US08619286B2
A printing control device includes: a banner data detecting unit that detects banner data from print data; a data acquiring unit that acquires, when the banner data are detected by the banner data detecting unit, data for designating a printing condition for printing a text located after the banner data in the print data; and a printing condition setting unit that sets, when the data for designating the printing condition for printing the text are acquired by the data acquiring unit, the printing condition as a printing condition for printing the print data.
US08619284B2
A printing system according to the invention includes an image processing apparatus having an editing unit for editing document data into description language data interpretable to a terminal apparatus, an extracting unit for extracting a portion of the description language data as extracted data based on the conversion table for converting a preset command, a converting unit for converting the extracted data to converted data based on the conversion table, and a producing unit for producing transmission data by adding the converted data in a command format to the description language data and includes an image forming apparatus for printing images based the converted transmission data upon removing the comment format. The printing system can reduce a load on the side of the image forming apparatus.
US08619281B2
In a copying machine that installs the function of preventing unauthorized copying, when copy prohibition information is extracted, whether output is permitted or prohibited in each of different types of output processing is set, and, when the copy prohibition information is extracted from a document image, if a setting for permitting the output in the output processing in which an output start is instructed is made, the output is performed.
US08619269B2
Methods and systems for improved workflow management for a related group of jobs. A group of related jobs are received from a job source and are processed independently and in accordance with an associated job type for each job. The jobs may be processed and reprocessed independent of all other jobs in the group and may be processed substantially concurrently or in parallel. A group workflow manager assures synchronization of the jobs to generate the expected order in the output. The synchronization is defined by synchronization actions processed as part of the workflow processing. The synchronization actions may be defined in the job type of each job, or in a group job type, or defined by user interaction.
US08619264B2
In an apparatus and system for focusing optics an objective lens is configured to collect light from a region of an object to be imaged, said region having a feature with a known geometric characteristic, wherein the geometric characteristic is known before the feature is imaged by the optical device. A focusing sensor is configured to observe a shape of the feature and a splitter is configured to split the collected light into a first portion and a second portion, and directing said first portion through a weak cylindrical lens to the focusing sensor. A processor is configured to analyze the observed shape and determine whether the observed shape of the feature has a predetermined relationship to the known geometric characteristic and a mechanism is configured to autofocus the optical device by moving at least one of the objective lens and the object to be imaged in response to the analysis and determination of the processor. In some embodiments, the feature can be a fluorescent bead. In some embodiments, the splitting step can be accomplished with a dichroic mirror. In other embodiments, the splitting step can be accomplished with a partial mirror. In some embodiments, the known geometric characteristic of the feature can be substantially spherical, the observed shape can be an oval, and the predetermined relationship can be an allowable aspect ratio of the oval. In some embodiments, the allowable aspect ratio can be approximately one.
US08619248B2
Systems and methods for obtaining mapping of Ultra Wide-Angle (UWA) lenses are disclosed. Captured image of a set of grid points on the inner surface of a precision made calibration dome is used as an input image. Image processing techniques are used to identify components of the image and compute the lens mapping. The lens mapping can be used to calibrate the lens against a standard or against other lenses. The mapping can further be used for perspective correction applications.
US08619247B1
An apparatus having a linear structure that enables real time measurement of the spatial profile, circularity, centroid, astigmatism and M2 values of a laser beam generated by a low power laser beam. A laser beam source transmits a laser beam through a focusing lens, a Fabry-Perot resonator, a pair of polarizers and a camera that detects spots of light that pass through the first and second mirrors and the polarizers. The resonator includes a pair of high reflecting mirror plates disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to one another at a common angle of incidence to the laser beam. The polarizers are disposed at an opposite angle of incidence and are rotationally adjustable to enable intensity adjustment of the camera.
US08619246B2
An optical node apparatus whose plural function units are connected each other through an optical transmission line includes a control unit which carries out control to send an optical test signal and to stop sending the optical test signal a sending unit which sends the optical test signal on the basis of an instruction issued by the control unit a receiving unit which receives the optical test signal sent by the sending unit through the optical transmission line and a discriminating unit which discriminates whether the receiving unit receives the optical test signal.
US08619242B2
An information processing apparatus using a design and evaluation method for a device or an apparatus concerning microscopic particles in conformity with dual mechanics is provided, and this apparatus may be utilized as an evaluation apparatus for evaluating whether or not quantum computers can be realized; wherein the dual mechanics is universal mechanics constructed by combining classical mechanics and novel wave mechanics and may be applicable to all particles ranging from microscopic to macroscopic particles. As a result, it is possible to prevent making useless efforts for realizing quantum computers that are judged to be impossible to realize and to pitch those efforts that might be wasted on the above realization into developing other effective technologies.
US08619241B2
There is provided a system and method for detecting a distance to an object. The method comprises providing a lighting system having at least one pulse width modulated visible-light source for illumination of a field of view; emitting an illumination signal for illuminating the field of view for a duration of time y using the visible-light source at a time t; integrating a reflection energy for a first time period from a time t−x to a time t+x; determining a first integration value for the first time period; integrating the reflection energy for a second time period from a time t+y−x to a time t+y+x; determining a second integration value for the second time period; calculating a difference value between the first integration value and the second integration value; determining a propagation delay value proportional to the difference value; determining the distance to the object from the propagation delay value.
US08619236B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a lithographic set point using simulations of optical proximity correction verification. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method of determining a lithographic tool set point for a lithographic process is disclosed. The method may include: providing a model of a production lithographic process including simulations of printed shapes; analyzing the model of the production lithographic process to determine whether a set of structures on a production mask used in the production lithographic process to create the printed shapes will fail under a plurality of set points; determining an operating region of set points where the set of structures on the production mask does not fail; and establishing a set point location within the operating region based upon a set point selection function.
US08619235B2
A level sensor configured to measure a height level of a substrate arranged in a measurement position is disclosed. The level sensor comprises a projection unit to project multiple measurement beams on multiple measurement locations on the substrate, a detection unit to receive the measurement beams after reflection on the substrate, and a processing unit to calculate a height level on the basis of the reflected measurement beams received by the detection unit, wherein the projection unit and the detection unit are arranged next to the substrate, when the substrate is arranged in the measurement position.
US08619229B2
A backlight assembly has improved luminance and uniformity, and a liquid crystal display includes the backlight assembly. The backlight assembly may be constructed with a light source; a flexible printed circuit board including a base film and conductors, and mounted with the light source; a light guide panel into which light emitted from the light source is incident; and a mold frame including an opening for receiving the light guide panel and a boss for fixing the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board is provided with an insertion hole into which the boss is inserted, and the conductors are formed along the circumference of the insertion hole.
US08619226B2
A pixel structure of a fringe field switching (FFS) mode LCD is provided, and the pixel structure includes: a scan line, a thin film transistor (TFT), a common electrode, a pixel electrode, and a patterned insulative layer. The pixel electrode is insulatively disposed on the common electrode. The pixel electrode generates a fringe field corresponding to the common electrode. The patterned insulative layer, which is disposed above the scan line and the TFT, is utilized to confine the fringe field so as to reduce disordered electrical field, thereby improving the shortcoming of light leakage.
US08619209B2
An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel and a backlight unit. A cover includes a window portion opened in correspondence with a pixel region of the electro-optical panel and a first sidewall provided so as to face the side surfaces of the electro-optical panel and the backlight unit. A frame holds the electro-optical panel and the backlight unit and has a second sidewall provided so as to face the side surfaces of the electro-optical panel and the backlight unit. The first sidewall has an engagement portion engaged with the backlight unit and the second sidewall has a protrusion for guiding the engagement portion to an engagement place.
US08619203B2
A touch screen comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a third substrate sequentially stacked. A first sensing layer is provided on a first surface of the second substrate opposing to the third substrate, and a second sensing layer is provided on a surface of the third substrate opposing to the second substrate. The second substrate provided with the first sensing layer and the third substrate provided with the second sensing layer constitute a touch unit for sensing a touch signal, and the second substrate and the first substrate constitute a display unit for displaying.
US08619202B2
A projector includes: a lighting device that emits light of a plurality of different colors; a plurality of liquid crystal light valves that modulate the light of a plurality of colors; a color synthesizing optical system that synthesizes the color light modulated by the plurality of liquid crystal light valves; and a projection optical system that projects the light synthesized by the color synthesizing optical system to a projection target face. A cell thickness of one liquid crystal light valve modulating light of one color of the plurality of liquid crystal light valves is smaller than a cell thickness of the other liquid crystal light valves modulating the light of other colors, and an alignment state of liquid crystal at the time of applying the maximum gradation voltage is substantially the same in one liquid crystal light value and the other liquid crystal light valve.
US08619198B1
A system includes a computing device that includes a memory for storing content of a sequence of frames, and a frame predictor. The frame predictor determines a difference between content of a first frame and content of a second frame, in which the first and second frames are adjacent in the sequence of frames. The difference between the content of the first and second frames is representative of image changes included in the content of first and second frames. The frame predictor is configured to produce an intermediate frame using at least one of the first and second frames, and the determined difference. The frame predictor is further configured to insert the intermediate frame into the frame sequence.
US08619196B2
In a channel search performed first after the installation of a broadcast receiver, a switch is switched to each of an attenuator side and an amplifier side to acquire reception state information (AGC, BER, C/N). The broadcast receiver is provided with a counter for counting the number of receivable channels on each of the amplifier and the attenuator. If image/voice can be normally received over the corresponding channel is determined based on the reception state information from reception state information detecting means. If it is determined that image/voice can be normally received, the counter of the attenuator side or the amplifier side is incremented by one. Upon termination of the channel search, the two counters are compared and the switch is fixed to the side on which more channels can be normally received. Accordingly, a wide range of signal power levels can be received in excellent condition.
US08619192B2
Techniques are described to provide closed captioning preferences. In an implementation, a user interface is output that is configured to accept preferences for a plurality of closed captions. A first one of the closed captions is output, based on the preferences, when available via a particular channel. A second one of the closed captions is output, based on the preferences, when the first closed caption is not available via the particular channel.
US08619188B2
A method for converting video information from an incoming format to an outgoing format using a process free from one or more intermediary files. The method includes receiving video information in a first format and receiving a desired output media format based upon a first input and a desired TV standard based upon a second input. The method decodes the video information in the first format to raw video information in an uncompressed format and directly resizes the raw video information in the uncompressed format into a size associated with the desired output media format and the desired TV standard. The method adjusts the uncompressed format in the size associated with the desired output media format and the desired TV standard to a frame rate associated with the desired TV standard and encodes the uncompressed format in the size and the frame rate into an elementary video stream. A step of multiplexing the elementary video stream with audio information in the desired output media format and the desired TV standard to form video and audio information in a presentation format based upon the desired output media format and the desired TV standard is included.
US08619183B2
In order to perform adjustment of relative positions between an optical system and imaging devices, a plurality of the imaging devices, a plurality of solid lenses that form images of the imaging devices, and a plurality of optical-axis control units that control the direction of optical axes of light incident to the imaging devices are included.
US08619182B2
Embodiments are directed towards using a color filtration system to generate multiple color images of a same single image that is displayed on a photo sensor plane to determine a lens adjustment position for a defined region of interest usable to automatically focus at least the defined region of interest using the single image. In one embodiment, the color filtration system employs a multiple color aperture filter and two single element lenses to generate multiple color images when an object within the single image is out of focus. In another embodiment, a metal dielectric interference filter is mounted directly in front of the photo sensor, to generate the multiple color images.
US08619177B2
A digital imaging system being configured for synthesizing an image of a plenoptic optical device, comprises a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors arranged in a predetermined image plane, and a microlens array comprising a plurality of microlenses arranged for directing light from an object to the photosensor array, wherein the photosensor array and the microlens array are arranged with a predetermined distance, the microlenses have different focal lengths varying over the microlens array, and the image plane of the photosensor array is arranged such that the distance between the photosensor array and the microlens array does not equal the microlenses' focal lengths. Furthermore, a plenoptic optical device including the digital imaging system and a method for processing image data collected with the digital imaging system are described.
US08619176B2
A solid-state image-taking apparatus which have a solid-state image-taking device includes a chip of the solid-state image-taking device, an imaging lens configured to focus incoming light into an image on the solid-state image-taking device, and a material of a refraction index larger than 1, which is arranged between the chip and the imaging lens.
US08619167B2
A method for displaying or capturing an image comprises directing an illumination beam onto a mirror of a highly resonant, mirror-mount system and applying a drive signal to a transducer to deflect the mirror. In this method, the drive signal has a pulse frequency approaching a resonance frequency of the mirror-mount system. The method further comprises reflecting the illumination beam off the mirror so that the illumination beam scans through an area where the image is to be displayed or captured, and, addressing each pixel of the image in synchronicity with the drive signal to display or capture the image.
US08619165B2
An image processing device of the present application includes an image acquisition unit, a slope generation unit, and a slope correction unit. The image acquisition unit takes in an image data generated by an imaging element. The slope generation unit generates a slope correction data correcting, in a slope-shape, a signal irregularity caused in the image data due to a manufacturing process of the imaging element. The slope correction unit corrects the signal irregularity within the image data using the slope correction data.
US08619161B2
The interchangeable lens unit (2) includes the fourth lens group unit (78), the sixth lens group unit (77), the focus lens unit (75), the zoom ring unit (83), the focus motor (64) and the lens microcomputer (40). The focus motor (64) is fixed to the sixth lens group unit (77) and is configured to electrically drive the focus lens unit (75) in the optical axis direction with respect to the sixth lens group unit (77). The lens microcomputer (40) is configured to control the focus motor (64) so that the focus lens unit (75) is driven in one direction with respect to the sixth lens group unit (77) when the sixth lens group unit (77) is driven in one direction with respect to the imaging sensor (11) by the zoom ring unit (83).
US08619159B2
An imaging device for capturing an image of a subject to acquire captured-image information, comprises: a positioning element arranged to measure a location at which the image is captured, to acquire capturing location information indicating a capturing location when the captured-image is acquired; a creation element arranged to create image information based on the capturing location information acquired by the positioning element and the captured-image information; a memory element arranged to store the image information created by the creation element; a decision element arranged to, when the image information stored in the memory element is output to the outside, decide whether or not the capturing location information included in the image information is to be kept secret; and a fabricator element arranged to fabricate the capturing location information included in the image information in accordance with a result of the decision by the decision element. Thus, it is possible to prevent leaking of information on the capturing location that is a kind of private information, minimizing reduction of convenience and versatility of the image information including the information on the capturing location.
US08619157B2
A method of tracking digital images includes inputting data identifying a subject of an image into a camera, acquiring an image with the camera, and storing the image and the inputted data, as metadata, in an image file when the image is acquired. The method can be implemented using a scanner, a digital camera, and a data processor. The scanner obtains the identifying data and transmits the data to the camera. The camera obtains digital images and embeds the data into digital image files encoding the digital images. The identifying data has a format different from any of the formats processable by the digital camera. The data processor converts the format of the identifying data to one of the plurality of formats processable by the digital camera loads the converted information into the digital camera as metadata.
US08619156B2
A method of controlling an image capturing system comprising an interface for receiving an external trigger to capture an image, and an image capturing device provided with a photosensitive area and an array of pixel cells, each pixel cell including a device for generating a signal indicative of the intensity of light falling on an associated part of the photosensitive area, which image capturing device is further provided with readout circuitry for generating an array of pixel values to capture an image frame at a set spatial resolution, such that each pixel value represents an integral of the signal or signals generated in at least one of the pixel cells in an associated one of a number of areas over an exposure time interval, the number of areas being determined by the set spatial resolution, the areas together covering a region of the photosensitive area corresponding to a region in the image, comprises receiving an external trigger to capture an image, and, in response to the external trigger, directing the image capturing device to capture at least two image frames by generating respective arrays of pixel values representing integrals over respective consecutive exposure time intervals. The spatial resolutions of at least two of the captured image frames are set to different values.
US08619155B2
A light-emitting apparatus which is capable of emitting light at desired emission color temperature even when aged deterioration of a light-emitting unit occurs. The light emitting unit has a plurality of LEDs that emit light in different colors, and is capable of changing emission color temperature of the light-emitting unit by changing the ratio of an amount light emitted by the LEDs. A emission color temperature of the light-emitting unit is set, and the light-emitting unit is flashed based on parameters corresponding to the set emission color temperature. Color temperature data on the image data is obtained based on image data obtained by performing image pickup by flashing the light-emitting unit based on the parameters. The parameters corresponding to the set emission color temperature are corrected based on the color temperature data on the set emission color temperature and the obtained color temperature data.
US08619145B2
A position controller for an image-stabilizing optical element in a optical system includes an advancing/retracting member; an anti shake frame supported by the advancing/retracting member and movable along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; an insertable/removable frame holding the optical element and supported by the anti-shake frame to be movable between insertion and removed positions; an anti shake drive mechanism which drives the anti shake frame to perform an image-stabilizing operation; and a removal drive mechanism which imposes no movement limitations on the anti shake frame and the insertable/removable frame in a ready-to-photograph state, and which imparts a component force that moves the insertable/removable frame to the removed position in association with the insertable/removable frame when the advancing/retracting member moves to an accommodated position.
US08619143B2
An image sensing system includes an IR notch filter configured to block transmission of spectral energy having wavelengths in an interface region between the visible and the invisible spectra and enable transmission of spectral energy having wavelengths in at least the visible spectrum and the near-infrared (IR) spectrum, a digital image sensor including a two-dimensional array of pixel elements and configured to generate output signals at each pixel element as pixel data representing an image of a scene, and a color filter array including a two-dimensional array of selectively transmissive filters superimposed on and in registration with the two-dimensional array of pixel elements. The color filter array includes a first group of selectively transmissive filters disposed to transmit spectral energy in one or more colors of the visible spectrum and a second group of gray color filters disposed to transmit spectral energy in at least the near-infrared (IR) spectrum.
US08619141B2
The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for managing a portal. The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a locking system, a detection system, and a portal access system. The locking system is for a portal having a first side and a second side. The portal is configured to swing about an axis through the first side between an opened position and a closed position. The detection system is configured to detect when a robotic vehicle is located within a selected distance of the portal. The portal access system unlocks the portal when the portal is in the closed position and the robotic vehicle is detected within a selected distance of the portal using the detection system.
US08619125B2
An image measuring apparatus includes: an image acquiring section which images an object to generate input image data; an image processing section which performs image processing on the input image data to generate two output image data; a display which displays display image data corresponding to one of the output image data generated by the image processing section for an input of at least one measurement point; an input unit which inputs a measurement operation on the display image data as a reference; and a measurement section which performs measurement based on another output image data for which image processing by the image acquiring section is different from that for the display image data based on the measurement operation on the input unit.
US08619124B2
A video data processing system comprises a control module coupled with a source module for receiving video data from the source module, the video data being associated with at least one source viewpoint; and a view adjustment module coupled with the control module for generating at least one adjusted viewpoint of the video data based on at least one of a set viewpoint number and a number of the at least one source viewpoint. The set viewpoint number is associated with at least one of a viewpoint number of at least one previously received video data and a viewpoint number of at least one previously coupled player module.
US08619122B2
Compatibility between a depth image consumer and a depth image producer is provided by receiving a native depth image having an unsupported type that is not supported by a depth image consumer, and processing the native depth image into an emulation depth image having a supported type that is supported by the depth image consumer. This emulation depth image is then output to the depth image consumer.
US08619121B2
Three-dimensional digital image data comes from a stereographic imaging arrangement (501, 502, 1201) that takes a first raw image (601) along a first optical axis and a second raw image (602) along a second optical axis. The imaging arrangement (501, 502, 1201) has a maximum imaging depth (506) and a minimum imaging depth (505). It transmits the first raw image (601) and the second raw image (602) to a receiving device (1102) along with an indication of a disparity range between a maximum disparity value and a minimum disparity value. The maximum disparity value is a measure of a difference between locations in the first (601) and second (602) raw images that represent the minimum imaging depth (505). The minimum disparity value is a measure of a difference between locations in the first (601) and second (602) raw images that represent the maximum imaging depth (506).
US08619117B2
Transmission parameters for the transmission of at least one ticker information (ti) are transmitted during signaling of the transmission parameters for at least one multimedia data stream (mmd) for a session (S), the parameters establishing an additional logical transmission channel for the transmission of ticker information (ti), specifying the transmission protocol (RTP) and the payload type (555,666, 777,888) and inserting a source information which shows the source of the ticker information (ti). A session description protocol (SDP) embedded in a session initiation protocol (SIP) is used to describe and administer the transmission parameters. The invention allows the signaling for the additional information or ticker information (ti) to be implemented into existing network protocols for packet-oriented networks with only minor additional signaling and transmission operations.
US08619116B2
According to one aspect, a web optimized user device is provided. The web optimized device reduces complexity and facilitates interaction with web-based services and content. The web optimized device can be configured without a hard drive, facilitating integration of web-based services into a computing experience. The web optimized device presents a user interface that integrates video chat functionality into every aspect of the computer content accessed. In particular, a display manager manages the user interface presented and integrates video chat displays and features into the content displays in a content and/or context aware manner. These displays permit a user to intuitively interact with the video chat content and features while the user changes content, for example, web-based services, web-based applications, and other media content, without interruption of or interference from the video chat content.
US08619113B2
An image processing system and an image processing method are provided. The image processing system includes: a display device, an image detecting device, and a driving unit. The display device comprises: a frame, a display screen supported by the frame, and a sliding track positioned on the frame. The image detecting device is movably positioned on the sliding track via the driving unit, and utilized for detecting at least an object. The driving unit is utilized for moving the image detecting device. The image processing system and the image processing method can determine an optimal position for the image detecting device in the image processing system to detect the largest number of audiences. In addition, the image detecting device in the image processing system can detect objects in each zone in front of the display device in the image processing system no matter what size of the display device is.
US08619111B2
Systems and methods for providing remote assistance to a user are disclosed. A remote assistance system may communicate with a mobile device operated by the user and may manipulate devices configured on the mobile device, such as a camera, an illumination device, a projection device, or any other types of devices. Images may be captured with a camera of the mobile phone and transmitted by the mobile phone to the remote assistance system. A remote assistant may transmit images or other visual data to the mobile phone that are then overlaid upon images presented on the mobile phone. Various image manipulation and stabilization means and methods are disclosed, as well as various ways of obtaining and providing remote assistance.
US08619105B2
First and second sensors are disposed downstream and upstream of a conveyance path, respectively. A first head is disposed between the first sensor and the second sensor opposite to a first platen with the conveyance path interposed between the first head and the first platen. The first head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the first head to the first platen. A second head is disposed between the first head and the second sensor opposite to a second platen with the conveyance path interposed between the second head and the second platen. The second head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the second head to the second platen. The control unit controls the second head pressurizing force adjusting device to separate the second head from the second platen if a tailing end of the recording medium escapes from the second sensor.
US08619102B2
A display apparatus and a method for adjusting brightness thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a panel unit which displays a video signal, a light emitting unit which provides the panel unit with a ray of light and causes the video signal to be visualized, a light emission control unit which controls the light emitting unit so that the ray of light is provided to each of local areas of the panel unit, and a panel control unit which compensates pixels of the video signal in each of local areas, to remove an artifact which is generated due to the ray of light provided to local areas of the panel unit. Because brightness of a screen is adjusted in each of local areas, contrast ratio is enhanced, and improved image quality is provided.
US08619097B2
A remote instruction system comprising an annotation forming portion that: overlay-displays an image of a target taken by an image taking portion, in a display area of application software; displays an edited image in the display area by use of the application software; extracts the edited image displayed according to a difference between displayed images prior to and subsequent to a generation of the edited image; and forms an annotation image from the edited image extracted to project the annotation image onto an image-taken area of the image taking portion by a projecting portion according to an instruction given on the basis of a taken image.
US08619096B2
Evaluating a delivered video using a marker. A marker can be generated to be superimposed and displayed on an evaluation range from coordinate values specifying the evaluation range input to evaluate the video and that adds the marker to the video and causing the video with the marker to be deliver. An image can be generated in the evaluation range at predetermined intervals starting from the input time of the coordinate values. A similarity between two images arranged in the order of time from the input time by comparing the two images can be calculated, and a determination can be made whether the similarity is within an allowable range. The time of one of the two images generated as an extinction time of the displayed marker can be selected when the similarity is determined to be not within the allowable range.
US08619092B2
An image processing apparatus and graphics memory unit which reduces useless memory access to a graphics memory unit. When an image data read section reads image data from frame buffers or windows, a mask area inside/outside determination section determines by reference to mask information stored in a mask information storage section whether image data which is being scanned is in a memory access mask area. If the image data which is being scanned is in the memory access mask area, then a superposition process section performs a superposition process according to a transmission attribute assigned to the memory access mask area regardless of transmission attributes assigned to the frame buffers or the windows.
US08619076B2
Stereoscopic image display control apparatus, stereoscopic image display control method, and program
A stereoscopic image display control apparatus includes: an output unit which outputs a stereoscopic image to a display device; an input accepting unit which accepts, from a user, input of a change instruction to change a state of the stereoscopic image displayed by the display device; a change amount prediction unit which predicts amounts of change in projection and recession of the stereoscopic image in unit time to be caused when the state of the stereoscopic image is changed in accordance with the change instruction accepted by the input accepting unit; and a display control unit which decreases a change speed of the state of the stereoscopic image to be outputted from the output unit when one of the amounts of change in projection and recession in unit time predicted by the change amount prediction unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US08619066B2
A liquid crystal display includes a display unit displaying an image in response to a driving signal, a driving unit outputting the driving signal to the display unit in response to a plurality of control signal, and a controller outputting the plurality of control signals and image data. The controller includes a plurality of timing controllers providing the image data and the plurality of control signals and a storage device. The plurality of timing controllers share the storage device and may be either connected in series or parallel.
US08619065B2
A stylus device receives light from a display though an optical element that is adapted to increase the field curvature of an image formed on an image sensor of the stylus device. Based on the size and shape of a portion of the image that is in focus, a distance, orientation, and/or azimuth of the stylus device with respect to the display can be determined. In addition, a position corresponding to each pixel, or groups of pixels, is encoded into blue light emitted by each pixel or group of pixels of the display. Upon initialization, or after a loss of synchronization, the stylus device can determine its position with respect to the pixels by decoding the encoded position. After synchronizing its position with the display, the stylus device can determine its subsequent positions by tracking pixels of the display.
US08619053B2
User interfaces, methods, systems, and computer-readable media for activating and/or displaying text input systems on display devices may include: (a) displaying a text input system activation target at a user changeable location on a display device; (b) receiving user input directed to the activation target; and (c) activating a text input system in response to the user input. Such user interfaces, methods, and systems further may include (d) displaying a pre-interaction condition of the activation target; (e) receiving user input directed to the activation target in this pre-interaction condition; and (f) changing an appearance of the activation target from the pre-interaction condition to a larger size and/or a different visual appearance in response to this user input. Additional aspects of this invention relate to computer-readable media for providing user interfaces, systems, and methods as described above.
US08619044B2
A method of controlling an electronic device having a touch-sensitive display includes imparting, by an actuator, a force on the touch-sensitive display to provide tactile feedback, determining the force applied by the actuator on the touch-sensitive display, and adjusting a subsequent force imparted by the actuator based on the determined force.
US08619043B2
A touch screen display of an electronic device is calibrated. The method includes receiving input comprising selections of features registered at the touch screen display, filtering the input based on characteristics determined during the receiving to determine if the input is to be used for calibrating, for each input used for calibrating, determining a difference between registered touch location and a respective target for the selection and subtracting an offset from the difference, thereby providing remainders of differences for the selections, and calibrating by adjusting a prior calibration based on the remainders if the input is determined to be used for calibrating.
US08619040B2
An electronic apparatus includes a display unit, a base chassis, a screen displaying section, and operation controlling means. The display unit includes a display region. The base chassis is made of a transparent material and includes a first region that extends outward from at least one end on a circumference of the display unit, the first region provided with one of a plurality of vertically-arranged operation buttons and a plurality of horizontally-arranged operation buttons used for operating a driving circuit. The screen displaying section displays an operation screen in the display region of the display unit, the operation screen displayed in association with a position of each of the plurality of operation buttons. The operation controlling means controls an operational input to the operation screen made by using the plurality of operation buttons.
US08619039B2
The disclosed translucent or semi-transparent touch screen device includes a mesh composed of a low resistive material and method for forming a touch screen and applying components to the touch screen according to a heat based process. The low resistivity of the mesh beneficially allows pattern traces a small width, and therefore allows more touch zones per specified area than previously available. The disclosed semi-transparent touch screen device may incorporated into a mobile communication device such as a clam shell form factor device with a flip is configured so that an adjacent main display screen is visible through the touch screen device. Input received by the touch screen device is responsive to indicia displayed on the display screen. Since the disclosed touch screen may include many touch zones, beneficially the functionality of the device in the closed position is improved over previous semi-transparent touch screens.
US08619037B2
An apparatus configured as a virtual user interface and including: a display screen; a masking element for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control element; and a controller responsive to said user-actuated control element and configured to display information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control element.
US08619031B2
Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.
US08619026B2
A method and a device for controlling cursor movement is disclosed. The cursor movement control device comprises an input unit that accepts the cursor movement commands from the user, a first display unit that displays a screen including said cursor, a graphical user interface unit that determines the selected region on said screen and a cursor movement control unit that calculates said cursor movement in said selected region. In this way, the present invention provides a method and a device for controlling cursor movement requiring only minor action from the user.
US08619017B2
A display device to display an image corresponding to image signals in a display area is provided. The display device includes a backlight including individually placed light sources corresponding to areas in the display area; a panel that includes pixels corresponding to the display area and that changes transmittance of light from the light sources in units of pixels; a panel control unit to individually set emission brightness of each of the light sources in accordance with the image signals and set the transmittance of light in each of the pixels in accordance with the emission brightness; a storage unit to store a nonlinear conversion table to convert the emission brightness to a light source control value for the backlight; and a backlight control unit to convert the emission brightness to the light source control value in accordance with the nonlinear conversion table and supply the light source control value to the backlight.
US08619016B2
Active matrix display module (10) comprising a driving circuit with a source driver (20) and a gate driver (12). Furthermore, a display panel (11) with pixels consisting of three sub-pixels is provided. The sub-pixels are arranged in rows and columns and each sub-pixel comprises a sub-pixel selection transistor arranged at an intersection of a row and a column. The gate driver (12) is employed to select and deselect all pixels of a row of the display panel (11) and the source driver (20) is employed for providing the required voltage levels to all sub-pixels of a currently selected row, said voltage levels corresponding to the desired intensity for each color. Demultiplexer switches (21) are integrated onto the display panel (11) for demultiplexing columns of the display panel (11). The active matrix display module (10) further comprises means (18) for color shift compensation. These means (18) implement a selection order for the selection of the sub-pixels to compensate unintentional color shifts. The compensation takes place within two frames.
US08619014B2
A liquid crystal display device which can reduce a circuit scale of a drive circuit is provided. A TFT substrate of the liquid crystal display device includes a pixel circuit in each pixel, and the pixel circuit includes a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode which is connected to a source side of the thin film transistor, and a common electrode which is one planar transparent electrode extending in a display region in a planar shape. A vertical drive circuit includes a transistor which is driven by a control signal voltage including a clock signal from a drive IC, and constitutes a damper for a high voltage. The drive IC outputs an equalizing switch signal voltage to equalizing switches which connect the common electrode and data signal lines.
US08619012B2
A display element (100) corresponds to a pixel of a display. The display element includes a top electrode (102) connected to a first addressable line of the display, and a bottom electrode (104) connected to a second addressable line of the display. The display element includes a display mechanism (106) situated between the top electrode and the bottom electrode and having a number of individually turned-on steps. Each individually turned-on step has a turn-on voltage threshold at which the step is turned on upon a voltage applied between the top and the bottom electrodes equal to or greater than the turn-on voltage threshold. Each individually turned-on step has a turn-off voltage threshold at which the step is turned off upon a voltage applied between the top and the bottom electrodes equal to or less than the turn-off voltage threshold.
US08619007B2
An electro-luminescence display device includes: an electro-luminescence display panel including red, green and blue subpixels in regions defined by a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scan lines; a scan driver integrated circuit for driving the scan lines; and a data driver integrated circuit for driving the data lines, wherein the data driver integrated circuit has no more output channels than half of the plurality of datelines.
US08619001B2
This multi-antenna apparatus includes a first looped antenna element wound from a first end of the first looped antenna element on a side of a first feeding point in a prescribed direction, a second looped antenna element wound from a first end of the second looped antenna element on a side of a second feeding point in a direction opposite to the prescribed direction, a connecting portion connecting a second end of the first looped antenna element and a second end of the second looped antenna element with each other, and an impedance element arranged between the connecting portion and a ground potential.
US08619000B2
An antenna device includes a ground section including a planar section, a feeding section, a first feeding element arranged along the planar section of the ground section, and a second feeding element including a loop-like body portion arranged parallel to the first feeding element at a predetermined distance from the first feeding element, the loop-like body portion including one end portion bent to be electrically connected to the ground section, and the other end portion bent to be electrically connected to the feeding section. Both of the one end portion and the other end portion of the second feeding element are provided in a vicinity of an outer periphery of the ground section.
US08618998B2
According to one embodiment, an antenna comprises a plurality of elongated side radiating elements having longitudinal axes oriented at angles of between about 10° and about 80° from a line perpendicular to an imaginary base plane extending across ends of the side radiating elements, and a cavity positioned between the side radiating elements defined by at least one non-radio frequency-transparent sidewall. In another embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of elongated side radiating elements each lying along a unique side plane and having longitudinal axes oriented at angles of between about 10° and about 80° from a line perpendicular to an imaginary base plane extending across ends of the side radiating elements, and a cavity being positioned between the side radiating elements defined by at least one non-radio frequency-transparent sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall has sides each lying along a plane about parallel to the unique side plane.
US08618997B2
Provided is an antenna module including: an antenna coil having a first pattern width; a magnetic sheet, which includes a first surface on which the antenna coil is to be arranged, and has a first distance being a distance on the first surface between an edge of the first surface and the antenna coil, the first distance being twice or more as large as the first pattern width; and a conductor, which includes a second surface on which the magnetic sheet is to be arranged while a surface opposite to the first surface of the magnetic sheet faces the second surface, and has a second distance being a distance on the second surface between an edge of the second surface and the antenna coil, the second distance being equal to or larger than the first distance.
US08618990B2
A wideband antenna for use portable radio devices, and methods for operating the same. In one embodiment, a monopole antenna is used within a laptop computing device. The antenna comprises a monopole radiator coupled to an auxiliary ground plane element, and is placed substantially outside of the footprint of the computer display ground plane. In one implementation, the auxiliary ground element is configured not to have electrical connections to the ground plane of the laptop. In another implementation, a solid state switch selectively connects an antenna parasitic element to the main ground thus enabling selective control of the antenna lower frequency operating band.
US08618989B2
An electronic device case having an antenna pattern embedded therein according to an aspect of the invention may include: a radiator having an antenna pattern portion transmitting and receiving a signal and a connection terminal portion allowing the signal to be transmitted to and received from a circuit board of an electronic device; a connection portion partially forming the radiator and connecting the antenna pattern portion and the connection terminal portion to be arranged in different planes; a radiator frame manufactured by injection molding on the radiator so that the antenna pattern portion of the radiator is provided on one side of the radiator frame and the connection terminal portion is provided on the other side thereof; and a case frame covering the one side of the radiator frame on which the antenna pattern portion is provided so that the antenna pattern portion is embedded between the case frame and the radiator frame.
US08618987B2
The invention provides a wireless chip which can secure the safety of consumers while being small in size, favorable in communication property, and inexpensive, and the invention also provides an application thereof. Further, the invention provides a wireless chip which can be recycled after being used for managing the manufacture, circulation, and retail. A wireless chip includes a layer including a semiconductor element, and an antenna. The antenna includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and has a spherical shape, an ovoid shape, an oval spherical shape like a go stone, an oval spherical shape like a rugby ball, or a disc shape, or has a cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape in which an outer edge portion thereof has a curved surface.
US08618970B2
A DA conversion device includes a current output type DA converter, a high-speed operational amplifier operating at a low voltage and configured to generate a voltage corresponding to an output current from the DA converter, and a buffer amplifier connected to an output terminal of the high-speed operational amplifier and operating at a high voltage. The device also includes positive and negative floating power supplies separated from a power supply system and provided as power supplies for driving the DA converter and the high-speed operational amplifier. A midpoint between potentials at the floating power supplies is connected to an output terminal of the buffer amplifier to cause the DA converter and the high-speed operational amplifier to operate mainly based on an output voltage from the buffer amplifier.
US08618947B2
Techniques for detecting a signal quality decrease are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a subject. A wavelet transform of the signal may be performed and a scalogram may be generated based at least in part on the wavelet transform. One or more characteristics of the scalogram may be determined. The determined characteristics may include, for example, energy values and energy structural characteristics in a pulse band, a mains hum band, and/or a noise band. Such characteristics may be analyzed to produce signal quality values and associated signal quality trends. One or more signal quality values and signal quality trends may be used to determine if a signal quality decrease has occurred or is likely to occur.
US08618945B2
An in-vehicle communication system is disclosed. The in-vehicle communication system is configured to connect a short range wireless communication link between an in-vehicle apparatus and a portable device, and predicts a battery level threshold reach time, which is a time when a battery level of a battery of the portable device reaches below a threshold. When it is determined that the battery level threshold reach time is prior to a vehicle travel end time, the in-vehicle communication system notifies the passenger of prompt battery charge information to prompt the passenger to charge the battery of the portable device.
US08618943B2
Methods and systems for monitoring a brush holder assembly and/or detecting wear of a brush in a brush holder assembly are disclosed. One method includes sending data from a plurality of remote monitoring locations to a central control unit, where the data may be evaluated in order to monitor states of brushes at a plurality of remote electrical facilities. For example, multiple images of a marker tracking longitudinal movement of the brush may be acquired. A comparison of the images, for example, a comparative imaging technique, such as pixel-by-pixel comparison, may then be performed in order to evaluate a condition of the brush, such as the wear rate, wear state, or life expectancy of the brush.
US08618941B2
Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usage information are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first water activity from the user, generating a visualization based on the water usage information and the first characterization of the first water activity, and displaying the visualization.
US08618938B2
Gas cylinder and RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder assemblies and related methods are disclosed that utilize fixed orientations for RFID transponders to overcome problems existing with previous solutions. The disclosed embodiments provide an advantageous solution for utilizing metal plates, such as metal identification plates, to house RFID transponders and to fix the orientation of the RFID transponders to overcame the adverse effects of metal structures distorting the magnetic fields associated with gas cylinders. This fixed orientation combined with a transponder embodying a copper wire antenna wound around a longitudinal axis of a ferrite core and the use of PSK (phase shift keying) modulation allows for adequate reader performance despite the presence of interfering metal structures such as a metal plate used to house an RFID transponder.
US08618937B2
Methods and systems for controlling cavity height of a leaky wave antenna for RFID communications are disclosed. In this regard, an RFID transponder may receive RF signals via a leaky wave antenna and modulate a frequency of a backscattered signal by controlling a height of a resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna. The height of the resonant cavity may be controlled via a micro-electromechanical system. The RFID transponder may modulate an amplitude of the backscattered signal by controlling an input impedance of the RFID transponder. The input impedance may be controlled by switching a load in and out of a receive path of the RFID transponder. The input impedance of the RFID transponder may be controlled by switching between a plurality of feed points of the leaky wave antenna. Each of the plurality of feed points may be located in a different position in the resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna.
US08618935B2
Exemplary systems and methods for enhancing a user visit to a site premises are disclosed. An exemplary method includes a mobile device tracking a geographic location of the mobile device, accessing site data associated with a site premises, and providing an interactive user interface configured to enhance a visit of a user of the mobile device to the site premises based on the site data associated with the site premises and the geographic location of the mobile device within the site premises. In certain embodiments, an output may be selected based on the geographic location of the mobile device within the site premises and provided via the interactive user interface for experiencing by the user of the mobile device. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
US08618930B2
A method and system for monitoring. The monitoring system may include at least one wearable monitor, which may include an accelerometer, coupled to a user; at least one server communicatively coupled using a network to the at least one wearable monitor, the accelerometer facilitating detection of a fall by the user and transmitting notification of said fall to said at least one server, and the server allowing verification of the fall and adjustment of fall detection parameters either automatically or through a user interface.
US08618920B2
Provided is a mobile device including: an audio output unit; an audio source unit which provides music information to the audio output unit; an adjustment unit which adjusts the audio volume of the audio output unit; an announcement information generation unit which provides announcement information to the audio output unit; and a control unit which forcibly selects a predetermined audio volume regardless of the adjustment made by the adjustment unit when announcing information by the announcement information generation unit from the audio output unit.
US08618903B2
A power supply apparatus which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, whereby magnetic flux generated by a varying primary voltage applied to the primary winding induces a varying secondary voltage on the secondary winding, a torroidal transformer core over which said primary winding and secondary winding are applied, and at least one magnetic shunt arranged to provide a diversion path for magnetic flux generated by the primary winding which diverts magnetic flux from the secondary winding.
US08618902B2
A laminated inductor, which offers high inductance while suppressing increase in direct-current resistance, has a rectangular solid laminate and a pair of terminal electrodes formed only on the bottom face of the laminate, wherein a folded conductor piece is provided on the first magnetic layer in a manner constituting around one turn worth of the windings, with one end placed near the first corner and the other end placed at a position toward the center and away from this one end so as not to overlap with the one end, while one of multiple sets of coil conductor pieces, each set constituting around one turn worth of the windings, is placed on multiple magnetic layers in the laminate.
US08618900B2
A micromagnetic device includes a first insulating layer formed above a substrate, a first seed layer formed above the first insulating layer, a first conductive winding layer selectively formed above the first seed layer, and a second insulating layer formed above the first conductive winding layer. The micromagnetic device also includes a first magnetic core layer formed above the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer formed above the first magnetic core layer, and a second magnetic core layer formed above the third insulating layer. The micromagnetic device still further includes a fourth insulating layer formed above the second magnetic core layer, a second seed layer formed above the fourth insulating layer, and a second conductive winding layer formed above the second seed layer and in vias to the first conductive winding layer. The first and second conductive winding layers form a winding for the micromagnetic device.
US08618887B2
A spread spectrum oscillator includes a high frequency oscillator circuit configured to oscillate at a first frequency, and a low frequency oscillator circuit configured to oscillate at a second frequency and resistively coupled to a current summing node of the high frequency oscillator circuit. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.
US08618882B2
An apparatus and method are provided. Generally, an input signal is applied across a main path (through an input network) and across a cancellation path (through a cancellation circuit). The cancellation circuit subtracts a cancellation current from the main path as part of the control mechanism, where the magnitude of the cancellation current is based on a gain control signal (that has been linearized to follow a control voltage).
US08618880B2
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for reducing the distortion of power amplifiers. In particular, methods and systems are described that enable a determination of a pre-distortion correction signal to be determined, which when added to the nominal signal, a reduction in the distortion of the power amplifier results. In addition, methods and systems are described that enable calibration of individual power amplifiers to be accomplished for use with the above described approach. More specifically, the methods and systems are described for use in a MIMO application. These approaches may be applied to on-chip power amplifiers, off-chip power amplifiers, or any combination thereof.
US08618877B2
In various embodiments, a pilot signal generation circuit is provided having an operational amplifier buffer connected via a first resistor to receive a source reference voltage. A differential amplifier is connected at a first input to receive the source reference voltage and at a second input to an output of the operational amplifier buffer. A first shunt transistor is connected to shunt the source reference voltage at the operational amplifier buffer in response to pulse width modulated signal. A second shunt transistor is connected to the differential operational amplifier so as to shunt the source reference voltage in response to an output of the first shunt transistor. The output of the differential amplifier provides a pulse width modulated bipolar signal at precision voltage levels in response to the pulse width modulated signal.
US08618873B2
A high frequency circuit device includes: two transmission lines having ends which are opposed to each other and are spaced from each other; a capacitor that is mounted on the end of one of the two transmission lines and has a lower face electrode acting as a mount face and an upper face electrode positioned higher than the lower face electrode; a resistor element that is provided on a region between the ends of the two transmission lines and connects the ends of the two transmission lines; and a connection conductor electrically connecting the upper face electrode of the capacitor and the other of the two transmission lines.
US08618863B2
Disclosed is a signal distribution device which is provided with: supply lines (5) for supplying input signals to switching elements in signal distribution circuits; and distribution lines (6) for distributing the input signals to output terminals via the switching elements. The corresponding one of the supply lines (5) and at least one of the distribution lines (6) each have an extension section (5a) and an extension section (5b) which extend in an extending direction of a control line (13). A selection signal for switching on/off the associated switching element is applied to the control line (13). The extension sections (5a and 5b) are formed at positions that do not overlap the edge portions of the control line (13) in the extending direction thereof.
US08618860B2
A circuit and method are provided for switching in a semiconductor based high power switch. Complementary p-type based transistors are utilized along insertion loss insensitive paths allowing biasing voltages to alternate between supply and ground, allowing for negative voltage supplies and blocking capacitors to be dispensed with, while improving performance.
US08618850B2
An electronic device includes a DC-DC converter for voltage conversion in a slave mode an in a master mode and including a phase locked loop. The phase locked loop comprises a controlled oscillator, a filter having an integration capacitor coupled to a control input of the controlled oscillator, a charge pump, and a phase frequency detector. In the slave mode, the controlled oscillator, the filter, the charge pump and the phase frequency detector are coupled to operate as the phase locked loop. There is a comparator coupled with an input to a control input of the controlled oscillator and with an output to the charge pump. In the master mode, the comparator is configured to control the charge pump in response to a control signal at the control input of the controlled oscillator when the phase frequency detector is switched off so as to perform a modulation of the control signal at the control input of the controlled oscillator by charging and discharging the integration capacitor.
US08618848B1
A clock generator with comparator error compensation includes an amplifier which develops an error voltage based on a difference between a sample voltage of a charge voltage and a predetermined reference voltage. The charge voltage develops a clock signal, such as a sawtooth waveform. A comparator compares the charge voltage with the error voltage to develop a compare signal. A sample and discharge control network is operative to develop the sample voltage in response to the compare signal, and then to switch between charging and discharging of the charge voltage. The amplifier develops the error voltage to ensure that the charge voltage switches at a level of the reference voltage to eliminate comparator errors, such as switching delay or input offset voltage. A second comparator and another amplifier may be provided to control switching in both directions, such as for developing a triangular waveform or the like.
US08618832B2
A balanced single-end impedance control system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the circuit includes a first transistor coupled to a first output terminal and a second transistor coupled to a second output terminal. The circuit also includes a third transistor and a fourth transistor, where device characteristics of the third transistor substantially match device characteristics of the first transistor and device characteristics of the fourth transistor substantially match device characteristics of the second transistor. The circuit further includes a first control path and a second control path. The first path is coupled to the third transistor and provides a first rail voltage to control a first gate control voltage of the first transistor. The second control path is coupled to the fourth transistor and provides a second rail voltage to control a second gate control voltage of the second transistor. The impedances of the first and second transistors may be controlled by the first gate control voltage and the second gate control voltage respectively.
US08618825B2
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an array substrate, comprising at least a step of forming a TFT pattern in a pixel region and correspondingly forming a TFT testing pattern in a testing region, wherein before forming a passivation layer to cover the pixel region and the testing region, a step of removing a gate insulation layer thin film above a testing line lead in the TFT testing pattern.
US08618823B2
A semiconductor device is designed to facilitate analyzing a position and a cause of the failure of an integrated circuit adopting a polyphase clock. To this end, the semiconductor device is provided with an error detecting unit that detects that a problem of the operation occurs in the integrated circuit, a clock state holding unit that holds the information of phases in a predetermined term of a two- or more-phase clock and an output unit that outputs the information of the phases in the predetermined term of the two- or more-phase clock when the error detecting unit detects that the problem of the operation occurs in the integrated circuit.
US08618821B2
A device for detecting the thinning down of the substrate of an integrated circuit chip, including, in the active area of the substrate, bar-shaped diffused resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge, wherein: first opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a first direction; the second opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a second direction; and the first and second directions are such that a thinning down of the substrate causes a variation of the imbalance value of the bridge.
US08618809B2
A bus terminal is isolated from ground potential during normal operation of the vehicle. A first current is applied to the bus terminal. A current level detector is arranged to detect a first level of the first current, or a corresponding observed voltage level, that exists or flows from the bus terminal to ground. A compensator is configured to compensate for a range in the detected first level by applying a corresponding compensating voltage level to a first resistor coupled to the current level detector. An electronic data processor is capable of estimating a first isolation level between the bus terminal and ground based on the detected first level.
US08618802B2
A power amplifier unit for a magnetic resonance device includes at least two power amplifier modules. Symmetrical output signals from the at least two power amplifier modules are fed to a shared balun. The shared balun is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) and is realized in a unit with the at least two power amplifier modules. The balun is configured to asymmetrize a sum signal.
US08618799B1
A magnetic resonance system, comprising at least one SQUID, configured to receive a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, in a circuit configured to produce a pulsatile output having a minimum pulse frequency of at least 1 GHz which is analyzed in a processor with respect to a timebase, to generate a digital signal representing magnetic resonance information. The processor may comprise at least one rapid single flux quantum circuit. The magnetic resonance information may be image information. A plurality of SQUIDs may be provided, fed by a plurality of antennas in a spatial array, to provide parallel data acquisition. A broadband excitation may be provided to address a range of voxels per excitation cycle. The processor may digitally compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities.
US08618797B2
Present embodiments are directed towards a magnetic resonance imaging method. In one embodiment, the method includes (a) performing a first magnetic resonance imaging sequence including: (i) a first preparatory composite spin locking pulse sequence having a spin lock pulse bounded by similarly oriented spin tipping pulses; and (ii) an acquisition pulse sequence to acquire first magnetic resonance data. The method further includes (b) performing a second magnetic resonance imaging sequence including: (i) a second preparatory composite spin locking pulse sequence having a spin lock pulse bounded by oppositely oriented spin tipping pulses; and (ii) an acquisition pulse sequence to acquire second magnetic resonance data. The method also includes (c) storing the first and second magnetic resonance data.
US08618787B1
A system for use within an integrated circuit (IC) can include an input differential pair including a positive input node and a negative input node, a current source coupled to the input differential pair, and a current mirror. The current mirror can include at least a first active device and a second active device. The system can include a biasing transistor device having a source terminal coupled to a gate terminal of each of the first and second active devices, a gate terminal coupled to a drain terminal of the second active device, and a drain terminal coupled to a voltage source. The biasing transistor device is complementary to the current mirror.
US08618775B2
A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.
US08618774B2
Provided are a battery state monitoring circuit and a battery device that are capable of reliably controlling charge by a charger even if a voltage of a secondary battery drops to around 0 V. The battery state monitoring circuit includes a minimum operating voltage monitoring circuit for detecting that the voltage of the secondary battery is lower than a minimum operating voltage of the battery state monitoring circuit. When the voltage of the secondary battery is lower than the minimum operating voltage of the battery state monitoring circuit, an output of an overdischarge detection circuit is set to an overdischarge detected state.
US08618773B2
A charging control method for a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells in which a full charge voltage value is initially set as a first voltage value. The charging control method includes: charging the plurality of battery cells to the first voltage value in an initial charge mode; and resetting the full charge voltage value to a second voltage value less than the first voltage value in a subsequent charge mode.
US08618772B2
A transportable electrical energy storage system includes an electrical energy storage unit, an electrical energy storage unit management system operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit, an AC/DC rectifier operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system, and a DC/DC converter operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system. The system further includes at least one bi-directional adapter operatively associated with the electrical energy storage unit and a case for protecting the electrical energy storage unit, the electrical energy storage unit management system, the AC/DC rectifier, the DC/DC converter, and the at least one bi-directional adapter.
US08618769B2
A portable electronic device has a connector with a first pin and a second pin, and a battery charging circuit having an input coupled to receive current through the second pin to charge a battery of the device. The portable device also has a controller to determine whether the connector is coupled to an external power source (EPS) having a power converter circuit that can provide the current. The controller on that basis drives the first pin to stimulate the power converter circuit to raise voltage on the second pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08618767B2
A switch of a connecting circuit is connected between a signal line branched from an input terminal for a pilot signal in a charging inlet and a ground line connected to a vehicle earth, and is turned on/off in response to a control signal from a CPU. The CPU causes the switch to be turned on when a connector is not connected to the charging inlet, and detects a break in a control pilot line based on whether or not a change in the potential of the pilot signal occurs at that time.
US08618766B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for recharging a mobile robot as a power source. In one embodiment the system comprises a power transmission link having a first end positioned at a selectively located charging station and a second end connected to the battery carried by the robot, the transmission link being configured to transmit power from its first end to its second end to charge the battery. The system further comprises a first wireless power transmitter coupled to receive power from a specified power source, and a first wireless power receiver, connected to the first end of the transmission link and located at a prespecified distance from the first wireless power transmitter. The first wireless power receiver is configured to receive power transmitted across the prespecified distance from the first wireless power transmitter, and to provide power to the first end of the transmission link, for transmission to charge the battery.
US08618764B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus include, in one aspect, a method including receiving from a controller a signal for controlling a device for rotating a machine-readable medium; and increasing a bandwidth of a transfer function corresponding to the controller by at least filtering the signal to compensate for a pole of the transfer function.
US08618761B2
A method for collecting operational parameters of a motor may include controlling the energization of a phase winding of the motor to establish an operating point, monitoring operational parameters of the motor that characterize a relationship between the energization control applied to the motor's phase winding and the motor's response to this control, and collecting information of the operational parameters for the operating point that characterizes the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response. The collected information characterizing the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response may be employed by a neural network to estimate the regions of operation of the motor. And a system for controlling the operation of motor may employ this information, the neural network, or both to regulate the energization of a motor's phase winding during a phase cycle.
US08618760B2
The invention relates to an electrical machine and to a method for the operation thereof, particularly as a drive motor for an electrical tool or as starter generator for a motor vehicle. The electrical machine includes a rotor excited by a permanent magnet and a stator carrying a multi-phase winding, and operates in a voltage-controlled, lower rotational speed range via a transformer on a DC voltage source. The electrical machine can also be operated in a higher rotational speed range by field weakening, and the structure of the machine can be changed by reducing the flux linkage between the rotor and the stator in order to weaken the field. Preferably, the change to the structure of the machine is carried out by turning off winding parts or by switching them between series and parallel connections.
US08618754B2
A motor control apparatus that controls a DC motor includes a detection unit configured to detect angular speed of the DC motor, a driven member configured to be driven by the DC motor, and a control unit configured to increase, when starting to drive the DC motor, a control value for controlling driving of the DC motor from a first control value to a second control value at a predetermined increase rate, wherein the control unit detects a start-up characteristic of the DC motor based on a detection result of the detection unit, and corrects the first control value or the increase rate according to a result of comparing a detected start-up characteristic and a predetermined start-up characteristic such that the start-up characteristic of the DC motor becomes closer to the predetermined start-up characteristic.
US08618752B2
An electric vehicle accomplishes speed changes through the use of electronically controlled, multiple electric motor configurations that are coupled to an output drive shaft instead of a speed change transmission. A parallel-coupled motor configuration includes at least two motors that are each coupled to the output drive shaft through respective gear arrangements, each gear arrangement having a respective gear ratio. In a serially-coupled motor configuration, the stator of the second motor is coupled to the rotor of the first motor, where the rotor of the second motor is coupled to the output drive shaft. The required torque to reach or maintain a desired vehicle speed can be obtained by selective energization of either one or both of the motors (in both multi-motor configurations). Two motors are also coupled to a differential gear so that the rotational speed contributed by both motors are additive at the output shaft.
US08618751B2
A method for determining a limit of a phase control power range includes applying a first gate pulse to a switch at a first firing angle near the limit of the power range, sensing the conductive state of the switch after the first gate pulse, and determining the limit of the power range in response to the conductive state of the switch. If the switch remains conductive after the first gate pulse, the first firing angle may be used as the limit of the power range. If the switch does not remain conductive after the first gate pulse, the limit may be determined by repeatedly incrementing the firing angle, applying a gate pulse to the switch at the incremented firing angle, and sensing the conductive state of the switch after each gate pulse until the switch is conductive after a gate pulse.
US08618748B2
A power converting controller and an LED driving circuit are provided. The power converting controller controls a converting circuit, which converts an input power source into an appropriate power source to drive a load. The power converting controller includes a feedback control unit, an open-circuit judging unit and a protection unit. The feedback control unit controls the converting circuit according to a feedback signal representing the status of the load. As the open-circuit judging unit has judged that the load is continuously in an open-circuit status for a predetermined time length, the open-circuit judging unit generates an open-circuit protection signal. The protection unit is coupled to the feedback control unit and the open-circuit judging unit so as to generate a protection signal as receiving the open-circuit protection signal and thereby the feedback control unit enters a latch status to stop controlling the converting circuit.
US08618747B2
The present invention relates to a power factor correction circuit and a driving method thereof. The power factor correction circuit refers to an inductor receiving an input voltage and supplying output power, a power switch connected to the inductor and controlling an inductor current flowing in the inductor, and an auxiliary coil coupled with the inductor with a predetermined turn ratio. The power factor correction circuit controls the output power by controlling a switching operation of the power switch, and counts the number of times that the inductor current reaches a predetermined maximum current to turn off the power switch when the count result reaches a predetermined short circuit threshold count.
US08618745B2
A light emitting element drive apparatus capable of outputting the lowest voltage satisfying drive conditions and having high light emitting efficiency and low power loss, and a portable apparatus using the same, comprising an LED drive apparatus to which LEDs of different drive voltages required for emitting light are connected in parallel and driving one or more LEDs, wherein the LED drive apparatus has drive circuits connected to the corresponding LEDs among a plurality of LEDs and driving the corresponding LEDs with luminances based on set values and power supply circuits for deciding a drive voltage value required for the highest light emission among one or more LEDs driven to emit light based on drive states of drive circuits (for example terminal voltages of the current source) and supplying a drive voltage having at least the decided value to LEDs in parallel.
US08618740B1
A photographic illumination system, comprising a first stroboscopic flash tube, for emitting an intense broadband illumination pulse comprising ultraviolet rays; a second stroboscopic flash tube, for emitting a continuous series of broadband illumination pulses comprising ultraviolet rays; an optional filter, within a common optical path of the first and second stroboscopic flash tubes, for filtering a portion of the broadband illumination; and a control, for synchronizing the illumination pulse of the first stroboscopic flash tube with an external trigger pulse, wherein the second stroboscopic flash tube provides an output suitable for use by a human, unaided by viewing accessories, to compose a subject at a distance from the first and second stroboscopic flash tubes, and the first stroboscopic flash tube provides an output pulse suitable for exposure of an image capture medium. Both tubes are preferably manufactured to maintain the same spectral signature by adjusting fill pressure and gas mixture, and envelope material.
US08618734B2
A high-pressure discharge lamp having an ignition aid is provided. The discharge lamp may include: a discharge vessel consisting of ceramic or quartz glass which is sealed at two ends and which is accommodated in an outer bulb which is likewise sealed at two ends, the discharge vessel having two ends in which electrodes are fastened, two power supply lines holding the discharge vessel in the outer bulb, a UV enhancer with a single electrode as ignition aid being accommodated in the outer bulb, wherein the UV enhancer is positioned in the vicinity of a second end of the discharge vessel, while a feed line is routed from the first power supply line along the discharge vessel and is connected to the UV enhancer, the feed line being capacitively coupled to the first power supply line, the UV enhancer being installed between the feed line and the second power supply line.
US08618733B1
Electrode configurations for a plasma-shell gas discharge device having one or more substrates and a multiplicity of pixels or sub-pixels that are defined by a hollow plasma-shell having at least one flat side and filled with an ionizable gas. Two or more addressing electrodes are in electrical contact with each plasma-shell, at least one electrode being in contact with a flat side of the plasma-shell.
US08618726B2
A field emission panel includes: a first glass plate which comprises a phosphor layer, a second glass plate which is disposed in parallel to the first glass plate and comprises a plurality of electron emission elements; and a sealing member which is interposed between the first and the second glass plates to seal a space between the first and the second glass plates, wherein a part of the sealing member is hidden inside the first and the second glass plates and the other part of the sealing member is exposed to outsides of the first and the second glass plates.
US08618715B2
A driving method for driving an electrostatic actuator including a fixed electrode and a movable electrode opposing each other with a dielectric layer interposed therebetween, includes applying a first voltage, between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode, to bring the movable electrode into contact with the dielectric layer, and applying a second voltage, between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode, after application of the first voltage is stopped and before the movable electrode moves away from the dielectric layer. Here, the second voltage has a polarity opposite to a polarity of the first voltage and an absolute value smaller than an absolute value of the first voltage.
US08618713B2
A brush holder apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the brush holder apparatus includes: a first support member; a second support member affixed to the first support member; a brush retainment member affixed to the first support member and extending substantially parallel with the second support member; and a cam member operably connected to the second support member, the cam member configured to retain a brush against the brush retainment member.
US08618711B2
A three-phase DC motor includes a rotor 30 having poles 30a and a stator 28 having core units 32b arranged around the rotor 30. Three or more coils are wound around the core units 32b. An outer surface of the rotor 30 has alternating poles of N and S around the circumference of the rotor 30. The coils 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are placed only within a range defined by second virtual planes P2 specified respectively by rotating a first virtual plane P1 according to a predetermined angle in a rotor rotating direction and a direction opposite thereto. The first virtual plane P1 passes through the axial center of the rotor 30. The inner surface of the adjacent 3N (N=1, 2, 3, . . . ) number of core units 32b are delimited within a width of one pole on the outer surface of the rotor 30.
US08618709B2
A rotary electric machine configured with a stator, rotor, and permanent magnets disposed in an inverted V-shape that becomes gradually narrower from a side of a center of rotation of the rotor. The rotor is provided with a plurality of support portions that extend radially about the center of rotation, and gap portions are respectively formed in correspondence with the plurality of support portions at positions spaced by a predetermined distance from an edge portion of the permanent magnets in a flowing direction of magnetic flux between the permanent magnets and the stator. The gap portions are formed to have such a length that causes magnetic saturation during generation of low torque in a low-current state and that causes no magnetic saturation during generation of maximum torque in a high-current state in which electricity at a high current is supplied to the stator coil.
US08618708B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a rotor shaft, at least one pole segment, at least one pole tip segment and at least one permanent magnet pair. The at least one pole segment is mechanically coupled to the rotor shaft. Each permanent magnet pair is disposed between the at least one pole segment and respective pole tip segment. The apparatus further includes at least one mechanical member that mechanically restrains the at least one pole tip segment to at least one of the rotor shaft or the at least one pole segment.
US08618707B2
A magnetic bearing with high-temperature superconductor elements which has a stator and a rotor, which is held such that it can rotate with respect to the stator and is mounted in an axially and radially self-regulating manner in the stator. A body of a Type-2 superconductor, in particular a high-temperature superconductor, is provided on the rotor. The stator has a coil of a superconducting material.
US08618706B2
A motor includes a rotatable component rotatable relative to a stationary component, a fluid operable to flow between the rotatable and stationary component, and a capillary sealing component. The capillary sealing component provides a capillary seal and includes at least one tapered slot configured to pump the fluid between the rotatable and stationary components.
US08618696B2
A wireless power supply includes a source magnetic resonator, connected to a power source and configured to exchange power wirelessly via a wireless power transfer signal with at least one device magnetic resonator integrated into at least one peripheral component of a computer and a processor configured to adjust the operating point of the wireless power supply wherein power is transferred non-radiatively from the wireless power supply to the at least one device magnetic resonator and wherein the power supply forms a part of the computer.
US08618692B2
A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto. Each of the power converters is adapted for serial connection to at least one other power converter by connecting respectively the third and fourth terminals, thereby forming a serial string. A power controller is adapted for coupling to the serial string. The power controller includes a control part adapted to maintain current through or voltage across the serial string at a predetermined value.
US08618673B2
A package structure includes a substrate, a first die and at least one second die. The substrate includes a first pair of parallel edges and a second pair of parallel edges. The first die is mounted over the substrate. The first die includes a third pair of parallel edges and a fourth pair of parallel edges, wherein the third pair of parallel edges and the fourth pair of parallel edges are not parallel to the first pair of parallel edges and the second pair of parallel edges, respectively. The at least one second die is mounted over the first die.
US08618639B2
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes a first monocrystalline semiconductor portion having a first lattice constant in a reference direction; a second monocrystalline semiconductor portion having a second lattice constant in the reference direction, which is different to the first lattice constant, on the first monocrystalline semiconductor portion; and a metal layer formed on and in contact with the second monocrystalline semiconductor portion.
US08618633B2
A buried decoupling capacitor apparatus and method are provided. According to various embodiments, a buried decoupling capacitor apparatus includes a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate having a buried insulator region and top semiconductor region on the buried insulator region. The apparatus embodiment also includes a first capacitor plate having a doped region in the top semiconductor region in the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The apparatus embodiment further includes a dielectric material on the first capacitor plate, and a second capacitor plate on the dielectric material. According to various embodiments, the first capacitor plate, the dielectric material and the second capacitor plate form a decoupling capacitor for use in an integrated circuit.
US08618632B2
There is provided a semiconductor device in which a wiring inductance of a DC/DC converter formed on a multi-layered wiring substrate can be reduced and the characteristics can be improved. In the semiconductor device, in an input-side capacitor, one capacitor electrode is electrically connected to a power-supply pattern between a control power MOSFET and a synchronous power MOSFET, and the other capacitor electrode is electrically connected to a ground pattern therebetween. The multi-layered wiring substrate includes: a via conductor arranged at a position of the one capacitor electrode for electrically connecting among a plurality of power-supply patterns in a thickness direction; and a via conductor arranged at a position of the other capacitor electrode for electrically connecting among a plurality of ground patterns in a thickness direction.
US08618630B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a first semiconductor substrate CHP1 including a control circuit that generates a control signal for a control target circuit, and a transmission circuit Tx that modulates the control signal to generate a transmission signal; a second semiconductor substrate CHP2 including a reception circuit Rx that demodulates the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission circuit to reproduce the control signal, and a drive circuit Drv that drives the control target circuit based on the control signal output from the reception circuit, the second semiconductor substrate CHP2 being electrically insulated from the first semiconductor substrate CHP1; an AC coupling element that is formed on a semiconductor substrate and couples the first semiconductor substrate CHP1 and the second semiconductor substrate CHP2 in an alternating manner; and a semiconductor package 20 including the first semiconductor substrate CHP1, the second semiconductor substrate CHP2, and the AC coupling element. This suppresses an increase in circuit area or mounting area.
US08618625B2
A planar, waveguide-based silicon Schottky barrier photodetector includes a third terminal in the form of a field plate to improve the responsivity of the detector. Preferably, a silicide used for the detection region is formed during a processing step where other silicide contact regions are being formed. The field plate is preferably formed as part of the first or second layer of CMOS metallization and is controlled by an applied voltage to modify the electric field in the vicinity of the detector's silicide layer. By modifying the electric field, the responsivity of the device is “tuned” so as to adjust the momentum of “hot” carriers (electrons or holes, depending on the conductivity of the silicon) with respect to the Schottky barrier of the device. The applied potential functions to align with the direction of momentum of the “hot” carriers in the preferred direction “normal” to the silicon-silicide interface, allowing for an increased number to move over the Schottky barrier and add to the generated photocurrent.
US08618624B2
The present invention relates to UV curable encapsulant compositions based on acrylic and/or methacrylic block copolymers, to structures containing these compositions especially photovoltaic cells and to the use of these compositions in photovoltaic cells. The liquid encapsulant composition according to the invention comprises: an acrylic or methacrylic block copolymer, at least one acrylic or methacrylic monomer and/or oligomer, and at least one photo initiator.
US08618623B2
Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup device of a type wherein a pixel is configured to include a sensor unit capable of photoelectric conversion, the image pickup device including: a semiconductor substrate; a charge storage region of a first conduction type, which is formed in the semiconductor substrate and constitutes a sensor unit; a charge storage sub-region made of an impurity region of the first conduction type, which is formed, in plural layers, in the semiconductor substrate below the charge storage region serving as a main charge storage region and wherein at least one or more of the plural layers are formed entirely across a pixel; and a device isolation region that is formed in the semiconductor substrate, isolates pixels from one another, and is made of an impurity region of a second conduction type.
US08618616B2
A method for fabricating a FinFET structure includes fabricating a plurality of parallel fins overlying a semiconductor substrate, each of the plurality of parallel fins having sidewalls and forming an electrode over the semiconductor substrate and between the parallel fins. The electrode is configured to direct an electrical field into the fins, thereby affecting the threshold voltage of the FinFET structure.
US08618614B2
A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
US08618605B2
A semiconductor device includes a first gate electrode buried within a semiconductor substrate, a second gate electrode buried within a silicon growth layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, and a bit line disposed on an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate between the first gate electrode and a second gate electrode. Therefore, the number of gates disposed in an active region is increased so that a total memory capacity of the semiconductor device, thereby reducing fabrication cost and improving productivity.
US08618599B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and forming a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type thereon. The method also includes forming an insulator layer on the semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type, etching a trench into at least the semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type, and forming a thermal oxide layer in the trench and on the semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type. The method further includes implanting ions into the thermal oxide layer, forming a second insulator layer, removing the second insulator layer from a portion of the trench, and forming an oxide layer in the trench and on the epitaxial layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a material in the trench, forming a second gate oxide layer over the material, and patterning the second gate oxide layer.
US08618590B2
A spin transistor includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, a semiconductor layer between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, and a gate electrode on or above a surface of the semiconductor layer, the surface being between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The first ferromagnetic layer comprises a ferromagnet which has a first minority spin band located at a high energy side and a second minority spin band located at a low energy side, and has a Fermi level in an area of the high energy side higher than a middle of a gap between the first and second minority spin bands.
US08618583B2
The disclosure relates generally to junction gate field effect transistor (JFET) structures and methods of forming the same. The JFET structure includes a p-type substrate having a p-region therein; an n-channel thereunder; and n-doped enhancement regions within the n-channel, each n-doped enhancement region separated from the p-region.
US08618582B2
Elements of an edge termination structure, such as multiple concentric guard rings, are effectively doped regions in a drift layer. To increase the depth of these doped regions, individual recesses may be formed in a surface of the drift layer where the elements of the edge termination structure are to be formed. Once the recesses are formed in the drift layer, these areas about and at the bottom of the recesses are doped to form the respective edge termination elements.
US08618579B2
To provide a circuit layout design method that can prevent degradation of the circuit reliability even in highly miniaturized circuit cells.In order to prevent noise from a power supply potential or a reference potential with a large potential difference from affecting a gate electrode and causing a malfunction, a first plug connected to the gate electrode and a second plug to which the power supply potential or the reference potential is supplied are required to be spaced from each other by a distance sufficient for the noise from the power supply potential or the reference potential not to affect the first plug. To this end, among the second plugs placed at equal intervals under the wiring, only the second plug placed at a layout position that is not sufficiently spaced from the first plug is deleted at the time of planar layout design.
US08618577B2
An n-type GaN layer (3), a GaN layer (7) formed over the n-type GaN layer (3), an n-type AlGaN layer (9) formed over the GaN layer (7), a gate electrode (15) and a source electrode (13) formed over the n-type AlGaN layer (9), a drain electrode (14) formed below the n-type GaN layer (3), and a p-type GaN layer (4) formed between the GaN layer (7) and the drain electrode (14) are provided.
US08618570B2
A light emitting diode (LED) light engine includes a solid transparent dome mounted on one or more LED dies to form a base module, a flexible sheath having embedded therein a phosphor that converts light of a first wavelength range to light of a second wavelength range, the sheath being attached to the base module so that the sheath conforms to a light emitting surface of the dome. The sheath emits light of the second wavelength range when the LED is emitting light of the first wavelength range. Further sheaths may be formed each with different phosphors or phosphor blends, and one of the sheaths may be selected to cover the base module depending on the color of light to be produced by the light engine.
US08618561B2
A method comprising depositing an ink comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle from a micro-dispenser onto a layer of a device is disclosed. A method comprising depositing an ink comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle from a micro-dispenser onto a material capable of transporting charge in a predetermined arrangement is also disclosed. Methods for fabricating devices including nanomaterials are also disclosed. In certain preferred embodiments, the nanomaterial comprises semiconductor nanocrystals. In certain preferred embodiments, a micro-dispenser comprises an inkjet printhead.
US08618557B2
A wide-band-gap reverse-blocking MOS-type semiconductor device includes a SiC n−-type drift layer; a p+-type substrate on the first major surface side of the drift layer; a trench extending through a p+-type substrate into the drift layer; a titanium electrode in the trench bottom that forms a Schottky junction with the SiC n−-type drift layer; an active section including a MOS-gate structure on the second major surface side of the drift layer facing to the area, in which the Schottky junctions are formed; a breakdown withstanding section surrounding the active section; and a trench isolation layer surrounding the breakdown withstanding section, the trench isolation layer extending from the second major surface of the drift layer into p+-type substrate and including insulator film buried therein. The device facilitates making a high current flow with a low ON-voltage and exhibits a very reliable reverse blocking capability.
US08618556B2
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. An exemplary device includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate surface and a trench isolation structure disposed in the semiconductor substrate for isolating an NMOS region of the device and from a PMOS region of the device. The device further includes a first fin structure comprising silicon or SiGe disposed over a layer of III-V semiconductor material having a high band gap energy and a lattice constant greater than that of Ge; a second fin structure comprising silicon or SiGe disposed over a layer of III-V semiconductor material having a high band gap energy and a lattice constant smaller than that of Ge; and a gate structure disposed over and arranged perpendicular to the first and second fin structures.
US08618554B2
The present disclosure, which is directed to ultra-thin-body-and-BOX and Double BOX fully depleted SOI devices having an epitaxial diffusion-retarding semiconductor layer that slows dopant diffusion into the SOI channel, and a method of making these devices. Dopant concentrations in the SOI channels of the devices of the present disclosure having an epitaxial diffusion-retarding semiconductor layer between the substrate and SOI channel are approximately 50 times less than the dopant concentrations measured in SOI channels of devices without the epitaxial diffusion-retarding semiconductor layer.
US08618547B2
A mask assembly includes a frame forming an opening, and a plurality of unit masks which form a plurality of deposition openings, the longitudinal ends of the unit masks being fixed to the frame. At least two adjacent ones of the plurality of unit masks have deposition recesses formed on both sides facing each other. The width of the deposition recesses along a width direction of the unit masks is equal to or greater than the width of the deposition openings along the width direction of the unit masks.
US08618546B2
A backplane includes: a substrate, a pixel electrode, which includes a transparent conductive material, on the substrate, a capacitor first electrode formed on the same layer as the pixel electrode, a first protection layer covering the capacitor first electrode and an upper edge of the pixel electrode, a gate electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) formed on the first protection layer, a capacitor second electrode formed on the same layer as the gate electrode, a first insulating layer that covers the gate electrode and the capacitor second electrode, a semiconductor layer that is formed on the first insulating layer and includes a transparent conductive material, a second insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer, source and drain electrodes of the TFT that are formed on the second insulating layer, and a third insulating layer that covers the source and drain electrodes and exposes the pixel electrode.
US08618544B2
To improve problems with on-state current and off-state current of thin film transistors, a thin film transistor includes a pair of impurity semiconductor layers to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added, provided with a space therebetween; a conductive layer which is overlapped, over the gate insulating layer, with the gate electrode and one of the pair of impurity semiconductor layers to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added; and an amorphous semiconductor layer which is provided successively between the pair of impurity semiconductor layers to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added in such a manner that the amorphous semiconductor layer extends over the gate insulating layer from the conductive layer and is in contact with both of the pair of impurity semiconductor layers to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added.
US08618543B2
Provided are a thin film transistor (TFT) including a selectively crystallized channel layer, and a method of manufacturing the TFT. The TFT includes a gate, the channel layer, a source, and a drain. The channel layer is formed of an oxide semiconductor, and at least a portion of the channel layer contacting the source and the drain is crystallized. In the method of manufacturing the TFT, the channel layer is formed of an oxide semiconductor, and a metal component is injected into the channel layer so as to crystallize at least a portion of the channel layer contacting the source and the drain. The metal component can be injected into the channel layer by depositing and heat-treating a metal layer or by ion-implantation.
US08618541B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes first and second vias, a first circuit unit, a second circuit unit and a third circuit unit. The first and second vias electrically connect a first chip and a second chip with each other. The first circuit unit is disposed in the first chip, receives test data, and is connected with the first via. The second circuit unit is disposed in the first chip, and is connected with the second via and the first circuit unit. The third circuit unit is disposed in the second chip, and is connected with the first via. The first circuit unit outputs an output signal thereof to one of the first via and the second circuit unit in response to a first control signal.
US08618540B2
Provided are a semiconductor package, a semiconductor memory module including the semiconductor package, and a system including the semiconductor memory module. The semiconductor package may include a plurality of main terminals arranged on a surface of the semiconductor package with constant intervals, and the plurality of main terminals may include terminals of a first set including a plurality of input/output terminals to which test signals may be input, and terminals of a second set including a plurality of input/output terminals to/from which signals other than the test signals may be input/output.
US08618521B2
A compact high-gradient, very high energy electron (VHEE) accelerator and delivery system (and related processes) capable of treating patients from multiple beam directions with great speed, using all-electromagnetic or radiofrequency deflection steering is provided, that can deliver an entire dose or fraction of high-dose radiation therapy sufficiently fast to freeze physiologic motion, yet with a better degree of dose conformity or sculpting than conventional photon therapy. In addition to the unique physical advantages of extremely rapid radiation delivery, there may also be radiobiological advantages in terms of greater tumor or other target control efficacy for the same physical radiation dose.
US08618518B2
A method for forming a solid immersion lens (SIL) includes generating a focused ion beam, and projecting the focused ion beam onto an optical medium at locations defined by a binary bitmap milling pattern, wherein the locations at which the focused ion beam impact a surface of the optical medium are randomized over successive raster scans of the surface of the optical medium to form at least a portion of a hemispherical structure in the optical medium.
US08618517B1
An object of the present invention is to provide a pattern measuring apparatus which performs high-accuracy concavity/convexity determination (e.g., distinguishing between a line segment and space) while simultaneously reducing the dose of a beam falling onto a pattern to be measured. To attain the object, this invention proposes a pattern measuring apparatus which specifies a pattern in a measurement object area by scanning a tilted bean with respect to another area different from the measurement object area and then performs measurement based on the pattern-specifying result. With such arrangement, it becomes possible to perform measurement without the risk of wrong pattern designation while lowering the dose of a beam hitting the measurement object area.
US08618509B2
A system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. These systems include 1) a nanoparticle configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ1 of radiation, to generate a second wavelength λ2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength λ1 and 2) a metallic structure disposed in relation to the nanoparticle. A physical characteristic of the metallic structure is set to a value where a surface plasmon resonance in the metallic structure resonates at a frequency which provides a spectral overlap with either the first wavelength λ1 or the second wavelength λ2, or with both λ1 and λ2. The system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium includes a receptor disposed in the medium in proximity to the nanoparticle which, upon activation by the second wavelength λ2, generates the photostimulated reaction.
US08618493B2
Apparatus for detecting the presence of a flame using a UV tube which can be supplied with a DC voltage via an operating resistor, at least two UV tubes which are arranged in this manner and have substantially the same field of vision being provided, and the two UV tubes being able to be switched on and off in succession with a gap of a predefined time within a predetermined interval of time via a controller, with the result that the UV tubes are switched on for a predeterminable period of time, the number of pulses obtained from each UV tube being able to be recorded and compared with one another, the anode of the respective UV tube being able to be connected to earth potential between the operations of switching the UV tubes off and on in order to draw ionization in the discharge area.
US08618488B2
A method is disclosed, in at least one embodiment, for producing a scintillator for a radiation detector, in which the scintillator is produced in layers by depositing a scintillator material using a PVD process. By using a PVD process, owing to lower process temperatures of less than 300° C., it is possible to produce scintillators with decay times of less than 1.1 ns over large surfaces. In this way, the prerequisites for quantitative and energy-selective detection of individual radiation quanta can be satisfied even with fluxes of more than 108 X-ray quanta/mm2*s. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a scintillator produced by such a method.
US08618485B1
A method for detecting suspended discontinuity densities in a material is provided. The method includes transmitting terahertz electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of the material. This radiation is received at an expected location after interacting with the material. The power level of the received radiation is measured and deviation from the expected value is used to determine a suspended discontinuity density gradient in the material. The method can be used with either reflected radiation or transmitted radiation. Embodiments of the method can calculate the index of refraction in the material and correlate this with the suspended discontinuity density of the material.
US08618484B2
An apparatus for radiometric measurement of thin fluid films includes a housing (1) enclosing means of radiation, a radiation guide, a reflector (4) and one or more detectors (5). The means of radiation is normally an IR radiator (2). The radiation guide is either a radiation tube (3) or a radiation cone (7). The reflector (4) is of the type non-imagining optics. If there is more than one detector (5) normally at least one detector is a reference detector.
US08618479B2
Observation fields of an electron microscope image and an optical magnifying observation image are smoothly switched. A magnifying observation apparatus includes: a pair of end-face plates closes end faces of a body portion; an electron beam imaging device mounted on a first position of a cylindrical shaped outer surface of the body portion; an optical imaging device mounted on a second position being different from the first position in the outer surface; a rotating device that rotates the both imaging devices along the outer surface such that a distance from each of the both imaging devices to a common rotation axis of the both imaging devices is kept constant and optical axes of the both imaging devices are oriented toward the rotation axis; a specimen stage that is disposed in the chamber, and arranged to a position that is substantially the same to a height of the rotation axis.
US08618473B2
A mass spectrometer has a manifold and at least one ion optical assembly that is composed of a support and electrodes attached to the support. The support is aligned to at least one reference surface machined integrally with the manifold such that the number of interfaces between the reference surface of the manifold and the electrodes is minimized. With such a design the positional and/or alignment precision of ion optical assemblies in a mass spectrometer can be improved.
US08618470B2
Enantiomers are characterized, identified, synthesized and/or modified with a shaped laser pulse. In another aspect of the present invention, binary shaping and circular polarization are employed with a laser pulse. A further aspect of the present invention provides a quarter-wave plate in combination with one or more pulse shapers.
US08618466B2
A position-measuring device for measuring linear and/or angular positions includes a first measuring standard that has a first code track, with the aid of which consecutive position regions are cyclically measurable, and at least two multiturn code disks having second code tracks, via whose angular positions the currently measured position region of the first code track may be determined. The first measuring standard and the multiturn code disks are positioned such that the first code track and the second code tracks are scannable by a common scanning unit, through a first scanning window and second scanning windows, respectively.
US08618463B2
An optical filter includes first and second substrates, first and second mirrors, and first and second electrodes. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The second substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface surrounds the first surface in a plan view and a second height of the second surface is lower than a first height of the first surface. The first mirror is formed on the first surface of the second substrate. The second mirror is formed on the first substrate, the second mirror facing the first mirror. The first electrode is formed on the first substrate. The second electrode is formed on the second surface of the second substrate. The second electrode faces the first electrode.
US08618461B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of AD conversion units respectively provided in a plurality of columns and each configured to convert a pixel signal converted by unit pixels provided in an associated column into digital data of N bits, and a plurality of data storage units respectively provided in the columns. The data storage units each include N flip-flop circuits. The solid-state imaging device further includes data switching units each configured to switch between a first state in which the digital data converted by the AD conversion unit is stored in the data storage unit of the associated column, and a second state in which the N flip-flop circuits in each of the data storage units are serially connected.
US08618453B2
A susceptor assembly includes electrically conductive vanes positioned with respect to each other and to an planar susceptor member having an electrically lossy layer thereon to prevent overheating of the susceptor in an unloaded microwave oven.
US08618450B2
A domestic oven comprises heating means, a gas sensor connected to a central processing and control unit and a user interface connected to the central processing unit by means of which the user can set the type of food placed in the oven compartment. The user interface comprises means for setting the desired degree of cooking of the food and is capable of processing the signal of the gas sensor in such a way as to determine the optimal cooking end time of the food. The central processing unit interrupts the electrical supply to the heating means on the basis either of said cooking end time, modified if necessary on the basis of degree of cooking set by the user, or of the food type set by the user.
US08618440B2
A method for welding to a superalloy material without causing cracking of the material. The method includes the steps of depositing a weld strip (18) of a weldable material onto a superalloy substrate material (12) using a spray deposition process (20) and then forming a weldment (26) to the weld strip. None or a controlled amount of the substrate material (12) is melted during the weld in order to maintain the concentration of strengthening elements in the local melt within a zone of weldability. The spray deposition process may be a thermal process such as HVOF or a cold spray process. A groove (16) may be formed in a surface (10) of the superalloy substrate material to receive the weld strip. A diffusion heat treatment step may be used to improve adhesion between the weld strip and the superalloy material.
US08618433B2
A machine tool for separative machining of preferably plate-like workpieces, for example, metal sheets, has a workpiece support and a discharge device on the workpiece support. The discharge device discharges workpiece parts produced as products of the separative machining. The discharge device includes two opening sections are adjustable relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction to form a through-opening for discharge of workpiece parts. The opening sections are adjustable into different positions relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction, to form through-openings of different widths for discharge of workpiece parts.
US08618427B2
The disclosure relates to a spherical cap for a high-voltage outgoing line, including an electrically conductive element, which is arranged hollow-cylindrically about a rotational axis and which merges into a hemispherical form at its first axial end. A connection device has a passage opening for electrically and mechanically connecting the element, to an electrical screening pipe. At least two insulation barriers are spaced apart from one another and respectively adapted to the form of the hollow-cylindrical element and enclose the latter at a respective first and second distance. The insulation barriers respectively have a pipe attachment connector for leading through a screening pipe to the connection device. The connection device has a first part for connection to a screening pipe and a second part connected to the conductive element and a connection adjustable in a force-locking manner is provided between the first and second parts.
US08618422B2
A mounting structure includes an electronic component mounted on a circuit board. Land electrodes are disposed on a board body and are connected to outer electrodes of the electronic component through solders, respectively. A distance from each of the land electrodes to a top of the corresponding solder is not larger than about 1.27 times a distance from each of the land electrodes to an exposed portion of a capacitor conductor exposed at an end surface of the electronic component, the capacitor conductor being positioned closest to the circuit board.
US08618414B2
A holding device has a supporting frame with at least two carrying legs at the respective ends of which is arranged a holding element for accommodating a conductor wire. A holding insulator extends in a longitudinal direction which is mounted between the carrying legs of the supporting frame and which has a free end for fixing to a mast crossbeam. The supporting frame is sized in such a way that the carrying legs extend in the longitudinal direction beyond the free end of the holding insulator. Furthermore, an overhead line configuration has such a specified holding device. With this device, masts which are configured for low rated voltages to be made accessible for carrying conductor wires at high rated voltages.
US08618411B2
A photovoltaic cell is made by coating a metal foil substrate with cadmium telluride powder, moving the powder coated foil across a cold plate or series of cooled rollers to prevent the substrate from melting, while melting the cadmium telluride powder by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source. This forms a thin film of cadmium telluride on the foil. The cadmium telluride coated foil is then coated with cadmium sulfide powder, which is melted by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source, thereby creating a P-N junction, and the cadmium sulfide layer is coated with indium, which is fused to the cadmium sulfide layer by microwave heating.
US08618410B2
A method of manufacturing improved thin-film solar cells entirely by sputtering includes a high efficiency back contact/reflecting multi-layer containing at least one barrier layer consisting of a transition metal nitride. A copper indium gallium diselenide (Cu(InXGa1-X)Se2) absorber layer (X ranging from 1 to approximately 0.7) is co-sputtered from specially prepared electrically conductive targets using dual cylindrical rotary magnetron technology. The band gap of the absorber layer can be graded by varying the gallium content, and by replacing the gallium partially or totally with aluminum. Alternately the absorber layer is reactively sputtered from metal alloy targets in the presence of hydrogen selenide gas. RF sputtering is used to deposit a non-cadmium containing window layer of ZnS. The top transparent electrode is reactively sputtered aluminum doped ZnO. A unique modular vacuum roll-to-roll sputtering machine is described. The machine is adapted to incorporate dual cylindrical rotary magnetron technology to manufacture the improved solar cell material in a single pass.
US08618408B2
A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a transparent planarizing hardcoat formed on the glass layer. The planarizing hardcoat may be in compressive stress and the glass layer may be in tension.
US08618397B2
A percussion instrument is disclosed that may include a body having a longitudinal axis extending from a butt end to a striking end thereof and at least one hole extending along a transverse axis through the thickness of the body; and a grasping mechanism having a first grip plate at a first end thereof and a second grip plate at a second end thereof, and at least one shaft extending through the hole in the body. The percussion instrument may further include a compliance mechanism disposed between the first and second grip plates, enabling the first and second grip plates to be brought closer together in response to a compressive force applied to the grasping mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the percussion instrument may include one or more recesses or bores that operate to permit the grip plates to be disposed therein for a more compact design.
US08618394B2
The present invention provides low-power, sector-rotating, electro-magnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. The reluctance of the magnetic circuit of this invention is controlled to effect actuation with but little magneto-motive force and, little electrical power. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides a single-coil, sector-rotating, electromagnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. In this embodiment, a pivotally-mounted magnetically-permeable rotor is attracted to either of two stable rotary positions by permanent magnets affixed to a magnetically-permeable stator. A magnetic circuit between the stator and the rotor comprises an electromagnetic coil to provide magneto-motive force for toggling the rotor to a desired position responsive to the direction of electrical current through the coil. A switch may be provided for activating external circuits responsive to rotor position.
US08618387B2
A bracing structure for a soundboard for a musical instrument is disclosed, the bracing structure being a unitary sheet structure having a plurality of elongate semi-tubular elements. Each of the elongate semi-tubular elements has a length, a thickness, a width, a height and an interior resonance space. The sheet structure may be formed of two or more layers. The elongate semi-tubular elements function as traditional braces, however, the shape of the elongate semi-tubular elements may be modified to provide a desired tonal quality.
US08618379B1
A novel maize variety designated X08B841 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 X08B841 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08B841 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08B841, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08B841. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08B841.
US08618374B1
A novel maize variety designated 10856790 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 maize variety 10856790 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10856790 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10856790, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10856790. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10856790.
US08618368B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026729. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026729. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026729 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026729 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08618356B2
The present invention relates generally to polysaccharide synthases. More particularly, the present invention relates to (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan synthases. The present invention provides, among other things, methods for influencing the level of (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan produced by a cell and nucleic acid and amino acid sequences which encode (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan synthases.
US08618355B2
Nucleic acid molecules from hop (Humulus lupulus) have been isolated and characterized wherein said nucleic acid molecules encode polypeptides having aromatic prenyltransferase activity Expression or over-expression of said nucleic acid molecules alters the level of terpenophenolic compounds The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce terpenophenolic compounds (e g, prenylated acylphloroglucmols and prenylflavonoids) such as prenyl-PIVP, prenyl-PIBP, humulone, lupulone, desmethylxanthohumol and xanthohumol.
US08618351B2
A disposable absorbent product (20) such as, e.g. a baby diaper, an adult incontinence pad, a sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid pervious topsheet (24), a liquid impervious backsheet (26), and an absorbent core (28) positioned between the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (26). The absorbent core (28) has a liquid receiving surface directed towards said topsheet (24), and the absorbent core (28) is provided with at least one embossing (50) forming a channel for liquid drainage at said receiving surface. Preferably an acquisition layer (40) is provided between the topsheet (24) and the absorbent core (28). The acquisition layer preferably extends into the embossing (50), while a resilient absorbent member (30) is preferably provided between the absorbent core (28) and the acquisition layer (40) in the form of stripes arranged longitudinally spaced along the upper longitudinal sides of the channel (50) formed by the embossing.
US08618350B2
A disposable absorbent article that includes an elastic film material. The elastic film resists the growth of a tear and include an SEEPS block copolymer having a Tm of between about 10° C. and about 20° C. The film has a time-to-fail of greater than 1 hour.
US08618348B2
A dressing suitable for topical application to the body, including a carrier substrate having a first side and opposing second side; and a layer of a foamed adhesive composition applied to the second side of the carrier substrate, where the layer of foamed adhesive composition includes a substantially homogeneous distribution of closed cells having an inert gas contained therein.
US08618340B2
Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of HFO-1234yf from TCP in three integrated steps that include hydrofluorination of TCP (tetrachloropropene) to HCFC-1233xf in the vapor phase followed by hydrofluorination of HCFC-1233xf to HCFC-244bb in the liquid phase which is then followed by dehydrochlorination in liquid or vapor phase to produce HFO-1234yf. The vapor phase hydrofluorination is carried out at a higher pressure than the liquid phase hydrofluorination, thereby eliminating the need for compression and/or intermediate recovery. Also, any HCl generated from this reaction is fed to the liquid phase hydrofluorination section to promote agitation and mixing. This results in a more economical process from an initial capital and operating cost versus conducting the 3-steps sequentially.
US08618337B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing polyether alcohols by reacting a) aromatic amines with b) alkylene oxides in the presence of c) a catalyst, wherein the alkylene oxide b) comprises at least 90% by weight, based on the weight of the component b), of propylene oxide and an amine is used as catalyst c).
US08618335B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an industrially advantageous process for preparing a benzaldehyde compound from a benzyl alcohol compound with high yield.The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aromatic aldehyde compound represented by the formula (2); which comprises reacting an aromatic methyl alcohol compound represented by the formula (1); and a peroxide under a pH value of a reaction solution being pH 0.01 or higher and less than 10 in the presence of at least one metallic compound selected from a molybdenum compound and a tungsten compound, a quaternary ammonium salt and an organic phosphonium salt.
US08618334B2
Methods for continuously preparing cyclohexanone from phenol make use of a catalyst having at least one catalytically active metal selected from platinum and palladium. The process includes enriching phenol in a distillation fraction as compared to a subsequent fraction, wherein the subsequent fraction includes phenol and side-products having a higher boiling point than phenol. Distillation is carried out in a vacuum distillation column equipped with trays in the lower part of the column. In an upper part of the column, i.e., in the part above the feed inlet, packing material is present instead of trays in at least part thereof. The packing material has a comparable or improved separating efficiency, and provides a reduction of the pressure drop by at least 30%, preferably more than 50%, as compared to the case with trays in the upper part, under otherwise similar distillation conditions.
US08618332B2
Process for the preparation of the powdery crystalline mixtures of alpha-hydroxycarbonyl derivatives of alpha-methylstyrene dinners comprising the use of a solvent having polarity from 0 to 0.1.
US08618328B2
Disclosed herein are phosphine compounds represented by the general formula (4): and corresponding phosphonium salts represented by the general formula (4a): Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of these phosphines and phosphonium salts as well as their use as ligands in catalytic reactions.
US08618320B2
A practical and efficient method for halogenation of activated carbon atoms using readily available N-haloimides and a Lewis acid catalyst has been disclosed. This methodology is applicable to a range of compounds and any halogen atom can be directly introduced to the substrate. The mild reaction conditions, easy workup procedure and simple operation make this method valuable from both an environmental and preparative point of view.
US08618314B2
This application discloses a novel process for the preparation of himbacine analogs useful as thrombin receptor antagonists. The process is based in part on the use of a base-promoted dynamic epimerization of a chiral nitro center. The chemistry taught herein can be exemplified by the following:
US08618310B2
The present invention is concerned with a process for preparing compounds of the general formula (I). These compounds can preferably be used to prepare bioactive agents. The reaction of the invention starts from the corresponding hydroxy compounds which are oxidized, with Ru catalysis, in a one-phase aqueous system.
US08618306B2
Disclosed are an intermediate compound of N-(1,1,1-trideuterated methyl)phthalimide, and its use in the preparation of deuterated diphenylurea derivative.
US08618305B2
The present invention provides dimethyl sulphoxide solvate of 4-(4-{3-[4-chloro-3 -(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)-N2-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide, process for its preparation, pharmaceutical composition comprising it and its use for the treatment of cancer. The present invention also provides a novel HPLC method for the identification, quantification and isolation of related substances of sorafenib.
US08618295B2
Synthetic processes for preparing luminescent iridium complexes and precursors thereof are provided. The method employs water as the reaction solvent to prepare luminescent iridium complexes in two different ways. In the first way, a precursor [Ir2(C11NR8)4I2] (Formula I) is prepared from one of IrCl3, M3IrCl6 (M=Li, Na, K) and [Ir2(C11NR8)4Cl2], and then the precursor [Ir2(C11NR8)4I2] is converted into one of the two luminescent iridium isomeric complexes [Ir(C11NR8)2(C11NR′8)] (Formula II). In the second way, a metal complex IrCl3 or M3IrCl6 (M=Li, Na, K), HC11NR8 and a base are converted selectively into one of the two iridium isomeric complexes [Ir(C11NR8)3] (Formula VIII). Herein, R and R′ are defined the same as the specification.
US08618292B2
Compounds represented by the following structure (II) are disclosed: as are methods for making such compounds. Compositions and methods for treating various disease conditions including cancer and non-cancer diseases associated with vascular proliferation are also disclosed.
US08618288B2
Certain pyrimidine-containing compounds are serotonin receptor modulators useful in the treatment of serotonin-mediated diseases.
US08618286B2
The present invention features benzoxazines, benzothiazines, and related compounds that inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS), particularly those that selectively inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in preference to other NOS isoforms. Exemplary compounds are of the formula: The NOS inhibitors of the invention, alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents, can be used for treating or preventing various medical conditions.
US08618285B2
Novel triazole derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1-R6, and Y have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are HSP90 inhibitors and can be used for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases in which the inhibition, regulation and/or modulation of HSP90 plays a role.
US08618284B2
The present invention relates to methods of preparing polymorphic Form A of bazedoxifene acetate and polymorphic Form A prepared by such methods.
US08618280B2
Non-food plant biomass is subjected to hot-water extraction in a pressurized vessel at an elevated temperature up to about 250° C. and at a pH below about 7.0, to yield an aqueous extract containing hemicellulosic components, other wood-derived compounds, and a lignocellulosic residue. The separated aqueous extract or liquor is purified and concentrated through a multi-step process producing fermentable sugars. At each stage, inhibitory chemicals such as acetic acid, lignin, and furfural are separated and eventually recovered as commercial chemicals. The lignocellulosic residue may be further processed, as a material with enhanced resistance to sorption of water, for manufacture of improved pulp and paper, construction materials, pellet fuel, and/or other useful products.
US08618278B2
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of histamine receptor H1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having an HRH1-related condition or at risk of developing an HRH1-related condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or allergy.
US08618275B2
The present inventors developed 5a/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and all of or part of NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype 5a reference strain SA13. Compared to the J6/JFH control virus, after transfection of in vitro transcripts in Huh7.5 cells, production of infectious viruses was delayed. However, in subsequent viral passages efficient spread of infection and HCV RNA titers as high as for J6/JFH were obtained. Infectivity titers were at all time points analyzed comparable to J6/JFH control virus. Sequence analysis of recovered 5a/2a recombinants from 2 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed adaptive mutations in p7, NS2 and/or NS3. Infectivity of the 5a/2a viruses was CD81 and SR-BI dependant, and the recombinant viruses could be neutralized by chronic phase sera from patients infected with genotype 5a. Conclusion: The developed 5a/2a viruses provide a robust in vitro tool for research in HCV genotype 5, including vaccine studies and functional analyses of an increasingly important genotype in South Africa and Europe.
US08618274B2
The present application relates to apoptotic anti-IgE antibodies, nucleic acid encoding the same, therapeutic compositions thereof, and their use in the treatment of IgE-mediated disorders.
US08618272B2
A novel transgenic corn event designated MIR162 is disclosed. The invention relates to nucleic acids that are unique to event MIR162 and to methods for detecting the presence of the MIR162 event based on DNA sequences of the recombinant constructs inserted into the corn genome that resulted in the MIR162 event and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. The invention further relates to corn plants comprising the transgenic genotype of MIR162 and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a corn plant comprising the MIR162 genotype with itself or another corn variety. Seeds of corn plants comprising the MIR162 genotype are also objects of the present invention. The invention also relates to methods of controlling insects using MIR162 corn plants.
US08618270B2
A method of inhibiting replication of a flavivirus in animal cells, and an oligonucleotide compound for use in the method are disclosed. The oligonucleotide analog (i) has a nuclease-resistant backbone, (ii) is capable of uptake by the cells, (iii) contains between 8-40 nucleotide bases, and (iv) has a sequence of at least 8 bases complementary to a region of the virus' positive strand RNA genome that includes at least a portion of SEQ ID NOS:1-4. Exposure of cells infected with a flavivirus to the analog is effective to form within the cells, a heteroduplex structure composed of the virus ssRNA and the oligonucleotide, characterized by a Tm of dissociation of at least 45° C., and having disrupted base pairing between the virus' 5′ and 3′ cyclization sequences.
US08618268B2
The present invention provides the method of obtaining IgA and IgM antibodies from chicken egg whites. The method involves separating chicken egg whites into two fractions which contain IgA and IgM antibodies exclusively. This separation method consists of raising the volume of the egg whites using purified water, lowering the pH of said volume, filtering the IgM fraction from said volume, precipitating the IgA fraction from the remaining volume, dialyzing the IgA fraction and drying the IgA and IgM fractions.
US08618265B2
A method for performing a multiplexed diagnostic assay, such as for two or more different targets in a sample, is described. One embodiment comprised contacting the sample with two or more specific binding moieties that bind specifically to two or more different targets. The two or more specific binding moieties are conjugated to different haptens, and at least one of the haptens is an oxazole, a pyrazole, a thiazole, a nitroaryl compound other than dinitrophenyl, a benzofurazan, a triterpene, a urea, a thiourea, a rotenoid, a coumarin, a cyclolignan, a heterobiaryl, an azo aryl, or a benzodiazepine. The sample is contacted with two or more different anti-hapten antibodies that can be detected separately. The two or more different anti-hapten antibodies may be conjugated to different detectable labels.
US08618263B2
The invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and that reduce clotting time in (a) human FVIII-deficient plasma and/or (b) human whole blood. Such antibodies have utility in the treatment of bleeding disorders and in the stimulation of blood clotting.
US08618252B2
The compositions and methods of the present invention are based, in part, on our discovery that an effector function mediated by an Fc-containing polypeptide can be altered by modifying one or more amino acid residues within the polypeptide (by, for example, electrostatic optimization). The polypeptides that can be generated according to the methods of the invention are highly variable, and they can include antibodies and fusion proteins that contain an Fc region or a biologically active portion thereof.
US08618239B2
A multi-stage process for forming a liquid crystalline polymer is provided. More particularly, the process includes acetylating one or more precursor monomers and melt-polymerizing the acetylated monomers to form a prepolymer in the form of a solid particulate material. Thereafter, the prepolymer is solid-state polymerized in a fluidized bed reactor that contains a porous surface (e.g., bed, plate, grate, etc.) on which the prepolymer is supported. While supported by this porous surface, the prepolymer can become “fluidized” with a heated stream of a gas (e.g., nitrogen). In this manner, a sufficient degree of turbulence is created to distribute heat evenly around the prepolymer and cause it to rapidly reach the target reaction temperature.
US08618236B2
A polysiloxane-grafted polyimide resin composition includes a polysiloxane-grafted polyimide resin, and a solvent. The polysiloxane-grafted polyimide resin is represented by Formula (I): wherein W represents a tetravalent organic group, R represents a trivalent organic group, and X1 and X2 independently represent a polysiloxane-containing group.
US08618231B2
A reactive component suitable for use in a radiation-curable composition, which comprises an acrylated epoxy-amine oligomer represented by the formula (I): C-B-[A-B]n-A-B-C wherein: n is from 2 to 500; each A is individually a unit derived from a diglycidyl ether; each B is individually a unit derived from a difunctional secondary amine or a monofunctional primary amine; and each C is individually a unit derived from a multifunctional acrylate monomer, radiation-curable compositions, such as inks, coatings and adhesives, comprising said reactive component and methods of making said reactive component.
US08618230B2
The present invention relates to a method for crosslinking chromophoric-group polymers by thermal Huisgen reaction on thermopolymerizable chromophoric polymers having at least one azide function and/or one alkyne function, and on crosslinked polymerized substances having a well-stabilized chromophoric orientation.
US08618225B2
A process for preparing polyamides by reacting starting monomers selected from dicarboxylic acids and diamines or salts of dicarboxylic acids and diamines, amino carboxylic acids, amino nitriles, lactams and mixtures thereof, in the presence or absence of water and/or of functionalizing compounds capable of attaching to carboxyl or amino groups, which process comprises performing the reaction in an ionic liquid as solvent without use of additional accelerants.
US08618224B2
Disclosed is a method for viscosity breaking of a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer or a polypropylene polymer blend, which process comprises adding a chain transfer agent and an initiator to a polypropylene polymer, polypropylene copolymer or polypropylene polymer blend and heating the resultant composition. The chain transfer agent has a Cs value of greater than or equal to about 0.04 as measured in ethylene polymerization at 130° C. The initiator is for example an organic or inorganic peroxide, a carbon based radical generator, a bis azo compound, a stable nitroxyl compound, a sterically hindered NO-acyl compound or a sterically hindered alkoxyamine compound.
US08618220B2
Propylene copolymer composition comprising a propylene homopolymer (A) as a matrix polymer and a propylene copolymer (B) containing 10-35 wt. % calculated with respect to the amount of B of an olefin other than propylene.The propylene homopolymer and the propylene copolymer are prepared using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system. The propylene copolymer composition has a transparency higher than 8.
US08618216B1
A functionalized polymer includes a directly bonded moiety, which can be located at a terminus of the polymer, defined by the formula CR1R2NH—OSi where each R1 and R2 independently is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group and where the Si atom can be bonded through similar moieties to up to three other polymers and/or to the appropriate number of non-interfering groups. The polymer can be provided by introducing a ketoximesilane compound into a system that includes carbanionic (living) polymer. Such polymers can be used in the production of compositions that include particulate fillers.
US08618213B2
The invention relates to two-component liquid coating composition comprising: A) at least one compound with functional groups reactive towards reactive functional groups of cross-linking agent B), B) at least one cross-linking agent with reactive functional groups and C) at least one catalyst compound having at least one urethane and/or at least one urea group and at least one tertiary amine group, said catalyst compound is present as particles having a melting temperature of 40 to 180° C.
US08618211B2
A thermally conductive grease includes 2 vol % to 15 vol % of a combination of three polyorganosiloxanes and 65 vol % to 98 vol % of a thermally conductive filler. The grease may be used as a thermal interface material for dissipating heat from (opto)electronic devices, in both TIM1 and TIM2 applications.
US08618190B2
A latex marking ink suitable for marking rubber articles has been developed. The ink comprises vulcanizable rubber latex, pigment, vulcanizing agent, and non-ionic stabilizer dispersed in water. Shear stability is dramatically and unexpectedly increased by the presence of the non-ionic stabilizer even though viscosity also increases.
US08618175B2
Ultrasound medical gel composition, the compositions comprising: (a) a gelling agent comprising etherified hydroxyethylcellulose; (b) an antimicrobial agent, specifically the quaternary ammonium compound benzalkonium chloride; (c) a solvent, 1,3-propanediol being preferred; and (d) water.
US08618172B2
The present invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of aliskiren or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of HCTZ and a hydrophilic filler selected from the group a carbohydrate or combinations thereof, e.g. sugars, sugar alcohols and starches or combinations of these.
US08618166B2
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, methods of treating mixed dyslipidemia with ethyl eicosapentaenoate.
US08618162B2
The present invention includes insecticidal carbamates that are useful, for example, for the control of insects, such as mosquitoes, which can be used in applications where exposure to and/or contact with humans is likely. The insecticides of the present invention include phenyl N-methyl carbamates and compositions comprising them that exhibit species-selective inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and are preferably toxic to mosquitoes but not humans. Of particular interest are compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II): Compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) are especially suitable for insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying for mosquito control.
US08618160B2
Individually packaged topical formulations comprising about 0.25 to about 6% w/w of glycopyrrolate for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, wherein said wipe is contained within a pouch resistant to leakage. The formulations may further comprise ethanol, a buffering agent and water. In addition, the formulations may further comprise a polymer system comprising a hydrophobic polymer in combination with a hydrophilic polymer.
US08618158B2
A compound of formula (I) or a compound of formula (II) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1-R7 and X are as defined in the description, and the use of these compounds in therapy, in particular in treating cancer or as an inhibitor of the interaction of the MDM2 protein with p53.
US08618147B2
Provided are various compounds of Formula I (I). Also provided are various compounds of Formula II (II). Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above compounds. Additionally, methods of inhibiting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activity in a mammal are provided, as are methods of treating or preventing inflammation in a mammal. Further provided are methods of treating a mammal having sepsis, septicemia, and/or endotoxic shock. Also provided are methods of treating a mammal having an autoimmune disease, and methods of treating a mammal having a tumor.
US08618143B1
Non-peptide, azole-substituted nitric oxide snythase inhibitor compounds, compositions and related methods, as can be used to enhance bioavailability and inhibit production of nitric oxide.
US08618136B2
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing a myeloproliferative disease are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, stereoisomer, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, alone or in combination with a second active agent, and/or the transplantation of blood or cells. Particular second active agents are capable of suppressing the overproduction of hematopoietic stem cells or ameliorating one or more of the symptoms of a myeloproliferative disease. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08618132B2
The present invention relates to alkyne compounds of general formula I wherein the groups and residues A, B, W, X, Y, Z, R1 and R2 have the meanings given in claim 1. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one alkyne according to the invention. In view of their MCH-receptor antagonistic activity the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are suitable for the treatment of metabolic disorders and/or eating disorders, particularly obesity, bulimia, anorexia, hyperphagia and diabetes.
US08618127B2
Methods of treating stuttering include treating people with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor modulators, including cyclopyrrolones. A second active agent may be used with GABA receptor modulators. Active enantiomers, active metabolites, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor modulators, including cyclopyrrolones, are acceptable components of the compositions. The cyclopyrrolone class of modulators includes pagoclone, suriclone, zopiclone, 2-(7-chloro-2-naphthyridin-1,8-yl)-3-(5-methyl-2-oxohexyl)isoindolin-1-one, 2-(7-chloro-2-naphthyridin-1,8-yl)isoindolin-1-yl-4-acetamidobutyrate, and 2-(7-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2yl)-3-(5-methyl-5-hydroxy-2-oxohexyl)-1-isoindolinone.
US08618120B2
A synergistic combination of a vanilloid receptor VR-1 antagonist and an NSAID or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of either or both compounds thereof.
US08618113B2
The invention relates to a method of treatment or prophylaxis of demyelinating disease, in particular the neurodegenerative phase of demyelinating disease, which comprises administration of an acid sensing ion channel (ASIC) antagonist. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an ASIC antagonist in combination with an additional therapeutic agent, in particular an anti-inflammatory or immunmodulatory agent.
US08618102B2
The present invention is directed to bridged diazepan compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US08618100B2
The present invention is related to novel compounds of formula (I) having antibacterial activity against Clostridium bacteria, in particular Clostridium perfringens, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and chemical processes for preparing these compounds.
US08618099B2
This invention relates to novel pyrazolyl-pyrimidine derivatives and their use as potassium channel modulating agents. In another aspect the invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases or disorders associated with the activity of potassium channels.
US08618095B2
The present disclosure provides biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formulae (I) and (II): and salts thereof, compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of using these compounds in a variety of applications.
US08618093B2
New compositions for and methods of treating ocular hypertension provide for effective treatment of ocular hypertension often using reduced concentrations of active components. Such compositions include a timolol component and a hypotensive lipid component. The present compositions and methods are relatively straightforward, can be easily produced, for example, using conventional manufacturing techniques, and can be easily and conveniently practiced, for example, using application or administration techniques or methodologies which are substantially similar to those employed with prior compositions used to treat ocular hypertension.
US08618083B2
A combination hormone and melatonin therapy is provided to reduce the risk of developing, or to reduce the severity of, breast cancer by administering at least one estrogen hormone and optionally at least one progesterone-receptor-binding compound or composition and melatonin together, preferably at normal bed time.
US08618082B2
The present invention provides methods for the prevention, treatment and/or alleviation of skin disorders and skin cancers and prevention, treatment and/or alleviation of prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer by administering a Lupeol-derived anti-tumor compound. The invention further provides pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions containing Lupeol-derived anti-tumor compounds.
US08618078B2
A method for controlling intestinal function, blood sugar level, body fat or serum lipid, or maintaining and improving glucose tolerance. The method comprises giving to human body or animal foods and drinks, having health benefits, or enriched with health benefits, wherein the foods and drinks comprise as an active ingredient a hydrogenated, indigestible dextrin that is obtained by digesting pyrodextrin with an enzyme to obtain an indigestible dextrin, and then hydrogenating the indigestible dextrin.
US08618076B2
Disclosed herein are nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral replication and are useful as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication and for treatment of hepatitis C infection in mammals.
US08618075B2
The present invention provides certain tetrahydrouridine derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such compounds, and methods of making and using such compounds.
US08618071B2
Provided herein is a method for detection of migratory and invasive cancer cells based on a number of marker nucleic acids differentially expressed in migratory/invasive cancer cells relative to nonmigratory/noninvasive cancer cells. Also disclosed are antisense oligonucleotides of the marker nucleic acids and uses thereof for suppressing cancer cell migration and invasion.
US08618054B2
Peptides that are designed to inhibit the biological activity of the IL-1R type 1 receptor and inhibit IL-1R/IL-1RacP related cell signaling and biological activity are disclosed. Compositions comprising IL-1R antagonists of the present invention are useful in the treatment of IL-1 related diseases or conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease as well as other chronic or acute inflammatory diseases. This invention also discloses an isolated compound having an IL-1R antagonist activity, said compound being selected from the group consisting of: a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence RYTPELX, wherein R, Y, T, P, E, L, refer to their corresponding amino acids, and X is selected from no amino acid and alanine (A); and a derivative of (a) wherein the derivative incorporates one, two or three amino acid modification selected from an amino acid addition, deletion or substitution in the RYTPEL portion of the peptide, and wherein said derivative maintains its antagonist IL-1R activity.
US08618044B2
The invention relates to the field of compounds, especially peptides or polypeptides, that have thrombopoietic activity. The peptides and polypeptides of the invention may be used to increase platelets or platelet precursors (e.g., megakaryocytes) in a mammal.
US08618041B2
The present invention relates to surfactant-based all-purpose cleaners useful for cleaning surfaces including household hard surfaces as well as glass. The cleaning compositions comprise an anionic sulfonate surfactant, a non-ionic aliphatic ethoxylated surfactant, an alcohol, and a residue-reducing agent. The cleaning compositions of the invention are effective in removing soils such as grease soil and in leaving un-rinsed or unwiped surfaces residue free.
US08618035B2
A millable solid soap. The millable solid soap contains a solid phase soap base and hydrogel phase particles dispersed in said soap base. The hydrogel phase particles act as fillers to render a low total fatty matter solid soap.
US08618033B2
Provided is an ethylene copolymer having 40 wt. % to 70 wt. % of units derived from ethylene and at least 30 wt. % of units derived from at least one α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and has the following properties: (a) a weight-average molecular weight (Mw), as measured by GPC, in the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000 g/mol; (b) a melting point (Tm) in ° C., as measured by DSC, that satisfies the relation: Tm>3.4×E−180 where E is the weight % of units derived from ethylene in the copolymer; (c) a ratio of Mw/Mn of about 1.8 to about 2.5; (d) a content of Group 4 metals of no more than 5 ppm; and (e) a ratio of wt ppm Group 4 metals/wt ppm Group 5 metals of at least 3. Also provided are methods for making an ethylene copolymer and compositions comprising an ethylene copolymer.
US08618032B2
Provided are a polymer which, when wetted, enables a medical apparatus for use in MRI diagnosis and therapy to be easily visible under MRI and, simultaneously, develops surface lubricity, and a medical apparatus coated with the polymer. The polymer including a copolymer composed of a substance for shortening relaxation time of a nuclear species capable of being detected by magnetic resonance, a moiety having a reactive group, and a moiety for developing lubricity is used to coat the medical apparatus, whereby excellent peel resistance, high lubricity, visibility under magnetic resonance, easy applicability, and high safety can be obtained.
US08618024B2
The invention relates to a zinc finger polypeptide library in which each polypeptide comprises more than one zinc finger which has been at least partially randomized, and to a set of zinc finger polypeptide libraries which encode overlapping zinc finger polypeptides, each polypeptide comprising more than one zinc finger which has been at least partially randomized, and which polypeptide may be assembled after selection to form a multifinger zinc finger polypeptide.
US08618022B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous suspension of an organic pesticide compound, which has a solubility in water of not more than 2 g/l at 20° C. and a melting point of not more than 110° C. and which is capable of forming at least one crystalline modification, wherein the organic pesticide compound is present in the form of essentially crystalline particles, which process comprises: a) providing an aqueous emulsion of the organic pesticide compound, wherein the organic pesticide compound is present in the form droplets of an amorphous form of the organic pesticide compound, and b) addition of an aqueous suspension of said organic pesticide compound, wherein the organic pesticide compound is present in the form of essentially crystalline particles, wherein the addition in step b) is performed at a temperature below the melting temperature of the crystalline form of the organic pesticide compound.
US08618021B2
The present invention provides a supported reactant for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon consisting essentially of an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. In one embodiment, the adsorbent is activated carbon.
US08618018B2
The invention relates to catalytically active components for thermal ionization detectors for the detection of compounds containing halogen which have an improved structure as well as to a manufacturing method for an oxide ceramic sintering material for the components. It is the object of the invention to manufacture catalytically active components for thermal ionization detectors for gas chromatographic applications which are thermally, mechanically and chemically stable in the long term and which have increased sensitivity to the materials to be detected. In this respect, the sintering material should be adjustable in a controllable manner in the ideal parameter required for the detector. It is proposed in accordance with the invention to use an oxide ceramic sintering material for the components which comprises a crystalline phase and an amorphous glass phase, with it being essential to the invention that the amorphous glass phase is formed with 0.1 to 20% by weight of a cesium compound.
US08618017B2
A catalyst for hydrotreating and/or hydroconverting heavy metal-containing hydrocarbon feeds, comprises a support in the form of mainly irregular and non-spherical alumina-based agglomerates the specific shape. The catalyst is prepared by a specific order of steps: crushing, calcining, acidic autoclaving, drying, further calcining and impregnation with catalytic metals.
US08618016B2
Iron- and manganese-containing heterogeneous catalyst, and a process for producing it, including the following steps: thermal decomposition of gaseous iron pentacarbonyl to give carbonyl iron powder having spherical primary particles; treatment of carbonyl iron powder with hydrogen, resulting in the metallic spherical primary particles at least partly agglomerating; surface oxidation of the iron particles to form iron oxide; contacting the particles with an aqueous solution of a manganese compound; drying in the presence of oxygen and subsequent calcination in the absence of oxygen, resulting in oxygen-comprising manganese compounds on the particles; and finally reaction of these with the iron oxide to form a mixed oxide of the formula MnxFe3-xO4, where 0
US08618011B2
Systems and methods for regenerating a spent catalyst are provided. The method can include heating a hydrocarbon and a coke precursor in the presence of catalyst particles to provide a cracked hydrocarbon product and coked catalyst particles. The cracked hydrocarbon product and the coked catalyst particles can be selectively separated to provide a hydrocarbon product and coked catalyst particles. The coked catalyst particles can be mixed with a carrier fluid to provide a mixture. The mixture can be introduced to an upper surface of a dense phase catalyst zone disposed within a regenerator. A gas can be introduced to a lower zone of the dense phase catalyst zone. At least a portion of the carbon deposited on the coked catalyst particles can be combusted to provide a flue gas, heat, and a regenerated catalyst.
US08618008B2
A Ca—La—F based transparent ceramic, including: mixing CaF2 particles and LaF3 particles that are prepared separately from the CaF2 particles to form a mixed body of particles, and sintering the mixed body of particles and making the mixed body transparent, thereby producing a transparent ceramic.
US08618004B2
A composite structure comprising a high tenacity fiber coated by a matrix resin is provided. The matrix resin has elongation at break of at least about 100% and tensile strength at break of less than about 50 Mpa. The composite structure can further comprise an impact-absorbing elastomeric filler integrated into the matrix resin. Also provided is a method for making a composite structure. The method includes providing a high tenacity fiber; providing a matrix resin with elongation at break of at least about 100% and tensile strength at break of less than about 50 Mpa; and coating the high tenacity fiber with the matrix resin. The method can further comprise adding an impact-absorbing elastomeric filler into the matrix resin.
US08618003B2
Electronic devices can be prepared by forming a patterned thin film on a suitable receiver substrate. A cyanoacrylate polymer is used as a deposition inhibitor material and applied first as a deposition inhibitor material. The deposition inhibitor material can be patterned to provide selected areas on the receiver substrate where the deposition inhibitor is absent. An inorganic thin film is then deposited on the receiver substrate using a chemical vapor deposition technique only in those areas where the deposition inhibitor material is absent. The cyanoacrylate polymer deposition inhibitor material can be applied by thermal transfer from a donor element to a receiver substrate before a patterned thin film is formed.
US08617997B2
The present invention is directed to post-deposition, wet etch processes for patterning AuSn solder material and devices fabricated using such processes. The processes can be applied to uniform AuSn layers to generate submicron patterning of thin AuSn layers having a wide variety of features. The use of multiple etching steps that alternate between different mixes of chemicals enables the etch to proceed effectively, and the same or similar processes can be used to etch under bump metallization. The processes are simple, cost-effective, do not contaminate equipment or tools, and are compatible with standard cleanroom fabrication processes.
US08617982B2
Certain embodiments pertain to local interconnects formed by subtractive patterning of blanket layer of tungsten or other conductive material. The grain sizes of tungsten or other deposited metal can be grown to relatively large dimensions, which results in increased electrical conductivity due to, e.g., reduced electron scattering at grain boundaries as electrons travel from one grain to the next during conduction.
US08617981B2
The reliability of wirings, each of which includes a main conductive film containing copper as a primary component, is improved. On an insulating film including the upper surface of a wiring serving as a lower layer wiring, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbonitride film having excellent barrier properties to copper is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbide film having excellent adhesiveness to a low dielectric constant material film is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a low dielectric constant material as an interlayer insulating film is formed; and thereafter a wiring as an upper layer wiring is formed.
US08617965B1
A method is disclosed for making a high crystalline quality layer in a surface region of a wide bandgap material substrate. The high crystalline quality layer is formed by directing a thermal energy beam onto the wide bandgap material in the presence of a doping gas for converting a layer of the wide bandgap material into the high crystalline quality layer. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical components may be formed within the high crystalline quality layer through a further conversion process. In an alternative embodiment, the high crystalline quality layer may be embedded within the wide bandgap material.
US08617963B2
An integrated circuit wafer dicing method is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of integrated circuits and a plurality of test-keys on a wafer substrate, wherein the plurality of test-keys are disposed between the adjacent integrated circuits; forming a patterned protective film on the wafer to cover the plurality of integrated circuits and expose the plurality of test-keys; etching the plurality of test-keys by using the patterned protective film as a mask; and dicing an area between the plurality of integrated circuits to form a plurality of discrete integrated circuit dies.
US08617961B1
A method for fin field effect transistor (finFET) device formation includes forming a plurality of fins on a substrate; forming a gate region over the plurality of fins; and forming isolation areas for the finFET device after formation of the gate region, wherein forming the isolation areas for the finFET device comprises performing one of oxidation or removal of a subset of the plurality of fins.
US08617959B2
Resistive memory and methods of processing resistive memory are described herein. One or more method embodiments of processing resistive memory include conformally forming a cell material in an opening in an interlayer dielectric such that a seam is formed in the cell material, forming a conductive pathway by modifying the seam, and forming an electrode on the cell material and the seam.
US08617949B2
A system-on-chip device comprises a first capacitor in a first region, a second capacitor in a second region, and may further comprise a third capacitor in a third region, and any additional number of capacitors in additional regions. The capacitors may be of different shapes and sizes. A region may comprise more than one capacitor. Each capacitor in a region has a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a capacitor insulator. The top electrodes of all the capacitors are formed in a common process, while the bottom electrodes of all the capacitors are formed in a common process. The capacitor insulator may have different number of sub-layers, formed with different materials or thickness. The capacitors may be formed in an inter-layer dielectric layer or in an inter-metal dielectric layer. The regions may be a mixed signal region, an analog region, and so forth.
US08617945B2
A stacking fault and twin blocking barrier for forming a III-V device layer on a silicon substrate and the method of manufacture is described. Embodiments of the present invention enable III-V InSb device layers with defect densities below 1×108 cm−2 to be formed on silicon substrates. In an embodiment of the present invention, a buffer layer is positioned between a III-V device layer and a silicon substrate to glide dislocations. In an embodiment of the present invention, GaSb buffer layer is selected on the basis of lattice constant, band gap, and melting point to prevent many lattice defects from propagating out of the buffer into the III-V device layer. In a specific embodiment, a III-V InSb device layer is formed directly on the GaSb buffer.
US08617943B2
A method for fabricating a flexible semiconductor device includes: preparing a layered film 80 including a first metal layer 10, an inorganic insulating layer 20, a semiconductor layer 30, and a second metal layer 40 which are sequentially formed; etching the first metal layer 10 to form a gate electrode 12g; compression bonding a resin layer 50 to a surface of the layered film 80 provided with the gate electrode 12g to allow the gate electrode 12g to be embedded in the resin layer 50; and etching the second metal layer 40 to form a source electrode 42s and a drain electrode 42d, wherein the inorganic insulating layer 20 on the gate electrode 12g functions as a gate insulating film 22, and the semiconductor layer 30 between the source electrode 42s and drain electrode 42d on the inorganic insulating layer 20 functions as a channel 32.
US08617934B1
The present invention relates to a surface mount package for a silicon condenser microphone and methods for manufacturing the surface mount package. The surface mount package uses a limited number of components which simplifies manufacturing and lowers costs, and features a substrate that performs functions for which multiple components were traditionally required, including providing an interior surface on which the silicon condenser die is mechanically attached, providing an interior surface for making electrical connections between the silicon condenser die and the package, and providing an exterior surface for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between package and the device's printed circuit board.
US08617933B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a lead having a lead overhang at an obtuse angle to a lead top side and having a lead ridge protruding from a lead non-horizontal side, the lead overhang having a lead overhang-undercut side at an acute angle to a lead overhang non-horizontal side; forming a lead conductive cap completely covering the lead overhang non-horizontal side and the lead top side; forming a package paddle adjacent the lead; mounting an integrated circuit over the package paddle; and forming an encapsulation over the integrated circuit, the package paddle, and the lead.
US08617930B2
The invention provides an adhesive sheet which can be stuck to a wafer at low temperatures of 100° C. or below, which is soft to the extent that it can be handled at room temperature, and which can be cut simultaneously with a wafer under usual cutting conditions; a dicing tape integrated type adhesive sheet formed by lamination of the adhesive sheet and a dicing tape; and a method of producing a semiconductor device using them. In order to achieve this object, the invention is characterized by specifying the breaking strength, breaking elongation, and elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet in particular numerical ranges.
US08617925B2
Methods of forming bonded semiconductor structures include forming through wafer interconnects through a layer of material of a first substrate structure, bonding one or more semiconductor structures over the layer of material, and electrically coupling the semiconductor structures with the through wafer interconnects. A second substrate structure may be bonded over the processed semiconductor structures on a side thereof opposite the first substrate structure. A portion of the first substrate structure then may be removed, leaving the layer of material with the through wafer interconnects therein attached to the processed semiconductor structures. At least one through wafer interconnects then may be electrically coupled to a conductive feature of another structure, after which the second substrate structure may be removed. Bonded semiconductor structures are formed using such methods.
US08617912B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor laser includes the steps of preparing a mold with a pattern surface having recesses, forming a stacked semiconductor layer including a grating layer, forming a resin part on the grating layer, forming a resin pattern portion on the resin part, forming a diffraction grating by etching the grating layer using the resin part as a mask, and forming a mesa-structure on the stacked semiconductor layer. Each of the recesses includes two end portions and a middle portion between the two end portions. A depth of at least one of the two end portions from the pattern surface is greater than that of the middle portion. The step of forming the mesa-structure includes the step of etching the stacked semiconductor layer so as to remove end portions of the diffraction grating in a direction orthogonal to a periodic direction thereof.
US08617909B2
The surface morphology of an LED light emitting surface is changed by applying a reactive ion etch (RIE) process to the light emitting surface. Etched features, such as truncated pyramids, may be formed on the emitting surface, prior to the RIE process, by cutting into the surface using a saw blade or a masked etching technique. Sidewall cuts may also be made in the emitting surface prior to the RIE process. A light absorbing damaged layer of material associated with saw cutting is removed by the RIE process. The surface morphology created by the RIE process may be emulated using different, various combinations of non-RIE processes such as grit sanding and deposition of a roughened layer of material or particles followed by dry etching.
US08617901B2
A comprehensive approach for interpretation of the multiple spiking isotope dilution results is described herein. It has now been found that a method of multiple spiking isotope dilution analysis for mass spectrometry is possible using an approach that permits precise and simultaneous characterization of m substances from a sample even if species inter-conversion (degradation and formation) has occurred prior to separation. Advantageously, initial and final amounts of involved analytes, conversion extent, conversion degree and rate constants from the results of a single quantitation experiment may be obtained with the present method. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, uncertainty in the characterization of the substances may be estimated more accurately by also estimating increase in the uncertainty due to inter-conversion of the analytes.
US08617899B2
A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area. This causes at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid to move toward the other and make contact. The internal stirring of the fluid in the first drop of fluid by the movement of the magnetic material enhances the mixing of the constituents of the first drop of fluid and the constituents of the second drop of fluid.
US08617898B2
Quantification of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, and the monohydroxy and diihydroxy metabolites of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, can comprise labeling analytes with mass spectrometry (MS) tagging reagents and performing LC-MSMS analysis of the labeled analytes. The labeled analytes can include a labeled standard and can have distinct retention times on a reversed phase column, as well as distinct masses. Under high energy collisions, reporter groups can be generated. The intensity or the peak area detected for each reporter group can be used for quantitation. In some embodiments, a one-step tagging reagent is used that is a dienophile-containing, labeled Diels Alder reagent.
US08617897B2
Methods and kits to detect and quantitate NOx compounds in a biological sample are provided. The methods include reacting a mixture that includes a nitrite compound and a chromogenic reagent to form a colored compound, contacting the mixture with a retention medium configured to retain the colored compound, and detecting the colored compound retained on the retention medium.
US08617896B1
Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.
US08617889B2
Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are disclosed and claimed. In addition, methods, compositions, and kits for forming coronary vasculature including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are described. In particular, administration of variants of hepatocyte growth factor, such as NK1, 1K1, and HP11, are useful for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium or formation of coronary vasculature. Methods of activating cardiac stem cells in vitro are also disclosed.
US08617884B2
The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating T cells, and more particularly, to methods to eliminate undesired (e.g., autoreactive, alloreactive, pathogenic) subpopulations of T cells from a mixed population of T cells, thereby restoring the normal immune repertoire of said T cells. The present invention also relates to compositions of cells, including stimulated T cells having restored immune repertoire and uses thereof.
US08617876B2
The invention relates to gene suppression and replacement. In particular, the invention relates to enhanced expression of suppression agents for suppressing gene expression in a cell and in vivo and replacement nucleic acids that are not inhibited by the suppression agent. Regulatory elements are included in expression vectors to optimize expression of the suppression agent and/or replacement nucleic acid.
US08617863B2
A streptokinase immobilized on a surface, in particular an immobilized plasmin-resistant streptokinase, and compositions, methods and kits of utilizing same for preparing plasmin are provided.
US08617859B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing C4 dicarboxylic acids, such as malic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a C4 dicarboxylic acid transporter; and (b) recovering the C4 dicarboxylic acid. The present invention also relates to methods for increasing C4 dicarboxylic acid production, as well as host cells comprising the polynucleotides.
US08617857B2
The present invention relates to novel thraustochytrid-like microalgae having the ability to produce bio-oil, and a method of producing bio-oil using the same. The microalgae of the invention accumulate bio-oil at a high ratio in the cells when being cultured in glucose-containing medium, and thus can produce bio-oil in a high yield. Also, the microalgae can produce bio-oil using bean powder as a nitrogen source, and a product obtained by culturing edible bean powder as medium can be used as a raw material for producing food and feed. Also, the microalgae can produce bio-oil using non-food cellulosic biomass as a carbon source. Moreover, the use of non-food cellulosic biomass for production of bio-oil can overcome the factors limiting the development of bio-oil, including the unstable supply of food resources and an increase in the cost of raw materials, and can improve the commercial competitiveness of microbial fermentation oil.
US08617856B2
Described are hosts for overproducing a fatty acid product such as a fatty acid. The hosts include an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a thioesterase and, optionally, an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, wherein an acyl-CoA synthetase in the hosts are functionally deleted. The hosts preferably include the nucleic acid encoding the thioesterase at an intermediate copy number. The hosts are preferably recombinantly stable and growth-competent at 37° C. Methods of producing a fatty acid product comprising culturing such hosts at 37° C. are also described.
US08617854B2
The present invention relates to a multi-stage process for producing substituted, optically active alcohols, comprising an enzyme-catalyzed synthesis step, in particular a synthesis step which is catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase. The inventive method is particularly suitable for producing phenylephrine, i.e. 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-methylamino-ethyl]-phenol.
US08617845B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed for generating immunoglobulin structural diversity in vitro, and in particular, for reducing biases in V region and J segment gene utilization, and for generating immunoglobulin V-D-J recombination events in a manner that does not require D-J recombination to precede V-DJ recombination. Selection of advantageous combinations of immunoglobulin gene elements, including introduction of artificial diversity (D) segment genes and optimization of recombination signal sequence (RSS) efficiency, are disclosed.
US08617827B2
The present invention relates to novel photoactivable rhodamine or carbopyronine derivatives of the following general formulae G1-G4 (I), G1: A1=O, A2=N, A3=C; G2: A1=S, A2=N, A3=C; G3: A1=O, A2=O, A3=N; G4: A1=S, A2=O, A3=N; comprising UV light absorbing chromophores which after photolysis by irradiation at 254-490 nm (preferably at 375-420 nm) generate fluorescent rhodamine or carbopyronine derivatives and small non-toxic fragments such as N2 or N2O. The invention also relates to methods for preparing such compounds and to the use of these compounds for optical microscopy and imaging techniques.
US08617820B2
An immunoassay reagent is provided which comprises an analyte binding agent in a diluent, and a glycosaminoglycan in an amount sufficient to reduce non-specific binding in an assay of a sample for the analyte. Provided is such an immunoassay reagent in which the analyte is troponin I, the analyte binding agent is a biotinylated anti-troponin I antibody, and the glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate. A sample composition is also provided which comprises a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte, an analyte binding agent, and a glycosaminoglycan other than heparin. Further provided is a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, in which non-specific binding is reduced in the method using a glycosaminoglycan.
US08617817B2
Methods for preparing strand-specific sequencing libraries of oligonucleotides using an RNA polymerase promoter to re-transcribe antisense cDNA which has been reverse transcribed from mRNA are provided. The transcription step linearly amplifies sRNA prior to production of double-stranded cDNA to be sequenced and may be sufficient to eliminate the conventional PCR amplification step prior to sequencing. The methods incorporate anchor sequences, amplification sequences and other sequences required for a particular sequencing system or reaction by hybridization and extension of primers, and transcription of RNA, rather than ligation, thus reducing the number of steps and the time required for sample preparation for sequencing of RNA. Use of primer hybridization and transcription reactions in the methods also results in a library that exhibits reduced 3′ sequence bias.
US08617813B2
Described herein is Zscan4, a gene exhibiting 2-cell embryonic stage and embryonic stem cell specific expression. Identification of nine Zscan4 co-expressed genes is also described. Inhibition of Zscan4 expression inhibits the 2-cell to 4-cell embryonic transition and prevents blastocyst implantation, expansion and outgrowth. Provided herein are methods of inhibiting differentiation of a stem cell, promoting blastocyst outgrowth of embryonic stem cells and identifying a subpopulation of stem cells expressing Zscan4. Further described is the identification of Trim43 as a gene exhibiting morula-specific expression. Also provided are isolated expression vectors comprising a Zscan4 promoter, or a Trim43 promoter operably linked to a heterologous polypeptide and uses thereof. Further provided are transgenic animals comprising transgenes encoding marker proteins operably linked to Zscan4 and Trim43 promoters.
US08617812B2
A specific, non-synonymous SNP in the Prnp gene encoding the bovine prion protein affects the susceptibility of bovine animals to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Depending on the number of octapeptide repeat units present in the Prnp gene, the position of the SNP is either nucleotide 631 of exon 3 (codon 211) when the Prnp gene comprises six octapeptide repeat region sequences, nucleotide 607 of exon 3 (codon 203) when the Prnp gene comprises five octapeptide repeat region sequences, or nucleotide 655 of exon 3 (codon 219) when the Prnp gene comprises seven octapeptide repeat region sequences. Alleles of the bovine Prnp wherein the SNP at these positions is lysine (K) at the corresponding amino acids (i.e., 211, 203 or 219) in the bovine prion protein are all indicative of increased susceptibility to BSE in comparison to alleles which encode glutamic acid (E) at the same position. This SNP may be used as a marker for selecting bovines susceptible to BSE for disposal and/or removal from breeding, the human food and animal feed supplies.
US08617808B2
The invention provides a method for detecting the production of one or more analytes by cells in a sample. The method uses one or more immobilized binding proteins to capture one or more analytes released from cells. The, or each, binding protein is localized at one or more discrete locations on a solid surface within a well. Cells are introduced into the well and cultured under conditions suitable for release of the analyte(s) and for binding of the analyte(s) to the binding protein(s). Restricting the binding protein(s) to one or more discrete locations within the well, rather than coating the entire surface of the well, results in increased sensitivity of the assay.
US08617798B2
A method of producing particles includes providing a substrate structure that comprises a solid substrate; forming a target structure on said substrate structure, said target structure comprising a radiation-reactive material; forming a spatially patterned beam of radiation using a patterned mask; exposing at least a portion of the target structure to the spatially patterned beam of radiation to which the radiation-reactive material reacts while leaving other portions of the target structure unexposed to the radiation; removing substantially all of one of the exposed or the unexposed patterned portions of the target structure to provide a plurality of non-contiguous structures that include at least a portion of the radiation-reactive material; and separating the plurality of non-contiguous structures comprising the radiation-reactive material from the substrate structure into a fluid material. Each non-contiguous structure of the radiation-reactive material provides at least a portion of a separate particle after the separation.
US08617797B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a plurality of gate patterns in parallel with each other within one circuit block provided over a semiconductor substrate includes preparing a first photomask, performing a first photolithography process upon a photoresist layer within a circuit block by using the first photomask, preparing a second photomask that includes a trim photomask having at least one trim opening corresponding to a dummy gate pattern to remove a portion of the photoresist layer corresponding to the dummy gate pattern, and performing a second photolithography process upon the photoresist layer by using the second photomask.
US08617793B2
A waterless planographic printing plate precursor is capable of plate inspection without a post-dyeing step, capable of being handled in a light room and excellent in coloring matter fixing in silicone rubber layer. The waterless planographic printing plate precursor has at least a photosensitive layer or heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer on a substrate, which is a waterless planographic printing plate precursor characterized in that a color pigment is contained in the above-mentioned silicone rubber layer, and it is possible to obtain a more excellent effect by further incorporating, in the above-mentioned silicone rubber layer, a pigment dispersant containing an organic complex compound comprising of a metal and an organic compound. Furthermore, when aluminum and/or titanium is contained as the above-mentioned metal, a more excellent effect can be obtained.
US08617792B2
An aromatic ring-containing polymer for a resist underlayer, the polymer including a unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: wherein, R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a C1 to C10 alkyl group, or an aromatic group, A is a functional group derived from an aromatic compound with a heteroatom or without a heteroatom, and n is an integer of one or more.
US08617788B2
An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, wherein when a film having a film thickness of 100 nm is formed from the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, the film has a transmittance of 55 to 80% for light at a wavelength of 193 nm, and a pattern forming method using the composition are provided.
US08617787B2
There is provided a sulfonium salt having high photosensitivity to the i-line. The invention relates to a sulfonium salt represented by formula (1) described below: [in formula (1), R1 to R6 each independently represent an alkyl group, a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an arylcarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an arylthiocarbonyl group, an acyloxy group, an arylthio group, an alkylthio group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic hydrocarbon group, an aryloxy group, an alkylsulfinyl group, an arylsulfinyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, an arylsulfonyl group, a hydroxy(poly)alkyleneoxy group, an optionally substituted amino group, a cyano group, a nitro group, or a halogen atom, m1 to m6 each represent the number of occurrences of each of R1 to R6, m1, m4, and m6 each represent an integer of 0 to 5, m2, m3, and m5 each represent an integer of 0 to 4, and X− represents a monovalent polyatomic anion].
US08617779B2
Presently disclosed embodiments relate to an improved electrophotographic imaging member or photoreceptor comprising a surface layer on the photoreceptor, where the surface layer comprises secondary electron emitting materials that act as a robust electrically active layer. Photoreceptors incorporating such materials into or on the surface will exhibit an increase photoreceptor life and also a reduction the operating voltage of bias charge roll (BCR) charging systems while maintaining excellent charge uniformity.
US08617772B2
The present invention provides a hologram recording material and a hologram recording medium, which are suitable for volume hologram record and can attain high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, that is, storage stability, durability, low dimensional change (low shrinkage) and high multiplicity in holographic memory recording using not only a green laser but also a blue laser. A hologram recording material comprising: a radical photopolymerizable compound; and a matrix which is a dispersion medium for the radical photopolymerizable compound, wherein the radical photopolymerizable compound comprises a (meth)acrylamide derivative represented by the following general formula (I): CH2═CR1—CONR2—CH2—O—R3 (I) wherein R1 represents H or a CH3 group, R2 represents H or an organic group, and R3 represents an organic group having 3 or more carbon atoms in total. A hologram recording medium 11 which has a hologram recording layer 21.
US08617769B2
Powders of respective metal elements (Mn, Co) constituting a transition metal oxide (MnCo2O4) having a spinel type crystal structure are used as a starting material of the coating film. A film of a paste containing the mixture of the powders is formed on the surface of the interconnector, and with this state, the paste is sintered to form the coating film. In the coating body, a chromia layer including Cr2O3, a first layer including elements of Mn, Co, Fe, Cr, and O, and a second layer including elements of Mn, Co, Fe, and O are provided in this order from the side close to the interconnector at the boundary between the coating film and the interconnector. With this structure, the coating film is difficult to be peeled even if the coating body is placed in a severe temperature change.
US08617768B2
Provided is a carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell, which selectively promotes an oxygen reduction reaction even when crossover of a fuel compound occurs. The carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell exhibits an oxygen-reducing catalytic activity in an electrolytic solution containing a fuel compound for the direct fuel cell, and exhibits substantially no catalytic activity to oxidize the fuel compound in the electrolytic solution.
US08617766B2
A method for simultaneous co-generation of electric energy and hydrogen by totally electrochemical means which includes an electricity storage phase by electrolysis of an electrolysable metal solution and formation of a hydrogen-electrolysable metal battery cell and, an electricity recovery and hydrogen generation phase by operation of said battery cell. The electrolysable metal is chosen from zinc, nickel and manganese.
US08617765B2
Ionomeric polymers that are chemically stabilized and contain inorganic fillers are prepared, and show reduced degradation. The ionomers care useful in membranes and electrochemical cells.
US08617755B2
The invention relates to a fuel cell comprising a separator, plate that is positioned between electrolyte-electrode units, said plate consisting of two embossed panels with contact surfaces that rest against one another. A fluidic chamber for a coolant is configured between the two pans and a fluidic chamber for a gas is configured between each panel and the respective adjacent electrolyte-electrode unit. The fluidic chamber for the coolant comprises two sub-chambers, each facing a respective panel, and said coolant traverses the fluidic chamber exclusively in an alternate manner through the two sub-chambers.
US08617752B2
A fuel cell system is disclosed, wherein the fuel cell system is heated by a fluid during a starting operation to mitigate against vapor condensation and ice formation in a fuel cell assembly and to decrease a warm up time of the fuel cell system.
US08617747B2
An electrode plate for a battery comprising a plurality of electrodes in a grid where the grid defines a plurality of spaces. A paste disposed in the spaces has a top surface and a bottom surface. The paste is narrowed in the space, defining a distance between the top surface of the paste and the bottom surface of the paste that is less than the thickness of the plate over the electrodes. A retention layer of porous fabric is impressed on the top and/or bottom surface of the paste. Electrolyte disposed in electric communication with the electrodes.
US08617745B2
A lithium-ion battery is provided that has a fast charge and discharge rate capability and low rate of capacity fade during high rate cycling. The battery can exhibit low impedance growth and other properties allowing for its use in hybrid electric vehicle applications and other applications where high power and long battery life are important features.
US08617744B2
There can be provided an energy storage device comprising a positive electrode comprising a nitroxyl compound having a nitroxyl cation partial structure in an oxidized state and having a nitroxyl radical partial structure in a reduced state; a negative electrode comprising a carbon material which lithium ions can be reversibly intercalated into and deintercalated from; and an electrolytic solution comprising a lithium salt and an aprotic organic solvent, wherein the negative electrode is a negative electrode comprising the carbon material which lithium ions are previously intercalated into, apart from lithium ions associated with a capacity A of lithium capable of being intercalated and deintercalated in charge and discharge, thereby allowing the energy storage device to simultaneously achieve high energy density, high output characteristics, low environmental load, and high stability in charge and discharge cycles.
US08617737B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a first collecting plate electrically coupled to the first electrode plate, the first collecting plate including a fuse reinforcement part having a fuse opening and a reinforcement protrusion protruding from a periphery of the fuse opening; a case housing the electrode assembly and the first collecting plate; and a cap assembly coupled to the case and comprising a cap plate.
US08617732B2
An battery end cap is disclosed for limiting current flow of a battery. The battery end cap includes a cap terminal, the cap terminal comprising an external conductive surface and an internal conductive surface. The battery end cap further includes a pressure sensitive switch, wherein when the battery end cap is installed on a battery, the pressure sensitive switch is configured to bias the internal conductive surface of the cap terminal from being in electrical communication with an electrical source of the battery. Electrical communication between the cap terminal and the electrical source is created or maintained when a sufficient external pressure is applied to the battery end cap and electrical contact between the cap terminal and the internal electrical source is broken without the sufficient external pressure.
US08617730B2
A battery configured as a plurality of battery cells for an electric vehicle with one board for supplying electric power to an electric motor. Each battery cell is provided with positive and negative electrodes on the side of the board. The board is provided with a plurality of cell connecting parts for transmitting cell information of each battery cell corresponding to each electrode. Sensor wiring connects each electrode and each cell connecting part. Wiring is formed are arranged over the board that radiates heat via an insulating adhesive. A heating element is mounted on a first heat-conduction member formed on a top face of the uppermost wiring board. A second heat-conduction member is formed on the downside of the lowermost wiring board. The first heat-conduction member and the second heat-conduction member are touched via a third heat-conduction member arranged in a through hole bored through each wiring board.
US08617728B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic tape comprising a nonmagnetic layer containing a nonmagnetic powder and a binder and a magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic powder and a binder in this order on a nonmagnetic support. The nonmagnetic layer is a radiation-cured layer formed by curing with radiation a given radiation-curable composition. The nonmagnetic layer has a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 1.3 μm. The relation between the nonmagnetic powder and the binder component contained in the radiation-curable composition satisfies equation (I): 480≦(BET specific surface area of the nonmagnetic powder (m2/g)×weight of the nonmagnetic powder (g))/weight of the binder component (g)≦650 (I).
US08617726B2
An anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is provided. The anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is a novel anthracene derivative having a wide band gap. Further, the anthracene derivative has a large energy gap and can be very suitably used as a material for a light-emitting element which exhibits blue light emission.
US08617724B2
A polymer compound that, when used for fabrication of a light emitting device, results in an excellent luminance lifetime for the obtained light emitting device. A polymer compound comprising a constitutional unit represented by formula (1). (In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently represent an unsubstituted alkyl group. R3 and R4 each independently represent a group other than an unsubstituted alkyl group. R5 and R6 each independently represent an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted alkoxy or unsubstituted or substituted aryl group. The letters a and b each independently represent an integer of 0-4. The letters c and d each independently represent an integer of 0-3. When multiple R3, R4, R5 and R6 groups are present, they may be the same or different.)
US08617714B2
In one form, the present invention provides a synthetic resin leather adhering a base material via an adhesive layer to the back side of a film composed mostly of thermoplastic polyurethane, and the film has on the surface thereof a surface treatment layer formed by coating with a surface treatment agent in which aqueous polycarbonate polyurethane is cross linked by aqueous cross-linking agent containing a carbodiimide group.
US08617713B2
The invention relates to a device comprising a layer made from a fluoropolymer, of which at least part of the surface is covered with a composition comprising a polymer having at least one fluorinated function and at least one acid or base function and forming a bonding layer on said fluoropolymer, said bonding layer being fully or partly covered by another layer.
US08617711B2
A single layer film containing at least one anionic hydrophilic group selected from a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group and a phosphate group, wherein an anion concentration ratio (Sa/Da) of an anion concentration at a surface (Sa) to an anion concentration at a deep part (Da) is 1.1 or more. The single layer film is a copolymer prepared by polymerizing a composition containing a compound (I) represented by the general formula (1) ([X]s[M1]l[M2]m (1)) and a compound (II) having two or more (meth)acryloyl groups in a molecule at a molar ratio of 15:1 to 1:30 and having a water contact angle of 30° or less. Such a single layer film has high hydrophilicity and surface hardness and is excellent in antifogging property, antifouling property and antistatic property, thus is useful as an antifogging material, an antifouling material, an antistatic material and a multilayer body.
US08617693B2
An antireflection laminate for use mainly in displays such as LCDs and PDPs, which has a refractive index layer that has, while comprising hollow and solid particles, excellent abrasion resistance, a refractive index of 1.45 or less, and low reflectivity is disclosed. The refractive index layer is obtained by irradiating a refractive index layer forming composition with ionizing radiation, the composition including an ionizing radiation curable resin, a crosslinkable hollow particle having an inside that is porous or hollow and is covered with an outer shell layer and having a surface that is modified with a crosslinkable group(s), and a crosslinkable solid particle having an inside that is neither porous nor hollow and having a surface that is modified with a crosslinkable group(s). The crosslinkable groups comprise an ionizing radiation curable group each and have an identical structure or a very similar structure.
US08617692B2
A sheet of cellulose based material having enhanced strength, particularly the dry strength, substantially unaffected repulpability is disclosed. The sheet of cellulose based materials generally includes a first cellulose based material connected with a second cellulose base material element. The first cellulose based material is formed by separating a portion of the fiber from a furnish, treating the separated portion with a cationic wet strength resin which is allowed to bond to the fiber. The treated fiber is then mixed with the untreated balance of the fiber at some point before the paper machine. The fiber that is separated may be secondary fiber, virgin fiber or combinations thereof. The second cellulose base material element is substantially free from any treatment. The second cellulose base material element may be include substantially all untreated fibers.
US08617687B2
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite structure. A filler material with a barrier material for a channel in the filler material is formed. A composite material and the filler material with the barrier material are laid up onto a tool in a shape of the composite structure. The composite material and the filler material in the shape of the composite structure are cured.
US08617683B2
A decorative assembly and a kit for creating a plurality of decorative assemblies including at least one foundation piece, at least one fanciful element and at least one connector to couple the fanciful element to the foundation piece.
US08617665B2
A methods, apparatus and compositions for producing colored, self-cleaning substrates by roll coating are provided. The roll coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates retain the predetermined color and a predetermined gloss of the colored coating, thereby facilitating their use in architectural applications. The roll coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates may be iridescent-free.
US08617661B2
A method for fabricating a direct metal deposition (DMD) structure having substantially fully forged structural qualities is provided. In various embodiments, the method includes depositing a layer of metallic material onto an existing metallic structure having a microstructure that provides the existing metallic structure with substantially fully forged structural qualities. The DMD layer has a microstructure that provides the DMD layer with non-forged structural qualities. The method additionally includes applying a friction stir process to the deposited DMD layer utilizing a friction stir device such that the deposited DMD layer and at least a DMD affected zone of the existing metallic structure are friction stirred to refine and homogenize the microstructure of the deposited DMD layer and at least the DMD affected zone of the existing metallic structure, thereby producing a non-forged aggregate structure having a microstructure that provides the aggregate structure substantially fully forged structural qualities.
US08617660B2
A wiping element made of a rubber-elastic or ductile-elastic material for the protection of components mobile against one another, wherein at least one wiping lip (2) is provided on a wiping ring (1). The wiping element has a protective lip (4), which is or can be fixed in a detachable fashion to the wiping ring (1). In a wiper arrangement (10), the wiping ring (1) is arranged position-stable on a first component and lies with the wiping lip (2) and the protective lip (4) adjacent to a second component. With the use of such a wiper arrangement (10) for the painting of components mobile against one another, at least one component is painted in the fixed state of the protective lip (4) and the protective lip (4) is then detached from the wiping ring (1).
US08617658B2
This invention relates to a method for conducting film coating on the surface of spinning circular workpiece under action of gas pressure, and nozzle utilized in the same. Circular workpiece to be coated is held on a rotating mechanism, and a feedstock loading machine having a nozzle, which is capable of guiding redundant feedstock and overflowing in a specific direction, is set to have a 100 μm gap with the circular workpiece. When the rotating mechanism is rotated, the polymer solution is precoated on the surface of the circular workpiece, and when gas valve is opened, the polymer solution is squeezed to a predetermined thickness by an annular high pressure gas-stream formed on the periphery of a cylinder, produced from the high pressure gas released.
US08617656B2
A liquid processing apparatus processes an object to be processed W including a body part Wi and a plurality of projecting-shape parts Wm disposed on the body part Wi, with an inorganic film and a different film being laminated to each other. The liquid processing apparatus comprises: a support part 50 configured to support the body part Wi; a hydrophobic-liquid supply mechanism 30 configured to supply a hydrophobic liquid to the object to be processed W; and a rinse-liquid supply part 22 configured to supply a rinse liquid to the object to be processed W to which the hydrophobic liquid has been supplied. The hydrophobic-liquid supply mechanism 30 includes: a first hydrophobic-liquid supply part 32 configured to supply a first hydrophobic liquid for making hydrophobic the inorganic film; and a second hydrophobic-liquid supply part 37 configured to supply a second hydrophobic liquid for making hydrophobic the different film.
US08617653B2
It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having photoresist patterns thereon and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed to form fine patterns, further characterized by comprising a water-soluble polymer which contains a monomeric component and a dimeric component, wherein the total content of the monomeric component and the dimeric component in the water-soluble polymer is reduced to 10 mass % or less, and a method of forming fine patterns using the same. By the present invention, even in reducing the pattern size on a substrate having thereon patterns having different pitches, the heat shrinkage of the over-coating agent can be controlled, irrespective whether the pitch is dense or isolate, thus achieving the pattern size reduction.
US08617645B2
The present invention provides a multi-component composite film comprising a) polymer support layer, and b) porous gellable polymer layer which is formed on one side or both sides of the support layer of a), wherein the support film of a) and the gellable polymer layer of b) are unified without the interface, a method for preparing the same, and a polymer electrolyte system applied the same.
US08617644B2
A method for making a current-perpendicular-to the-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) sensor with a Heusler alloy pinned layer on the sensor's Mn-containing antiferromagnetic pinning layer uses two annealing steps. A layer of a crystalline non-Heusler alloy ferromagnetic material, like Co or CoFe, is deposited on the antiferromagnetic pinning layer and a layer of an amorphous X-containing ferromagnetic alloy, like a CoFeBTa layer, is deposited on the Co or CoFe crystalline layer. After a first in-situ annealing of the amorphous X-containing ferromagnetic alloy, the Heusler alloy pinned layer is deposited on the amorphous X-containing ferromagnetic layer and a second high-temperature annealing step is performed to improve the microstructure of the Heusler alloy pinned layer.
US08617638B2
A method is disclosed of manufacturing photoluminescent paving blocks or pavers at a paver manufacturing facility. A curable paver composition is provided at a mixing station for mixing. The mixed composition is shaped into uncured pavers having upper surfaces at a forming station. A curable liquid coating composition is applied to the upper surfaces of the uncured pavers at one or more coating stations. The uncured pavers and the coating composition applied thereon are heated in a kiln at a curing station to cure the uncured pavers. After leaving the kiln, the coating composition is cured to form a photoluminescent pigment layer having a binder with photoluminescent particulate pigment essentially uniformly dispersed in the binder and an optically transmissive clear coat layer in overlying relationship with the pigment layer.
US08617637B2
A thermal spraying method includes forming a coating layer of heat resistant resin on the whole spray area of the metal surface, securely fixing a test piece of the same material as that of the metal as a constituent of heat resistant equipment on the surface of the coating layer, spraying a heat shield coating material onto the test piece, detaching the test piece from the surface of the coating layer, inspecting the condition of spray and setting spray conditions, removing the coating layer and, under the above set spray conditions, spraying the heat shield coating material onto the metal surface to thereby form a heat shield coating layer.
US08617620B2
Provided are a piceatannol-containing composition which is a composition originating in a natural material and containing piceatannol at a high concentration, and a method of producing the piceatannol-containing composition. A piceatannol-containing composition which contains 0.0001 to 99.9% by mass of piceatannol is obtained by extracting passion fruit seeds. The extraction of piceatannol is carried out by grinding the passion fruit seeds, adding at least one solvent selected from an aqueous alcohol-based solvent and an aqueous ketone-based solvent and agitating to thereby extract piceatannol into the above-described solvent. In this case, it is preferable to conduct stepwise extraction by using both of the aqueous alcohol-based solvent and the aqueous ketone-based solvent.
US08617617B2
The present invention relates to methods of co-administration of various vitamin and mineral compositions, and in a specific embodiment, said methods comprise co-administering one composition comprising vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and/or copper, and a second composition comprising omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA, to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals within physiologically stressful states; and kits provided for co-administration of various vitamin and mineral compositions, and in a specific embodiment, said kits comprise one composition comprising vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and/or copper, and a second composition comprising omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA, to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals within physiologically stressful states.
US08617604B2
Pharmaceutical compositions of a low-solubility drug and lower alkanoate-, phthalate- and trimellitate esters of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and lower alkanoate- and succinate esters of cellulose and methyl cellulose are disclosed that provide enhanced concentrations of the drug in a use environment.
US08617603B2
A main object of the present invention is to provide a novel coated tablet which contains a drug having a guanidino group and does not suffer an obvious color change even when packed in a one-dose pack together with a drug having a (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl)methyl (DMDO) group. The present invention provides a coated tablet characterized in that an uncoated tablet containing a drug having a guanidino group has been coated with a polyvinyl alcohol for film coating which comprises polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate.
US08617598B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a macrolide solid dispersion, a disintegrant and colloidal silicon dioxide, wherein the composition comprises 1 to 5% colloidal silicon dioxide by weight.
US08617587B2
The present invention relates to the supply and production of an animal medicine consisting of a substrate in pellet or tablet form, which is attractive to livestock and domestic animals, in which fine-grained particles of a neutral-tasting, physiologically compatible, solid carrier material are embedded, which is characterized in that said fine-grained particles of carrier material have an average diameter of 0.09 to 0.8 mm and are coated with an active substance from veterinary medicine, and said active substance layer is covered with a protective layer of a physiologically compatible polymer matrix, and to the production of this animal medicine. It also relates to the usage of said double-coated, fine-grained particles of carrier material in the production of a preparation for veterinary medicine.
US08617582B2
A spot-on pesticide composition for animals, specifically mammals, including dogs and cats, which composition comprises a combination of active components, including fipronil and a pyrethroid, and optionally an insect growth regulator, in doses and proportions which are parasiticidally effective against a variety of insects and pests, and in a formulation which is convenient for local application to the animal's skin, preferably localized over a small surface area.
US08617572B2
Methods for preventing or treating depression including a depression mediated by the thalamus. Depression, including a thalamically mediated depression, can be treated by peripheral administration of a botulinum toxin to or to the vicinity of a trigeminal sensory nerve, thereby preventing or treating the depression.
US08617566B2
The present invention relates to novel uses of a construct consisting of virus-like particle (VLP) structure chemically coupled to a fragment of the A beta-1-42 peptide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (hereinafter CONSTRUCT), in particular to dosage regimens, modes of and dosage forms for the administration of a CONSTRUCT for the treatment of patients suffering from dementia, in particular dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
US08617565B2
The present invention relates to a surface exposed protein (protein E; pE), a virulence factor, which can be detected in Haemophilus influenzae, having an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO 1, an immunogenic fragment of said surface exposed protein, and a recombinant immunogenic protein (pE (A)) or truncated variants thereof based on said surface exposed protein. Nucleic acid sequences, vaccines, plasmids and phages, non human hosts, recombinant nucleic acid sequences, fusion proteins and fusion products are also described. A method of producing the said protein or truncated fragments thereof recombinantly is also disclosed.
US08617560B2
The present invention relates to peptides or pretide derivatives of the 65kD lower matrix phosphoprotein of human cytomegalovirus. The peptides disclosed are useful for determining whether subjects have een exposed to human cytomegalovirus. Methods for using these peptides or derivatives thereof to determine the peptide-induced production of interferon-γ and/or TNF-α in CD8+ T cells isolated from subjects are also disclosed.
US08617556B2
The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.
US08617555B2
The present application provides a pharmaceutical composition for administration to a patient suffering from diabetes and other metabolic disorders, the composition comprises a) an activated-potentiated form of an antibody to human insulin receptor, and b) an activated-potentiated form of an antibody to endothelial NO-synthase.
US08617553B2
Methods for veterinary treatment of mammals are described, for treatment of conditions having an inflammatory component. The methods are particularly suited to treatment of cats, dogs, or horses.
US08617550B2
To provide a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for vasculitis such as polyarteritis nodosa, the aortitis syndrome, and a vasculitis that is associated with immunological abnormalities, said agent comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist as an active ingredient.
US08617547B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to ubiquilin 1 markers for cancer.
US08617541B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of delivery of CoQ-10 solubilized in monoterpenes. Use of monoterpenes as dissolving agents, greatly effects the ability to incorporate greater amounts of bioactive CoQ-10 in formulations, such as soft gel capsules.
US08617533B2
Viral replicon selected nucleic acid expression libraries are useful for analyzing multiple antigens associated with a parasite, pathogen or neoplasia or for preparing immunogenic compositions for generating immune responses specific for the parasite, pathogen or neoplasia. Alphavirus replicon particles representative of the nucleic acid expression library are preferred. The nucleic acid library can be a random library, or it can be prepared after a selection step, for example, by differential hybridization prior to cloning into the replicon vector.
US08617527B1
The current invention is drawn to a series of citrate esters having alkyl groups and a silicone groups esterified onto citric acid. This results an outstanding skin feel, making outstanding waterproofing and emollient properties when applied to skin. A required critical element of the invention is that both the silicone and the alkyl material be mono functional with regard to hydroxyl functionality. If either group has more than mono functionality, they will react with the citric acid (which has three carboxyl groups) to give undesired polymers. The ability to vary the ratio of alkyl to silicone results an ability to alter skin feel and consequently provide the cosmetic formulator with more latitude in choosing ingredients for incorporation into formulations.
US08617517B2
Novel cromolyn analogs useful as imaging agents for detecting atherosclerotic plaques and for treating atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and methods of making the cromolyn analogs, are disclosed. The cromolyn analogs have the general formula (I), or formula (II); wherein X is OH, C1-C6 alkoxyl, 18F, or 19F; Y and Z are independently selected from a C1-C6 alkyl, CpC6 alkoxyl, halogen, un-substituted or C1-C6 substituted amine, 18F, 19F, or H; and n is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein for structure (I), if n are both 1 and Y and Z are both H, X is not OH.
US08617512B2
The invention provides a water gas shift process comprising a reaction stage. The reaction stage comprises (a) providing a gas mixture comprising CO, H2O and an acid gas component to a reactor containing an adsorbent, and (b) subjecting the gas mixture to water gas shift reaction conditions to perform the water gas shift reaction. The adsorbent comprises an alkali promoted alumina based material. The acid gas component comprises H2S.
US08617510B2
Porous metal oxides are provided. The porous metal oxides are prepared by heat treating a coordination polymer. A method of preparing the porous metal oxide is also provided. According to the method, the shape of the particles of the metal oxide can be easily controlled, and the shape and distribution of pores of the porous metal oxide can be adjusted.
US08617503B2
Disclosed is a process for producing spheroidized boron nitride which enable the further improvement in the heat conductivity of a heat dissipative member. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing spheroidized boron nitride, which is characterized by using spheroidized graphite as a raw material and reacting the spheroidized graphite with a boron oxide and nitrogen at a high temperature ranging from 1600 to 2100° C. to produce the spheroidized boron nitride. The boron oxide to be used in the reaction is preferably boron oxide (B2O3), boric acid (H3BO3), or a substance capable of generating a boron oxide at a higher temperature. A gas to be used in the reaction is preferably nitrogen or ammonia.
US08617495B1
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device is provided. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a desulfurization mode trigger module, a desulfurization control module, and an interrupt module. The desulfurization mode trigger module is configured to set a desulfurization request based on one or more trigger conditions. The desulfurization control module is configured to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on the desulfurization request. The interrupt module is configured to interrupt the desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on an interrupt condition.
US08617488B2
Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.
US08617480B2
A concentrated acid treatment unit is composed of a reaction section and an agitation extraction section. A phenol sorped raw material obtained by defatting botanical resource-derived raw material by solvent to subject sorption phenols to sorption is introduced, thus obtaining mixed solution of phenol solution including a lignophenol derivative and concentrated acid solution including a cellulose hydrolysate. The reaction section agitates and mixes the phenol sorped raw material and concentrated acid to cause cellulose to be swollen to thereby convert lignin to lignophenol. A part of the cellulose is subjected to hydrolysis. The agitation extraction section receives the treated liquid sent from the reaction section and adds phenols for extraction thereto to cause lignophenol dispersed in the concentrated acid solution to be dissolved and extracted in phenols for extraction.
US08617479B2
A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support bars coupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. The foot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed through the opening(s). At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone.
US08617474B2
Systems for treating exhaust gas incorporating catalysts comprising metal-loaded non-zeolitic molecular sieves having the CHA crystal structure, including Cu-SAPO-34, and methods for preparing such catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts can be used to remove nitrogen oxides from a gaseous medium across a broad temperature range and exhibit hydrothermal stability at high reaction temperatures.
US08617470B2
Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for label-free detection of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a system includes a light source configured to emit broadband Gaussian light. The system may also include an optical fiber coupled to the light source. Additionally, the system may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include a fiber-interface surface configured to be coupled to the optical fiber and to receive broadband Gaussian light from the optical fiber. The optical sensor may also include a sensor body coupled to the fiber-interface surface, the sensor body having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the optical fiber, such that at least a portion of light received by the fiber-interface surface is reflected back to the optical fiber during use; and a binder-interface surface coupled to the sensor body, the binder-interface surface configurable to receive a chemical binder layer. Additional embodiments include coherence domain multiplexing and time division multiplexing.
US08617469B2
The invention describes methods that use nanostructures and quantum confinement to detect and manipulate chemical and biochemical molecules. To increase selectivity and sensitivity nanostructures are built to have the density of states similar to that in analyte that will be detected and operated. Using device that incorporates such nanostructures, measuring electrical and optical properties of nanostructures and analyte or charge and energy transfer between the nanostructures and analyte a rapid and sensitive continuous detection in fluids can be achieved. Detection can be further enhanced by controlling external environmental parameters and applying external fields. In addition to be detected analyte can be positioned, moved, separated, extracted, and controlled.
US08617462B2
A steel for an oil well pipe, having high strength and excellent SSC resistance, consists of, by mass %, C: 0.30 to 0.60%, Si: 0.05 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.10%, Cr+Mo: 1.5 to 3.0%, wherein Mo is 0.5% or more, V: 0.05 to 0.3%, Nb: 0 to 0.1%, Ti: 0 to 0.1%, Zr: 0 to 0.1%, N (nitrogen): 0 to 0.03%, Ca: 0 to 0.01%, and the balance Fe and impurities; P 0.025% or less, S 0.01% or less, B 0.0010% or less and O (oxygen) 0.01% or less. The method involves heating the steel at 1150° C. or more; producing a seamless steel pipe by hot working; water-cooling the pipe to a temperature in a range of 400 to 600° C. immediately after finishing the working; and subjecting the pipe to a heat treatment for bainite isothermal transformation in a range of 400 to 600° C.
US08617457B2
An apparatus for condensing metal vapors has at least one inlet conduit that is cooled to cause a portion of the metal vapor to condense to liquid. The apparatus also has a holding tank that is connected to the inlet conduit that collects condensed liquid metal. The apparatus also has at least one outlet conduit connected to the holding tank that is cooled to cause a portion of the remaining metal vapor to condense to solid metal. The apparatus also has at least one heater that heats the at least one outlet conduit to cause the solid metal to melt to liquid metal and subsequently flow in to the holding tank. The apparatus also has at least one sealing mechanism located at a distal end of the at least one outlet conduit for preventing metal vapor and carrier gas from exiting the outlet conduit during heating of the outlet conduit.
US08617445B2
The present invention provides a process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet which is excellent in tensile strength, tencile modulas and heat resistance, and a light laminate-molded body using the same, which has a low linear expansion coefficient and is excellent in impact resistance, durability, easiness of handling, productivity, and others. A process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet, which includes: pultrusion-drawing a thermoplastic polyester resin sheet in an amorphous state at a temperature from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin −20° C. to the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin +20° C.; and then drawing the resultant uniaxially at a temperature higher than the temperature for the pultrusion-drawing. A laminate-molded body, wherein a thermoplastic resin layer is laminated on each of the surfaces of the resultant oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet.
US08617443B2
A device for providing the edge of a starting sheet of an electrode used in the electrolytic refining or recovery of metals with a dielectric part comprises a die space, in which the edge of the starting sheet of the electrode can at least partly be fitted, and a feeding device of the dielectric material for feeding the dielectric material into the die space. The device comprises changing members of the volume of the die space for pressing the dielectric material in the die space to that edge of the starting sheet of the electrode, which is at least partly fitted in the die space.
US08617440B2
A polyethylene composition, in particular suitable for the preparation of monofilaments, mono-tapes and stretched tapes, is described. The polyethylene composition of the invention comprises 95.1%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3 and a polydispersity Mw/Mn from 2.0 to 5.9, and 4.9%-0.5% by weight of polybutene. The bubble stability and the me-chanical properties of the films prepared from this composition are advantageously improved. The use of a polyethylene composition comprising 90.0%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3, and 10.0%-0.5% by weight of polybutene, for preparing monofila-ments, monotapes or stretched tapes is also described.
US08617429B2
Disclosed are a composite electrode active material and a supercapacitor using the same, and more particularly, an electrode active material having M1-xRuxO3 (M=Sr, Ba, Mg) and a supercapacitor using the same, wherein the electrode active material is characterized by comprising M1-xRuxO3, where M is at least one selected from a group consisting of strontium, barium and magnesium, and a method for fabricating a composite electrode active material comprises (a) preparing a spinning solution containing a precursor of M oxide, a precursor of Ru oxide, a polymer and a solvent, (b) spinning the spinning solution on a collector to fabricate a nanofiber web having M1-xRuxO3 precursor, and (c) performing heat treatment for the nanofiber web to remove the polymer so as to make an electrode active material in the structure of porous nanofiber web having M1-xRuxO3, wherein the M comprises at least one selected from a group consisting of strontium, barium and magnesium.
US08617425B2
The invention relates to a liquid composition containing phosphoric or thiophosphoric triamide derivatives and suitable solvents selected from the group comprising esters of hydroxyacids, heterocyclic alcohols and their derivatives, cyclic carbonic acid esters and dicarboxyacid esters, optionally the composition may also contain glycol ethers and auxiliary substances. The invention further includes the use of this liquid composition as urease inhibitor in urea-containing fertilizers, in fertilizers and wastes of animal origin or in sprays masking animal urine odors.
US08617420B2
The invention provides an optically isotropic liquid crystal composition having: a liquid crystal component comprising a liquid crystal component A consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds having difluoroalkenyl and compounds having alkenyl; and chiral dopants, wherein in the liquid crystal component, the content of compounds having 3 or more ring structures is approximately 15 wt % or more.
US08617418B2
Disclosed is an agent for removing a conductive film, which contains: an acid having a boiling point of 80° C. or higher, a base having a boiling point of 80° C. or higher, or a compound which generates an acid or a base by external energy in combination with a solvent, a resin, and a leveling agent. Also disclosed is a method for removing a conducting film, which uses the agent for removing a conductive film. The agent for removing a conductive film and the method for removing a conductive film are capable of in-place uniformity removing a desired portion of a conductive film.
US08617414B2
The first invention relates to powders for producing a Ni—Cu—Zn system ferrite ceramics sintered body, comprising ferrite calcined powders and NiO powders, wherein the specific surface area of said ferrite calcined powders is within the range of 4.0 m2/g to 14.0 m2/g, the spinel included in said ferrite calcined powders is such that Ni does not solve, the composition of said spinel is such that Fe2O3 is within the range of 49.0 mol % to 60.0 mol % and the remaining comprises CuO and ZnO, and the ratio of ZnO relative to CuO in mole percent is within the range of 1.0 to 4.0.
US08617407B2
Systems and methods may provide electrical contacts to an array of substantially vertically aligned nanorods. The nanorod array may be fabricated on top of a conducting layer that serves as a bottom contact to the nanorods. A top metal contact may be applied to a plurality of nanorods of the nanorod array. The contacts may allow I/V (current/voltage) characteristics of the nanorods to be measured.
US08617396B2
The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed or non-lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.
US08617390B2
Wastewater system design, installation, maintenance and use are described and provided. In embodiments, design, installation, and maintenance of pressure gradients in a septic system serve to transport treatment tank gases, or other gases, downstream, towards or into a leach field, bio-filter, drain field, or other environment. Such transport may promote the displacement of gases or the remediation of gases.
US08617388B2
A sewage reuse system distributes a plurality of reuse water supply sections, each including a water introducing opening formed in a sewer trunk line; a treated sewage tank for storing reuse water; and a water level sensor for measuring a water level of the treated sewage tank, in a demand area of reuse water along the sewer trunk line. The system includes a movable sewage treatment section which moves to any of the plurality of water introducing openings; performs the sewage treatment to generate reuse water; and supplies the generated reuse water to the treated sewage tank, a communication section which transmits the water level data measured by the water level sensor, and a central control section which controls a water storing quantity of the treated sewage tank on the basis of the demand information of reuse water and the water level data.
US08617380B2
Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one water sequestering agent. Suitable examples of water sequestering agent include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional alcohols. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.
US08617378B1
Focused Electric Field Imprinting (FEFI) provides a focused electric field to guide an unplating operation and/or a plating operation to form very fine-pitched metal patterns on a substrate. The process is a variation of the electrochemical unplating process, wherein the process is modified for imprinting range of patterns of around 2000 microns to 20 microns or less in width, and from about 0.1 microns or less to 10 microns or more in depth. Some embodiments curve a proton-exchange membrane whose shape is varied using suction on a backing fluid through a support mask. Other embodiments use a curved electrode. Mask-membrane interaction parameters and process settings vary the feature size, which can generate sub-100-nm features. The feature-generation process is parallelized, and a stepped sequence of such FEFI operations, can generate sub-100-nm lines with sub-100-nm spacing. The described FEFI process is implemented on copper substrate, and also works well on other conductors.
US08617377B2
An electrowinning method of metals through electrolysis of a metal chloride solution uses an anode comprising a substrate comprising titanium or titanium alloy, and a coating layer comprising a plurality of a unit layer, provided on the surface of the substrate. The unit layer comprises the first coating layer comprising a mixture of iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide and the second coating layer comprising a mixture of platinum and iridium oxide. The first coating layer contacts with the surface of said substrate and an outer coating layer of the unit layer formed on the outermost layer of said coating layer is the second coating layer. The coating layer is formed by thermal decomposition baking, which followed by post-baking at a higher baking temperature.
US08617369B2
The present the invention provides methods, devices and systems for rapidly measuring analytes within a biological sample.
US08617366B2
A disposable urea sensor has a laminated body having a fluid sample inlet end and an electrical contact end, a fluid sample inlet, a substantially flat sample chamber in communication between the fluid sample inlet and a vent opening, the sample chamber being adapted to collect a fluid sample through the fluid sample inlet, a working electrode and a reference electrode within the sample chamber, and a reagent matrix disposed on the working electrode wherein the reagent matrix contains urease.
US08617364B2
An electrochemical sensor includes a polymeric housing and at least a first electrode within the housing. The first electrode includes an electrochemically active surface. The electrochemical sensor further includes a first connector in electrically conductive connection with the first electrode. The first connector includes a first extending member formed from a conductive loaded polymeric material. The first extending member is formed such that an interior thereof comprises conductive elements within a matrix of the polymeric material so that the interior is electrically conductive and an exterior surface thereof comprises the polymeric material and is less conductive than the conductive interior. The conductive interior of the first extending member is in electrically conductive connection with the first electrode. The first connector further includes a first extending conductive element in electrical connection with the conductive interior. The first extending conductive element extends from the first extending member to pass through the polymeric housing. A sealing bond is formed between the polymeric material of the first extending member and the polymeric housing. The first extending conductive element can, for example, pass through the exterior surface of the first extending member.
US08617358B2
Provided is a pure liquid manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing pure liquid such as pure water efficiently. Together with a series of units, from a heating unit to a condensation unit, for obtaining pure liquid from vapor, a drain tank unit for storing liquid is disposed, after the liquid discharged from the vaporization unit and the separation unit and new liquid are mixed in advance in the drain tank unit, the mixed liquid is pressurized by a pump unit and supplied to the heating unit. Consequently, the drain tank unit serves as a buffer for pressure, thus making it possible to maintain easily the pressure in the respective units such as the vaporization unit, etc., and reduce load of a vacuum exhaust unit to ensure a reduced pressure state, and dispose the required minimum valves for maintaining the pressure, thereby achieving the simplification of the apparatus structure.
US08617356B2
Compositions and processes that enhance the brightness and improve color of pulp or paper when applied during different stages of the papermaking process involving optical brighteners are identified. Used in combination with optical brighteners and/or chelants the described agents produce a synergistic effect not previously identified in the paper process.
US08617354B2
Provided is a process for manufacturing shaped cellulose materials from lignocellulose where a dissolving grade pulp is manufactured and dissolved in an aqueous alkaline or acidic solvent system forming a solution suitable for shaping new cellulose structures including fibers, films and cellulose derivatives. At least a part of the spent cellulose dissolving or cellulose shaping chemicals are recovered in one or more unit operations in a pulp mill chemical recovery cycle.
US08617338B2
A method and a manufacturing line for manufacturing wind turbine blades having a composite shell structure comprising a matrix material and a fiber reinforcement material by use of a resin transfer moulding process. The method comprises a manufacturing line, where wind turbine blades are formed in a number of moulds. Each number of moulds comprising at least a first mould part comprising a first mould cavity. The manufacturing line further comprises a gantry means movable along the manufacturing line. The method comprises the following steps: a) arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a first mould using the gantry means, b) moving the gantry means along the manufacturing line to a second mould, c) supplying curable matrix material into the first mould cavity of the first mould, while substantially simultaneously arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a second mould using the gantry means. The manufacturing line comprises a plurality of moulds for forming wind turbine blades. Each of the number of moulds comprising at least a first mould part comprising a first mould cavity.
US08617335B2
A method of manufacturing a cell array structure includes a first step of laminating a deformable layer capable of causing plastic deformation on a substrate, the substrate being formed with plural, mutually separated depressions on a top surface thereof, such that the deformable layer forms a mutually isolated space in each of the plural depressions; and a second step of extending the space in each of the plural depressions by causing plastic deformation in the deformable layer, such that there are formed plural columnar cells respectively in correspondence to the plural depressions.
US08617332B2
A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.
US08617329B2
Provided is a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display. The method includes forming an organic layer pattern on a substrate by irradiating a predetermined region of a donor substrate with a laser beam using a laser irradiation apparatus, the laser irradiation apparatus having a spatial light modulator (SLM). The spatial light modulator is used to form the organic layer pattern using the LITI method. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust various types of incident light to homogeneous and to have a desired profile. Therefore, there is provided a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display which is capable of forming an organic layer pattern without using a mask.
US08617319B2
A dishwasher is provided which can determine whether a filtering device needs to be cleaned based on the time taken for a drain pump to discharge wash fluid from a sump. The dishwasher can make this determination without a manual examination of food waste collected in the filtering device. A related method of controlling the dishwasher based on such a determination is also provided.
US08617316B2
A dishwasher is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the dishwasher in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the dishwasher in the energy savings mode.
US08617306B2
The present invention relates to hetero-coagulated silica-alumina mixed oxide compositions that have a sharp refractive index and narrow refractive index dispersion between about 1.46 and 1.60.
US08617305B2
Novel families of tri-valent metal complexes including scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, aluminum, gallium, indium, manganese, antimony, bismuth; and of divalent metal complexes including magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, manganese, cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, copper, zinc, cadium are disclosed. These metal complexes can be used as precursors to deposit metal or metal oxide films in semi-conductor industries.
US08617304B2
A bio-based coating for a building automatically transmits or reflects heat gain from infrared sunlight. The coating is composed of bio-based polymerized oil and a catalyst that is also a thermochromic material. The catalyst reduces the temperature for polymerization of the oil to create a suspension that forms a hardened mixture when cooled below about 100 degrees Centigrade. The thermochromic properties of the catalyst are operable to switch the hardened mixture from transparent to reflective of infrared light when the temperature rises above a switching temperature in an approximate range of 18 degrees Centigrade to 35 degrees Centigrade. The method of using the coating involves spraying a hot bio-based coating on the roof surface and allowing it to cool. The method of making involves heating the suspension to a reaction temperature, holding at the reaction temperature, and, introducing an air flow through the mixture at the reaction temperature.
US08617301B2
Compositions and methods for depositing elemental metal M(0) films on semiconductor substrates are disclosed. One of the disclosed methods comprises: heating the semiconductor substrate to obtain a heated semiconductor substrate; exposing the heated semiconductor substrate to a composition containing a metal precursor, an excess amount of neutral labile ligands, and a supercritical solvent; exposing the metal precursor to a reducing agent and/or thermal energy at or near the heated semiconductor substrate; reducing the metal precursor to the elemental metal M(0) by using the reducing agent and/or the thermal energy; and depositing the elemental metal M(0) film while minimizing formation of metal oxides.
US08617292B2
Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.
US08617287B2
A liquid mineral composition for leaf spraying to improve the adaptive response of plants to a change in environmental conditions. The composition includes the following formula (I) with percentages based on weight per total weight of the composition: total ammoniacal nitrogen (N %)0.08%to 2% potassium as K203%to 6% magnesium as MgO0.4%to 0.8% sodium as Na201%to 2% calcium as CaO0%to 0.5% total sulphates as SO33% to 6% total phosphorus as P2O50% chlorides Cl1% to 2% hydrogen carbonate (% of HCO3)1.2%to 3.0% boron0.1to 0.2% copper0.018%to 0.03% manganese0.00005%to 0.006% iodine0.02%to 0.04% zinc0.00005%to 0.006% iron (mg/kg)0.0002to 0.003 wateramount sufficient for 100%.
US08617284B2
A macronutrient sustained release composition for a plant locus having nitrogen containing macronutrient compound adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles, and a process for preparation thereof. The macronutrient adsorbed hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles are encapsulated within cavities present in wood such that the biodegradation of the wood releases the adsorbed macronutrient compounds in a slow and sustained manner to the soil. Further, the macronutrient particles are encapsulated within the cell cavities of wood and wood is coated with cellulose modified hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles such that the rupture of the nanocoating initiates the nitrogen release followed by the biodegradation of the wood releases the rest of the adsorbed macronutrient compounds in a slow and sustained manner to the soil.
US08617279B2
The present disclosure relates to an air box for an internal combustion engine, including a housing, having two suction openings as well as an outlet.
US08617276B2
An air filter cartridge has Z-media and a gasket arrangement with a perimeter gasket member against the downstream flow face and a side gasket member adjacent to at least a partial extension of a first side panel. The side gasket member includes no portion against second, third, and fourth side panels of the air filter cartridge. The air filter cartridge can be used in a dust collector having a tubesheet and a frame arrangement extending from the tubesheet. The perimeter gasket member seals against the frame arrangement and the side gasket member seals against the tubesheet. A method of servicing includes orienting the air filter cartridge against a guide ramp and moving the filter cartridge until the side gasket member is engaged against the tubesheet sealing surface.
US08617272B2
To provide an abrasive material product which shows an excellent effect of controlling heat generation in abrasive work and which causes no smearing in abrasive work in dry mode. An abrasive material product comprising a binder and an inclusion compound composed of a host compound and a lubricant contained therein as a guest compound.
US08617263B2
The invention provides a method for making a fuel element for a smoking article including the steps of mixing a metal-containing catalyst precursor with a filler material or graphite or a combination thereof to form a pre-treated fuel element component; optionally calcining the pre-treated fuel element component in order to convert the catalyst precursor to a catalytic metal compound; after the optional calcining step, combining the pre-treated fuel element component with a carbonaceous material and a binder to produce a fuel element composition; and forming the fuel element composition into a fuel element adapted for use in a smoking article. Examples of metal-containing catalyst precursors include iron nitrate, copper nitrate, cerium nitrate, cerium ammonium nitrate, manganese nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and zinc nitrate. Fuel elements treated according to the invention, and smoking articles including such fuel elements, are also provided.
US08617260B2
Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating multi-purpose H2-dense fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a renewable multi-purpose biomaterial for isolating a hazardous contaminant from an environment and storing energy includes dissociating biomass waste using a thermochemical reaction to produce at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol by applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source. The method includes dissociating the at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol to generate carbon and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process is harvested and reacted with the hydrogen to generate the hydrogen-dense fuel. A hazardous contaminant is dissolved in the hydrogen-dense fuel operating as a solvent to generate a liquid mixture that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant includes at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.
US08617256B2
A hair colorant composition comprises 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol in combination with a second dye coupler selected from the group consisting of 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene, 2,6-diaminopyridine and a developer selected from the group consisting of 4-aminophenol, 4-amino-3-methylphenol, 4-(methylamino)phenol. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.
US08617254B2
A prosthetic or orthotic system including a magnetorheological (MR) damper. The MR damper may be configured to operate in shear mode. In one embodiment, the MR damper includes a rotary MR damper. A controller is configured to operate the damper. A mobile computing device may be adapted to intermittently communicate configuration parameters to the controller. A method of configuring a prosthetic or orthotic system is also disclosed.
US08617253B2
A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.
US08617250B2
A tibial prosthesis assembly can comprise a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray can have an inferior bone engaging surface, a superior surface, and a first retaining feature. The tibial insert can have an inferior tray engaging surface, a superior bearing surface, and a second retaining feature. The first and second retaining features can cooperate to inhibit substantial lift-off of the tibial insert away from the superior surface of the tibial tray while permitting a predetermined amount of rotation of the tibial insert around the superior surface in an assembled position.
US08617249B2
A proximal humeral prosthesis includes a humeral head having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a glenoid cavity of a scapula; a humeral stem core having an outer surface, a distal end, and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the distal end of the humeral head; a humeral stem graft having an inner surface adapted to be coupled to at least a portion of the outer surface of the humeral stem core, a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface including at least one tendon attachment site; and an intramedullary stem having a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the distal end of the humeral stem core and a distal end adapted to be coupled to at least one bone of a skeleton. The prosthesis can be rendered modular and can further include a spacer segment. Resorption of bone from the humeral stem graft can be inhibited by compression of the humeral stem graft. Further, the prosthesis can include sites for attachment of soft tissues to the prosthesis, soft tissues for attachment to soft or bony tissues of the recipient, or both, which can improve function of the shoulder joint.
US08617248B2
An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, and a substantially hollow center in communication with a vertical aperture. The body, vertical aperture, and bone contact surfaces of the implant each have a surface area that may be independently varied to enhance load support and facilitate implant integration with vertebral bone.
US08617247B2
An implant for an intervertebral space with a shaped body. The implant makes possible rotation of the implant about the longitudinal axis of the body in one direction and prevents such rotation in the opposite direction.
US08617242B2
A knee implant includes a femoral component having first and second femoral component surfaces. The first femoral component surface is for securing to a surgically prepared compartment of a distal end of a femur. The second femoral component surface is configured to replicate the femoral condyle. The knee implant further includes a tibial component having first and second tibial component surfaces. The first tibial component surface is for contacting a proximal surface of the tibia that is substantially uncut subchondral bone. At least a portion of the first tibial component surface is a mirror image of the proximal tibial surface. The second tibial component surface articulates with the second femoral component surface.
US08617240B2
Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.
US08617238B2
A transluminal cardiac valve includes an expandable generally tubular cage including when expanded a generally uniform central region, first and second ends each diametrically constricted relative to the central region, a blood impervious region extending from the first end of the cage to within the generally uniform central region, and an inflatable plunger freely disposed and captured within the cage when inflated.
US08617235B2
The invention relates generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.
US08617232B2
Present invention is a medical catheter apparatus used for implanting a vascular stent into a vessel of a living body comprising a catheter (2) provided with a balloon (3), on which a vascular stent (4) is mounted, and a sheath into which the catheter is relatively movably inserted. The catheter is provided at the middle portion with a guide wire leading-out opening (11) for leading out the inserted guide wire (9) toward the side direction of the catheter, the sheath is provided at a middle portion with a guide wire drawing-out opening (13) for drawing the guide wire drawn from the catheter out of the sheath, and a guide wire drawing-out guiding mechanism (14) is provided between the guide wire leading-out opening and the guide wire drawing-out opening for guiding the guide wire led out from the guide wire leading-out opening to the guide wire drawing-out opening. The guide wire drawing-out guiding mechanism has a variable length from the guide wire leading-out opening to the guide wire drawing-out opening which varies in accordance with the relative movement of the sheath with respect to the catheter.
US08617227B2
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable joint.
US08617220B2
A surgical system and method for fusionless correction of a spine disorder are provided. The method comprising the steps of: providing access to a spine; providing a longitudinal element extending between a first end including a first fixation element and a second end including a second fixation element; engaging the first fixation element with a first costovertebral surface and engaging the second fixation element with a second costovertebral surface such that the longitudinal element is disposed in a costotransverse orientation along a selected section of the spine; and preventing growth of the selected section of the spine with the longitudinal element.
US08617215B2
An elongated connecting element and system for dynamic spinal stabilization is disclosed. The connecting element and system provides for resistance to shear forces applied to the connecting element as well as provides for rotational stability of a resilient intermediate element disposed between two end members.
US08617214B2
Medical apparatuses for restricting the motion of a vertebra relative to another vertebra and methods for using the apparatuses are provided herein. The medical apparatuses comprise a flexible element having two ends and a connector capable of securing the ends of the flexible element to a first vertebra disposed above or below a second vertebra or to a spinal device. The flexible element is disposed across at least a portion of one or more vertebral elements of the second vertebra and is tensioned to restrict the motion of the second vertebra relative to the first vertebra.
US08617212B2
An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.
US08617199B2
The present invention discloses a nasal dilator comprising at least one breathable layer of adhesive-coated high MVTR layer, such as a polyurethane film, one or more adhesive-coated high modulus “spring” elements for dilating the nasal passages by applying a tension force to the skin, and a carrier delivery system. The carrier delivery system comprises a separation line or split through the carrier to allow for easy delivery of the nasal dilator. The carrier aids in the handling and delivery of the thin adhesive-coated high MVTR layer.
US08617183B2
A digital suture fixation system includes an anchor, an introducer that is attachable to a finger of a person such that at least a distal tip of the finger is available to palpate tissue and identify a landmark within a patient, and a delivery device attached to the introducer. The anchor is removably attached to the delivery device. The anchor is exposed on an exterior of the delivery device and the delivery device is positioned to allow the finger to push the anchor into the landmark.
US08617180B2
The system comprises at least three anchors (2,2′,2″) intended to be attached to the patient and equipped with markers (5,5′,5″), an insertion guide device (6) with an insertion guide (7) intended to be attached to said anchors (2,2′,2″), an external calibration device (8) with at least three calibration markers (10,10′,10″) corresponding to said markers (5,5′,5″) and a planning and imaging software. The planning and imaging software is used to determine the position of a target point in the patient with respect to the markers (5,5′,5″), the calibration device is used to calibrate and orient the insertion guide (7) of the insertion guide device (6) mounted on said calibration markers (10,10′,10″) using the determination of the software before the insertion guide device is mounted on said markers (5,5′,5″) attached to the patient.
US08617175B2
Disclosed herein are unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty jigs for respectively assisting in the performance of unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty procedures on femoral and tibial arthroplasty target regions. The femoral and tibial unicompartmental arthroplasty jigs each include a first side, a second side and a mating surface. Each second side is generally opposite its respective first side. For the femoral jig, the mating surface is in the first side of the femoral jig and configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a femoral shaft generally proximal of the patellar facet boarder and generally distal an articularis genu. The first side of the femoral jig is configured to be oriented towards the femoral arthroplasty target region surface when the mating surface of the femoral jig matingly receives and contacts the planar area. For the tibial jig, the mating surface of the tibial jig is in the first side and configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a tibial shaft distal of the tibial plateau edge and generally proximal of the tibial tuberosity. The first side of the tibial jig is configured to be oriented towards the tibial arthroplasty target region surface when the mating surface of the tibial jig matingly receives and contacts the planar area.
US08617174B2
A system for virtually planning a size and position of a prosthetic implant for a bone on a patient includes a database containing pre-defined form factor information for a plurality of different implants and a circuit for obtaining surface shape information of the bone. The system further includes a circuit for defining baseline location parameters for an implant location in relation to a virtual representation of the bone based on the surface shape information and a circuit for assessing a fit calculation of each implant in relation to the virtual representation of the bone based on the form factor in formation and a plurality of fit factors at each of a plurality of incremental positions in relation to the bone. Still further, the system includes a circuit for selecting a best fit implant size and position from all of the fit calculations.
US08617172B2
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08617168B2
A guide apparatus having a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a first channel and a second channel formed therethrough, a handle coupled to the body, the handle having a locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the body relative to the handle in a first direction along the central axis of the body, and an arm coupled to the handle, the arm configured to engage at least a portion of a bone.
US08617164B2
A surgical rasping system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a rasping head which may be low profile and offer a flat cutting/rasping surface, and is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through an opening spaced apart from or adjacent to the rasping surface.
US08617149B2
A method of manufacturing a catheter can include assembling an inner balloon within a separate outer balloon. The inner and outer balloons can each be open on opposing longitudinal ends and have a central radially expandable portion, and proximal and distal reduced diameter portions on opposite longitudinal end portions of the balloon. The method can further include bonding a portion of an inner surface of the outer balloon proximal reduced diameter portion to a portion of an outer surface of the inner balloon proximal reduced diameter portion and bonding a distal end portion of an elongate catheter shaft to a proximal portion of the bonded inner and outer balloons.
US08617148B2
A tissue ablation device employs one or more energy emitters (21) and one or more photoacoustic sensors (22) in a cooperative arrangement for applying a tissue ablation therapy to a tissue (60). In operation, the energy emitters (21) emit a tissue ablation beam (TA) into a target portion of the tissue (60) to form a lesion (61) therein, and alternatively or concurrently emit a photoexcitation beam (PE) into the target portion of the tissue (60) to excite a photoacoustic response from the tissue (60). The photoacoustic sensor(s) (22) sense the photoacoustic response of the tissue (60).
US08617143B2
Devices, systems and methods for delivering pre-determined quantities of an active ingredient to a biological system are provided. In various embodiments, a device for controlled release of an active ingredient is provided, including a release aperture operably associated with a deflectable member, a base with a porous membrane substrate layer, and at least one chamber juxtaposed between the release aperture and the porous membrane layer. The chamber may contain a matrix including one or more active ingredients and an agent that expands when contacted with an aqueous solution. The device is suitable for implantation in a biological system and can be used for delayed and/or time release of specific drug dosages for various indications.
US08617142B2
A valve unit capable of being implanted in a patient and having adjustable performance settings, such as pressure settings and/or flow control, to regulate passage of a bodily fluid. A casing defines a port for the bodily fluid, and a valve mechanism positioned at the port includes a movable valve member. The valve unit further includes a rotor disposed at a first location in the casing and having an axle which turns about an axis of rotation. The rotor defines a plurality of arcuate, radially flat cam surfaces. Each cam surface occupies an arc about the axis of rotation. A spring arm unit is disposed at a second location in the casing having a cam follower arm in slidable contact with the cam surfaces of the rotor and having a resilient spring element applying a closing effect with the movable valve member to establish a performance setting for the valve unit. Sufficient rotation of the rotor to change the cam surface in contact with the cam follower alters the closing effect with which the valve member moves relative to the port and thereby alters the performance setting of the valve unit.
US08617141B2
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
US08617140B2
A reduced pressure delivery system for applying reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold delivery tube and a balloon having an inner space. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions. The system further includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within the inner space of the balloon. A sharp tip is configured to be delivered within the manifold delivery tube to puncture the balloon.
US08617129B2
Apparatus and a method for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site are described, the apparatus comprising: vacuum generating means for generating a negative pressure at said wound site said vacuum generating means being operably connected to a dressing at said wound site by aspiration conduit means; pressure sensing conduit means in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit means at a junction adjacent said dressing; first pressure sensing means between said junction and said vacuum generating means; second pressure sensing means operably associated with said pressure sensing conduit means; diagnostic means in communication with said first and second pressure sensing means; and control means in communication with said diagnostic means for controlling pressure in said aspiration and said pressure sensing conduit means.
US08617124B2
The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising an elongated housing arranged to contain a medicament container which medicament container contains a number of doses; a dose counter mechanism comprising a dose drum arranged with dose indicia on its outer surface and visible through a window on said housing; a rotatable driver connected to said dose drum; a plunger rod arranged to act on said medicament container for expelling a dose of medicament; an actuation mechanism connected to said rotatable driver and to said plunger rod when said medicament delivery device is actuated; wherein said dose drum is arranged with internal threads, in engagement with corresponding threads on said driver, wherein said threads have a certain pitch; wherein said dose drum is also arranged with external threads in engagement with corresponding threads arranged fixed in relation to said housing, wherein said threads have a certain pitch; and wherein the pitch of the threads between the dose drum and fixed in relation to the housing is lesser than the threads between the dose drum and the driver such that when said driver is rotated a certain angular distance, said dose drum is rotated a lesser angular distance.
US08617123B2
A pre-filled vial assembly adapted for dispensing and delivering a fluid includes: a body member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior; and a transitionable stopper disposed within the interior of the body member. At least a portion of the body member is engageable with a source of air or fluid for advancing the transitionable stopper from an initial position to an activated position in which at least a portion of a fluid contained within the interior of the body member is advanced therefrom.
US08617121B2
Drug delivery device, comprising a body unit having a first opening and a second opening, a plunger arranged such that its distal end is positioned inside the body unit, wherein the plunger is moveable in the distal direction with respect to the body unit, a needle assembly, with a proximal end and a distal end comprising a needle, wherein the proximal end of the needle assembly and the distal end of the plunger are configured such that they can get into a vacuum connection.
US08617116B2
The present invention comprises an implantable subcutaneous port for anchoring a transcutaneous treatment component. The implantable subcutaneous port comprises a body portion and one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion. The body portion is adapted for receiving the transcutaneous treatment component beneath the point of entry into the physiology of a patient and routing the transcutaneous treatment component. The body portion is produced from a deformable material and has an area footprint and defines a support wall through which the transcutaneous treatment component enters the body portion. Fracturing the one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion enables removal of the body portion from the physiology of a patient through a transcutaneous opening defining an area of less than thirty percent of the area footprint of the body portion.
US08617107B2
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
US08617097B2
An implantable drug-delivery sleeve for an elongate component of an implantable medical device. The sleeve includes a tubular substrate having a lumen configured to receive the elongate component so as to allow relative displacement of the substrate and the elongate component, wherein the substrate is shaped so as to be retained stationary at a desired position along the elongate component, and a drug releasably carried by the substrate.
US08617095B2
A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.
US08617084B2
A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor.
US08617078B2
In an ultrasonic transducer comprising a first electrode, a first insulating film disposed on the first electrode, a hollow part provided above the first insulating film and disposed between surfaces above and below the hollow part, a second insulating film disposed above the hollow part, and a second electrode disposed on the second insulating film, a first conductive film disposed on a side of the surface below the hollow part and a second conductive film disposed on a side of the surface above the hollow part are provided, the first conductive film and the second conductive film are disposed so that they overlap with a region in which the surfaces above and below the hollow part contact with each other as seen from above when the transducer is driven, and they do not overlap with each other in the region as seen from above.
US08617074B2
The invention is related to a method for generating hardness and/or strain information of a tissue which can be subject to a varying pressure, the method comprising: —positioning at least one signal transmitter (1) outside the tissue (10); —positioning at least one signal receiver (1) outside the tissue (10); —using the signal transmitter (1) to send signals (S) at different angles towards the tissue; —using the signal receiver (1) to receive signals from the tissue (10), wherein the received signals result from the signals that have been sent by said signal transmitter. The invention is also related to an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US08617073B2
Systems and methods for focusing ultrasound through the skull into the brain for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes may be improved by utilizing both longitudinal and shear waves. The relative contribution of the two modes may be determined based on the angle of incidence.
US08617066B2
An automated interactive drug testing system designed for testing for substance abuse that provides an immediate test result by visual analysis. The system includes at least one remote device and a central computer. Each remote device as well as the central computer include means for receiving a video feed over a network connection such that a testing subject located at a remote device can use its video camera to bi-directionally communicate with a person located at the central computer. In application, the testing subject faces the video camera so that the operator at the central computer can witness the testing and testing results. Preferably, the testing can include an eye scan and a saliva swab drug test. It is important for purposes of testing integrity, that during the entire testing process, the test specimen is never removed from view of the camera and the operator stationed at the central computer such that the operator at the central computer can view the testing samples to determine whether the test is negative or non-negative.
US08617065B2
A system for remotely monitoring an individual. The system includes a server system for generating a script program from a set of queries. The script program is executable by a remote apparatus that displays information and/or a set of queries to the individual through a user interface. Responses to the queries that are entered through the user interface together with individual identification information are sent from the remote apparatus to the server system across a communication network. The server system also includes an automated answering service for providing a series of questions from a stored set of questions for an individual at the remote apparatus to respond to, storing responses to each provided question in the series of questions and providing a service based on the individual's response to the questions.
US08617057B2
An endoscope system includes an spouting portion spouting a fluorescent agent and a cleaning liquid, a light source portion emitting excitation light and irradiation light having different spectral characteristics, an optical system transmitting the excitation light or the irradiation light to the object, an image capture portion disposed in a section inserted into the coelom and picking up fluorescence and light having a different spectrum band that are emitted from the object, a spectroscopic portion disposed in an optical pass between the image capture portion and an end of the inserted section and restraining light having the same spectrum band as the excitation light from entering the image capture portion, and a control portion allowing the light source portion to emit excitation light at least once after the spouting portion spouts the fluorescent agent onto the object and before the spouting portion spouts the cleaning liquid.
US08617053B2
A system for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a cannula, a surgical instrument for use through the cannula, and a remote positioning system to adjust the relative position between the surgical instrument and the cannula. By allowing a physician to perform the minimally invasive surgical procedure at a distance from the patient, the remote positioning system minimizes the radiation exposure of the physician while still providing accurate control over the procedure.
US08617052B2
A pump connected to a reservoir and a cylinder of an implantable penile prosthesis includes a pump body and an inlet valve assembly. The pump body has a pump bulb connected to the pump body, where the pump bulb is operable to move fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. The inlet valve assembly includes a valve and a tubular sleeve that provides an exit valve seat. The inlet valve assembly is disposed in an inlet channel of the pump body and operable to allow a portion of fluid to be drawn from the reservoir through the tubular sleeve and through the inlet channel to the pump bulb for delivery into the cylinder.
US08617050B2
An anatomical augmentation device configured to augment a tubular member of a human body includes an inflatable bladder, a support coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a pump coupleable with the inflatable bladder. The support includes a first connection line and a second connection line that are each attachable to soft tissue to position the inflatable bladder relative to the tubular member of the human body. The device is a body-implantable device and the pump is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder to occlude the tubular member of the human body.
US08617036B2
A barbell assembly includes an axle having two connection holes respectively defined in two ends thereof and two outer tubes are respectively mounted to the two ends of the axle. Each outer tube has a space and two collars are respectively located in the two spaces of the two outer tubes. The two collars are respectively mounted to the two ends of the axle. Two locking units each include a control ring, a locking member and a cap. The control ring is located in the space of the outer tube corresponding thereto. Each locking member has an engaging portion which extends through the control ring and is connected with the connection hole of the axle. The cap is fixed to the outer tube and presses the control ring to contact against the collar and the axle.
US08617030B2
A method of controlling an engine and a transmission coupled to the engine. The method including the steps of receiving and proceeding. The receiving step receives a signal value from a sensor. The signal value is representative of a desired ground engaging device speed of a vehicle. The proceeding step proceeds along a shift path defined by a one-to-one correspondence between the signal value and the ground engaging device speed. The proceeding step includes the steps of controlling a speed of the engine and selecting of a gear of the transmission along the shift path dependent upon the signal value.
US08617020B2
A continuously variable transmission having a transmission input (60) and a transmission output (114) is described. The transmission has a variator (56). This is a device which transmits drive at steplessly variable ratio. It further comprises an epicyclic gear arrangement (58) incorporating a clutch arrangement (152). The epicyclic gear arrangement has three rotary members. One of these is coupled to a planet carrier (86) having at least one planet gear (94). Another of the rotary members is coupled to a main gear (90) meshing with the planet gear. The clutching arrangement serves to couple the remaining rotary member to either of first and second alternative gears (96, 98), both of which mesh with the planet gear and which rotate at different speeds. One of the aforesaid rotary members is coupled to the transmission input at a fixed drive ratio. One of them is coupled to the variator output. The last of the rotary members is coupled to the transmission output. By way of the clutching arrangement the transmission can be changed between first and second ratio ranges.
US08617019B2
An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor.
US08617017B2
The invention provides a power transmission chain in which abnormal noise can be reduced.In a link, a front through hole 7 and a rear through hole 8 aligned in a chain traveling direction X are provided. A pillar portion 9 is provided between the front through hole 7 and the rear through hole 8. Projecting portions 26, 29 are provided at a central portion in a height direction V of the pillar portion 9, and concave curve portions 27, 28, 30, 31 are provided at both end portions. A pair of flat portions (33,34 and 38,39) are provided on each projection portion 26,29 for restricting an overshoot of the chain. A not-shown pin that is loosely fitted to each of the front through hole 7 and the rear through hole 8 is brought into abutment with corresponding flat portions 27,28,30,31 to restrict an overshoot of the chain 1.
US08617014B2
Drive means for the polygonally-compensated drive of a sprocket, comprising two pulling means wheels (1, 2), a pulling means (3) running on them with an top span (31) and a bottom span (32), and a tensioning means acting on the pulling means (3), wherein the tensioning means comprises a first non-circular compensation wheel (4), which can come into contact with the top span (31), a second non-circular compensation wheel (5), which can come into contact with the bottom span (32), a rocker (6) adapted for rotatably receiving the first compensation wheel (4) and the second compensation wheel (5), wherein the rocker (6) is pivotably supported on a fixed bearing. The invention also relates to a chain drive, comprising at least a sprocket (7), a drive means, wherein the sprocket (7) is driven by the drive means, wherein the drive means is a drive means according to at least one of the claims 1 to 17.
US08617003B2
Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of intertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.
US08617000B2
A metal wood golf club with externally protruding weights that improves the performance of a golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a metal wood type golf club head that is capable of pushing the boundaries of performance all while maintaining the size and shape of a classic pear shaped golf club.
US08616993B2
A putting stroke sensor assembly is cooperable with a putter head. The putting stroke sensor assembly includes a processor, a memory storing a preferred putting path, and an accelerometer configured to measure characteristics of a putting stroke. The processor is programmed to compare the characteristics of the putting stroke with the preferred putting path and to generate an output indicative of the comparison.
US08616989B2
A system and method for analyzing and improving the performance of a body motion of an animal or human subject requires instrumenting a subject with inertial sensors, monitoring a body motion of interest, converting sensor data into motion data and animation, comparing the motion data with existing data for motion related performance parameters, providing a real-time, information rich, animation and data display of the results in color coded displays; and based on the results prescribing a training regime with exercises selected from a library of standardized exercises using standardized tools and training aids.
US08616986B2
A shaft coupling mechanism 1 for an electric power steering apparatus includes a coupling base body 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2 on a side of an electric motor; a coupling base body 5 coupled to a steering shaft 4; rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 interposed between both coupling base bodies 3 and 5 and adapted to transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in an R direction to the steering shaft 4 through both coupling base bodies 3 and 5; an intermediate interposed member 8 interposed between the coupling base bodies 3 and 5; and a coupling means 9 for coupling the rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 to each other.
US08616969B2
An embodiment of a gaming machine has at least two gaming states; and an LED (light emitting diode) display having at least one of two colors respectively associated with the at least two gaming states. The at least two colors may be esthetic or mood producing colors that increase game play. The LED display may emit a color of the at least two colors that is associated with a current gaming state of the at least two gaming states. The LED display may emit a color of the at least two colors or an animation that may be part of the current game play of the gaming machine.
US08616966B2
A method of gaming with multiple players comprising: determining a set of eligible multi-player game players; assigning each eligible multi-player game player a number of multi-player game turns depending on a wager amount; and conducting the multi-player game turns with the eligible multi-player game players and determining multi-player game turn outcomes until a multi-player game end condition occurs.
US08616960B2
A gaming system in which a prize value for a current game is determined. A minimum prize value is determined based on a previous game outcome. A provisional prize value is determined based on a current game outcome. An award is made based on a comparison of the minimum prize value and the provisional prize value.
US08616954B2
A gaming system, game controller and method of gaming implementing a game wherein one or more symbols are selected to be retained from a previous game outcome based on symbols which contribute to a winning symbol combination in the game outcome. One or more subsequent game outcomes can be generated including the retained symbols. The retained symbols from a previous game outcome can be selected from symbols which contribute to a winning symbols combination in the previous game outcome. In the subsequent game outcome, the retained symbols can contribute to further winning symbol combinations.
US08616952B1
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment.
US08616948B2
A system for generating an electronic puzzle for a user that includes a user interface; a processor in communication with the user interface; and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor is effective to receive a first image and a second set of images; break the first image into a plurality of first pieces; create a plurality of partitions corresponding to the first image and the second set of images, each partition defining an area.
US08616943B2
A passenger air vent is provided for a cockpit of a motor vehicle. The passenger air vent includes, but is not limited to a nozzle which has adjustable blades on the air outlet side, a control element for adjusting the blades, a separate bezel for the control element, and the bezel and nozzle are formed as two pieces.
US08616935B2
A polishing method includes simultaneously polishing two substrates, a first substrate and a second substrate, on the same polishing pad. A default overpolishing time is stored and an in-situ monitoring system monitors the two substrates. The in-situ monitoring system further determines a first polishing endpoint time and a second polishing endpoint time of the first and second substrates, respectively. The polishing method further includes calculating an overpolishing stop time where the overpolishing stop time is between the first polishing endpoint time plus the default overpolishing time and the second polishing endpoint time plus the default overpolishing time. Polishing of the first substrate is continued past the first polishing endpoint time and polishing of the second substrate is continued past the second polishing endpoint time. Polishing of both the first substrate and the second substrate is halted simultaneously at the overpolishing stop time.
US08616930B1
A deposition apparatus includes a deposition source emitting a deposition material and an angle control member disposed on both sides of the deposition source and controlling an emission direction angle of the deposition material. The angle control member includes a housing having an internal space opened in an emission direction of the deposition material and a sliding member having a first end which is inserted into the internal space and a second end disposed on an emission path of the deposition material. The sliding member is movable forward and backward in the emission direction of the deposition material along the internal space. A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display which uses the deposition apparatus is also disclosed.
US08616928B2
A terminal fitting (10) includes a wire barrel (12) to be crimped and connected to a core (61) at an end portion of a wire (60). An insulation barrel (13) is located behind the wire barrel (12) and is to be crimped and connected to an insulation coating (62) at the end portion of the wire (60). The inner surface of the insulation barrel (13) is formed with a close-contact portion (18) to be held in close contact with the insulation coating (62) and a recessed groove (19) spaced from the insulation coating (62) and extending over the entire circumference. The recessed groove (19) has an opening (21) that is open at the front end of the insulation barrel (13) and a waterproof material (40) flows into the recessed groove (19) through the opening (21). The waterproof material (40) adheres to the outer surface of the core (61).
US08616926B2
A solid wire terminal (200) provides at least six locations of contact with respect to the electrical engagement of a conductive solid wire (232) with the solid wire terminal (200). The terminal (200) includes an electrical receptacle (202) having elongated upper arms (208) connected by an upper bridge (214), and elongated lower arms (216) connected by a lower bridge (222). The arms (208, 216) include half cylinder sections (224, 226) with inner surfaces (228, 230) which contact the conductive solid wire (232) when inserted between the upper bridge (214) and lower bridge (222). The solid wire terminal (200) is thus electrically connected to the conductive solid wire (232) along a longitudinal axis of the solid wire (232).
US08616915B2
Wire-free, unibody jumpers that may be used with crimp terminals. These jumpers may connect two or more adjacent or nearby crimp terminal openings in a plug housing. One example may provide a jumper that is formed from a single piece of metal or other conductive material. In this example, a form may be stamped from a sheet of metal or other conductive material. A jumper may be made by folding or bending the stamped form. The jumper may then be inserted into two or more adjacent or nearby crimp terminal openings in a crimp terminal plug housing. In various examples, the folding or bending of the stamped form may be done in various ways.
US08616903B2
A card edge connector (100) includes an insulative housing, a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing and an ejector (3). The insulative housing has a central slot (12) and at least one tower portion (13). The tower portion includes a pair of outer walls (131) and a receiving slot (135) formed between the outer walls. Each outer wall has a ladder with a circular hole (1312) formed therein. The ejector has a pair of spindles (312) received in the circular holes and a pair of standoffs (313). Each standoff has a horizontal surface (3131) abutting against a corresponding horizontal resisting surface (1314) formed on the ladder so as to make centers of the spindle and the circular hole overlap when the ejector rotates inwardly.
US08616901B2
The invention has an object to provide a circuit board assembly for a circuit board, the circuit board assembly having a contact and a housing. The housing includes a contact holding plate having a receiving passageway located in a surface of the contact holding plate disposed perpendicular to a surface of a circuit board, and a contact securing portion. The contact includes a press-fit into and held by the contact securing portion of the receiving passageway, and having a board insertion portion positioned perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board inserted into the receiving passageway from a side of the board insertion portion with respect to the contact holding plate, and a housing insertion section extending in parallel to the surface of the circuit board inserted into the receiving passageway from a side of the board insertion portion with respect to the contact holding plate.
US08616899B1
A contact type of electric connection building block includes a base, electric connection posts and a top cover. The base includes recesses defined in a bottom thereof and a circuit board disposed on a top thereof. First and second connection circuits and an electronic component are formed on the circuit board. The electric connection posts are mounted on the circuit board. Each electric connection post has an exterior sheath and an interior post disposed in and insulated from the exterior sheath. The exterior sheath and the interior post each is made of a conductive material and includes a contact portion. The contact portions of the exterior sheath and the interior post are located at the same level and respectively connected with the first and second connection circuits. The top cover is mounted on the base.
US08616898B2
A connector includes a conductive body with a central bore along a central axis. The body includes a mounting face for positioning adjacent a mounting surface of a circuit member and for removably engaging a reference pad of the circuit member. A center conductive contact includes a board engaging end for removably engaging a signal pad of the circuit member. An inner dielectric insert is positioned between the conductive body and the center conductive contact. The conductive body, the center conductive contact and the inner dielectric insert are configured to operate at a frequency of at least 40 GHz with a return loss of greater than 20 dB.
US08616896B2
An interactive computer system and method collects, aggregates and distributes information derived from free-text responses to questions. The system and method collect free-text responses from a subject user and aggregates them with free-text responses from other users. The system and method then uses these free-text responses in learning methodologies (such as temporal spacing) and styles to facilitate long-term learning and knowledge retention.
US08616895B2
The invention describes a system and method for allowing an individual to view an educational program remotely. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is used as a healthcare education system. The system comprises a file server which is connected to a database holding the educational programs. A remote interface connected to the file server allows an administrator to assign educational programs to an individual. The remote interface also includes a memory card writer which records the individual's identification code and the address of the file server on a memory card. The individual is given the memory card to take home. When the individual places the memory card in the memory card reader of a multimedia processor, the processor uses the file server address to automatically connect to the file server. The file server receives the individual's identification code from the processor, retrieves the corresponding educational program from the database, and sends the program to the processor to be displayed. After the individual has watched the educational program, completion data in the form of the date and time the program was watched, or the individual's response, is sent from the multimedia processor to the file server. The completion data can then be viewed by the administrator on a report screen.
US08616875B2
A stamp includes a metal supporting layer, a pattern forming layer and an adhesive layer. The metal supporting layer has a first thermal conductivity. The pattern forming layer is disposed on the metal supporting layer and has a surface with a molding pattern formed thereon. The adhesive layer is disposed between the metal supporting layer and the pattern forming layer to couple the pattern forming layer to the metal supporting layer, and has a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity. Thus, strength of the stamp may be improved, and deformation of the stamp during the process of manufacturing a light guide plate may be reduced or prevented.
US08616865B2
A chemical liquid feeding device for feeding chemical liquid used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The device includes three or more pumps arranged in a line. Each pump has different time points of suction stroke and discharge stroke so that the chemical liquid can be fed uniformly without pulsation.
