive and can be used repeatedly for a long period of time, and which is free from problems of cracking and peeling of the sputtering target therein, a sputtering target structure is formed by bonding a sputtering target and a backing plate. The backing plate is formed of a material that has the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between it and the sputtering target material of at most 2×10−6/K, and a copper plate having a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.5 mm is disposed on at lest one face of the backing plate.
US08597472B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. Hydrocarbon-containing materials are also used as feedstocks.
US08597469B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, including the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of the layer until the amount in weight of the fibers in the layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing the layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying the embossed layer using a drying system to form a web of tissue paper.
US08597463B2
An inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber for accommodating a target substrate to be processed and performing plasma processing thereon, a mounting table provided in the processing chamber for mounting thereon the target substrate, a processing gas supply system for supplying a processing gas into the processing chamber and a gas exhaust system for exhausting the inside of the processing chamber. Further, in the inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus, a high frequency antenna is provided to form an inductive electric field in the processing chamber and a first high frequency power supply is provided to supply a high frequency power to the high frequency antenna. A metal window made of a nonmagnetic and conductive material is formed between the high frequency antenna and the processing chamber while being insulated from a main body which forms the processing chamber.
US08597460B2
An adhesion method capable of strongly adhering two members without using an adhesive and without impairing a fine structure or optical properties of a joining surface, and a biochemical chip and optical component made by the same are provided. The adhesion method includes step A of forming a coating film 13 of a first film compound having a first functional group on a first joining surface 11 of a first member 21, step B of forming a coating film 14 of a second film compound having a second functional group on a second joining surface 12 of a second member 22, and step C of bringing the first joining surface 11 into contact by pressure with the second joining surface 12 while bringing a coupling agent having at least one coupling reactive group that forms a bond by a coupling reaction with the first functional group and the second functional group into contact with the first and second functional groups to form bonds by the coupling reaction.
US08597459B2
There is provided a conductive paste obtained by kneading conductive particles into an epoxy resin and having good filling ability into a via hole, which can form a connected portion wherein the connection resistance does not change with time even under high temperature and high humidity conditions. Also, there is provided a method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board using the conductive paste.A conductive paste containing conductive particles and a resin mixture wherein the content of the epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 10,000 or more is from 30 to 90% by weight in the total resin component and whose elastic modulus at 85° C. after curing is 2 GPa or less, the content of the conductive particle being from 30 to 75% by volume. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board using the conductive paste.
US08597458B2
A manufacturing method for a composite sheet which includes: conveying a first continuous sheet in a first direction so as to abut a depressed surface of a mold member; forming an absorbent body by depositing liquid-absorbent particles on a portion of the first sheet proximal to a suction hole of the mold; and joining a second sheet over the first sheet having the absorbent body that is deposited therebetween, the second sheet being continuously transported in the first direction. A plurality of opposed slope members guide the liquid-absorbent particles onto the first sheet located on the mold member. At least one of the plurality of slope members causes the liquid-absorbent particles to reverse their falling direction from an upper slope member.
US08597457B2
A laminated piezoelectric element includes plural internal electrodes which are laminated and a dead area at outer regions thereof. The laminated piezoelectric element has first and second end surfaces in an expansion direction thereof. In bonding a first bonded surface of a piezoelectric element fixing portion to the first end surface, a bonding method includes forming a first adhesive accumulation in the first bonded surface, accumulating an adhesive agent in the first adhesive accumulation, and bonding the first end surface to the first bonded surface. In bonding a vibration friction element to the second end surface, the bonding method includes forming, in a second bonded surface of the vibration friction element, a positioning guide hole for guiding the second end surface of the laminated piezoelectric element and a second adhesive accumulation, accumulating the adhesive agent in the second adhesive accumulation, and bonding the second end surface to the vibration friction portion.
US08597453B2
This invention provides a method of producing a highly electrically conductive sheet molding compound (SMC) composition and a fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate made from such a composition. The plate exhibits a conductivity typically greater than 100 S/cm and more typically greater than 200 S/cm. In one preferred embodiment, the method comprises: (a) providing a continuous sheet of a substrate material (bottom sheet) and a continuous sheet of flexible graphite (top sheet) from respective rollers; (b) feeding a resin mixture (comprising a thermoset resin and a conductive filler) to a space between the top sheet and the bottom sheet in such a way that the resin mixture forms a uniform core layer sandwiched between the two sheets to obtain a laminated structure; (c) compressing the laminated structure to obtain a SMC composition having two opposite outer surfaces; and (e) impressing a fluid flow channel to either or both of the outer surfaces (e.g., via embossing or matched-die molding) and curing the thermoset resin to obtain the plate.
US08597439B2
A high-strength cold rolled steel sheet contains:0.10 to 0.28% of C,1.0 to 2.0% of Si,1.0 to 3.0% of Mn, and0.03 to 0.10% of Nb in terms of % by mass,Al is controlled to 0.5 or less, P is controlled to 0.15% or less, and S is controlled to 0.02% or less, and residual austenite accounts for 5 to 20%, bainitic ferrite accounts for 50% or more, and polygonal ferrite accounts for 30% or less (containing 0%), of the entire structure, and a mean number of residual austenite blocks is 20 or more as determined when the random area (15 μm×15 μm) is observed by EBSP (electron back scatter diffraction pattern).
US08597436B2
An aqua comb used with a hose for thoroughly and quickly cleaning, rinsing and combing the hair of both humans and animals. The aqua comb comprises four design elements: 1) a rotating hose nut with internal seal that is employed to attach the aqua comb to various hose endings, 2) an on/off valve for controlling fluid flow through the aqua comb, 3) an elongated and rigid fluid spray body with fluid discharge openings, and 4) a semi-rigid comb member positioned above the discharge openings to lift hair and allow fluid spray to reach scalp and skin thereunder. The core design element of the aqua comb is the presentation angle and comb member structure which work in concert with the fluid spray discharged from the fluid spray openings in its elongated spray body to multiply and leverage mechanical cleaning and combing action.
US08597434B2
A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
US08597427B2
A semiconductor device is provided which is constituted by semiconductor devices including a thin film transistor with a GOLD structure, the GOLD structure thin film transistor being such that: a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode are formed in lamination from the side closer to a substrate; the gate electrode is constituted of a first-layer gate electrode and a second-layer gate electrode shorter in the size than the first-layer gate electrode; the first-layer gate electrode corresponding to the region exposed from the second-layer gate electrode is formed into a tapered shape so as to be thinner toward the end portion; a first impurity region is formed in the semiconductor layer corresponding to the region with the tapered shape; and a second impurity region having the same conductivity as the first impurity region is formed in the semiconductor layer corresponding to the outside of the first-layer gate electrode, which is characterized in that a dry etching process consisting of one step or two steps is applied to the formation of the gate electrode.
US08597422B2
The present invention relates to a light, biodegradable, organic pigment and filler, and a method of manufacturing it. According to the present invention, a solution comprising a starch derivative is first prepared by dissolving the starch derivative into a suitable solvent, and, after that, the solution is brought into contact with a non-solvent to precipitate the starch derivative from the solvent, and, as a result, a dispersion is obtained, one which comprises a precipitate consisting of starch derivative and a liquid phase formed of the solvent and the non-solvent, after which the solvent is removed from the liquid phase and the precipitate is separated from the non-solvent and recovered. The present invention can be used to manufacture both a product comprising 100-300 nm spherical particles, which is suitable for use as a pigment, and a coral-like, porous product which is particularly suitable as a filler.
US08597421B2
Provided are a cellulose resin composition and cellulose resin film which are free from the problem of bleeding even when containing a plasticizer in a relatively large amount.The present invention relates to a cellulose resin composition obtained by adding (A) polyester plasticizer to a cellulose resin, wherein the aforementioned (A) polyester plasticizer is obtained by allowing a polybasic acid and a polyalcohol to react and 80 mol % or more of said polybasic acid is a succinic acid and an adipic acid. The present invention also relates to a cellulose resin film obtained from the cellulose-based resin composition.
US08597419B2
Disclosed are compositions and processes for the preservation of porous materials, particularly porous fibrous materials, such as wood, wood composites, other processed wood materials, paper, board, card, textiles, rope, cordage and leather. Also for horticultural and agricultural application to plants or growing media prevent the growth and spread of fungal and other disease. The compositions contain salts of one or more preservative metals and carboxylic acids having one or a plurality of hydroxyl groups rendered soluble by means of complex formation with boric acid or a water soluble salt thereof. Application of the compositions of this invention to the porous organic material may be by any means used with conventional preservative solutions, for example soaking, spraying, brushing and vacuum or pressure application or other contact of the solution with the material to be treated.
US08597415B2
Disclosed herein are an electric precipitator, which efficiently charges dust particles without lowering dust collecting efficiency, although a velocity of an air current is not uniform, and an air cleaner having the same. The electric precipitator includes a charger unit including at least two charge cells to charge dust particles contained in air, and a collector unit to collect the dust particles charged by the charger unit. The at least two charge cells include a first cell, through which the dust particles pass at a first velocity, and a second cell, through which the dust particles pass at a second velocity different from the first velocity.
US08597414B2
A separation device with a gas inlet port that accepts an inlet gas. The inlet gas is composed of a mixture of at least two separable particle components with each component having a different mass. A rotating separation rotor accepts the inlet gas and uses a separator to substantially separate the gas according to mass into two fractions, a heavier and a lighter fraction. One of the fractions is passed to a second separator that further separates that fraction into another two fractions consisting of heavier and lighter fractions. The desired fractions are collected and exhausted from the separation device for use.
US08597403B2
An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.
US08597401B2
An exhausting method includes determining an exhaust flow rate of a process gas to be a predetermined value that is less than or equal to a gas flow rate corresponding to a maximum process capability of a purification system when the process gas is diluted to a lower explosive limit; calculating a pressure drop amount per unit time to maintain the determined exhaust flow rate of the process gas, based on a relation between the exhaust flow rate and the pressure drop amount per unit time; and evacuating an inside of the chamber to maintain the determined exhaust flow rate, while controlling the pressure through an automatic pressure control valve by setting a target pressure value to be updated as a control value of the automatic pressure control valve at every predetermined time interval so as to achieve a calculated pressure drop amount per unit time.
US08597395B2
A method of regulating plant genes is provided. The method provides improved drought stress or salinity stress for plants. The method comprises treating a part of a plant or the locus thereof with a composition of matter, the composition of matter comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of compounds of natural organic material of defined composition.
US08597389B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of a filtration lighting system. In one embodiment, the filtration lighting system includes at least one light source, a circulation fan, at least one air filter, and a housing. The housing includes at least one air inlet and is configured to house the light source, the circulation fan, and the at least one air filter.
US08597383B2
A catalytic membrane reactor assembly for producing a hydrogen stream from a feed stream having liquid hydrocarbons, steam, and an oxygen source through the use of an autothermal reforming reaction, a water-gas-shift reaction, and a hydrogen permeable membrane.
US08597380B2
Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.
US08597378B2
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
US08597376B2
Provided are a porous valve metal thin film having a great surface area, a method for the production thereof, and a thin film capacitor having a great capacity density utilizing the thin film as an anode. The porous valve metal thin film is produced by preparing a thin film in which a valve metal and a hetero-phase component have a particle diameter within a range of from 1 nm to 1 μm and the valve metal and the hetero-phase component are uniformly distributed, subjecting the thin film to a heat treatment so as to adjust the particle diameter and to appropriately sinter the film, and removing the hetero-phase portion.
US08597371B2
The invention provides an agent for lightening keratinic fibers, the agent containing in a cosmetic carrier (i) at least one acyl pyridinium derivative of formula (I), (ii) at least one cationic polysaccharide, and (iii) at least hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent.
US08597370B2
Artificial hand suitable for robotic applications or as a prosthesis, comprising a frame with a thumb and at least two fingers, and having a motor drive for adjusting the thumb and the fingers with respect to the frame, wherein the motor drive has a housing and an axle which is rotatably positioned within the housing, and wherein the housing is mounted in a first bearing supported by the frame to enable that the housing may rotate with regard to the frame, and that the thumb and fingers are drivingly connected with the housing and the axle respectively.
US08597369B2
The present invention relates to a system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any surface without overbalancing. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography.
US08597368B2
A tubular liner has an open proximal end and a closed-end distal area, and a fabric layer continuously defining an exterior surface of the liner without interruption. A polymeric layer having first and second surfaces is bonded to an interior surface of the fabric layer. A seam is formed by opposed sides of the fabric layer joined together and forming an excess portion directed toward the cavity of the liner. The excess portion is embedded in the polymeric layer.
US08597362B2
Pathologies of joints arising from improper force distributions are addressed by displacement of targeted connective and muscle tissues surrounding the joint in order to realign force vectors and alter moment arms loading the joint.
US08597355B2
A medical device includes a base ring configured to be implanted within a body of a patient. The base ring provides a contact surface to a vertebrae. Multiple layers of multiple leveling plates are configured to equalize forces applied to the contact surface of the base ring, where at least one of the layers of the leveling plates engages an inner surface of the base ring. A layer of multiple pads is included with a top surface of the pads configured to maintain a parallel plane and a bottom surface of each of the multiple pads is configured to engage a top surface of one of the layers of the leveling plates. A cover is configured to enclose the multiple layers of the leveling plates, the layer of the multiple pads and the base ring. The cover provides a contact surface to a vertebrae.
US08597350B2
Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of, and providing power for and to, implantable ventricular assist devices which includes a pump employing a brushless DC motor-driven blood pump, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a control system for driving an implantable blood pump is provided. The digital processor is responsive to data associated with the operation of the pump received at the data transfer pump, and from program data stored in the memory, (i) to determine therefrom, the identity of the pump, (ii) to determine therefrom, electrical characteristics and features of the identified pump, and (iii) to adaptively generate and apply to the data port, control signals for driving the identified pump.
US08597346B2
A method of temporarily reducing the diameter of a stent graft (10) and a stent graft with its diameter reduced. The stent graft has a tubular body and self expanding stents. The method comprising extending a release wire (18, 20) part helically along the graft material tube from substantially one side of the graft material tube at one end (14) of the graft material tube to substantially the opposite side of the graft material tube at the other end (12) of the graft material tube along the stent graft and stitching the release wire into the graft material tube, at each of a number of positions along the release wire looping flexible threads (22, 24) around the release wire and extending the flexible threads laterally around the circumference of the stent graft in each direction to a position away from the release wire, engaging the first flexible threads into the graft material or around struts of the stent, and drawing the ends of the thread together and tying ends of the thread to thereby temporarily reduce the overall diameter of the stent graft.
US08597339B2
An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.
US08597337B2
A device and method are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. In certain embodiments, a device for the fusion of joints preferably allows for one or more of various angled positions, and the particular angle may differ for different joints. The device is preferably a bendable implant device for fusing together bones or a joint.
US08597335B2
Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.
US08597324B2
A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The elongated member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. A material forms two curved legs having ends positionable external of the vessel. The legs curve in different directions and a retention portion is formed in the material to retain the legs during placement of the elongated member inside the vessel.
US08597318B2
A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction.
US08597317B2
The invention provides a single surgical procedure by using autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and cartilage fragments to solve problems of contamination during incubation of chondrocytes and transplant rejection in vivo, which has the benefit of a more efficient and shorter recovery time. The invention also provides a device for easily and rapidly cutting cartilage to cartilage fragments so as to reduce contamination of the implant and infection.
US08597315B2
An atherectomy catheter is provided for excising and imaging material in a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a catheter body, a cutting blade, and an imaging device. The cutting blade is mounted on the catheter body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to an aperture or cutting window. When the cutting blade is in the second position, the blade substantially closes the aperture on the catheter body. The imaging device which is mounted on or otherwise coupled to the cutting blade is configured to be in an imaging position when the cutting blade substantially closes the aperture or cutter window. This allows the imaging device to survey material within the cutting zone of the atherectomy catheter. By allowing the imaging device to view materials within this cutting zone, material may be imaged and then removed from the body lumen without having to reposition the catheter between each step.
US08597303B2
A retrieval device is provided for retrieving stones, calculi, and other objects from a body. The device allows for a retrieval basket to be articulated and extended simultaneously. The device also allows for the basket to be articulated and retracted simultaneously. The device comprises a body, an articulator movably connected to the body, a first and a second wire having distal ends, and a tool disposed at the distal end of the first and second wire.
US08597300B2
A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone.
US08597292B2
The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
US08597281B2
The invention relates to a method for producing cuts in a transparent material, in particular in the cornea, by creating optical openings in said material by means of laser radiation that is focused in said material, whereby the focal point is displaced in order to produce the cut from a surface grid-type array of optical openings arranged in sequence. The focal point is displaced along a trajectory and optical openings along said trajectory that are adjacent are not produced immediately after one another. In addition, the surface grid-type array of optical openings is constructed from at least two sub-grids, the optical openings of which are processed sequentially grid by grid.
US08597275B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for inserting flexible, multi-lumen catheters into blood vessels, and in particular, for inserting flexible, split-tip catheters into blood vessels. The invention accomplishes these objects by temporarily stiffening each catheter lumen and tip independently through use of intra-catheter stiffener elements disposed within the catheter lumens. This provides means for advancing the catheter/stiffeners assembly through a subcutaneous tunnel, and over a plurality of guidewires until a distal tip of the catheter is at a desired position within the vessel. The intra-catheter stiffener elements are sufficiently stiffening to allow advancing the catheter over guidewires, but sufficiently flexible to allow bending and looping of the catheter for proper placement within the vessel.
US08597266B2
A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The waste collection device includes a substantially opaque collection bag with a transparent section.
US08597263B2
A lotion application compartment (10) includes an apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further comprises of one or more of the following: a structure for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); a structure for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); a structure for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and a structure for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation. A lotion application compartment (10) consisting of apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further includes of one or more of the following: a structure for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); a structure for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); a structure for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and a structure for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation.
US08597260B2
A regional anesthesia catheter used with a guide such as for example a needle cannula has a distal portion integrally connected to a main portion of the catheter by a junction portion that has a cross-sectional profile different from the distal and main portions, so as to predispose the distal portion of the catheter to move in a given direction when the distal portion is not guided by or constrained by the needle cannula. The cross-sectional profile of the junction portion may be configured in a particular shape, or be constructed to have a flexibility that predisposes the distal portion to bend, curve or move toward a given direction. Once the predisposed direction to which the distal end of the catheter points is known, a physician can readily orient the catheter relative to the needle cannula so that once the distal end of the catheter exits the distal tip of the needle cannula, with the cannula already placed in a position proximate to the desired location to which the distal end of the catheter is to be placed, the physician can readily place the distal end of the catheter at the desired location within the patient. Instead of only one junction portion, a number of portions of a catheter may be configured to bend at a predefined direction. Further, a catheter may be configured to have a cross sectional profile or a predefined flexibility along its entire length that causes the catheter to bend, curve or move in a predefined direction.
US08597252B2
A needle hub and catheter assembly are disclosed herein. The needle hub includes an introducer needle having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle hub is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. A flash chamber is removably coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. An interior of the flash chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the introducer needle when the flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. As such, the flash chamber can collect a sample of blood that can be accessed when the flash chamber is removed. In some instances, the blood can also be dispensed from the flash chamber into a test strip or other testing device.
US08597251B2
A surgical access device or trocar defines an access channel for instruments extending from a proximal end to the distal end thereof. The trocar comprises a cannula and a seal assembly disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal assembly comprises a first or zero seal, a second or instrument seal, and a trocar shield disposed proximally of the first seal and the second seal. The first seal seals the access channel in the absence of an instrument extending therethrough. The second seal seals the access channel in the presence of an instrument extending therethrough. The trocar shield protects the first seal and second seal from damage as an instrument is advanced through the access channel. The trocar shield comprises an open proximal end and a tapered distal end comprising a plurality of longitudinal pleats, converging in an opening.
US08597249B2
Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.
US08597238B2
An enhanced cross stream mechanical thrombectomy catheter having a distal end with outflow and inflow orifices at one side for producing concentrated cross stream jet flow for selective and concentrated thrombus ablation during thrombectomy procedures. A multidirectional fluid jet emanator positioned within the distal catheter lumen comprises high velocity fluid jets which produce jet flow that is directed toward distal and proximal ends of the catheter. Jet flow directed toward the proximal end provides a region of low pressure near an inflow orifice which acts to pull thrombotic particulate from the vasculature. The invention provides for suitable distancing of high powered ablation or suction forces from the near walls of the vasculature. Cross stream flow emanating from one side of the catheter distal end urges the opposing non-orificed side of the catheter distal end toward and against the vascular wall to inhibit contact of the inflow orifice with the vascular wall.
US08597235B2
A feeding apparatus includes a food container having an open end and a closed end. A plurality of apertures is formed on the container. A first coupling member has an opening in communication with the container open end. A second coupling member cooperates with the first coupling member and movable between an open configuration allowing food to pass through the opening and into the container, and a sealed configuration where the second coupling member covers and seals the open end of the container. The container is made of a soft resilient material, and the apertures and the container are sized and shaped such that normally the container stays in its original shape and the food stays inside the container. The container collapses by external force during feeding, and returns to its original shape upon release of the force.
US08597229B2
Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler systems and methods are disclosed. The APD cycler can include a heater tray with load cells configured to measure the weight of fluid contained within a heater bag and/or a drain bag. The load cells can be toggleable between enabled and disabled configurations. The APD cycler can include a pressure-based volume measurement system, which can be used to confirm measurements made by the load cells. In some embodiments, the APD cycler can have algorithms for tracking an estimated patient volume to prevent overfilling the patient.
US08597224B2
An intragastric anchor implant device is provided with a substantially rigid member having proximal and distal ends and atraumatic tips or features disposed near the proximal and distal ends. The atraumatic features prevent damage to the tissues of the stomach and the gastrointestinal track and may help to anchor the device in the stomach, while the substantially rigid member resists bending so as to engage a tissue of the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract to prevent passage through the stomach. The anchor implant device is coupled with a therapeutic device, typically a sleeve, such as an intestinal bypass sleeve. Ideally, the device includes a sliding seal to direct a flow of food particles from the stomach through the sleeve, so as to be useful in treating a disorder, including obesity and diabetes. Methods of deploying the anchor implant devices are also disclosed.
US08597220B2
A pincer nail correction tool for remedying a pincer nail of a toe as the nail grows by bonding a necessary part separated from the body to the pincer nail. The tool includes a flat operating portion gripped before the necessary part is bonded and rotated in the direction in which the pincer nail is remedied, a thin-sheet abutting portion extending from the flat surface on one side of the operating portion and projecting straight toward the distal end, a thin-sheet engaging portion narrower than the abutting portion in the surface direction and extending from the surface on the other side of the operating portion substantially parallel with the abutting portion, and a bottom extending from one end face of the operating portion toward the distal end and connecting the abutting portion with the engaging portion to form a J-shaped cross-section. The projection length of the abutting portion is longer than that of the engaging portion.
US08597209B2
A foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly includes at least one sole unit having an imaginary transverse line dividing the sole unit into front- and rear-half regions. The rear-half region includes left and right rear-half sections, and a heel area spanning rear portions of the left and right rear-half sections. A foot arch correction device is mounted detachably to the sole unit. At least one balancing pad is mounted detachably within the sole unit below the foot arch correction device, and at a predetermined location in at least one of the left and right rear-half sections to maintain foot balance for a user.
US08597208B2
A method for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a part of a subject is provided. An invasive or non-invasive sample of blood may used for this determination. Also provided is a device for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a subject.
US08597201B2
A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.
US08597193B2
An endovascular access and guidance system has an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end; a non-imaging ultrasound transducer on the elongate body configured to provide in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the vasculature of the patient; an endovascular electrogram lead on the elongate body in a position that, when the elongate body is in the vasculature, the endovascular electrogram lead electrical sensing segment provides an in vivo electrogram signal of the patient; a processor configured to receive and process a signal from the non-imaging ultrasound transducer and a signal from the endovascular electrogram lead; and an output device configured to display a result of information processed by the processor.
US08597191B2
A processor generates a first Doppler spectrum image representing the velocity of a moving body at each observation point by analyzing the frequency of signals received at the plurality of observation points acquired via Doppler scanning. An interpolator acquires a second Doppler spectrum image consecutively at each observation point time when the ultrasound has not been transmitted to and received from each observation point by the Doppler scanner transmitting and receiving the ultrasound toward and from the plurality of observation points at a plurality of respective times, based on interpolation of the first Doppler spectrum image at each observation point. The interpolator generates a third Doppler spectrum at each observation point by combining the first Doppler spectrum at each observation point and the second Doppler spectrum image at each observation point per observation point.
US08597190B2
Some embodiments provide a system for synchronizing and configuring monitoring devices. In some embodiments, a patient monitoring device settings module is configured to automatically provide configuration settings to a plurality of patient monitoring devices. A monitoring device data module is configured to receive measurement data from at least one of the patient monitoring devices. An electronic medical records system interface is configured to provide patient data at least partially derived from the received measurement data to an electronic medical records system. A patient records interface is configured to provide patient data to at least one of the patient monitoring devices.
US08597189B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08597185B2
Improved human health monitoring is provided in the context of sensor measurements of typical vital signs and other biological parameters, by a system and method using an empirical model of the parameters and disposed to estimate values of the parameters in response to actual measurements. Residuals resulting from the difference between the estimates and actual measurements are analyzed for robust indications of incipient health issues. Residual analysis is both more robust and more sensitive than conventional univariate range checking on vital signs.
US08597179B2
An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion inserted into a body, an optical member arranged exposed from an outside surface at a distal end of the insertion portion, an objective optical system that condenses light impinged from the optical member, an electronic image pickup circuit that photoelectrically converts the light condensed by the objective optical system, a heat absorbing section arranged in the vicinity of the electronic image pickup circuit for absorbing heat generated from the electronic image pickup circuit, a heat transfer section extending toward the optical member side for transferring heat of the heat absorbing section, a heat radiation section arranged in the vicinity of the optical member for radiating heat transferred by the heat transfer section to the optical member, and a heat transfer member that is formed by patterning a metal foil on an insulating, flexible film member and includes the heat absorbing section, the heat transfer section and the heat radiation section.
US08597175B2
In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to the electrical component and configured to conduct the signal or electrical power from/to the electrical component to/from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.
US08597166B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a fitness apparatus having the following components: a flexible bar which can be set in oscillation upon operation of the fitness apparatus by a user, a grip area arranged centrally on the flexible bar for the user to hold the fitness apparatus and end caps arranged at both ends of the flexible bar, wherein the method includes the following method steps: arranging at least one respective end weight at the ends of the flexible bar, inserting the flexible bar with the end weights arranged thereon into a first molding tool to form the end caps, foaming out of the first molding tool with a first foam material to produce at least the end caps and subsequent hardening of the first foam material. The invention also relates to a fitness apparatus produced in particular with the inventive method.
US08597156B2
A one-way clutch of an inscribed gear type has a cylindrical outer member having an inner gear at an inner circumference thereof; an inner member rotatably disposed in an inside space of the inner gear, and having gear receivers and a lock edge on one side in a circumferential direction of the gear receiver; and a planetary gear received rollably in each of the gear receivers to mesh with the inner gear. Shafts are projecting from both ends of the planetary gear, and bearing recesses are formed on the gear receiver to receive the shaft. By the engagement between the shafts and the bearing recesses, the planetary gear allows a circumferential displacement within a predetermined range with respect to the inner member required for engaging to or disengaging from the lock edge, and the planetary gear is prohibited from being displaced inward in a radial direction of the inner member.
US08597152B2
A planetary gear train may include an input shaft, an output gear adapted to output a shifted torque, a first compound planetary gear set having four rotation elements by combining first and second planetary gear sets, a second compound planetary gear set having four rotation elements by combining third and fourth planetary gear sets, eight rotation shafts including two rotation elements connected to each other or one rotation element among the rotation elements of the first and second compound planetary gear sets, and six friction members including three clutches interposed between a selected rotational shaft among the rotational shafts and the input shaft and adapted to selectively transmit the torque and three brakes interposed between a selected rotational shaft among the rotational shafts and a transmission housing.
US08597150B1
A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, and a drive module having a torque transfer device and a limited slip clutch assembly.
US08597149B2
A split-axis transmission may include two planetary gear sets to provide two parallel torque paths from an input axis to an output axis. Thus, the split-axis transmission may provide the ratio preselection capability and the low power losses of a dual-clutch transmission, while also providing the ratio-changing control and smoothness of a traditional powershift automatic transmission.
US08597148B2
A bearing arrangement for a shaft, particularly a driveshaft (1) in a transmission housing (5) of an automatic transmission with an actuating piston (6) of a shifting element arranged inside the shaft. At least one self-sealing bearing is provided at least on the side of the transmission housing (5) remote from the motor to support the shaft.
US08597147B2
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle includes an input shaft, a first planetary gear set having first, second, and third rotation elements, the second directly connected to the input shaft, and the third directly connected to a first motor/generator, a second planetary gear set having fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, the fourth directly connected to the first rotation element and a second motor/generator, and the fifth selectively connected to the second rotation element, an output gear connected to the sixth rotation element, a first clutch selectively connecting the second rotation element with the fifth rotation element, a second clutch selectively connecting two rotation elements among the rotation elements of the first planetary gear set, a first brake interposed between the fifth rotation element and a transmission housing, and a second brake interposed between the third rotation element and the transmission housing.
US08597144B2
A sport ball may have a plurality of panels that are joined at seams to form a casing. The panels may include a thermoplastic polymer material applied to an interior side of the panels, and the thermoplastic polymer material may be heat-activated to extend across the seams. The ball may further include a bladder within the casing and an intermediate layer located between the casing and the bladder. The thermoplastic polymer material may also be heat-activated to bond with the intermediate layer or casing.
US08597137B1
A high volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region with a club head volume of at least 400 cc producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The post apex attachment promoting region is on the surface of the crown section at an elevation above a maximum face height and begins at the crown apex and extends toward the back of the club head. The post apex attachment promoting region is a relatively flat portion of the crown section that is behind the crown apex, yet above the maximum top edge plane, and aides in keeping airflow attached to the club head once it flows past the crown apex.
US08597121B2
A gaming system comprises a gaming platform adapted to run a computer game in which an avatar is associated with a player of the game; a memory arranged to store one or more attributes associated with said avatar, said attributes affecting at least the appearance of the avatar in the game; a first input port adapted to receive an input of the player for controlling the progression of the avatar in the game; and a second input port adapted to receive an input of a moderator indicating a modification to be applied to one or more of the avatars attributes stored in said memory, wherein the gaming platform is adapted to display to the player an indication of modified attributes.
US08597119B2
Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.
US08597111B2
A monitoring system for monitoring customer activities within a casino enterprise is described. The monitoring system can be used to determine a current utilization of casino activities so that an optimal mixture of activities can be offered by the casino. Further, the system can be used to identify customers, based on their utilization of the activities, whose loyalty that a casino enterprise may wish to cultivate. In particular embodiments, the monitoring system can be configured to passively track portable wireless devices and associate the portable wireless devices with activities within the casino enterprise that are not attributable to customers registered in a loyalty program. The identity of the person controlling a particular portable device can be unknown. A virtual customer account can be created where the first portable device is used to identify a virtual customer associated with the account. Based upon identification of the first portable device, activities can be associated with the virtual customer and store to the virtual customer account.
US08597110B2
A gaming system has a central authority connected to a plurality of gaming machines. Player activity is tracked at the gaming machines during regular gaming sessions and during virtual gaming sessions. Such data is transmitted to the central authority for providing player points in a player account file of a central database. Regular gaming sessions occur between player card insertion and player card removal. Virtual gaming sessions may occur prior to player card insertion as well as after player card insertion. For example, a coin-in event prior to player card insertion will establish a virtual session, and credits remaining on the credit meter at a card-out event will establish a virtual gaming session.
US08597106B2
Safeguards against cheating and malfunctioning of gaming devices that use forms of cashless wagering
This disclosure relates to a safeguard system on networked gaming devices. The safeguard system measures how much monetary value is output by a particular gaming device, in any form. If the gaming device has delivered an amount of value that is over a threshold amount, a warning is generated. The warning could be a visual or audio warning on a central controller, or could be an audio signal transmitted to floor personnel. Embodiments of the safeguard system include timers so that the performance of the gaming device can be independently measured over one or more time periods. The safeguard system is operable with gaming devices that accept and pay only physical currency, those that accept and pay in both physical currency and electronic methods, and those that only accept and pay by electronic methods. Some embodiments are able to remotely shut down the gaming device if the device is suspected of being cheated or malfunctioning.
US08597096B2
A player of a card game, such as poker, may be presented with opportunities to replace one or more of the cards in his or her hand. For example, the player may be dealt a first set of cards, and then offered a first opportunity to replace one or more cards in the first set. The player may also be dealt a second set of cards, and then offered a second opportunity to replace one or more cards in the second set. Preferably, the first set and the second set of cards, when combined, form the player's hand of cards. The player may accept at least one of these two offers and, in doing so, may incur a cost for accepting one or more of the offers. This cost may be based on the difference between a first return associated with hand of cards played without replacement, and an expected second return associated with the offer(s) the player accepted.
US08597089B2
Animals such as poultry are stunned while still caged and on a vehicle or stationary platform prior to processing the animal by isolating the atmosphere surrounding the animal, adjusting the composition of the isolated atmosphere by introducing a gaseous mixture that brings the animal to the desired state, and evacuating or exhausting the gaseous mixture.
US08597080B2
Ophthalmic rough-cut and polishing wheels having a plurality of swarf clearance grooves formed across the shaping face are described. The grooves are spaced around the shaping face of the wheels, wherein the slots are configured so as to be substantially angled either towards or away from one another.
US08597069B2
A toy car race track set comprised of a plurality of easily connectible track sections, in which the track sections have novel provisions for integrating the track sections with structures formed with K'NEX rod and connector elements, including but not limited to structures for elevating track sections above a support or above other track sections, providing obstructions on the race course, and the like. A variety of shapes and forms of track sections enables a substantially limitless variety of track configurations to be assembled. Each section is provided at each end with at least one tongue element and one slot element positioned such that the tongue element of one section is received in the slot of an adjacent section with a desired, snap-in action substantially preventing unintended separation. Optional locking pins are provided for positively locking the track sections to other sections when desired.
US08597068B1
A safe spinning button necklace toy having a knotless string loop, a rotatable button spinner disposed on the string loop and a pair of protective casings covering the string loop that eliminates a strangulation hazard without interfering with the operation of the toy. The protective casing covers a pair of strands of the string loop, keeping the strands together inside the casing and preventing the strands from separating and creating a hazard. The casing substantially covers two-thirds of the string loop and prevents the strands separating without knotting the strands, allowing the string loop to freely twist when the button spinner is rotated. The casing has a plurality of links covering the string loop providing amusing noises by reverberating when the spinning button spins. A pair of handles on the string loop can be safely fastened together to close the necklace when the toy is not in use.
US08597060B2
A cable connector assembly (100) comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2), a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing and a spacer (5). The insulative housing includes a first tongue (121) and a second tongue (122). The contacts comprise a plurality of first contacts held in the first tongue and a plurality of second contacts held in the second tongue. At least one of the contacts comprises a main body (2210), a pair of vertical soldering portions (2212) and a pair of connecting portions (2214), the pair of connecting portions are connected with a top edge and a bottom edge of the main body, and the connecting portions are located on different levels, the pair of soldering portions are stagger with each other.
US08597045B2
A transceiver connector (100) includes a housing (1) having a number of faces including a primary face (10) and a pair of side faces (13) and a collar clip (2). The collar clip includes a base at least partially surrounding the plurality of faces of the housing. The primary face defines at least one vertically extending locking recess (104) having a stepped portion (1041). The collar clip includes a base (20) at least partially surrounding the number of faces of the housing. The base includes at least one locking beam (204) inserted into the corresponding locking recess of the housing along a first direction and having a click portion (2041) engaging with the stepped portion of the housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US08597039B2
A vehicle-side connector (10) to be connected to a charging connector in charging a battery of a vehicle includes a receptacle (33) which is connectable to the charging connector, a mounting portion (31) which is provided to partition between the receptacle (33) and a vehicle (B) and to be fixed to the vehicle, a recess (40) which is open upward and provided on the top of the connecting portion (33), and water drainage paths (41) formed in inner surfaces of the recess (40) without penetrating through the mounting portion (31).
US08597038B2
A connector is connectable to a card. The connector comprises an eject member including a pressed portion. The eject member is configured to eject the card along an eject direction when the pressed portion is pressed by an operation member separated from the connector and having a tip. The pressed portion is formed by bending a metal plate so as to have a receiving wall and a side wall. The receiving wall is configured to be brought into abutment with the tip of the operation member so that the pressed portion is pressed by the operation member. The side wall extends in a direction crossing the receiving wall so that the side wall is located lateral to the tip upon the abutment of the tip with the receiving wall.
US08597037B2
The present invention relates to a socket and a system of cascadable sockets for insertion therein of electrical devices such as relays, timers or counters. The socket includes device connection means by which an electrical device may be electrically connected to the socket, and may further include terminals providing electrical contacts for connecting the electrical device to an external electrical signal or a circuit. The socket includes socket connection means, for example, in the form of a slidable connector for engaging another socket placed against it. Two or more sockets engaged in this manner may facilitate a parallel electrical connection between the electrical devices each inserted in one of the two or more sockets.
US08597036B2
A receptacle connector includes a housing having a mating interface for mating with a mating connector. Ground contacts are held by the housing. The ground contacts include ground mating segments arranged along the mating interface of the housing for mating with ground terminals of the mating connector. The ground mating segments of the ground contacts include ground mating surfaces configured to engage the ground terminals. The ground mating surfaces of the ground mating segments extending within at least one ground plane. Signal contacts are held by the housing. The signal contacts include signal mating segments arranged along the mating interface of the housing for mating with signal terminals of the mating connector. The signal mating segments of the signal contacts include signal mating surfaces configured to engage the signal terminals. The signal mating surfaces of the signal contacts extend within at least one signal plane that extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the at least one ground plane.
US08597034B2
An interface system may be used for connecting a mother board with a peripheral device board. The interface system may include a mother interface and a daughter interface. The mother interface may establish a connection portal for the mother board, and the daughter interface may establish a connection portal for the peripheral device board. The interface system may be equipped with a socket with multi-contact surface for providing high speed, high performance, and low noise data transmission. The interface system may be ruggedized with various stabilizing mechanisms, such that it may deliver consistent and reliable performance under harsh military and/or aerospace conditions.
US08597020B2
Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.
US08597015B2
An apparatus and method for shaping an airfoil. A prepreg assembly is positioned relative to a part in a plurality of parts for a tool for the airfoil using a positioning section for a frame. The positioning section is configured to move relative to the tool and a base of the frame and move a number of parts in the plurality of parts for the tool relative to each other. A number of sections in the prepreg assembly are heated. A force is applied to the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool to cause the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool with a shape for a component of the airfoil.
US08597012B2
An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°. By such arrangement, air bubble entrapment on the dip molded film on the mandrel is avoided, and controlled film thickness is achieved at desired location(s) so that the product molded film article is free of pinholes and air bubble inclusions in the film, and complies with desired thickness specifications.
US08597011B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other. The substrate processing tool may further comprise one or more reflectors adapted to generate a flood pattern of ultraviolet radiation over the substrate that has complementary high and low intensity areas which combine to generate a substantially uniform irradiance pattern if rotated. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08596997B2
A membrane pump (1) has a pump housing, a membrane (4), which is mounted to the pump housing and delimits a pump chamber (8) inside the pump housing, an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) for feeding medium into and out from the pump chamber, and an actuating member (7) for moving the membrane back and forth between a first and a second position. The membrane, the inlet and the outlet are arranged in a first part (2) of the pump housing, the first part being detachably connected to a second part (3) of the pump housing, in which the actuating member is arranged. The membrane is detachably connected to the actuating member by a magnetic coupling, which has a first magnetic coupling part (9) fixed to the membrane and a corresponding second magnetic coupling part (10) fixed to the actuating member.
US08596996B2
A pump for pumping a medium from a suction side to a pressure side includes a filter arrangement. The filter arrangement includes an inflow path, a first outflow path, and a second outflow path. A hydrophobic membrane filter is arranged between the inflow path and the first outflow path. A hydrophilic membrane filter is arranged between the inflow path and the second outflow path. At least one section of the hydrophobic membrane filter and one section of the hydrophilic membrane filter are located opposite each other at a distance of no more than 1 mm so that a gas bubble that moves along with a medium flowing in the inflow path comes into contact with the hydrophobic membrane filter during the movement. The first and second outflow paths of the filter arrangement are connected to the suction side of the pump.
US08596994B2
A compressor includes a compressing mechanism, a discharge chamber, a housing accommodating the compressing mechanism and the discharge chamber, a discharge port communicating with the discharge chamber through a discharge passage and also with an external refrigerant circuit, a muffler formed by an expanded space disposed on the discharge passage, and a check valve disposed on the discharge passage. The pressure loss caused by the discharge passage is less than that in the known compressor. The check valve is disposed in the muffler to open and close an inlet of the muffler, and the muffler is formed by the housing and a cover independent of and connected to the housing.
US08596986B2
A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor blade, has an increased thickness over a portion of the airfoil span in order to increase stiffness. Furthermore, the airfoil has been restacked so as to induce a compressive stress in the blade root/attachment area. The increased stiffness and restacked airfoil combine to improve high-cycle fatigue capability of the compressor component.
US08596979B2
A ceiling sweep fan comprising a rotor supported for axial rotation about upper and lower housings, the rotor supporting a plurality of radially extending fan blades, the upper housing and rotor enclosing an electric motor that drives the rotor; wherein the fan includes stop means to cause the rotor to stop at a fixed position relative to the upper and lower housings.
US08596973B2
A seal assembly which, among other applications, may be used for sealing fluid leakage between low temperature multistage compressors and pumps, steam turbine rotors and turbine stator bodies. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided that includes a leaf seal including a plurality of staggered leaf seal members; and a polymer member disposed on a high pressure side of the leaf seal, wherein the polymer member is in compliant contact with the leaf seal.
US08596970B2
An assembly for a turbomachine comprising: a plurality of components (16, 26) which, in use, are assembled into a circumferentially extending annular array; each component having a radially outer platform (20, 28), the outer platforms (20, 28) of the components (16, 26) forming a ring in the assembled array; wherein adjacent components (16, 26) interface at adjacent surfaces (22, 30) of their outer platforms (20, 28); wherein the outer platforms (20, 28) each comprise at least one lug (24) which extends from the outer platform (20) over a portion of the outer platform (28) of an adjacent component (26), and in use prevents relative radial displacement of the outer platform (20, 28) of the adjacent component (16, 26).
US08596965B2
A compressor case support arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a fan section having a central axis and a compressor case for housing a compressor. An inlet case guides air to the compressor. The compressor case is positioned axially further from the fan section than the inlet case. A support member extends between the fan section and the compressor case. The support member restricts movement of the compressor case relative to the inlet case. The support member is positioned axially further from the fan section than the plumbing access area.
US08596956B2
A bidirectional water turbine including: an upstream rotor and a downstream rotor, wherein the upstream rotor and downstream rotor are contra-rotating and each rotor includes a plurality of blade, the blades of the upstream and downstream rotors having substantially the same profile.
US08596946B2
There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.
US08596940B2
A firewood trailer features a roof-covered storage compartment dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined volume of cut firewood. At least one wall section of the compartment has a substantially full height access opening that is openable and closeable to access the compartment's interior, and arrays of airflow openings are provided in opposing wall sections of the compartment. Between the roof and the airflow openings, the firewood is allowed to dry out inside the trailer and subsequently kept dry by the roof protection. The same trailer can thus be used both to transport the cut firewood and then store the firewood at its destination, thereby avoiding the conventional need for a full unloading of the trailer upon reaching the firewood's destination. A fleet of trailers are used for a firewood distribution service in which a trailer left onsite for a customer, once emptied, is replaced with a newly delivered wood-filled trailer.
US08596936B2
An apparatus for applying a leverage force to a hand drill has a rigid elongated support having a first end and a second end. A travel member is movable axially along the support with a friction lock for locking the travel member to the support in a selected axial position. A lever is pivotally attached to the travel member. The lever has an engagement surface for engaging a spine of a hand drill, whereby a force is exerted upon the hand drill by means of the lever. A stop is positioned at the second end of the support to prevent axial movement of the support when a force is exerted by the lever.
US08596930B2
An erosion control barrier for installation in a drainage path in a service environment. The erosion control barrier includes a unitary permeable sheet which is bent along a longitudinal axis to provide an upslope side, a downslope side and a longitudinally extending apex. The permeable sheet is constructed of a degradable material so that the erosion control barrier has a design service life in the service environment and a design material life in the service environment. The design material life is longer than the design service life. The permeable sheet is designed to be sufficiently transversely stiff and resilient during the design service life to enable the erosion control barrier to be self-supporting. The permeable sheet is designed to substantially disintegrate within the design material life.
US08596929B2
Avalanche control system and method using one or more chambers in an avalanche-prone area to control the removal of snow or other material which might avalanche. The system includes a plurality of spaced housings made of a solid material like “shock-crete” and an asymmetric flywheel coupled to a motor which is controlled by a signal to warm up and turn on at a desired time to vibrate the housing and cause removal of loose snow or other material and/or the compacting of that material to make avalanching less likely.
US08596922B2
Systems and methods are provided for establishing and securing a foundation in a substrate. For example, in one embodiment, a pump conveys a first fluid (e.g., water) through a pile member to produce an elongate opening in a substrate, which allows the pile member to be advanced into the substrate. After the pile member has been advanced into the elongate opening in the substrate, a second fluid (e.g., fluidized concrete) is conveyed out of openings on the side (and the bottom) of the pile member to substantially secure the pile member in the elongate opening defined in the substrate.
US08596920B2
An apparatus is disclosed including but not limited to a cylindrical sleeve having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein a diameter of a circular interior vacancy formed by the interior surface has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of a pile; a longitudinal opening along an entire length of the sleeve; and a plurality of elements that emit energy on the exterior surface of the sleeve. A method is also disclosed for using the apparatus.
US08596919B2
The present disclosure provides a disk for reducing scour around a pile, such as a monopole, installed in the seabed. The disk has a pile opening through which the pile protrudes. The disk includes a peripheral skirt for embedding into the seabed below the portion of the disk installed above the seabed. The disk can include partitions for segmenting chambers of the disk. The disk can include mesh on the top, bottom, or both surfaces with one or more fill bags installed in the chambers. The disk can include chambers that can be filled with fluidized fill material, such as grout or concrete. The fill material can be inserted into the fill bags through conduits with valves that can be remotely operated with an ROV. The fill material can also be injected below the disk using the conduits for support on the seabed.
US08596907B2
A lifting system for navigable watercraft or marine vessels for temporary stationary positioning of the vessel on a seabed includes supporting legs that may be lowered and raised, and a locking and braking device to provide a force locking engagement with the respective supporting leg. The lifting system also includes a hydro-mechanical device, combined with hydraulic devices, to allow a stationary position of a raised vessel and a lowering of the vessel during transition to a travelling position to be achieved.
US08596891B2
Disclosed herein is a camera module including: a lens part including a lens; a housing having the lens part coupled thereto; a bracket coupled to the housing; and a shaft mounted in the bracket and driving the lens part and the housing.
US08596870B2
A dust seal is provided with a tubular fitting portion, a bush end surface abutting portion, a lip portion and a sealing projection integrally formed. The sealing projection is formed to project in an axially opposite direction to the lip portion from a radial inner section of the bush end surface abutting portion and abuts against a chamfered portion of a bush in such a manner as to overlap the chamfered portion. Therefore, at the time of supplying lubricant between the bush and a connecting pin, the sealing projection can prevent a part of the lubricant from entering between an end surface of the bush and the bush end surface abutting portion of the dust seal to maintain a sealed state therebetween. In consequence, the dust seal can be stably held on the inner peripheral side of a boss member, preventing the pulling-out of the dust seal.
US08596869B2
An opening-closing guiding structure of a long-stroke sliding cover includes a sliding member, a relative sliding member, first elastic assemblies and second elastic assemblies. The sliding member includes first sliding-guided portions having turned curved portions. The relative sliding member includes a second sliding-guided portion and a third sliding-guided portion, wherein the second sliding-guided portion has a sliding track interlaced with the first sliding-guided portion, and the third sliding-guided portion has a sliding track interlaced with an apex of the turned curved portion of the first sliding-guided portion. The first elastic assembly is slidably connected to the first and second sliding-guided portions. The second elastic assembly is slidably connected to the first and third sliding-guided portions. When a short part of an opening stroke of a sliding cover is performed, a subsequent, long part of the opening stroke of the sliding cover can be automatically operated.
US08596867B2
A reclosable package for food products has the following features: a cold seal formed between a first and a second sealing portion, in which the bonding force of the cold seal to the first and the second sealing portion is greater than the bonding force within the cold seal, so that the cold seal is separated and partly adheres to the first, and partly adheres to the second sealing portion when the seal is opened, or a seal with an initial opening force of 2, preferably 2.5, to 4 N/15 mm, and opening forces for one or more re-closings of 0.5 to 2 N/15 mm, preferably 1 to 1.5 N/15 mm.
US08596857B2
A means for securing a proper mixing of a particle shaped material, such as powder, into a liquid by supplying shear forces in a mixing zone, the shear forces being produced by pumping liquid through a restriction (22), such as a nozzle (27,29) in a pipe at a high pressure. A plurality of nozzles (22) is used, placed in such position with respect to each other that a jet from at least one of the nozzles (22) hits the jet from at least a second nozzle (22) in one single theoretical point downstream of the nozzles (22).
US08596849B2
An optical component adapted for using in a backlight module providing light sources to a display apparatus is provided in the present disclosure. The optical component includes a first optical layer comprising a plurality of first blind holes extending downward from an upper surface to a first predetermined depth of the optical component, and a second optical layer comprising a plurality of second blind holes extending upward from a lower surface to a second predetermined depth of the optical component. A backlight module and a display apparatus are also provided.
US08596848B2
A cross section of each divided light guiding plate is formed in a wedge shape, a step is formed at a portion of each divided light guiding plate where LEDs are arranged, and holes used for accommodating the LEDs are formed at the step. A plated face is formed on a lower face of each LED, and is coupled to a wiring substrate through solder. Each LED includes a light-emitting face, a lower frame, and an upper frame. The height of the lower frame of each LED is larger than the height of the upper frame, so that a lower end of the light-emitting face of each LED can be always located higher than a lower end of the divided light guiding plate.
US08596846B2
The frontlight illumination system is intended for enhancing illumination of a reflective display having pixels arranged in a matrix pattern and using monochromatic laser lights as light sources. The unit contains a network of light-distributing planar ridge waveguides with holograms arranged in a matrix pattern that corresponds to the matrix pattern of the reflective display. The light-distributing holograms of the system are formed on opposite sides of each core of respective light-distributing planar ridge waveguides. Neighboring holograms located on opposite sides of the core are combined into pairs and are arranged on each core in positions at which they interact with a predetermined phase shift that doubles the intensity of light directed to the reflective display and extinguishes light directed to the external surface.
US08596838B2
A display module having one or more outer walls configured to house an array of optical component stacks, where the one or more outer walls are configured to support a transparent support structure spanning the array of optical component stacks, and where an upper portion of the one or more outer walls in contact with the transparent support structure is tapered.
US08596835B2
An LED underwater lamp comprises a housing (1) and an LED lamp body (2), wherein the housing (1) is fixed in a mounting hole of a mounting plate (20), an opening is provided at one end of the housing (1), the LED lamp body (2) is inserted through the opening and fastened within the housing (1), an inner water-proof sealing ring (3) is disposed between the LED lamp body (2) and the opening of the housing (1), an LED bulb (4) is disposed within the LED lamp body (1) situated at the opening of the housing (1), and a power line (5) extending to outside through the housing (1) is detachably connected to the other end of the LED lamp body (2).
US08596828B2
A lighting element that includes a hollow enclosure, an optical lighting film, reflective interior surfaces, and a partially collimating light source is described. The lighting element can be used as a light block for illuminating light boxes, sign boxes, or luminaries. The lighting element can be rectangular in shape, thin, bright, uniform, energy efficient and lightweight, and can be configured to emit light from one or opposing surfaces. Additional light management elements, such as diffusing films, graphic films and information displays, can be positioned adjacent to the output surface(s) of the lighting element for a variety of applications. Several lighting elements can be tiled together to light larger areas and larger signs.
US08596817B2
Certain example embodiments relate to lighting system covers that include AR-coated textured glass, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, at least one light source is provided proximate to a cover comprising a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the surface that is closer to the at least one light source, and the glass substrate is textured (e.g., such that it is substantially prismatic in texture) on the surface opposite the AR-coated surface. The surface of the glass substrate on which the AR coating is formed may be a flat, irregular, or textured matte. An optional AR coating also may be formed on the textured surface of the glass substrate.
US08596807B2
A backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a first reflector, a second reflector and at least one light source disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The second reflector includes a specular reflection area and a diffuse reflection area. The specular reflection area occupies about 5 to 50% of an entire area of the second reflector.
US08596806B2
A backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate having a first hollowness, a light source module disposed at the first hollowness, a bottom chassis having a second hollowness corresponding to the first hollowness, and an elastic member disposed at the second hollowness of the bottom chassis between the light source module and the bottom chassis.
US08596804B2
Various apparatus and associated methods involve a light source that provides light at wavelengths that substantially correlate to local maxima in the spectral sensitivity of a diurnal avian. In an illustrative example, the light source may output light primarily in wavelength bands that are not substantially absorbed by colored oil droplets and/or visual pigment in at least one type of cone in the eye of a diurnal avian. In some embodiments, the light source may include a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. Exemplary light sources may output spectral components to illuminate diurnal avians with local maxima of intensity at wavelengths that substantially correspond to local maxima in a spectral sensitivity visual response characteristic of the diurnal avians.
US08596802B2
A low-cost and easy-to-operate solution for adjusting the curvature and the focal length of an adjustable reflector, which includes a curved plate, a rotation member, and a contour adjustor. The curved plate has a curvature. The rotation member engages the curved plate and rotates the curved plate about an axis and to an angular position. The contour adjustor has an adjustment surface contacting the curved plate, such that it may cooperate with the rotation member to adjust the curvature of the curved plate according to the angular position of the curved plate. Advantageously, the contour adjustor has a low manufacturing cost and a low installation cost. The contour adjustor operates without relying on additional control circuitry because it may perform its intended function while the curved plate is being rotated.
US08596801B2
Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.
US08596796B2
A projection display device that includes: a light source unit 1 that includes a discharge lamp 2 as a light source; an image formation unit; a projection optical system; and a light source cooling unit that cools the light source unit. The light source unit is disposed so that a lamp axis that connects two discharge electrodes of the discharge lamp is orthogonal to a projecting direction of the projection optical system, and the light source unit includes: a concave mirror 3; and a transparent part 4 that covers an opening of the concave mirror. The light source cooling unit includes: a blowing fan that supplies cooling air; a plurality of air blowing ports 6a and 6b disposed at the concave mirror or a connecting part that connects the concave mirror and the transparent part; an air duct 9 that connects the air blowing ports and the blowing fan; a branch switching valve 10a that is disposed in the air duct and switches between a plurality of branch flow paths so as to allow the cooling air to flow therethrough; and a control valve that is provided for each of the air blowing ports and rotated around a supporting axis by the action of gravity depending on a posture of the light source cooling unit, thereby controlling a wind direction so that the cooling air is blown from above the discharge lamp. The top of the light source lamp is cooled effectively regardless of the installation posture of the projection display device.
US08596791B2
Systems and methods for improving the peripheral vision of a subject are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure includes a method, which may be embodied on a system, for improving peripheral vision of a subject using a visual marker on a display screen, the method includes, displaying a peripheral target on the display screen, the peripheral target having a visually discernable characteristic and determining whether the subject is able to correctly identify the peripheral target displayed on the display screen using the peripheral vision. The visual marker is intended for viewing using central vision of the subject and the peripheral target is intended for identification using the peripheral vision of the subject.
US08596777B2
A printer includes a heating roller unit that heats recording paper at a position downstream of a recording head, which is provided at an upstream position, in the direction of the transportation of the recording paper. The recording head ejects ink to the recording paper that is transported from an upstream side to a downstream side. The heating roller unit is disposed along the direction of the width of the recording paper, which intersects with the transportation direction thereof. The heating roller unit is divided into a plurality of areas in the width direction. Heat applied by first areas of the plurality of areas to the recording paper is different from heat applied by second areas, which are adjacent to the first areas in the width direction, to the recording paper.
US08596766B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: flow channel units, each of which includes a pressure generating chamber operable to generate pressure therein and a nozzle plate formed with a nozzle; drive units, each of which includes a piezoelectric vibrator operable to apply a pressure vibration to the pressure generating chamber, and which correspond to the flow channel units; and a head casing to which the flow channel units and the drive units are fixed and which includes attachment parts.
US08596747B2
The disclosure generally relates to a modular printhead configured for ease of access and quick replacement of the printhead. In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated printhead which includes: a printhead die supporting a plurality of micropores thereon; a support structure for supporting the printhead die; a heater interposed between the printhead die and the support structure; and an electrical trace connecting the heater to a supply source. The support structure accommodates the electrical trace through a via formed within it so as to form a solid state printhead containing all of the connections within and providing easily replaceable printhead.
US08596741B2
An ink-jet printer including: an ink supply portion; a transport mechanism; an ink-jet head; an inverting mechanism; and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to control the ink-jet head to perform an ordinary jetting operation and a marking jetting operation, and is configured to control the ink-jet head and the inverting mechanism such that only the ordinary jetting operation is performed on the one surface of the printing medium without performing the marking jetting operation, and the marking jetting operation is performed on the other surface of the printing medium after inverting the printing medium with the inverting mechanism.
US08596733B2
In a liquid ejecting apparatus, when a ON/OFF detector detects that power of the liquid ejecting apparatus is switched to an ON state from an OFF state, a controller controls a liquid transfer unit such that liquid is transferred to a tank of which residual amount of liquid is smaller from a tank of which residual amount of liquid is larger based on the residual amount of liquid in a first tank detected by the first liquid residual amount detector and the residual amount of liquid in a second tank detected by the second liquid residual amount detector.
US08596732B2
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes a pair of workpiece stages, a workpiece moving table configured to move the two workpiece stages, a head moving table configured to move a functional liquid droplet discharging head, a pair of workpiece exchanging mechanisms arranged in two workpiece exchange areas, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to execute control to move the workpiece stages alternately between the image formation area and the workpiece exchange areas such that one of the workpiece stages moves between the image formation area and one of the workpiece exchange areas and the other of the workpiece stages moves between the image formation area and the other of the workpiece exchange areas. Furthermore, the control unit executes control such that image forming operations and exchanges of workpieces are executed alternately with respect to each of the workpiece stages.
US08596731B2
An installation support unit includes a base board, a support member, two installation members and a locking member. An end board extends from the base board and has a bent portion. The support member has a face board and an elongate hole. Each of the installation members is connected to the support member which is fixed to the end board. The locking member is movably connected to the support member and the end board, and includes a head portion, a protrusion and a threaded hole defined through the head portion and the protrusion. The diameter of the protrusion is smaller than the transverse width of the elongate hole. The protrusion extends through the elongate hole, and the height of the head portion is longer than the longitudinal distance of the elongate hole. The head portion is movably clamped between the support member and the end board.
US08596727B2
An assembly for the primary fastening of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle wheel to wheel mount(s), as is commonly done by a cam operated quick release, incorporating a uniquely formed drawbar and a rotation handle wherein primary fastening is accomplished by simple rotation of the rotation handle about the drawbar axis.
US08596711B2
A vehicle front part structure efficiently absorbs collision energy upon a narrow offset collision in which a collision object, such as an oncoming vehicle, makes a front collision with a vehicle outer side outer than a front side frame, and thereby inhibits the vehicle body front part from moving rearward to the vehicle interior side. The vehicle front part includes a pair of left/right front side frames extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a power unit disposed at the longitudinal center between the left/right front side frames. The left/right front side frames beside the power unit include branch frames extending toward the vehicle laterally outer side. The rear end portions of the branch frames penetrate the outer surface of the left/right front side frames and extend along an inner wall. Connection members are provided at the front portions of the left/right front side frames.
US08596708B2
Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.
US08596698B1
A two-piece telescoping handle mounts on the threaded ends of a tilt-tube of an outboard motor, moving from a first unobtrusive, retracted position to an extended position where the handle can be readily gripped to remove/carry the outboard motor, as needed.
US08596686B1
A moveable shower joint adapted to give a user the ability to adjust a showerhead in any direction. The moveable shower joint has upper and lower rotating circular members that may be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to any position. A water inlet is incorporated into the exterior of the upper circular member, and a water outlet is incorporated into the exterior of the lower circular member. A circular seal is retained in a groove in the inner rim of a circular member. Annular tooth rings in the inner rims of the circular members work together to hold the moveable shower joint in place when the desired position is reached. A floating annular tooth ring in the lower member engages a fixed annular tooth ring in the lower member. Springs press the floating tooth ring into the fixed ring, creating the friction needed to hold the joint in place. The water inlet may incorporate a ball joint with a set screw to provide additional adjustability, and a showerhead may be attached to the water outlet. The moveable shower joint's inlet and outlet may be internally or externally threaded to facilitate connection with other plumbing fixtures.
US08596683B2
In a steering apparatus including a column 46, a column 42, a bracket 21 movable with respect to the column 42 upon a secondary collision, a member 81 attaching to the moving bracket 21 and absorbing impact energy with making plastic deformation, a guide bracket 61 fixed to the column 46 and having a guide groove 63 guiding movement of the column 42, and a guide pin 71 fixed to the bracket 21 and movable with the bracket 21 with being guided by the guide groove 63, the guide bracket 61 includes a gap forming portion 61e forming a gap 61d between the guide bracket 61 and the bracket 21, a member 81 is latched to the guide bracket 61 and includes an extending portion extending along the gap 61d, thereby providing a steering apparatus not necessary to fix an end of an impact-energy-absorption member to a vehicle-body-side bracket upon attaching the steering apparatus to the vehicle body, or not restricting a shape of a connecting member by the impact-energy-absorption member.
US08596679B2
To prevent positional deviation in a folded back portion of a deployment restriction sheet reliably, an air bag device includes an air bag 1, an inflator 7 for deploying the air bag 1 by supplying the air bag with a generated gas, an air bag case 3 used to attach the inflator 7 and store the air bag 1, a retainer 6 for fixing an opening portion peripheral edge of the air bag 1 to the air bag case 3, and a deployment restriction sheet 11 that covers the air bag 1 from a vehicle body rear side to a vehicle body front side when the air bag 1 is stored. In the deployment restriction sheet 11, a folded back portion 11c is subjected to tacking 11d so as to separate upon application of a predetermined load A, and a rupturable portion 11e that ruptures upon application of a predetermined load B, which is larger than the load A, is provided on a first end 11a side positioned on the vehicle body front side. The first end 11a is attached to an air bag main body. A second end 11b is installed on the air bag main body. As a result, positional deviation of the folded back portion does not occur, and a cushioning effect can be applied to an occupant effectively.
US08596676B2
There is provided a steering device. The steering device has an airbag module that is disposed inside a steering wheel for steering a vehicle and that protects a vehicle occupant during a collision of the vehicle with another object by deploying an airbag body toward the vehicle occupant. The steering device includes a detecting unit that detects the collision of the vehicle with another object in advance; and an adjusting unit that positionally adjusts the steering wheel to a neutral position when the collision of the vehicle with another object is detected by the detecting unit, the neutral position of the steering wheel being a position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is traveling straight.
US08596670B2
A folding stroller with changeable seating positions two infants or children is provided. The seating positions for two children may include side-by-side, with the seats positioned to be transverse to the direction of travel of the stroller, with seats facing the same or facing in opposite directions. Seating positions may also include in-line front-to-rear, facing forward or backward; side-by-side facing forward or backward. At least one seat may be provided with a reclining mechanism in which the seat may be reclined between a first position and a second position such that the center of mass of the seat remains substantially aligned with a vertical axis of the stroller.
US08596669B2
A baby stroller is formed by a stroller frame and a chair, and the stroller frame includes a rotatable base. When the baby stroller is unfolded, the base is provided for abutting the stroller frame and positioned automatically, and when the baby stroller is folded, the chair and the stroller frame are folded and positioned directly together with the rotation of the base. The chair includes a folding joint, such that the chair can be folded directly onto the stroller frame to provide a simple, easy and quick operation and to achieve the effect of reducing the storage volume of the baby stroller.
US08596664B2
An anti-rattle hitch (100) includes a tubular insert (102) that is configured to be inserted into a receiver (90). A wedge mechanism comprising a first wedge member (112) and a second wedge member (114) are disposed in the insert, and have slidably engaged angled faces. The second wedge member includes one or more pistons that extend through piston (110) apertures in the insert such that the longitudinal position of the second wedge member is fixed. An adjustment member (120) adjusts the position of the first wedge member, thereby adjusting the piston position which can be biased against the receiver.
US08596653B2
A two-fold four-wheel golf bag cart folding device includes a lower cart frame having a connecting plate installed at an upper end of the lower cart frame and a lower supporting base disposed at a lower end of the lower cart frame. An upper cart frame includes a lower end coupled to the connecting plate and has an upper supporting base and a handle module at an upper end, such that the upper supporting base and the lower supporting base are fixed to the golf bag. A rear wheel stand is mounted on both sides of the connecting plate and has a rear wheel. A pull rod includes an end coupled to the handle module and the other end coupled to the rear wheel stand. A front wheel set has two front wheels installed on both sides of the lower supporting base respectively. A locking mechanism is installed between an upper end of the upper cart frame and a lower end of the handle module and has a function of fixing an angle between the upper cart frame and the handle module. A four-link-rod mechanism is installed among the handle module, the rear wheel stand and the pull rod. The front wheels can be closed synchronously while the rear wheels are being folded, and the four wheels touch the ground simultaneously to skip the step of folding the front wheels and removing the golf bag, preventing staining the user, but also facilitating the user to carry and move the golf bag cart and to store both the golf bag and cart altogether.
US08596652B2
One embodiment of a battery-powered motorized vehicle for a user includes a riding platform, a steering wheel, a second-end wheel, a seat base, a battery-powered motor, a carrying platform, a swivel wheel, a hinge, and an attachment device. The riding platform includes a first end and a second end. The steering wheel is in proximity to the first end of the riding platform. The second-end wheel is close to the second end of the riding platform. The seat base can be on top of the riding platform, with the seat base including a seat back. The battery-powered motor is configured to drive the second-end wheel. The carrying platform includes a first end and a second end. The swivel wheel is configured to connect to the bottom of the carrying platform. The hinge is configured to connect the first end of the carrying platform to a back surface of the seat base. The attachment device is configured to secure an article to the carrying platform. The carrying platform, via the hinge, can be configured to be in the downward position with the swivel wheel touching the ground to carry the article. The carrying platform can also be configured to be held in an upward position with the swivel wheel lifted off the ground when not carrying the article, to make the motorized vehicle more maneuverable.
US08596648B2
A pump includes a housing defining an interior volume, and a diaphragm, where the diaphragm partitions the interior volume into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber. The diaphragm is formed from a polymeric material, and the pump further includes a diaphragm support configured to limit a stroke of the diaphragm. The diaphragm support includes an array of apertures through which fluid passes to interface with the diaphragm during operation of the pump.
US08596645B2
An assembly that includes first and second housing members, a gasket and a plurality of bolts that exert a clamp force to clamp the gasket between the first and second housing members. The gasket includes a plurality of tab members that engage the interior of one or both of the first and second housing members. The gasket tabs can resist a force exerted by a pressurized fluid within one or both of the first and second housing members. A gasket that is resistant to side loading due to a pressurized fluid is also provided.
US08596643B1
An impact marking ballistic target blank includes a substrate having a photoreflective colored ink applied thereto. The photoreflective colored ink is covered by a thin transparent film. An opaque monochromatic base print coat is coated onto the outer film surface to obscure the photoreflective colored ink. The blank is manufactured and sold to an end user who prints various custom target images in one or more colors or color combinations contrasting with the photoreflective colored ink on the forward surface of the target blank base print coat, either by hand or by means of a computer and related laser, ink jet or dot matrix printer, or by other suitable printing technology medium. The substrate of the impact making blank target blank may include pressure sensitive label stock, with labels that are removably attached to a backing sheet to facilitate removal of labels, after an image has been printed onto them. After the printed label is detached from the backing paper, it is ready to be applied to a target mounting assembly and used as a target.
US08596639B1
This is a rectangular box for randomly picking lottery numbers. The box is comprised of a rectangular shaped frame that holds a permanent place for a thin number pattern card with numbers on front and back of card. Unlike other related art in the invention the number card has a rectangular screen with open rectangular squares to be applied to lie over the front and back of number card. This will allow balls or objects to be trapped in a square on the number card. When the balls or objects are scattered about then laid still it will reveal the number on the card trapped by the screen. A thin Plexiglas cover is applied over the front and back of the screen, number card, frame, and brass balls to protect and keep the brass balls or objects from falling out of the box when shook.
US08596636B2
A sheet feeding unit having a holding section; a separation pad that contacts a sheet and imparts a conveyance resistance to the sheet; a separation roller that imparts a conveyance force to the sheet; a drive source that supplies driving force to the separation roller; a conveyance roller disposed at a position downstream of the separation roller, wherein the conveyance roller rotates at a circumferential speed greater than a circumferential speed of the separation roller, to impart conveyance force to the sheet, and wherein the conveyance roller and the separation roller are disposed so as to simultaneously contact the same sheet; and a drive shutoff unit, which shuts off the driving force supplied to the separation roller when the conveyance roller imparts the conveyance force to the sheet so the separation roller rotates in a following manner with the conveyance of the sheet.
US08596635B2
A system for conveying mailpieces along a conveyance path and singulating a mailpiece from a stack of mailpieces along the conveyance path. The system includes a first conveyance for conveying mailpieces at a variable velocity and a second conveyance, downstream of the first conveyance, for conveying mailpieces at a constant velocity along the conveyance path. A series of optical sensors extends from the first to the second conveyance and is operative to issue a gap signal indicative of the relative spacing between sequential mailpieces along the conveyance path. A processor is responsive to the gap signal and is operative to control the first conveyance to decrease the relative spacing between sequential mailpieces when the gap signal exceeds a threshold value.
US08596633B2
A sheet processing apparatus that forms asperity on a sheet bundle so as to bind the sheet bundle, has a pair of rotating members having a concave and convex portions on the outer periphery, a moving portion that moves at least one of the pair of the rotating members so as to nip the sheet bundle by the pair of the rotating members or release the sheet bundle, and a controlling portion that controls the moving portion to allow the pair of rotating members to rotate with a concave portion of one rotating member and a convex portion of the other meshed with each other while nipping the sheet bundle or releasing the sheet bundle.
US08596631B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a binding unit, a folding unit, a conveyance unit, a press unit, a grasping unit, and a control unit. The binding unit performs binding processing on a sheet bundle stacked in the sheet stacking unit. The conveyance unit conveys a sheet bundle folded by the folding unit. The press unit presses a fold line portion of the conveyed sheet bundle from a direction perpendicular to a surface of a front page of the sheet bundle while moving along the fold line portion. The grasping unit is switched between a first state in which the grasping unit fixes the sheet bundle in position and a second state in which the grasping unit does not grasp the conveyed sheet bundle. The control unit shifts the grasping unit to the first state and causes the press unit to press the sheet bundle.
US08596626B2
A workpiece carrier (2) comprises a rotary frame (3) and a driving part (22), both of which are rotatable about a driving axle (4). The rotary frame (3) can be driven by a motor (6), and carries a plurality of workpiece holders (13) which are distributed around the driving axle (4) so as to be rotatable about holder axes. Mounted in the driving part (22) on a mount is a pinion (25) which engages with a stationary central wheel (21) and a ring gear (27) of a transmission part (26), at the centre of which lies an output point (29) which is at a distance of an eccentricity from the driving axle (4). Driving apertures (28) on the transmission part (26), through which driving pins (19) of the workpiece holders (13) project, are also at the distance of the eccentricity from the holder axes. On rotation of the rotary frame (3), the driving part (22) revolves about the driving axle (4) and additionally imposes on the transmission part (26), which rotates concomitantly with the rotary frame (3), an eccentric motion such that the output point (29) circles round the driving axle (4), as a result of which corresponding rotation of the workpiece holders (13) is effected.
US08596622B2
A belt splicer for butt-welding conveyor belts and methods for its operation. The belt splicer has clamp jaws that close to contact the butt edges of two belt sections against opposite ends of a heating wand and to hold the two melted butt edges together as they weld to each other. A toggle linkage assembly locks the clamped jaws closed and stores energy in a spring mechanism. The toggle linkage assembly allows the rapid release of the spring energy to accelerate the clamp jaws open to pull the melted butt ends rapidly away from the sides of the wand to avoid sticking. In another version, an air cylinder is used instead of the toggle linkage assembly and spring mechanism to close and rapidly open the splicer.
US08596618B2
A fence-frame-to-post connector comprises two separate members joined by one or more fasteners separate from the members. One member is attached to the fence frame with additional fasteners separate from those used to join the two members and also separate from the connector. One of the fasteners that joins the two members of the connector can be a hinge that is preferably made by a key tab and key slot combination in which the key pivots in the keyhole.
US08596608B2
A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position. A method for operation of a sub sea valve actuator system by which an end-of-stroke position for a piston and cylinder assembly in a sub sea valve actuator system can be determined.
US08596600B2
A modular collaborative panel system intended for use on walls, frames and stands is disclosed. The system uses dry erase boards, chalk or black boards, or other panels having at least one writing surface. The panels have notches or cut-outs on each side so the panels can be mounted to a wall or a frame using pegs. The system combines panels in rows or columns, or both, to form a large, modular system for use at meetings, gatherings or other assemblies. The system allows a large number of users to contribute to a presentation, and also allows users to view the presentation.
US08596589B2
The present invention relates to block style tube and pipe hangers which include polymeric grommets that are used as a dampener or insulator for hanging tubes and pipes and particularly to a post and port arrangement for securing and aligning the silicone grommets during initial mounting and placement. The grommets are typically two opposing symmetrical parts that together define a passage having an inner diameter which directly surrounds and supports the pipe or tube, the post and port arrangement provides a structure and method for connecting the polymeric grommet parts and supporting the grommets on the pipe or tube during installation of the frame and support structure.
US08596584B2
A high-lift system for an aircraft with a main wing and a slat that by way of an adjustment device is adjustable relative to the main wing to various adjustment states, with a gap resulting between the rear of the slat, which rear faces the main wing, and the main wing, where the size of the gap results from the adjustment state of the slat relative to the main wing, where in the interior of the slat an air guidance channel with at least one inlet and an outlet is formed, where the inlet is arranged at the rear, which faces the main wing, in order to influence the airflow in the gap.
US08596574B2
A streamlined profile reducing the speed deficit in a wake, a pylon with such a profile, a propulsion assembly including such a pylon and an aircraft including this assembly. The profile has a device for suction of air from the boundary layer formed on this profile. This suctioned air is discharged with the aid of a nozzle the outlet of which is situated close to the trailing edge of the profile. Suction of the air and discharge thereof contribute to reducing the speed deficit downstream from the profile and therefore to reducing the turbulences in this zone.
