US08390523B2
A planar inverted-F antenna for use in a wireless network device comprises a connecting member and two radiators. The connecting member has at least one input end and at least one ground end. Each radiator has a first end portion perpendicularly connected to one of the two ends of the connecting member, and the two radiators are parallel and correspond in shape to each other. Each radiator further has an L-shaped notch and thus forms a barb. A second end portion of each radiator is bent to form an engaging end which is generally parallel to the connecting member and configured to fasten with a substrate of the wireless network device.
US08390515B2
The present invention discloses a method for positioning signal sources in a wireless network, e.g. in a WLAN or WiMAX network. The located signal source might be a end user, an interfering source or a base station. At least one monitoring station is placed in the network, which use directional antennas. By combining e.g. the direction of the used antenna beam, the received relative signal levels, propagation delay measurements and several different measurement locations for one or several monitoring stations, the location of the signal source can be determined accurately. The method can also track whether the end user is connected to the most optimal base station by transmitting test signals through base stations.
US08390512B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a location of a mobile device using more than one location-determining technology.
US08390510B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented various electronic devices to affect application of a filtering model used for obtaining a navigation solution. In particular, signal characteristics of one or more received signals are used for selecting application of a particular filtering model from a plurality of filtering models.
US08390509B2
A reflected wave that a transmitted wave is reflected by targets including a stationary target and a moving target is received as receiving signals of at least two reception antennas. A phase difference between beat signals at respective peak frequencies, generated from a transmitting signal and the receiving signals, is calculated. Directions of the targets are calculated in such a manner that the calculated phase difference of the targets is stored in a storage area in advance, it is predicted whether peak frequencies of the plurality of targets overlap each other, a predicted phase difference of the stationary target at the time when the peak frequencies overlap each other is calculated on the basis of the stored phase difference, and a predicted phase difference of the moving target is calculated on the basis of the calculated phase difference and the predicted phase difference of the stationary target.
US08390506B2
An FMCW radar locating device includes a transmitting device having a controllable transmitting-signal-generating device generating a transmitting signal having a frequency corresponding to an input control signal; a control device connected to the transmitting-signal-generating device and generating the input control signal which controls the transmitting signal such that it rises periodically in a discontinuous, inconsistent linear fashion in first frequency segments, and drops periodically in a discontinuous, inconsistent linear fashion in second frequency segments; and a receiving device for receiving an echo signal reflected by an object and locating an object based on the received echo signal.
US08390493B1
A voltage reference circuit provides a precision voltage reference output without requiring a filter capacitor. The voltage reference output is generated by a digitally-controlled source, which has a value set by the output of a digital filter that filters the output of a comparison circuit that compares the voltage reference output to another reference. A selectable mode can be provided to provide a fast response during a startup/reset period and an optional hold or narrowband response after startup. The mode selection may also offer selection of an externally-supplied digital control value and/or a resistor divider type voltage reference as an alternative to the digitally-controlled source.
US08390491B2
Embodiments of the present invention may provide an integrated circuit that may comprise a first transistor to receive an input voltage signal at its gate and generate an output voltage signal at its drain. Further, the integrated circuit may comprise a second transistor to form an active load of the first transistor, the second transistor may have its drain and gate coupled to the drain of the first transistor. In addition, the integrated circuit may comprise a third transistor to form a current mirror with the second transistor, a fourth transistor to form an active load of the third transistor, and a fifth transistor to form a current mirror with the fourth transistor. The fifth transistor may be connected to the drain of the second transistor. The integrated circuit may form an amplifier and Gm stage of a reference buffer.
US08390489B2
Digital background calibration in a pipelined ADC is performed by extracting a capacitor mismatch value Δ that represents a mismatch between a sampling capacitor C1 and a feedback capacitor C2 in the pipelined ADC, and using Δ to correct the capacitor mismatch error. Δ is extracted by performing commutated feedback capacitor switching (CFCS) in a background correlation loop. The error caused by the capacitor mismatch is calibrated out by subtracting the error from a digital output Dout of the pipelined ADC. Convergence speed may be accelerated and convergence accuracy may be increased during digital background calibration of pipelined ADCs, by using a higher order LPF. A bandwidth switching scheme may be implemented by the LPF, i.e. a larger bandwidth may be utilized during calibration start-up to increase convergence speed during start-up and a smaller bandwidth may be utilized during steady state to increase convergence accuracy during steady state.
US08390488B2
In pipeline analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) the third harmonic can degrade the performance of the ADC, and conventional circuits that attempt to cancel this third harmonic are oftentimes sensitive to process variation, temperature variation, and common mode variations. Here a correction circuit is provided that includes a compensator that adjusts control voltages for MOS capacitors to generally ensures that the difference between the gate-source voltages and threshold voltages of MOS capacitors is generally maintained across variations of process, temperature, and common mode.
US08390481B2
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow measurement of a user's interaction with the housing of an electronic device. Some embodiments may measure the electrical characteristics of a housing of an electrical device, where the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the user's interaction. By measuring the electrical characteristics of the housing, such as the housing's capacitance, the user's interaction with the housing can be measured in a manner that is independent of the user's electrical characteristics and/or in a manner that may allow the pressure applied to the housing to be quantified.
US08390476B2
An image recording apparatus suitable for recording a traffic signal violation at an intersection controlled by a traffic light is described. The image recording apparatus includes a first camera focused on the intersection, and a second camera focused on a first lane of a street leading to the intersection. A first control circuit is coupled to the first camera causes the first camera to capture a first image at substantially an instant of time that the traffic light indicates a change of traffic control status. The apparatus also includes a detection circuit to detect when a portion of a vehicle crosses a trigger location in the first lane after the change in traffic control status. A second control circuit coupled to the second camera causes the second camera to capture a close-up image of the vehicle in the event that the detection circuit detects the portion of the vehicle at the trigger location after a change in traffic control status.
US08390475B2
A method comprising creating configured display information; detecting if a display is moving; presenting, via the display, the configured display information if the display is detected to be stationary; identifying, if the display is detected to be moving, whether the configured display information includes moving image display information; presenting, via the display, the configured display information if the display is detected to be moving, and the configured display information does not include moving image display information; identifying, if the display is detected to be moving, the configured display information includes moving image display information, whether the moving image display information includes emergency information or traffic information; presenting, via the display, the configured display information, excluding the moving image display information, if the moving image display information does not include emergency information or traffic information; and presenting, via the display, the configured display information, including the moving image display information, if the moving image display information includes emergency information or traffic.
US08390471B2
A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Energy is transmitted to a pulse generator located proximate a position to be interrogated with a sensor. The pulse generator stores the energy, then releases it in a pulse of electromagnetic energy, providing the energy to resonant circuits that incorporate the sensors. The resonant circuits modulate the electromagnetic energy and transmit the modulated energy so that it may be received and processed in order to obtain the desired measurements.
US08390448B2
An apparatus for detecting a key insertion into a lock or a key removal from the lock, comprising: a movement sensing device attached to the key configured to sense movement of the key; and a processing unit configured to process signals received from said movement sensing device, the processing unit is configured to detect a key insertion into a lock, or a key removal from a lock based on the signals received from said movement sensing device.
US08390444B2
A sensor-location system for locating sensors in a tract covered by an earth-based sensor network. The sensor-location system includes at least one sensor-identification device, and at least one sensor locator. The sensor-identification device is affixed to a respective sensor in the earth-based sensor network. The sensor locator is configured for use from on board of an aircraft. In addition, the sensor locator is configured to acquire geographic-location data of said sensor including an identifying signature from the sensor-identification device of the sensor in the tract covered by the earth-based sensor network.
US08390443B1
Systems and methods for creating a detector network across one or more existing communications systems. In one implementation, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of hosts, each host hosting one or more detectors operable to detect an occurrence of an event, the hosts including functionality that is not related to the detectors and including communication functionality. The system also includes a management device for managing the detectors and one or more communications networks linking the detectors and the management device using the communication functionality of the respective host.
US08390441B2
A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level.
US08390430B1
An RFID reader uses an adaptive filter to mitigate the effects of colored noise in tag reply signals. The adaptive filter may be a linear equalizer, a linear-predictive canceller, or a decision-feedback equalizer. The adaptive filter estimates the colored noise portion of the signal received from the tag and removes the noise estimate from the tag signal. The adaptive filter bases its noise estimate on the difference between a desired signal and a portion of the received signal. The reader uses reader-generated training data, a CW signal, and/or portions of the tag reply signal to adapt the filter.
US08390420B2
An immersion well assembly may include a thermistor housing defining a first axial passage and a thermistor wire collar axially secured to the thermistor housing and defining a second axial passage. The second axial passage may receive a thermistor wire and may axially fix the thermistor wire relative to the thermistor housing.
US08390416B2
Components having a screw thread useful for mechanical fixation of the component to a corresponding component may be equipped with electrical wire following at least part of the turns of the screw thread and thereby forming at least a part of a coil. The corresponding component may have a matching screw thread, or the component of the invention may be self-tapping, in which case a matching screw thread in the corresponding component would be superfluous. The coil may be used as charging and/or power-conversion coil and/or communication antenna. The reuse of the screw thread for a coil maximizes the coil area without consuming extra space of the component. This is in particular useful in medical electrical implant devices, such as a pace maker or a neuron pace maker in deep brain stimulation, in that the maximum size of such a pace maker is very limited. Moreover, the screw thread of such components may additionally comprise connectors for providing electrical connection to other electrical parts in a matching component.
US08390415B2
A coil component 10 includes: a magnetic core made of a magnetic alloy; a coil having a spiral part placed around a pillar part of the magnetic core; a magnetic sheath formed on the magnetic core in a manner covering the coil except for the bottom face of the magnetic core; and a first external terminal and second external terminal formed on the magnetic core and magnetic sheath; wherein the magnetic sheath has numerous voids inside.
US08390412B2
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
US08390404B2
The present invention discloses a power plug providing leakage protection comprising a casing, reset button and test button provided to the surface of the top of the casing; wherein movable springs respectively connected to power supply live wire and neutral wire pins are fixedly provided to the bottom part of a circuit board, movable contact points have separate electrical connections with free ends of the movable springs, stationary contact points corresponding to the movable contact points are provided to the circuit board and connected to a loading power supply cable; and a tripping device capable of contacting or disconnecting the movable and stationary contact points is provided inside the casing. The present invention is safe; has strong protective performance, simple structure, and reasonable design, and is safe, suited for mass production, and able to detect a power cable leakage failure and promptly sever the loaded connection with the power supply.
US08390402B2
A waveguide is provided that includes an elongate dielectric inner region, and an electrically conducting outer region spaced apart from the dielectric inner region. The dielectric inner region may be arranged to be flexible, and in some examples may be formed from powdered dielectric contained in a polymer tube or matrix, or in other examples may be formed from a plurality of segments. In some examples of the waveguide, each segment may be formed to have lenticular end faces, and may be formed from sintered BaTi4O9.
US08390401B2
An embodiment relates to a coplanar waveguide electronic device comprising a substrate whereon is mounted a signal ribbon and at least a ground plane. The signal ribbon comprises a plurality of signal lines of a same level of metallization electrically coupled together, and the ground plane is made of an electrically conducting material and comprises a plurality of holes.
US08390398B2
A digitally-tunable RF MEMS filter includes a substrate and a plurality of mechanically coupled resonators, wherein a first and a last resonator of the plurality of mechanically coupled resonators are configured to be electrostatically transduced. One or more of the plurality of mechanically coupled resonators are configured to be biased relative to the substrate such that the one or more biased resonators may be brought substantially in contact with the substrate. In a method of digitally tuning an RF MEMS filter having a mechanically coupled resonator array, a DC bias voltage is applied to at least a first resonator and a last resonator of the mechanically coupled resonator array such that motional boundary conditions for the at least first resonator and last resonator are selectable in proportion to the DC bias voltage.
US08390397B2
In accordance with a representative embodiment, a BAW resonator structure, comprises a first BAW resonator, comprising: a first lower electrode having a first electrical resistance; a first upper electrode having a second electrical resistance; and a first piezoelectric layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode. The BAW resonator structure also comprises a second BAW resonator, comprising: a second lower electrode having the second electrical resistance; a second upper electrode having the first electrical resistance; and a second piezoelectric layer disposed between the second lower electrode and the second upper electrode. The BAW resonator structure also comprises an acoustic coupling layer disposed between the first BAW resonator and the second BAW resonator. The first electrical resistance is less than the second electrical resistance. An communication device comprising a coupled resonator filter (CRF) is also disclosed.
US08390393B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to via structure utilization in a PCB design and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for impedance discontinuity remediation for via stubs and connectors in a PCB. In one embodiment a method for impedance discontinuity remediation in a PCB can be provided. The method can include configuring a pre-distortion filter to negate an impedance discontinuity in an electrical signal caused by a transmission line with one of a via stub or a connector. The method further can include pre-distortion filtering an electrical signal before transmitting the electrical signal over the transmission line. Finally, the method can include transmitting the pre-distortion filtered electrical signal over the transmission line.
US08390384B1
Precision measurement of a period(s) of an embedded clock oscillator using a charge time measurement unit (CTMU) maintains a desired frequency accuracy of the embedded clock oscillator over a range of time, temperature and operating condition changes. The CTMU determines the free running frequency of the embedded clock oscillator and provides very accurate frequency (period) information for confirmation that a desired frequency, e.g., within 0.25 percent of the desired frequency, is running or an indication of how much and which direction to adjustment the frequency of the clock oscillator to maintain the frequency precision desired. Automatic frequency adjustment of the embedded clock oscillator may be implemented so as to maintain the desired precision frequency thereof. Temperature and voltage compensation profiles for maintaining the accuracy of the CTMU may be stored in a table, e.g., nonvolatile memory, for a further improvement in absolute frequency accuracy of the embedded clock oscillator.
US08390382B2
There is provided a power amplifier circuit capable of improving cross isolation between a high frequency band power coupler and a low frequency band power coupler, by directly transmitting power to the high frequency band power coupler and the low frequency band power coupler from a power amplifier, and forming a predetermined inductance circuit or an LC resonance circuit in a line transmitting the power to the high frequency band power coupler. The power amplifier circuit may include a power amplifying unit supplied with power from the outside and amplifying an input signal, a coupling unit having a high frequency band power coupler and a low frequency band power coupler, and an isolation unit including a first power line and a second power line, wherein the first power line has an inductor blocking signal interference generated in a predetermined frequency band.
US08390377B2
A distortion compensation circuit capable of realizing highly accurate distortion compensation by updating a model even under a situation in which the appearance frequency of an input signal having a maximum value is low. A DPD processor 2 includes an inverse model estimation unit 22, which estimates an inverse model for a model expressing input-output characteristics of an HPA 6 based on an input signal S1 to the HPA 6 and an output signal S10 from the HPA 6, a distortion compensation unit 26, which compensates for distortion of the input-output characteristics by adding the inverse model to the input signal S1, and a sampling circuit 20, which samples the signals S2 and S10 in a predetermined time immediately before the sampling and inputs the signals S2 and S10 to the inverse model estimation unit 22. The inverse model estimation unit 22 updates the inverse model based on S2 and S10 input from the sampling circuit 20 regardless of whether the maximum value that the input signal S1 can take is included in a range sampled by the sampling circuit 20.
US08390375B2
Calculating apparatus, distortion correcting apparatus, amplifying apparatus, and calculating method
A calculating apparatus includes a first state variable calculating unit that calculates first state variables respectively having a memory effect and being of an amplifier that causes signal distortion; an amplifier model unit that based on the calculated first state variables, calculates the signal distortion caused by the amplifier, as a distortion characteristic; and an output unit that outputs the calculated distortion characteristic.
US08390374B2
Apparatus and methods reduce the likelihood of amplifier saturation due to propagated DC offsets, and reduce the recover from saturated stated when such saturation occurs. Advantageously, these attributes are beneficial for monitoring of bioelectric signals. A circuit uses an instrumentation amplifier connected as a high pass filter to attenuate large DC offsets and amplify small signals. The circuit can include an instrumentation amplifier electrically coupled with a first feedback circuit including at least one resistor and a second feedback circuit including an op-amp. The feedback circuit can also include a low-pass filter. The op-amp in the second feedback circuit can be configured as a non-inverting amplifier, an inverting amplifier, and/or an integrator circuit. Alternatively, the circuit can include an instrumentation amplifier with one feedback circuit including at least one resistor, and a coupling capacitor electrically coupled with a reference voltage.
US08390362B2
Embodiments relate to an ultra-low-power, high-voltage integrated circuit (IC) that also has high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Embodiments address the desire for an ultra-low-power, high-voltage IC that also has high EMC and comprise a high-voltage EMC protection circuit with normal current consumption coupled to an ultra-low-power, low-voltage oscillator that controls a sleep/wake, or duty, cycle of a high-voltage circuit.
US08390358B2
Integrated jitter compliant clock signal generation apparatus and methods are provided. Input signals having different frequencies are used to generate respective clock signals having closely spaced frequencies. The input signals might be generated, for example, in adjacent Phase Locked Loops (PLLs) which receive reference clock signals. The reference clock signals, or signals from which the reference clock signals originate, are also closely spaced. The closely spaced reference clock signals are effectively separated for cleanup and then brought back together to provide the closely spaced clock signals. This allows cleanup of the closely spaced reference clock signals to occur at staggered and more widely spaced frequencies. These techniques could also be applied to reference clock signals which are harmonically related and are used to generate harmonically related output clock signals.
US08390357B2
A fixed dead time PFC controller, comprising: an amplitude normalization circuit, used to generate a normalized signal according to a full-wave rectified input voltage; a comparator circuit, used to compare the normalized signal with a threshold voltage to generate a select signal, wherein the select signal exhibits a first state when the normalized signal is higher than the threshold voltage, and a second state when the normalized signal is lower than the threshold voltage; and a driving signal selection circuit, having a first input end coupled to a first driving signal, a second input end coupled to a second driving signal, a control end coupled to the select signal, and an output end for outputting a gate driving signal.
US08390352B2
A process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) compensation circuit and a method of continuously generating a delay measure are provided. The compensation circuit includes two delay lines, each delay line providing a delay output. The two delay lines may each include a number of delay elements, which in turn may include one or more current-starved inverters. The number of delay lines may differ between the two delay lines. The delay outputs are provided to a combining circuit that determines an offset pulse based on the two delay outputs and then averages the voltage of the offset pulse to determine a delay measure. The delay measure may be one or more currents or voltages indicating an amount of PVT compensation to apply to input or output signals of an application circuit, such as a memory-bus driver, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous DRAM, a processor or other clocked circuit.
US08390350B2
A clock signal delay circuit includes a variable delay unit, a delay unit, a phase detection block, a control clock output block, and a delay control unit. The variable delay unit controls a delay amount of a reference clock signal based on a delay control signal and provides a delayed clock signal based thereon. The delay unit delays the delayed clock signal and provides a feedback clock signal based thereon. The phase detection block detects a phase difference between the feedback clock signal and the reference clock signal and provides a detected phase difference based thereon. The control clock output block provides a control clock signal based on the detected phase difference. The delay control unit generates the delay control signal based on the detected phase difference and in response to the control clock signal.
US08390324B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for a Universal functionality Module (UFM). The apparatus comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed in real time and a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device. The UFM loads a startup personality bit stream from a boot memory, which allows it to read a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device. The UFM receives a function personality associated with the pin configuration, writes the function personality to programmable logic device, and initiates the function personality.
US08390317B2
An integrated circuit (IC) device, system and related method of communicating data are described. The IC device includes; a data port configured to provide output data to a channel and receive input data from the channel, an impedance matching circuit connected to the data port and configured to operate as an output driver circuit when the output data is being transmitted and as an on die termination circuit when the input data is being received, and an active inductive bias circuit connected to the data port in parallel with the impedance matching circuit, and configured to adjust the impedance of the data port to the channel during transmission of the output data as a function of output data frequency and adjust the impedance of the data port to the channel during receipt of the input data as a function of input data frequency.
US08390314B2
Methods and apparatus for improving transmission channel efficiency are provided. In an example, a digital signal is received. A leading portion of a bit in the digital signal is pre-emphasized. The received digital signal is modulated with a pre-emphasis signal to pre-emphasize a leading portion of the bit in the digital signal. The pre-emphasis signal provides pre-emphasis substantially when a clock is high and the received digital signal transitions. The pre-emphasis signal does not provide pre-emphasis when the received digital signal is low or the received digital signal is unchanged. The pre-emphasized digital signal is then transmitted via the transmission channel. In an example, the received digital signal us a pulse-amplitude modulated multilevel signal.
US08390308B2
There is disclosed an electronic testbed, an electronic testbed board, and a method for positioning receptacles for nails in the electronic testbed board. In an embodiment, the electronic testbed board includes a mounting through-hole for mounting a receptacle for a nail. The mounting through-hole is drilled to a suitably precise diameter for mounting the receptacle substantially perpendicular to the testbed board. One or more via-holes are located adjacent the mounting through-hole, and are adapted to allow an electrical connection between any conductive layers provided at the one or more via-holes. The receptacle may be mounted more accurately and the electronic test bed may be built more accurately by separating the functions of the via-holes and the mounting through-hole.
US08390306B2
Corrosion sensor apparatus for detection of contamination affecting metal based components and devices. For example, an apparatus includes: a set of corrosion sensor elements wherein a width of a first corrosion sensor element is different than a width of a second corrosion sensor element, wherein each corrosion sensor element is susceptible to corrosion caused by an operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements; and a set of reference elements wherein a width of a first reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the first corrosion sensor element and a width of a second reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the second corrosion sensor element, wherein each reference sensor element is not substantially susceptible to corrosion caused by the operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements.
US08390304B2
A conductivity counter and method of determining conductivity of a fluid sample are disclosed. The counter is suitable for high-speed, accurate counting of discrete events or items, such as cancer cells, passing through a fluid sample cell. A variable frequency current source is used to supply an excitation current to a sample cell connected in parallel with an inductance or the electrical equivalence of an inductance. This configuration can be accurately modeled as a parallel RLC circuit when the system is operated at a stable frequency. The current source frequency is tuned to the resonance frequency of the equivalent RLC circuit, which effectively eliminates the capacitive and inductive components of the impedance, leaving only purely resistive components. The output of the equivalent RLC circuit is connected to a high input impedance buffer amplifier and then to a phase sensitive detector, which detects the phase shift resulting from the equivalent RLC circuit. The output is filtered and a differencing amplifier is used to zero out the output signal due to the system components and the sample cell buffer solution prior to taking active readings. The remaining output signal is due to perturbations in the fluid sample, such as passing cancer cells. This output is sent to a high-gain output amplifier and then supplied to a suitable signal processing device or system, such as a computer.
US08390303B2
A method for detecting pressure on a touch sensing element includes the steps of: providing a first potential difference to two electrodes of a first film; charging a capacitor with a division voltage of the first potential difference; sampling a charged voltage of the capacitor to obtain a plurality of first voltage values and calculating a first voltage variation according to the plurality of first voltage values; comparing the first voltage variation with a threshold value; and post-processing at least one of the first voltage values when the first voltage variation is smaller than the threshold value. The present disclosure further provides an electronic device.
US08390302B2
A method and a protective device operable to perform the method are provided, wherein the method is for detecting and analyzing faults in a first cable and one or more other cables, which convey power in a three phase feeder system. Current magnitude in the first cable is compared to a threshold level. If the current magnitude exceeds the threshold level, the duration of the condition is measured. If the duration falls within a predetermined duration range, a predetermined time interval is allowed to pass and then a determination is made whether a fault is detected in the one or more other cables. If a fault is not detected in the one or more other cables, then a determination is made that a single phase fault has occurred in the feeder system.
US08390295B2
A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation includes: at least one measurement electrode electrically connected to a first electrical source; at least one guard electrode; a shielding electrode interposed between the at least one guard electrode and the at least one measurement electrode, the shielding electrode being electrically connected to a second electrical source independent from the first electrical source, and the guard electrode being electrically connected to a third electrical source independent of the first and second electrical sources; at least one return electrode; insulators positioned between (i) the measurement electrode and the shielding electrode, (ii) the shielding electrode and the guard electrode and (iii) the measurement electrode, the guard electrode and the return electrode; and a processor configured to adjust at least one of the first electrical source and the second electrical source to minimize a current flow through the shielding electrode.
US08390293B2
A superconductor exemplarily described herein includes a superconducting material containing vortex pinning centers and non-magnetic disorders formed in the superconducting material. The superconductor described herein is suitable for use in magnet applications and power transmission.
US08390292B2
In a method and an arrangement for magnetic resonance signal transmission, a first channel of a local coil arrangement has a first individual antenna that receives a first magnetic resonance signal, and a first frequency converter connected with the first individual antenna, and the first frequency converter forms a first signal with the first magnetic resonance signal supplied thereto and a first oscillator signal supplied thereto. A second channel of the local coil arrangement has a second individual antenna that receives a second magnetic resonance signal, and a second frequency converter connected with the second individual antenna, and the second frequency converter forms a second signal from the second magnetic resonance signal supplied thereto and a second oscillator signal supplied thereto. The local coil arrangement has a signal combination device that applies the first signal and the second signal to a single transmission path. At least one of the oscillator signals has a frequency that corresponds to the difference between the frequency of a first synthesizer frequency signal and the frequency of a second synthesizer frequency signal that are supplied to the local coil arrangement.
US08390289B2
A magnet arrangement for generating an NMR-compatible homogeneous permanent magnetic field is described. The invention has two permanent magnets, referred to hereafter as main magnets, which each have a magnet pole surface area. The magnet pole surface areas are situated parallel and at a distance to one another, so that the main magnets define an interspace on both sides through their magnet surface areas. The magnet pole surfaces of the main magnets each have a magnetic polarization opposite to one another. At least two annular permanent magnets are used, which are referred to hereafter as ring magnets, are situated coaxially to one another and jointly radially bound a ring inner chamber. The ring magnets are situated relative to the two main magnets in so that the ring inner chamber at least regionally encloses the interspace, and the magnetic fields of the main and ring magnets are constructively superimposed.
US08390287B2
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) phased array head coil (10) comprises an array of coils (1, 2, 3, 4) a decoupling circuit (7) and a decoupling base (14). Counter wound inductors from adjoining coils (1, 2, 3, 4) in the decoupling circuit (7) are interlaced to achieve mutual decoupling between adjoining coils. Each separate coil (1, 2, 3, 4) includes a pair of spaced parallel main conductors (12) located on opposite sides of a cylindrical space (5) enclosed by the coils (1, 2, 3, 4). The decoupling base (14) comprises two meandering conductor bases (8, 9) which are interlaced. Orthogonal main conductors (12) of the coil (1, 2, 3, 4) share a common conductor base (8, 9). The multiple crossings of the paths of the conductor bases (8, 9) reduces mutual coupling effects.
US08390283B2
Three bridge circuits (101, 111, 121), each include magnetoresistive sensors coupled as a Wheatstone bridge (100) to sense a magnetic field (160) in three orthogonal directions (110, 120, 130) that are set with a single pinning material deposition and bulk wafer setting procedure. One of the three bridge circuits (121) includes a first magnetoresistive sensor (141) comprising a first sensing element (122) disposed on a pinned layer (126), the first sensing element (122) having first and second edges and first and second sides, and a first flux guide (132) disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the first edge and on the first side of the first sensing element (122). An optional second flux guide (136) may be disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the second edge and the second side of the first sensing element (122).
US08390277B2
A rotational angle detector provided with a circular rotary plate integrally rotatable with a rotor of a motor and including a circumferential surface having marks, which are spaced apart by different angular intervals in a circumferential direction. A rotational angle detection unit is arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotary plate to detect a rotational angle of each mark, rotated together with the rotary plate, in a predetermined detection zone. The rotational angle detector determines, when adjacent marks are located in the detection zone, angular intervals between the adjacent marks based on the rotational angle of each mark, specifies a mark that is located in the detection zone based on the determined angular intervals, and detects the rotational angle of the rotor based on the rotational angle of the specified mark rotating in the detection zone.
US08390274B2
This method for determining a person's activity in surroundings equipped with electrical appliances that are switchable, in response to a command from the person, between an ‘on’ mode and an ‘off’ mode, wherein the method comprises: the measuring of the magnetic field produced by one of the electrical appliances by means of a magnetometer carried by the person, the identifying of the electrical appliance in ‘on’ mode in proximity to the magnetometer by comparing the measured magnetic field with the pre-recorded magnetic signatures of these electrical appliances in ‘on’ mode, and the determining of the activity of the person on the basis of a pre-recorded activity identifier associated with the electrical appliance identified as being in ‘on’ mode on the basis of its magnetic signature.
US08390272B2
A position detecting device is disclosed, which detects a position indicated by a human body. The position detecting device includes: a sensor substrate including a detection area, in which a plurality of detection electrodes are formed, and a wiring area, in which wiring led out from the detection electrodes is formed, and a case configured to house the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate further includes a conductor, which is connected to a fixed potential, provided at a position opposed to (facing) the wiring area.
US08390271B2
The present invention relates to magnetic anchorage equipment comprising a frame able to contain a plurality of polar units, each of the plurality of polar units having a ferromagnetic polar element which identifies an anchorage surface and a self-testing unit for checking the magnetic equipment. The magnetic anchorage equipment is characterized in that the self-testing unit for checking the magnetic equipment is at least partly integrated in the frame.
US08390269B2
Processes and systems for use in reverse engineering integrated circuits determine functionality through analysis of junctions responding to external radiation. Semiconductor devices include a number of p-n junctions grouped according to interconnected functional cells. A surface of the semiconductor device is illuminated by radiation, e.g., by a laser or an electron beam, producing electron-hole pairs. Such pairs give rise to detectable currents that can be used to determine locations of irradiated junctions. By scanning a surface of the device in such a manner, a layout of at least some of the junctions can be obtained. The layout can be used to identify functional cells according to a lookup process. By selectively providing input test vectors to the device and repeating the scanning process, first level functional cells can be identified. A netlist of interconnected functional cells can thus be determined and expanded by repeating the process with different test vectors.
US08390260B2
A power supply for a negative voltage load has a switch-mode power unit, a monitoring unit, a first auxiliary power unit and a second auxiliary power unit. The switch-mode power unit has a rectifying circuit, a power factor correction circuit, a DC to DC power circuit. The first auxiliary power unit is connected to output terminals of the power factor correction circuit and converts DC power to a first DC power for driving the monitoring unit. The second auxiliary power unit is connected to the negative voltage load in parallel and converts negative power from the negative voltage load to a second DC power for driving the monitoring unit when AC power is interrupted. Since the first and the second auxiliary power unit do not work at the same time, the power supply can effectively enhances the conversion efficiency of the power supply.
US08390255B1
A battery case for a mobile device is provided comprising a case, electrical components, a port, and an aperture size to contain at least one rechargeable battery. Also provided is a charger including a mount to receiving a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be configured to fit inside of the battery case. The charger may be figured to fit inside of the battery case.
US08390252B2
A charging device for use with an electric vehicle having a power storage device includes a current control device configured to selectively enable current to be received from an electrical distribution device and supplied to the power storage device. The charging device also includes a processor coupled to the current control device. The processor is configured to determine a first amount of current available to be at least one of received from the electrical distribution device and supplied by the charging device, and control the current control device to enable a second amount of current to be at least one of received from the electrical distribution device and supplied to the power storage device if the second amount of current does not exceed the first amount of current determined to be available.
US08390251B2
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station. Also disclosed are systems and methods for confirming a presence of a robotic device docked with a charger by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device.
US08390246B2
A communication part of a battery charge state transmission device of a charging device acquires charge state information of each external charge vehicle. A station communication part transmits the charge state information to an information management station device. The charge state information is grouped for transmission so that the number of transmissions, the amount of communication traffic and the cost of communication with the management station device, and the operation load of the management station device are reduced.
US08390242B2
The present invention discloses an analog photovoltaic power circuit, comprising: a photovoltaic device group for receiving photo energy to generate an input voltage; a power stage circuit for converting the input voltage to an output voltage; an optimum voltage estimation circuit for receiving a predetermined voltage and estimating an optimum voltage according to a direction of variation of the input voltage and a direction of variation of the power generated by the photovoltaic device group; and an analog comparison and control circuit for comparing the optimum voltage with the input voltage, to thereby control the operation of the power stage circuit.
US08390237B2
Entry of a synchronous speed of a rotor can be facilitated by increasing a starting torque by adjusting a magnetization application time for magnetizing the rotor according to whether or not a starting capacitor is used. The present invention includes: a control unit that outputs a control signal for controlling an application time of a magnetizing current according to whether or not a starting capacitor is used; and a switch that supplies power to an exciting coil according to the control signal outputted from the control unit.
US08390235B2
A method of driving a stepper motor in a feed-forward voltage mode may include for a desired speed for the stepper motor setting an amplitude of a sinusoidal phase voltage of the stepper motor to be equal to a sum of an expected back-electromotive force (BEMF) amplitude estimated as a function of the desired speed, and a product of a desired phase current amplitude and an estimated absolute value of an impedance of the stepper motor.
US08390222B2
The present disclosure provides a brushless motor driving circuit capable of clamping an output voltage at a proper voltage, even when a power source voltage changes. Namely, a pre-driver circuit generates a voltage for driving a brushless motor from a source voltage by turning on/off first and second PMOS transistors and first and second NMOS transistors in an H bridge circuit of a drive voltage generating circuit, and applies the voltage to a coil of the brushless motor. A first clamp circuit turns on/off the first NMOS transistor on the ground side so that the output voltage at a first output terminal becomes equal to or lower than the source voltage. A second clamp circuit turns on/off the second NMOS transistor on the ground side so that output voltage at a second output terminal becomes equal to or lower than the source voltage.
US08390213B2
An LED power-source circuit includes an input filter circuit including noise prevention capacitors and a line filter, a diode bridge connected to the input filter circuit, a smoothing capacitor connected to an output of the diode bridge and having a capacitance of 1 μF or less, a DC-DC conversion circuit connected to the smoothing capacitor, and an LED assembly connected to an output of the DC-DC conversion circuit. Grounding capacitors are coupled to ground from an input power line between the line filter and the diode bridge. The total capacitance from the input power line to ground is set to be 1/200 or less of that of the smoothing capacitor.
US08390212B2
A light-emitting-element-driving-control circuit comprising: a control circuit to turn on or off a transistor based on an input-control signal, the transistor being connected in series with a light-emitting element and an inductor connected in series and controlling increase and decrease of a driving current of the light-emitting element; a maximum-value-detection circuit to detect a maximum value of the driving current; and a control-signal-generation circuit to generate the control signal for turning on the transistor to increase the driving current at a speed corresponding to a level of a power-supply voltage when the driving current is smaller than the maximum value and turning off the transistor to be kept for a predetermined period to decrease the driving current at a speed corresponding to a level of a forward voltage of the light-emitting element when the driving current reaches the maximum value, based on a detection result of the maximum-value-detection circuit.
US08390209B2
A circuit arrangement for conversion of an input AC voltage to a DC voltage is provided. The circuit arrangement may include an input into which the input AC voltage is input; an output to which a load can be connected; and a first storage circuit and a second storage circuit, each storage circuit comprising at least one inductance and each comprising at least one capacitance, and a diode network.
US08390199B2
A mode-selective interactive structure for gyrotrons includes a plurality of metal tubes, wherein an inner wall of each metal tube forms a waveguide; and between each adjacent pair of the metal tubes exists a slice with a first interface and a second interface and when an electromagnetic wave comprising an operating mode and a competing mode propagates through the slice, the competing mode is partially reflected upon, partially transmitted through and/or absorbed at the first interface and the second interface of the slice so that the power loss of the competing mode is larger than the operating mode and the production of the competing modes is suppressed progressively thereby achieving mode selection.
US08390178B2
A piezoelectric film includes crystals of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure with (100)-preferred orientation and represented as: Pb1+δ[(ZrxTi1-x)1-yNby]Oz, where x is a value in a range of 0
US08390177B2
The invention describes a vibrating tine level detection device, and a method of forming the same, which is particularly suitable for operation in environments subject to rapid temperature change. A piezoelectric stack, which generates vibration of the tine, is located within a cage. The cage is, in turn, located within a hollow body defined by a diaphragm, from which the tines extend, and a wall section. The cage is attached to the inside surface of the wall section, adjacent to the junction between the wall section and the diaphragm. As a consequence, the ability of the cage to maintain a substantially constant compression on the piezoelectric stack is substantially unaffected by thermal expansion or contraction of the wall section.
US08390175B2
An optical device includes: an optical device body; a first transparent electrode film deposited on a light incident side; a second transparent electrode film so formed that the first and second transparent electrode films face away from each other; and a first ferroelectric film deposited at least between the first and second transparent electrode films, wherein the first ferroelectric film vibrates in response to a drive voltage applied through the first and second transparent electrode films.
US08390174B2
Described herein are electrical connections to acoustic elements, e.g., piezoelectric elements. In an exemplary embodiment, a transducer comprises an acoustic element, a passive layer attached to the acoustic element, and a conductive post embedded in the passive layer to provide a direct low resistance electrical connection to the acoustic element. In one embodiment, the conductive post has an exposed side surface allowing electrical connections to be made from the side of the transducer. In another embodiment, the conductive post has an exposed bottom surface allowing electrical connections to be made from the bottom of the transducer. In another embodiment, the transducer comprises an extension substrate adjacent to the acoustic element for protecting the acoustic element from thermal stress when a connection is made to the transducer at high temperatures. In one embodiment, a circuit is integrated on the extension substrate to process signals to or from the acoustic element.
US08390160B2
An electromechanical actuator for controlling the position of an aircraft component has a linear actuator to be driven to position a component. A transverse flux motor drives the linear actuator to move in a linear direction and control the position of the component.
US08390159B2
A stator includes a stator coil formed of electric wires which include a joined pair of first and second electric wires. The first electric wire has a lead portion led out from the radially inner periphery of a first slot of a stator core and including a crossover part. The crossover part crosses over an axial end face of an end part of the stator coil from the radially inside to the radially outside of the axial end face; the end part protrudes from an axial end face of the stator core. The second electric wire has a lead portion led out from the radially outer periphery of a second slot of the stator core. The lead portions of the electric wires are joined together with a joint formed therebetween. The joint is positioned closer to the axial end face of the stator core than the crossover part is.
US08390151B2
A power distribution module has an input line to receive power from a DC power source. A switch selectively opens the input line and blocks supply of power from the input line to an output line to be connected to a DC load. A solid state power control controls a gate drive for the switch. The solid state power control is operable to distinguish between a pre-charge mode, at which current is rushing to supply a capacitor in the downstream DC load, and a short circuit mode, at which a short circuit exists.
US08390148B2
A method for wear leveling in an information handling system including multiple power supply units (PSUs) is provided. The method includes maintaining each PSU in one of multiple different operational states, collecting data relating to the use of each PSU, storing the collected data, and automatically changing the operational state of at least one of the PSUs based at least on the collected data regarding the use of each PSU in order to level the wear on the PSUs.
US08390147B2
Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.
US08390146B2
A power supply potential detecting circuit detects a power supply potential of a second circuit block when a first circuit block shifts from a power supply shutdown state to a power supply feeding state or shifts from the power supply feeding state to the power supply shutdown state. Then, an operation control circuit temporarily stops a function of the second circuit block when the first circuit block shifts from the power supply shutdown state to the power supply feeding state or shifts from the power supply feeding state to the power supply shutdown state and then recovers the function of the second circuit block based on a detection result outputted from the power supply potential detecting circuit.
US08390141B2
A hydropower device for generating electric power comprises a pipe having an upstream portion and a downstream portion and being arranged to convey water. A valve is provided at the downstream portion and adjustable between a closed position hindering the water and an open position permitting the water to flow. A cylinder member defines an inner space and having a first end and a second end. The inner space extends away from the pipe along a centre axis (x) and receives water from the pipe via the first end when the valve is in the closed position. A piston is disposed in the inner space and movable back and forth along the centre axis. The piston moves away from the pipe by means of an overpressure arising when the valve is in the closed position.
US08390137B2
The fluid-driven electrical generator utilizes internal driven fluid currents to generate a regular, mechanical oscillation that is used to generate electricity through electromagnetic induction. The fluid-driven electrical generator includes a base having opposed upper and lower surfaces. A linearly oscillating disc having opposed upper and lower surfaces and having a central passage formed therethrough is resiliently supported above the base to form a lower fluid flow path therebetween. An upper housing is mounted above the upper surface of the linearly oscillating disc. A lower surface of an upper wall thereof is spaced apart from the upper surface of the linearly oscillating disc to form an upper fluid flow path therebetween. At least one permanent magnet is attached to an outer edge of the linearly oscillating disc for generating alternating electrical current in at least one induction coil mounted adjacent the at least one permanent magnet.
US08390126B2
A module (20) can include a first substrate (12) comprised of a first material, at least a second substrate (22) comprised of at least a second material, selectively applied solder (14) of a first composition residing between the first substrate and at least the second substrate, and selectively applied solder (16) of at least a second composition residing between the first substrate and at least the second substrate. Preferably, no crack will exist in the module as a result of a reflow process of the solder due to the CTE mismatch between the first and second substrates. The different selectively applied solder compositions can have different melting points and can be solder balls, solder paste, solder preform or any other known form of solder.
US08390120B2
A semiconductor device includes a via structure and a conductive structure. The via structure has a surface with a planar portion and a protrusion portion. The conductive structure is formed over at least part of the planar portion and not over at least part of the protrusion portion of the via structure. For example, the conductive structure is formed only onto the planar portion and not onto any of the protrusion portion for forming high quality connection between the conductive structure and the via structure.
US08390119B2
A flip chip package includes a substrate having a die attach surface; and a die mounted on the die attach surface with an active surface of the die facing the substrate, wherein the die is interconnected to the substrate via a plurality of copper pillar bumps on the active surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of copper pillar bumps has a bump width that is substantially equal to or smaller than a line width of a trace on the die attach surface of the substrate.
US08390116B1
A method includes forming a patterned buildup layer on a first surface of a dielectric layer, the patterned buildup layer including a patterned buildup layer opening exposing a trace coupled to the dielectric layer. A conductor layer is flash plated on the patterned buildup layer and within the patterned buildup layer opening. The patterned buildup layer opening is filled with a blanket conductive filler layer. The blanket conductive filler layer and the conductor layer are planarized to form a flip chip bump.
US08390114B2
A semiconductor package includes a substrate, a first semiconductor chip module attached to the substrate, a conductive connection member attached to the first semiconductor chip module, and a second semiconductor chip module attached to the conductive connection member. The first and second semiconductor chip modules are formed to have step like shapes to and extend laterally in opposite directions so as to define a zigzag arrangement together.
US08390113B2
A pressing member is prevented from being damaged by heat, heat dissipation through the pressing member on the higher-temperature side and reduction in thermoelectric conversion efficiency due to it are suppressed, and good electrical conduction is achieved even if thermoelectric conversion elements and electrodes are not cemented through a binder. A lower-temperature side electrode 6 is projecting toward a higher-temperature side substrate 8 and the lower-temperature side electrode 6 is formed with slope faces 6a, 6b, and an angle θ of each of the slope face to a surface of a lower-temperature side substrate 7 is an acute angle. A face 3a of a p-type thermoelectric conversion element 3 in contact with the lower-temperature side electrode 6 is along one slope face 6a of the lower-temperature side electrode and a face 4b of an n-type thermoelectric conversion element 4 in contact with the lower-temperature side electrode 6 is along the other slope face 6b of the lower-temperature side electrode 6; the p-type thermoelectric conversion element 3 and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element 4 are in contact with the lower-temperature side electrode 6 through the respective slope faces; a pressing member 5 presses a portion on the lower-temperature side substrate side of an outside thermoelectric conversion element 10, toward the other outside thermoelectric conversion element 10.
US08390102B2
An optoisolator leadframe assembly includes: an emitter leadframe part including a first rail and a plurality of emitter leadframe units, each rail including two rows of emitter leadframes, each having a die-mounting pad; and a receiver leadframe part including a second rail and a plurality of receiver leadframe units, each including two rows of receiver leadframes, each having a die-mounting pad. The die-mounting pads of the emitter leadframes of each row of each of the emitter leadframe units are respectively aligned with and spaced apart from the die-mounting pads of the receiver leadframes of an adjacent row of an adjacent one of the receiver leadframe units. Each of the emitter and receiver leadframe parts is a single piece.
US08390101B2
The present invention relates to various switching device structures including Schottky diode, P-N diode, and P-I-N diode, which are characterized by low defect density, low crack density, low pit density and sufficient thickness (>2.5 um) GaN layers of low dopant concentration (<1E16 cm−3) grown on a conductive GaN layer. The devices enable substantially higher breakdown voltage on hetero-epitaxial substrates (<2 KV) and extremely high breakdown voltage on homo-epitaxial substrates (>2 KV).
US08390096B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure comprises a bipolar PNP transistor having an emitter formed by a first high voltage P type implanted region disposed underneath a first P+ region and a collector formed by a second high voltage P type implanted region disposed underneath a second P+ region. The ESD protection structure can have an adjustable threshold voltage by controlling the distance between the first high voltage P type implanted region and the second high voltage P type implanted region. Based upon a basic ESD protection structure, the ESD protection device can provide a reliable ESD protection for semiconductor devices having different voltage ratings.
US08390094B2
An inexpensive variable inductor has inductance value continuously changeable without reducing a Q value. When a control voltage is applied to a control terminal of a MOS transistor from a power supply, a continuity region is formed in a channel, and a region between main terminals becomes conductive. When the control voltage is changed, length of the continuity region in the channel is changed. This changes length of a path area of an induced current, flowing in an induced current film. Thus, the amount of induced current is increased or decreased. Therefore, when the control voltage of the MOS transistor is changed, the inductance value of the coil is continuously changed.
US08390092B2
An area-efficient, high voltage, single polarity ESD protection device (300) is provided which includes an p-type substrate (303); a first p-well (308-1) formed in the substrate and sized to contain n+ and p+ contact regions (310, 312) that are connected to a cathode terminal; a second, separate p-well (308-2) formed in the substrate and sized to contain only a p+ contact region (311) that is connected to an anode terminal; and an electrically floating n-type isolation structure (304, 306, 307-2) formed in the substrate to surround and separate the first and second semiconductor regions. When a positive voltage exceeding a triggering voltage level is applied to the cathode and anode terminals, the ESD protection device triggers an inherent thyristor into a snap-back mode to provide a low impedance path through the structure for discharging the ESD current.
US08390091B2
A monolithic semiconductor structure includes a stack of layers. The stack includes a substrate; a first layer made from a first semiconductor material; and a second layer made from a second semiconductor material. The first layer is situated between the substrate and the second layer and at least one of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material contains a III-nitride material. The structure includes a power transistor, including a body formed in the stack of layers; a first power terminal at a side of the first layer facing the second layer; a second power terminal at least partly formed in the substrate; and a gate structure for controlling the propagation through the body of electric signals between the first power terminal and the second power terminal. The structure further includes a vertical Schottky diode, including: an anode; a cathode including the substrate, and a Schottky barrier between the cathode and the anode, the Schottky barrier being situated between the substrate and a anode layer in the stack of layers.
US08390085B2
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) diaphragm is provided. The MEMS diaphragm includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a first dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on a substrate and having a plurality of openings. The openings having a first dimension and the openings having a second dimension are arranged alternately, and the first dimension is not equal to the second dimension. The second conductive layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the substrate. The first dielectric layer is partially disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, so that a portion of the first conductive layer is suspended.
US08390084B2
The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes a diaphragm. In the diaphragm, an angle formed by two straight lines connecting supporting portions and the center of a main portion with one another respectively is set to satisfy the relation of the following formula (1): (A2/A1)/(B2/B1)≧1 (1) A2: maximum vibrational amplitude of the diaphragm in a case of working a physical quantity of a prescribed value on the diaphragm A1: maximum vibrational amplitude of the diaphragm in a case of working the physical quantity on the diaphragm in an omitting structure obtained by omitting one of the supporting portions from the diaphragm B2: maximum stress caused in the diaphragm in the case of working the physical quantity on the diaphragm B1: maximum stress caused in the diaphragm in the case of working the physical quantity on the diaphragm in the omitting structure
US08390068B2
A silicon control rectifier and an electrostatic discharge protection device of an integrated circuit including the silicon control rectifier. The silicon control rectifier includes a silicon body formed in a silicon layer in direct physical contact with a buried oxide layer of a silicon-on-insulator substrate, a top surface of the silicon layer defining a horizontal plane; and an anode of the silicon control rectifier formed in a first region of the silicon body and a cathode of the silicon control rectifier formed in an opposite second region of the silicon body, wherein a path of current flow between the anode and the cathode is only in a single horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal plane.
US08390063B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a high-k gate dielectric overlying a well region having a first conductivity type formed in a semiconductor body, and a semiconductor gate formed on the high-k gate dielectric. The semiconductor gate is lightly doped so as to have a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. The disclosed semiconductor device, which may be an NMOS or PMOS device, can further comprise an isolation region formed in the semiconductor body between the semiconductor gate and a drain of the second conductivity type, and a drain extension well of the second conductivity type surrounding the isolation region in the semiconductor body. In one embodiment, the disclosed semiconductor device is fabricated as part of an integrated circuit including one or more CMOS logic devices.
US08390057B1
Method and apparatus for providing a lateral double-diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) transistor having a dual gate. The dual gate includes a first gate and a second gate. The first gate includes a first oxide layer formed over a substrate, and the second gate includes a second oxide layer formed over the substrate. The first gate is located a pre-determined distance from the second gate. A digitally implemented voltage regulator is also provided that includes a switching circuit having a dual gate LDMOS transistor.
US08390050B2
A semiconductor device has a first-conductivity-type-channel MOSFET formed on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the first-conductivity-type-channel MOSFET is typically a P-channel MOSFET, and is composed of a gate insulating film and a gate electrode provided over the semiconductor substrate, the gate electrode contains a metal gate electrode provided over the gate insulating film, a metal oxide film provided over the metal gate electrode, and another metal gate electrode provided over metal oxide film.
US08390047B2
An implantable, miniaturized platform and a method for fabricating the platform is provided, where the e platform includes a top cover plate and a bottom substrate, top cover plate including an epitaxial, Si-encased substrate and is configured to include monolithically grown devices and device contact pads, the Si-encased substrate cover plate including a gold perimeter fence deposited on its Si covered outer rim and wherein the bottom substrate is constructed of Si and includes a plurality of partial-Si-vias (PSVs), electronic integrated circuits, device pads, pad interconnects and a gold perimeter fence, wherein the device pads are aligned with a respective device contact pad on the top cover plate and includes gold bumps having a predetermined height, the top cover plate and the bottom substrate being flip-chip bonded to provide a perimeter seal and to ensure electrical connectivity between the plurality of internal devices and at least one external component.
US08390040B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a double gate transistor having a silicon fin formed on a buried oxide layer and first and second insulation layers formed on a portion of the silicon fin, where at least the second insulation layer has a pair of portions extending onto respective first and second portions of the silicon fin to each act as a self-aligned spacer structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08390022B2
A light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a package support and a semiconductor chip on the package support, with the chip including an active region that emits light in the visible portion of the spectrum. Metal contacts are in electrical communication with the chip on the package. A substantially transparent encapsulant covers the chip in the package. A phosphor in the encapsulant emits a frequency in the visible spectrum different from the frequency emitted by the chip and in response to the wavelength emitted by the chip. A display element is also disclosed that combines the light emitting diode and a planar display element. The combination includes a substantially planar display element with the light emitting diode positioned on the perimeter of the display element and with the package support directing the output of the diode substantially parallel to the plane of the display element.
US08390019B2
A semiconductor device in which degradation due to permeation of water and oxygen can be limited, e.g., a light emitting device having an organic light emitting device (OLED) formed on a plastic substrate, and a liquid crystal display using a plastic substrate. A layer to be debonded, containing elements, is formed on a substrate, bonded to a supporting member, and debonded from the substrate. A thin film is thereafter formed on the debonded layer. The debonded layer with the thin film is adhered to a transfer member. Cracks caused in the debonded layer at the time of debonding are thereby repaired. As the thin film in contact with the debonded layer, a film having thermal conductivity, e.g., film of aluminum nitride or aluminum nitroxide is used. This film dissipates heat from the elements and has the effect of preventing deformation and change in quality of the transfer member, e.g., a plastic substrate.
US08390013B2
A semiconductor package structure includes a dielectric layer, a patterned metal layer, a carrier, a metal layer and a semiconductor die. The dielectric layer has a first surface, a second surface and an opening. The patterned metal layer is disposed on the first surface. The carrier is disposed at the second surface and has a third surface, a fourth surface and at least a through hole. A portion of the third surface and the through hole are exposed by the opening. The metal layer is disposed on the fourth surface and has a containing cavity and at least a heat conductive post extending from the fourth surface and disposed in the through hole. An end of the heat conductive post protrudes away from the third surface, and the containing cavity is located on the end of the heat conductive post. The semiconductor die is located in the containing cavity.
US08390011B2
An opto-electronic device, and a method of fabricating same, wherein the device has a patterned layer that includes a patterned, pierced or perforated mask, and an active layer formed over the patterned layer, wherein a refractive index of the patterned layer and a pattern of holes in the patterned layer are configured for controlling confinement or extraction of light emissions of the active layer into radiative and guided modes.
US08390009B2
A package system includes a substrate having at least one first thermally conductive structure through the substrate. At least one second thermally conductive structure is disposed over the at least one first thermally conductive structure. At least one light-emitting diode (LED) is disposed over the at least one second thermally conductive structure.
US08389989B2
It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable display device using a thin film transistor having favorable electric characteristics and high reliability as a switching element. In a bottom gate thin film transistor including an amorphous oxide semiconductor, an oxide conductive layer having a crystal region is formed between an oxide semiconductor layer which has been dehydrated or dehydrogenated by heat treatment and each of a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer which are formed using a metal material. Accordingly, contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and each of the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer can be reduced; thus, a thin film transistor having favorable electric characteristics and a highly reliable display device using the thin film transistor can be provided.
US08389988B2
In order to take advantage of the properties of a display device including an oxide semiconductor, a protective circuit and the like having appropriate structures and a small occupied area are necessary. The protective circuit is formed using a non-linear element which includes a gate insulating film covering a gate electrode; a first oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating film; a channel protective layer covering a region which overlaps with a channel formation region of the first oxide semiconductor layer; and a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer each of which is formed by stacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer and over the first oxide semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is connected to a scan line or a signal line, the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer is directly connected to the gate electrode.
US08389985B2
Provided are a color conversion film that maintains sufficient converted light intensity over a long period of time without increasing its thickness and a multicolor light-emitting organic EL device that includes the color conversion film. The color conversion film contains a conjugated high molecular weight copolymer having a structure of formula (1) that has alternating fluorene group-containing repeating units and arylenevinylene repeating units, and has phenylene groups inserted as spacers on both ends of the fluorene groups
US08389984B2
An organic light emitting diode display device and a method of manufacturing thereof, the device including a substrate, the substrate including a pixel part and a circuit part; a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer on the pixel part of the substrate; a gate insulating layer on an entire surface of the substrate; gate electrodes on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrodes corresponding to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, respectively; source/drain electrodes insulated from the gate electrodes, the source/drain electrodes being connected to the first and second semiconductor layers, respectively; a first electrode connected to the source/drain electrodes of the first semiconductor layer; an organic layer on the first electrode; a second layer on the organic layer; and a metal catalyst layer under the first semiconductor layer.
US08389982B2
An organic EL element includes an anode and a cathode, and an organic compound layer between the anode and the cathode, the organic compound layer including a light-emitting sublayer, wherein the light-emitting sublayer contains a host, a metal complex acting as a first dopant, and a metal complex acting as a second dopant, the metal complex acting as the first dopant includes an unconjugated ligand and a conjugated ligand, and the first dopant has the lowest excited triplet level originating from the lowest excited triplet level of a unconjugated ligand.
US08389974B2
A multiple-wavelength opto-electronic device may include a substrate and a plurality of active optical devices carried by the substrate and operating at different respective wavelengths. Each optical device may include a superlattice comprising a plurality of stacked groups of layers, and each group of layers may include a plurality of stacked semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer thereon.
US08389973B2
A memory includes a first tunneling field effect transistor including a first drain and a first source, the first drain coupled to a first resistive memory element. The memory includes a second tunneling field effect transistor including a second drain and sharing the first source, the second drain coupled to a second resistive memory element. The memory includes a first region coupled to the first source for providing a source node.
US08389971B2
In some embodiments, a memory cell is provided that includes a storage element formed from an MIM stack including (1) a first conductive layer; (2) an RRS layer formed above the first conductive layer; and (3) a second conductive layer formed above the RRS layer, at least one of the first and second conductive layers comprising a first semiconductor material layer. The memory cell includes a steering element coupled to the storage element, the steering element formed from the first semiconductor material layer of the MIM stack and one or more additional material layers. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08389963B2
Provided is a laser processing device capable of preventing laser light from leaking out to the outside of the housing by emitting the laser light to the processing target with the camera detached. The laser processing device includes a laser generator; a scanning optical system for scanning the laser light with respect to a workpiece; a housing frame for accommodating the scanning optical system; a camera for photographing the workpiece, the camera being removably attached to the housing frame and having a light receiving axis branched from an emission axis of the laser light; a camera cover removably attached to the housing frame to cover the camera; a limit SW for detecting detachment of the camera cover from the housing frame; and a laser output control section for prohibiting the emission of the laser light to the workpiece based on a cover detection signal.
US08389959B2
The present invention has an object to provide a method for efficiently detecting an image with a smaller number of pixels.The invention relates to fluorescence analysis which uses a substrate having a plurality of regions for being capable of immobilizing biologically-related molecules in positions of lattice points of a lattice structure, and which causes the fluorescence from a certain lattice point to be wavelength-dispersed in a direction other than the direction toward the adjacent closest lattice point. According to an embodiment, for example, the number of pixels of a two-dimensional sensor required for fluorescence analysis of the regions with the biologically-related molecules immobilized can be set to several hundred times to fifty times smaller than that in the conventional case without degrading the measurement accuracy. This can achieve the improvement of throughput, reduction in price, and/or improvement of the operability of an analyzing device.
US08389942B2
The invention provides a switchable photomultiplier switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state including a cathode upon which incident radiation is arranged to impinge. The photomultiplier also includes a series of dynodes arranged to amplify a current created at the cathode upon detection of photoradiation. The invention also provides a detection system arranged to detect radiation-emitting material in an object. The system includes a detector switchable between a detecting state in which the detector is arranged to detect radiation and a non-detecting state in which the detector is arranged to not detect radiation. The system further includes a controller arranged to control switching of the detector between the states such that the detector is switched to the non-detecting state while an external radiation source is irradiating the object.
US08389941B2
The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. The detector consists of one or more thin screens embedded in transparent hydrogenous light guides, which also serve as a neutron moderator. The emitted particles interact with the scintillator screen and produce a high light output, which is collected by the light guides into a photomultiplier tube and produces a signal from which the neutrons are counted. Simultaneous gamma-ray detection is provided by replacing the light guide material with a plastic scintillator. The plastic scintillator serves as the gamma-ray detector, moderator and light guide. The neutrons and gamma-ray events are separated employing Pulse-Shape Discrimination (PSD). The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc.
US08389935B2
A lower pole piece of an electromagnetic superposition type objective lens is divided into an upper magnetic path and a lower magnetic path. A voltage nearly equal to a retarding voltage is applied to the lower magnetic path. An objective lens capable of acquiring an image with a higher resolution and a higher contrast than a conventional image is provided. An electromagnetic superposition type objective lens includes a magnetic path that encloses a coil, a cylindrical or conical booster magnetic path that surrounds an electron beam, a control magnetic path that is interposed between the coil and sample, an accelerating electric field control unit that accelerates the electron beam using a booster power supply, a decelerating electric field control unit that decelerates the electron beam using a stage power supply, and a suppression unit that suppresses electric discharge of the sample using a control magnetic path power supply. Thus, whether landing energy of an electron beam varies widely, the electron beam can be focused with the electromagnetic superposition type objective lens approached to the sample.
US08389933B2
A mass analyser is provided comprising a plurality of electrodes having apertures through which ions are transmitted in use. A plurality of pseudo-potential corrugations are created along the axis of the mass analyser. The amplitude or depth of the pseudo-potential corrugations is inversely proportional to the mass to charge ratio of an ion. One or more transient DC voltages are applied to the electrodes of the mass analyser in order to urge ions along the length of the mass analyser. The amplitude of the transient DC voltages applied to the electrodes is increased with time and ions are caused to be emitted from the mass analyser in reverse order of their mass to charge ratio. A first AC or RF voltage is arranged to provide optimal pseudo-potential corrugations while a second AC or RF voltage is arranged to provide optimal radial confinement of ions within the mass analyser.
US08389929B2
A novel method and mass spectrometer apparatus is introduced to spatially and temporally resolve images of one or more ion exit patterns of a multipole instrument. In particular, the methods and structures of the present invention measures the ion current as a function of time and spatial displacement in the beam cross-section of a quadrupole mass filter via an arrayed detector. The linearity of the detected quadrupole ion current in combination with it reproducible spatial-temporal structure enables the deconvolution of the contributions of signals from individual ion species in complex mixtures where both sensitivity and mass resolving power are essential.
US08389926B2
A sensing module for light-emitting devices includes a circuit board having at least one retaining region configured to retain an optical sensor, at least one circuit configured to electrically connect the optical sensor to an output interface at a front end of the circuit board, a substrate positioned on the circuit board and having at least one aperture exposing the retaining regions, and an optical device positioned on the aperture and configured to collect emitting lights from a light-emitting device to the retaining region through the aperture.
US08389925B2
An optical encoder device is provided, in which the number of light transmissive slits of a stationary slit plate can be increased as much as possible according to the length of a light receiving surface of a light receiving element to produce an output signal with little distortion. A movable slit plate 3 includes a slit row R1 in which a plurality of light transmissive slits (light transmissive portions) S1 each having a slit width of 180° in terms of electrical angle and a plurality of light non-transmissive slits (light non-transmissive portions) S2 each having a slit width of 180° in terms of electrical angle are alternately formed. A stationary slit plate 4 includes a slit row R2 in which a plurality of light transmissive slits S3 each having a slit width of 180° in terms of electrical angle and a plurality of light non-transmissive slits S4 each having a slit width of (360Xk-180)° in terms of electrical angle are alternately formed. k is a value that satisfies k=1±(⅓n) where n denotes the number of the light transmissive slits S3.
US08389920B2
A method of making a color filter array of an imaging device comprises forming a main recess for a color filter array, forming a tension breaking feature at an edge of the main recess, and providing a color filter array material across the tension breaking feature and main recess as part of forming the color filter array. The tension breaking feature reduces the settling distance of the color filter array material. An imaging device having the thus formed color filter array is also described.
US08389919B2
A laser controller may operate a laser at a high power level, such as Class 3R, Class 3B, or higher, but may have safety interlocks to limit exposure to a safe level and may, as a system, be classified as Class 1. The laser controller may control a laser that transmits a light beam to a sensor, and may operate the laser in a high power mode when the sensor senses the light beam. While a laser is transmitting and the laser beam is not sensed, the laser may be operated within Class 1 power levels. When the light beam is broken, the laser controller may turn off the laser or change the power level to a safe level such that a person would not be exposed to any more energy than a Class 1 level. The laser controller may use various mechanisms to set a detection threshold and may use an ambient light sensor to determine when detection may be impossible.
US08389916B2
An apparatus for applying RF energy to an object, including at least one slower-scanning, frequency source and at least one faster-scanning frequency source, and a controller which sweeps a range of frequencies using the faster-scanning source to measure RF absorption and controls the slower-scanning frequency source based on the sweep.
US08389915B2
The present document describes a cooking container for foodstuff in the form of a pouch made of a microwaveable heat-sealable polyester film. The polyester film comprises micro-perforations allowing controlled respiration of the film while maintaining atmospheric pressure inside the pouch.
US08389913B2
An apparatus and method for induction heating of a liquid. The apparatus includes a vessel having a volume for receiving a liquid, an induction plate and an induction base. The induction plate is positioned proximate to an induction base and suspended within the vessel, so that it is completely surrounded by the liquid to be heated. The apparatus may also include a filter column positioned within the vessel and for receiving an infuser.
US08389909B2
A portable device which generates heat and which can be used alternatively as a corded, plug-in device or as a cordless, fuel-powered device. The device has dual heating capabilities—each of which is powered by a unique cartridge. For use as a plug-in device an electric cartridge that connects the device to an adapter is utilized, whereas for use as a portable device a fuel cartridge is utilized for supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to support combustion. Use of one of the cartridges prevents the use of the other.
US08389907B2
A baking oven 10 comprising an oven chamber 11, heating elements 20, 120 for generating heat, a support 14, 114A for supporting one or more baking trays 30 in a baking tray position within the heating chamber 11. The oven has an active region 120 under the baking tray position and an inactive region 130 positioned outwardly of the active region 120, the heating elements 20 being positioned to provide substantially more heat to the active region 120 than to the inactive region 130 for more directly heating an underside of the baking tray position. The oven chamber 11 may also include second support 114B within the oven chamber for supporting one or more baking trays above the baking trays on the first support 14 and second heating elements 127 intermediate the first support and a second support for supplying heat to an underside of the baking trays on the second support 114B; the second support 114B being movable relative to the second heating elements 127 and coaxial with the first support 20, 114A.
US08389906B2
A hair cutting head 605, for use in a hair cutting apparatus 500 comprising: an elongated heated wire 260 suitable for shaving, cutting or burning hair growing from a skin surface; and a blunt debris removal element 650, situated and configured to remove debris or scorched hair residue from the skin after shaving, cutting or burning by the heated wire.
US08389904B2
The invention relates to a glow plug for Diesel engines, comprising a housing, a heater rod, which is movable in the housing in axial direction and projects from the housing at a forward end, and a pressure measuring device for measuring a combustion chamber pressure exerted on the heater rod. It is provided according to the invention that a housing chamber is filled with a substance having or achieving liquid to paste-like consistency at temperatures occurring during operation and conducting heat generated by the heater rod to the housing.
US08389893B2
A method for laser beam machining of a workpiece in which a laser beam is focused by an objective, into or onto the workpiece having a boundary surface, to produce a machining effect by a two-photon process, and the position of the focal point with respect to the workpiece is shifted. To obtain a reference for the position of the focal point, an image of a luminating modulation object is projected through the objective onto the workpiece into the focal plane or so as to intersect it. Reflections of the image occurring at the boundary surface are imaged into an autofocus image plane, and are detected by a camera. The camera image plane either intersects the autofocus image plane when the image of the illuminating modulation object lies in the focal plane, or lies in the autofocus image plane when the image of the modulation object intersects the focal plane.
US08389889B2
A method of forming a surface feature extending into a sample includes providing a laser operable to emit an output beam and modulating the output beam to form a pulse train having a plurality of pulses. The method also includes a) directing the pulse train along an optical path intersecting an exposed portion of the sample at a position i and b) focusing a first portion of the plurality of pulses to impinge on the sample at the position i. Each of the plurality of pulses is characterized by a spot size at the sample. The method further includes c) ablating at least a portion of the sample at the position i to form a portion of the surface feature and d) incrementing counter i. The method includes e) repeating steps a) through d) to form the surface feature. The sample is free of a rim surrounding the surface feature.
US08389884B2
A switch apparatus comprising two interrupters, such as a busbar disconnector and a grounding disconnector. Common actuator means are provided for the movable contacts of the interrupters, for permitting one of the interrupters to be opened while holding the other interrupter closed, and vice versa, which enables the strokes performed by the movable contacts to be crossed.
US08389881B2
A conductor termination system for use with an electrical power transmission conductor includes a termination assembly and a connector. The termination assembly includes an end member and an integral retainer mechanism. The end member includes a receiver portion configured to receive a segment of the conductor. The retainer mechanism includes a moveable keeper member on the end member. The retainer mechanism is operable to selectively clamp a segment of the conductor in the receiver portion to the end member and to apply a retention load to the conductor segment. The connector is adapted to be applied to the end member and the conductor to securely clamp the conductor segment to the end member.
US08389880B2
Disclosed is a keylock device for a circuit breaker. The keylock device for a circuit breaker comprises a closing lever configured to generate a closing operation of a mechanism, a trip lever configured to generate a trip operation of the mechanism, and a locking unit configured to allow a locked state of the locking unit to be maintained when the mechanism is in an ‘ON’ state, but to allow the locked state of the locking unit to be converted into a released state when the mechanism is in an ‘OFF’ state. Under these configurations, it is impossible to convert the current state of the keylock device into a locked state unless the mechanism of the circuit breaker is converted into an ‘OFF’ state. This may prevent the occurrence of an accidence due to the operator's unintentional ‘OFF’ state of the mechanism.
US08389877B2
A process for weighing successive flexible filled packs, without conveyance of the packs being stopped and without the conveyance suddenly decelerating, to weighing device which holds and transports the packs in suspension to a delivery position; the weighing process including measuring by a scale the weight of the assembly formed by the weighing device and the weight of the conveyed pack or packs, the average speed of the conveyance of the packs and/or the length of the conveyed distance being selected such that during a predetermined time period a single pack is held and conveyed in suspension by the weighing device. The weighing device for the packs includes first and second endless belts between which holding portions of the packs to be weighed are introduced, and the suspended packs are conveyed by the movement of the endless belts.
US08389874B2
An electric junction box having a casing and a circuit structure accommodated in the casing. The circuit structure includes a plurality of first bus bars arranged at intervals and synthetic resin members disposed between the adjacent first bus bars and firmly attached to the first bus bars. The synthetic resin members have heat conductivity higher than that of air. Since the heat generated from the first bus bars during electrical connecting can be transmitted to the synthetic resin members, the electric junction box can be prevented from being locally heated to a high temperature.
US08389867B2
For the purpose of providing a semiconductor element built-in type multilayered circuit board in which a semiconductor element is closely joined to a recess of an insulating substrate to effectively disperse heat generated from the semiconductor element through the insulating substrate at a working temperature region of the semiconductor element circuit board, to surely conduct an electrical connection of an electronic part such as semiconductor element or the like in a short wiring and to enable the high density mounting of semiconductor elements, miniaturization and increase of working speed, there is proposed a semiconductor element built-in type multilayered circuit board formed by laminating a plurality of semiconductor element built-in type boards each comprising an insulating substrate and a semiconductor element accommodated in a recess formed therein, characterized in that a difference between a linear expansion coefficient of the insulating substrate and a linear expansion coefficient of the semiconductor element in a temperature zone of 20-300° C. is less than 1×10−5/K.
US08389863B2
A flat display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flat display panel includes i) a first substrate on which a display unit is formed, ii) a second substrate formed to face the first substrate, iii) a resin layer formed on the second substrate; a window formed on the resin layer, iv) a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a spacer formed between the window and the first end of the FPC. A first end of the FPC is combined with the second substrate, and a second end of the FPC is combined with the first substrate, so that the first substrate and the second substrate are electrically connected to each other.
US08389862B2
In embodiments, the present invention may attach at least two isolated electronic components to an elastomeric substrate, and arrange an electrical interconnection between the components in a boustrophedonic pattern interconnecting the two isolated electronic components with the electrical interconnection. The elastomeric substrate may then be stretched such that the components separate relative to one another, where the electrical interconnection maintains substantially identical electrical performance characteristics during stretching, and where the stretching may extend the separation distance between the electrical components to many times that of the unstretched distance.
US08389858B2
A while-in-use electrical box cover with an improved hinge mount is provided that prevents damage to the box cover when the hood is overstressed in the open position. A hood attaches to the base of the box cover by way of a hood hinge mount and a base hinge mount. A hinge pin, or some variance thereof, is used to couple the hood hinge mount and base hinge mount while maintaining free rotation of the pin. Hinge mounts are located in multiple positions allowing for horizontal or vertical mounting options of the hood. Some of the hinge mounts comprise compressible slots to prevent undue stresses which could potentially damage the hood or the hinge mounts located on the hood and base.
US08389854B2
A Ni plating is applied on a base metal in a metal strip form, and a brightener-free Sn-(1 to 4% by mass)Cu plating is applied on the Ni plating. The metal strip is heat-treated at a temperature at or above the melting point (solidus line) of a Sn-(1 to 4% by mass)Cu alloy to form a Cu-Sn compound layer or a Cu—Ni—Sn-compound layer on the Ni plating layer and a Sn layer or a Sn—Cu-ally layer on the Cu—Sn compound layer or the Cu—Ni—Sn-compound layer. The metal strip is further fabricated into a connector.
US08389829B1
A novel maize variety designated X8F936 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 X8F936 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8F936 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8F936, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8F936. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8F936.
US08389822B1
A novel maize variety designated X95A930 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 X95A930 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95A930 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95A930, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95A930. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95A930.
US08389814B2
A soybean cultivar designated 2252921658 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 2252921658, to the plants of soybean 2252921658, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 2252921658, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 2252921658 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 2252921658, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 2252921658, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 2252921658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08389810B2
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia Lam seed designated as 41-49 RZ, which has leaves with a hollow main vein, broad base leaves, and exhibits resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), corky root (Sphingomonas suberifaciens) and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia Lam plant produced by growing the “41-49 RZ” seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-49 RZ.
US08389809B2
The present invention is directed to wheat plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. More particularly, the present invention includes wheat plants containing one or more IMI nucleic acids such as a Gunner IMI 205, Gunner IMI 208 and Madsen IMI cultivar. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these wheat plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these wheat plants.
US08389796B1
A novel maize variety designated X00A016 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 X00A016 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A016 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A016, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A016. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A016.
US08389791B2
Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.
US08389789B2
Disclosed is a process for the production of C2 to C3 olefins via the catalytic cracking of feedstocks including C4 and heavier olefins in an integrated reaction/regeneration system.
US08389786B2
A process is presented for controlling the output of monoalkylated benzenes. The alkylbenzenes are linear alkylbenzenes and the process controls the 2-phenyl content of the product stream. The control of the process to generate a linear alkylbenzene with a 2-phenyl content within a desired range by recycling a portion of the effluent from the alkylation reactor to the inlet of the reactor.
US08389785B2
A method for controlling 2-isomer content in linear alkylbenzene obtained by alkylating benzene with olefins and catalyst used in the method.
US08389783B2
This invention describes a process for hydrogenation of an aromatic feedstock that as a catalytic composition uses a suspension of metal nanoparticles of a mean size of between 1 and 20 nanometers in at least one non-aqueous ionic liquid, whereby said suspension also contains at least one nitrogen-containing ligand, in which said metal nanoparticles comprise a transition metal in the zero-valence state, whereby the transition metal is selected from the groups 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the periodic table and in which said nitrogen-containing ligand comprises 1 to n nitrogen atoms, whereby n is an integer of between 1 and 20.
US08389779B2
A subject-matter of the invention is a process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene comprising the following stages: (i) hydrogenation of hexafluoropropylene to give 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; (ii) dehydrofluorination of the 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane obtained in the preceding stage to give 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene; (iii) hydrogenation of the 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene obtained in the preceding stage to give 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; (iv) purification of the 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane obtained in the preceding stage; and (v) dehydrofluorination of the 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane obtained in the preceding stage to give 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene; and (vi) purification of the 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene of the preceding stage.
US08389774B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for the continuous reaction of a liquid and a second fluid, wherein the device comprises at least two jet loop reactors interconnected in parallel and common outer liquid recirculation.
US08389770B2
The invention relates to a method for producing diaminodiphenyl alkanes, wherein an aromatic amine, which can be substituted or unsubstituted, is reacted with a C1-C3 aldehyde in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst, said catalyst being a mesoporous acidic ion exchanger based on a divinylbenzene/styrene copolymer and the catalyst having acid centers in a concentration of 4 to 6 eq/kg as measured according to DIN 54 403 and the average pore diameter of the catalyst particles being 10 to 32 nm as measured according to ASTM D 4222 10, and the content of polynuclear compounds in the reaction mixture being ≦10% by weight.
US08389769B2
A polymerizable Type II photoinitiator according to Formula (I): wherein: A represents a Norrish Type II initiating group; L represents a divalent linking group positioning the Norrish Type II initiating group A and the CR2R3-group in a 1-5 to a 1-8 position wherein position 1 is defined as the first atom in the aromatic or alicyclic ring of A to which L is covalently bonded and the position 5 to 8 is defined as the carbon atom of the CR2R3-group to which L is covalently bonded, with the proviso that L does not contain an amine. Radiation curable compositions and inks include the multifunctional Type II photoinitiator.
US08389765B2
A process for the manufacture of iodixanol by performing a purification process of the crude product in a solvent comprising ethanol. The crude product may be obtained in aqueous solution from dimerisation of 5-acetamido-N,N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide (“Compound A”).
US08389761B2
A method to produce levulinic acid (LA) and γ-valerolactone (GVL) from biomass-derived cellulose by selective extraction of LA by alkylphenol (AP) and hydrogenation of LA, in which mineral acid used in the method is recycled and the final concentration of GVL is increased by successive extraction/hydrogenation steps to allow for effective separation by distillation.
US08389757B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing Teriflunomide of formula (I).
US08389755B2
A gas adsorption material has a three-dimensional structure wherein a ligand (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) having an aromatic ring as a principal skeleton containing, a carboxyl group and a functional group capable of forming a coordinate bond, the functional group being other than the carboxyl group, and a metal nucleus (Zn) are bonded to each other at a ratio of 1:1. The ligand contains a functional hydroxyl group other than the carboxyl group, and the carboxyl group and the functional group other than the carboxyl group are bonded in at least one position to the metal nucleus. The gas adsorption material is produced by drying a precursor obtained by reacting the ligand and the metal nucleus, dissolving the dried precursor in an organic solvent, heating and stirring a resultant solution to form a three-dimensional structure that includes the organic solvent as a crystal solvent, and removing the crystal solvent.
US08389754B2
The present invention discloses a method of producing triglycerides rich in XOX fat and/or XLX fat, which comprises the steps of heating and dissolving triglycerides (XOX fat and/or XLX fat) which comprise 20 to 60 mass % of a triglyceride having a saturated fatty acid residue on each of the first and third position and an oleoyl group and/or a linoleoyl group on the second position in total triglycerides in the presence of 1 to 30 mass % of a fatty acid lower alkyl ester; and then cooling the mixture to precipitate crystals and conducting solid-liquid separation. This method is a more efficient and industrially suitable fractionation and production method of fats and oils which are rich in a triglyceride (XOX fat and/or XLX fat) having a saturated fatty acid residue on each of the first and third position and an oleoyl group and/or a linoleoyl group on the second position.
US08389753B2
A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a a lactone substitution, a dihydrofuran substitution, or a ketone substitution via an electron acceptor mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, or as components of lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, and modified fatty acids for polymer synthesis.
US08389749B2
Described is a catalytic process for converting biomass to furan derivatives (e.g., furfural, furfuryl alcohol, etc.) using a biphasic reactor containing a reactive aqueous phase and an organic extracting phase containing an alkylphenol. The process provides a cost-effective route for producing furfural, furfuryl alcohol, levulinic acid hydroxymethylfurfural, γ-valerolactone, and the like. The products formed are useful as value-added intermediates to produce polymers, as precursors to diesel fuel, and as fuel additives.
US08389747B2
The invention refers to the use of specific cyclolignans, wherein the carbon atoms in positions 9 and 9′ have cis configuration, for inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. Said compounds can be used for treatment of IGF-1R dependent diseases, such as cancer, psoriasis, artherosclerosis and acromegaly. A preferred compound is picropodophyllin.
US08389742B2
The present invention provides 3-hydrazino-2,5-dioxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylates of the formula (I): wherein R1 is a C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R2 is a hydrogen atom or a COOR3 group, wherein R3 is a tert-C4-6 alkyl group, a 2,2,2-trichloroethyl group or a benzyl group in which the benzene ring moiety may be optionally substituted by one or two atoms or groups independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, a C1-4 alkoxy group, a cyano group and a nitro group, and a salt thereof, which are useful as a novel intermediate for preparing tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-4-spiro-3′-pyrrolidine derivatives such as Ranirestat being promising therapeutic agents for diabetic complications in a short process and in an economically advantageous and safe manner, and the process for preparing the same.
US08389736B2
The invention provides compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and methods for increasing activity of a mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (mutant-CFTR). The compositions pharmaceutical preparations and methods are useful for the study and treatment of disorders associated with mutant-CFTR, such as cystic fibrosis. The compositions and pharmaceutical preparations of the invention may comprise one or more bithiazole-containing compounds of the invention, or an analog or derivative thereof.
US08389735B2
An oxadiazole derivative represented by the following general formula (G1) is synthesized and applied to the light emitting element, wherein Am is a substituent represented by a general formula (Am1), (Am2), or (Am3); each of α, β1, and β2 represents an arylene group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; each of Ar1 to Ar6 represents an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; each of R1 to R3 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; and R4 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms.
US08389731B2
Diastereomeric pyrrolidine compounds and methods of preparation, as can be used en route to the preparation of a range of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.
US08389730B2
Provided are small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators, including Trp-p8 agonists and Trp-p8 antagonists, and compositions comprising small-molecule Trp-p8 agonists as well as methods for identifying and characterizing novel small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators and methods for decreasing viability and/or inhibiting growth of Trp-p8 expressing cells, methods for activating Trp-p8-mediated cation influx, methods for stimulating apoptosis and/or necrosis, and related methods for the treatment of diseases, including cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and/or prostate cancers as well as other diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, that are associated with Trp-p8 expression.
US08389722B2
Adefovir Dipivoxil monohydrate crystalline is disclosed.
US08389701B2
Multisignaling oligomeric or polymeric compositions comprising labeled moieties and binding partners
The present invention provides multisignal labeling reagents and these are useful in a number of biochemical applications, including the manufacture of biomolecular probes and their use in detecting or amplifying analyte-specific moieties.
US08389700B2
The present invention provides a composition for selectively delivering an active agent to a portion of an organism. The composition comprises first and second polymer portions, having first and second functional groups attached as a side-chain thereto, respectively. The first and second functional groups form cross-links between the first and second polymer portions. The cross-links are capable of being broken by a substance of the organism, thereby resulting in release of the active agent. The composition provides a novel means for controlling the selective release of the active agent in the organism.
US08389691B2
This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and have the ability in the alternative to become internalized by cells expressing endosialin and to induce an immune effector activity such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to endosialin-expressing cells as well as in eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor and neovascular cells and precursors. The invention is also related to nucleotides encoding the antibodies of the invention, cells expressing the antibodies; methods of detecting cancer and neovascular cells; and methods of treating cancer and neovascular disease using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.
US08389684B2
The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and specifically to a method of diagnosing the presence or metastasis of cancer by detecting plasma Hsp90α having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1 as a tumor marker. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for the treatment of cancer and metastasis.
US08389677B2
A polypeptide is isolated from Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) having molecular weight of about 8,000 Daltons. The polypeptide is highly water-soluble and absolutely non-toxic antioxidant, which is isolated using boiling water extraction. The polypeptide is an excellent antioxidant working at low concentration (of about 80 nM) to quench lipid peroxidation up to 90%. The polypeptide is highly effective against oxidative stress related diseases like arthritis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cataract, malaria, bacterial and fungal infectious diseases.
US08389666B2
The disclosed is a copolymer having a formula as: R1 is a combination of naphthalene, phenylene, butyl, and hexyl. R2 is a combination of ethylene, cyclohexlene, 2-methylpropyl, and neopentyl. n is a number of 1500 to 3000. The copolymer has a transparency greater than 80%, a thermal resistance greater than 100° C., a moisture absorption less than 0.5 wt %, and yellowing under UV/climate resistance greater than 1000 hours.
US08389663B2
Silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers, silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers in negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations, methods of forming structures using negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations containing silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers, structures containing porous silsesquioxane polymers and monomers and method of preparing monomers for silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers.
US08389662B2
Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate polymer comprising: an isosorbide unit, a polysiloxane unit, and an aliphatic unit different from the isosorbide unit, wherein the isosorbide unit, polysiloxane unit, and aliphatic unit are each carbonate, or a combination of carbonate and ester units, the aliphatic unit different from the isosorbide unit is derived from an aliphatic oligomer having a molecular weight of 900 to 4000, and the calculated bio-content is greater than or equal to 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate polymer.
US08389660B1
The invention is a novel family of polyolefins characterized by chain-walking defects of the type that add extra backbone carbons per monomer. These polyolefins display a large decrease in crystallinity relative to polyolefins known in the art. Specifically, the reduction in crystallinity is much greater than for earlier polypropylenes with a matched content of stereo or 1-alkene type defects. The claimed polyolefins can be made by a late metal Ni(II) catalyst. The defects in the polyolefin backbone are generated by a chain waling mechanism in which three or more carbons per monomer are added to the polymer backbone instead of two, as in conventional polymerization or copolymerization methods of alpha olefins. The novel polyolefins can be used in applications such as plastic wrapping, thin films, co-extrusion layers or molded parts in the absence of polymer blending or copolymerization. The cost of materials production can be reduced.
US08389658B2
A process for preparing postcrosslinked water-absorbing polymer beads with high absorption by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein the solids content of the monomer solution is at least 35% by weight and the polymer beads have a mean diameter of at least 150 μm.
US08389656B2
A copolymer and method for providing it are provided, which includes a monomer unit represented by the following formula (1) and an olefin unit: wherein: each of A1, A2, A3, and A4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a silyl group, a siloxy group, an alkoxy group, an aralkyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an amino group, an amide group, an imide group, or a hydrocarbon thio group; which group may have a substituent; and each of m, n, and k is independently an integer in a range of 2 to 20.
US08389655B2
A process for preparing polymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, by contacting propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8 α-olefins and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.
US08389640B2
A process for the polymerization of allylamine and its subsequent crosslinking in the presence of a dispersing agent.
US08389639B2
A proton exchange membrane comprising modified hyper-branched polymer is disclosed. The proton exchange membrane includes 85-90 wt % of sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer and 15-10 wt % of modified hyper-branched polymer. The modified hyper-branched polymer comprises the bismaleimide (BMI)-based hyper-branched polymer, and parts of the chain ends of the hyper-branched polymer are sulfonated by the sulfonic compound. Also, the modified hyper-branched polymer and sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer are interpenetrated to form an interpenetrating polymer. Furthermore, the modification step could be performed before or after forming the interpenetrating polymer. For example, the sulfonation is proceeded after forming the interpenetrating polymer. Alternatively, the sulfonation of the hyper-branched polymer could be proceeded before the formation of the interpenetrating polymer.
US08389634B2
A thermoplastic composition is described that comprises (i) from 1 to 99 percent by weight of the total composition of at least one thermoplastic copolymer, for example, styrene block copolymers, and (ii) from 1 to 99 percent by weight of the total composition of at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, for example ethylene/1-octene, having a density of less than or equal to 0.899 g/cc and a Brookfield viscosity of greater than 500 cP (350° F.).
US08389625B2
This disclosure is directed to an integrated method for making synthetic hydrocarbon fluids, plasticizers and polar synthetic lubricant base stocks from a renewable feedstock. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to a metathesis reaction of natural oil or its derivative ester and ethylene in the presence of an effective amount of a metathesis catalyst to form linear alpha-olefins, internal olefins and reduced chain length triglycerides. The linear alpha-olefins and/or internal olefins are polymerized to produce synthetic hydrocarbon fluids in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The reduced chain length triglycerides are converted into polar synthetic lubricant base stocks or plasticizers by hydrogenation, isomerization, followed by hydrogenations, or by hydroisomerization processes. Alternatively, the reduced chain length triglycerides can also be epoxidized to form epoxidized triglyceride plasticizers, optionally followed by carbonation, to form carbonated triglyceride plasticizers.
US08389623B2
An improved polymerization and work-up process makes it possible to produce specific nitrile rubbers which have a particular ion index and a particular magnesium content which is responsible for an excellent vulcanization rate and leads to vulcanizates having an advantageous property profile.
US08389619B1
A poly(ether-ketone) composite of the formula: wherein DND is detonation nanodiamond particle; wherein Ar represents ether-ketone repeating groups of the formula wherein Q is —O— or —O—(CH2)n—O—, wherein n has a value of 2-12; wherein R is —H, —CH3, or —C2H5, m has a value of 1 or 2; wherein R′ is —H or —CH3; and wherein — denotes the presence of a direct C—C bond between Ar and DND. Also provided is a process for preparing the nanocomposites.
US08389603B2
Methods for preparing nanocomposites with thermal properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Thermal nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.
US08389587B2
Provided are separators used in power accumulators such as lithium ion secondary batteries and a preparation method thereof. The said separators are obtained through following steps: providing a polymer colloidal emulsion through a polymerization reaction of polyvinyl alcohol, hydrophobic monomer and hydrophilic monomer in water solution initiated by an initiator; coating a plastic substrate with the said polymer colloidal emulsion using tape-casting method; drying the plastic substrate coated with the polymer colloidal emulsion, and then obtaining the said separators by delaminating them from the substrate. The said separators have good liquid absorbability, high liquid absorption rate and retention, low resistivity, good mechanical strength and good thermal stability (little thermal shrinkage and little size distortion) as well as electrochemical stability. The prepared lithium ion batteries have good cycle stability and long service life.
US08389579B2
Suggested are biocide compositions, comprising (a) at least one dialkylamide based on a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and (b) at least one biocide. The compositions exhibit an improved stability even if stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period.
US08389575B2
A process is provided for producing target concentrations of peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity under conditions where control of reaction pH by selection of buffer concentration and concentration of perhydrolase and reactants produces a targeted concentration of peroxycarboxylic acids. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided, as are corresponding methods of use.
US08389574B2
The present invention relates to the use of acetyl L-carnitine in combination with an anti hypertensive drug, and a statin, for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or delay of onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications, in pre-diabetic patients with insulin resistance.
US08389573B2
The present invention relates to novel derivatives of glycyrrhetinic acid, compositions comprising said derivatives and their use in the treatment of conditions or diseases that benefit from an upregulation of PPAR&ggr; and/or a downregulation of the expression or activity of one or more specificity (Sp) proteins, such as cancer, diabetes and Huntington's disease.
US08389561B2
This invention provides 1-substituted-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl derivatives, intermediates and methods for producing them, which are therapeutic agents useful for the prevention and treatment of central nervous system disorders and diseases mediated by a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, pain, nicotine addiction and dementia.
US08389554B2
Novel imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 have the meaning according to claim 1, are inhibitors of TGF-beta receptor I kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08389549B2
A compound of Formula: (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, where Ar1, Ar2, X, R3, and m are as disclosed herein. Compounds of Formulae (I)-(V) and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof; compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formulae (I)-(V) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and methods for treating or preventing pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD, or IBS in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formulae (I)-(V) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof are disclosed herein.
US08389548B2
Novel methods for the medical treatment and/or inhibition of the development of osteoporosis, breast cancer, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia or atherosclerosis in susceptible warm-blooded animals including humans involving administration of selective estrogen receptor modulator particularly compounds having the general structure: and an amount of a sex steroid precursor selected from the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol and compounds converted in vivo to one of the foregoing presursor. Further administration of bisphosphonates in combination with selective estrogen receptor modulators and/or sex steroid precursor is disclosed for the medical treatment and/or inhibition of the development of osteoporosis. Pharmaceutical compositions for delivery of active ingredient(s) and kit(s) useful to the invention are also disclosed.
US08389547B2
Compounds of formula (I) are modulators of gamma-secretase, and hence are useful in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US08389537B2
Salts of 4-methyl-N-[3-(4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-benzamide are prepared by various processes.
US08389524B2
Tricyclic nitrogen containing compounds and their use as antibacterials. Z1 and Z2 are independently selected from CH and N.
US08389519B2
The present invention provides adamantyl-diamide derivatives of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and pharmaceutical compositions and methods using the same.
US08389509B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: n is zero or an integer selected from 1 through 4; R1 is cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl, each optionally substituted with one to five substituents independently selected from C1 to C6 alkyl, C1 to C4 haloalkyl, benzyl, —OR4, and/or halogen; and R2, R3, R4, and n are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds as selective agonists for G protein-coupled receptor S1P1, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as autoimmune diseases and vascular disease.
US08389495B2
A substantially pure or isolated oligodeoxynucleotide of at least 10 nucleotides is disclosed, wherein the oligodeoxynucleotide comprised a sequence represented by either formula: 5′N1N2N3T-CpG-WN4N5N63′ wherein the CpG motif is unmethylated, W is A or T, and N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 are nucleotides, or the formula: 5′RY-CpG-RY3′ wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, R is A or G, and Y is C or T, as well as an oligodeoxynucleotide delivery complex and a pharmacological composition comprising the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide, and a method of inducing an immune response by administering the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide to a host. In some embodiments, the oligodeoxynucleotide includes the nucleic acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 137.
US08389494B2
Methods for inhibiting the formation and growth of a p185neu positive tumor in a subject, and for treating a subject having a p185neu positive tumor, utilizing a DNA vector coding for a chimeric rat/human Her-2/neu/ErbB-2 protein are provided.
US08389492B2
The present invention provides for a method of treating or preventing ischemic or liver disease in a subject by administering a composition reconstituted from a lyophilized hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) DNA formulation, where the DNA formulation comprises an HGF plasmid DNA, salt and a carbohydrate. The invention further provides for a method of making such a lyophilized DNA formulation that preserves or enhances gene expression both in vitro and in vivo, thus maintaining or stimulating the biological activity of the expressed protein. The invention also provides for the DNA formulation, or the lyophilized DNA formulation according to the methods disclosed.
US08389489B2
The invention provides improved nucleic acid ligands that inhibit coagulation and improved modulators of the nucleic acid ligands to provide ideal modulators of coagulation. These improved nucleic acid ligands and modulators are particularly useful for inhibiting coagulation in a host undergoing a therapeutic regime such as surgery or coronary artery bypass.
US08389469B2
The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and articles of manufacture useful for the treatment of Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus bacteria and spores, and related conditions. The disclosure further relates to compositions comprising various phage associated lytic enzyme that rapidly and specifically detect and kill Bacillus anthracis and other bacteria. Related articles of manufacture, methods of degrading spores and methods of treatment of infections or bacteria populations of, or subjects exposed to or at risk for exposure to Bacillus anthracis are also provided.
US08389466B2
A description is provided of the use of certain carboxylic acid esters as a fragrance substance, preferably as a fragrance substance for conveying, modifying and/or intensifying one, two or all the fragrance notes fruity and green, preferably both the fragrance notes fruity and green.
US08389464B2
A solidification matrix includes a polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water. Exemplary polycarboxylic acid polymers include a polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, a modified polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, and a polymaleic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 500 and about 5,000. The polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.
US08389461B1
The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods to disperse oils and other petroleum derivatives from bodies of water and land areas. The present disclosure further relates to biologically-compatible compositions and methods to disperse oils and other petroleum derivatives.
US08389459B2
A composition including the fermentation supernatant from a fermentation of yeast is intended to be conveniently introduced through the wastewater plumbing system of a private home or other facility into a septic system servicing the home or other facility to substantially accelerate the ability of the bacteria resident in the septic system to substantially digest biologically available organic compounds present in the septic system, and methods of accomplishing the same.
US08389457B2
A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
US08389446B2
The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
US08389442B2
The use of fungicidal compounds of formula Ij wherein A and A′ are both N or A and A′ are both CH or A is CH and A′ is N; j is 0 or 1 and the R groups are as defined in claim 1; their preparation and compositions 10 comprising the compounds.
US08389434B2
An improved platinum and method for manufacturing the improved platinum wherein the platinum having a fractal surface coating of platinum, platinum gray, with a increase in surface area of at least 5 times when compared to shiny platinum of the same geometry and also having improved resistance to physical stress when compared to platinum black having the same surface area. The process of electroplating the surface coating of platinum gray comprising plating at a moderate rate, for example at a rate that is faster than the rate necessary to produce shiny platinum and that is less than the rate necessary to produce platinum black. Platinum gray is applied to manufacture a fuel cell and a catalyst.
US08389432B2
Structured automotive catalysts which comprise a plurality of different catalytically active coatings arranged above one another on a support body and whose coatings contain transition metals and porous support materials are well known. Structured automotive catalysts of this type which do not belong to the group of three-way catalysts, in particular, frequently display large selectivity losses after thermal aging processes which can be attributed to the thermally induced migration of transition metal atoms from one layer into the neighboring coating. The introduction of a diffusion barrier which slows or prevents the thermally induced migration of transition metal atoms from one catalytically active layer into the other increases the thermal aging stability of such catalysts significantly.
US08389424B2
A reinforcement for a darted three-dimensional Pi or T-shaped preform, a method of making thereof and a composite structure including the reinforcement is disclosed. The reinforcement is a steered fabric having a width, a length, a first face surface and a second face surface separated by a thickness. The first face surface of the steered fabric is affixed to a darted component of the preform. The steered fabric reinforcement can be a single layer or multilayer fabric, which can be woven using a programmable take up system.
US08389420B2
A method of forming a silicon oxide film on silicon exposed on a surface of a workpiece includes mounting the workpiece on a mounting table in a processing chamber; generating plasma of a process gas containing oxygen by supplying the process gas into the processing chamber; applying a bias to the workpiece by supplying high-frequency power to the mounting table; and forming the silicon oxide film by applying the plasma to the biased workpiece and oxidizing the silicon. A ratio of oxygen in the process gas is set to be in the range of 0.1% to 10%. A pressure in the processing chamber is set to be in the range of 1.3 Pa to 266.6 Pa upon forming the silicon oxide film. An output of the high-frequency power is set to be in the range of 0.14 W/cm2 to 2.13 W/cm2 per unit area of the workpiece.
US08389415B2
Methods and apparatus may operate to position a sample within a processing chamber and operate on a surface of the sample. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.
US08389399B2
A method of forming a memory cell is provided, the method including forming a first pillar-shaped element comprising a first semiconductor material, forming a first mold comprising an opening self-aligned with the first pillar-shaped element, and depositing a second semiconductor material in the opening to form a second pillar-shaped element above the first pillar-shaped element. Other aspects are also provided.
US08389395B2
A method for manufacturing includes the steps of forming a BCB resin region on a semiconductor optical device; processing a surface of the BCB resin region with inductively coupled plasma produced with a high-frequency power supply for supplying ICP power and a high-frequency power supply for supplying bias power, thus forming a silicon oxide film on the surface of the BCB resin region and roughening the surface of the BCB resin region with projections and recesses; and forming an electrode pad on the surface of the BCB resin region in direct contact with the silicon oxide film. The surface roughness of the BCB resin region and the thickness of the silicon oxide film on the surface of the BCB resin region are controlled by adjusting the bias power and the ICP power.
US08389391B2
Example embodiments provide triple-gate semiconductor devices isolated by reverse shallow trench isolation (STI) structures and methods for their manufacture. In an example process, stacked layers including a form layer over a dielectric layer can be formed over a semiconductor substrate. One or more trenches can be formed by etching through the stacked layers. The one or more trenches can be filled by an active area material to form one or more active areas, which can be isolated by remaining portions of the dielectric layer. Bodies of the active area material can be exposed by removing the form layer. One or more triple-gate devices can then be formed on the exposed active area material. The example triple-gate semiconductor devices can control the dimensions for the active areas and provide less isolation spacing between the active areas, which optimizes manufacturing efficiency and device integration quality.
US08389387B2
Vapor-liquid-solid growth of nanowires is tailored to achieve complex one-dimensional material geometries using phase diagrams determined for nanoscale materials. Segmented one-dimensional nanowires having constant composition display locally variable electronic band structures that are determined by the diameter of the nanowires. The unique electrical and optical properties of the segmented nanowires are exploited to form electronic and optoelectronic devices. Using gold-germanium as a model system, in situ transmission electron microscopy establishes, for nanometer-sized Au—Ge alloy drops at the tips of Ge nanowires (NWs), the parts of the phase diagram that determine their temperature-dependent equilibrium composition. The nanoscale phase diagram is then used to determine the exchange of material between the NW and the drop. The phase diagram for the nanoscale drop deviates significantly from that of the bulk alloy.
US08389386B2
A manufacturing method for a stacked wafer configured by bonding a mother wafer having a plurality of first semiconductor device and a stacking wafer having a plurality of second semiconductor devices. The manufacturing method includes the steps of attaching a protective member to the front side of the stacking wafer to protect the second semiconductor devices, next grinding the back side of the stacking wafer, next bonding the front side of a reinforcing wafer through a bonding layer to the back side of the stacking wafer, next dividing the stacking wafer together with the reinforcing wafer into the plural second semiconductor devices, next bonding the front side of each second semiconductor device to the front side of the mother wafer to thereby connect the electrodes of each second semiconductor device to the electrodes of the corresponding first semiconductor device of the mother wafer, and finally grinding the reinforcing wafer bonded to the back side of each second semiconductor device to thereby remove the reinforcing wafer.
US08389385B2
Electronic apparatus, systems, and methods include a semiconductor layer bonded to a bulk region of a wafer or a substrate, in which the semiconductor layer can be bonded to the bulk region using electromagnetic radiation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08389383B1
Some embodiments include patterning methods. First and second masking features may be formed over first and second regions of a semiconductor base, respectively. A protective mask may be formed over the second masking features. First and second spacers may be formed along sidewall edges of the first masking features and along lateral edges of the protective mask, respectively. The protective mask and the first masking features may be removed without removing the second masking features, without removing the first spacers, and without removing the second spacers. The first spacers may be third masking features that are at a tighter pitch than the first masking features. Patterns of the second masking features and the third masking features may be transferred into the semiconductor base. Some embodiments include patterned semiconductor bases.
US08389381B2
A non-linear element is formed on a flexible substrate by securing the substrate to a rigid carrier, forming the non-linear element, and then separating the flexible substrate from the carrier. The process allows flexible substrates to be processed in a conventional fab intended to process rigid substrates. In a second method, a transistor is formed on a insulating substrate by forming gate electrodes, depositing a dielectric layer, a semiconductor layer and a conductive layer, patterning the conductive layer to form source, drain and pixel electrodes, covering the channel region of the resultant transistor with an etch-resistant material and etching using the etch-resistant material and the conductive layer as a mask, the etching extending substantially through the semiconductor layer between adjacent transistors. The invention also provides a process for forming a diode on a substrate by depositing on the substrate a first conductive layer, and a second patterned conductive layer and a patterned dielectric layer over parts of the first conductive layer, and etching the first conductive layer using the second conductive layer and dielectric layer as an etch mask. Finally, the invention provides a process for driving an impulse-sensitive electro-optic display.
US08389377B2
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for sensor element isolation in a backside illuminated image sensor. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a sensor layer having a frontside surface and a backside surface, forming a plurality of frontside trenches in the frontside surface of the sensor layer, and implanting oxygen into the sensor layer through the plurality of frontside trenches. The method further includes annealing the implanted oxygen to form a plurality of first silicon oxide blocks in the sensor layer, wherein each first silicon oxide block is disposed substantially adjacent a respective frontside trench to form an isolation feature. A semiconductor device fabricated by such a method is also disclosed.
US08389372B2
Heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base resistance, as well as fabrication methods for heterojunction bipolar transistors and design structures for BiCMOS integrated circuits. The heterojunction bipolar transistor includes a conductive layer between the intrinsic base and the extrinsic base. The conductive layer is comprised of a conductive material, such as a silicide, having a lower resistivity than the materials forming the intrinsic base and the extrinsic base.
US08389365B2
A method for forming an integrated circuit for a non-volatile memory cell transistor is disclosed that includes: forming a layer of discrete storage elements over a substrate in a first region of the substrate and in a second region of the substrate; forming a first layer of dielectric material over the layer of discrete storage elements in the first region and the second region; forming a first layer of barrier work function material over the first layer of dielectric material in the first region and the second region; and removing the first layer of barrier work function material from the second region, the first layer of dielectric material from the second region, and the layer of discrete storage elements from the second region. After the removing, a second layer of barrier work function material is formed over the substrate in the first region and the second region. The second layer of barrier work function material is removed from the first region. A first gate of a memory device is formed in the first region. The first gate includes a portion of the first layer of barrier work function material. The memory device includes a charge storage structure including a portion of the layer of discrete storage elements. A second gate of a transistor is formed in the second region, the second gate including a portion of the second layer of barrier work function material.
US08389354B2
A method for operating a semiconductor power device by in a forward conducting mode instead of an avalanche mode during a voltage fly-back during an inductive switch operation for absorbing a transient energy with less stress. The method includes a step of clamping the semiconductor power device with a Zener diode connected between a gate metal and a drain metal of the semiconductor power device to function as a gate-drain (GD) clamp diode with the GD clamp diode having an avalanche voltage lower than a source/drain avalanche voltage of the semiconductor power device whereby as the voltage fly-back inducing a drain voltage increase rapidly reaching the avalanche voltage of the GD clamp diode for generating the forward conducting mode.
US08389351B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. A resist pattern is formed on a surface of a semiconductor layer in which a first layer and a second layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A gate recess is formed by removing a part or the entire second layer in an opening area of the resist pattern. The resist pattern is removed. A dry etching residue attached to a bottom surface and lateral surfaces of the gate recess is removed after the resist pattern is removed. An insulating film is formed on the bottom surface, the lateral surfaces, and the semiconductor layer after the dry etching residue is removed. A gate electrode is formed via the insulating film on an area where the gate recess is formed. A source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on the semiconductor layer.
US08389350B2
A method of manufacturing N-type MOSFET includes: implanting a p-type dopant into in a surface layer of a semiconductor substrate to form a channel region; forming a gate insulating film including High-k material and a gate electrode on said channel region; implanting a p-type dopant into both ends of said channel region in an inner portion of said semiconductor substrate to form halo regions; implanting a p-type dopant into both ends of said channel region in a surface layer of said semiconductor substrate to form extension regions. One of said step of forming said channel region and said step of forming halo regions includes: implanting C into one of said channel region and said halo regions. An inclusion amount of said High-k material is an amount that increase of a threshold voltage caused by said High-k material being included in said gate insulating film compensates for decrease of said threshold voltage caused by said C being implanted.
US08389346B2
The roughness and structural height of printed metal lines is used to pin a fluid. This fluid deposits a top contact material which is connected to the bottom printed contacts through pinholes in the hydrophobic polymer layer. This results in a sandwich-like contact structure achieved in a self-aligned deposition process and having improved source-drain contact for all-additive printed circuits. In one form, the present technique is used for thin film transistor applications, but it may be applied to electrodes in general.
US08389343B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided, which comprises at least a steps of forming a gate insulating film over a substrate, a step of forming a microcrystalline semiconductor film over the gate insulating film, and a step of forming an amorphous semiconductor film over the microcrystalline semiconductor film. The microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed by introducing a silicon hydride gas or a silicon halide gas when a surface of the gate insulating film is subjected to hydrogen plasma to generate a crystalline nucleus over the surface of the gate insulating film, and by increasing a flow rate of the silicon hydride gas or the silicon halide gas.
US08389334B2
One aspect of the present invention involves a foil-based method for packaging integrated circuits. Initially, a metallic foil and a photoresist layer are attached with a carrier. The photoresist layer is exposed and patterned. Afterward, multiple integrated circuit dice are connected to the foil. The dice and portions of the foil are encapsulated in a molding material. The foil is then etched based on the patterned photoresist layer to define multiple device areas in the foil, where each device area supports at least one of the integrated circuit dice. Some aspects of the present invention relate to panel arrangements that are involved in the aforementioned method.
US08389325B2
The invention relates to a method for functionalizing a conductive or semiconductor material (M) by covalent grafting of receptor molecules (R) to its surface, said method comprising the following steps: (i) applying, across the terminals of a source electrode and a drain electrode located on either side of the material (M), sufficient potential difference to thermally activate the material (M) with respect to the grafting reaction of the molecules (R); and (ii) placing the material (M) thus activated in contact with a liquid or gaseous medium containing receptor molecules (R), thereby obtaining a material (M) functionalized by covalently grafted receptor molecules (R).
US08389321B2
A solar cell includes a substrate, a protective layer located over a first surface of the substrate, a first electrode located over a second surface of the substrate, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and a second electrode over the n-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material, and the second electrode is transparent and electrically conductive. The protective layer has an emissivity greater than 0.25 at a wavelength of 2 μm, has a reactivity with a selenium-containing gas lower than that of the substrate, and may differ from the first electrode in at least one of composition, thickness, density, emissivity, conductivity or stress state. The emissivity profile of the protective layer may be uniform or non-uniform.
US08389317B2
A micro electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) device comprises a suspended thin film microstructure which includes an anchoring portion adhered to the top surface of the substrate and a suspended portion above the top surface of the substrate. Having a base plane configured in parallel to the substrate, the suspended portion further includes a first recess portion spaced at a first vertical clearance with the substrate, the first vertical clearance being configured differentially smaller than a base clearance of the suspended portion outside the first recess portion. The method for processing a MEMS device includes: depositing a first carbon film, etch-removing a first sacrificial pre-removal portion and an anchor portion of the first carbon film, depositing a second carbon film conformally topping the first carbon film and the substrate, etch-removing the anchor portion of the second carbon film, depositing and patterning the suspended thin film microstructure onto the first carbon film, the second carbon film and the substrate, removing the first carbon film and the second carbon film to release the suspended thin film microstructure above the substrate by selective gaseous oxidation or nitridation preferably enhanced via plasma.
US08389314B2
A method of producing a MEMS device provides a MEMS apparatus having released structure. The MEMS apparatus is formed at least in part from an SOI wafer having a first layer, a second layer spaced from the first layer, and an insulator layer between the first layer and second layer. The first layer has a top surface, while the second layer has a bottom surface facing the top surface. After providing the MEMS apparatus, the method increases the roughness of at least the top surface of the first layer or the bottom surface of the second layer.
US08389312B2
A method of fabricating a group-III nitride semiconductor laser device includes: preparing a substrate of a hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor, where the substrate has a semipolar primary surface; forming a substrate product having a laser structure, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, where the laser structure includes the substrate and a semiconductor region, and where the semiconductor region is formed on the semipolar primary surface; scribing a first surface of the substrate product in part in a direction of the a-axis of the hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor; and carrying out breakup of the substrate product by press against a second surface of the substrate product, to form another substrate product and a laser bar.
US08389309B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing a light-emitting element comprising a semiconductor layered structure of Group III-V compound semiconductor layers; the manufacturing method including a step of forming a projection/depression structure on a light extraction surface of the semiconductor layered structure using as an etchant an aqueous solution containing hydrobromic acid.
US08389302B2
A method for measuring an optoelectronic memory device, includes: grounding a source electrode of the optoelectronic memory device; applying a drain electrode voltage to a drain electrode of the optoelectronic memory device and measuring a first current at the drain electrode; using an optical source to illuminate the optoelectronic memory device and measure a first and a second current at the drain electrode; and comparing the sizes of the first current and the second current so as to judge the functional parameters of the optoelectronic memory device.
US08389297B2
The present invention relates to a droplet-based affinity assay device and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes an antibody immobilized on a surface. According to another embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes a droplet on the droplet microactuator, the droplet comprising an antibody.
US08389282B2
The present invention provides immunoresponsive cells, including T cells, cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells, expressing at least one of an antigen-recognizing receptor and a co-stimulatory ligand and methods of use therefore for the treatment of neoplasia and other pathologies where an increase in an antigen-specific immune response is desired.
US08389279B2
The invention relates to the generation of a library of compounds enriched in agonist and antagonists for members of the G-protein coupled class of receptors (GPCRs).The library contains compounds of general formula (I) wherein y is any integer from 1 to 8; z is any integer from 0 to 8 with the proviso that y and z cannot simultaneously be 1; X is —CO—(Y)k—(R1)n or SO2—(Y)k—(R1)n; k is 0 or 1 Y is a cycloalkyl or polycyloalkyl group (such as an adamantyl, adamantanemethyl, bicyclooctyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl group); or Y is a cycloalkenyl or polycycloalkenyl group; each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylamino, alkylaminoalkyl, alkylaminodialkyl, charged alkylaminotrialkyl or charged alkylcarboxylate radical of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or each R1 is independently selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, oxyalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, aminodialkyl, charged aminotrialkyl, or carboxylate radical; and n is any integer from 1 to m, where m is the maximum number of substitutions permissible on the cyclo-group Y; or alternatively R1 may be selected from a peptido radical, for example having from 1 to 4 peptidic moieties linked together by peptide bonds (for example a peptido radical of 1 to 4 amino acid residues).
US08389275B2
The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of at least three HIV proteins selected from Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Rev, and Tat or derivatives of the amino acid sequence of one or more of said proteins, wherein the fusion protein is not processed to individual HIV proteins having the natural N and C termini. The invention further concerns nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, and methods for producing said proteins. The fusion protein, nucleic acids and vectors are usable as vaccines for the at least partial prophylaxis against HIV infections.
US08389272B2
A method and apparatus for delivering one or more fluids. Fluids may be delivered sequentially from a common vessel to a chemical, biological or biochemical process.
US08389270B1
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-containing waste, such as drill mud and drill cuttings from oil and gas wellbores, drill waste deposit sites, oil spills, oil and gas production waste, and contaminated surfaces, using wood chips comprising microorganisms of mountain pine beetle.
US08389269B2
The present invention relates to a method to improve the secretion of a protein of interest by a filamentous fungal cell comprising inducing a phenotype in the cell selected from the group consisting of a lowered ERAD, an elevated UPR that does not induce an elevated ERAD, wherein ERAD preferably is lowered. The invention further relates to the filamentous fungal cell comprising the phenotype described above. The invention also relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides whose expression can be modulated in the filamentous fungal cell to obtain the above-described phenotype.
US08389267B2
The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.
US08389263B2
The presently-disclosed subject matter is directed to biosensors comprising spore-forming bacterial cells and/or spores generated therefrom, a recognition unit within each spore-forming cell for binding an analyte of interest, and a reporter molecule within each spore-forming cell for detecting binding of the analyte of interest, wherein the reporter molecule generates a detectable signal upon binding of the analyte by the recognition element. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods of using the biosensors and systems and kits including the biosensors.
US08389252B2
Yeast cells with a reduced general control response to amino acid starvation were found to have increased tolerance to butanol in the growth medium. The reduced response was engineered by genetic modification of a gene involved in the response, a GCN gene, to eliminate activity of the encoded protein. Yeast strains with an engineered butanol biosynthetic pathway and a genetic modification in a gene involved in the general control response to amino acid starvation, which have increased butanol tolerance, are useful for production of butanol.
US08389247B2
The invention is generally directed to a physiogenomic method for predicting diabetes and metabolic syndromes induced by psychotropic drugs. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the use of genetic variants of marker genes to predict the likelihood that an individual will experience undesirable metabolic side effects as a result of the use of a drug including, but not limited to, psychotropic drugs. The invention also relates to methods predicting the likelihood of diabetes and metabolic syndromes induced by the use of drugs with undesirable metabolic side effects.
US08389245B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and characterization of HPV sequences. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for using invasive cleavage structure assays (e.g. the INVADER assay) to screen nucleic acid samples, e.g., from patients, for the presence of any one of a collection of HPV sequences. The present invention also provides compositions, methods and kits for screening sets of HPV sequences in a single reaction container.
US08389240B2
A method of producing an α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester by forming the α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester from L-aspartic acid-α,β-diester and L-phenylalanine using an enzyme or enzyme-containing substance that has an ability to selectively link L-phenylalanine to an α-ester site of the L-aspartic acid-α,β-diester through a peptide bond.
US08389235B2
Methods are provided for selecting B cells that produce a desired antibody, comprising a step of culturing B cells, which have the properties of cell death being induced under specific conditions and that cell death being suppressed by a signal generated as a result of the binding between an antigen and an antibody expressed on B cell surface (B cell antigen receptor on the B cell surface), with an antigen under conditions in which cell death is induced, and selecting antibody-producing B cells that bind with the antigen as viable cells.
US08389234B2
Presented herein are kits for the detection of specific beta-lactamases, including class A serine carbapenemases, metallo-beta-lactamases, AmpC beta-lactamases, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The kits presented herein include kits that permit the detection of the presence of specific beta-lactamases in bacterial samples within as few as 2 to 10 minutes.
US08389231B2
Assays for the identification of antibacterial agents that inhibit mycobacterial growth by interfering with the iron acquisition pathway in host cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting mycobacterial growth by interfering with iron uptake or by delivering antibacterial agents to mycobacteria in host cells through the iron uptake pathway, as well as certain compounds that are useful in the assay methods, and also as antibacterial agents.
US08389227B2
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor.The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognizes an epitope of a HER2 receptor truncated form, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2.The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.
US08389225B2
The present invention relates to a bio-silica chip comprising a silica-binding protein and a fabrication method thereof, and more particularly to a bio-silica chip in which a fusion protein of a silica-binding protein and a probe protein is immobilized on a chip comprising a silica layer, a fabrication method thereof and a method of using the bio-silica chip to detect interactions with biomaterials. The bio-silica chip will be very useful in biosensors, etc., because the bio-silica chip is advantageous in that it does not cause non-specific protein binding in the detection of protein-DNA, protein-ligand, protein-antibody, protein-peptide, protein-carbohydrate, protein-protein and cell-biomaterial interactions. Also, in the method for fabricating the bio-silica chip, a probe chip can be selectively immobilized on a silica device chip, which is widely used in biosensors, without a chemical surface treatment process. Thus, a chip fabricating process is simplified and a complicated process for purifying the probe protein becomes unnecessary, thus providing great improvements in productivity and economic efficiency.
US08389219B2
Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid sequences. The method produces DNA/RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.
US08389218B2
A method of genome analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) contacting a double-stranded genomic DNA with a site-specific nicking endonuclease that recognizes a sequence comprising a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), in which the endonuclease nicks the genomic DNA at a nick site only if a first allele of the SNP is present; b) denaturing the genomic sample; c) contacting the denatured genomic sample with an array comprising a first probe and a second probe, in which nicking results in less binding of the denatured sample to the first probe relative to a sample that is not nicked; and d) comparing the amount of hybridization to the first probe to the amount of hybridization to said second probe, in which decreased binding of the denatured genomic samples to the first probe relative to the second probe indicates that the first allele of the SNP is present.
US08389214B2
A method is disclosed for restoring a Glu+ phenotype to a PTS−/Glu− bacterial cell which was originally capable of utilizing a phosphotransferase transport system (PTS) for carbohydrate transport. Bacterial cells comprising the Glu+ phenotype have modified endogenous chromosomal regulatory regions which are operably linked to polynucleotides encoding galactose permeases and glucokinases.
US08389213B2
The present invention provides a method where it is possible to concentrate the gene which is expressed only in small amount from a mixture of the gene being expressed in large amount and the gene being expressed only in small amount even when the gene being expressed in large amount is unknown.
US08389209B2
Devices for detecting analytes or analogues thereof in a biological sample are disclosed. The device includes a solid support. The solid support has several juxtaposed zones. The sample is able to migrate from a sample receiving zone towards a detection zone. The analyte, if present, is detected in the detection zone. Both zones have material allowing a capillary flow of the sample through the zones. In between the zones, there is an intermediate zone of transport of the sample which is free from any capillary material. This allows the ample to migrate by gravitational forces on the support laid in a vertical position. Methods for detecting analytes or analogues thereof in a biological sample using the device are also disclosed.
US08389190B2
Disclosed are a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image and a method of preparing the toner. The toner may include a latex, a colorant and a releasing agent, and may further include sulfur (S), iron (Fe) and silicon (Si). The [S]/[Fe] ratio may be within the range between about 5.0×10−4 and about 5.0×10−2. The [Si]/[Fe] ratio may be within the range of between about 5.0×10−4 and about 5.0×10−2. [S], [Fe] and [Si] are the amounts of S, Fe and Si measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, respectively.
US08389189B2
The present invention relates to a resin binder for toners which includes core/shell particles each including a core portion containing a crystalline polyester obtained by polycondensing an alcohol component containing an aliphatic diol having 2-12 carbon atoms and a carboxylic acid component containing an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound having 8-12 carbon atoms in an amount of 70-100 mol %, and a non-crystalline resin (A) obtained by polycondensing an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component containing at least one succinic acid compound selected from the group consisting of an alkyl (C9-C18) succinic acid and an alkenyl (C9-C18) succinic acid in an amount of 3-60 mol %; and a shell portion containing a non-crystalline resin (B) obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component containing an aliphatic dialcohol having 2-5 carbon atoms in an amount of 80 mol % or more.
US08389188B2
Provided are a toner using a resin having an active hydrogen-containing group, and a method of preparing the toner. The toner using a resin having an active hydrogen-containing group includes a binder resin (A), a cross-linked resin including a THF insoluble content of 99-100 weight %, a colorant, and at least one additive. The cross-linked resin is arranged in the form of a plurality of islands in each particle of the toner.
US08389186B2
A toner set is composed of toners of a plurality of colors that are used in a tandem-type color image forming apparatus. Each of the toners of a plurality of colors includes toner base particles and an external additive. The external additive includes small-diameter silica particles and large-diameter silica particles larger than the small-diameter silica particles. When, of the toners of a plurality of colors, three color toners to be used consecutively for forming the toner image are defined as a first toner, second toner and third toner respectively in order of usage thereof, the average particle diameter of the large-diameter silica particles contained in the second toner is smaller than the average particle diameter of the large-diameter silica particles contained in the first toner and is larger than the average particle diameter of the large-diameter silica particles contained in the third toner.
US08389183B2
A phase-shifting photomask with a self aligned undercut rim-shifting element and methods for its manufacture are provided. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a phase-shifting photomask having a self aligned rim-shifting element, the method comprising: applying a patterning film to a first portion of a transparent substrate; etching the substrate to a depth to remove a second portion of the substrate not beneath the patterning film; etching the first portion of the substrate to undercut an area beneath the patterning film; and removing the patterning film, wherein the etched substrate forms a self-aligned undercut rim-shifting element.
US08389159B2
A nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery has a closed-end tubular container containing a spiral-shaped electrode assembly formed by winding a negative a positive electrode with a separator interposed therebetween such that the outermost periphery of the assembly is the negative electrode which is formed by disposing on a conductive substrate a mixture layer containing a hydrogen-absorption alloy. The positive electrode employs nickel hydroxide as an active material. In the nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, the surface roughness of the outermost peripheral portion of the mixture layer of the negative electrode which contacts an inner side wall of the closed-end tubular container is 3.5 μM or more in terms of ten-point average roughness and is larger than the surface roughness of the other portion of the mixture layer. The reduction of oxygen gas during rapid charging is thereby facilitated without lowering the design capacity of the battery.
US08389154B2
A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell is provided. The cell design dedicates minimal internal volume to inert components of the cell. This is accomplished, in part, by providing multiple functionalities to individual cell components.
US08389153B2
A battery including: a battery case having a bottom, a side wall, and an upper opening; an electrode assembly; an electrolyte; and a sealing plate covering the upper opening of the battery case accommodating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a gasket is interposed between an opening-edge portion of the battery case and the sealing plate, a first resistive layer is disposed between the opening-edge portion of the battery case and the gasket, or a second resistive layer is disposed between the sealing plate and the gasket. The first or second resistive layer contains a mixture of a particulate inorganic oxide and a binder. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a short circuit between the battery case and the sealing plate even when the gasket is broken.
US08389137B2
A method of reusing a rechargeable battery includes collecting from users assembled batteries formed by rechargeable batteries, each holding initial individual information including at least a manufacturing date and an initial weight of the rechargeable battery. The collected assembled batteries are dismantled into rechargeable batteries, each holding the individual information. The rechargeable batteries of the dismantled assembled batteries are classified into groups based on the initial individual information of the rechargeable batteries and individual information of the plurality of rechargeable batteries obtained after the dismantling. A regenerated assembled battery is rebuilt reusing rechargeable batteries that have been classified into the same group.
US08389136B2
A gas flow control assembly for use in a fuel cell system comprising an airflow control assembly for adjusting flow of air to a cathode side of the fuel cell system based on content variations in an exhaust gas leaving an anode side of the system and a fuel flow control assembly for controlling flow of fuel to the anode side based on adjustment to the airflow by the airflow control assembly.
US08389130B2
A polymer for use in an opto-electrical device comprising aromatically conjugated repeat units of optionally substituted 9,9-dimethylfluorene.
US08389129B2
A coated article system includes a substrate and a surface coating on the substrate. The surface coating is formed by depositing individual particles of a composite metal powder with sufficient energy to cause the composite metal powder to bond with the substrate and form the surface coating. The composite metal powder includes a substantially homogeneous dispersion of molybdenum and molybdenum disulfide sub-particles that are fused together to form the individual particles of the composite metal powder.
US08389127B2
A hot formed part of high-strength steel includes a body having an opening and formed in one piece with at least one tab in the form of a tongue projecting into the opening for holding a connection piece captive on the body. The tab thus is formed in one piece with the hot formed part and is produced jointly with the openings during manufacture of the hot formed part in the hot forming process.
US08389123B2
A material for forming electroless plate comprising a non-conductive base material and a catalyst adhering layer provided on the non-conductive base material is constituted so that the catalyst adhering layer should comprise a hydrophilic (meth)acrylic resin constituted with a hydrophilic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer and containing the hydrophobic monomer at a ratio of 50 to 90 mol %. This material for forming electroless plate shows favorable catalyst adhering property, and shows no delamination of the catalyst adhering layer from the non-conductive base material, no dissolution of the catalyst adhering layer into a plating solution, and no discoloration of plate layer during the catalyst adhering step, development step and other steps.
US08389107B2
Cellulosic biolaminate assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a biolaminate structure is provided comprising a first cellulosic layer, a second cellulosic layer, and a first bio-based polymer. The first bio-based polymer impregnates the first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer. The first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer are fused together.
US08389102B2
The present invention relates to a gripping area and a surface structure for a working device. In particular, the invention relates to a surface structure for a working device, which has at least one curved surface, on which there is a first surface normal and a second surface normal, which forms an α angle, wherein the surface structure comprises a base structure, which has a base surface and at least one side surface, wherein the side surface, along with the base surface, forms a β angle, and wherein the surface normal of the base surface of the base structure is parallel to the first surface normal, wherein the surface structure further comprises a variant structure, which comprises a base surface and at least one side surface, wherein a γ angle is formed between the base surface and the side surface, wherein the variant structure is different from the base structure and wherein the surface normal of the base surface of the variant structure is parallel to the second surface normal, and the γ angle is smaller than the β angle by at least the amount of the α angle. The invention also relates to a working device with such a surface.
US08389097B2
The optical storage medium comprises a substrate layer, a read-only data layer with a pit structure disposed on the substrate layer, a cover layer and a nonlinear layer with a super-resolution structure disposed between the data layer and the data layer, which super-resolution structure includes a semiconductor material and grainy impurities of a dielectric material, wherein the semiconductor material has an increased reflectivity, when irradiated with a laser beam, and wherein the dielectric material is arranged as a dielectric layer having a thickness below 5 nm. The dielectric material consists advantageously of an inhomogeneous layer of a nitride material, for example GeN, arranged between a first and a second nonlinear layer.
US08389090B2
An apparatus and method is provided for controlling animal activity with an adhesive sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet includes strips uniformly spaced apart on a transfer layer including a bisected protection layer. In another embodiment, the sheet is flat and generally rectangular. In another embodiment, the sheet is rolled. In yet another embodiment, the sheet is deployed from a dispenser. In one embodiment of the method, the sheet is deployed by locating an area of activity to be controlled, removing the control sheet from the transfer sheet, placing the control sheet on an the area of activity to be controlled and then systematically and sequentially removing the first protection sheet and the second protection sheet. In another embodiment, the area to be controlled includes a surface discontinuity requiring placement of the control sheet along the discontinuity.
US08389088B2
A tubular conduit (1) is disclosed. The tubular conduit comprises a tubular portion made from a flexible material and an axially extending external helical formation (16) located around the outside of the tubular portion. The external helical formation (16) is for supporting the tubular portion. Optionally the tubular portion also comprises an axially extending internal helical protrusion (15), which imparts a helical flow to a fluid passing through the tubular portion. It is preferred that the tubular conduit (1) is a vascular graft.
US08389087B2
A barrier layer arrangement for tank systems includes at least one layer made of a material that has anisotropic properties. The anisotropic properties can be specifically adjusted by way of the design of the layer and/or the material parameters.
US08389078B2
An electronic device includes a housing. The housing includes a transparent substrate, a transparent texture layer, and a colored texture layer. The transparent texture layer is printed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate and has an uneven surface. The colored texture layer is printed on the uneven surface of the transparent texture layer. A three-dimensional effect printing method is also provided.
US08389069B2
The invention relates to a method for marking an item based on the formation of color centers on a lithium fluoride film. The method provides for the deposition of thin LiF films on the item or on mark supports to be applied to the item and the formation of the color centers by irradiation, thus forming an identification mark. Optionally, the method may provide for the detection of the identification mark and the control of its authenticity. The method may be employed both to guarantee the authenticity of the item and to classify it. The application of the method is particularly advantageous in the field of high value goods and specifically in the field of cultural objects.
US08389067B2
Disclosed herein are methods that include inserting a magnetic media into an enclosure and using a non-thermal physical vapor deposition process to deposit a lubricant onto the magnetic media within the enclosure. Also disclosed are methods that include loading a magnetic media that includes a tribological coating into an enclosure and using an electrospray ionization process to deposit a lubricant onto the magnetic media within a vacuum created by the enclosure.
US08389065B2
There is provided a roll coating apparatus and method for producing a coated metal strip. The roll coating apparatus presses a roll against the surface of a metal strip and coats the metal strip with a coating fluid, and is capable of adequately adjusting the pressure force of the roll so that it is uniform in the width direction of the roll, while maintaining the overall rigidity of stands that support the roll. A connecting member 15 connects an applicator roll support unit 11a in a right stand 1a and an applicator roll support unit 11b in a left stand 1b, and a connecting member movement mechanism 16a is provided between the right end of the connecting member 15 and the applicator roll support unit 11a in the right stand 1a, making it possible for the connecting member 15 to move in the direction of pressure against the metal strip.
US08389062B2
A system and method for spray gun or nozzle control wherein the spray gun liquid discharge pattern is dynamically varied to correspond to the dimensions of a moving target object or a portion of the moving target. The spray gun includes inputs for fan air, atomizing air, and liquid, as well as cylinder air. Upon detection of a target object approaching, such as on a conveyor belt, the fan air pressure, atomizing air pressure, liquid pressure, and cylinder air pressure are varied according to predefined or contemporaneously generated curves to provide a spray pattern that corresponds to the shape of the target object or portion of the target object, thus minimizing waste and inefficiency due to overspray.
US08389046B2
A liquid material arrangement method includes a first patter generating step, a dot deleting step and a liquid material arranging step. In the first pattern generating step, a first dot pattern is generated in which a first prescribed number of dots is set. In the dot deleting step, a second prescribed number of dots is deleted to generate a second dot pattern. In the liquid material arranging step, a liquid material is arranged in the prescribed region on the substrate by causing a nozzle and the substrate to scan in relative manner and discharging the liquid material based on the second dot pattern. In the dot deleting step, a dot indicator for each the first prescribed number of dots is determined based on discharge information of the nozzle, and the second prescribed number of dots is deleted based on the dot indicator.
US08389036B2
A process for processing a powdered or granular product, in particular in the form of a food-stuff, especially a product for infusion such as coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, preparation for broth and others, involves adding a liquid to a predetermined portion of the product and applying energy to the predetermined portion of product. Moreover, a layer (12) of material is made to adhere to a corresponding face (13) of a pre-determined portion of the product.
US08389035B1
The present invention provides a method for imprinting water so as to emit Terahertz radiation and a method for maintaining the freshness of foodstuff with an article containing the imprinted water.
US08389032B2
Delivery system for active components as part of an edible composition having selected particle size
A delivery system for inclusion in an edible composition is formulated to have at least one active component with an encapsulating material for delivering the active component upon consumption of the edible composition.
US08389024B2
ABSCISIC Acid (ABA) a naturally occurring plant hormone has been identified in this invention with potent properties to fight cancer. ABA is able to produce a hyperpolarization condition on plasma membrane through a decrease of intracellular Na+ and K+. Such phenomenon is produced in cancer cells by mediation of ion channel and activation of the signaling g-protein pathway. ABA aborting sustained depolarization in malignant tissue will produce a change in the configurational state of cell from a damage to a normal state. additionally, a positive polarization of hCG outer layer accomplished through a removal of electrons will permit immune system cells coming close to cancer cells for destruction.
US08389021B2
Compositions and methods, including novel homogeneous microparticulate suspensions, are described for treating acute wounds, chronic wounds and/or a wound or epithelial tissue surface that contains bacterial biofilm, including unexpected synergy between bismuth-thiol (BT) compounds and certain antibiotics, to provide topical formulations including antiseptic formulations, for management and promotion of wound healing and in particular infected wounds. Previously unpredicted antibacterial properties and anti-biofilm properties of disclosed BT compounds and BT compound-plus-antibiotic combinations are also described, including preferential efficacies of certain such compositions for treating gram-positive bacterial infections, and distinct preferential efficacies of certain such compositions for treating gram-negative bacterial infections.
US08389013B2
A process for producing particles of a substance is described wherein a solution of the substance in a solvent is delivered in at least one shot into a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is a non-solvent for the substance and is miscible with the solvent. Particles of the substance distributed in a mixture of the solvent and the supercritical fluid are formed.
US08389012B2
Compositions containing a reaction product of gellan gum and polyethylene glycol are disclosed. Methods of making controlled-release gellan gum nanoparticles and methods of using controlled-release gellan gum nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US08389009B2
Substrates and matrices for spatial control of signal transduction by a biologically active, soluble molecule that transduces a signal to a cell responsive to the molecule are disclosed.
US08389008B2
A delayed release pharmaceutical formulation comprising a core containing an active agent (e.g., a drug) and a delayed release compression coating comprising a natural or synthetic gum applied onto the surface of the core.
US08389004B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing protein microparticles in dilute organic acid solutions and in the absence of an alcohol such as ethanol. The microparticles are formed by dissolving a cereal prolamin protein in a concentrated organic acid solution with agitation and then diluting the solution with an aqueous solution. Protein microparticles having vacuoles are thus formed. The protein microparticles may be used to form powders, films, coatings, matrices, scaffolds and the like. Complete films can be formed from the protein microparticles of the invention.
US08389002B2
Disclosed is an anti-cancer medicine comprising a chain end functionalized polymer, a contrast material such as iron oxide and a chemotherapeutic agent such as doxorubicin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The anti-cancer medicine performs diagnosis and treatment of cancer at the same time, remarkably reduces a cardiotoxic side effect of the doxorubicin and has an excellent targeting function to the cancer part to considerably increase the anti-cancer effect. At the same time, the anti-cancer medicine is provided as MRI contrast medium which can diagnose the cancer and monitor a progress of the disease. In particular, the anti-cancer medicine is disclosed which is superior to the diagnosis and treatment of the solid cancer and can effectively perform the diagnosis and treatment of the metastatic cancer as well as the primary cancer at the same time.
US08388998B2
The invention provides compositions for preventing or treating inflammatory disease comprising one or more omega-3 fatty acids, one or more sulfur containing amino acids, and manganese and methods for preventing and treating inflammatory disease comprising administering such compositions to an animal susceptible to or suffering from inflammatory disease. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is admixed with one or more food ingredients to produce a food composition useful for preventing or treating inflammatory disease.
US08388989B2
Articles of clothing treated with bacteria adapted to metabolize a component selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts, or urea into any of nitric oxide, nitric oxide precursors, and combinations thereof are provided.
US08388988B2
An aqueous cosmetic preparation for coloring of eyelids and eyebrows contains 3-35 wt. % of an aqueous plastic dispersion based on an acrylate polymer and having a 30-50% solids content, 1-20 wt. % of at least one alcohol being ethanol and/or propanol, 2-25 wt. % of at least one moisture-retention agent, 0.2-5 wt. % of a polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester and/or a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and a colorant. The preparation has a Brookfield viscosity at 25° C. of less than 50 mPa-sec.
US08388984B2
Compositions which deliver adsorbents, alone or in combination with active drug “degrading molecules,” in a site-specific manner to the intestine, and which eliminate or at least lower the concentration of residual unwanted material within the intestine, and methods of treatment using the compositions, are disclosed. The compositions are ideally designed to specifically release the adsorbents in a programmed manner at a specific site of the intestinal tract. Programmed delivery prevents adsorbents from interfering with the normal absorption process of a given molecule after oral absorption, until it reaches the lower part of the small intestine. The compositions can be used to adsorb, and therefore remove, any residual drug, metabolite thereof, or bacterial toxin after oral or parenteral administration which would otherwise cause adverse effects in the lower intestine and/or colon.
US08388983B2
The present invention is directed to film coating compositions for use on oral dosage forms such as compressed tablets and other orally-ingestible substrates which contain a fine particle size detackifier. The film coating compositions can be applied either directly to a substrate or after the substrate has been coated with a subcoat. In preferred aspects, the polymer is either polyvinyl alcohol or a copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol. Aqueous suspensions comprising the inventive film coating compositions, methods of applying the coatings to substrates and the coated substrates themselves are also disclosed.
US08388982B2
Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more photo-induced damage mitigating agents to the reaction mixture and allowing the reaction to proceed for a period that is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.
US08388980B2
Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.
US08388978B2
A topical skin care composition and method for its use comprising water, Chlorella vulgaris extract, an algae extract, a phospholipid or lecithin, glycerin, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
US08388971B2
The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to CD40, preferably human CD40, and that function as CD40 agonists. The invention also relates to human anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-CD40 antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-CD40 antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-CD40 antibodies. The invention also relates to transgenic animals comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
US08388967B2
The present invention provides binding molecules that specifically bind to GITR, e.g., human GITR (hGITR), on T cells and dendritic cells. Binding molecules of the invention are characterized by binding to hGITR with high affinity, in the presence of a stimulating agent, e.g., CD3, are agonistic, and abrogate the suppression of Teff cells by Treg cells. Various aspects of the invention relate to binding molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such binding molecules. Methods of using a binding molecule of the invention to detect human GITR or to modulate human GITR activity, either in vitro or in vivo, are also encompassed by the invention.
US08388961B2
This invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases, particularly to the mediation of cytotoxicity of primary and metastatic human tumor cells; and most particularly to the use of an isolated monoclonal antibody or cancerous disease modifying antibodies (CDMAB) thereof, optionally in combination with one or more chemotherapeutic agents, as a means for initiating the cytotoxic response in such human tumors, e.g. any primary or metastatic tumor sites which arise from hepatocytes. The invention further relates to binding assays which utilize the CDMAB of the instant invention.
US08388953B2
The present invention provides a method of increasing cathepsin B-induced cleavage of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in a cell or tissue, the method generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that increases the level of cathepsin B in the cell or tissue. The present invention further provides variant cathepsin B polypeptides that are resistant to inhibition by a cysteine protease inhibitor; as well as nucleic acids encoding the variants, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids.
US08388941B2
The use of a borate/polyol and zinc system to enhance the antimicrobial activity of multi-dose pharmaceutical compositions is described. The compositions do not require a conventional anti-microbial preservative and therefore are referred to as being ‘self-preserved’. The compositions possess sufficient antimicrobial activity to satisfy the preservative efficacy requirements of the USP for aqueous ophthalmic compositions.
US08388938B2
The present invention provides a solid, oral tooth whitening confectionary composition comprising a tooth whitening agent comprising an alkaline or alkaline earth metal pyrophosphate, preferably calcium pyrophosphate. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises an additional tooth whitening agent.
US08388936B2
A system and method for acquiring MR imaging data from a subject includes administering positively-charged nitroxides or gadolinium chelates for in vivo mitochondrial labeling, acquiring MR imaging data from the subject, and reconstructing an image of the subject having enhanced contrast in areas including metabolic and/or mitotic activity.
US08388930B2
A method of determining calcium metabolism in a patient comprises the steps of administering radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca to the patient, allowing a period of time to elapse sufficient for dissemination and reaction of the radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca by the patient, obtaining a sample of the radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca from the patient, isolating the calcium content of the sample in a form suitable for precise measurement of isotopic calcium concentrations, and measuring the calcium content to determine parameters of calcium metabolism in the patient.
US08388929B2
An object of the present invention is to provide α alumina for the production of a sapphire single crystal, capable of producing a sapphire single crystal with high production efficiency; and a method for producing the same.Disclosed are α alumina for the production of a sapphire single crystal, including 100 parts by weight of α alumina (I) and 25 to 235 parts by weight of α alumina (II), wherein the α alumina (I) has a specific surface area of 0.1 to 5 m2/g and a bulk density of 1.5 g/cm3 or more, the α alumina (II) is composed of sintered particles and also has a specific surface area of 1 m2/g or less and a relative density of 85% or more, and each of the body particles has a volume of 0.01 cm3 or more; and a method for producing the same.
US08388928B2
Provided is an apparatus for producing magnesium-containing zinc oxide, including: zinc vapor producing means 11 which produces zinc vapor by heating metallic zinc; magnesium vapor producing means 15 which produces magnesium vapor by heating metallic magnesium; mixed vapor producing means 20 which produces mixed vapor by mixing the zinc vapor and the magnesium vapor; and oxidizing gas contact means 19 which produces magnesium-containing zinc oxide by bringing an oxidizing gas into contact with the mixed vapor. The content of zinc in the mixed vapor is adjusted to be higher than that of magnesium.
US08388919B2
The present invention is based on the realization that the carbon dioxide component of industrial gas streams also containing steam can be processed so to utilize either as latent and/or sensible heat the heat available from the steam component to assist in separating carbon dioxide from the remainder of the gas stream. For example, flue gases produced by power stations burning brown coal, black coal or natural gas inherently contain a useful amount of energy that can be harnessed according to the present invention. According to particular preferred forms of the invention, nitrogen and sulphur constituent such as SOx and NOx, H2S and other nitrogen containing compounds may also be removed from the gas stream through direct contact with the absorbing medium and used to produce by-products such as fertilizer material.
US08388913B2
A reagent container system for a reagent analyzer, in particular an automatic reagent analyzer, is disclosed. The system includes a first reagent container cassette provided with a first set of openings each being capable of containing a reagent therein, and a second reagent container cassette provided with a second set of openings each being capable of containing a reagent therein. The system provides the first and second reagent container cassettes at least in a storage configuration in which the container cassettes are joined together such that a longitudinal side of the first reagent container cassette is facing a longitudinal side of the second reagent container cassette. Wherein, by relative displacement, the first and second reagent container cassettes are displaceable between the storage configuration and a use configuration in which a transverse side of the first reagent container cassette is facing a transverse side of the second reagent container cassette.
US08388912B2
A portable temperature transfer device for transferring thermo energy to and/or from a laboratory culture plate is provided as well as its methods of use. The temperature transfer device comprises a base and a raised stage that comprises a thermal conductive material. The raised stage allows direct contact between individual wells of the laboratory culture plate and the temperature transfer device.
US08388911B2
A filtration container (1) includes a container body (2) including a porous filter (4) exhibiting both hydrophilic and oleophobic properties. The container also has a lid (3) which provides a secondary filter for the container (1). The filter is slidable within the container body and is rotatable into a vertical position. The filtration container may be used for testing a fat content of an item placed within the container. A method for testing the fat content of an item is also provided.
US08388906B2
A container for a diagnostic testing system consists essentially of a media dispenser embedded in the container and configured to house a plurality of test media; a first positioning device arranged on or near a first surface of the media dispenser and configured to push the plurality of test media toward a second surface of the media dispenser; and a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to one of the plurality of test media, the meter including a closure portion configured to close the container.
US08388899B2
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes an exhaust gas treating body, a metal casing, and a holding sealing material. The exhaust gas treating body has a longitudinal direction and includes cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction to define cells between the cells. The metal casing has an inner surface and houses the exhaust gas treating body to face the inner surface. The holding sealing material is provided between the exhaust gas treating body and the inner surface of the metal casing to hold the exhaust gas treating body in the metal casing. The holding sealing material includes an inorganic fiber aggregated body. The metal casing has a corrosion area at least on a part of the inner surface. The corrosion area includes a corroded base material of the metal casing.
US08388894B2
An apparatus for sterilizing a tubular medical line port, having a cap with an open distal end and a cavity therein which is dimensioned to receive an outer scrubbing member and the medical line port. Outer disinfected-impregnated scrubbing member is coaxially received in the cavity and has a socket therein dimensioned for engaging exterior side surfaces of the tubular medical line port when inserted into the socket for thereby scrubbing exterior surfaces of the port with the scrubbing member by rotating the cap. The outer scrubbing member is axially displacable downwardly in the cavity by insertion of the medical line port therein from an upper position prior to use to a lower position where it is retained to thereby indicate that the apparatus has been used and should not therefore be reused. A reuse prevention insert is also provided in the cavity of the cap and is displacable with the outer scrubbing member from the upper position prior to use to the lower position during and after use. This insert is provided with inwardly protruding teeth that are biased for inward compression and thereby prevent re-access of a medical line port into the socket of the scrubbing member after removal of the medical line port.
US08388890B2
A nickel based alloy coating and a method for applying the nickel based alloy as a coating to a substrate. The nickel based alloy comprises about 0.1-15% rhenium, about 5-55% of an element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron and combinations thereof, sulfur included as a microalloying addition in amounts from about 100 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm, the balance nickel and incidental impurities. The nickel-based alloy of the present invention is applied to a substrate, usually an electromechanical device such as a MEMS, by well-known plating techniques. However, the plating bath must include sufficient sulfur to result in deposition of 100-300 ppm sulfur as a microalloyed element. The coated substrate is heat treated to develop a two phase microstructure in the coating. The microalloyed sulfur-containing nickel-based alloy of the present invention includes a second phase of sulfide precipitates across the grain (intragranular) that improves the stress-relaxation resistance of the alloy.
US08388885B2
A method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced article. The method includes the steps of providing a mat fiber structure defining voids therein. A membrane structure is applied over at least a portion of the fiber structure. The membrane structure includes a microporous membrane. At least the microporous membrane of the membrane structure has an oil resistance rating of at least a number 8 determined by AATCC 118 testing. A resin and hardener mix is provided. The resin is infused into voids of the fiber structure by applying a vacuum to the fiber structure and the membrane structure wherein the membrane structure inhibits the flow of resin therethrough.
US08388880B2
During a method for the production of a touch-and-close fastener (10), preferably of at least one plastic material, a backing (12) with a plurality of protruding stems (14) is connected to individual heads (16). For at least a part of the stems (14), their free ends (18) come into contiguous or embedded contact with a contact face (20) of each assignable head (16). The invention relates additionally to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to a fastener produced according to the method.
US08388877B2
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US08388876B2
A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.
US08388870B2
Provided are a composite of nanoparticles of a metal such as gold, silver, a platinum metal, or copper, and a polymer, the composite allowing formation of a metal film having a sufficiently low resistivity in terms of practicality simply by drying at room temperature without requiring any special heating-baking step or any step of removing a protective agent with a solvent; a dispersion liquid of the composite; methods for producing the foregoing; and a plastic substrate formed from the dispersion liquid. The composite comprises a (meth)acrylic-based copolymer having, as side chains, a polyethylene glycol chain and a phosphate residue represented by —OP(O)(OH)2 and having, at at least one end of the molecular chain, —SR (where R represents an alkyl group or the like).
US08388859B2
A composition comprising a blocked and/or unblocked isocyanate compound and surface-modified nanoscale solid particles that comprise on the surface thereof organic radicals which comprise groups with an active hydrogen or precursors of such groups.
US08388858B2
The invention relates to a combination of compounds for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, which combination comprises betaine and at least one other de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a method of de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, wherein a combination of compounds selected from the group consisting of acetates, formats, urea and combinations thereof, are applied to a slippery surface or a surface vulnerable to slipperiness. The invention further relates to the use of betaine for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, when betaine is used in combination with at least one ether de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof.
US08388854B2
Methods and associated structures of forming a microelectronic device are described. Those methods may include forming a first block on a nanodot material, forming a first spacer on the first block, removing the first block to form a free standing spacer, removing exposed portions of the nanodot material and then the free standing spacer to form nanowires, forming a second block at an angle to a length of the nanowires, forming a second spacer on the second block, forming a second free standing spacer on the nanowires by removing the second block, and removing exposed portions of the nanowires and then the second free standing spacer to form an ordered array of nanodots.
US08388846B2
Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells at lower temperatures than existing algae processing methods. A salt or salt solution is used as a separation agent and to remove water from the ionic liquid, allowing the ionic liquid to be reused. The used salt may be dried or concentrated and reused. The relatively low lysis temperatures and recycling of the ionic liquid and salt reduce the environmental impact of the algae processing while providing biofuels and other useful products.
US08388840B2
Device for stiffening the plates of a multi-stage column with a diameter of more than 2 meters, whereby each plate supports a particle bed and the flow of at least one fluid passes through it from top to bottom, whereby said device consists of a number of beams that are located under the plate in question, each beam having a lower surface that is shaped like a triangle.
US08388838B2
A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluid opening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through the filter; a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flowing through the flow path must pass through the filter element; and a dispersement device disposed within the housing, the dispersement device comprising a housing having at least one chamber for an additive disposed within the at least one chamber, the dispersement device further comprises a metering opening that is sealed with an oil soluble material the metering opening being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the metering opening.
US08388832B2
A process for the treatment of a tailings stream is provided. The tailings stream comprises water, sand and clay fines and is produced from bitumen extraction process of an oil sands ore. The process for treating the tailings stream comprises contacting a polysilicate microgel, a polyacrylamide and one or both of a multivalent metal compound and a low molecular weight cationic organic polymer with a tailings stream to flocculate sand and clay fines.
US08388827B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.
US08388821B2
Description is provided herein for an embodiment of a method determining a hematocrit-corrected glucose concentration. The exemplary method includes providing a test strip having a reference electrode and a working electrode, wherein the working electrode includes a plurality of microelectrodes and is coated with at least an enzyme and a mediator. The method can be achieved by: providing a test strip comprising a reference electrode and a working electrode formed with a plurality of microelectrodes and coated with a reagent layer; applying a fluid sample to the test strip for a reaction period; applying a test voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode; measuring a test current as a function of time; measuring a steady state current value when the test current has reached an equilibrium; calculating a ratio of the test current to the steady state current value; plotting the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; calculating an effective diffusion coefficient from the slope of the linearly regressed plot of the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; and calculating a hematocrit-corrected concentration of analyte.
US08388814B2
In a method for treatment of a dispersed material in a plasma, in which a plasma-forming gas is introduced into a reaction chamber and ionized and a dispersed material is introduced into the reaction chamber and into the area of the plasma, treated under the action of the plasma, and subsequently removed from the area of the plasma, the introduction of the plasma-forming gas and the introduction of the dispersed material are performed independently of one another and from different directions. In an apparatus for treatment of a dispersed material in a plasma, which comprises a reaction chamber having a plasma generator, a first inlet for a plasma-forming gas, and a second inlet for the dispersed material, the second inlet is situated spatially separated in relation to the first inlet so that the dispersed material is conducted from the outside into the plasma.
US08388805B2
A coarse separator (10) for a power tool (2) is used for separating, at least partially, from an air flow (L), material particles (M) produced during operation of the power tool (2) and aspirated by a suction device (8), and includes an inlet opening (48) connectable with the suction head (6) of a suction device (8) that aspirates the particles, an outlet opening (40) for letting a purified air flow (L) out, and a lamella separator arranged between the inlet opening (48) and the outlet opening (40).
US08388802B2
This invention relates to paper products and/or substrates suitable for being made and/or converted into wallboard tape; which also may be known as joint tape and/or drywall tape, having a pH of at least 7.0 and containing a plurality of cellulose fibers, a wet strength additive, an alkaline sizing agent, and an anionic promoter, as well as methods of making and using the same.
US08388800B2
An exemplary wet processing apparatus includes a conveyor, a spraying system, and a suction system. The conveyor is configured for conveying a substrate. The spraying system includes an upper spraying conduit above the conveyor and an upper spraying nozzle mounted on the upper spraying conduit. The suction system includes a suction conduit and a suction nozzle connected to the suction conduit. The suction nozzle is adjacent to the conveyor and configured for suction the wet processing liquid sprayed on the substrate. The suction conduit is connected to the spraying conduit in such a manner that the flowing of the wet processing liquid in the upper spraying conduit can create a negative pressure in the suction conduit to enable the suction nozzle to suck the wet processing liquid on the substrate.
US08388797B2
The invention is a system, or kit, comprising i) a stable solution or dispersion of a catalyst for the curing of a reactive adhesive system; and in a separate part ii) an uncured reactive adhesive system wherein the catalyst of part i) accelerates the cure of the reactive adhesive system. The reactive adhesive system can be a one or two-part system. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of bonding a reactive adhesive to a substrate comprising: a) contacting a catalyst for the curing of the reactive adhesive in a volatile solvent with the surface of the substrate to which the adhesive will be bonded; b) allowing the volatile solvent to volatilize away; c) contacting a reactive adhesive with the surface treated in step a) and d) allowing the adhesive to cure. This process is performed in the absence of a primer and a film forming agent.
US08388794B2
The invention provides a process for producing an adhesive patch, which includes a step of preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a backing, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the backing, and a release liner disposed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and a step of punching an adhesive patch including a backing, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the backing, and a release liner disposed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer out of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with a protrudent push cutter blade, in which, at at least an edge part of the protrudent push cutter blade, a cross-sectional shape of the protrudent push cutter blade, which is in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protrudent push cutter blade extends, has an angle a and an angle b, in which the angle a is larger than the angle b. The angle a and angle b in the sectional shape have the meanings described in the specification.
US08388788B2
A method of winding a holding sealing material includes providing a mat-shaped holding sealing material including inorganic fibers. An exhaust gas treating body is provided having cell walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the exhaust gas treating body to define cells. The mat-shaped holding sealing material is wound around an outer peripheral portion of the exhaust gas treating body to form multiple layers including a first layer and a second layer wound around the first layer. Each of the multiple layers is shifted along the longitudinal direction in a winding order such that the first layer is placed closer to one end face of the exhaust gas treating body than the second layer. A shift between the first layer and the second layer is from about 0.15% to about 15% of a length in a width direction of the holding sealing material.
US08388785B2
A method for effecting a repair and/or strengthening of a pipe. The method comprises cleaning an affected area of a surface of the pipe to provide a cleaned surface of the pipe surface for an area requiring repair; applying a continuous strip around the pipe from a portion prior to the effected area and allowing the continuous strip to extend to a portion after the affected area. The continuous strip forms a spiral sleeve spaced from the pipe surface to provide an annular chamber between the pipe surface and the spiral sleeve.
US08388783B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hull for vessels, containers or equivalents. The method comprises the steps: preparing an elastic or viscoelastic glue through mixing of at least two components; monitoring and/or controlling the mixing for determining if a correct desired mixing product has been achieved; applying a layer of the glue onto the hull (2) or on a first side of a sheet (4) of cellular plastic or other light weight material; mounting the sheet onto the hull, the sheet being equipped with a multiplicity of through-going air evacuation holes (12); placing an air permeable material (6) on top of the other side of the sheet (4), mounting a vacuum foil (8) onto the other side of the sheet; gluing by vacuum suction; observing visually if the glue exits out of the air evacuation holes on the other side of the sheet.
US08388780B2
A process for producing a stampable reinforced composite semi-finished product comprising one or more plastics and chopped fibers or continuous filaments, the softening temperature of which is above the highest of the softening temperatures of the materials, comprises the steps of: depositing the fibers or filaments, especially by gravity, onto a conveyor; sprinkling particles of a powder of the plastics onto the fibers or the filaments, in a proportion of between 5% and 90% of the total weight; blending the particles with the fibers or the filaments; and heating the blend to a temperature above the softening temperatures of the materials. The blending step includes subjecting the blend to at least one electric field approximately perpendicular to the direction of advance of the conveyor.
US08388777B2
Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.
US08388771B2
A high strength steel sheet contains, in percent by mass, 0.03 to 0.2% of C, 0.5 to 2.5% of Si, 1 to 3.0% of Mn, 0.01 to 0.5% of Cr, 0.01 to 0.5% of Mo, 0.02 to 0.15% of Al, 0.15% or less of Ti, 0.15% or less of No, and 0.15% or less of V; wherein the remainder includes Fe and inevitable impurities, and the content of Si satisfies the following formula (1), α−4.1≦[Si]α−2.4 (1), provided, α=6.9×([C]+[Mn]/6+[Cr]/5+[Mo]/4+[Ti]/15+[Nb]/17+[V]/14)1/2 is given, wherein [ ] shows the quantity (mass percent) of each element contained in the steel sheet. The high strength steel sheet is improved in formability (particularly, elongation), and excellent in balance between strength and elongation.
US08388769B2
To mold a high-resistance magnet at low temperature, including room temperature, the magnet includes magnetic powders, metallic powders having a lower hardness than the magnetic powders and a high-resistance layer, wherein the magnetic powders occupy a larger volume than the metallic powders. In particular, the high-resistance layer contains a fluorine compound and is placed between the magnetic powder and the metallic powders.
US08388767B2
A method for processing a low manganese steel is more cost effective and improves residual stress, bending fatigue, and surface characteristics for driveline components. The low manganese steel comprises in combination, by weight, about 0.30-0.75% carbon (C) and 0.15-0.40% manganese (Mn), with the balance being essentially iron (Fe). The method for processing the low manganese steel includes carbonitriding the low manganese steel at temperatures between 1600° F. to 1750° F. for a time period of about three to six hours. The low manganese steel is subsequently quenched in a water based solution that is kept at room temperature. The process provides the low manganese steel with an irregular case profile with a core hardness of no more than 50 Rockwell C and a surface hardness of approximately 58-63 Rockwell C. Further, the process provides the low manganese steel with little or no intergranular oxidation or surface high temperature transformation product.
US08388764B2
An apparatus is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removing station for lifting from the base a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction, a separating station for separating filling material from the strip and a winding station for winding the strip onto a shaft. A method is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the method includes lifting a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction from the base, separating infill material from the strip and winding the strip onto a shaft.
US08388761B2
When the inner surface of containers conveyed in an inverted posture is sterilized, the sterilization efficiency can be increased, the amount of sterilizing fluid used can be reduced, the sterilization time and washing time can be shortened, the number of drive components of the apparatus can be reduced and the apparatus can be simplified and reduced in cost. A non-inserted nozzle 20 is disposed at a distance of 1-50 mm below the lower end surface 52 of a mouth of a container conveyed in an inverted posture, the sterilizing fluid is mixed with air and the sterilizing fluid is atomized and sprayed intermittently from the non-inserted nozzle toward the inside of the container.
US08388752B2
A method capable of stably manufacturing a SiC single crystal in the form of a thin film or a bulk crystal having a low carrier density of at most 5×1017/cm3 and preferably less than 1×1017/cm3 and which is suitable for use in various devices by liquid phase growth using a SiC solution in which the solvent is a melt of a Si alloy employs a Si alloy having a composition which is expressed by SixCryTiz wherein x, y, and z (each in atomic percent) satisfy 0.50
US08388750B2
Disclosed herein are granulated kaolin compositions exhibiting at least one of improved material handling properties, low dusting during transit, easy make-down into mineral-water slurries, and requiring less energy to produce than spray dried kaolin products. The granulated kaolin compositions may, in one embodiment, be characterized by a moisture content ranging from about 12% to about 23% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the granulated kaolin compositions may have an average granule size of greater than about 10 mesh. Also disclosed herein are granulated kaolin compositions having a moisture content ranging from about 12% to about 23% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, wherein the composition is friable when subjected to a shear force. Further disclosed herein is a method for producing granulated kaolin compositions comprising mixing at least one kaolin slurry with at least one predispersed spray dried kaolin and agglomerating the resulting mixture. Still further disclosed herein is a system for producing granulated kaolin compositions comprising a first zone for mixing at least one kaolin slurry with at least one predispersed spray dried kaolin and a second zone for agglomerating the resulting mixture.
US08388743B2
One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e., the side of the inlet port) can flow into the other of the chambers.
US08388722B2
A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.
US08388719B2
The present invention relates to a ceramic filter comprising clay and a process for preparing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to the ceramic filter, including wave-shaped ceramic paper and plate-shaped paper, having improved efficiency and performance that may optimize the process of coating and calcining inorganic binder by forming an outer wall thereon, using clay, and thus increase insulation effect and mechanical strength represented by the clay layer, and the process for preparing thereof.
US08388715B2
A modular apparatus for processing air for classified environments and processes for preparing foods in general is constituted by a recovery air and outside air suction section with an optional free cooling fan; an air mixing section; a filtering section; a cold and hot battery section; a spacing section between the batteries of the cold and hot battery section; an air delivery ventilating section; an optional absolute filtering section; and an air delivery section.
US08388710B2
Disclosed is cerium oxide powder for a CMP abrasive, which can improve polishing selectivity of a silicon oxide layer to a silicon nitride layer and/or within-wafer non-uniformity (WIWNU) during chemical mechanical polishing in a semiconductor fabricating process. More particularly, the cerium oxide powder is obtained by using cerium carbonate having a hexagonal crystal structure as a precursor. Also, CMP slurry comprising the cerium oxide powder as an abrasive, and a shallow trench isolation method for a semiconductor device using the CMP slurry as polishing slurry are disclosed.
US08388699B2
A method levels hair color, especially lighter colored hair or including lightened streaks or bleached streaks or bleached as a whole and after certain period of time contrast—difference in color—between the re-growth and formerly lightened parts is clearly visible. The method comprises at least two parts wherein one part being the part not closer to scalp which is artificially color changed to a lighter color by means of lightening and/or coloring and/or bleaching than the other part closer to scalp which is preferably undamaged and has its natural color, wherein hair is optionally shampooed and optionally towel dried and the part directly at the scalp, preferably undamaged and preferably has its natural color, is applied a composition resulting from mixing two compositions, A and B, prior to application.
US08388696B2
The invention is directed to a two-part hair cosmetic for hair dyeing or bleaching which includes a first agent containing an alkaline agent and a second agent containing hydrogen peroxide and a squeeze container for discharging a mixed solution of the first agent and the second agent. The first agent or second agent contains a foaming agent. The mixed solution thereof has a viscosity (25° C.) of from 1 mPa·s to 100 mPa·s. The ratio between the total volume of the first and second agents and the inner volume of the container body is in the range of from 0.30 to 0.60.
US08388693B2
The present disclosure relates to a surgical fastener for attaching a prosthesis intended to repair a hernial defect of the abdominal wall, the prosthesis has at least two layers made of a biocompatible flexible material joined together at least one assembly zone, so as to define an internal space delimited by a substantially circular peripheral contour. The internal space is accessible to said surgical fastener that includes at least one body forming a reinforcing section that includes an open ring intended to extend substantially along at least one part of the substantially circular substantially circular peripheral contour. The open ring is connected to an attachment arm that extends substantially radially towards the inside and is intended to be anchored in the abdominal wall.
US08388681B2
Intraocular lenses are provided having a visible-light selective transmissive zone defined therein. The visible light-selective transmissive zone can be located near the lens center and designed to reduce the transmission of any wave-length of visible light specifically light in the blue light region having wavelength between approximately 400λ to 550λ. In one embodiment he IOLs are made from acrylates and the light absorbing compound is a yellow dye.
US08388675B2
The invention provides an improved stent design for repairing vasculature, the stent having rings including struts defining first peaks and second peaks, selected second peaks of adjacent rings being connected by links. The stent design incorporates non-linear links with undulating portions extending generally perpendicular to or circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stent and adjacent first peaks with different longitudinal lengths such that stent flexibility is increased without sacrificing stent compression for delivery.
US08388674B2
Materials and methods for making conformable stents. The stents can be generated by, for example, injecting a fluid into a scaffold on the outer surface of an angioplasty balloon inflated at the site of a stenosis, and allowing the fluid to harden or set, thus generating a stent that can remain in the vessel at the site of stenosis.
US08388669B2
A modulating light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 600 nm is irradiated to a portion around hair roots at an energy of 0.01 J/cm2 to 1 J/cm2 over a time period of not more than 1 ms as a flash light such that a light absorptive component existing in a human body around the hair roots absorbs the light for modulating hair growth without causing substantial adverse effect.
US08388654B2
A soft tissue repair system comprising: at least one anchor, the at least one anchor comprising a body, a bone-engaging element attached to the body for securing the body in bone, and a suture-attaching element attached to the body for attaching suture to the anchor, the suture-attaching element being configured so as to permit suture to be snared by the suture-attaching element after the anchor has been deployed in the bone.
US08388650B2
Implantable devices for placement at a cavity or opening such as an aneurysm are disclosed. The implantable devices, in a deployed condition, have a generally inverted U-shaped profile with a curved or angled framework support structure sized and configured for placement in proximity to tissue surrounding the opening and anchoring legs extending proximally from the framework structure sized and configured to contact the wall of a neighboring lumen at opposed locations. Occlusive and semi-occlusive membranes may be associated with the framework support structure and deployed over the opening to provide exclusion of the opening and flow diversion. Proximal anchoring segments providing additional lumen wall surface area contact for the implantable device following deployment may be incorporated.
US08388641B2
A balloon catheter includes a catheter tube and an inflatable balloon. The ends of the balloon are attached to the catheter tube. The outside surface of the balloon in an uninflated state is provided with a relief structure which in an inflated state of the balloon is substantially disappeared. A method for producing such a relief structure is by winding a wire helically around the outer surface of the balloon.
US08388633B2
An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect including a first composite structure including at least one layer of a non-absorbable material, wherein the first composite structure has a central portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the tissue or muscle wall defect, and has an outer periphery. The prosthesis further includes a second structure having a reinforced central region and an outer peripheral edge, a reinforcing element positioned between the first and second structures, and having an outer periphery and a stiffness greater than that of the first and second structures, and at least one pulling element coupled to the reinforced central region of the second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure substantially only at their respective peripheries.
US08388629B2
A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction.
US08388624B2
A system for repairing a defect on an articular surface of a patient's trochlear region, the system comprising a guide block comprising a body having an exterior surface configured to engage with the saddle portion and ridge portions of the patient's trochlear region, a protrusion extending generally from the body and configured to be received in a first bore formed in the articular surface along a reference axis, and a first cavity extending through the body configured to establish a first working axis displaced from the reference axis, wherein the exterior surface of the body and the protrusion are configured to secure the location of the guide block about the patient's trochlear region. A method for preparing an implant site in bone, comprising: establishing a reference axis extending from the bone; creating a bore in the bone by reaming about the reference axis; securing a guide block about the articular surface; establishing a first working axis extending from the bone using the guide block, the first working axis is displaced from the reference axis; and creating a first socket in the bone by reaming about the first working axis, wherein the first socket partially overlaps with the bore.
US08388623B2
An apparatus for introducing a bone portal into a bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a stylet and a handle. The stylet is configured to support an infusion tube assembly. The infusion tube assembly comprises a bone portal. The handle is drivingly coupled to the stylet by a release mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a bone probe that, in a first configuration, extends generally parallel to the stylet. The release mechanism is operative to uncouple the driving coupling between the handle and the stylet upon axial motion of the bone probe relative to the handle. The stylet and bone probe are movable apart from one another to a second configuration.
US08388605B2
A medical device system includes a manipulator including a plurality of joints, a parameter storing portion for storing joint parameters, including a largest available force, of each joint of the plurality of joints, a trajectory inputting portion for inputting, as a trajectory plan, trajectories for moving a distal end of the manipulator from a current position and attitude to a target position and attitude, a trajectory setting portion for setting a joint angle trajectory for each joint providing a largest available force from among joint angle trajectories which allow movement to the target position and attitude with a minimum number of driven joints based on a largest available force parameter for the each joint stored in the parameter storing portion and the trajectory plan.
US08388602B2
Balloon catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen extending therein, and a biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member having a Shore durometer hardness of less than about 75D and having the inflation lumen therein. The balloon catheter also comprises a balloon sealing secured proximate the distal end of the shaft and having an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.
US08388600B1
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating intranasal administration of a medication to a patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough, the catheter comprising an insertion end and a manipulation end, the insertion end having an intrinsic curvature with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter such that the insertion end of the catheter lies in a first plane and the manipulation end lies in a second plane, wherein the catheter smoothly transitions between the first plane and the second plane, the intrinsic curvature conforming to a patients nasal anatomy such that the catheter may be inserted into a sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus also includes a straightening member configured to removably engage the catheter. The straightening member straightens the intrinsic curvature such that the first plane and the second plane are aligned when the catheter is engaged by the straightening member.
US08388595B2
A disposable undergarment includes a body chassis member elongatable in at least a first direction between at least a first condition and second condition. The body chassis member has a greater elongation when in the second condition than when in the first condition. The disposable undergarment further includes a crotch member detachably connected to the body chassis member at at least one attachment location. At least a portion of the at least one attachment location is detached as the body chassis member is elongated between the first and second conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the crotch member includes an absorbent component. Methods of using the undergarment and of instructing a user about the use of the garment are also provided.
US08388594B2
A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes three layers of spunbond fibers and two layers of meltblown fibers. The side of the nonwoven web that includes two layers of spunbond fibers is attached to the elastomeric material.
US08388591B2
An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch be structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
US08388590B2
A feminine hygiene article having a body-facing surface, a first end region and a second end region. The feminine hygiene article is for placement in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings, the feminine hygiene article comprising at least one functional enhancement indicator visible from said body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator corresponding to at least one functionally-enhanced portion of the feminine hygiene article. The feminine hygiene article can be a sanitary napkin, a pantiliner, or an incontinence pad.
US08388585B2
A disposable urine collection device may include an absorbent pad disposed proximate to the inner surface of a shell. The device may be contoured to be positioned against and enclose the urinary area of a user such that the absorbent pad may absorb a quantity of urine associated with a complete urinary discharge from the user. The absorbent pad may be formed from one or more commercially available diapers. One or more elastic cuffs may be provided to conform to the user's urinary area and to help contain the flow of urine as it is discharged from the user. An invertible bag may be attached to the bottom of the shell so that the user may conveniently enclose the absorbent pad after use and dispose of the device in a sanitary manner.
US08388584B2
A method and system, together with corresponding apparatus and components, and corresponding kits, for use in performing topical wound therapy by using topical negative pressure (TNP) in combination with one or more hollow fiber catheters. In one embodiment, the method provides hollow fiber catheters for the removal of fluid or fluid components from the wound area by ultrafiltration. In another embodiment the hollow fiber catheters are connected to an infusion pump and used to deliver therapeutic fluids to the wound area. In yet another embodiment, a first set of hollow fiber catheters is connected to a vacuum pump and a second set is connected to an infusion pump to simultaneously remove excess tissue fluid and deliver therapeutic fluid to the wound site.
US08388582B2
Interventional catheter assemblies, operating systems and adaptive interface components allow operation of a variety of interventional catheter assemblies, including infusion catheters, aspiration catheters and interventional catheters that provide both infusion and aspiration, using a common control console housing infusion and aspiration systems. Control instructions for operating the interventional catheter assembly and authentication protocols for verifying system matches and operating conditions maybe encoded in hardware, firmware or software, such as a memory or storage device, provided in the interventional catheter assembly or in a discrete adaptive interface component. Adaptive components such as tubing cassettes routing aspiration and/or infusion tubing in a predetermined configuration to mate with aspiration and infusion systems on a control console are also provided.
US08388580B2
The fluid injection apparatus is adapted for use with a syringe and includes an injector and a pressure jacket associated with the injector. The injector includes a housing defining an opening for a drive piston extendable from the housing. The pressure jacket secures the syringe during an injection procedure. The pressure jacket has a distal end defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe, and a proximal end associated with the housing and generally aligned with the opening. The apparatus includes a syringe sensor adapted for engagement by the syringe when loaded into the pressure jacket. The housing may have an engagement tab adapted to engage an engagement recess in the pressure jacket to removably engage the pressure jacket with the housing. The apparatus may have one or more light sources associated with the housing for illuminating the syringe received in the pressure jacket.
US08388575B2
Multilayer balloon for a catheter comprising at least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer having a combined wall thickness. The first layer is made of a first polymer material having a first maximum blow-up-ratio. The second layer is made of a second polymer material having a second maximum blow-up-ratio greater than the first maximum blow-up-ratio. The second layer is an inner layer relative to the first layer. The third layer is made of a third polymer material having a third maximum blow-up-ratio greater than the second maximum blow-up-ratio. The third layer is an inner layer relative to the second layer. The at least first, second, and third layers define a compliance less than that of a single layer balloon made of the first polymer material with a wall thickness equal to the combined wall thickness.
US08388569B2
Delivery devices, methods and systems are provided for the delivery of particles into a biological tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas; a first particle source comprising a first plurality of particles; a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source and adapted to form a collimated stream of the first plurality of particles entrained in the gas. The device also includes a tissue-interfacing surface adapted to interface with a surface of the tissue and orient the first collimator with the tissue such that the collimated stream of the first plurality of particles will penetrate the tissue in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tissue.
US08388563B2
A splint, in particular for the wrist, includes a substantially rectangular main band adapted to be closed in a tubular shape around the part of the body to be protected, a plurality of laces having an end integral with one side of the main band, at least one gripping element joined to the other end of the laces and adapted to be fastened on the upper surface of the main band. The splint further includes a comb-shaped insert, provided with teeth spaced apart from each other so as to form gaps wherein the laces can be inserted. A fastening strip is connected to the teeth of the insert and is adapted to be fastened on the upper surface of the main band.
US08388555B2
Techniques relate to operating a medical device in response to a detected posture state of a patient. A trigger event such as a request to modify how therapy is being delivered to the patient may cause a determination to be made as to whether the patient's posture state is stable. If the posture state is stable, an association is created between the posture state and one or more therapy parameter values. Over time, a library of such associations is created that may reflect any posture state in three dimensional space, wherein a posture state comprises at least one of a posture and an activity component. The library of associations may be used to automatically control therapy delivery. Similar ones of the associations may automatically be grouped into posture state regions to facilitate more efficient classification of the patient's posture state to control therapy delivery.
US08388549B2
A medical device utilizing temperature sensing to identify or assess anatomical bodies or structures includes an elongate tubular member, at least one electrode, a thermal sensor, and a temperature response assessment system or component. The at least one electrode may be connected to the distal portion of the elongate tubular member, and the one or more electrode can be configured to provide energy or heat to a portion of an anatomical body or structure. The thermal sensor may be configured to measure the thermal response of the portion of an anatomical body or structure, e.g., tissue or blood pools. The temperature response assessment system or component can be coupled to the thermal sensor. In embodiments, the device may include a lumen and port opening, which may accommodate a tool, such as a needle. Methods for using temperature sensing to identify an anatomical body or structure are also disclosed.
US08388543B2
A photoplethysmography apparatus and method is provided for high resolution estimating of Time-Frequency Spectra (TFS) and associated amplitudes using Variable Frequency Complex Demodulation (VFCDM), in a two-step procedure using a Time-Varying Optimal Parameter Search (TVOPS) technique to obtain TFS, followed by VFCDM to obtain even greater TFS resolution and instantaneous amplitudes associated with only specific frequencies of interest, via the combined TVOPS and VFCDM.
US08388534B2
An apparatus for providing skin care information, the apparatus including: an electrode unit supplying a voltage to a user's skin and detecting a current signal in the user's skin; a measurement control unit measuring the user's skin moisture content and sweat gland activity by using the detected current signal; a data calculation unit deriving skin moisture content information by using the skin moisture content and the sweat gland activity, and generating skin care information corresponding to the skin moisture content information; and an information provider providing the user with the generated skin care information is provided.
US08388532B2
A diagnostic system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes i) an input interface for use by a person to submit user profile data, physical data and psychological data to the system, the physical data representing heart rate, blood pressure, and other biophysical parameters of the person, the psychological data representing quality of life and needs satisfaction and other psychological parameters of the person, ii) an analyzer for processing the physical data and psychological data to generate risk profile data based on criteria data for conditions and iii) an output interface for providing risk profile displays using the risk profile data to present for the person risk levels associated with the conditions.
US08388525B2
A retractor includes a retractor support and an elongated retractor blade. The retractor blade has a first, closed position in which ends of the blade are positioned proximal to the support and a second, open position in which ends of the blade are positioned distal to the support. The retractor support has structure for engaging the retractor blade. A handle extends from the retractor support. A method of retracting tissue is also disclosed.
US08388517B2
An in-vivo observation system includes a capsule endoscope and a magnetic field generating apparatus. The capsule endoscope includes an in-vivo observation section, a radio sending section, a battery, a magnetic field detection section for detecting a magnetic field signal, and a power supply control section for controlling state of power supply from the battery to the in-vivo observation section and the radio sending section by toggle operation based on a detection result by the magnetic field detection section. The magnetic field generating apparatus includes a magnetic field generating section, an operation switch for giving a command to start generating the magnetic field signal, a state determination section for determining the state of power supply, and a magnetic field generation control section for controling generation of the magnetic field signal based on the command from the operation switch and a determination result by the state determination section.
US08388507B2
A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.
US08388501B2
Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play yard and/or the bassinet.
US08388499B1
A dual compound and isolated exercise machine includes a frame including a first portion and a second portion positioned in a plane generally perpendicular to the first portion. The spool line may be relocated to any leverage point on or near the frame. The spool assembly can be wirelessly controlled. Wireless signal sent to a wireless receiver activates a motor, gear reduction box, and variable speed drive to join the spool assembly, causing the release or retraction of the spool line. Tension along the spool line is measured by a force transducer and converted to readable real time measurements for display on a data monitor. The device is capable of producing and measuring maximum (0 to 100%) potential muscle concentric, isometric and concentric muscle contractions. The device is collapsible, portable and wheel chair and paraplegic accessible.
US08388496B2
An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, a neutral area is enlarged so that a possibility of selecting the neutral state becomes higher, as a battery temperature is higher, or as an electric motor temperature is higher, or as a remaining battery level is larger.
US08388494B2
A method of controlling a hybrid drive-train of a vehicle in which the hybrid drive-train comprises a combustion engine having a driveshaft, an electric machine that can be connected to the driveshaft of the engine by a clutch, an automated transmission with an input which is connected to the rotor of the electric machine, and shifting elements for shifting between two gears. During electric driving operation with the engine stopped and the clutch disengaged, the engine can be drag-started in combination with a downshift in the transmission. Drag starting of the engine is carried out by disengaging the frictional shifting element to be disengaged to below a slipping limit, engaging the clutch until the engine reaches or exceeds its minimum starting speed, starting the engine self-starts, substantially disengaging the clutch, separately adjusting the engine and electric machine to the synchronous speed of the target gear, and fully engaging and disengaging associated shifting elements.
US08388492B2
A method for determining conditions of a hybrid drive train of a motor vehicle. The method determines, the actual conditions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) of the drive train from predetermined condition parameters of the actuating device of the hybrid control. The condition parameters include whether or not a flow of force is present between a combustion engine (VM) and an electrical engine (EM), whether or not the combustion engine (VM) is operating, and whether or not a flow of force to the output is present.
US08388487B2
A differential apparatus has a planet carrier 2A rotated by driving torque from a driving source, a planetary gear 2B rotated for self-rotation around its own axis by receiving rotational force of the planet carrier 2A, a sun gear 2C and an internal gear 2D differentially distributing the rotational force to a pair of output shafts by receiving the rotational force of the planet carrier 2A from the planetary gear 2B, and a differential restricting mechanism 2 having an inner clutch plates 3A and an outer clutch plates 3B restricting a differential of the differential mechanism 3. The planet carrier 2A is disposed between the sun gear 2C and the internal gear 2D, and the sun gear 2C and internal gear 2D are respectively connected each other to be able to transmit torque through the inner clutch plates 3A and the outer clutch plates 3B.
US08388486B2
A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
US08388482B2
The invention relates to a groundspeed power take-off (PTO) shaft arrangement in a commercial agricultural vehicle. The groundspeed PTO shaft arrangement has a groundspeed PTO shaft device with a differential gear (222). The differential gear contains an input shaft (221) which is coupled to a gear (212). A right wheel output shaft (232) is coupled to an end drive (233) of a right wheel (234) and driven via the input shaft (221); a left wheel output shaft (239) is coupled to an end drive of a left wheel and is driven via the input shaft (221). Provided in this case is a first PTO shaft (236) which issues from the differential gear (222) relative to the input shaft (221), is driven by the input shaft (221) and is coupled to the right or left wheel output shaft (232, 239).
US08388468B2
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, the first dimples comprising spherical dimples having a first, spherical chord depth and the second dimples comprising truncated spherical dimples having a second, truncated chord depth, and the second dimples are of larger radius than the first dimples and have a truncated chord depth which is less than the spherical chord depth of the first dimples.
US08388459B2
A training golf club includes a shaft having a gripping end and an opposite end coupled with a club head. A club head face includes a planar striking face that is spaced from a club head sole. A lower face of the club head extends between a lower edge of the striking face to the sole of the club head, downwardly and rearwardly from the plane of the striking face. Striking a ball below a mid-plane of the ball with the striking face produces a desirable shot, whereas striking the ball above the mid-plane produces an undesirable shot. Repeated use of the club teaches a user to consistently swing a club with a forward shaft lean for optimal impact with a ball.
US08388456B2
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has cutout round portions (32) provided at two portions of a ball-contact-point corresponding part on a track inlet end (22a) of each of the track grooves (22) of the outer joint member for reduce biting of balls. The fixed type constant velocity universal joint is capable of achieving reduction of stress generated when balls and edge portions interfere with each other, suppression of chipping of the edge portions, and prolongation of a service life of the joint as a whole. These advantages are achieved even at a time of an unexpected high-angle operation, and in particular even when an angle expected during use of the constant velocity universal joint is exceeded.
US08388451B2
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing game-based incentives to users of online games as a reward for performing actions at physical locations.
US08388448B2
The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for downloading gaming software. According to some implementations of the invention, gaming software is continuously transmitted on a plurality of channels, e.g., by one or more servers. In some such implementations, each channel is dedicated to software for a different wagering game. In other implementations, gaming software components are transmitted on a plurality of channels, with each channel dedicated to a particular gaming software component. Some implementations provide gaming software in response to a request from a gaming machine. Implementations over dedicated and/or public networks are provided. Preferred implementations of the invention allow gaming software to be downloaded to gaming machines in a secure manner that automatically ensures that licensing and regulatory requirements are satisfied. Some such implementations determine whether payment is required for gaming software and provide for automated payment, if so required.
US08388447B2
A game involves establishing a Wi-Fi connection for retrieving a template used to create a level for the game. A play test is conducted to determine if the created level of the game can be played. The created game level can be shared with other players and/or submitted as a contest for play and competition judging by other players.
US08388445B2
A system and method for a fantasy sporting event game that reduces the requirement that the game player be skilled in the sport, or have knowledge of the sport. The method resolves the competition with a single actual sporting event as opposed to a season. The fantasy team players, chosen from players participating in the live sporting event, are randomly assigned to the fantasy teams. Team owners sign on after a live sporting event has been selected. Game players are then each assigned team members to fill out their rosters. An actual live player may be assigned to more than one team. Likewise, the fantasy teams established need not contain an actual live player from each of the positions for the particular sporting event. Variations as to the number of players on a fantasy team and the duration of the one-game time period are anticipated.
US08388439B2
In a gaming system, a part of a bet is accumulated in a progressive bonus counter in a case of executing a slot game in each of slot machines. Then, in a case where an accumulated count value of the progressive bonus counter has reached a predetermined value, an event game which the plurality of slot machines participate in is executed, and a progressive bonus corresponding to a part or entirety of the accumulated count value is provided to a player who has won the event game. Moreover, in a case where the accumulated count value of the progressive bonus counter has reached the predetermined value when the slot game is being executed only in one slot machine, a mystery bonus is generated. Accordingly, a profit can be returned to players who execute the slot game.
US08388435B2
A method of playing a wagering game comprises receiving a wager, and generating a randomly selected first outcome of a first wagering game, the first outcome comprising a first plurality of symbols arranged in a first matrix. The method further comprises generating a randomly selected second outcome of a second wagering game, the second outcome comprising a second plurality of symbols arranged in a second matrix, and simultaneously displaying the first outcome and the second outcome on at least one display. The method further comprises detecting an occurrence of a triggering event, in response to the triggering event, copying a first special symbol occurring in the first outcome into the second outcome to yield a modified second outcome, and evaluating the first outcome and the modified second outcome for winning combinations of symbols.
US08388432B2
Disclosed are gaming machines, gaming machine reels, and configurable reel strips, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, for electronically altering and replacing information shown on a reel of a gaming machine. A reel strip with a configurable surface is provided on the reel. The configurable surface includes a bi-stable material such as electronic paper. The configurable surface of the reel strip has a plurality of configurable regions of the bi-stable material. The configurable regions can be configured to display information such as designated symbols of a game of chance. In this way, the displayed symbols can be replaced without having to physically replace the reel strip or reel. Generally, symbol information is output for display on the configurable regions during a power on state. The bi-stable nature of the configurable regions enables the designated symbols to also be displayed during a power off state.
US08388427B2
Exploration outside of a person's normal area may be detected and rewarded. In one example, a game (or other type of application) may be built around such exploration. A device carried by a user (pursuant to appropriate permission obtained from the user) may report the user's location to a presence detector. The presence detector may use this information to build a heat map, indicating the user's areas of common presence. When the location information received from the device indicates that the user has ventured outside of the user's area of common presence, this exploration event may be rewarded with an increase in the user's score. The user's score may be published on social media.
US08388424B2
Method and apparatus for modifying gaming machines to provide supplemental or modified functionality
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for modifying the functionality of a legacy gaming device is disclosed. The legacy gaming device can include legacy gaming device processor configured to communicate with various input/output devices, such as a touch screen video display, over legacy communication paths to generate a wager-based game. An apparatus including a processor separate from the legacy gaming device processor can be configured to control an interruption of signals on at least one of the legacy communication paths and to generate substitute signals for the interrupted signals to modify the functionality of the legacy gaming device.
US08388423B2
An inlet recirculation apparatus for an air moving device includes a housing defined by a wall extending from a base. The base includes an aperture therethrough receptive to alignment with an inlet of the air moving device. A plurality of flaps each pivotally extends radially outwardly from a center pivot to another corresponding pivot disposed around a perimeter of the wall. The center pivot is coaxial with a center of the aperture. Each flap moves to an open position due to air pressure from the air moving device causing air to flow into the inlet wherein each flap pivotally rotates about the center pivot and corresponding pivot at the wall, and moves to a closed position when air pressure from the air moving device ceases wherein a space between contiguous flaps is eliminated when each flap pivotally rotates to the closed position about the center pivot and corresponding pivot at the wall to prevent reverse airflow through the air moving device.
US08388421B2
A device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, the carcass part, at the start of the process, including bone parts with at least a part of the rib cage, at least a part of the clavicle, and at least a part of the wing joint, at least a part of the outer fillet, where the part of the outer fillet that is present is connected to the part of the rib cage that is present, at least a part of the inner fillet, at least a tendon that connects the inner fillet to the wing joint, the device including an outer fillet guide to maintain at least a part of the outer fillet in the first position, a clavicle guide to hold the free ends of the wishbone in the second position, and at least one blade to cut through the tendon.
US08388416B2
The method relates to the manufacture of a reinforced diamond-coated cable for cutting structures and materials of steel, concrete, steel and concrete, stone materials or the like, in which such diamond-coated cable comprises a plurality of outer strands (101) of metal material such as steel or the like wound in a helix around an inner central strand (201) and a series of sheaths (2) inserted along such outer strands (101) and having on their external profiles (202) projecting members of strongly abrasive materials such as industrial diamonds or the like. The method comprises the following stages: a) at least partly unwinding the outer strands (101) between each pair of successive sheaths (2′, 2″) so as to space them apart to create a free space (3, 3′) between the outer strands (101) and the central strand (201), b) inserting a rigid mechanical interference member (4, 6) in the space between one outer strand and the other and in the said free space (3, 3′) to create an enlarged zone of suitable diameter (D) between each pair (2′, 2″) of successive sheaths, c) again helically winding the outer strands (101) around such rigid mechanical interference member (4, 6).
US08388415B2
A power cutter comprising: a housing 2; an engine 24 mounted within the housing 2; a support arm 7 mounted on the housing and which projects forward of the housing; a blade mounting mechanism 70,90, 86, 92 rotatably mounted on the end of the support arm and which is capable of being rotationally driven by the engine 24 when the engine is running; a liquid fuel aeration mechanism 126 to generate aerated fuel for the engine; an air intake 314 for the provision of air for the liquid fuel aeration device 126; an air filtration mechanism 316 to filter the air drawn in from the air intake for the liquid fuel aeration mechanism; a fuel tank 124 for providing fuel to the liquid fuel aeration mechanism; and an exhaust 146 through which the exhaust gases generated by the operation of the engine are expelled; wherein the air filtration mechanism comprises an air filter 320 comprising a plurality of pleats which hang substantially vertically downwardly when the power cutter is in its standard orientation.
US08388414B2
A method, according to one embodiment, includes forming a lubricant film on a magnetic disk having at least a magnetic recording film above a substrate, and a protective film above the magnetic recording film, and wiping the lubricant film while rotating the substrate, e.g., at about 3.0 m/s to about 3.5 m/s by pressing a pad against a wiping cloth e.g., at a loading speed of about 12 mm/min to about 36 mm/min e.g., under a pressure of about 3 gf/mm2 to about 9 gf/mm2. The pad has a convexly curved surface in contact with the wiping cloth, and the wiping cloth is disposed so as to oppose the lubricant film. The method also includes pressing a cleaning tape which includes abrasive grains against the substrate on which the protective film and lubricant film are formed while rotating the substrate to remove protrusions. Apparatuses and forming the layers are also described.
US08388412B2
Retaining rings with curved surfaces are described. The curved surfaces prevent damage to a fixed abrasive polishing pad when the retaining ring is used in a polishing process. The curved surfaces are on the bottom surface of the ring, such as along the outer diameter and/or along the sidewalls of channels formed in the bottom of the ring.
US08388411B2
A method for polishing the edge of a semiconductor wafer comprises (a) providing a semiconductor wafer which has been polished on its side surfaces and which has a rounded edge; (b) polishing the edge of the wafer by fixing the semiconductor wafer on a centrally rotating chuck, delivering the wafer to a centrally rotating polishing drum, which is inclined with respect to the chuck and to which a polishing pad containing fixedly bonded abrasives is applied, and pressing semiconductor wafer and polishing drum onto one another while a polishing agent solution containing no solids is continuously supplied.
US08388409B2
A substrate polishing apparatus is provided for preventing excessive polishing and insufficient polishing, and enabling a quantitative setting of an additional polishing time. The substrate polishing apparatus comprises a mechanism for polishing a substrate to be polished; a film thickness measuring device for measuring the thickness of a thin film deposited on the substrate; an interface for entering a target thickness for the polished thin film; a storage area for preserving past polishing results; and a processing unit for calculating a polishing time and a polishing rate. The substrate polishing apparatus builds an additional polishing database for storing data acquired from the result of additional polishing in the storage area.
US08388406B2
A breast cup for a bra that has an outermost layer and an innermost layer and at least one intermediate panel that is captured between the innermost layer and the outermost layer. At least part of an edge of the intermediate panel is positioned at a location that is non-contiguous the perimeter of the cup. This defines within the cup perimeter at least two zones of different cross sectional composition that may offer a different hand feel of different parts of the cup.
US08388401B2
A plurality of structural members configured to be coupled together to form an array. Each structural member includes a top portion having a plurality of top extending members spaced apart from one another and a bottom portion having a plurality of bottom extending members spaced apart from one another. The top extending members and bottom extending members can be vertically offset from each other. The top portion of each structural member can be coupled to the bottom portion of another structural member, and each top extending member of a structural member can be coupled to a bottom extending member of another structural member.
US08388400B2
The following method is provided: a method of readily fabricating an electron-emitting device, coated with a low-work function material, having good electron-emitting properties with high reproducibility such that differences in electron-emitting properties between electron-emitting devices are reduced. Before a structure is coated with the low-work function material, a metal oxide layer is formed on the structure.
US08388396B2
Provided is a manufacturing method for manufacturing a spark plug which produces a spark plug which mitigates misfire and improves gas mileage, peak engine performance, horsepower, and increases the RPM range of the host vehicle. The improved performance of the spark plug is, at least in part, attributable to the spacing between an electrode body and an electrode cage. In particular, the electrode cage extends over the electrode body such that the arcuate members of the electrode cage are equidistantly spaced from the bulbous or spherical electrode body. The manufacturing method described herein results in a spark plug having the above-described configuration, while being formed and assembled at an economical cost.
US08388392B2
A steering device for an outboard engine includes: a helm mechanism operable, in response to operation of a steering wheel, to steer the outboard engine and including a drive shaft parallel to an output shaft of the operation member; an electric assist mechanism for detecting steering torque, applied to the steering wheel, to assist operation of the helm mechanism on the basis of the detected steering torque; and a power transmission section for connecting the output shaft of the steering wheel and the helm mechanism to transmit rotation of the output shaft to the helm mechanism.
US08388388B2
A connector includes: a terminal fitting having a body portion; and a housing having a cavity that receives the terminal fitting, wherein the body portion has a first protrusion that protrudes from an outer surface of the body portion and an interference avoiding portion, wherein the first protrusion and the interference avoiding portion are disposed to be opposed to each other substantially in a diagonal line on a virtual projection plane, and wherein the cavity is formed with, in an inner surface thereof, a first groove into which the first protrusion is allowed to enter only when the terminal fitting has a proper insertion posture relative to the cavity and an interference portion that is formed to swell from the inner surface of the cavity to narrow a gap with the interference avoiding portion.
US08388385B2
A personal media device includes at least a housing having at least a highly curved portion. The housing includes at least one opening suitably sized to accommodate a multi-pin connector. A portion of the multi-pin adapter associated with the highly curved portion includes at least a spring loaded, small form factor, electrical contact arranged to provide EMI ground contact when a plug is inserted into and engages the multi-pin connector assembly. In one embodiment, the spring loaded electrical contact takes the form of a dimple formed of conductive material such as stainless steel or copper.
US08388377B2
There is provided a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to an outer diameter of a threaded interface port. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector body, a tubular inner post, and a sleeve member. The connector body has a first end, an opposing second end, and a bore therethrough. The inner post is disposed within the bore of the connector body, and includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to engage the connector body so as to prevent relative axial movement with the connector body. The second end of the inner post is adapted to be inserted into the end of the coaxial cable. Either the first end of the connector body or the first end of the inner post includes a basket portion adapted to engage the threaded interface port. The basket portion includes an outer diameter, an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the threaded interface port, and a relief element. The relief element is adapted to radially expand the outer diameter of the basket portion upon engaging the interface port. The sleeve member is disposed in overlaying relation to the basket portion, and includes an inner diameter that is less than the expanded outer diameter of the basket portion. The sleeve member is axially movable in relation to the basket portion from a first position to a second position to radially compress the basket portion.
US08388370B2
A connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector configured to be mated with each other. The first connector includes a plurality of first contacts, a first housing and a first shell. The first contacts are arranged and retained in a pitch direction by the first housing The first housing is covered at least in part with the first shell The first shell includes a spring portion and a contact portion. The spring portion extends in the pitch direction. The spring portion is long in the pitch direction. The contact portion is supported by the spring portion so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the pitch direction. The second connector includes a second shell. The second shell is brought into contact with at least the contact portion of the first shell so that the first shell and the second shell are connected to each other when the second connector is mated with the first connector.
US08388362B2
A stacked card-edge connector is provided for fixing and electrically connecting at least one electronic card to a circuit board. The stacked card-edge connector includes two stackable and interchangeable insulating housings, a pair of first card latches, a pair of second card latches, a pair of fasteners. The pair of first card latches are mounted respectively at the two sides of one insulating housing for fixing and/or holding the at least one electronic card. The pair of second card latches are secured respectively at the two sides of the other insulating housing for fixing and/or holding another electronic card. When two electronic cards are secured respectively by the pair of first and second card latches, disengagement of the electronic card secured by pair of first card latches causes a simultaneous disengagement of the electronic card secured by the pair of second card latches.
US08388360B1
A spark plug wire having a first terminal and a second terminal wherein the first terminal is configured to operably couple to a distributor of a combustion engine and the second terminal operably couples to a spark plug. The second terminal further includes a housing that is generally cylindrical in shape having an upper groove and a lower groove. A first lateral ring is surroundably mounted to the housing within the upper groove. A second lateral ring is surroundably mounted to the housing within the lower groove. A first grip member and a second grip member being elongated in shape having a first end and a second end are integrally connected to the first lateral ring and the second lateral ring. The first grip member and second grip member are mounted such that they are diametrically opposed on the housing.
US08388350B2
The invention relates to a three-dimensional life size model of a child's skull, a kit comprising several such models, and methods using said model.
US08388349B2
An anastomosis training device and related methods of use that provides medical professionals with real-time feedback of pulling force. The anastomosis training device can include a housing portion, a spring member, a proximal catheter portion and a distal catheter portion. The housing portion can include an external tubing member that slidingly retains an internal tubing element and the spring member. A proximal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a manipulation assembly and a distal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a retention member that allows the anastomosis training tool to be anchored to a suitable surface. As a user applies a pulling force to the manipulation assembly, the internal tubing member is slidably withdrawn from the external tubing member to expose a visible force scale that indicates the level of pulling force being applied by the user.
US08388345B2
An endodontic activator is provided to facilitate the removal of pulp tissue, the smear layer, bacteria and related irritants from a root canal system. The activator is a sonically driven activator made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth, flocked or brush-like. The activator comprises a snap-on coupler which is adapted to attach the tool to a driver without the use of tools. The activator can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered into or vacuumed from the root canal space during endodontic procedures. By inducing sonic vibrations in the activator, hydrodynamic phenomena are induced in the solution in the root canal to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.
US08388335B2
Embodiments of the invention provide improvements to dies used in the formation of pressware from blanks. In some embodiments, the die includes at least one stop that helps contain the blank as it is fed to the die and that allows for improved adjustability of the stop with respect to the die. In some embodiments, the die includes a defined recess that contains and centers the blank on the die as the blank is fed to the die.
US08388332B2
The present invention refers to a mold for the production of molded skins 7 and molded bodies 7 from plastic, wherein the mold is configured as a double-walled hollow body comprising a shaped front wall 1 as well as a rear wall 2, in which hollow chambers are formed. With this arrangement, it is possible to save energy and also not inconsiderable amounts of material when applying a slush-or rotation method for the production of molded skins 7 and molded bodies 7 especially those for use in interior paneling and dash boards of motor vehicles.
US08388329B2
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to an apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like.
US08388327B2
A progressing cavity pump comprises at least an inner pump rotor enclosed by at least an outer pump rotor so as to collectively form one or more, in principle, separate pump cavities which, according to known geometric principles, will be moved axially through the pump upon bringing the rotors into coordinated rotation. At least two pump sections are disposed therein, each of which comprises one outer pump rotor and one adapted inner pump rotor. The outer pump rotors of all pump sections are fixedly supported and arranged along the same axis, wherein all the inner rotors are supported in fixed positions relative to a pump casing of the pump. The outer rotors of all pump sections are driven by the same motor via at least one differential arranged to allow each pump section to rotate at a mutually different rotational speed.
US08388317B2
There is provided a direct crankshaft of an air compressor for producing compressed air in which a crankshaft is implemented by two crank plates integrally overlapped with each other so that compression cylinders can be arranged in the radial direction to exhibit an excellent air cooling performance, top dead centers and bottom dead centers of the compression cylinders are symmetrically arranged so that the cancellation between pressurizing and vacuuming phenomena and the running of a motor can be smoothly performed, and the motor is integrated with a compression pump so that various driving components such as belts, pulleys, covers, and the like are eliminated and manufacturing costs are remarkably reduced. The direct crankshaft includes crank plates integrated with each other to form an overlapping unit. The overlapping unit has a shaft coupling hole through which a motor shaft penetrates such that the direct crankshaft is directly coupled with a motor.
US08388316B2
Blade insert connected in the lamination of a blade determining a double shear joint between insert and lamination. The insert is made up of two defined parts, head (2), designed to screw the insert to another structure (2′), and the body (3) that determines a cylindrical or conical shape with an internal conical cavity. In an embodiment, the insert is designed to be joined to the lamination (1) of the blade with adhesive means (4). In another embodiment, the insert is embedded in the blade lamination with an inner part (5) stuck to the body (3) of the insert.
US08388314B2
A compressor inlet casing comprising an inner bellmouth and a bearing housing. The bearing housing may include an integrally cast first half connected to the inner bellmouth and a cavity positioned between the inner bellmouth and the integrally cast first half of the bearing housing.
US08388313B2
A pressure containing casing for a turbine engine. The pressure containing casing may include a first extraction cavity, a second extraction cavity, an interface between the first extraction cavity and the second extraction cavity, and a wing seal positioned within the interface.
US08388301B2
A turbine system for the utilization of the energy of oceanic waves includes: a chamber that is provided with an opening at its lower end and at its upper end respectively; a duct that is open at both ends for guiding a stream of air, the lower end of the chamber being designated to be submerged in ocean water, and the opening of the upper end being connected with one of the ends of the duct; an energy unit that is mounted coaxial to such and surrounded by the duct; and a device for cleaning the rotor blades of deposits or for preventing the formation of deposits on the rotor blades.
US08388298B2
A load positioning apparatus includes a movable table that is urged and held at a forward limit position by a movable-table urging element, a load-supporting roller that allows the load to laterally move on a horizontal surface, and a load-positioning roller that is supported on the movable table and adjoins the side face of the load supported in the fixed position on the load supporting roller. The urging element allows the table to recede together with the load-positioning roller when a load is vertically lowered at a position where the load-positioning roller is pushed outwardly with respect to the fixed position. The urging element has an urging force sufficient to return the movable table to the forward limit position so as to push back the load to the fixed position via the load positioning roller.
US08388296B2
An inner wall surrounding an inner space for vertically circulating a rack, and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall are provided. Then, a rack is disposed in the inner space. A pair of extensions are provided at diagonal positions of the rack. The extensions are attached to an endless drive member in a manner that the extensions protrude toward an outer space between the inner wall and the outer wall through slits of the inner wall, and, a drive mechanism for a drive member is provided in the outer space. Further, a tunnel passing through the outer space to connect the inner space and an area outside of the vertical carousel is provided for transportation of an article into, and out of the tunnel.
US08388295B2
To obtain a mounting structure capable of being applied to mount an object to be mounted by absorbing a central position variation between a pin and a female mounting member in more directions.A cap pin 26 is formed with a long hole shaped male side fitting portion 36 so as to rotate in an arrow R1 direction with respect to a pin 28 and to relatively move slide in a sliding axis X2 direction. Even if a pin axis X1 of the pin 28 and a central axis X4 of a clip 24 are deviated, the cap pin 26 is rotated and slid; and accordingly, the pin 28 may be inserted and fitted to the male side insertion portion 36.
US08388294B2
The theft-protected screw part in the form of a nut or a screw has a free end region and a ring-shaped depression formed at the end region for the engagement of a wrench for rotation the screw part. Viewed from radially outside to radially inside, the depression is delimited by an outer edge, a bottom and an inner edge. The outer edge forms outer abutment surfaces and the inner edge forms inner abutment surfaces for the wrench. The screw part is composed of a main part and an insert. The main part has a protrusion, which is located within the inner edge. The insert is designed in a ring shape, has a hole for accommodating the protrusion and forms the inner abutment surfaces.
US08388289B2
A bracket nut for coupling a fastener to a sheet member is provided. The sheet member defines a first plane and the bracket nut defines a second plane, which is at an offset angle to the first plane. The sheet member defines a first hole substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the bracket nut is configured to mate with the first hole. A second hole is defined in the bracket nut and is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The second hole is configured to accept the fastener. The offset angle may be between approximately thirty to approximately sixty degrees. The bracket nut may include a first cantilevered arm and a second cantilevered arm. The first cantilevered arm and the second cantilevered arm are configured to prevent rotation about the first hole.
US08388286B2
A tie-down eye for a cargo space of a motor vehicle has an annular loop pivoted on a mount that is formed with a journal part wrapped around a portion of the loop, and the mount and the loop are secured in a frame element fixed in a floor of the cargo space. The loop, which serves for attachment of securing straps, retaining ropes, retaining nets, or similar load-securing elements on or against the cargo surface can pivot between a nonuse position recessed in the frame element and use position projecting upward therefrom. The mount is formed with a cutout in its journal part wrapped around the loop, and a projection extending radially from the loop extends through this cutout and bears against an inner peripheral edge of the cutout when in the use position.
US08388284B2
The invention relates to a bunk of a load space which bunk (12) includes a frame component (15), a support component (14) articulated to at least one end of the frame component (15), and two bunk arms (16, 17). At least one bunk arm (17) is composed of two or more plates (18, 19, 20) wherein one of the plates (18) is profiled to a curved form (10) on the transverse plane at the position of the load space and the other plate (20) is made parallel to the curved surface of the bunk arm (17) for widening the surface area of the bunk arm (17).
US08388283B2
An apparatus for collecting weld tip chips created by a weld tip dresser is provided that “catches” the chips at the cutting tool and collects them in a container, preventing their disbursement on the factory floor. The apparatus includes a body adapted for connection to the weld tip dresser and with an opening therethrough configured to permit the weld tip dresser therethrough. The body defines an air inlet passage extending from an outer surface of the body to the opening. The body defines an air outlet passage from the opening to the outer surface. A pressurized air supply is connected to the body at the air inlet passage and is configured to blow air through the air inlet passage to blow chips from the opening through the air outlet passage. A container is operatively connected to the body at the air outlet passage for collecting chips blown from the opening.
US08388273B2
A metal cutting tool has a supporting tool, which has a recess for accommodating a cutting plate. The cutting plate is provided with a clamping trough, which is held in the supporting tool by a clamping claw. The clamping claw is fixed against the supporting tool by a clamping screw. A pressure piece is placed on the clamping claw and its underside facing the cutting plate is provided with a cam, which is in contact with the clamping trough and the clamping claw pulls the pressure piece toward the clamping screw.
US08388271B2
A cutting tool assembly includes an exchangeable adapter releasably secured to a holder. The adapter is provided with a side plate. In a bottom view of the holder, a portion of a front surface of the holder adjacent a first side surface of the holder forms an internal acute angle α with the first holder side surface and in a bottom view of the adapter, a rear surface of the adapter side plate forms the acute angle α with an inner side surface of the adapter.
US08388267B2
A driven pile anchor suitable for securing a tendon of a tension leg platform to the seafloor is supplemented with added weight. A load frame is added to the individual pile to accommodate ballast weights. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are placed on the frame to increase the holding power of the pile anchor system. In a second embodiment, the pile is intentionally plugged and installed with the plug intact. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are then placed inside the pile and may be held in place by gravity. In a third embodiment, the pile is a conventional driven friction pile installed with an underwater pile hammer. The pile is initially open but subsequently evacuated and intentionally plugged near its pile tip. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are placed inside the pile to increase its holding capacity. The first embodiment may be retrofitted to existing, driven-pile anchor systems.
US08388266B2
An apparatus 40 is used for stabilizing a leak in a dam 20, which was built adjacent a body of water 26 to prevent flooding of the water onto adjacent land areas 24a. Leaks in the dam 20 may occur because of a breach 38 developing undesirably in, and possibly through, the dam. The apparatus 40 includes an elastomeric sheet 44, which is wound onto a spool 48, when the apparatus is in a storage-and-handling mode. When the breach 38 is discovered, the apparatus 40 is placed adjacent the dam 20 and the sheet 44 is unfurled into a breach-sealing mode of the apparatus, where the breach 38 is covered and sealed by the unfurled sheet.
US08388265B2
A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.
US08388263B2
The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, and in particular to a slipform paver, road paver or road milling machine, and to a method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine. The civil engineering machine according to the invention has a control unit 7 which has means for determining data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point R on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. The reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the machine-related reference system (x, y, z) may be selected as desired, and there is thus no need for the positions of various reference points to be plotted on the ground.
US08388260B2
A water-permeable and water-absorbable ecological paving is formed of a water-permeable material that is commonly used in pavement construction and is mixed with unique hollow bodies, whereby all constituent components of the engineering material are uniformly mixed and laid to form an ecological paving layer. In addition to the water permeability of the base material, the paving layer also provide the functions of absorbing water, storing water, and retaining water, so as to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of water accumulation on the surface flooding and also to allow water to be greatly retained in the interior of the paving layer, whereby water vapor can be released from the interior to alleviate heat island effect in case of high temperature of the atmosphere.
US08388258B2
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems related to modular earth retaining wall systems. In one embodiment, among others, a precast retaining wall block configured for assembly into a retaining wall includes a front face portion, a web portion extending outwardly from a rear surface of the front face portion, and aligning elements. The web portion includes a vertical center portion and left and right protrusions extending outwardly from the lower sides of the vertical center portion. The left and right protrusions may be substantially triangular. The aligning elements extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the left and right protrusions for locking the precast retaining wall block to the vertical center portion associated with an underlying precast retaining wall block associated with an underlying row.
US08388257B2
A connecting system (2) for connecting separating elements (1) for traffic areas has two connecting elements (3), each with two juxtaposed legs (5, 6). In each case, one leg (5) of a connecting element (3) is held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) in a positive-locking manner, as a leg (5) of the one connecting element (3) held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) has projections (9, 10) on both sides, which engage behind projections (9, 10, 11) disposed on the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3). The legs (5, 6) of the two connecting elements (3) interlock with their projections (9, 10, 11) in hook form. In this way, the legs (5, 6) are not pushed apart when there is a tensile force acting on the connecting elements (3), but instead are held together or pushed towards one another.
US08388251B2
A writing instrument with a multivariate mechanical doll consists of an elongated pen body having a seat mounted on an end thereof, a working piece and a doll. The action of the doll is in response to the mechanism of the working piece which is driven by extending and retracting the refill within the pen body. The doll which composes of a frontal and a rear casing incorporates a decorating object pin jointed to the working piece. Said seat includes a plate which attaches to the rear casing extended upwardly from a top thereof; and a rail is provided at a frontal portion of said plate and a locating post is provided at a rear portion thereof. The locating post is sheathed by a spring and engages to a male junction piece. Said junction piece connects to a female junction piece which fastened onto the frontal casing and engaged with a third driving element of the working piece which has a waving surface. The waving surface exerts and lifts the frontal casing allowing the decorating object to expose. The frontal casing can be replaced without any tool required.
US08388249B2
A package including a product chamber to which a consumer product composition is in contact, and a substantially non-moveable outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the product chamber. The outer sleeve has a body portion and a separate and distinct base portion. And at least one of the body portion and the base portion is permanently connected to the product chamber.
US08388248B2
A medical liquid applicator system that includes an applicator grip assembly, a flexible reservoir and an applicator head. The applicator grip assembly is composed of a first section with a first distal end and a second section with a second distal end, a longitudinal axis, a front side, a back side, a predetermined grip length, a predetermined grip width, a fold axis separating the first section and the second section, the fold axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a fold-activated dispensing slit located on the fold axis. The flexible reservoir is joined to a back side of the applicator grip assembly and is in liquid communication with the fold-activated dispensing slit. The applicator head is joined to the front side of the applicator grip assembly at the fold axis and is in liquid communication with the dispensing slit. The applicator grip assembly is folded at the fold axis to bring the back side of at least a portion of the first distal end of the first section and the back side of at least a portion of the second distal end of the second section together to define a grip handle having the predetermined grip length and the predetermined grip width. Folding the applicator grip assembly ruptures the fold-activated dispensing slit thereby defining a dispensing opening and also applies pressure to the flexible reservoir element in liquid communication with the dispensing slit to urge flowable medical liquid through the dispensing opening and into the applicator head.
US08388244B2
An elevation device is provided for a monitoring camera, including a top retaining barrel fixed to the top end of a high suspending post and downward fit onto a retained member. The retained member has a bottom forming the wire box. A retained cylinder has an outer circumference forming spaced locking blocks. The top retaining barrel comprises a locking tube receiving therein a toothed crown locking collar that comprises oppositely set first and second toothed crowns between when the locking blocks are movable to alternately carry out locking and unlocking operation. The locking tube forms a guide block corresponding to an inclined circumferential surface of a cam, whereby when the retained cylinder is driven upward in any orientation to fit into the locking tube, the inclined circumferential surface is guided by the guide block to correct orientation of the retained cylinder with respect to retained cylinder.
US08388243B1
An apparatus for holding a portable media device may include a body including: a pair of spaced apart and opposing handles, each handle comprising a flat bottom surface; a recess that is configured to removably receive and hold a portable media device therein, the recess comprising a through aperture defined through a bottom surface of the recess; a first through port across one handle that opens into a first side of the recess; a second through port that opens into a second side of the recess; a third through port across the opposite handle that opens into a third side of the recess; threaded sockets, one at each top and bottom corner of the body at ends of the handles; and a shoe bracket at a top of the body between the handles.
US08388238B2
A method of producing an optical waveguide connector in which the productivity of a ferrule member can be improved, and the connection loss with a counter connector can be suppressed to a low level is obtained.An optical waveguide connector 11 is obtained by performing: an aligning step of restricting the position of the tip end of an optical waveguide 2 passed through an insertion hole 13b of a ferrule member 13, by a positioning portion of a positioning member 16 which is opposedly placed at the tip end of the ferrule member 13, thereby aligning the optical waveguide 2 to the ferrule member 13; and a bonding step of filing a gap between the optical waveguide 2 which is passed through the insertion hole 13b, and the insertion hole 13b, with an adhesive agent to fix the optical waveguide 2 to the ferrule member 13.
US08388237B2
An optical connector that is assembled at the terminal of an optical fiber cable that integrates an optical fiber and a tension-resisting member extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the optical connector including: a connector body having a stationary portion at the rear end thereof, the stationary portion having a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery surface, and a fixing cap that is screwed onto the threaded portion of the stationary portion, wherein the fixing cap fixes the tension-resisting member that has been drawn out from the optical fiber cable terminal by sandwiching the tension-resisting member between the fixing cap and the connector body when the fixing cap is screwed onto the stationary portion.
US08388235B1
A modular and scalable high optical fiber count connector assembly (800) is formed by engagement mating of a plug connector (500) to a receptacle connector (700). The plug connector (500) includes a plug shell unit (200) and a pin subassembly unit (400), which includes a plurality of small form factor engagement mate pin connectors (100). The plug connector (500) is formed by inserting the pin subassembly unit (400) into the plug shell unit's (200) hollow body (230). The receptacle connector (700) includes a receptacle shell unit (300) and a socket subassembly unit (600), which includes a plurality of small form factor engagement mate socket connectors (150). The receptacle connector (700) is formed by inserting the socket subassembly unit (600) into the receptacle shell unit (300) hollow body (330).
US08388234B1
An optical fiber adapter includes a main body and a pair of inner housings. The main body has an accommodation room having opposing first and second openings in an axial direction. First through fourth stop blocks are positioned on the walls or within the accommodation room. Each inner housing is positioned within the accommodation room, and includes a flange having opposing front and back surfaces and a hollow cylinder extending from the front surface of the flange. The flanges of the two inner housings are attached to each other and are positioned between the first and second stop blocks, and between the third and fourth stop blocks. The first, second, third and fourth stop blocks are positioned to restrict a movement of the flanges in the axial direction. The first opening is configured for an optical fiber connector and the two inner housings to insert into the accommodation room.
US08388229B2
A bearing arrangement (9) for a tine carrier (5) on a reel (1) of a harvester has first and second bearing elements and an attachment mechanism. The first bearing element is in the form of a bearing bushing (10) with a bearing bore (16) to rotatably support a tine carrier (5) around a rotational axis D. The attachment mechanism (17) attaches the bearing bushing (10) onto a support element (7) of the reel (1). The second bearing element is in the form of a bearing ring (25). The bearing ring (25) is fixable onto the tine carrier (5). The bearing ring (25) has a first ring portion (26) and a second ring portion (27). The ring portions (26, 27) are detachably connected to each other. The two bearing elements (10, 25) are rotatably held and axially supported relative to each other.
US08388228B2
Disclosed is a sliding bearing used in turbochargers of internal combustion engines. It is formed with a copper alloy containing, by mass %, 25 to 45% Zn, 0.3 to 2.0% Si, 1.5 to 6.0% Mn, and the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities. The sliding bearing has a cylindrical shape for supporting a rotating shaft. Crystallized Mn—Si compounds are dispersed in a matrix of the copper alloy, the compounds extending in an axial direction of the rotating shaft on a sliding surface of the sliding bearing. The crystallized Mn—Si compounds have an average inter-grain distance of 20 to 80 μm. The matrix may contain precipitated Mn—Si compounds as well as the crystallized Mn—Si compounds.
US08388227B2
A hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to an aspect of the invention may include: a sleeve against which a shaft is supported so that an upper end of the shaft, being compressed and inserted into a hub base of a rotor case, protrudes upwardly in an axial direction; a first oil sealing unit having a first oil interface provided between the hub base and a counterpart component arranged downwardly in the axial direction; and a second oil sealing unit communicating with the first oil sealing unit through a communication channel and being tapered to form a second oil interface inside or outside the sleeve, wherein oil in the first oil sealing unit moves toward the second oil sealing unit along an inner diameter direction by a rotation of the rotor case.
US08388226B2
A dynamic bearing device allows production of a smaller housing at low cost and suppresses ion elution from the resin portion to thereby maintain cleanliness in the dynamic bearing device and exert a desired bearing performance. A dynamic bearing device 1 is equipped with a bearing sleeve 8 fixed to the inner periphery of the housing 7, and a rotary member rotatable relative to the bearing sleeve 8 and the housing 7, in which the rotary member is supported in the radial direction and the thrust direction in a non-contact manner by a dynamic pressure action of a lubricant fluid generated in a bearing clearance. The housing 7 is formed by injection molding of a resin composition containing polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as the base resin and PAN type carbon fibers as a filler.
US08388221B2
A corresponding relation between heat resistance values of first heat dissipation modules under a non-uniform heat source and heat resistance values of the first heat dissipation modules under a uniform heat source is described through a linear equation. Therefore, before second heat dissipation modules are tested, a calculation is performed with the linear equation, such that a target heat resistance value of the first heat dissipation modules arranged on the non-uniform heat source is corresponding to a standard heat resistance value of the first heat dissipation modules arranged on the uniform heat source. Afterwards, it is predicted whether the second heat dissipation modules arranged on the non-uniform heat source satisfy a test standard or not by using a test heat resistance value acquired by testing the second heat dissipation modules arranged on the uniform heat source.
US08388220B2
Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for an energetics-based approach to screen and to characterize binding interactions between potential therapeutic (or diagnostic) agents and unknown target molecules. The methods and apparatus detect the occurrence of these reactions, the strength of the binding interaction and possibly the rate at which these processes take place.
US08388216B2
A processing installation for devolatilization of polymer melts comprises a first extruder and a second extruder arranged downstream thereof in a direction of conveyance. The first extruder comprises several rotatably drivable first shafts which are provided with first treatment members and several devolatilization zones with associated devolatilization ports. Correspondingly, the second extruder comprises several rotatably drivable second shafts which are provided with second treatment members and several second devolatilization zones with associated devolatilization ports. The first treatment members have an external diameter which is smaller than or equal to that of the second treatment members. A devolatilization unit is arranged in a transfer zone which interconnects the extruders. The devolatilization unit comprises a perforated plate and a clearance arranged downstream in the direction of conveyance. A control unit is configured in such a way that when the processing installation is operated, the speed of the second shafts is lower than the speed of the first shafts. The processing installation allows a high devolatilization performance and a high polymer throughput to be achieved at the same time. A throttle is arranged in the transfer zone upstream of the devolatilization unit when seen in the direction of conveyance, with the position of the throttle being adjustable by means of the control unit.
US08388215B2
A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids.
US08388213B2
Disclosed are LED lamp assemblies that are substantially inseparable. The LED lamp assemblies use discrete components that are individually manufactured and then assembled in a manner that substantially prevents disassembly or disengagement of components. An interference fit can be used to substantially secure components of the LED lamp assemblies. Bonding techniques can also be used, including adhesive and solvent bonds, as well as thermal bonds, including sonic bonds.
US08388211B2
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a light guide unit. The light guide unit includes a body portion and a support portion. The body portion includes a light outputting surface near the display panel, and the support portion is placed on the edge of the light outputting surface to support the display panel. The support portion has an inclined surface, and at least one groove is formed between the inclined surface and the display panel for accommodating glue that combines the display panel and the light guide unit. In addition to being disposed in the groove, glue may be further disposed in a gap between the display panel, a back bezel, and the light guide unit.
US08388207B2
Provided is an illuminating device including a plurality of light sources. Micro prisms are provided in an opposed surface of a light guide plate. Each of the micro prisms is provided so that a reflective surface has a bottom side located at substantially 90 degrees with respect to an optical path of a beam from any one of the light sources. In a display device including a liquid crystal panel illuminated by the illuminating device, at least two micro prisms are provided in each area overlapped with aperture portions of the liquid crystal panel.
US08388194B2
A laser apparatus includes a base frame extruded in one single piece of light alloy metal which determines a chamber intended to receive the laser generator cavity, incorporated within the chamber. The plane of the lower base of the chamber coincides with the base plane of the extruded base, and the lateral faces of the chamber are directed towards opposed lateral faces of partition walls of the extruded base, with controlled clearance to permit the expansion of the laser generator cavity without mechanical stresses being produced on same, capable of deforming it.
US08388192B2
The disclosure provides a luminaire having an adjustable light reflector affording a selection of flood pattern lighting.
US08388188B2
An illumination system has a light emitting diode (LED) illuminated ornamental display. The ornamental display is removably attached to the LED. A solar cell and rechargeable battery are remotely connected to the LED ornamental display by a bendable electrically conductive wire. The bendable electrically conductive wire electrically connects the battery to the LED and physically supports the LED ornamental display.
US08388185B2
An image display device comprises a light-emitting unit (1), an optical fiber (2) which transmits light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and a plurality of spheres (3) disposed so as to be coupled to the optical fiber (2) by evanescent coupling and having optical transparency. Each of the spheres (3) produces an optical mode in which light entering each sphere from the optical fiber (2) by the evanescent coupling is confined inside, and are so formed that predetermined resonant frequencies of the spheres for producing the optical mode are different from one another, so that an image is displayed by the light emitted from the spheres (3). This provides a simply structured image display device having a high response speed and capable of achieving power saving, a high luminance, a wide view angle, and a high contrast.
