US08390347B1
A phase to digital converter for a digital PLL (Phase Locked Loop) provides an output in the same or single reference clock period for which it is digitizing the phase error information. The phase to digital converter operates on a positive edge of the reference clock and a digital filter operates on the negative edge of the reference clock so the phase correction performed by the PLL occurs in the same reference clock cycle in which the phase to digital converter is digitizing the phase error information.
US08390346B2
A system for synchronizing the operation of a circuit with a control signal includes synchronization flip-flops operating in cascade for receiving a control signal to be synchronized and providing a corresponding control signal synchronized with a clock signal, and a circuit including a finite state machine for receiving the clock signal having state flip-flops for storing the current state of the finite state machine, wherein a last synchronization flip-flop includes one of the state flip-flops.
US08390344B2
A programmable waveform generator, comprising: a controllable waveform generator configured to generate an initial bandwidth signal having an initial frequency bandwidth; a tone generator configured to generate a plurality of tone signals, each tone signal having a different frequency; a first bandwidth-multiplying circuit, including a first mixer having a first input port configured to receive the low-bandwidth signal; a first switch configured to choose one of the plurality of tone signals or a phase shifted version of one of the plurality of tone signals and output the chosen signal as a first chosen tone; a controller configured to control the operation of the bandwidth multiplying block, wherein the first mixer is further configured to receive the first chosen tone at a second input port, wherein the first mixer is further configured to mix the initial bandwidth signal and the first chosen tone to generate a first bandwidth signal at an output port, the first bandwidth signal having a first frequency bandwidth, wherein the first frequency bandwidth is greater than the initial frequency bandwidth, and wherein the first frequency bandwidth is an integer multiple of the initial frequency bandwidth.
US08390343B2
An injection-locked frequency divider is provided and which includes an injection transistor, an oscillator, a current source and a transformer. The injection transistor is used to receive an injection signal. The oscillator is used to divide the injection signal to generate a divided frequency signal. The current source is coupled to the oscillator to provide a current to the oscillator. The transformer is coupled between the injection transistor and the oscillator to increase the equivalent transconductance of the injection transistor, and thus increasing the locking range of the injection-locked frequency divider.
US08390342B2
A high voltage switch circuit of a semiconductor device includes a buffer circuit configured to output a control signal in response to an input signal and a boost circuit configured to output a block selection signal to an output terminal by connecting a current path between a voltage supply node and the output terminal in response to the control signal, and to block the current path in case where the control signal falls from a high voltage level to a low voltage level.
US08390340B2
Malfunction attributable to an induced electromotive force such as a back electromotive force or a regenerative braking force of an inductive load in a load driving device is prevented. When an on-state current flows in an output transistor, a second transistor applies a supply voltage applied to a source of the output transistor to a back gate of the first transistor. On the other hand, when a negative current flows in the output transistor in a direction opposite to that of the on-state current, the second transistor applies a supply voltage applied to a drain of the output transistor to the back gate of the first transistor.
US08390331B2
Various exemplary embodiments relate to improved fabrication of CMOS transistor arrays for integrated circuits. Increased regularity in standard-cells using gate-isolation architecture may permit further reduction in feature size. MOSFETs may be spaced at roughly equal pitch and have increased channel lengths for leakage current reduction. Logic gates may be designed to have nominal channel lengths for speed and increased channel lengths for leakage current reduction. Further leakage current reduction may involve specialized channel lengths for isolation MOSFETs. Thus, the combination of the gate-isolation technique with MOSFETs having lengthened channels that are evenly spaced at substantially the same pitch may produce a flexible library architecture for improved standard-cell designs in advanced CMOS technology nodes.
US08390323B2
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to hybrid-nanoscale/microscale device comprising a microscale layer that includes microscale and/or submicroscale circuit components and that provides an array of microscale or submicroscale pins across an interface surface; and at least two nanoscale-layer sub-layers within a nanoscale layer that interfaces to the microscale layer, each nanoscale-layer sub-layer containing regularly spaced, parallel nanowires, each nanowire of the at least two nanoscale-layer sub-layers in electrical contact with at most one pin provided by the microscale layer, the parallel nanowires of successive nanoscale-layer sub-layers having different directions, with the nanowires of successive nanoscale-layer sub-layers intersecting to form programmable crosspoints.
US08390313B2
When an operation of a specified one of monitor circuits is defective or any of elements forming a ring oscillator in each of the monitor circuits has characteristic abnormality, if voltage control is performed based on a result from the monitor operating at a lowest speed, a required voltage may be overestimated. This results in an increase in power consumption, and also causes an accuracy reduction when the average value of detection results from the multiple monitors is calculated. The multiple monitor circuits are provided. Of the detection results therefrom, any detection result falling outside a predetermined range is ignored, and the average value of the remaining monitor results is used as a final monitor detection value.
US08390311B2
A logic apparatus secure against a power analysis attack is disclosed. The logic apparatus may include a clocked power logic to recover and reuse at least a part of charges supplied during a single clock operation; a first device block connected to the clocked power logic to remove a parasitic capacitance difference in the clocked power logic, and a second device block to readjust remaining charges in each node of the clocked power logic after a single clock operation.
US08390305B2
Systems for and methods of determining at least one mid-stroke position of an active material actuated load by causing a stress induced rapid change in electrical resistance within the active material element, or modifying an ancillary circuit, when the load is at the mid-stroke position(s).
US08390290B2
A device for determining the position of at least one local coil arranged or to be arranged on a patient bed of a magnetic resonance device has at least one optical coil marker arranged on the local coil, at least one optical sensor device to detect the coil marker, the field of view of the sensor device at least partially covering the patient bed in at least a recumbent position, and a computer that determines the coil position and/or coil orientation on the patient bed from measurement data of the sensor device. The computer can form a part of a control unit of the magnetic resonance device.
US08390286B2
Method comprising obtaining an NMR measurement from a sample wherein an ultra-low field NMR system probes the sample and produces the NMR measurement and wherein a sampling temperature, prepolarizing field, and measurement field are known; detecting the NMR measurement by means of inductive coils; analyzing the NMR measurement to obtain at least one measurement feature wherein the measurement feature comprises T1, T2, T1ρ, or the frequency dependence thereof; and, searching for the at least one measurement feature within a database comprising NMR reference data for at least one material to determine if the sample comprises a material of interest.
US08390284B2
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a gradient coil, a transmission coil, an electrocardiographic signal detecting device detecting an electrocardiographic signal from a subject, a controlling device controlling the gradient coil and the transmission coil so that a pulse sequence including a preparation pulse and a data acquisition sequence for acquiring data from a subject utilizing a magnetic resonance phenomenon is repeatedly carried out, and a cardiac phase computing device computing the cardiac phase of the subject based on the electrocardiographic signal. The controlling device determines whether or not to re-acquire data once acquired from the subject based on the cardiac phase of the subject at an arbitrary time in a period during which the pulse sequence is carried out or the cardiac phase of the subject at a time after the pulse sequence is terminated.
US08390281B2
A magnetic flux generated by current excitation is allowed to pass through a part or an entire of a magnetic path of a leakage magnetic flux. A magnetic flux content due to the current excitation is temporally changed to change a leakage magnetic flux content interlinked with a detection coil so that an induced voltage is generated in the detection coil. Consequently, damage can be detected even in a case where there is no relative speed between a wire rope and a wire rope flaw detector. Further, a configuration of the magnetic path and the number of ampere turns of an exciting coil are set to be appropriate to prevent the magnetic flux generated by the current excitation from passing through the detection coil or to allow the magnetic fluxes offset each other. Thus, noise superimposition on the detection coil due to the current excitation can be prevented.
US08390280B2
A device and method for inspecting an inspection object of in the vicinity of a further object, both of electrically conductive material, the device comprising a transmitter/receiver arrangement for generating an electromagnetic field in the inspection object, and for measuring a signal indicative of a transient eddy current which is generated in the inspection object by the electromagnetic field, wherein the device further comprises a magnetic shield means, providing at least a partial magnetic shield for the transmitter/receiver arrangement in a direction other than a measurement direction; use of the device from inside an annulus between an inner and an outer tubular, and a method of operating a hydrocarbon well having a well completion, and inspecting the well completion from inside an annulus.
US08390273B2
Anti-lock and intelligent braking systems have become ubiquitous in modern vehicles, which employ wheel speed sensors or WSSs. These WSSs generally uses current-domain signals (transmitted through power wires) to reduce the size of the vehicle's wiring harness, but because a vehicle is an inherently noisy environment, mixed signal circuit or MSC (used to decode these signals for a microcontroller) should be able to filter out or compensate for noise. However, traditional MSCs have been plagued with problems, partly due to errors in time base measurement due to noise (as well as other factors). Here, an MSC is provided that accurately calculates a wheel speed pulse width (which is used for time base measurements) by observing the wheel speed pulse as it passes through several thresholds.
US08390264B2
A differential reference voltage generator generates a first differential reference voltage and a second differential reference voltage. The differential reference voltage generator includes a first operational amplifier, a first transistor, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The first operational amplifier has a negative terminal adapted to receive a reference voltage. The first transistor has a source receiving a power supply voltage and has a gate electrically connected to an output terminal of the first operational amplifier. The first resistor has a first terminal electrically connected to a drain of the first transistor, and has a second terminal electrically connected to a positive terminal of the first operation amplifier. The second resistor has a first terminal electrically connected to the second terminal of the first resistor, and a second terminal electrically connect to a current mirror.
US08390263B2
A soft-start circuit and a method thereof are described. The circuit includes an amplifier and a voltage ramp generator. The amplifier has a first input end, a second input end, an output end, and a power source control end. The first input end is coupled to a reference voltage. The second input end is coupled to a feedback voltage. The output end outputs an output voltage, and the feedback voltage corresponds to the output voltage. The voltage ramp generator is coupled to the power source control end, and generates a ramp-up voltage. When the ramp-up voltage is lower than a threshold value, the output voltage rises with the ramp-up voltage. When the ramp-up voltage is not lower than the threshold voltage, the output voltage remains at a stable value. A surge current occurring during smooth soft-start or even in operation is thus prevented.
US08390262B2
The present invention relates to methods for LED driver applications, comprising the steps: providing an input voltage, Vin; generating an output voltage, Vout, for driving a plurality of LED channels, wherein a boost converter is used to convert the input voltage Vin to the output voltage Vout; determining a lowest voltage, VLVS, from the LED channels; generating a comparator voltage, Vcomp, by comparing the lowest voltage of the channels, VLVS, with a feedback reference voltage, VFBREF, wherein the feedback reference voltage, VFBREF, and a LED current, ILED, for the LED channels are determined by a current ISET; generating a summed voltage, Vsum, for stabilizing the output voltage, Vout; and generating a PWM voltage, VPWM, as a function of the Vcomp and the Vsum to control the output voltage, Vout.
US08390259B2
A method for charging and/or discharging energy storage devices is performed in a multilevel converter including at least one phase module branch having a series circuit of submodules each with at least one power semiconductor circuit for connection or disconnection of an energy storage device in a circuit parallel to the power semiconductor circuit and a submodule sensor for detection of an energy storage actual value. An energy change state is obtained and a determination is made as to whether connected energy storage devices in a phase module branch can be charged or discharged. The next energy storage device to be switched in each phase module branch is selected by predetermined logic dependent on an energy change state, through which energy stored in energy storage devices is kept approximately at the same level. A high clock rate is simultaneously avoided for connection and disconnection of the selected energy storage device.
US08390250B2
Disclosed herein is a non-contact charge and communication system including: non-contact charge apparatus configured to include a power transmitting device that transmits power for a charge by magnetic field coupling and a first communication unit that carries out non-contact communication by electric field coupling; and power receiving apparatus configured to include a power receiving device that receives power transmitted from the non-contact charge apparatus based on a magnetic field resonance relationship and a second communication unit capable of non-contact communication with the first communication unit by electric field coupling, and charge a battery by received power. The non-contact charge apparatus includes a first control unit, and the power receiving apparatus includes a storage unit, and a second control unit.
US08390248B2
The electric power conversion apparatus 110 according to the present invention comprises an electric power conversion module 150 for converting electric power from the commercial power supply 112 to converted electric power, a filler container 152 for accommodating said electric power conversion module 150, and a filler 154 with which said filler container 152 is filled, said filler having electric non-conductance and directly embracing said electric power conversion module 150, wherein the melting point of said filler 154 is equal to or lower than a temperature of said electric power conversion module 150 achieved by electric power conversion.
US08390245B2
A power cable is connected from an external commercial power supply, and an in-vehicle battery is charged. Using the power cable as a communication conduit, communication is conducted with the outside world. In particular, by communication during charging, regional information regarding the current location, where the charging is being performed, or regional control parameter information is obtained. A control parameter of a vehicle is then set in accordance with the obtained information.
US08390239B2
A control circuit for a single-phase AC motor of a dryer, including at least an electronic starting circuit including at least a starting control unit, a first drive circuit, and a bidirectional triode thyristor, a second drive circuit, and a mechanical switch K. The bidirectional triode thyristor is serially connected to a starting winding and a starting capacitor of the motor, and connected to an AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor via the first drive circuit. The mechanical switch K is serially connected to an electrical heating wire, and is connected to the AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the mechanical switch K via the second drive circuit. The first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are interlocked with each other.
US08390224B2
A drive device for an adjusting device for adjusting a vehicle component of a vehicle includes an electronically commutated motor and an electronic control device which actuates the electronically commutated motor with an actuating voltage. The electronic control device can adapt the signal form of the actuating voltage on the basis of at least one operating parameter in order to optimize the power output, the acoustics, the electromagnetic irradiation and/or the heating of the drive device.
US08390220B2
The present invention provides a unique improvement (23) in an electronic motor drive (20) having an LC filter (21) to reduce conducted emissions from a motor (M) back to a voltage source (V1). The improvement broadly includes diode (24) in series with the inductor (L1) of said filter to prevent transmission of regenerative power from the motor to said voltage source; and a bypass switch (25) arranged in parallel with the diode and selectively operable to enable transmission of regenerative power from the motor to said voltage source.
US08390218B2
The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.
US08390210B2
A light driver circuit device for synchronously driving a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) is provided. The light driver circuit device includes an inverter circuit board and a balance circuit board. The inverter circuit board has an inverter circuit coupled to a driving signal for outputting a driving voltage to drive the CCFLs synchronously. The balance circuit board and the inverter circuit board are installed separately, and the balance circuit board has a balance circuit coupled to a terminal of each CCFL and the inverter circuit. The CCFL driving architecture is designed to install the inverter circuit and the balance circuit individually, thus effectively reducing the space of the driving circuit and the total cost of the circuit design. Furthermore, the balance circuit board can balance the current in each CCFL effectively, and there is no limitation to where the balance circuit board can be disposed.
US08390208B2
A drive circuit for delivering an AC voltage to an array of electro-luminescent lamps (8a to 8n) includes a single coil (1), the energy in which is transferred to each lamp through a corresponding switch assembly (10a to 10n) having positive and negative-going paths for conducting positive and negative voltages to the corresponding lamp. The magnitudes of the voltages applied to the parallel-connected lamps are controllable so that the illumination levels of the lamps are individually adjustable.
US08390202B2
An external electrical-control lamp with improved structure includes a light-emitting diode lamp (1), an external power box (2), and a dimmer (4). The light-emitting diode lamp (1) has a circuit board (11), at least one light-emitting diode (12), a thermal module (13), and a rectifying circuit (14). The light-emitting diode (12) is installed on the circuit board (11), the thermal module (13) provides a heat-dissipating function to the light-emitting diode (12), and the rectifying circuit (14) provides a rectified power to the light-emitting diode (12). When a utility power (3) is supplied to the dimmer (4) and the external power box (2), a variable resistor of the dimmer (4) is adjusted and the utility power (3) is controlled by the external power box (2), thus adjusting the brightness of the light-emitting diode (12).
US08390198B2
A discharge lamp with excellent arc stability and excellent durability in which the use level of thoriated tungsten is restrained has an anode and a cathode in the interior of a discharge vessel, wherein said cathode is made up from a thoriated tungsten part with a tungsten filling ratio of at least 90 vol.-% and a main body part connected to said thoriated tungsten part and consisting of pure tungsten, wherein a ratio ST/S of a side surface area ST of said thoriated tungsten part and a side surface area S of said cathode is in a range of from 0.005 to 0.15, with the proviso that, in case the cathode has a length in the direction of the cathode axis which exceeds twice the maximum diameter of the cathode, a side surface area S is used for calculating the ratio ST/S which corresponds to the side surface area where the distance along the cathode axis from a tip end adjacent to the anode is twice the maximum diameter of the cathode.
US08390194B2
A flat panel display device and a method of manufacturing the same, the flat panel display device including: a glass substrate; a metal encapsulation substrate facing the glass substrate; a light-emitting unit interposed between the glass substrate and the metal encapsulation substrate; a first sealing unit interposed between the glass substrate and the metal encapsulation substrate, arranged around the light-emitting unit, and comprising a first sealant and a second sealant. The first sealant is disposed around the light-emitting unit and may include a UV-curable material. The second sealant is coated on the first sealant and may include a thermally-curable material.
US08390192B2
Disclosed is an ink composition for an organic EL thin film, that is, an ink composition for the formation of an organic EL thin film including an organic EL material, a liquid crystalline compound with a bandgap of 3.5 eV or more, and a solvent having an organic compound. Furthermore, the liquid crystalline compound preferably contains no functional group of —CN, —OH, or —F. Moreover, the liquid crystalline compound preferably has a molecular dipole moment of 4.0 debyes or less.
US08390190B2
An electro-optical device for performing time division gray scale display and which is capable of arbitrarily setting the amount of time during which light is emitted by EL elements is provided. From among n sustain periods Ts1, . . . , Tsn, the brightness of light emitted by the EL elements during at least one sustain period is set to be always lower than the brightness of light emitted by the EL elements during the other sustain periods, and the sustain periods are extended by the amount that the brightness has dropped. In accordance with the above structure, the sustain periods can be extended by lowering the setting of the brightness of light emitted by the EL elements.
US08390185B2
Provided are a base 4 to be inserted into a socket by being rotated around a central axis X of the base, a first body 6 attached to the base 4 so as to be rotatable freely around the central axis X, a second body 8 attached to the first body 6, and a light-emitting module 10 mounted on the second body 8. The second body 8 is attached to the first body 6 so as to be swingable in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X.
US08390181B2
An electronic array probe for ultrasonic imaging includes an array of transmitting and/or receiving electroacoustic transducers arranged in concentric bands in which the transducers are tangent to one other in both radial and circumferential directions. In order to minimize the number of transducers required without compromising dynamic range, a transducer arrangement geometry is provided so that the number of transducers having the same focusing delay is minimal or null.
US08390164B1
A method of forming a flux regulated machine includes winding stator windings into slots in an outer core. The outer core is formed to have a plurality of radially inwardly extending tooth pieces that are circumferentially spaced, and which define the slots. Further, control coils are wound around an inner core. Then, the inner core is inserted within the outer core such that the tooth pieces contact the inner core, and such that the control coils close off the slots at a radially innermost position. A flux regulated permanent magnet machine generally made according to this method is also disclosed.
US08390162B2
A reconfigurable electric motor includes rotatable permanent magnets in a rotor, the magnets having a first position producing a weak magnetic field and a second position producing a strong magnetic field. The motor is reconfigurable from an asynchronous induction motor at startup into a synchronous motor for efficient operation. The motor includes a squirrel cage for induction motor operation at startup with the permanent magnets positioned to product the weak magnetic field to not interfere with the startup. When the motor reaches sufficient RPM, the permanent magnets rotate to produce a strong magnetic field for high efficiency synchronous operation. The permanent magnets are magnetically biased to come to rest in the weak magnetic field position and a centrifugal mechanism holds the magnets in the weak magnetic field position until sufficient RPM are reached for transition to synchronous operation.
US08390158B2
A motor is provided with a rotation detector including a detection rotor and a detection stator placed to face the detection rotor. The motor further includes a motor case and a motor shaft protruding out of the motor case. The detection rotor is fixed to an end of the motor shaft. The detection rotor includes a plate and a coil provided on the plate. The plate is fixed to the end of the motor shaft. Specifically, the motor shaft includes an opening in the end. The plate has a circular disc shape and a cylindrical portion protruding in the center from the back side. The cylindrical portion is press-fitted in the opening of the motor shaft to fix the plate to the end of the motor shaft.
US08390153B2
Provided is a linear motor capable of simplifying assembling of a coil unit and stabilizing a coil pitch and the overall length of the coil unit.The linear motor has a rod 1 having magnets 3, a plurality of coils 4 arranged in the axial direction of the rod 1, a housing 2 covering the coils 4, and a coil holder 5 holding the coils 4 in the housing 2. The coil holder 5 includes a holder main body 5a elongating in the coil arrangement direction and a plurality of spacer portions 5b made of resin and each interposed between each adjacent two of the coils 4 to insulate the coils 4 from each other, the spacer portions 5b being formed integrally with the holder main body 5a.
US08390152B2
A device is disclosed for generating a stable high voltage, namely a high-voltage DC generator for a particle beam apparatus. A method is also disclosed for generating a stable high voltage for a particle beam apparatus. The high-voltage DC generator has a controllable voltage source, which is connected to an amplifier. The high-voltage DC generator ensures that fluctuations of the smoothed high voltage are detected by a capacitive divider and supplied to the amplifier. The amplifier controls the controllable voltage source in counterphase. The voltage of the controllable voltage source is superimposed on the smoothed high voltage. The sum of the voltage of the controllable voltage source and the smoothed high voltage forms the generated and stable high voltage, which is supplied to a particle beam apparatus.
US08390145B2
A battery isolator unit is disclosed for controlling a switching means having a first contact for connection to a terminal of a first battery, a second contact for connection to a corresponding terminal of a second battery, and an actuating input for biasing a switch element of the switching means switch in a closed position. The battery isolator unit includes a sensing circuit and a switch controller. The sensing circuit periodically determines a first and second value attributable to terminal voltage values of the first battery and the second battery respectively. The switch controller is responsive to detecting a predetermined condition of the first battery and/or the second battery to provide to the actuating input a control signal having a characteristic for biasing the switch element to the closed position. The switch controller periodically determines a difference between the first and second values when the switch element is in the closed position to obtain a obtain a sequence of difference values, and controls the characteristic of the control signal according to a comparison of a present difference value with a previous difference value to modify the bias of the switch element.
US08390143B2
Disclosed herein is a communication system including: at least one power line communication apparatus connected via a general power line for supplying a commercial alternate current power; a communication terminal having a modem for power line communication, and a plurality of first coils having different directivities; and a coupling apparatus, connected to a power line, having a filter for attenuating an alternate current component of the power line, and a second coil arranged after the filter; wherein the communication terminal executes mutual communication with any of the power line communication apparatus connected via the general power line through proximity communication based on an electromagnetic coupling action that is generated between the plurality of first coils and the second coil when the communication terminal is brought to the proximity of a coupling surface of the coupling apparatus.
US08390136B2
A novel furnace and scrubber assembly which generates electrical energy by the initial combustion of material and a methodology which causes such electrical energy to be generated. Further, a novel scrubber technology which improves both scrubber efficiency and furnace efficiency while recovering energy from a furnace exhaust stream.
US08390135B2
The reliability of a porous Low-k film is improved. The mean diameter of first pores and second pores in an interlayer insulation film of a second fine layer including a porous Low-k film is set at 1.0 nm or more and less than 1.45 nm. This prevents the formation of a modified layer over the surface of the interlayer insulation film by process damages. Further, the formation of the moisture-containing modified layer is inhibited to prevent oxidation of a barrier film and a main conductor film forming respective wirings. This prevents deterioration of breakdown voltage between respective wirings. This prevents deterioration of the EM lifetime of wirings formed adjacent to the interlayer insulation film and the inter-wiring TDDB lifetime of the wirings.
US08390130B1
A stacked assembly includes a stacked structure stacked on a through via recessed reveal structure. The through via recessed reveal structure includes recesses within a backside surface of an electronic component that expose backsides of through vias. Pillars of the stacked structure are attached to the exposed backsides of the through vias through the recesses. The recesses in combination with the pillars work as a lock and key arrangement to insure self-alignment of the pillars with the backsides of the through vias allowing fine pitch interconnections to be realized. Further, by forming the interconnections to the backsides of the through vias within the recesses, the overall thickness of the stacked assembly is minimized. Further still, by forming the interconnections to the backsides of the through vias within the recesses, shorting between adjacent through vias is minimized or eliminated.
US08390129B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device with a plurality of mark through substrate vias, including a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of original through substrate vias and a plurality of mark through substrate vias. The original through substrate vias and the mark through substrate vias are disposed in the semiconductor substrate and protrude from the backside surface of the semiconductor substrate. The mark through substrate vias are added at a specific position and/or in a specific pattern and serve as a fiducial mark, which facilitates identifying the position and direction on the backside surface. Thus, the redistribution layer (RBL) or the special equipment for achieving the backside alignment (BSA) is not necessary.
US08390123B2
A ULSI micro-interconnect member having a substrate and a ULSI micro-interconnect formed on the substrate, wherein the ULSI micro-interconnect includes a barrier layer formed on the substrate and a ruthenium electroplating layer formed on the barrier layer; the ULSI micro-interconnect member further including a copper electroplating layer formed using the ruthenium electroplating layer as a seed layer; and a process for fabricating the ULSI micro-interconnect members.
US08390122B2
Methods are generally provided for forming a conductive oxide layer on a substrate. In one particular embodiment, the method can include sputtering a transparent conductive oxide layer (e.g., including cadmium stannate) on a substrate from a target in a sputtering atmosphere comprising cadmium. The transparent conductive oxide layer can be sputtered at a sputtering temperature greater of about 100° C. to about 600° C. Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device.
US08390108B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: fabricating a base package substrate; coupling a conductive column lead frame to the base package substrate by: providing a lead frame support, patterning a conductive material on the lead frame support including forming an interconnect securing structure, and coupling the conductive material to the base package substrate; forming a base package body between the base package substrate and the conductive column lead frame; and removing the lead frame support from the conductive column lead frame for exposing the interconnect securing structure from the base package body.
US08390099B2
An interconnection substrate including: a first insulating film made of a silicon compound, an adhesion enhancing layer formed on the first insulating film, and a second insulting film made of a silicon compound and formed on the adhesion enhancing layer, wherein the first insulating film and the second insulating film are combined together with a component having a structure represented by General Formula (1) described below: Si—CXHY—Si General Formula (1) where y is equal to 2x and is an even integer.
US08390090B2
Provided is a semiconductor device with a high breakdown voltage yield of a bipolar transistor and a high bandwidth and quantum efficiency of a light receiving element. An optical semiconductor device includes monolithically integrated transistor and light receiving element. The light receiving element includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type epitaxial layer formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type diffusion layer formed on the n-type epitaxial layer. An n-type impurity concentration of the n-type diffusion layer is 3×1018 cm−3 or less at a depth of 0.12 μm or more below a surface of the n-type diffusion layer, 1×1016 cm−3 or more at a depth of 0.4 μm or less below the surface, and 1×1016 cm−3 or less at a depth of 0.8 μm or more below the surface, and an interface between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type epitaxial layer is located at a depth of 0.9 μm to 1.5 μm below the surface.
US08390086B2
One embodiment in accordance with the invention is a solar cell comprising a non-single crystal substrate; a nanowire grown from a surface of the non-single crystal substrate; and an electrode coupled to the nanowire, wherein the nanowire is electrically conductive and is for absorbing electromagnetic wave and generating a current.
US08390081B2
A MOS P-N junction diode device includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, a field oxide structure defining a trench structure, a gate structure formed in the trench structure and a doped region having a second conductivity type adjacent to the gate structure in the substrate. The method for manufacturing such diode device includes several ion-implanting steps. After the gate structure is formed by isotropic etching using a patterned photo-resist layer as a mask, an ion-implanting step is performed using the patterned photo-resist layer as a mask to form a deeper doped sub-region. Then, another ion-implanting step is performed using the gate structure as a mask to form a shallower doped sub-region between the gate structure and the deeper doped sub-region. The formed MOS P-N junction diode device has low forward voltage drop, low reverse leakage current, fast reverse recovery time and high reverse voltage tolerance.
US08390077B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first portion and a second portion and a first transistor of a first type formed in the first portion of the substrate, the first transistor being operable at a first voltage, and the first transistor including a doped channel region of a second type opposite of the first type. The semiconductor device also includes a second transistor of the second type formed in the second portion of the substrate, the second transistor being operable at a second voltage greater than the first voltage, the second transistor including an extended doped feature of the second type. Further, the semiconductor device includes a well of the first type in the semiconductor substrate under a gate of the second transistor, wherein the well does not extend directly under the extended doped feature and the extended doped feature does not extend directly under the well.
US08390069B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a semiconductor layer, a power device formed in the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of concentric guard rings formed in the semiconductor substrate and surrounding the power device, and voltage applying means for applying successively higher voltages respectively to the plurality of concentric guard rings, with the outermost concentric guard ring having the highest voltage applied thereto.
US08390066B2
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor memory device capable of stably operating even when an element is shrunk is provided. The semiconductor memory device of the embodiment includes: first and second diodes serially connected between power sources of two different potentials, formed by nanowires, and exhibiting negative differential resistances; and a select transistor connected between the first diode and the second diode. The nanowires are preferably silicon nanowires. The thickness of the silicon nanowires is preferably 8 nm or less.
US08390065B2
An object is to reduce the resistance of each member included in a transistor, to improve ON current of the transistor, and to improve performance of an integrated circuit. A semiconductor device including an n-channel FET and a p-channel FET which are provided over a single crystal semiconductor substrate with an insulating layer provided therebetween and are isolated by an element isolation insulating layer. In the semiconductor device, each FET includes a channel formation region including a semiconductor material, a conductive region which is in contact with the channel formation region and includes the semiconductor material, a metal region in contact with the conductive region, a gate insulating layer in contact with the channel formation region, a gate electrode in contact with the gate insulating layer, and a source or drain electrode partly including the metal region.
US08390056B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a first gate formed on a first region of a surface of the substrate, a second gate formed on a second region of the surface of the substrate, a charge storage layer filled between the first gate and the second gate, a first diffusion region formed on a first side of the charge storage layer, and a second diffusion region formed opposite the charge storage layer from the first diffusion region. The first region and the second region are separated by a distance sufficient for forming a self-aligning charge storage layer therebetween.
US08390053B2
A charge storage layer interposed between a memory gate electrode and a semiconductor substrate is formed shorter than a gate length of the memory gate electrode or a length of insulating films so as to make the overlapping amount of the charge storage layer and a source region to be less than 40 nm. Therefore, in the write state, since the movement in the transverse direction of the electrons and the holes locally existing in the charge storage layer decreases, the variation of the threshold voltage when holding a high temperature can be reduced. In addition, the effective channel length is made to be 30 nm or less so as to reduce an apparent amount of holes so that coupling of the electrons with the holes in the charge storage layer decreases; therefore, the variation of the threshold voltage when holding at room temperature can be reduced.
US08390045B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a ferroelectric capacitor including a lower electrode, a ferroelectric film, and an upper electrode. The upper electrode includes a first layer formed of an oxide whose stoichiometric composition is expressed as AOx1 and whose actual composition is expressed as AOx2; a second layer formed on the first layer and formed of an oxide whose stoichiometric composition is expressed as BOy1 and whose actual composition is expressed as BOy2; and a metal layer formed on the second layer. The second layer is higher in ratio of oxidation than the first layer. The composition parameters x1, x2, y1, and y2 satisfy y2/y1>x2/x1, and the second layer includes an interface layer of the stoichiometric composition formed at an interface with the metal layer. The interface layer is higher in ratio of oxidation than the rest of the second layer.
US08390044B2
A non-linear element (such as a diode) which includes an oxide semiconductor and has a favorable rectification property is provided. In a transistor including an oxide semiconductor in which the hydrogen concentration is 5×1019/cm3 or lower, a work function φms of a source electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, a work function φmd of a drain electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, and electron affinity χ of the oxide semiconductor satisfy φms≦χ<φmd, and an area of contact between the drain electrode and the oxide semiconductor is larger than an area of contact between the source electrode and the oxide semiconductor. By electrically connecting a gate electrode and the drain electrode in the transistor, a non-linear element having a favorable rectification property can be achieved.
US08390042B2
Improved semiconductor devices including metal gate electrodes are formed with reduced performance variability by reducing the initial high dopant concentration at the top portion of the silicon layer overlying the metal layer. Embodiments include reducing the dopant concentration in the upper portion of the silicon layer, by implanting a counter-dopant into the upper portion of the silicon layer, removing the high dopant concentration portion and replacing it with undoped or lightly doped silicon, and applying a gettering agent to the upper surface of the silicon layer to form a thin layer with the gettered dopant, which layer can be removed or retained.
US08390034B2
Different portions of a continuous loop of semiconductor material are electrically isolated from one another. In some embodiments, the end of the loop is electrically isolated from mid-portions of the loop. In some embodiments, loops of semiconductor material, having two legs connected together at their ends, are formed by a pitch multiplication process in which loops of spacers are formed on sidewalls of mandrels. The mandrels are removed and a block of masking material is overlaid on at least one end of the spacer loops. In some embodiments, the blocks of masking material overlay each end of the spacer loops. The pattern defined by the spacers and the blocks are transferred to a layer of semiconductor material. The blocks electrically connect together all the loops. A select gate is formed along each leg of the loops. The blocks serve as sources/drains. The select gates are biased in the off state to prevent current flow from the mid-portion of the loop's legs to the blocks, thereby electrically isolating the mid-portions from the ends of the loops and also electrically isolating different legs of a loop from each other.
US08390025B2
A photodetector detects the absence or presence of light by detecting a change in the inductance of a coil. The magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil passes through an electron-hole generation region. Charged particles in the electron-hole generation region come under the influence of the magnetic field, and generate eddy currents whose magnitudes depend on whether light is absent or present. The eddy currents generate a magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generated by current flowing through the coil.
US08390021B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device having a substrate on which a semiconductor multilayer film is disposed, the semiconductor multilayer film having a layered structure in which a first conductive layer, a light-emitting layer and a second conductive layer are layered above the substrate from bottom to top in the stated order, and being divided into portions by grooves extending perpendicular to the substrate, each portion having a diode structure and serving as a light-emitting element 12, each light-emitting element 12 having a hole 22 in a central portion thereof in plan view, the hole 22 penetrating through the second conductive layer 18 and the light-emitting layer 16 and reaching the first conductive layer 14, and comprising: a first electrode 24 inserted in the hole 22 and having a columnar shape, one end thereof being connected to the first conductive layer 14 at the bottom of the hole 22, and the other end protruding from an opening of the hole 22; and a second electrode 26 formed on the second conductive layer 18 and having an annular shape surrounding the opening of the hole 22.
US08390017B2
An optical device for a semiconductor based lamp includes a base and a semiconductor based light-emitting device mounted on the base. A transparent body encapsulates the semiconductor based light-emitting device. A reflective surface is in contact with the transparent body and covers a predetermined region on a top of the transparent body. The reflective surface has an opening. At least a portion of the transparent body protrudes through the opening in the reflective surface. Light emitted from the semiconductor based light-emitting device transmits upwardly through the opening in the reflective surface.
US08390010B2
Solid state lighting (“SSL”) devices with cellular arrays and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a light emitting diode includes a semiconductor material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The semiconductor material has an aperture extending into the semiconductor material from the first surface. The light emitting diode also includes an active region in direct contact with the semiconductor material, and at least a portion of the active region is in the aperture of the semiconductor material.
US08390005B2
An optical emitter includes at least one nanowire connected in a circuit such that current selectively flows into the nanowire. The nanowire has a length-to-diameter ratio of ten or less. A method for generating optical emission includes applying a voltage across a nanowire to inject charge carriers into the nanowire, the nanowire having a length-to-diameter ratio of ten or less; and confining the charge carriers within the nanowire by placing a high bandgap material at each end of the nanowire, wherein the charge carriers recombine to emit optical energy.
US08390004B2
A light-emitting structure includes a p-doped region for injecting holes and an n-doped region for injecting electrons. At least one InGaN quantum well of a first type and at least one InGaN quantum well of a second type are arranged between the n-doped region and the p-doped region. The InGaN quantum well of the second type has a higher indium content than the InGaN quantum well of the first type.
US08390001B2
A normally-off type silicon carbide junction FET has a problem that the gate thereof is not easy to use due to inferiority in the characteristics of it. This problem occurs because in order to achieve normally-off, the gate voltage should be off at 0V and at the same time, the ON-state gate voltage should be suppressed to about 2.5V to prevent the passage of an electric current through a pn junction between gate and source. Accordingly, a range from the threshold voltage to the ON-state gate voltage is only from about 1 V to 2V and it is difficult to control the gate voltage. Provided in the present invention is an electronic circuit device obtained by coupling, to a gate of a normally-off type silicon carbide junction FET, an element having a capacitance equal to or a little smaller than the gate capacitance of the junction FET.
US08389979B2
An object is to provide a light-emitting element in which suppression of a drive voltage increase is achieved. Another object is to provide a light-emitting device that has reduced power consumption by including such a light-emitting element. In a light-emitting element having an EL layer between an anode and a cathode, between the cathode and the EL layer, a first layer capable of carrier generation is formed in contact with the cathode, a second layer which accepts and transports the electrons generated in the first layer is formed in contact with the first layer, and a third layer which injects the electrons accepted from the second layer into the EL layer is formed in contact with the second layer.
US08389969B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a first insulating film region that is embedded in a trench formed on the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode that covers a lower surface of the first insulating film region, and a gate insulating film that is provided between the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a first diffusion region that covers a first side surface of the first insulating film region, a second diffusion region that covers a second side surface of the first insulating film region, and a third diffusion region that covers an upper surface of the second diffusion region. A selective element includes a field-effect transistor that is constituted by the gate electrode, the first diffusion region, and the second diffusion region, and a bipolar transistor that is constituted by the substrate and the second and third diffusion regions.
US08389958B2
A system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. These systems include 1) a nanoparticle configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ1 of radiation, to generate a second wavelength λ2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength λ1 and 2) a metallic structure disposed in relation to the nanoparticle. A physical characteristic of the metallic structure is set to a value where a surface plasmon resonance in the metallic structure resonates at a frequency which provides a spectral overlap with either the first wavelength λ1 or the second wavelength λ2, or with both λ1 and λ2. The system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium includes a receptor disposed in the medium in proximity to the nanoparticle which, upon activation by the second wavelength λ2, generates the photostimulated reaction.
US08389955B2
A sample carrier (3) for thinning a sample (1) taken from e.g. a semiconductor wafer. The sample carrier comprises a rigid part (5), e.g. made of e.g. copper, with an outer boundary (6), and a supporting film (4), e.g. made of carbon, extending beyond the outer boundary. By placing the sample on the supporting film, the sample can be attached to the rigid structure using e.g. IBID. The supporting film aligns the samples when they are placed onto it. After attaching the sample to the rigid structure the sample can be thinned with e.g. an ion beam, during which thinning the supporting film is locally removed as well. The invention results in better alignment of the sample to the sample carrier, and also in more freedom how the sample is transported from the wafer to the sample carrier, e.g. with the help of an electrically charged glass needle (2). The latter eliminates the attaching/severing steps that are normally associated with the transport of a sample to a sample carrier.
US08389951B2
A spherical aberration corrector and method is offered, which is easy to design and which can correct spherical aberration and even six-fold astigmatism in a charged particle beam instrument. The corrector has a first pair of multipole elements for producing a first pair of three-fold symmetric fields in which three-fold astigmatisms produced mutually are canceled out and a second pair of multipole elements for producing a second pair of three-fold symmetric fields in which three-fold astigmatisms produced mutually are canceled out. The second pair of multipole elements produce six-fold astigmatisms angularly spaced by 30° about an optical axis from six-fold astigmatisms produced by the first pair of multipole elements.
US08389949B2
The objective is to obtain a particle beam therapy system, the irradiation flexibility of which is high and that can reduce the amount of irradiation onto a normal tissue. There are provided a scanning electromagnet that performs scanning and outputting in such a way that a supplied charged particle beam is formed in a three-dimensional irradiation shape based on a treatment plan; and deflection electromagnets that switch the orbits for the charged particle beam in such a way that the charged particle beam with which scanning and outputting are performed by the scanning electromagnet reaches an isocenter through a single beam orbit selected from a plurality of beam orbits established between the isocenter and the scanning electromagnet. The distance between the scanning electromagnet and the isocenter is made long.
US08389946B2
A radiation detector is formed from a plasma panel that includes a front substrate, and a back substrate that forms a generally parallel gap with the front substrate. X (column) and Y (row) electrodes are coupled by gas discharge events to define one or more pixels. Impedances are coupled to the X and Y electrodes, and a power supply is coupled to one or both types of electrodes. Discharge event detectors are coupled to the impedances.
US08389937B2
A transmission electron microscope includes an electron beam source to generate an electron beam. Beam optics are provided to converge the electron beam. An aberration corrector corrects the electron beam for at least a spherical aberration. A specimen holder is provided to hold a specimen in the path of the electron beam. A detector is used to detect the electron beam transmitted through the specimen. The transmission electron microscope may operate in an incoherent mode and may be used to locate a sequence of objects on a molecule.
US08389932B2
A chemical processing apparatus includes a fragmentation device that includes a linear set of stacked electrodes and a voltage control module that forms DC potential wells of opposite polarity for mutual confinement of opposite polarity ions. A method of protein analysis includes confining positive peptide ions and negatively charged reagent anions in, respectively, first and second DC potential wells in a fragmentation device, mixing the ions, in the fragmentation device, and analyzing ion fragments formed in the mixture.
US08389927B2
An optical arrangement has a laser configured to emit a laser beam, an amplitude mask and a focusing element. The amplitude mask is disposed between the laser and the focusing element in a path of the laser beam such that the laser beam hits the amplitude mask before being modified by the focusing element so as to direct the laser beam to a focal point within a photosensitive material.
US08389902B2
Portable weld cooling systems include a plurality of weld cooling instruments operable to combine to provide cool air to a weld area created by a weld fusion machine, and a portable cabinet comprising a transportation section and a storage section, the transportation section operable to facilitate the movement of the portable cabinet and the storage section being configured to store the plurality of weld cooling instruments when the portable cabinet is moved, wherein one or more of the plurality of weld cooling instruments may be removed from the storage section when combined to provide cool air.
US08389898B2
The invention relates to a method for regulating a welding current source with a current transformer, which has a series resonant circuit on the primary side and a parallel resonant circuit on the secondary side, the series resonant circuit being supplied with a variable alternating voltage by a bridge circuit and the parallel resonant circuit providing energy to a welding process by way of a rectifier, and a control unit controlling the bridge circuit in dependence on at least one state variable of the welding current source. In order to develop the method in such a way as to make regulation possible at low cost and with as little power loss as possible, it is proposed according to the invention that only the primary current or a state variable on the primary side corresponding to the primary current is recorded as the electrical-current state variable of the welding current source and a control signal dependent on the primary current or on the state variable corresponding thereto is fed to the control unit. A welding current source for carrying out the method is also proposed.
US08389897B2
The invention relates to a welding method for implementing and monitoring a welding process, whereby a power source (2) and a feeding device (10) for the welding rod (11) are controlled by means of a control device (4), and whereby at least one control variable is measured or calculated from characteristic variables of the arc during the welding process. After setting a first and a second time interval (102) with different durations and a scanning rate for determining the values of the characteristic variable (100), the values of the characteristic variable (100) are stored with every scan, after which, at an instant (40), a first mean value (106) and a second mean value (107) are calculated from the stored values of the characteristic variable which lie in time intervals earlier in time than the instant (40) by the control device as the control variable, after which an upper and a lower threshold value (104, 105) is calculated starting from the first mean value (106) of the first time interval (101), and the control variable is then compared with the upper and with the lower threshold value (104, 105).
US08389894B2
A laser processing apparatus for processing a multitude of portions to be processed in an area to be processed in a subject W to be processed, including a laser device, a focusing or imaging device for laser beams provided by the laser device, and an arranging device for arranging the subject W to be processed, in which the subject W to be processed and the focusing or imaging device are fixed, and the subject to be processed is processed while relatively shifting the laser beams and the focusing or imaging device so that the focusing or imaging device is irradiated from different areas in the laser beam, inside and outside the area to be processed, and that cumulative laser beam irradiation time during the processing of each of the multitude of portions to be processed is equalized.
US08389891B2
Methods for ultrashort pulse laser processing of optically transparent materials. A method for scribing transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create multiple scribe features with a single pass of the laser beam across the material, with at least one of the scribe features being formed below the surface of the material. This enables clean breaking of transparent materials at a higher speed than conventional techniques. Slightly modifying the ultrashort pulse laser processing conditions produces sub-surface marks. When properly arranged, these marks are clearly visible with side-illumination and not clearly visible without side-illumination. In addition, a method for welding transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create a bond through localized heating. The ultrashort pulse duration causes nonlinear absorption of the laser radiation, and the high repetition rate of the laser causes pulse-to-pulse accumulation of heat within the materials. The laser is focused near the interface of the materials, generating a high energy fluence at the region to be welded. This minimizes damage to the rest of the material and enables fine weld lines.
US08389885B2
Disclosed is a dome shaped spring including: a dome shaped spring section in which buckling occurs by pushing, wherein at least a portion of a neutral face of a movable portion when buckling of the dome shaped spring section occurs is an aspherical shape.
US08389882B2
A contactor carriage fitted so as to move translationally in an electrical switch of a motor vehicle, in a unit providing controls under the steering wheel, in order to establish according to a user command, an electrical contact for one or more predefined positions of the path of the carriage is disclosed. The carriage has at least one electrical contacting emplacement, a first housing for accommodating a high-current contactor element and a second housing for accommodating a low-current contactor element. An electrical contact is established at said emplacement either by placing a high-current contactor element in the associated housing or by placing a low-current contactor element in said housing.
US08389879B2
To allow more reliable detection of occupancy of a seat by a person, the invention includes a detection device for detecting occupancy of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat or motor vehicle seat, comprising at least one elongate light guide having at least one elongate core element and at least one elongate sheath at a distance from the core element. The light guide is deformable by mechanical actuation means in at least one direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the light guide by the deformation brought about by the seat being occupied causes the light to exit from the light guide on the side opposite the mechanical means.
US08389878B2
A pad is disclosed for use in a weighing system for weighing a load. The pad includes a weighing platform, load cells, and foot members. Improvements to the pad reduce or substantially eliminate rotation of one or more of the corner foot members. A flexible foot strap disposed between the corner foot members reduces rotation of the respective foot members about vertical axes through the corner foot members and couples the corner foot members such that rotation of one corner foot member results in substantially the same amount of rotation of the other corner foot member. In a strapless variant one or more fasteners prevents substantially all rotation of a foot member. In a diagonal variant, a foot strap extends between a corner foot member and the weighing platform to reduce rotation of the foot member about a vertical axis through the corner foot member.
US08389873B2
An enclosure of an electronic device includes a plate. The plate defines a number of through holes. A number of shields extend from the plate corresponding to the through holes. Each shield extends outwards from the outer surface of the plate, surrounding and partly covering a corresponding through hole. The enclosure with the shields can shield the electronic device from EMI.
US08389869B2
A circuit board including a substrate, a conductive pattern and a solder mask layer is provided. The conductive pattern includes a pad, a tail trace and a signal trace. The tail trace connects with the edge of the pad and the signal trace connects with the edge of the pad. An angle between a portion of the signal trace neighboring the pad and the tail trace is larger than 0 degree and smaller than 180 degree. The solder mask layer is disposed on the substrate and covers a portion of conductive pattern. The solder mask layer has an opening exposing the whole pad.
US08389855B2
A system for mounting a pair of signal-receiving devices recessed within a building surface includes a base housing having an inner chamber and positionable behind a building surface and/or furniture surface. A front has a first opening, and a wall has a second and third opening. A secondary housing is positionable adjacent the base housing and has an interior space. A first aperture is positionable in communication with the second opening. A second aperture is positioned in spaced relation from the base housing's wall. A first signal receiver is positionable within the interior space and is connectable to a first signal carrier. A second signal receiver is positionable within the inner chamber and has a second connector positionable adjacent the third opening and connectable to a second signal carrier. A base housing cover plate is positioned to cover at least a part of the base housing first opening.
US08389845B2
A waveform memory WM stores fast decay waveform data representative of fast decay waveforms of different levels of strength and slow decay waveform data representative of a slow decay waveform of a strong strength. A CPU 21 controls a tone generator 15 to select at least a waveform data according to the level of strength of a touch from among the plurality of fast decay waveform data to read out the selected waveform data from the top address of the waveform data. In addition, the CPU 21 also controls the tone generator 15 to read out the slow decay waveform data, starting at an address placed further away from the top of the slow decay waveform data as the level of strength of the touch decreases. The read fast decay waveform data and the read slow decay waveform data is mixed together to be output.
US08389836B2
A stringed instrument, for example an electric guitar, is arranged to produce a tremolo effect by providing the tailpiece with a number of saddles corresponding to the number of strings, each saddle having a slot for anchoring its string. The tailpiece is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the strings in order to change the tension in the strings to produce the desired tremolo effect. The tailpiece includes a housing in which the saddles are provided with a screw adjustment which varies the off-set of the saddle from the axis of the pivot. The greater the off-set of the saddle from the pivot, the greater the extension or release of the string on activation of the tremolo lever to turn the tailpiece. Thus, the position of the saddles relative to each other can be made so that on activation of the lever which pivots the tailpiece, the strings whose tension is changed remain in harmony. If desired, some of the strings can be ‘de-activated’ by adjusting the saddle position so that the string remains on the axis of the pivot so that no change in string tension results as the tailpiece is pivoted.
US08389835B2
A sound system producing characteristic sounds from an acoustic instrument is provided. The sound system may include a stringed musical instrument and an electronic audio subsystem. The stringed musical instrument may include a neck extending away from a body toward a head. A plurality of strings may be stretched from a bridge on the body to the head at a terminal end of the neck. The bridge may be coupled to a soundboard and operable for connecting the plurality of strings to the body. The electronic audio subsystem may include at least one distributed mode loudspeaker. The distributed mode loudspeaker may be attached to the soundboard of the stringed musical instrument. The distributed mode loudspeaker may induce uniformly distributed vibration modes in the soundboard. A power amplification device may be disposed inside the body of the stringed musical instrument to provide power to the distributed mode loudspeaker.
US08389833B2
An upright piano type action has a wippen 30, a jack 40, a butt 5, a swinging shank (hammer shank 71), a swinging member (hammer 70), a catcher shank 53, a backcheck 60 and a catcher 52. To any of the moving members, namely the butt 5, the swinging shank (hammer shank 71), the swinging member (hammer 70), the catcher 52 and the catcher shank 53, a weight 110, 120, 130 or 140 is attached. The weights 110, 120, 130, 140 are placed to apply loads, respectively, in a state where a key is not being depressed, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the moving members swing for hitting.
US08389830B1
A novel maize variety designated X8F923 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 X8F923 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8F923 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8F923, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8F923. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8F923.
US08389828B1
A novel maize variety designated X8R681 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 X8R681 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8R681 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8R681, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8R681. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8R681.
US08389819B2
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid BS02838720 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid BS02838720 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08389818B2
A cotton cultivar, designated L-3233, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cotton cultivar L-3233, to the plants of cotton L-3233 and to methods for producing a cotton plant produced by crossing the cultivar L-3233 with itself or another cotton variety. The invention further relates to hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar L-3233 with another cotton cultivar.
US08389813B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1022840. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1022840. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1022840 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1022840 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08389802B2
Methods for amplification of nucleic acids in cells are provided. Also provided are cells that contain the nucleic acids.
US08389790B2
The present invention relates to isomerization of Z-lycopene in mixtures of isomers to mixtures enriched with all E-lycopene.
US08389788B2
Processes for olefin metathesis, for example for the production of propylene, utilize a catalyst comprising a solid support and a tungsten hydride bonded to alumina present in the support. Conversion, selectivity, and/or catalyst stability advantages may be realized when a first olefin reactant (e.g., ethylene) is present in the hydrocarbon feedstock at a stoichiometric deficit relative to a second, higher carbon number olefin reactant (e.g., butylene).
US08389787B1
A process is presented for the management and control of the 2-phenyl content in a benzene alkylation process. The process includes the use of multiple reactor beds, with benzene flowing through the reactor beds in a sequential manner. The olefin stream is split to two or more portions, and a separate portion is passed to the first reactor bed and second reactor bed. Control of the ratio of the olefin flow splits controls the 2-phenyl content.
US08389782B2
A process useful for treating biologically derived oils in the production of biofuels is described. A biologically derived oil feed is deoxygenated by contacting the feed with a metal titanate catalyst comprising a metal titanate having an MTiO3 perovskite structure wherein M is a metal having a valence of 2+. The process does not require the addition of hydrogen.
US08389762B2
The present invention relates to a process for purifying methacrylic acid, wherein the reaction mixture obtained by a reaction of methacrylamide with water is cooled by mixing with an aqueous medium and then passed into a phase separator.The present invention further describes a system for performing the process according to the invention.
US08389760B2
Disclosed is a palladium-containing catalyst which enables to produce an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid in high selectivity from an olefin or an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. Also disclosed are a method for producing such a catalyst and a method for producing an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid using such a catalyst. Specifically disclosed is a palladium-containing catalyst containing 0.001 to 0.25 mole of antimony element to 1 mole of palladium element or a palladium-containing catalyst containing palladium element which composes a metal, tellurium element, and bismuth element.
US08389758B2
Novel benzoxazine-thiol adducts are described, which may be may be cured to produce compositions useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.
US08389751B2
A simplified method of operating an alkylene oxide production process that utilizes a high efficiency silver catalyst is shown and described. The method accounts for declining catalyst activity that occurs as the catalyst ages by making alternating changes to the reaction temperature and an overall chloriding effectiveness parameter.
US08389741B2
The invention relates to difluoroboradiazaindacene dyes of the formula (1) where R1=fluoro-substituted phenyl residue C6HmFn where n=1 to 5 and m+n=5; or fluoro-substituted naphthyl residue C10HmFn where n=1 to 9 and m+n=9; R2=CH3, C2H5, C3H7, or C4H9; R3=alkyl, aryl, or vinyl aryl; R4, R5=H, F, or an R4 and R5 bridging residue CH═CH—CH═CH; R6, R7=H, F, or an R6 and R7 bridging residue CH═CH—CH═CH; and R8=alkyl or aryl.
US08389740B2
Process for preparing salts of the formula I (B+)nxAy− where B is a cation comprising at least one nitrogen atom, A is an anion and n is an integer from 1 to 3, x and y are each an integer from 1 to 3 and the product of x and y is equal to n, by reacting salts of the formula II (B+)nxCy− where B and n, x and y are as defined above and C is a compound which has one or more carboxylate groups (referred to as carboxylate for short) and is different from A, with the ammonium salt of the anion A or with the protic acid of the anion A in the presence of ammonia.
US08389729B2
The present invention provides dyes, reactive dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes are also provided that comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been modified by the addition of charged and polar groups to provide beneficial properties.
US08389726B2
A metal coordination complex of a biologically active moiety and a metal is disclosed. The complex confers to the biologically active moiety an improved performance which can include potency, stability, absorbability, targeted delivery, and combinations thereof.
US08389719B2
The instant invention relates to novel hydroxyphenyl triazine UV-absorbers with an aromatic carbocyclic fused ring system having a long wavelength shifted absorption spectrum with significant absorbance up to 420 nm. Further aspects of the invention are a process for their preparation, a UV stabilized composition containing the new UV-absorbers, a process for the stabilization of organic materials and the use of the new compounds as UV-light stabilizers for organic materials.
US08389710B2
Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3′ conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3′ A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3′ conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid-3′ conjugate.
US08389706B2
Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV 18 E6 and E7. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HPV are disclosed.
US08389699B2
Disclosed are methods and kits applicable to sequencing methods, such as Sanger dideoxy sequencing methods. The methods and kits disclosed utilize a cationically charged nucleic acid terminator in combination with a discriminatory polymerase.
US08389695B2
The invention relates to a modifying agent comprising a water soluble polymer, wherein the water soluble polymer comprises at least one reactive selenium group, said reactive selenium group being capable of reacting with a thiol group thereby forming an —Se—S— bond. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing said modifying agents and their use in the modification of pharmaceutically active agents, e.g. G-CSF. Additionally, the invention concerns conjugates comprising a water-soluble polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein the water-soluble polymer is linked via a S—Se-bond to agent and a method for their production and their use as medicaments. Finally, the invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising the inventive conjugates.
US08389690B2
Novel cell surface molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies against a cell surface molecule of lymphocytic cells that play an important role in autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases have been isolated, identified, and analyzed for their functions. The cell surface molecules are expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, and induce cell adhesion. Antibodies against the cell surface molecules significantly ameliorate pathological conditions of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases.
US08389688B2
The present invention provides chimeric and humanized versions of anti-CD22 mouse monoclonal antibody, HB22.7. The anti-CD22 antibodies of the invention comprise four human or humanized framework regions of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (“VH”) and four human or humanized framework regions of the immunoglobulin light chain variable region (“VK”). The invention further comprises heavy and/or light chain FW regions that contain one or more backmutations in which a human FW residue is exchanged for the corresponding residue present in the parental mouse heavy or light chain. Human or humanized VH framework regions of antibodies of the invention may comprise one or more of the following residues: a valine (V) at position 24 of framework region 1, a glycine (G) at position 49 of framework region 2, and an asparagine (N) at position 73 of framework region 3, numbered according to Kabat. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions, immunotherapeutic compositions, and methods using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD22 antigen and that preferably mediate human ADCC, CDC, and/or apoptosis for: the treatment of B cell diseases and disorders in human subjects, such as, but not limited to, B cell malignancies, for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune disease, and for the treatment and prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), humoral rejection, and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in human transplant recipients.
US08389687B2
Blood collection, processing and transfer leads to the separation of discrete fractions by adding additional citrate (trisodium citrate) to bring the citrate concentration to 10%-15% w/v thereby leading to enhanced yield and purity of cryoprecipitate. The improved cryoprecipitate then yields concentrated clotting factors by an improved extraction process which uses polyvinyl pyrollidone to reduce the extraction of fibrinogen. Following extraction the remaining cryoprecipitate can advantageously be formed into a fibrin fabric used in surgeries and in the treatment of wounds.
US08389685B2
To provide a plasmid vector having high productivity which can be used for large scale production of an industrially valuable and useful protein, and a transformant using the plasmid vector. A plasmid vector having DNA which encodes a plasmid replication protein in which one or more amino acid residues that are selected from (a) position 48, (b) position 262, (c) position 149 and (d) position 198 in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 are substituted with (a) Ala, Gly, Thr, Arg, Glu, Asn or Gln, (b) Gly, Ser, Thr, Cys or Val, (c) Asn, and (d) Glu, respectively.
US08389679B2
This invention provides novel targeted antimicrobial compositions. In various embodiments chimeric moieties are provided comprising an antimicrobial peptide attached to a peptide targeting moiety that binds a bacterial strain or species.
US08389676B2
Biotinylation peptides are provided which can be fused with other peptides or proteins of interest using recombinant DNA techniques to provide efficient methods for biotinylating the resulting fusion proteins in vivo or in vitro.
US08389675B2
Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.
US08389674B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for producing a polymer dispersion based on polychloroprene, comprising steps of polymerizing chloroprene to polychloroprene, adding the polycholoprene dispersion to a stripper column, and removing chloroprene from the polychloroprene dispersion.
US08389665B2
A method for preparing terpolymer of poly (biphenyl sulfone ether) and poly (ether sulfone) comprises: adding high-temperature organic solvent into a flask, stirring and heating to 80° C., adding 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfone,4,4′-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl-1,1′-biphenyl and 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone with solid content of 20-35%; stirring until monomers are completely dissolved, heating to 100° C., adding salt-forming agent and xylene; stirring while heating so that salt-forming reaction begins in the system, wherein the system temperature is controlled between 190° C. and 210° C.; when the amount of water discharged reaches the theoretical value, the first stage of salt-forming reaction is finished; heating the system to 230-236° C., and maintaining for 3-4 hours to obtain polymer viscous liquid; and refining the polymer viscous liquid to obtain a terpolymer containing different structural units in the molecular chain, wherein the Tg of the terpolymer can be regulated by changing the ratio of the two dichloro-containing monomers.
US08389659B2
The present invention relates to an emulsion polymer comprising at least one (meth)acrylate segment which comprises 1% to 30% by weight of units derived from (meth)acrylates which in the alkyl radical have at least one double bond and 8 to 40 carbon atoms, 0.1% to 10% by weight of units derived from monomers containing acid groups, and 50% to 98.9% by weight of units derived from (meth)acrylates having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, based in each case on the weight of the (meth)acrylate segment, the emulsion polymer having a particle radius of at least 50 nm.
US08389653B2
A urethane coating is formed by a reaction of a hydroxy-functional resin and a blocked isocyanate crosslinker. A method of catalyzing this reaction includes forming a polymeric ligand from the resin and/or the crosslinker. The method also includes incorporating a metal catalyst with the polymeric ligand to complex the metal catalyst with the polymeric ligand. The method further includes reacting resin and the crosslinker to form the urethane coating.
US08389651B2
The present invention is directed to an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a non-solubilized zinc compound in an amount of at least 0.61 weight % based on the total resin solids of the electrodepositable coating composition.
US08389648B2
A composition, comprising, based on the total weight of the polymer components in the composition, 1 to 40 wt. % of an aromatic polycarbonate, 30 to 98.8 wt. % of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer, and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a polysiloxane-polyimide block copolymer comprising more than 20 wt. % polysiloxane blocks, based on the total weight of the polysiloxane-polyimide copolymer. The compositions provide articles with low haze, high luminous transmittance, and good hydro-aging properties. The articles can further be formulated to have excellent flame retardance, particularly when KSS is used.
US08389645B2
The invention relates to solid polyester granules of the type used as matting agents in paints. In particular, the invention relates to a new redox initiating system for use in a suspension polymerization process that is used to manufacture the solid polyester granules, to a process for the preparation of the solid polyester granules, and to paint compositions containing the solid polyester granules.
US08389643B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing a copolymer having a backbone based on methacrylate units, comprising a step involving the polymerization of one or more precursor methacrylate monomers of said units in the presence of: a polymerization initiator; at least RAFT-type transfer agent which can generate a primary radical; and at least one comonomer selected from among styrene monomers and acrylate monomers. The invention also relates to the resulting copolymers capable of being obtained according to this process, in particular block copolymers, in particular block copolymers, and to the use thereof as additives for plastic materials.
US08389637B2
Use of copolymers with a composition gradient as stabilizers in emulsion free-radical polymerization
The present invention describes the use of copolymers with a composition gradient as sole stabilizer in emulsion free-radical polymerization. The copolymers of the invention are prepared via controlled free-radical polymerization and comprise at least one hydrophilic monomer such as acrylic acid and at least one hydrophobic monomer such as styrene.
US08389626B2
Polycarbonate nanocomposites comprising a polycarbonate matrix having non-oxidized metal nanoparticles dispersed therein are disclosed. The polycarbonate nanocomposite is produced by a process comprising forming a reaction mixture comprising a dihydroxy compound, an activated carbonate, a metal precursor, and a solvent; and in-situ polymerizing the reaction mixture to form a nanocomposite comprising a polycarbonate matrix and metal nanoparticles dispersed therein. The metal precursor comprises a metal selected from a specified group. The nanocomposites have improved mechanical, optical, electrical and/or magnetic properties. Also disclosed are articles formed from such polycarbonate nanocomposites.
US08389621B2
A thermosetting resin composition for producing a color filter for a CMOS image sensor is provided. The thermosetting resin composition comprises an organic solvent and a self-curing copolymer having structural units represented by Formulae 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are described in the specification.
US08389608B2
Aminoplast-polythiol compositions resulting from the contact product, or cured reaction product, of an aminoplast resin composition and a polythiol composition are disclosed. Typically, the polythiol composition contains thiol ester molecules having an average of two or more thiol groups per molecule. Methods for preparing the aminoplast-polythiol compositions, methods for using the aminoplast-polythiol compositions to produce coatings and to coat substrates, and coatings and other articles produced using these aminoplast-polythiol compositions also are described.
US08389601B2
The invention is to provide a metal ink composition for ink-jet and more particularly, a metal ink composition which causes no formation of cracks on a PCB substrate, allows a low curing temperature, and provides improved adhesive strength even after coating.
US08389598B2
The present invention provides a dental polymerizable composition which has excellent handling property by the brush-dip technique and the bulk-mix technique, particularly excellent handling property by the brush-dip technique, contains few air bubbles, is excellent in color tone, polishability, mechanical properties and the discoloration resistance of a cured product at the time of curing and is used for many purposes such as the repair of a denture base or artificial tooth, a tooth crown prosthetic restoration and a temporary prosthetic restoration which is used until a bridge is completed when it is a two-composition type self-curing resin. The dental polymerizable composition comprises three different types of (meth)acrylate polymer particles, each having specific particle size characteristics and specific molecular weight characteristics.
US08389596B2
UV-cured pressure sensitive adhesive including one or more UV-curable acrylic oligomers, one or more tack control components, and, optionally, an elastomeric material is described herein. The adhesive includes an adhesive component ratio of the various adhesive components effective to provide desired first peel adhesions and subsequent peel adhesions.
US08389594B2
There is disclosed a silicone-modified adamantane derivative represented by the following general formula (1), Wherein each R1 independently represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group; each R independently represents a methyl group or phenyl group; n represents an integer from 2 to 1,000; and k represents a number of 0 to 2. There can be a photo-radically curable resin composition by adopting a novel and specific silicone-modified adamantane derivative, which composition is cured by photoirradiation even at a lower intensity of illumination, thereby enabling to obtain a cured product exhibiting not only an excellent moisture resistance but also an excellent adhesiveness to various substrates.
US08389590B2
The invention relates to an installation and to a process for the production of foam in a continuous foaming process with the following steps,measuring actual surface temperatures of the foam or the facing layers along a conveying direction anddetermining a control variable for the foaming process as a function of a deviation of the actual surface temperatures from the nominal surface temperatures.
US08389588B2
A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.
US08389582B2
Tissue solubilizing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise 3-(decyl dimethyl ammonio) propane sulfonate and polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether, such as tetraethylene glycol dodecyl ether. The compositions may be useful to solubilize tissue, including skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue. The compositions may be further useful to preserve and recover analytes contained within the solubilized skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue.
US08389578B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing neurological disorders.
US08389571B2
Resistance-repellent and multidrug resistant retroviral protease inhibitors are provided. Pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HIV infections in mammals, are also provided.
US08389568B2
Novel indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors, compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof are disclosed.
US08389566B2
The present invention relates to cyclopentane heptenoic acid-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy or lower alkyloxy-5-thienylpentyl)-3, 5-dihydroxy, [1α, 2β, 3α, 5α] compounds, lower alkyl, hydroxyl lower alkyl and indole lower alkyl amides and esters thereof as potent ocular hypotensives that are particularly suited for the management of glaucoma.
US08389565B2
Methods for synthesizing Salacinol, its stereoisomers, and analogues, homologues and other derivatives thereof potentially useful as glycosidase inhibitors. In some embodiments the compounds of the invention may have the general formula (I) or (II): The synthetic schemes may comprise reacting a cyclic sulfate with a 5-membered ring sugar containing a heteroatom (X). The heteroatom preferably comprises sulfur, selenium, or nitrogen. The cyclic sulfate and ring sugar reagents may be readily prepared from carbohydrate precursors, such as D-glucose, L-glucose, D-xylose and L-xylose. The target compounds are prepared by opening of the cyclic sulfates by nucleophilic attack of the heteroatoms on the 5-membered ring sugars. The resulting heterocyclic compounds have a stable, inner salt structure comprising a heteroatom cation and a sulfate anion. The synthetic schemes yield various stereoisomers of the target compounds.
US08389563B2
The present embodiment of the invention is generally directed to compositions comprising suspensions of poorly water soluble compounds recrystallized in nanoparticulate sizes ranging from 0.1 to 5 μm. In addition, the embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for preparation and administration of these compositions to a patient for prevention and treatment of disease states. In particular, the embodiment of the invention is directed to compositions comprising suspensions of poorly water-soluble compounds, such as antimitotics and antibiotics, in nanoparticulates and methods of prevention and treatment of chronic disease states, such as cancer, by intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of such compositions.
US08389560B2
This invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of formula (I) shown in the specification. These compounds can be used to treat hepatitis C virus infection.
US08389558B2
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising bendamustine and one or more amphiphilic anionic compounds and self assembled aggregates, which aggregates exhibit enhanced stability in aqueous solutions, including plasma, are disclosed. The unexpectedly enhanced stability afforded by such aggregates permits patients to be treated with bendamustine in lower and/or with less frequent dosages or to improve its therapeutic effect while using the same as presently used treatment protocol.
US08389555B2
A compound of formal (I) is described: wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the text and wherein the compounds are intended for use in treating medical conditions characterized by an imbalance in dopamine receptor activity.
US08389543B2
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US08389542B2
A dosage unit for treating constipation in a human patient is described. The dosage unit of the invention includes a halogenated prostaglandin analog and a pharmaceutically suitable excipient. The dosage unit relieves constipation without substantial side effects. In particular, the dosage unit includes a prostaglandin (PG) analog represented by Formula (I) and/or its tautomers, and a pharmaceutically suitable excipient, wherein the dosage unit contains the PG analog in an amount of 24 μg+/−10%:
US08389541B2
This invention relates to compounds that inhibit protein tyrosine kinase activity. In particular the invention relates to compounds that inhibit the protein tyrosine kinase activity of growth factor receptors, resulting in the inhibition of receptor signaling, for example, the inhibition of VEGF receptor signaling and HGF receptor signaling. More particularly, the invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the inhibition of VEGF receptor signaling and HGF receptor signaling. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions.
US08389533B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods are provided that are useful in the treatment of CDK4-mediated disorders, such as cancer. The subject compounds are gem-disubstituted or spirocyclic pyridine, pyrimidine and triazine derivatives.
US08389530B2
The invention is directed to certain novel compounds, methods for producing them and methods for treating or ameliorating a kinase-mediated disorder. More particularly, this invention is directed to substituted quinazoline compounds useful as selective kinase inhibitors, methods for producing such compounds and methods for treating or ameliorating a kinase-mediated disorder, In particular, the methods relate to treating or ameliorating a kinase-mediated disorder including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diabetes-associated disorders, inflammatory diseases, immunological disorders, cancer and diseases of the eye such as retinopathies or macular degeneration or other vitreoretinal diseases, and the like.
US08389527B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I imidazopyridazines inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US08389516B2
Compounds of formula (I) have antibacterial activity: wherein: m is 0 or 1; Q is hydrogen or cyclopropyl; Alk is an optionally substituted, divalent C1-C6 alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene radical which may contain an ether (—O—), thioether (—S—) or amino (—NR)— link, wherein R is hydrogen, —CN or C1-C3 alkyl; X is —C(═O)NR6—, —S(O)NR6—, —C(═O)O— or —S(═O)O— wherein R6 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, -Cyc, or —(C1-C3 alkyl)-Cyc wherein Cyc is optionally substituted monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic having 3-7 ring atoms; Z is N or CH, or CF; R2 and R3 are as defined in the description.
US08389513B2
The present invention relates to 2-Amino-5,5-difluoro-5,6-dihydro-4H-[1,3]oxazin-4-yl)-phenyl]-amides of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.
US08389507B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, Ar, n and o are as defined herein and to their pharmaceutically acceptable active salts. Compounds of formula I have a good affinity to the trace amine associated receptors (TAARs), especially for TAAR1 and are useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress-related disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine, hypertension, substance abuse and metabolic disorders such as eating disorders, diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity, dyslipidemia, disorders of energy consumption and assimilation, disorders and malfunction of body temperature homeostasis, disorders of sleep and circadian rhythm, and cardiovascular disorders.
US08389506B2
The present invention relates to a transition metal complex represented by Formula (I) or salts thereof, or to a ligand represented by Formula (H) or salts thereof, wherein X represents a transition metal, preferably Pt, and methods for their use and preparation. In particular, the invention relates to compounds which may possess useful therapeutic activity in treating amyloid diseases, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in methods of therapy, and diagnosis, and the manufacture of medicaments as well as compositions containing these compounds.
US08389503B2
A steroidal compound n-hexyl-p-stigmasteryloxy-benzoate is reported as a novel potent antitubercular drug.
US08389501B2
Azadirachta indica cell suspension culture is used to metabolize dianabol to yield potent anticarcinogenic 17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-3-one, which can also be synthesized.
US08389499B2
The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.
US08389498B2
Disclosed herein are spinning solutions and methods for manufacturing a biomaterial fiber. The spinning solution includes a biologically absorbable material having a haemostatic function, a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin, and a solvent, wherein the polysaccharide and the haemostatic material exist in a weight ratio between about 0.1 to about 3. The method includes steps of wet spinning the spinning solution into the biomaterial fiber.
US08389483B2
Intrauterine Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a very important clinical problem for which no satisfactory treatment is available so far. The current invention of intravenous (IV) hypertonic glucose supplementation to the mother to improve the glucose transfer to the fetus at the intervillous space by improved facilitated diffusion can be a safe and easy way of treating this problem, as the improved fetal blood glucose can lead to fetal lipogenesis that can conserve the fetal O2 (oxygen) utilization and also relieve the associated metabolic derangements of fetal hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis, apart from replenishing the oxidized coenzymes needed for the carbohydrate metabolism. The use of trans-amniotic fetal feeding studied by animal experiments can be difficult in humans, because of the danger of infection, which can be overcome by the use of implantable ports with a sterile patch technique.
US08389479B2
Disclosed are novel compositions and methods for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and in particular immunostimulatory compositions comprising muramyl dipeptide microparticles for use, e.g., in the treatment of MS.
US08389477B2
Methods and compositions for treating psychiatric diseases and disorders are disclosed. The methods provided generally involve the administration of an amylin or an amylin agonist to a subject in order to treat psychiatric diseases and disorders, and conditions associated with psychiatric diseases and disorders.
US08389473B2
Compositions of the invention, including compounds that bind to a receptor for a glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an exendin, or an agonist, an analog (preferably an agonist analog), a derivative, or a variant of any of aforementioned compounds, are used in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias associated with cardiac ischemia, cardiac ischemia-perfusion and/or congestive heart failure. The invention relates to both the method and compositions for such treatment.
US08389458B2
An ADW composition comprising a builder and a water-soluble copolymer which comprises: (a) from about 30 to 60 mol % of the copolymer having a structural unit originating from a monoethylenic unsaturated dicarboxylic acid (or dicarboxylate) monomer having 4 to 6 carbon atoms or its anhydride at; (b) from about 30 to 60 mol % of the copolymer having a structural unit originating from a monoethylenic unsaturated monocarboxylic acid (or monocarboxylate) monomer having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; and (c) from about 5 to 15 mol % of the polymer having a structural unit originating from a monoethylenic unsaturated monomer having a sulfonic (or sulfonate) group; wherein the water-soluble copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 50,000 wherein the copolymer is polymerized with hydrogen peroxide.
US08389443B2
The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I): in which W, X, Y, Z, A, B and G have the meanings given herein, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation, and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides; relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, geminally alkoxy/alkylspirocyclically substituted tetramic acid derivatives and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound; and relates to the boosting of the action of crop protection compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) through the addition of ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and optionally penetrants.
US08389436B2
A composite oxide is provided which has large oxygen absorption and desorption over a wide temperature range, in particular in a higher temperature range of not lower than 700° C. and/or in a lower temperature range of not higher than 400° C. The composite oxide contains oxygen, R composed of at least one of Ce and Pr, and Zr at a particular ratio, and optionally a particular ratio of M composed of at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals and the like.
US08389428B2
A glass composition having high refractive index, softening property at low temperature and small average thermal expansion coefficient, and a member provided with the composition on a substrate, are provided. The glass composition of the present invention has a refractive index (nd) of from 1.88 to 2.20, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 450 to 490° C., and an average thermal expansion coefficient at temperatures from 50° C. to 300° C. (α50-300) of from 60×10−7/K to 90×10−7/K, and includes Bi2O3 in an amount of from 5 to 25% in terms of mol % on the basis of oxides.
US08389426B2
The present invention relates to a new bicomponent fiber, a nonwoven fabric comprising said new bicomponent fiber and sanitary articles made therefrom. The bicomponent fiber contains a polyethylene-based resin forming at least part of the surface of the fiber longitudinally continuously and is characterized by a Co-monomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45, a recrystallization temperature between 85° C. and 110° C., a tan delta value at 0.1 rad/sec from about 15 to 50, and a complex viscosity at 0.1 rad/second of 1400 Pa.sec or less. The nonwoven fabric comprising the new bicomponent fiber according to the instant invention are not only excellent in softness, but also high in strength, and can be produced in commercial volumes at lower costs due to higher thoughputs and requiring less energy.
US08389422B2
A rapid thermal processing device and methods are provided for thermal processing of samples such as semiconductor wafers. The device has components including a stamp (35) having a stamping surface and a heater or cooler (40) to bring it to a selected processing temperature, a sample holder (20) for holding a sample (10) in position for intimate contact with the stamping surface; and positioning components (25) for moving the stamping surface and the stamp (35) in and away from intimate, substantially non-pressured contact. Methods for using and making such devices are also provided. These devices and methods allow inexpensive, efficient, easily controllable thermal processing.
US08389412B2
The invention relates to a finishing method for a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate that includes an oxide layer buried between an active silicon layer and a support layer of silicon. The method includes applying the following steps in succession: a first rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of the SOI substrate; a sacrificial oxidation of the active silicon layer of the substrate conducted to remove a first oxide thickness; a second RTA of the substrate; and a second sacrificial oxidation of the active silicon layer conducted to remove a second oxide thickness that is thinner than the first oxide thickness.
US08389400B2
A method of forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device comprises forming sacrificial film patterns of a line type in a cell region of a semiconductor substrate and, at the same time, forming pad patterns in a peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate, forming a spacer on sidewalls of each of the sacrificial film patterns and the pad patterns, forming a gap-fill layer on sidewalls of the spacers to thereby form line and space patterns, including the sacrificial film patterns and the gap-fill layers, in the cell region, and separating the line and space patterns of the cell region at regular intervals and, at the same time, etching the pad patterns of the peripheral region to thereby form specific patterns in the peripheral region.
US08389396B2
A method for manufacture of an integrated circuit package system includes: providing an integrated circuit die having a contact pad; forming a protection cover over the contact pad; forming a passivation layer having a first opening over the protection cover with the first opening exposing the protection cover; developing a conductive layer over the passivation layer; forming a pad opening in the protection cover for exposing the contact pad having the conductive layer partially removed; and an interconnect directly on the contact pad and only adjacent to the protection cover and the passivation layer.
US08389393B2
A noble metal nanoparticle can be grown on a semiconductor substrate by contacting a predetermined region of the substrate with a solution including noble metal ions. The predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate can be exposed by applying a polymeric layer over the substrate selectively removing a portion of the polymeric layer. The nanoparticles can be prepared in a predetermined pattern. The nanoparticle can be formed with a barrier separating it from another nanoparticle on the substrate; for example, nanoparticle can be located in a pit etched in the substrate. The size and location of the nanoparticle can be stable at elevated temperatures.
US08389389B2
Provided are a semiconductor layer manufacturing method and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus capable of forming a high quality semiconductor layer even by a single chamber system, with a shortened process time required for reducing a concentration of impurities that exist in a reaction chamber before forming the semiconductor layer. A semiconductor device manufactured using such a method and apparatus is also provided. The present invention relates to a semiconductor layer manufacturing method of forming a semiconductor layer inside a reaction chamber (101) capable of being hermetically sealed, including an impurities removing step of removing impurities inside the reaction chamber (101) using a replacement gas, and a semiconductor layer forming step of forming the semiconductor layer, the impurities removing step being a step in which a cycle composed of a replacement gas introducing step of introducing the replacement gas into the reaction chamber (101) and an exhausting step of exhausting the replacement gas is repeated a plurality of times, the impurities removing step being performed at least before the semiconductor layer forming step.
US08389384B2
An object to be processed 1 comprising a substrate 4 and a plurality of functional devices 15 formed on a front face 3 of the substrate 4 is irradiated with laser light L while locating a converging point P within the substrate 4, so as to form at least one row of a divided modified region 72, at least one row of a quality modified region 71 positioned between the divided modified region 72 and the front face 3 of the substrate 4, and at least one row of an HC modified region 73 positioned between the divided modified region 72 and a rear face 21 of the substrate 4 for one line to cut 5. Here, in a direction along the line to cut, a forming density of the divided modified region 72 is made lower than that of the quality modified region 71 and that of the HC modified region 73.
US08389378B2
A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface. Also, a device may be formed in a first substrate, the device being disposed in a device region of the first substrate and having a first contact structure. A via may be etched, or etched and filled, through the device region and into the first substrate before bonding and the first substrate thinned to expose the via, or filled via after bonding.
US08389370B2
An enhanced shallow trench isolation method for fabricating radiation tolerant integrated circuit devices is disclosed. A layer of pad oxide is first deposited on a semiconductor substrate. A layer of pad nitride is then deposited on the pad oxide layer. A trench is defined within the semiconductor substrate by selectively etching the pad nitride layer, the pad oxide layer, and the semiconductor substrate. Boron ions are then implanted into both the bottom and along the sidewalls of the trench. Subsequently, a trench plug is formed within the trench by depositing an insulating material into the trench and by removing an excess portion of the insulating material. A p-well is implanted to a depth just below the depth of the bottom of the trench. This helps to keep the threshold voltage of the IC device below the trench at a high level, and thereby keep post-radiation leakage low. Then, an electrically neutral species is implanted into the wafer.
US08389369B2
An electronic device can include a drain region of a transistor, a channel region of the transistor, and a doped region that is disposed under substantially all of the channel region, is not disposed under substantially all of a heavily doped portion of the drain region, and has a higher dopant concentration compared to the channel region. A process of forming an electronic device can include forming a drain region, a channel region, and a doped region, wherein the drain region has a conductivity type opposite that of the channel and doped region. After forming the drain, channel, and doped regions, the doped region is disposed under substantially all of the channel region, the doped region is not disposed under substantially all of a heavily doped portion of the drain region, and the drain region is laterally closer to the doped region than to the channel region.
US08389363B2
The invention includes methods of forming field effect transistors, methods of forming field effect transistor gates, methods of forming integrated circuitry comprising a transistor gate array and circuitry peripheral to the gate array, and methods of forming integrated circuitry comprising a transistor gate array including first gates and second grounded isolation gates. In one implementation, a method of forming a field effect transistor includes forming masking material over semiconductive material of a substrate. A trench is formed through the masking material and into the semiconductive material. Gate dielectric material is formed within the trench in the semiconductive material. Gate material is deposited within the trench in the masking material and within the trench in the semiconductive material over the gate dielectric material. Source/drain regions are formed. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08389360B2
DRAM cell arrays having a cell area of less than about 4F2 comprise an array of vertical transistors with buried bit lines and vertical double gate electrodes. The buried bit lines comprise a silicide material and are provided below a surface of the substrate. The word lines are optionally formed of a silicide material and form the gate electrode of the vertical transistors. The vertical transistor may comprise sequentially formed doped polysilicon layers or doped epitaxial layers. At least one of the buried bit lines is non-orthogonal to at least one of the vertical gate electrodes of the vertical transistors.
US08389352B2
Epitaxial deposition of silicon germanium in a semiconductor device is achieved without using masks. Nucleation delays induced by interactions with dopants present before deposition of the silicon germanium are used to determine a period over which an exposed substrate surface may be subjected to epitaxial deposition to form a layer of SiGe on desired parts with substantially no deposition on other parts. Dopant concentration may be changed to achieve desired thicknesses within preferred deposition times. Resulting deposited SiGe is substantially devoid of growth edge effects.
US08389348B2
Mechanism of forming SiC crystalline on Si substrates to allow integration of GaN and Si electronics
The mechanisms of forming SiC crystalline regions on Si substrate described above enable formation and integration of GaN-based devices and Si-based devices on a same substrate. The SiC crystalline regions are formed by implanting carbon into regions of Si substrate and then annealing the substrate. An implant-stop layer is used to cover the Si device regions during formation of the SiC crystalline regions.
US08389344B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing an oxide semiconductor thin film transistor using a transparent oxide semiconductor as a material for a channel. The method of manufacturing the oxide semiconductor thin film transistor includes forming a passivation layer on a channel layer and performing an annealing process for one hour or more at a temperature of about 100° C. or above.
US08389342B2
A purpose of the invention is to provide a method for leveling a semiconductor layer without increasing the number and the complication of manufacturing processes as well as without deteriorating a crystal characteristic, and a method for leveling a surface of a semiconductor layer to stabilize an interface between the surface of the semiconductor layer and a gate insulating film, in order to achieve a TFT having a good characteristic. In an atmosphere of one kind or a plural kinds of gas selected from hydrogen or inert gas (nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton and xenon), radiation with a laser beam in the first, second and third conditions is carried out in order, wherein the first condition laser beam is radiated for crystallizing a semiconductor film or improving a crystal characteristic; the second condition laser beam is radiated for eliminating an oxide film; and the third condition laser beam is radiated for leveling a surface of the crystallized semiconductor film.
US08389339B2
It is aimed at improving the reliability of a semiconductor device.In a POP having an upper package stacked on a lower package, an opening of a first solder resist film in a first region between a first group of lands arranged at the periphery of an front surface of a wiring substrate of the lower package and a second group of lands arranged in a central part is filled with a second solder resist film, and thereby the formation of a starting point of cracks in the opening becomes unlikely to suppress occurrence of cracks and improve the reliability of the POP.
US08389332B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a lead frame having a die attach paddle, an isolated pad, and a connector; attaching an integrated circuit die to the die attach paddle and the connector; forming an encapsulation over the integrated circuit die, the connector, the die attach paddle, and the isolated pad; and singulating the connector and the die attach paddle whereby the isolated pads are electrically isolated.
US08389320B2
In accordance with the present invention, the dividing grooves 8 are formed so as not to be parallel to cleavage planes of the semiconductor substrate 1, and the semiconductor substrate 1 is bent along the dividing grooves 8, whereby the semiconductor substrate 1 is fractured along the dividing grooves 8.
US08389319B2
A method of manufacturing a CMOS image sensor is disclosed. A silicon-on-insulator substrate is provided, which includes providing a silicon-on-insulator substrate including a mechanical substrate, an insulator layer substantially overlying the mechanical substrate, and a seed layer substantially overlying the insulator layer. A semiconductor substrate is epitaxially grown substantially overlying the seed layer. The mechanical substrate and at least a portion of the insulator layer are removed. An ultrathin oxide layer is formed substantially underlying the semiconductor substrate. A mono layer of metal is formed substantially underlying the ultrathin oxide layer.
US08389315B2
A method for manufacturing a display device is provided. The method includes forming a circuit part; forming a planarization insulating layer on the circuit part; forming a separator in an area outside a display area in which a plurality of light emitting elements are formed by removing the planarization insulating layer at a position surrounding the display area; forming an electrically-conductive layer including a plurality of first electrodes and an auxiliary interconnect on the planarization insulating layer; forming an aperture-defining insulating layer that insulates the first electrodes from each other and has an aperture through which part of the first electrode is exposed; and forming a plurality of light emitting elements by stacking the first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode common to the plurality of light emitting elements.
US08389310B2
A method for manufacturing an oxide thin film transistor includes the steps of forming an oxide semiconductor active layer by a deposition process. In the deposition process, a total flow rate of a gas is more than 100 standard cubic centimeters per minute and an electric power is in a range from 1.5 kilowatts to 10 kilowatts. The oxide thin film transistor manufactured by the above methods has advantages of low leakage currents, high electron mobility, and excellent temperature stability. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a display device. The display quality of the display device can be improved.
US08389300B2
A method of controlling ferroelectric characteristics of integrated circuit device components includes forming a ferroelectrically controllable dielectric layer over a substrate; and forming a stress exerting structure proximate the ferroelectrically controllable dielectric layer such that a substantially uniaxial strain is induced in the ferroelectrically controllable dielectric layer by the stress exerting structure; wherein the ferroelectrically controllable dielectric layer comprises one or more of: a ferroelectric oxide layer and a normally non-ferroelectric material layer that does not exhibit ferroelectric properties in the absence of an applied stress.
US08389299B2
This invention relates to photonic biosensor arrays in particular employing plasmon resonance based sensing, and to methods and apparatus for reading such arrays. A biosensor array for plasmon resonance-based sensing of a plurality of different biological targets simultaneously, the array comprising a transparent substrate having a surface bearing a plurality of assay spots for plasmon resonance sensing, each of said assay spots comprising a discrete metallic island, a said metallic island comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles to which are attached functionalizing molecules for binding to a said biological target, different said islands bearing different said functionalizing molecules for binding to different ones of said biological targets, and wherein total internal reflection of light at said surface at a wavelength at or near a said plasmon resonance results in scattering of said light away from said surface, said scattering being modulated by said binding of said biological targets.
US08389298B2
Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.
US08389295B2
A system for fluid transport is provided where a quantity of fluid is held in a reservoir. A droplet generator is employed to generate droplets from the fluid, for example a nozzle-based system or a nozzleless system such as an acoustic ejection system. A generated droplet has a trajectory whereby it arrives at a target. A circuit is used to modify one or more characteristics of the generated droplet in a way which increases the likelihood that the droplet will not splash or bounce when it arrives at the target. The circuit may in different embodiments control the speed of the droplet or the Weber number of the droplet. The circuit may create an electric field in an area of space where the droplet passes. The circuit may charge the droplet by causing it to contact ions.
US08389291B2
A system and method for the measurement of multiple fluorescence emissions in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation light source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all light sources, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. Systems and methods for the correction of inter-beam coincidence are also disclosed.
US08389289B2
A gas chromatograph (GC) apparatus capable of detecting abnormality, in which a reference retention index is obtained from a result obtained by analyzing a given substance and a retention-index reference substance under adequate analysis conditions using a normal column, and stored in a storage section. Further, under a condition that the apparatus can perform normal analysis, the given substance is subjected to GC analysis to obtain a reference retention time, and the obtained reference retention time is stored in the storage section. A diagnosis processing section is operable to compare each of an actual retention time and an actual retention index with a respective one of the reference retention time and the reference retention index. If a deviation therebetween or abnormality is detected, the diagnosis processing section is operable to estimate a causal factor of the abnormality.
US08389288B2
The invention relates to a device for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel receiving element.The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others.By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures. Since the reaction vessel receiving element is suitable for receiving standard microtiter plates, the device according to the invention may be integrated in existing process sequences.
US08389285B2
A process for controlling the composition of an xBOB so that the xBOB will yield an oxygenate-containing gasoline which precisely meets desired specifications when mixed with the desired amount of oxygenate. The process involves blending a plurality of blendstocks to produce an xBOB, withdrawing a sample of the xBOB, obtaining spectroscopic measurements for the sample, applying mathematical models that were based on correlation of xBOB spectra to associated oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, to predict laboratory analysis results for oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, and using the analysis results to control and optimize the blending process.
US08389281B2
The invention provides methods for maintaining cell lines from primary cells, i.e., non-transformed cells, using expression of the signal transducer of activation and transcription (STAT). The methods are particularly suitable for maintenance of B-cells.
US08389277B2
In a method of forming a cellular structure, cells and a transient linker are supplied to a volume partially enclosed by a cage. The linker facilitates initial attachment of adjacent cells to form a cell aggregate. The cage defines distributed openings that are sized to retain the cell aggregate. A fluid comprising a cell culture medium is supplied to the volume. The fluid is withdrawn from the volume through the openings. Aggregated cells retained in the volume are cultured to form a cell structure. A cell culturing device is provided which comprises a conduit and a cage in the conduit. A fluid flows in the conduit. The fluid comprises the cells, the transient linker and the cell culture medium. The cage retains aggregated cells formed in the fluid, and defines distributed openings that allow the fluid to flow through.
US08389274B2
The invention provides an indirect pressure sensing system for non-invasive measurement of primary pressure in a sealed container, which communicates primary pressure changes from within the container, via a flexible diaphragm, to a secondary chamber wherein there is a defined relationship between the primary and secondary pressures, which enables a pressure sensor in the secondary chamber to generate a signal representing primary pressure in the sealed container, but to remain isolated from the contents of the sealed container. The pressure sensor can provide electrical outputs representing the pressure detected, and the outputs are fed to data processing means capable of producing a measurement of primary pressure. The system can have a liquid culture of cellular material (eg. micro organisms, plant tissue cells, animal cells etc) partially filling the container, whereby the metabolism and/or growth of cellular material causes gas exchanges between liquid and headspace, which can result in primary pressure changes.
US08389271B2
An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
US08389266B2
The present invention provides lactic acid bacteria which are suitable for use for dietary products and pharmaceuticals, and which can suppress the increase of blood uric acid level. Various types of lactic acid bacteria were cultured in the presence of a purine, the amount of the purine consumed and the amount of purine degradation products produced were measured, and several lactic acid bacteria showing remarkable purine-decomposing ability were selected. Lactic acid bacteria that were assessed to have high purine-decomposing ability according to the above-mentioned selection were orally administered to rats reared on purine-containing feed, the general status and serum uric acid level of the rats were measured, and the effect of lactic acid bacteria administration on serum uric acid levels was examined. As a result, lactic acid bacteria that significantly suppress the increase of serum uric acid levels, Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2922, were found.
US08389260B2
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritime acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08389258B2
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08389255B2
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08389251B2
Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated MR nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel MR proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum are described which are involved in biosynthesis of a fine chemical, e.g., methionine biosynthesis. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing MR nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides methods of producing methionine from microorganisms, e.g., C. glutamicum, which involve culturing recombinant microorganisms which overexpress or underexpress at least one MR molecule of the invention under conditions such that methionine is produced. Also featured are methods of producing a fine chemical, e.g., methionine, which involve culturing recombinant microorganisms having selected MR genes deleted or mutated under conditions such that the fine chemical, e.g., methionine, is produced.
US08389226B2
The inventors have discovered a collection of proteinaceous biomarkers (“AD biomarkers) which can be measured in peripheral biological fluid samples to aid in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The invention further provides methods of identifying candidate agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by testing prospective agents for activity in modulating AD biomarker levels.
US08389224B2
Whole cell, simultaneous target and drug-target assay using differentially labeled antibodies and flow cytometry. First antibody binds to total target and second antibody binds to the drug binding site of the target, thus drug binding will competitively inhibit the second antibody allowing for a competitive inhibition assay of drug-target binding. The assay allows for whole cell analysis and even analysis of mixed populations of cells, yet provides detailed kinetic assessment of drug activity.
US08389217B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and detection assays. More particularly, the present invention provides methods, and reagents including biochips for detecting the presence of, or distinguishing between, one or more analytes in a sample.
US08389212B1
A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridization, antibody/antigen reaction, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.
US08389202B2
A polymer includes a repeating unit shown by a general formula (1). R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a fluorine atom, or a trifluoromethyl group. R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Y represents a carbon atom. X represents —X1Z1X2— which is an atomic group which forms a cyclic structure including a heteroatom together with Y. Z1 represents —O—, —S—, —CO—, —COO—, —SO—, or —SO2—. Each of X1 and X2 individually represents a single bond, a methylene group, or an alkylene group having 2 to 25 carbon atoms. Each of X1 and X2 is unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent, and optionally a carbon atom included in X1 and a carbon atom included in X2 are bonded via a divalent group.
US08389197B2
The present invention provides a positive resist composition and a resist pattern forming method that are capable of forming a resist pattern with a reduced level of roughness. The positive resist composition includes the compound represented by the general formula (I) below. The present invention also provides the resist pattern forming method using the positive resist composition above. [wherein, in formula (I), R11 and R12 each represents, independently, an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and may include a hetero atom in the structure thereof; R21 to R24 each represents, independently, a hydrogen atom or an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and two of the R21 to R24 represents a hydrogen atom and the others represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group; X is a group represented by general formulas (Ia) or (Ib) below].
US08389196B2
Provided is a method of preparing a toner, the method including: preparing a solvent emulsion by stirring a medium including a polar medium, an organic solvent, and a surfactant; adding toner components including a resin and a pigment to the solvent emulsion; removing the organic solvent from the solvent emulsion including the toner components; and collecting a toner particle from the solvent emulsion from which the organic solvent is removed.
US08389191B2
The present disclosure provides carriers for use with toner compositions. In embodiments, a carrier may include a core, having a dry powder polymer coating. The polymer coating possesses a carbon to oxygen from about 3:1 to about 8:1. In embodiments, the coating may also include a colorant, such as carbon black. Processes for coating such carriers with the dry powder polymer coatings are also provided.
US08389187B2
A transparent toner for electrostatic latent image developing, including a binder resin and a release agent, the difference between Tm and Tc being from about 30° C. to about 50° C., wherein Tm is an endothermic peak temperature of the release agent determined in a temperature rising process and Tc is an exothermic peak temperature of the release agent determined in a temperature decreasing process, in a measurement by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) according an ASTM method, and the toner having a weight average molecular weight of from about 35,000 to about 70,000.
US08389185B2
There are provide a pigment dispersion containing (A) a halogenated zinc phthalocyanine pigment, and (B) a copolymer of at least (b-1) a monomer having at least one group selected from an amino group and a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, (b-2) a monomer having a carboxyl group, and (b-3) a macromonomer having a weight-average molecular weight from 1,000 to 50,000, a colored curable composition containing the pigment dispersion, a color filter using the colored curable composition and a method for preparing the same.
US08389181B2
A fuel cell stack device that can suppress a damage to fuel cells is provided. A fuel cell stack device includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of columnar fuel cells are arranged upright, and are electrically connected via a current-collecting member interposed between adjacent fuel cells, fuel cells stack-supporting members disposed so as to hold the fuel cell stack via an end current-controlling member from both end sides, and a manifold that fixes lower ends of the fuel cells, and that supplies a reactant gas to the fuel cells. The fuel cell stack-supporting member has a lower end fixed to the manifold and is an elastically deformable member, and is disposed such that a fixed portion thereof fixed to the manifold is at a same or lower level than a fixed portion of the fuel cells.
US08389180B2
Electrolytic/fuel cell bundles and systems including such bundles include an electrically conductive current collector in communication with an anode or a cathode of each of a plurality of cells. A cross-sectional area of the current collector may vary in a direction generally parallel to a general direction of current flow through the current collector. The current collector may include a porous monolithic structure. At least one cell of the plurality of cells may include a current collector that surrounds an outer electrode of the cell and has at least six substantially planar exterior surfaces. The planar surfaces may extend along a length of the cell, and may abut against a substantially planar surface of a current collector of an adjacent cell. Methods for generating electricity and for performing electrolysis include flowing current through a conductive current collector having a varying cross-sectional area.
US08389174B2
A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a conductive coating having formed nanopores that make the coating hydrophilic. Any suitable process can be used to form the nanopores in the coating. One process includes co-depositing a conductive material and a relatively unstable element on the plate, and then subsequently dissolving the element to remove it from the coating and create the nanopores. Another process includes using low energy ion beams for ion beam lithography to make the nanopores.
US08389173B2
A method for activating a direct oxidation fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and a proton-conductive electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode is provided. The anode and the cathode each have a catalyst layer on a face in contact with the proton-conductive electrolyte membrane. This method activates the fuel cell by passing a current through the fuel cell from an external power source, with the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the external power source connected to the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell, respectively, while supplying an organic fuel and an inert gas to the anode and the cathode, respectively.
US08389171B2
The invention relates to a method for protecting a set of electrochemical cells incorporated into a fuel cell stack from corrosion during an operation for shutting down the fuel cell stack, which method comprises steps of: measuring the voltage across the terminals of each of the cells to be protected; when the voltage measured for a cell is above a protection threshold, discharging this cell into an electrical load; when the voltage measured for a cell is below said protection threshold, disconnecting this cell from the electrical load.
US08389167B2
A system and method for preventing low performing cells in a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically providing a pulse of the cathode input airflow at low stack current densities, and comparing the current density output of each cell in response to the pulse. Those cells that do not have significant water accumulation will provide one voltage signature and those cells that do have a significant water accumulation will provide another voltage signature. If one or more of the cells exhibit the voltage signature for water accumulation, then the cathode inlet airflow pulses can be provided more often to prevent the cells from failing.
US08389163B2
A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material comprises at least one lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the following general formula: LixM11−yM2yO2 where M1 and M2 are different elements, M1 is Ni or Co, M2 is at least one selected from Ni, Co, Mn, Mg, and Al, 1≦x≦1.05, and 0≦y≦0.7. The negative electrode active material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon, tin, a silicon-containing alloy, and a tin-containing alloy. The non-aqueous electrolyte includes an organic peroxide.
US08389160B2
Positive electrode active materials are described that have a very high specific discharge capacity upon cycling at room temperature and at a moderate discharge rate. Some materials of interest have the formula Li1+xNiαMnβCOγO2, where x ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.25, α ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.4, β ranges from about 0.4 to about 0.65, and γ ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.3. The materials can be coated with a metal fluoride to improve the performance of the materials especially upon cycling. Also, the coated materials can exhibit a very significant decrease in the irreversible capacity lose upon the first charge and discharge of the cell. Methods for producing these materials include, for example, a co-precipitation approach involving metal hydroxides and sol-gel approaches.
US08389158B2
A lithium-ion battery includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The anode includes a phosphorated composite including a conductive matrix and a red phosphorus. The conductive matrix includes a material being selected from the group consisting of conductive polymer and conductive carbonaceous material. A weight percentage of the conductive matrix in the phosphorated composite ranges from about 10% to about 85%. A weight percentage of the red phosphorus in the phosphorated composite ranges from about 15% to about 90%.
US08389156B2
This invention provides a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the negative electrode. The negative electrode includes a Li-absorbing element as a negative electrode active material, is free from deformation, separation of the negative electrode active material layer from the negative electrode current collector, and deposition of lithium on the negative electrode current collector, and is excellent in cycle characteristic, large-current discharge characteristic, and low-temperature discharge characteristic.The negative electrode of this invention includes: a current collector having depressions and protrusions on a surface in the thickness direction thereof; and a negative electrode active material layer that includes a plurality of columns containing a negative electrode active material that absorbs and releases lithium ions, the columns being grown outwardly from the surface of the current collector. The negative electrode of this invention is characterized in that the columns are grown at an inclination angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the current collector, and that the inclination angle of the columns changes reversibly depending on absorption and release of lithium ions by the negative electrode active material.
US08389155B2
A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.
US08389149B2
A separator for an energy storage cell that is provided by a microporous web that includes an irreversible porosity-controlling agent a method for changing an operating characteristic of an energy storage cell.
US08389143B2
A hand-held electric device has a device housing with a battery pack compartment. A battery pack is disposed in the battery pack compartment. The battery pack compartment has guide elements extending in the insertion direction of the battery pack. The battery pack has a battery pack housing and guide sections provided on the battery pack housing that interact with the guide elements. The battery pack has an electric connector head disposed on the battery pack housing. The battery pack compartment has contact elements. In a predetermined insertion position of the battery pack in the battery pack compartment the contact elements electrically contact the connector head. A contact plate is floatingly supported in the battery pack compartment and the contact elements are disposed on the contact plate.
US08389141B2
A battery pack includes a circuit board disposed on the inner side of a mount surface to be mounted to a battery mounting portion, and a terminal portion at one surface adjacent to the mount surface. The battery pack is mounted into the battery mounting portion by sliding the mount surface on the battery mounting portion. A recess is formed at one or each of a pair of edge portions which are formed between the mount surface and both side surfaces adjacent to the mount surface through a pair of side edges parallel to the direction of sliding of the mount surface in the battery mounting portion, according to the kind of the battery pack.
US08389140B2
The present invention enables a user to receive a financial service anywhere through a mobile terminal equipped with a UIM (User Identification Module) electronic card. In the present invention, a user enters his or her password to a mobile terminal with a UIM card including subscriber telephone number, finance, authorization, and personal information, then, if the entered password is correct, authorization is processed with a remote authorizing server based on the authorization information. After authorization, user's requesting service, e.g., payment service, transaction particulars inquiry service, prepaid card recharging service is conducted through a mobile network.
US08389138B2
The lithium-ion microbattery comprises a positive electrode having a first Li+ ion storage capacity and a first thickness made from a first lithium insertion material, an electrolyte and a negative electrode having a second storage capacity and a second thickness made from a second insertion material. The thicknesses are such that the ratio of the first storage capacity over the second storage capacity is greater than or equal to 10 and lower than or equal to 1000. During the first charging of the micro-battery, the Li+ ions are inserted in the negative electrode and completely saturate the second insertion material. When initial charging is continued, they form a metallic lithium layer between the electrolyte and the lithium-saturated negative electrode by electroplating. During the subsequent charging and discharging cycles, only the metallic lithium layer participates in transfer of lithium ions.
US08389135B2
An oxide sintered body having zinc oxide as a main component and containing magnesium, and a transparent conductive substrate are provided, and an oxide sintered body having zinc oxide and magnesium, wherein content of magnesium is from 0.02 to 0.30 as atom number ratio of Mg/(Zn+Mg); an oxide sintered body having zinc oxide, magnesium, gallium and/or aluminum, wherein content of gallium and/or aluminum is over 0 and equal to or lower than 0.09 as atom number ratio of (Ga+Al)/(Zn+Ga+Al), and content of magnesium is from 0.02 to 0.30 as atom number ratio of Mg/(Zn+Ga+Al+Mg); a target obtained by processing these oxide sintered bodies; and a transparent conductive film formed on a substrate by a sputtering method or an ion plating method, by using this target.
US08389125B2
Provided are a formaldehyde scavenger capable of providing excellent formaldehyde scavenging performance without discoloring a wood material and not reemitting formaldehyde, and a wood material using the same.The formaldehyde scavenger contains urea, ammonium phosphate monobasic and ammonium phosphate dibasic. The formaldehyde scavenger contains urea, ammonium phosphate monobasic and ammonium phosphate dibasic preferably in a weight ratio of urea/ammonium phosphate monobasic/ammonium phosphate dibasic in the range of 5 to 45/0.5 to 15/1 to 20, and further preferably in a weight ratio of urea/ammonium phosphate monobasic/ammonium phosphate dibasic in the range of 10 to 35/1 to 10/2 to 15. The wood material is prepared by applying the formaldehyde scavenger thereto. The formaldehyde scavenger is preferably applied in the range of 1 to 50 g/m2 by dry weight.
US08389122B2
Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the formula (1) or (2) below, or a salt thereof. (In the formulae, A represents a substituted phenyl group or a naphthyl group having 1-3 sulfonic acid groups; X represents —N═N— or —NHCO—; R1-R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxyl group; m represents a number of 1-3; and n represents 0 or 1).
US08389118B2
Provided is a cosmetic including silicone microparticles, in which the silicone microparticles include 100 parts by mass of silicone elastomer spherical microparticles having a volume average particle diameter within a range from 0.1 to 100 μm, and 0.5 to 25 parts by mass of a polyorganosilsesquioxane that coats a surface of the silicone elastomer spherical microparticles, and the silicone elastomer is capable of absorbing not less than 30 parts by mass of at least one oily substance selected from the group consisting of sebum, hydrocarbon oils and ester oils per 100 parts by mass of the silicone elastomer. Even if containing an unctuous agent, the cosmetic exhibits favorable feelings upon use, with no spreading difficulties, stickiness, greasiness, oily film feeling, or the like, and is also capable of suppressing problems caused by sebum, namely, changes in the makeup cosmetic properties of the cosmetic, changes in the color of the cosmetic, increased shine, and the like.
US08389109B2
A building element selected from a roofing tile or siding element may be formed from a first cementitious mixture and a second cementitious mixture containing a photocatalytic cementitious mixture. The first cementitious mixture and the photocatalytic cementitious mixture may be co-formed into a shaped uncured two layer monolith having a base layer of the first cementitious mixture and a top layer of the photocatalytic cementitious mixture. The shaped uncured two layer monolith is then cured. The resulting building element may be algae-resistant.
US08389106B2
Articles coated via a plasma spray process, and methods for making such articles, are presented. For example, one embodiment is an article comprising a substrate comprising a top surface and a channel disposed in the substrate. The channel is defined by an internal channel surface disposed beneath the top surface and having a terminal end at an orifice at the top surface. A coating is disposed on the top surface and on at least a portion of the internal channel surface. A coating thickness at any point on the internal channel surface is less than a nominal coating thickness on the top surface, and the coating comprises a plurality of at least partially melted and solidified particles.
US08389100B2
A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first polymer and a second polymer disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first polymer and the second polymer exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.
US08389099B1
The present invention consists of a method for imparting asymmetry to a truncated annular wafer by either rounding one corner of the orientation flat, or rounding one corner of a notch. This novel method of rounding corners impart a visual and/or tactile asymmetry which can be utilized by a person in order to differentiate between the two different sides of the wafer. This inventive wafer design and method for making an asymmetric wafer is especially useful in the field of semiconductor technology and may be used on sapphire crystal wafers or any other class of wafer.
US08389086B2
The instant invention provides a composition suitable for stretch hood, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The article according to the present invention comprises a multi-layer film according to the present invention has a thickness of at least 3 mils comprising at least one inner layer and two exterior layers, wherein the inner layer comprises at least 50 weight percent polyethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 2 grams/10 minutes, a density less than or equal to 0.910 g/cm3, a total heat of fusion less than 120 Joules/gram and a heat of fusion above 115° C. of less than 5 Joules/gram, the total heat of fusion of the inner layer less than the heat of fusion of either of the two exterior layers, and wherein the multi-layer film has an elastic recovery of at least 40% when stretched to 100% elongation.
US08389085B2
A preform having an inverted truncated conical bottom section is used. The inclined inner surface of a bottle bottom surface-forming portion of the bottom section is formed into a gently curved convex surface that extends from the lower portion of a bottle bottom edge-forming portion of the bottom section to a curved portion in the lower portion of the bottom section so that the thickness of the bottle bottom surface-forming portion is greater than the thickness of the barrel section of the preform and the thickness of the bottle bottom edge-forming portion. The increase in thickness of the bottom section improves the efficiency of stretching the bottom section, and the circumferential wall of the bottom section can thereby be efficiently stretched. This allows a reduction in weight (thickness) of the bottom surface section of a stretch blow molded bottle, and a reduction in weight of the bottle is thereby achieved.
US08389080B2
A label-wrapped foam cups combines a label in the shape of an annular section with a foam cup having a frusto-conical shape by wrapping the label around a foam cup and securing the label to the foam cup with a patterned adhesive. Text and graphics are printed on a front surface of the labels and a patterned adhesive is printed on a back surface of the labels. The patterned adhesive includes discontinuous deposits of adhesive that bond the label to the foam cup and form corresponding undulations in the front surface of the label. The adhesive pattern can be printed in registry with the text and graphics to provided enhanced visual effects.
US08389076B2
A peeling member to be used in an image remover configured to peel off and remove an image by thermal transfer from a recording material on which the image is formed of a thermoplastic image forming substance is disclosed that includes a base body; a rubber elasticity layer provided on the base body, the rubber elasticity layer being formed of a material having rubber elasticity; an organic polymer compound layer provided on the rubber elasticity layer, the organic polymer compound layer presenting no plasticity at a heating temperature for peeling off and removing the image on the recording material by the thermal transfer and having a Young fs modulus of 400 MPa to 6000 MPa at normal temperature; and a thermoplastic composition layer formed on the surface of the organic polymer compound layer so as to serve as an outermost surface layer presenting adhesion to the thermoplastic image forming substance.
US08389075B2
The present invention is drawn to a media sheet, comprising a substrate and a porous ink-receiving layer deposited on the substrate. The porous ink-receiving layer can comprise inorganic metal or semi-metal oxide particulates bound by a polymeric binder, and the porous ink-receiving layer can further include an effective amount of a sulfur-containing compound that interacts with ozone upon exposure thereto.
US08389074B2
Microstructured optical films, assemblies of films including at least one microstructured optical film, and (e.g. illuminated) display devices including a single microstructured optical film or assembly.
US08389072B2
A variable hardness gradient armor alloy is produced with a liquid-state reaction between a metallic molten pool and a gaseous atmosphere having a small fraction of reactive gas. The content of the reactant gas is varied as the armor is fabricated in order to vary the properties of the resultant material across its thickness and typically include, for example, a hardened outer or initial layer for impact resistance, and at least one inner layer having a lower hardness than the outer layer but greater energy absorption.
US08389068B2
Methods of implanting boron-containing ions using fluorinated boron-containing dopant species that are more readily cleaved than boron trifluoride. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including implanting boron-containing ions using fluorinated boron-containing dopant species that are more readily cleaved than boron trifluoride. Also disclosed are a system for supplying a boron hydride precursor, and methods of forming a boron hydride precursor and methods for supplying a boron hydride precursor. In one implementation of the invention, the boron hydride precursors are generated for cluster boron implantation, for manufacturing semiconductor products such as integrated circuitry.
US08389064B2
A system and method are provided for protecting bio-reactor housing from solar radiation, by applying UV-protective material to an outer surface of a plastic wall of the bio-reactor housing to protect from solar radiation. The housing includes a wall formed of plastic that defines the outer surface. In this manner, the effective life of the housing is extended and the overall cost of generation of photosynthetic biomass is decreased, improving system performance and cost-effectiveness.
US08389061B2
An aqueous emulsion polymer and a method for preparing the aqueous emulsion polymer, where the aqueous emulsion polymer is useful in an aqueous coating composition to provide good scrub resistance while maintaining wet adhesion of the aqueous coating composition.
US08389053B2
A method of cleaning a powdery source supply system prevents outflow of particles from a chamber or an introduction line in a film forming process. A substrate processing system includes a powdery source supply system and a film forming processing unit. The powdery source supply system includes an ampoule for accommodating a powdery source, a carrier gas supply unit for supplying a carrier gas into the ampoule, an introduction line for connecting the ampoule and the film forming processing unit, a purge line branched from the introduction line, and a valve for opening or closing the introduction line. When the valve is opened and the interior of the purge line is evacuated prior to the film forming process, the carrier gas supply unit supplies a carrier gas so that the viscous force acting on particles by the carrier gas is greater than the viscous force in the film forming process.
US08389051B2
In a method for applying an electron absorber layer to a substrate, an electron absorber layer is produced from a composite material, by coating the substrate with a metallic material, and material inclusions made from an additional material are embedded in the metallic material during coating. The metallic material contains aluminum, magnesium, cobalt, iron, chromium, titanium, nickel, copper, or an alloy or mixture thereof. The additional material contains one or more of the following substances: boron, carbon or silicon, a mixture of these elements, one or more chemical compounds made from or having at least two of these elements, or a mixture of such chemical compounds.
US08389043B2
The invention relates to a preparation for restenosis prevention. The preparations for restenosis prevention known as yet do not reach sufficient active agent concentrations in the affected sections of the vascular walls as higher doses cause undesirable side effects. The present invention is a preparation to which at least one antihyperplastic agent is added that has a distribution ratio between butanol and water .gtoreq.0.5. The lipophilic active agent is absorbed by the vascular wall fast and in sufficient quantity. The preparation may be a liquid that can pass through capillaries and may contain a contrast agent so that the active agent is transferred into the vascular wall without any additional effort while the usually required contrast radiograms are taken. The preparation may also be applied to a catheter.
US08389041B2
A method for applying a coating to an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device relative to an ultrasonic material delivery apparatus. The implantable device is rotated at a relative speed. The relative speed may be more than 120 revolutions per minute. An application material is applied to the implantable device using the ultrasonic material delivery apparatus. The relative speed may be sufficient to reduce the size of at least a portion of droplets of the application material. A system for rotating an implantable device is disclosed. The system includes an implantable device and a rotation system configured to rotate the implantable device. A longitudinal axis of the implantable device and a longitudinal axis of a rotation member of the rotation system may be offset a desired dimension. An inside diameter of the implantable device may be larger than an outside diameter of a rotation member.
US08389040B2
A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by extracting a soy protein source with a salt solution, preferably aqueous sodium chloride solution, to form an aqueous protein solution having a pH of about 1.5 to 11, preferably about 5 to about 7 and separating the resulting aqueous protein solution from residual soy protein source. The protein concentration of the aqueous protein solution is increased to about 50 to about 400 g/L while the ionic strength is maintained substantially constant by using a selective membrane technique. The resulting concentrated protein solution is optionally diafiltered and a calcium salt, preferably calcium chloride, is added to the concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein solution to a conductivity of 15 to about 85 mS. Precipitate formed as a result of the calcium salt addition is removed and the resulting clarified retentate is diluted into about 2 to about 20 volumes of water prior to acidification to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4 to produce an acidified clear protein solution. The acidified clear protein solution is then concentrated and optionally diafiltered and optionally dried. Variations of this procedure can be used to produce a soy protein product which is soluble, transparent and heat stable in acidic aqueous environments.
US08389039B2
The present invention involves the discovery that various liquid (whey) streams drained or expelled from cheese curd after salt addition in the preparation of cheese contain enriched levels of bioactive proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and growth factors. According to the invention, these proteins may be further enriched through manipulation of the cheese salting process as described herein. The methods of the invention may be used to produce various whey products with enriched levels of all the above bioactive proteins present and, through manipulation of salting conditions, to enrich these proteins selectively.
US08389029B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a deterioration smell inhibitor capable of effectively inhibiting deterioration smell generating form various products such as foods and cosmetics. The present invention relates to a deterioration smell inhibitor comprising a plant extract and isothiocyanate. As preferred embodiments, the plant extract is a labiatae plant extract, further the labiatae plant extract is an oil-insoluble labiatae plant extract, still further the weight ratio of the oil-insoluble labiatae plant extract/isothiocyanate is 1/1 to 99/1. In other preferred embodiments, the plant extract is a terpenoid alcohol or terpenoid ketone, further the weight ratio of the terpenoid alcohol or terpenoid ketone/isothiocyanate is 0.4/1 to 40/1.
US08389028B2
The present invention relates to a method for promoting eye health by administering to a companion animal a composition comprising at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffeic acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.
US08389019B2
Disclosed is a method for reducing boar taint in pigs, said method comprising injecting a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable zinc salt into a dorsal cranial portion of each testis of a male pig preferably when the pig is less than one week old. The solution contains at least 20 mg of zinc ion per ml of solution and the solution is injected into the testis in a volume that is contained within the testis.
US08389018B2
The methods and materials described herein provide novel and simple procedures for the preparation of nano/macroporous glasses, in which the pore structure is characterized by interconnected pores of, e.g. both hundreds of micrometers and several to tens of nanometers in size. Such materials may be used for enhanced bone regeneration, bioscaffolds, drug delivery devices, and filtration media, among other uses. For example, silica-based bone tissue scaffolds are made with a controlled nano/macroporosity, which enhances bone regeneration performance. Also provided herein are new biocompatible CaO—Na2O—P2O5—SiO2 glasses prepared by thermal melt-quench methods that result in spinodal phase separation and crystallization of phases at very different length scales. Selective chemical leaching of these phases causes formation of interconnected multi-modal porosity, with pore sizes ranging from several nanometers to tens of micrometers.
US08389011B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprises a solid amorphous dispersion of a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor and a concentration-enhancing polymer.
US08389001B2
A composition for production of a crosslinkable pressure-sensitive adhesive for skin, obtained by dissolving in a solvent 100 parts by weight of an acrylic copolymer (copolymer A) comprising a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester as the main constituent component and 3-45 wt % diacetoneacrylamide as an essential constituent component, and containing no free carboxyl groups, and 0.1-30 parts by weight of an acrylic copolymer (copolymer B) comprising a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester as the main constituent component and a primary amino group and/or carboxyhydrazide group on a side chain, and containing no free carboxyl groups.
US08389000B2
Disclosed is an adhesive skin patch having an SIS block copolymer as an adhesive component, which has an improved handling property and can reduce irritation to a user. The adhesive skin patch comprises a flexible substrate and an adhesive layer laminated on the substrate, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer. In the adhesive skin patch, the tan δ value of the adhesive agent as determined by measuring a dynamic viscoelasticity at 32° C. satisfies a requirement represented by the following formula 1 at at least one frequency laying between 0.04 to 0.25 Hz. 0.25x+0.05≦y≦0.25x+0.10 (formula 1) [wherein x represents a frequency (Hz); and y represents a tan δ value.]
US08388995B1
A drug delivery system is disclosed. The drug delivery system includes a recognitive polymeric hydrogel through which a drug is delivered by contacting biological tissue. The recognitive polymeric hydrogel is formed using a bio-template, which is a drug or is structurally similar to the drug, functionalized monomers, preferably having complexing sites, and cross-linking monomers, which are copolymerized using a suitable initiator. The complexing sites of the recognitive polymeric hydrogel that is formed mimic receptor sites of a target biological tissue, biological recognition, or biological mechanism of action. A system in accordance with some embodiments is a contact lens for delivering a drug through contact with an eye. In some embodiments, the drug is an anti-microbial, such as an anti-fungal agent for treatment of large animals. In some embodiments, a comfort molecule hyaluronic acid (HA) is delivered. In some embodiments, ketotifen fumarate (anti-histamine) and/or diclofenac sodium (anti-inflammatory) are delivered.
US08388992B2
A disposable paper towel with an anti-microbial lotion and is provided with a chromatic transfer indicator which undergoes a delayed, visually perceptible color change at a predetermined time after the towel is wetted. An anti-microbial lotion on the towel increases water absorbency times (WAR) to further promote lotion transfer to the skin and increase lotion transfer effectiveness.
US08388991B2
An antimicrobial moisturizing composition includes benzethonium chloride or benzalkonium chloride, a non-benzyl cationic surfactant, and an aqueous carrier. The composition of the present invention provides a significant and unexpected reduction of irritation, inflammation, dryness and/or redness, all issues associated with known alcohol-based skin disinfectants. In particular, the present invention provides a stable, aesthetically-pleasing, long-lasting, and moisturizing antimicrobial composition that is substantially free of ethanol, polysorbates, and anionic compounds that are known to inhibit the activity of benzethonium chloride or benzalkonium chloride.
US08388987B2
Disclosed is a layered double hydroxide capable of delamination in water comprising a plurality of basal layers of a double hydroxide of Formula: M(II)1-xM(III)x(OH)2 wherein M(II) is Mg, Zn or a combination thereof, M(III) is Al, and x is 0.2 to 0.33 and a plurality of intercalated layers between each adjacent basal layers of Mg acetate, Zn acetate or Ce acetate and water of intercalation. A process for producing the layered double hydroxide is also disclosed. The layered double hydroxide find use as an vehicle component or an anti-corrosive pigment of water-based protective coatings for metallic substrates, and as a humectant or a stabilizing agent for cosmetic preparations such as lotions, creams or foundations.
US08388970B2
The present invention relates to agents and methods that are capable of augmenting NK-mediated killing of target cells by reducing inhibitory KIR signalling without reducing the binding of KIR to HLA-C. As described herein, transduction of negative signaling via KIR, upon binding of KIR to its HLA class I ligand, can involve a ligand-binding induced, conformational reorientation of the KIR molecules allowing interactions to form between adjacent KIRs in specific domains, leading to accelerated clustering. Methods and agents such as monoclonal antibodies for reducing KIR-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity without reducing or blocking HLA-binding by, e.g., reducing or blocking dimerization of KIR, are provided.
US08388968B2
This disclosure is in the field of anti-Activin receptor IIB (ActRIIB) antibodies. In particular, it relates to the use of said antibodies for treating muscle disorders, such as muscle wasting due to disease or disuse.
US08388963B2
This invention relates to antitumor combinations comprising a VEGF inhibitor combined with 5-fluorouracil or with a 5-fluoropyrimidine derivative that are therapeutically useful in the treatment of neoplastic diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such combinations.
US08388962B2
Molecules and compositions including same for the isolation of MCP-1 and treatment of CCR2/MCP-1 associated diseases.
US08388959B2
Disclosed herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for factor XI (fXI) that prevent activation of fXI by factor XIIa (fXIIa). The monoclonal antibodies are universal fXI antibodies, capable of binding all mammalian species tested. The anti-fXI monoclonal antibodies prolong clotting time in mammalian plasmas. Moreover, administration of the fXI monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein results in inhibition of thrombosis without altering hemostasis in animal models of thrombosis. Thus, provided herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for fXI that block activation of fXI by fXIIa, compositions and immunoconjugates comprising such antibodies and their methods of use.
US08388954B2
This invention is related to a stabilizing formulation for immunoglobulins G compositions comprising a sugar alcohol, glycine and a non-ionic detergent, which is suitable for the stabilization of immunoglobulins G compositions in liquid form and in lyophilized form. The invention also relates to an immunoglobulins G composition in liquid form or in lyophilized form comprising said stabilizing formulation.
US08388952B2
Disclosed herein are methods of using extracellular matrix digesting enzymes and neurotoxins, such as a Clostridial neurotoxins, to treat various medical conditions, such as overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hyperhidrosis, for example.
US08388950B2
A coenzyme Q10-containing water soluble composition comprises coenzyme Q10, a hydrophilic polyglycerol fatty acid ester, a lipophilic sucrose fatty acid ester and an aqueous phase component and a process for producing the same are disclosed. A coenzyme Q10-containing water-soluble dry powder can be obtained by drying the above-mentioned coenzyme Q10-containing water soluble composition. A food, functional food, beverage, pharmaceutical product, quasi drug, cosmetic, or animal food can be obtained by using the above-mentioned coenzyme Q10-containing water soluble composition or the above-mentioned coenzyme Q10-containing water-soluble dry powder. The coenzyme Q10-containing water soluble composition has a high bioavailability, and maintains a stable emulsion form for a long period of time from refrigeration temperature to room temperature and allows efficient supply.
US08388947B2
Various embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials and methods for maintaining and propagating mammalian mesenchymal stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cells and applications of the same.
US08388942B2
Improved methods for purification and recovery of interferon-beta (IFN-β) and compositions comprising substantially monomeric IFN-β are provided. In one purification method, substantially purified IFN-β or variant thereof is precipitated and then dissolved in a guanidine hydrochloride (HCl) solution. Renaturation of the protein occurs by dilution with a suitable buffer. A similar purification method absent the precipitation step is also provided. Following renaturation of the IFN-β, residual guanidine HCl is removed by diafiltration or dialysis with a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising substantially monomeric IFN-β.
US08388940B2
The invention relates to compositions for eyelashes such as mascaras, topcoats and basecoats containing (a) at least one fatty alkoxylated dimeric compound; and (b) at least one polymeric compound selected from the group consisting of a polyorganosiloxane-containing polymer, a non-silicone polyamide copolymer, a hydrocarbon resin, a styrene-containing copolymer, and mixtures thereof.
US08388939B2
The subject matter of the present invention is a cosmetic or dermopharmaceutic composition comprising a combination of homarine and erythritol as well as a non-therapeutic treatment method of the skin to improve cutaneous hydration, to prevent and/or treat cutaneous dryness signs, to restore and/or protect the cutaneous barrier function, to protect cells of the skin and/or of the scalp from osmotic shocks, for example from UV induced osmotic shocks.
US08388934B2
A method of conducting an endoscopic observation of an inner wall of a gastrointestine by applying a diagnostic agent to the inner wall of the gastrointestine, the diagnostic agent being an acidic aqueous solution of pH 1 to 5 containing a colorant, and conducting the endoscopic observation of the inner wall. The acidic aqueous solution can contain at least one acid selected from a carboxylic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. By applying the diagnostic agent to the inner wall of the gastrointestine in the endoscopic observation, it is possible to clearly observe a lesion which is difficult to be determined. In particular, the method can be used for observing lesions having cancer cells in the stomach or the Barrett's esophagus.
US08388933B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising modified bacterial toxins and methods for using the modified bacterial toxins for targeting particular cell populations and for treating diseases.
US08388921B2
A mass of solid aluminum carbide containing product is produced by a process in which a mixture is formed of an aluminum containing material and a carbonaceous material consisting of, containing or yielding carbon. Then the resulting mixture is heated to a temperature sufficient to react carbon of the carbonaceous material with the aluminum of the aluminum containing material to produce solid aluminum carbide. The solid aluminum carbide then is able to be heated with an aluminum compound selected from Al2O3, Al4CO4, AlO, Al2O and mixtures thereof, to produce aluminum metal and carbon monoxide.
US08388916B2
A method for the production of KNO3 from polyhalite is provided. The method comprises steps of decomposing said polyhalite into syngenite, gypsum, and soluble components, treating the solid decomposition products sequentially with HNO3 and Ca basic compound, precipitating the CaSO4 thus formed, and crystallizing the KNO3 from the solution remaining. The method recovers up to 75% of the potassium present in the raw polyhalite as KNO3 and substantially all of the remainder as a potassium magnesium sulfate salt.
US08388910B2
A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
US08388903B2
A chemical reactor, comprising: a) an ionic liquid, supported on a porous solid; and b) a Brønsted acid; wherein the ionic liquid serves as an adsorbent and promoter for the Brønsted acid, and the Brønsted acid is a catalyst for alkylation, oligomerization, or a combination thereof of a hydrocarbon mixture comprising at least one alkylatable hydrocarbon and at least one alkylating agent in the chemical reactor. Also, a chemical reactor, comprising: a) a gaseous HCl, which is a catalyst for oligomerization of olefins; b) a chloroaluminate ionic liquid, supported on a porous solid, wherein the chloroaluminate ionic liquid serves as an adsorbent and promoter for the catalyst; and c) a volatile hydrocarbon, which evaporates to control a heat of reaction in the chemical reactor.
US08388896B2
Provided is an exhaust gas retreatment device for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine including a housing, in which an exhaust gas retreatment element and upstream thereof a silencer device are arranged, an inlet gas path leading from one housing inlet to an outlet of the exhaust gas retreatment element located in the interior of the housing, with an exhaust gas path following the inlet gas path which in the interior of the housing leads to the silencer device and/or through the silencer device as well as to a housing outlet. A cost-effective design can be achieved if the inlet gas path has a higher gas tightness than the exhaust gas path and/or if components of the exhaust gas retreatment device limiting the inlet gas path have a higher material quality than components of the exhaust gas retreatment device only limiting the exhaust gas path.
US08388887B2
A ceramic implant having a rough surface texture and a method for forming the same. The method includes forming a green body of a first ceramic composition. The green body is reduced to smaller pieces thereby forming ceramic fragments. A mold is filled with a second ceramic composition to form a ceramic base. Ceramic fragments are added to the mold and an outer layer is formed over at least a portion of the ceramic base. Pressure is applied to the mold to compress the outer layer onto the ceramic base and to form a green assembly. The green assembly is sintered to form a ceramic implant having a rough surface texture.
US08388874B2
A hot-melt molding apparatus includes an apparatus body, a cylinder, a molding head, a heating device, a conveyor screw, a heat transport section, a thermoelectric element, and a power storage section. The cylinder communicates with the apparatus body and is configured to receive thermoplastic material. The molding head is provided at one end of the cylinder. The heating device is configured to heat the cylinder and the molding head to melt thermoplastic material therein. The conveyor screw is provided inside the cylinder to convey thermoplastic material to the molding head. The heat transport section has a first end connected to at least one of the cylinder and the molding head. The thermoelectric conversion element is connected to a second end of the heat transport section. The power storage section is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element and is configured to store power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element.
US08388873B2
A method for the recycling of all types of waste plastic, in particular mixed plastic (MP), in which compactate, in particular agglomerate, is ground from flakes or other plastic parts in at least one refiner stage in the presence of water, from which fine particles are removed from the ground material emerging from the refiner stage with the process water, the remaining ground material is washed and/or mechanically dehydrated and dried or the dehydrated ground material is again ground in another refiner stage in the presence of water and then dehydrated and dried, wherein the grinding of the compactate is performed in at least one refiner stage using a disk refiner (toothed disk refiner), the disks of which have engaging teeth, which are arranged separated on concentric circles, wherein there is a hole between neighboring teeth of a circle and the holes of a circle are each big enough that the particles to be ground or ground up to that point can pass through freely.
US08388867B2
A composition comprising: a metal oxide of a first metal ions and second metal ions; an electrically conductive material; and a binder material. The second metal ions have a higher oxidation state than the first metal ions. The presence of the second metal ion increases the number of metal cation vacancies. A method of: dissolving salts of a first metal ion and a second metal ion in water to form a solution; heating the solution to a temperature of about 80-90° C.; and adding a base to the solution to precipitate nanoparticles of a metal oxide of the first metal ion and the second metal ion.
US08388856B2
An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery including a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, and an electrolyte additive including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery. In Chemical Formula 1, Ar1 and Ar2 are the same or different and are independently aromatic organic groups, and X is a halogen.
US08388853B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for supporting, positioning or rotating a semiconductor substrate during processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing a substrate comprising positioning the substrate on a substrate receiving surface of a susceptor, and rotating the susceptor and the substrate by delivering flow of fluid from one or more rotating ports.
US08388852B2
A method for fabricating a touch sensor panel is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate for the touch sensor panel, depositing a conductive material layer on a top surface of the substrate, depositing a metal layer on top of the conductive material layer, affixing a resist to a first area of the metal layer, the resist also adapted to serve as a passivation layer during passivation, removing metal from the metal layer outside of the first area; and performing passivation on the substrate while leaving the affixed resist intact.
US08388844B2
Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.
US08388842B2
A filtration device having a tubular pressure vessel and a tubular filter assembly is provided. The tubular filter assembly is housed within the tubular pressure vessel and includes a filter element and a split ring seal circumscribing the filter element. The split ring seal has an annular body that includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end and slidably engaged with the first end, and an opening extending through the annular body.
US08388841B2
A filter cartridge (1), particularly for percolating filter jugs, with a cartridge body (2) intended to contain a filter bed, provided with at least one inlet aperture (7) for the fluid to be filtered and at least one opposing outlet aperture (8) for the filtered fluid, with at least one grid (11) for retaining the filter bed inside the body and an element (12) for limiting the outflow of the filtered fluid at the outlet aperture (8), in which the grid (11) and the limiting element (12) are both placed in the same seat (10) provided in the outlet aperture (8) of the cartridge body (2).
US08388833B2
A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems. A communication device connects the wastewater treatment subsystems and the control devices and sends information corresponding to the wastewater process parameters measured by the monitors, receives control messages corresponding to the control commands, and transmits control commands the control devices to, thereby, alter a wastewater process parameter.
US08388820B2
A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
US08388817B2
Fluid treatment devices are disclosed. The fluid treatment devices may include a first electrode and a second electrode and a control device which provides an alternating potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08388803B2
A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet includes compactively dewatering a papermaking furnish to form a nascent web having a random distribution of papermaking fiber, applying the nascent web to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a transfer surface speed, fabric-creping the nascent web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a patterned creping fabric that is traveling at a fabric-creping speed that is slower than the transfer surface speed, the fabric-creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric, such that the nascent web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric to form a creped web with a drawable reticulum having a plurality of interconnected regions of different local basis weights.
US08388801B2
There is provided a method for separating an optical film bonded to an adherend with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer interposed therebetween from the adherend. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed using an optical pressure-sensitive adhesive. The optical pressure-sensitive adhesive of the invention comprises a base polymer having a functional group (F); and a coupling agent that has a benzyl ester group and is represented by Formula (1): wherein A1 and A2 are different functional groups, one of A1 and A2 shows reactivity or interaction with the functional group (F) of the base polymer, R1 is an optionally substituted alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and/or an optionally substituted phenylene group, and R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and may be the same or different.
US08388792B2
The invention relates to a nonstick material for use during removal of a part (11) of a substantially planar material layer (2) which is connected in a connecting step to at least on further, substantially planar material layer (9). According to the invention, the nonstick material (8) has a different polarity than the adjoining, substantially planar material layers (2, 9). The invention also relates to a method for removing a part (11) of a substantially planar material layer (2) which is connected in a connecting step to at least one further, substantially planar material layer (9), to a multilayer structure which consists of at least two substantially planar material layers (2, 9) to be interconnected, and to a use of the same, especially in a multilayer printed circuit board.
US08388791B2
Articles of footwear and a variety of other products may incorporate tensile strand elements. In manufacturing an element, such as the tensile strand elements, a strand, a first layer, and a second layer may be located between a first surface and a second surface of a press. The first surface includes a first material and the second surface includes a second material, with the first material having greater hardness than the second material. The strand, the first layer, and the second layer are then compressed between the first surface and the second surface.
US08388790B2
There is described a process for the production of a multilayer body (4) having an electrically conductive layer (421) arranged on a carrier layer (41), in which there is provided a transfer film (5) having a transfer layer (52) of an electrically conductive polymer. The electrically conductive layer is transferred from the transfer film (5) on to the multilayer body (4). There are also provided a transfer film and a multilayer body produced in accordance with the process.
US08388770B2
A cold-rolled steel sheet has a composition containing, by mass percent, 0.0040% or less of C, 0.02% or less of Si, 0.14% to 0.25% of Mn, 0.020% or less of P, 0.015% or less of S, 0.0040% or less of N, 0.020% to 0.070% of Al, 0.005% to 0.030% of Nb, 0.005% to 0.030% of Ti, (0.0003% to 0.0010% of the equivalent amount of solid solution B (from which the amount of B forming BN has been subtracted)), and the balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein even when the rolling reduction of cold rolling is 85% or less, the average grain size of a ferrite structure is reliably 12.0 μm or less, and the relationship −0.20≦Δr≦0.20 can be reliably satisfied and which has an excellent earing property.
US08388768B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an artificial patination material to substrates, preferably made from copper or copper alloys and a patination material. The raw material is a copper salt, which reacts with an alkali metal hydroxide. The precipitate is dispersed with powerful mixing and an addition of a dispersing agent. An oxidative agent like manganese dioxide is used, and carbon is used as an agent for catalyzing natural patina forming. Metal compounds are used to achieving desired color and/or color tinge. The invention relates also to the corresponding patination material.
US08388763B2
A mobile washing and disinfecting system includes a wash chamber with an openable door, a mobile base coupled to the wash chamber, the mobile base having a recess containing all electromechanical components, a re-configurable spray arm assembly having a pivotable spray arm with a plurality of nozzles connected to a water turbine configured to pivot the spray arm in an oscillating motion for directing a spray of washing and disinfecting fluids radially away from the spray arm within a predefined arc, and a modular programmable microprocessor control supported on the removable wash housing for controlling the cleaning cycles.
US08388760B2
An Improved system for killing roots in sewers without stopping the existing sewer flow, a portable system to eliminate the roots in the sewers, this system makes it possible to treat the roots by treating only the zone concerned and not the overall length of the drain of sewer. The invention enters the sewer by an opening and travels to the problem and inflates in order to retain the poison dispensed by the dispenser. This system makes it possible to more easily deal with problems of roots in the sewers more quickly and, which makes it possible to reduce the cost. All the zones touched by problems of roots can be treated, treatment limits the progression of the roots and destroys them, which makes it possible to prevent the over flow of sewers and the damage of the drains of sewers. The prevention of overflows of sewers makes it possible to protect our wild, aquatic life and our water supply. Basically to help save our environment.
US08388755B2
The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor processing and provides apparatus and methods that improve chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of semiconductor materials by promoting more efficient thermalization of precursor gases prior to their reaction. In preferred embodiments, the invention comprises heat transfer structures and their arrangement within a CVD reactor so as to promote heat transfer to flowing process gases. In certain preferred embodiments applicable to CVD reactors transparent to radiation from heat lamps, the invention comprises radiation-absorbent surfaces placed to intercept radiation from the heat lamps and to transfer it to flowing process gases.
US08388753B2
A coating apparatus includes a deposition case, a reaction assembly, two precursors, a target, and a driving assembly. The deposition case includes a housing defining a cavity for receiving workpieces. The reaction assembly receives in the cavity and includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of pipes. The outer barrel includes a main body and two protruding bodies. The main body and the inner barrel cooperatively define a first room therebetween. Each protruding body defines a second room communicating with the first room. The inner barrel defines a third room. The nozzles extend from the main body and communicate with the first room. The pipes extend from the inner barrel and communicate with the third room. The precursors receive in the second rooms. The target receives in the third room. The driving assembly drives the housing to rotate relative to the reaction assembly.
US08388745B1
A sieve module includes an impermeable housing and an adsorptive media bed. The impermeable housing is puncturable at a first puncture location to receive gas from an exterior of the impermeable housing. The impermeable housing is also puncturable at a second puncture location to expel gas to the exterior of the impermeable housing. The adsorptive media bed is disposed within the impermeable housing. The gas flows through the impermeable housing from the first puncture wound to the second puncture location by flowing through the adsorptive media bed.
US08388742B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus to measure permeation of a gas through a membrane. The membrane is mounted on a flange with two sealing areas. The region between the sealing areas defines an annular space. The annular space is swept with a gas in order to carry away any of the permeating gas which may leak through the sealing areas.
US08388739B2
A method for treating natural gas using a vessel having a manifold for introducing gas in the vessel, a flow disperser above the manifold that prevents channeling of the gas, a spray system for spraying a treating liquid into an upwardly rising column of gas and, optionally, a liquid level controller for maintaining the level of a pool of treating liquid above the flow disperser.
US08388733B2
A hollow fiber element constituting a separation membrane module for separating an organic vapor is disclosed. At least one end part of a fiber bundle consisting of multiple hollow fiber membranes having a selective permeability is fixed and bound with a tube sheet formed by a cured material of an epoxy resin composition. Herein, a resin component of the epoxy resin composition contains an epoxy compound (A) represented by the following formula (1), an epoxy compound (B) represented by the following formula (2) and an aromatic amine compound (C), and wherein the epoxy compound (A) and the epoxy compound (B) are blended at a proportion in a range from 90:10 to 60:40 by weight; wherein R denotes alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or hydrogen atom. The tube sheet has enough endurance to retain a gas-tightness of an internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and an external space of the hollow fiber membrane even in use under organic vapor with an elevated temperature and high pressure, and is suitably moldable in a stationary state as well.
US08388732B2
The present invention relates to an integrated membrane/adsorbent process and system for removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas on a ship that houses natural gas purification equipment. Additional membrane units or adsorbent beds are used to reduce the amount of product gas that is lost in gas streams that are used to regenerate the adsorbent beds. These systems produce a product stream that meets the specifications of less than 50 parts per million carbon dioxide in natural gas for liquefaction.
US08388731B2
A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules and optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, (f) an ozone sensor, (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
US08388729B2
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for leaching one or more target metals from an ore, the method comprising the method steps of: curing the ore to be leached through the application of an aqueous solution of a curing agent, producing a cured ore; leaching the cured ore at atmospheric pressure through the application of an ammonium carbonate solution containing free ammonia, producing a pregnant leach solution; and passing the pregnant leach solution to a means for metals recovery.
US08388728B2
A process for leaching an ore containing sulfidic copper-containing minerals includes carrying out an aerated oxidizing leach of a part of the ore and producing an acidic leach liquor containing ferrous ions, ferric ions, and copper ions in solution. The process also includes carrying out a leach of another part of the ore using the leach liquor under conditions that minimize reactions with a source of iron in the ore and producing a leach liquor containing copper ions in solution. The process further includes recovering copper from the leach liquor.
US08388727B2
The invention relates to the manufacture of titanium hydride powder using continuous or semi-continuous process, and using titanium slag or synthetic rutile as raw materials, while hydrogen, titanium tetrachloride, titanium trichloride, titanium dichloride, and hydrogen chloride are participate as intermediate reaction products. The continuous comprises: (a) reduction of TiCl4 to low titanium chlorides followed by cooling a mixture, (b) separating of residual TiCl4 from solid low chlorides by heating the mixture in argon or vacuum up to 150° C. followed by removing the titanium tetrachloride from the mixture, (c) dissociation of TiCl3 to TiCl2 at 450° C. in vacuum followed by removal of gaseous titanium tetrachloride from the reaction zone, condensation to the liquid, and returning back into the reaction retort, (d) dissociation of TiCl2 in vacuum at 750-850° C. to manufacture fine powder of metallic titanium and titanium tetrachloride, whereby hydrogen heated up to 1000° C. is used to accelerate this reaction, and (e) saturation of the fine titanium powder by hydrogen at 400-640° C. to manufacture final product of titanium hydride powder which is free of oxygen or nitrogen. The semi-continuous process includes the Kroll's process as the very first step.
US08388720B2
Jointing cement intended in particular for fastening together a plurality of filter blocks of a filtering body for filtering exhaust gas particles of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the cement including, in percentages by weight relative to the weight of the mineral material, apart from possible water and a possible mineral resin, between 30 and 90% of silicon carbide (SiC), at least 3% of hollow spheres including, in percentages by weight and for a total of at least 99%, between 20 and 99% of silica (SiO2) and between 1 and 80% of alumina (Al2O3), at least 80% by number of the hollow spheres having a size of between 5 and 150 μm.
US08388713B2
A positive crankcase ventilation oil mist separator system has a first separator unit, wherein the first separator unit includes at least one filter body arranged in a blow-by gas path such that blow by gas flows through the filter body; a second separator unit, wherein the second separator is an impactor separator arranged in a bypass path that bypasses the first separator unit; and a bypass valve, which opens the bypass path as soon as a differential pressure at the first separator unit exceeds a predefined value, wherein the second separator unit comprises an impact wall formed by a section of the filter body of the first separator unit, and a flow directing element which directs the blow-by gas flow against the impact wall when the blow-by gas path is open.
US08388711B2
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for removing particulates from a gas stream. The apparatus includes a ceramic filter, at least one electrode, and at least one conductor. The electrode is located at an end of the filter and produces an atmospheric glow discharge in order to oxidize carbon deposits trapped in the filter. The conductor extends at least partially into the filter and acts as a counter electrode. Through various arrangements of the electrodes and conductors, the present disclosure provides closer connection between the trapped carbon deposits and the electrodes. This improves the regeneration of the filter without increasing the size and/or weight of the apparatus.
US08388709B2
A coated article, in particular a tool for cutting machining, has at least one titanium diboride layer which has been deposited by a thermal CVD process and has a thickness of at least 0.1 μm. The titanium diboride layer has an extremely fine-grained microstructure with an average grain size of not more than 50 nm.
US08388708B2
A process and device for the material utilization of soot from the waste water of a gasification appliance (heavy oil POX) in which a hydrogen- and carbon monoxide-containing (crude synthesis gas) is generated from relatively high-boiling hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, is disclosed. The soot-loaded waste water from the heavy oil POX is mixed with naphtha and is subsequently introduced into a separator (decanter) from which a substantially soot-free water fraction and a substantially water-free naphtha/soot mixture are taken off separately, where the naphtha/soot mixture is fed as feed to a further gasification appliance (naphtha POX), in which appliance predominantly naphtha is converted into a crude synthesis gas by partial oxidation.
US08388705B2
Use of a composition of liquefied gases for domestic use, containing dimethylether or DME in a mixture with at least one hydrocarbon with 3 carbon atoms and at least one hydrocarbon with 4 carbon atoms, in which the gaseous mixture released from storage contains a DME concentration fixed at a value of no more than 40 weight %.
US08388700B2
A composition and method oxidative colors hair based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and comprises at least one fatty acid soap, preferably selected from sodium, potassium soaps and their mixtures. The composition is preferably applied onto hair as foam from a non-aerosol foamer vessel after mixing with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.
US08388698B2
The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound comprising at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one compound chosen from an alkyl ether carboxylic acid, an alkyl ether carboxylate, a fatty acid having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08388697B2
The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one phosphate ester chosen from alkoxylated alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate esters; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08388694B2
A handling device for persons with a limited gripping function, in particular for gripping utensils such as pens, comprising an orthotic support adapted to be secured to a part of the body of the person; a utensil holder situated on the support, wherein the utensil holder includes gripping means; and a pneumatic, electric, or magnetic drive system or a combination thereof operative on the gripping means. Also described is a wheelchair, comprising the aforementioned handling device, thus allowing optimum carrying and operation or use of the device.
US08388679B2
A prosthetic aortic conduit for replacing a root portion of an aorta is provided. The conduit comprises a continuous tubular conduit along a substantially common axis. A portion of the tubular conduit does not substantially deform in a longitudinal direction and has resilient means which allow said another portion of the conduit to be expandable in a lateral direction. The portion that is able to deform laterally mimics the function of the sinuses of Valsalva. The method of manufacturing such a conduit comprises the steps of having a continuous weave of rows of yarn or the equivalent with a change in tightness of the rows so that in some portion of the conduit it is expandable in the lateral direction and in some portion of the conduit it is expandable in the longitudinal direction.
US08388676B2
A temporary stent endoprosthesis that does not require an interventional procedure for removal. The disintegrating stent is preferably made from a bioabsorbable polymer, such as by braiding polymer monofilaments into a tubular mesh shape, and the polymer has fracture initiation sites within it that promotes the disintegration of the stent into small pieces that are harmlessly transported out of the body by the vessel contents. Fracture initiation sites may be created by controlling the heterogenous structure of amorphous and crystalline regions, by introducing internal or surface fracture initiation sites, or use of multiple strands with small section size.
US08388672B2
Partitioning devices that may be secured and sealed within a heart chamber for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion are described herein. The partitioning devices described herein may include a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members. The reinforced membrane may have a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane. These devices may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating an inflatable element on the periphery of the device. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials. Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region. Also described herein are systems including these devices and methods of using them, which may be suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure.
US08388670B1
Techniques are provided for equipping sensing/pacing leads with physiological sensors without requiring additional conductors within the leads. In a bipolar lead example for use with a pacemaker, a sensor is connected between tip and ring conductors of the lead. The sensor is configured to be activated only in response to enhanced pacing pulse (EPPs) having magnitudes or durations greater than typical pacing pulses or in response to impedance detection pulses (IMPs). In a unipolar example, the sensor is connected to the tip conductor and includes an output terminal on the external housing of the lead for providing a return current path to the pacemaker. The sensor of the unipolar lead is likewise configured to respond only to EPPs or IMPs. In other examples, the sensors are configured to be fitted to the external housing of the lead and to derive power from the lead via electromagnetic induction. Still other examples include actuators rather than sensors.
US08388666B2
A polyaxial locking screw system includes a bone plate defining a plate hole with an inner spherical surface and a relatively harder split polyaxial bushing with a outer spherical surface provided within the plate hole for receiving a bone screw. In one embodiment, the plate is formed from titanium alloy, while the bushing is formed from a cobalt chrome alloy. The outer surface of the polyaxial bushing includes a plurality of spikes. When the screw is inserted into the bushing, since the bushing material is considerably harder than the plate material, the forceful expansion of the bushing during screw insertion causes the spikes to penetrate into the inner spherical surface of the hole, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing to the plate to lock the screw at a desired angle.
US08388646B2
A jaw member for use with an electrosurgical forceps includes a support member having a first surface and a pair of depending sides which extend therefrom forming a generally U-shaped configuration. The free end of the sides each including a flange which extends outwardly therefrom which is designed to attach to an electrically conductive plate such that the plate bridge the two flanges to enclose the U-shaped support member to form a box-like skeleton having a cavity defined therein. An insulative material is disposed within the cavity and an insulative cover is disposed about a periphery of the box-like support skeleton to insulate surrounding tissue during activation of the conductive plate.
US08388640B2
A catheter having an elongated shaft which has a multilayered distal tip with a first layer formed of a polyimide first material and a second layer formed of a polymeric second material. In one embodiment the multilayered distal tip is a separate member, distal to the distal end of a proximal portion of the shaft. In another embodiment, the shaft has an outer tubular member, and a multilayered inner tubular member with a distal end which forms the multilayered distal tip of the shaft. In a presently preferred embodiment, the polyimide material is a thermoset polyimide. In one embodiment, the polymeric second material is a polyamide material.
US08388637B2
A rotational atherectomy device for abrading a stenotic lesion from a vessel of a patient comprises a flexible drive shaft which extends towards a distal end of the device, a distal fluid inflatable support element located at a distal end of the drive shaft and an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from the distal fluid inflatable support element. Both the abrasive element and the distal fluid inflatable support element are rotatable together with the drive shaft.
US08388632B2
A combination tissue apposition and suture capturing device (100) for performing endoscopic procedures typically in the gastro-esophageal tract. The device (100) is particularly adapted for forming multiple plications used in a gastroplasty procedure devised to cure or ameliorate gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The device include a tissue sewing capsule (102) attached to the distal end of an endoscope having a needle (120) that is deposited in a capsule (102) distal tip cavity following the suturing of a tissue fold and retrieved to enable the suturing of a subsequent tissue fold without the need for multiple intubations. A suture clip delivery device (200) is also disclosed that is adapted to fit within the capsule to enable suture capture without the need for multiple intubations. The combination device eliminates the need for an overtube and maximizes the speed efficiency of the gastroplasty procedure. A method for using the combination device is also disclosed.
US08388628B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering a guidewire, agents, and the like through an occlusion in a body vessel or other body lumen. The apparatus includes a flexible catheter or other elongate member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a body lumen, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end to a distal region of the tubular member. An expandable sheath is provided on the distal region of the catheter that is expandable from a contracted condition to minimize a profile of the sheath to allow insertion along with the tubular member into a body lumen, to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen communicating with and extending distally from the first lumen of the tubular member.
US08388625B2
Support orthopaedic device (1) for a knee joint, comprising a proximal connector (2) and a distal connector (3), articulated among themselves and respectively intended to be associated with a proximal bone (100) and a distal bone (101) of a lower limb connected among themselves by a knee joint. The device comprises a first rod (4a) and a second rod (4b), which are hinged, according to hinging axes normal to a median excursion plane of the orthopaedic device (1), to the proximal connector (2) and to the distal connector (3) so as to form with them an articulated quadrilateral. The articulated quadrilateral is planarly mobile according to a plane parallel to the excursion plane between a configuration corresponding to an extended position of the knee joint and configurations corresponding to bendings of different entity of the knee joint; the relative motion imposed to the proximal and distal connectors (2, 3) by the articulated quadrilateral is consistent with the physiological movement of the knee joint.
US08388619B2
A unilateral fixator for adjustment of a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a telescopically adjustable strut having first and second ends and a strut axis, and first and second compound joints. The first compound joint is coupled to the first end of the strut and to a first bone clamp, and includes a first gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational motion of the first bone clamp relative to first and second axes while the first bone clamp is engaged with the first bone portion. The first and second axes are generally orthogonal to one another and to the strut axis. The second compound joint is coupled to the second end of the strut and to a second bone clamp and includes a second gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational adjustment of the second bone clamp. The first compound movable joints can rotate about the strut axis.
US08388610B2
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the applicability of a treatment pattern for manipulation of a cornea of an eye using a laser. The concept of the present invention is based on the determination of an actual volumetric profile based on a set of input data and a theoretical volumetric profile which is created independently based on only the basic optical parameters. On the basis of a comparison of the determined volumetric profiles it is determined whether the actual volumetric profile is within predetermined tolerances.
US08388604B2
Devices, systems, and methods for removing contrast from luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing contrast from luminal organs of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having at least one lumen extending therethrough and an aperture defined along the elongated body, said aperture configured to facilitate withdrawal of contrast from a mammalian luminal organ, a first detector for detecting a contrast present within the mammalian luminal organ, the detector positioned at or near a distal end of the elongated body, an inflatable balloon coupled to the elongated body proximal to the detector, and a second detector for detecting balloon inflation, the second detector positioned along the elongated body within the balloon.
US08388601B2
The invention relates to method of preparing a viscoelastic therapeutic liquid comprising a viscoelastic agent and a homogenously distributed therapeutically active agent, wherein the therapeutically active agent is distributed throughout the viscoelastic compound when the viscoelastic compound is in dry form. In one embodiment of the invention, the viscoelastic compound in dry form is mixed with an aqueous solution of the therapeutically active agent. The invention further relates to utilities of homogenous viscoelastic compositions in therapeutic applications including ophthalmic surgery.
US08388597B2
The invention includes a bag system for collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood. The system includes a device for collecting the fluid which is in fluid communication with at least one fluid collection bag, and a device for sampling the fluid to be collected which includes at least one sampling receptacle. The sampling device includes a device for transferring the fluid from the bag system into the sampling receptacle or receptacles, in which the transfer device is provided with a device for associating the receptacle or receptacles. The transfer device may be arranged to allow the support of the receptacle or receptacles in a standby position, the guidance of the receptacle or receptacles to a transfer position and, after transfer, the dissociation of the receptacle or receptacles from the bag system.
US08388593B2
A fluid-management article, such as a sanitary napkin, comprises a body-faceable, liquid-pervious cover having a top surface, a garment-faceable, liquid-impervious barrier, and an absorbent system intermediate the cover and the barrier. The fluid-management article comprises a plurality of fluid-guiding channels that surround a plurality of isolated protrusions. The channels and the protrusions are formed through the top surface of the cover of the fluid management article. The protrusions have an apex that extends a height greater than about 0.5 millimeters (mm) above at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The protrusions have a number density greater than about 0.15 protrusions/cm2.
US08388586B2
An ostomy appliance is disclosed with an inflatable seal for sealing against the stoma. The inflatable seal has a first inflatable chamber portion for fitting inside the stoma to seal against the internal tissue. The inflatable seal also has a second inflatable chamber portion for sealing externally against the stoma and peristomal skin. In one embodiment, a tube extends through the inflatable seal to provide a communication passage for discharge of body waste without removing the inflatable seal. The tube floats with respect to an adhesive mounting member to allow a waist between the first and second inflatable chamber portions to self-locate in the stoma.
US08388583B2
A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.
US08388578B2
A non-electric heater apparatus for controllably heating and cooling fluid medicaments flowing from a medicament dispenser through the fluid delivery member of the apparatus by adding a suitable solution or solvent to a chemical component, such as magnesium chloride, or the like, to create an exothermic process that can be used to heat the fluid delivery member and the fluid flowing there through.
US08388572B2
This invention relates to devices for navigating passageways in a body, and in particular, to a steerable catheter that can be used to navigate the tortuous anatomy of a body's vasculature. In one embodiment of the invention the deflectable catheter comprises an inner catheter body having a first strut spine member and a cantilevered second strut tang member. An outer catheter body is cooperatively associated with the second strut tang member and an actuator is cooperatively associated with the first strut spine member. The actuator is slideably engaged within the outer catheter body.
US08388570B2
The present invention provides a system and a method for distending a body tissue cavity of a subject by continuous flow irrigation by using a dynamic pump, such as a centrifugal pump, on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by a the said outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss, into the subject's body system, during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate. The system and the methods of the present invention described above can be used in any endoscopic procedure requiring continuous flow irrigation few examples of such endoscopic procedures being hysteroscopic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, trans uretheral surgery, endoscopic surgery of the brain and endoscopic surgery of the spine.
US08388568B2
Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
US08388562B2
The present invention relates to footwear and in particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, relates to footwear for those with diabetes and, in particular, with ulcers of the sole. The present invention seeks to address some of the problems encountered by prior art limb compression devices and methods. In particular the present invention seeks to provide a boot which can stimulate blood flow. A further object to the invention is to provide a boot with a sole which is adaptable to conform with various shapes and conditions of human feet. The present invention also seeks to provide a new type of footwear that has a therapeutic benefit for diabetic patients with circulatory problems in their foot, and also enables the technique of “off loading” the foot to assist in the healing of any wounds present. The present invention relates to a method for aiding arterial and venous flow from the limb of an ambulatory patient comprising the step of applying pressure to one or more areas of the soft tissue of an underside portion of the foot.
US08388556B2
A method for estimating the force on a distal end of a working catheter includes positioning a portion of a robotically controlled guide catheter and working catheter into a body lumen wherein a distal end of the working catheter projects distally from a distal end of the guide catheter. The working catheter and guide catheter are dithered with respect to one another using a dithering device operatively connected to a proximal portion of the working catheter. The coupling may occur directly to the working catheter or via a seal such as a Touhy seal. The force experienced by the working catheter at a proximal region is measured through at least one dithering cycle. The force at the distal end of the working catheter is then estimated based on the measured force at the proximal region. The estimated force may be displayed to a physician on, for example, a monitor.
US08388554B2
A physical exercise assisting device includes a physical activity amount recorder recording a performed physical activity amount such that a physical exercise amount and a lifestyle activity amount can be recognized for a physical activity that has an intensity greater than or equal to a reference intensity; goal storage unit storing goals for the physical activity amount and the physical exercise amount to be performed in a predetermined unit period; and a display displaying goal achievement of the physical activity amount and the physical exercise amount based on the physical activity amount and the physical exercise amount recorded by the physical activity amount recorder and the goals stored in the goal storage unit.
US08388552B2
A system is provided for withdrawing small amounts of body fluid from an animal or human. The system includes a holder and a disposable lancing unit attached to the holder. The lancing unit also includes an open capillary channel for transporting the body fluid and piercing the skin.
US08388545B2
A method of calculating blood flow in an organ of a subject using output radiofrequency signals transmitted to the organ and input radiofrequency signals received from the organ, the method comprises determining a phase shift of the input radiofrequency signals relative to the output radiofrequency signals and using the phase shift to calculate the blood flow in the organ.
US08388544B2
A technique is provided for computing or monitoring blood viscosity. The technique includes measuring a cross sectional area of a arterial segment and a volumetric flow rate of blood flowing through the arterial segment at two or more locations, estimating a compliance transfer function from blood measurements to scale the arterial cross sectional area into a pressure waveform, deriving a transmission line model of the arterial segment based on the cross sectional area, as scaled by the compliance transfer function, of the arterial segment at the two or more locations and the volumetric flow rate of blood at the two or more locations. The technique also includes computing the blood viscosity based on the transmission line model.
US08388541B2
An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient'vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.
US08388539B2
Surgical operation supporting apparatus and method is disclosed in which based on a high-definition tomographic images of an operation site produced before surgery, a three-dimensional model of the operation site is generated, and a surface of the operation site is optically measured during the surgical operation, and further, first position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points on the surface is acquired. An unexposed portion of the operation site is measured with ultrasonic waves during the surgical operation, and second position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points in the unexposed portion is acquired. Based on the first position information and the second position information, displacement and distortion at a portion whose three-dimensional position is not known in the three-dimensional model is estimated to obtain an estimated result. The three-dimensional model is re-corrected by use of a finite element method and the estimated result.
US08388535B2
An ultrasonic applicator unit (2) is used diagnostically to locate a puncture wound (316) in an artery and then therapeutically to seal the puncture wound with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). A control unit (6) coupled to the applicator unit includes a processor (74) that automates the procedure, controlling various parameters of the diagnostic and therapeutic modes, including the intensity and duration of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the applicator unit. A protective, sterile acoustic shell (4), which is intended to be used with a single patient and then discarded, is slipped over the applicator unit to protect against direct contact between the applicator unit and the patient and to maintain a sterile field at the site of the puncture. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable to sealing a puncture made when inserting a catheter into an artery or other vessel. Several different procedures are described for locating the puncture wound, including imaging the vessel in which the puncture is disposed and use of a locator rod to determine the disposition of the puncture along the longitudinal axis of the artery.
US08388531B2
Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.
US08388523B2
A portable medical diagnostic instrument includes an instrument head and a handle portion having an open-ended receiving cavity. A compact illuminator defined by a housing retaining a miniature light source and a power supply is releasably fitted within the open-ended receiving cavity of the handle portion wherein the light source of the illuminator is optically coupled with the instrument on assembly therewith. The handle portion can be integral with the instrument or releasably attached. The handle portion according to at least one version is made from a plastic or other suitable material, permitting disposability and/or single patient use. In one version, the handle portion is flexibly deformable, at least partially, to facilitate release of the portable illuminator.
US08388521B2
Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base and an outer shell. A locking member may be coupled to the outer shell. An inner seal member may be disposed within the outer shell. One or more openings may extend through the cap and into the channel. An actuator may be coupled to the base for shifting the inner seal member between an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration.
US08388520B2
Methods and devices are provided for controlling an endoscope in a body cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, a stiffening element for an endoscopic surgical system includes an elongate member having a diameter configured for insertion and use in a channel of an endoscope. The elongate member can be movable between an unlocked position in which the elongate member is freely movable to assume a desired configuration, and a locked position in which the elongate member is maintained in a desired configuration. In one embodiment, the elongate member is formed from a plurality of links that are pivotally coupled to one another. Methods for controlling a surgical device in a body cavity, as well as systems for use in endoscopic surgeries, are also provided herein.
US08388514B2
Described are devices, implants, insertion tools, combinations, and associated methods, that involve placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region, wherein an insertion tool includes one or more of an aperture for engaging a guide and an extension guard, the method optionally allowing for initial placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region and adjustment of the location of the self-fixating tip.
US08388510B2
A system and methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation, the system including a helmet, a positioning portion, a stimulator and a cooling system, are disclosed. The helmet includes a coil for deep brain magnetic stimulation. The coil has a base portion, and return portions, which may include a protruding return portion and a contacting return portion. The coil is designed to minimize unintended stimulation of portions of the brain, while reducing accumulation of surface charges. The coil is stimulated at several locations and/or at different times so as to focus the electrical field on a specific deep neuronal structure.
US08388509B2
Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a monitor/treatment device configured to, for example, detect hemozoin, as well as to monitor or treat a malarial infection.
US08388504B2
A weight training machine having a moment arm weight resistance mechanism for creating a weight resistance or weight load.
US08388498B2
A control system for a work vehicle includes: a negative-type parking brake device that starts operating in response to a parking brake instruction; an output device that outputs the parking brake instruction; a service brake device that operates in response to an operation of a brake pedal by an operator; and a brake control device that operates the service brake device regardless of a pedal operation by the operator when the parking brake instruction is output from the output device.
US08388484B2
An arrangement is disclosed for providing an “end-stop” function for a variator in a continuously variable transmission. The variator (8) needs some arrangement for preventing its own drive ratio from going beyond a ratio limit. In accordance with the present invention, this is provided by means of a one-way clutch (22 or 24). The one-way clutch is coupled to both the variators input and its output, and is arranged to engage (lock up) when the variator reaches its ratio limit, so that the variator is prevented from going beyond the limits. The invention is particularly suited to use with transmissions which provide two regimes and a synchronous change between them.
US08388481B2
A system and method for providing a constant output from a variable flow input comprises a liquid flow energy input, for example, air or water for driving a constant speed generator. An inner and outer cam assembly is controlled by a control input to achieve varying eccentricity and control the output speed at an output shaft to be constant despite a varying rotational velocity input at an input shaft. A feedback control may be provided between one of the input shaft and the output shaft and the inner and outer cam assembly to maintain constant output by varying the eccentricity. The constant output may drive a constant speed generator having an infinitely variable torque generator. In this manner, a power grid may be provided with constant frequency alternating current at, for example, 50 Hz (Europe) or 60 Hz (USA). Also, a pair of non-circular gears, for example, a square gear and a cloverleaf gear may be used to reduce ripples in rotational velocity measured at the output shaft for a four OWCB constant output, variable flow input system.
US08388480B2
A torque distributing drive mechanism is provided for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member. In addition, a motorized vehicle is provided that is equipped with such a torque distributing device. The device includes, but is not limited to a planetary gear set coupled to the first output member and coupled to the second output member, and an auxiliary drive member coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set for inducting counter-directed offset torques to the first and second output member.
US08388476B2
A sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, and a ball carcass. The ball pocket is constructed to have a true roundness shape, having an interior cavity receiving the inflatable bladder therein, wherein when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the ball pocket retains a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder. The ball carcass includes a ball cushion and a plurality of carcass panels. Each of the carcass panels has a peripheral edge and a flat bottom surface defined within the peripheral edge, wherein the bottom surface of each of the carcass panels is entirely affixed to the ball cushion at a position that the peripheral edge of each of the carcass panels is fittingly aligned with the peripheral edges of the adjacent carcass panels to form a roundness carcass of the sportsball in a stitch-less manner.
US08388467B2
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, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.300 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 60,000 to about 230,000 and for a range of dimensionless spin parameter from about 0.10 to about 0.40.
US08388463B2
A golf training device comprising a cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, a groove formed in the cylindrical body, and a roll ring configured to circumscribe the cylindrical body by releasably engaging the groove.
US08388462B1
A swinging aid for training a user can include a base for engaging a surface. The base can be operatively connected to a first portion of an adjustable stand. A horizontal member can connect to a second portion of the adjustable stand. The horizontal member can protrude from the adjustable stand. A head gear can be operatively connected to the horizontal member. The head gear can be configured to move in three dimensions and rotate three hundred sixty degrees to provide active feedback to the user.
US08388461B1
Small flexible decals having a vinyl cling membrane base layer (20) attach onto the lens of conventional spectacles forming a training aid for use in sports activities such as golf. The decals cling firmly to the spectacle lens by cling attraction and do not require an adhesive. The decals occupy a small area of the lens and are positioned directly in line between the user's eyes and visual target. This creates the appearance of a projected decal image superimposed over the visual target. In golf the projected decal image appears superimposed over the golf ball and serves as a visual aid to the golfer. In one embodiment a tinted, transparent projected decal image (18) aids a golfer to establish proper alignment at address and reveals excessive head movement during the golf stroke. In another embodiment an opaque projected decal image (19) prevents the golfer from becoming visually fixated on the golf ball, thereby reducing stress and performance anxiety.
US08388457B2
A vehicle, such as off road vehicle, includes a plunge pin assembly located in a flexible joint, which maybe actuated without tools to decouple and thus remove a driven system from a driving system. The plunge pin assembly includes a plunge pin biased to an installed position such that a clip of the plunge pin assembly retains the driven system to the driving system during operation of a vehicle. The clip (e.g., circlip, snap ring, coil spring or crest wave spring) is circumferentially contractable and expandable. A transfer element cooperates with tapered and recessed contours of the plunge pin to permit the aforementioned actuation of the clip. Movement of the transfer pin along with contraction of the clip allows the driven system to be decoupled from the driving system. The plunge pin may include a head portion positioned at a desired distance from a drive axle of the driven system.
US08388452B2
Systems and methods for providing game-based incentives to users of online games as a reward for performing actions at physical locations are provided.
US08388431B2
A gaming machine of the present invention includes slot machines each of which repeatably runs, independently of the other slot machines, a unit game which scroll displays a base game symbol column image and stops the scroll-display to rearrange base game symbols. In response to a common game start command from a center controller, each slot machine runs, in sync with other slot machines, a common game which executes a common scrolling process in which a common game symbol column image which is different from the base game symbol column image is scroll displayed, and then stopped to rearrange common game symbols.
US08388422B2
Disclosed is a system for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal utilizing a device for contacting the hide of an animal with an alkaline solution having a pH of between about 8 and about 13 after stunning the animal, a second a device for contacting the hide with a second solution that includes one of water, organic acid or hydrogen peroxide and a device for reusing at least a portion of the alkaline solution or the water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide.
US08388408B2
A method of producing a diagram for use in selecting wavelengths of light in optical polishing end point detection is provided. The method includes polishing a surface of a substrate having a film by a polishing pad; applying light to the surface of the substrate and receiving reflected light from the substrate during the polishing of the substrate; calculating relative reflectances of the reflected light at respective wavelengths; determining wavelengths of the reflected light which indicate a local maximum point and a local minimum point of the relative reflectances which vary with a polishing time; identifying a point of time when the wavelengths, indicating the local maximum point and the local minimum point, are determined; and plotting coordinates, specified by the wavelengths and the point of time corresponding to the wavelengths, onto a coordinate system having coordinate axes indicating wavelength of the light and polishing time.
US08388395B2
A method for manufacturing an ignition plug is provided. The method includes: preparing an insulator having a cavity provided at a leading end portion thereof by disposing a leading end of a center electrode more inwards in an axial hole than a leading end of the insulator; building the insulator in an interior of a metal shell; disposing a ground electrode at a leading end portion of the metal shell; positioning a center of a through hole of the ground electrode and a center of the cavity of the insulator; and welding the ground electrode and the metal shell together after the positioning step.
US08388394B2
In a method of repairing an organic EL display, in which when a foreign particle has contaminated a pixel electrode to cause a defect during manufacture of an organic EL display, it is possible to repair the defect locally and simply without damaging the vicinity of the repaired part of the pixel electrode by the repair. In manufacture of the organic EL display, a defect due to a foreign particle is repaired by detecting the foreign particle that has contaminated the pixel electrode, lowering a fine needle having a hemispherically-shaped tip downward toward the foreign particle, and plastic deforming the foreign particle and part of the pixel electrode together to bury the foreign particle into the pixel electrode. A short circuit due to a foreign particle is prevented by pressing the foreign particle into the pixel electrode.
US08388381B2
An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end, a first link interface, a second link interface, a first connector end, and a visible open port between the first link interface and the second link interface. The first link interface may be conductively coupled to the conductor receiving end and the second link interface may be spaced axially from the first link interface and conductively coupled to the first connector end. The first link interface and the second link interface are configured to receive a link assembly therein. An insulative material may be positioned within the connector body axially between the first link interface and the second link interface. At least a portion of the insulative material may be visible through the visible open port.
US08388380B1
A waterproof connector for mounting to a circuit board includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts fixed in the insulative housing, a metallic shell enclosing the insulative housing and a soldering plate fixed to a peripheral wall of the metallic shell. The insulative housing includes a tongue portion residing in a receiving space which is jointly formed by the insulative housing and the metallic shell. The peripheral wall defines a pair of latch holes in communication with the receiving space for locking with an inserted plug connector. The soldering plate is fixed to the peripheral wall so as to seal the pair of latch holes. The soldering plate is located between the peripheral wall and the circuit board. The soldering plate includes at least one emboss for surface mounting onto the circuit board.
US08388375B2
Coaxial cable connectors. In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable connector for terminating a coaxial cable is provided. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a jacket. The coaxial cable connector includes an internal connector structure, an external connector structure, and a conductive pin. The external connector structure cooperates with the internal connector structure to define a cylindrical gap that is configured to receive an increased-diameter section of the outer conductor. The external connector structure is configured to be clamped around the increased-diameter section so as to radially compress the increased-diameter section between the external connector structure and the internal connector structure. The conductive pin is configured to deform the inner conductor.
US08388374B2
An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member including a first connector body supporting a first contact. The first connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first interface end. The first interface end has a substantially conical shape that defines a first tapered surface. A second connector member includes a second connector body supporting a second contact configured to mate with the first contact. The second connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end of the second connector member has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another in a friction fit wherein the angle of taper is between about 3.5° to 6.5°. A coupling member is mounted near one of the first and second interface ends and has an internal engagement member that is configured to engage a corresponding external engagement member of the other of the first and second connector bodies.
US08388371B2
An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.
US08388368B2
A multi-way connector connects a plurality of lighting apparatuses together, wherein connector comprises a plurality of lighting connectors, each lighting connector comprising an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and a lower housing which has a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions, the lower housing being connectable with the upper housing to form each lighting connector by coupling at least one of the interlocking grooves with at least one of the interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes; a multi-way connecting portion configured to permit power and/or signals to pass between and among the plurality of lighting connectors; and plural flexible connectors electrically connecting each lower housing with the multi-way connecting portion.
US08388366B2
A pull-out structure for connector includes a connector and a pull unit. The connector has a locking unit movably arranged thereon and the locking unit includes a retaining section located at a rear end thereof. The pull unit includes an insertion section located at a lower front end thereof, and is engaged with the locking unit by inserting the insertion section into the retaining section of the locking unit. The pull unit and the locking unit have sufficient structural strength. When it is necessary to replace or remove the connector from a shielding cage thereof, a user may directly apply a pulling force on the pull unit to move the locking unit rearward and accordingly easily pull the connector out of the shielding cage without damaging the connector.
US08388359B1
An ignition terminal built for connection to a spark plug or igniter includes an insulating housing composed of polyphenylene sulfide extending outward from conductive structures within the ignition terminal. The ignition terminal may be an extender that is used to move a point of connection of an ignition cable to the spark plug or igniter outward, so that such a connection can be easily made, or the ignition terminal may be at an end of the ignition cable itself that is directly connected to the spark plug or igniter.
US08388353B2
A magnetic connector has a receptacle and a plug. The receptacle has an electromagnet comprising an inner core, an outer core, a coil disposed around the inner core and an air gap defined by the edges of the inner and outer cores. The plug has a plug core and an anchor defined by the plug core edge. The anchor is configured to insert into the air gap as a receptacle socket electrically connects with plug pins. The coil is energized and de-energized so as to assist in the insertion or removal of the anchor from within the air gap and the corresponding connection and disconnection of the socket and pins.
US08388351B2
The present disclosure relates to an articulated knee for arthroscopy simulation that allows true-to-life training. The articulated knee includes an articulation mechanism provided with a framework for coupling to a simulator, and angular and lateral articulation means, traction means and means for quantifying these movements, as well as means that allow force feedback, not only in the movements achieved along each of the axes of rotation and traction of the knee but also the movements achieved by the rods connected to the haptic devices, which are introduced through the entry portals, simulating the surgical instrument.
US08388348B2
There are provided a method, system and medium having instructions embedded to determine an attribute of a simulated patient's state resulting from a patient-physician encounter. The method includes receiving a current treatment move and an initial value of the attribute; calculating a maximal expected incremental effect value of the current treatment move over a previous treatment move on the attribute; attenuating the maximal expected incremental effect value based on amount of time between the previous treatment move and the current treatment move; summing the attenuated maximal expected incremental effect value with the initial value to generate an updated attribute of the simulated patient's state; and generating a patient-physician encounter that includes the updated attribute.
US08388344B2
Dental implant with biomimetic osteointegrative interface has a substrate of biocompatible material with a first layer thereon, having a first concentration of oxide of the biocompatible material, enriched with a second concentration of phosphorus and with a third concentration of calcium. The ratio between the concentration of calcium and the concentration of phosphorus is greater than two and the biomimetic osteointegrative interface further comprising a second layer having a first surface in contact with the first layer, and a second surface, the second layer having a fourth concentration of oxide enriched with a fifth concentration of calcium and a sixth concentration of phosphorus, the fourth concentration being less than the fifth and sixth concentrations and the ratio between the fifth concentration of calcium and the sixth concentration of phosphorus being no less than three.
US08388339B2
A flame sense circuit and method utilizing only a single pin of a microcontroller is provided. A flame sense circuit is used to vary the charge on a capacitor from a logic high indicating no flame to a logic low when a flame is detected. The microcontroller changes the state of the pin coupled to this circuitry from a high impedance input to detect when the capacitor is discharged indicating the presence of flame, to a logic high output to recharge the flame sense capacitor. Once this charging has been accomplished, the microcontroller again changes the status of the pin to a high impedance input and verifies that the capacitor has been charged. This pin is monitored to verify that the flame sense capacitor is again discharged to indicate the continued presence of flame. This process is repeated to ensure flame continues to be present during a combustion event.
US08388338B2
An injection molding system of plastic material, includes a press having first and a second pressure plates, suitable for closing between them a mold, by applying a closing force, and a distribution and injection assembly suitable for distributing and injecting a fluid plastic material into the mold and in turn comprising an intermediate hot distribution plate interposed between a bottom plate and a nozzle-bearing plate, provided for cooperating into contact and in sliding relationship, along a respective sliding and contact surface with the end of one or more injection nozzles fixed on the nozzle-bearing plate, in order to distribute the fluid plastic material to be injected into the mold, wherein the distribution and injection assembly is arranged adjacent to and along a side of the mold, not associated with the first and the second pressure plates so as not to be subject to the closing force of the mold.
US08388331B2
A liquid flow converging device and a method of manufacturing a multi-layer film. The converging device comprises an element (A) having a large number of slits for passing two liquid flows to be converged therethrough and an element (B) having a first converging part for converging, in a laminar form, a large number of laminar liquid flows formed by passing the liquid flows through the large number of slits to form a first laminar liquid flow. The converging device for the liquid flow comprises a first confluence forming device having two or more elements (A) installed independently of each other and two or more elements (B) installed independently of each other.
US08388325B2
The invention relates to a piston pump for a vehicle braking system, having a housing section and a piston that is displacably guided into the housing section. A receiving cap is provided for receiving an inlet valve. A sealing element is connected to the receiving cap for sealing the piston and a piston rod that is joined to the sealing element. The piston rod has a first and a second piston rod element. In the first piston rod element, a fluid inlet for introducing the fluid into the inside of the piston is provided. The second piston rod element partially covers the fluid inlet in the axial direction of the piston.
US08388321B2
A positive displacement pump apparatus includes a pump chamber in a pipe system for receiving a pumping fluid, the pipe system having an inlet and an outlet which can be shut by a valve. The chamber is connected via an intermediate fluid chamber with a displacement element including a piston head and a piston rod, which is arranged to alternately carry out a suction stroke and a displacement stroke during its movement to displace fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber, thereby increasing or reducing the volume of the pump chamber. A flexible separating element including a diaphragm is provided at the pump chamber to separate the fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber from the pumping fluid. A force member is provided for applying force to the piston head during the displacement stroke to counteract force exerted on the piston head by the fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber.
US08388320B2
The present invention discloses a compressor including a compressor main body (20) for compressing refrigerant, a shell (100) for accommodating the refrigerant and the compressor main body (20), and mounts (130) attached to the front and rear of the shell (100) for the installation of the shell (100), and having a natural frequency controlled according to a natural frequency of the shell (100) for the dynamic vibration absorption. In an assembly state where the compressor main body (20) and the shell (100) are completely coupled to each other, the shell (100) is exited by an impact hammer and the natural frequency of the shell (100) is measured. As the natural frequency of the mount (130) is controlled according to the natural frequency of the shell (100) to absorb vibration, Vibration of the shell (100) can be prevented. That is, the mount functions as a dynamic vibration absorber to suppress vibration and noise of the shell (100).
US08388311B2
A turbomachinery includes a labyrinth seal (2) to prevent unstable vibration of a rotor formed by dividing the seal into segments (7) in a circumferential direction and combining the segments (7) whose comb teeth (5) differ in height. The labyrinth seal (2) preferably includes two kinds of segments (7) whose comb teeth (5) differ in height for each kind of segment, and the segments (7a) of the greater comb tooth height are arranged in a certain reference direction on a cross section right-angled to a rotational axis, and in a direction opposite to the reference direction, and the segments (7b) of the smaller comb tooth height are arranged in a direction right-angled to the reference direction, and in a direction opposite to that right-angled to the reference direction.
US08388310B1
A disc seal assembly for use in a turbine engine. The disc seal assembly includes a plurality of outwardly extending sealing flange members that define a plurality of fluid pockets. The sealing flange members define a labyrinth flow path therebetween to limit leakage between a hot gas path and a disc cavity in the turbine engine.
US08388307B2
Embodiments of a turbine nozzle assembly are provided for deployment within a gas turbine engine (GTE) including a first GTE-nozzle mounting interface. In one embodiment, the turbine nozzle assembly includes a turbine nozzle flowbody, a first mounting flange configured to be mounted to the first GTE-nozzle mounting interface, and a first radially-compliant spring member coupled between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange. The turbine nozzle flowbody has an inner nozzle endwall and an outer nozzle endwall, which is fixedly coupled to the inner nozzle endwall and which cooperates therewith to define a flow passage through the turbine nozzle flowbody. The first radially-compliant spring member accommodates relative thermal movement between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange to alleviate thermomechanical stress during operation of the GTE.
US08388305B2
A fan assembly includes a chassis and a fan bracket secured in the chassis. The chassis has a bottom wall. The fan bracket includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall perpendicular to the bottom wall, and it is configured for securing the fans. A securing flange extends from an edge of the first sidewall, and is secured to the bottom wall of the chassis. A plurality of securing slots is defined in the securing flange. A plurality of first members engages in the securing slots and isolates the bottom wall of the chassis from the securing flange.
US08388304B2
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having a trailing edge cooling region formed from endwall cooling channels having a higher density of cooling channels than other areas in order to cool the material forming the intersection between the trailing edge of the airfoil and the endwall to prevent premature cracking. The increased density of cooling channels in the endwall at the trailing edge forms a heat sink that draws heat from the airfoil, thereby lowering the temperature of the airfoil and increasing the useful life of the airfoil.
US08388302B2
A turbocharger with a high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) stage, designed such that swirl in a conduit providing fluid communication between the LP compressor outlet and the HP compressor inlet is received by the second stage compressor counter to the direction of rotation of the second stage compressor wheel. This is achieved without requiring vanes such as inlet guide vanes, and thus is highly efficient as well as free of blockage and excitation.
US08388285B2
A support arrangement for supporting load in a transportation unit, includes a rod-like support member placed beside the load to support it and two parallel rails in the longitudinal direction of the transportation unit and at a distance from each other. The support member includes support ends for fastening to support points in the transportation unit so that the support member is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transportation unit. Safe and easily implemented support for the load to be transported is achieved by arranging the support member to move along the inner walls of the rails and guided by the inner walls to set it against the load. The support arrangement includes an elongated flexible member and a tightening element for tightening the elongated flexible member against the load so that displacement of the load in relation to the rod-like member is prevented.
US08388280B1
A step drill bit includes a shaft for coupling the step drill bit to a drill and a drill bit portion coaxially coupled to the shaft. The drill bit portion has a plurality of step portions. The drill bit portion may further include three cutting edges wherein the cutting edges are spaced around the drill bit in substantially equal arc angles. The step drill bit further includes surface treatment having a first coating formed of first material and a second coating formed of a second material that is applied over the first coating. The step drill bit further includes a replaceable drill bit tip.
US08388279B2
There is provided a drilling tool having a substantially columnar tool body to be rotated around an axial line, a cutting edge located at a front end portion of the tool body, and a chip suction hole which is formed inside the tool body in a direction of the axial line for sucking chips generated by the cutting edge. The chip suction hole has a main hole portion extending toward a drill base along the axial line, a narrow hole portion located at a front end of the main hole portion, the narrow hole portion having a cross section smaller than that of the main hole portion and a suction opening located at a front end of the narrow hole portion and opened in the vicinity of the cutting edge, the suction opening having a cross section larger than that of the narrow hole portion.
US08388275B2
A cutting tool includes a cutting insert releasably retained therein. The cutting insert has at least a first non-planar side surface, which includes a planar portion that is recessed with respect to other portions of the side surface such as the cutting edges thereof. The planar portion may be spaced apart from the cutting edges associated with that side surface. The planar portion is the only portion of the side surface to engage an abutment region or regions of a supporting wall of the cutting tool. The cutting insert may be double-sided, and include a second, opposing side surface having a respective planar portion formed therein, wherein the two opposing side surfaces interchange positions upon indexing of the cutting insert. The planar portion of the second side surface, which does not engage the abutment region or regions of supporting wall, does not interfere with the functionality of the cutting insert.
US08388261B1
A road plate securing assembly for a roadway surface includes an assembly frame comprising a plurality of assembly frame members having various lengths and adapted for attachment to the roadway surface in end-to-end relationship with respect to each other, a plate opening defined by the assembly frame members and a plurality of road plates seated in the plate opening. A road plate securing method is also disclosed.
US08388255B2
A connector assembly for connecting two members that allows manual lockdown to prevent accidental disengagement. The connector assembly can be used to connect a tension ring to a housing on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of upper hydraulically actuated dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. The connector assembly also has position indicators that ride along with the dogs to indicate whether the dogs are in the engaged or disengaged position.
US08388253B2
An apparatus for adjustably coupling a threaded linkage rod to an arm of a fuel valve, air valve, air damper, damper blade assembly, or actuator that can include a sleeve, a collar, and a lock restraining axial movement of the collar with respect to the sleeve. The sleeve may include an inside threaded wall defining a sleeve bore axially receiving the linkage rod. The collar may include (i) a collar body having a collar bore axially receiving the sleeve and (ii) an about radial extension for engagement with the arm of the fuel valve, air damper, or actuator. Rotation of the sleeve causes axial movement of the sleeve, and thus the collar locked thereto, along the linkage rod. Fine position adjustments can be made to the position of the radial extension, and thus the arm of the fuel valve, air damper, or actuator engaged thereto, with respect to the linkage rod.
US08388252B2
A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product includes a container intended to contain the product and having at least one product outlet orifice. An applicator member is connected to the container so as to be in communication with the outlet orifice, and a cap is mounted removably on the container between a position covering the applicator member and a removed position. The cap is able to engage with the applicator member in order to close off the outlet orifice. The device includes a guide for guiding the cap in relation to the container, and configured such that the cap is guided in relation to the container along a translation path extending in at least two different directions.
US08388247B2
An image forming device having a detection assembly that detects a detection target. The detection assembly includes an actuator having a shaft rotatable about its axis, an abutment portion extending from the shaft and pivotally movable upon abutment of the detection target, and a detected portion pivotally movable about the axis. A detection board is supported to a stationary base component and includes a detection unit for detecting the detected portion. The shaft has one end portion supported to the base component, and another end portion supported to the detection board. Relative positional relationship between the actuator and the detection unit is maintained by the direct supporting manner of the shaft by the detection board.
US08388231B2
A roller bearing, particularly for mounting the wheel of a commercial vehicle, has two angular-contact ball bearings placed in an O-arrangement relative to one another. The roller bearing is designed such that each angular-contact ball bearing is associated to a roller body row having a common inner ring with the angular contact ball bearing, wherein the two roller body rows are facing one another and form inner bearing rows.
US08388218B2
The present invention relates to a replaceable decorative cover adapted to be snap-coupled with one of those watches formed of a monolithic rubber bracelet provided in the center with a tapering enlarged section that contains the display of the watch.
US08388214B1
A decorative lighting system has a light holding assembly, a base section member, and a top section member on the base section member. The light holding assembly has an elongated tubular body having a cavity defined therein, a flange extending from the elongated tubular body, and a plurality of lights within the elongated tubular body. At least a portion of the elongated tubular body is made of a material that allows light to pass through that portion. In addition, at least a portion of the flange is between the base section member and the top section member such that the light holding assembly is held between the base section member and the top section member.
US08388202B2
A vehicle light can include an optical system for controlling a light distribution pattern, and the optical system is a light guide (being a lens body having an inner reflecting surface). The vehicle light can project illumination light with a low bean light distribution pattern. The vehicle light can include an LED light source and a lens body serving as a light guide. The lens body can include a light incident surface, a reflecting surface, and a light exiting surface. The LED light source can have a rearmost end light emitting point from which light beams are emitted to form a bright-dark boundary line. Among the light beams, perpendicularly incident light beams not subjected to refraction can be projected toward the bright-dark boundary line while obliquely incident light beams being subjected to refraction can be corrected to be directed in a lower angular direction than the bright-dark boundary line to be mixed with the other light beams emitted from other light emitting points of the LED light source, thereby preventing the color shading of illumination light.
US08388199B2
A lamp device includes a lamp seat defining a first through hole, a lamp main body defining a second through hole, and a holding mechanism. The holding mechanism includes a bolt, a first nut, and a second nut. The bolt includes a head and a spindle connecting to the head. The spindle defines first screw threads at the opposite end from the head and second screw threads adjacent to the first screw threads. The threads per inch of the first screw threads are smaller than that of the second screw threads. The spindle passes though the first through hole and the second through hole to connect with the lamp main body and the lamp seat. The first nut and the second nut are respectively fit over the first screw threads and the second screw threads.
US08388197B1
The instant disclosure relates to a lamp having a heat dissipating lamp shell particularly suitable for housing solid state light sources. The lamp comprises a lamp shell of stamping construction and a light source unit. The lamp shell comprises an outer pot portion and an inner tray portion substantially concentrically coupled to the outer pot portion. Externally, the lamp shell forms a substantial portion of the lamp. The light source unit comprises a light module disposed on the inner tray portion of the lamp shell, a controller placed at the rear portion of the lamp shell, and an electrical connecter arranged exposedly from the rear of the lamp. The lamp shell of stamping construction is beneficially characterized by the light weight and strong structural integrity, which attribute to the work hardening property of the stamping process.
US08388195B2
An exemplary illumination device includes an enclosure, a semiconductor light source accommodated in the enclosure, and an envelope engaged with the enclosure and covering the semiconductor light source. Light generated by the semiconductor light source can project through the envelope and out of the illumination device. The semiconductor light source includes a plurality of light source modules independent from each other. A plurality of air passages are defined in each light source module for air passing therethrough to dissipate heat generated by the semiconductor light source into ambient air.
US08388187B2
An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters. The illumination system further includes landscape lights that are in communication with the control module and the information display device, such that the landscape lights may phase with the information display device, thereby providing a unified phasing effect.
US08388176B2
A light source device and a display device in which wrinkle or warpage of sheet-shaped or film-shaped optical members is prevented or minimized. A light source device (2b) includes sheet-shaped or film-shaped optical members (26a, 26b, 26c) arranged to control properties of light that passes therethrough and a chassis (11b) to which the sheet-shaped or film-shaped optical members (26a, 26b, 26c) are attached, the chassis (11b) includes a plurality of fitting protrusions (hooks) (114a, 114b, 114c) that are vertically movable and are pushed upward by pushing mechanisms in a normal usage state, a plurality of fitting holes (261) each having a through hole shape are disposed adjacent to upper sides of the sheet-shaped or film-shaped optical members (26a, 26b, 26c) in the normal usage state, and the optical members (26a, 26b, 26c) are hung on the fitting protrusions (114a, 114b, 114c) of the chassis (11b) in the fitting holes (261).
US08388170B2
An emergency lighting device includes an internal battery, a switching mechanism, and one or more light sources. The light sources are electrically coupled to the internal battery through the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a first contact and a second contact. Additionally, the switching mechanism is configured to receive an external mechanical disconnect male jack to electrically disconnect the light sources from the internal battery. In certain embodiments, the emergency lighting device is also electrically coupled to an external power source and includes a circuit breaker for providing power to the light sources from the external power supply during normal operation and for automatically providing power to the light sources from the internal battery in the event that power from the external power source fails.
US08388166B2
Lighting apparatus and structures are described to space electrical drivers from a light panel. In this way, a driver box housing the driver can be spaced from the light panel to communicate with pre-existing facilities (e.g. electrical wiring) and can serve the additional advantage of keeping the driver box out of standing water that may accumulate on the structure.
US08388160B2
Provided is a backlight device which can suppress a damage of a display panel or a diffusion sheet while suppressing the size of the device. The backlight device (20) includes: a diffusion sheet (25); and a support member (31) having a support plane (31a) for supporting the diffusion sheet and arranged below the diffusion sheet. The diffusion sheet has a center of gravity (G1) set at the arrow C direction, i.e., at the side opposite to a liquid crystal display panel (12) as compared to a contact position (tip end (P1)) between the lower surface (25d) of the diffusion sheet and the support plane of the support member when the diffusion sheet is not warped.
US08388155B2
An annunciator is provided. The annunciator includes a parabolic reflector formed from an insulating material, a reflective layer of metal disposed on a surface of the reflector, a high voltage strobe lamp disposed at a focal point of the reflector with a set of conductors of the strobe lamp extending through a center aperture of the reflector and a portion of the reflector proximate the aperture devoid of metallization.
US08388153B1
A protection device for protecting an objective lens and other parts of a microscope from excess immersion oil is provided. The objective lens protector comprising a sheet of absorbent material and a retaining mechanism for releasably securing the sheet of absorbent material to the microscope.
US08388149B2
A projector includes: a light emitting device; a light modulation device adapted to modulate a light beam emitted from the light emitting device; and a projection device adapted to project the image formed by the light modulation device, wherein the light emitting device includes a light emitting element formed of a super luminescent diode, and adapted to emit light, and a base supporting the light emitting element with first and second reflecting surfaces to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element. The light emitting element emits the light from first and second end surfaces. Directions of first and second outgoing light respectively emitted from the first and second end surfaces are opposite to each other. Directions of the first and second reflected light respectively reflected by the first and second reflecting surfaces are the same as each other.
US08388142B2
A thermal management device (401) is provided which comprises a synthetic jet actuator (403) and a heat sink (405) comprising a fin (407). The fin has at least one interior channel (409) defined therein which has first and second openings that are in fluidic communication with each other. The synthetic jet actuator is adapted to direct a synthetic jet into said channel.
US08388136B2
Methods and devices measure eye blinks and tear film lipid and aqueous layer thickness before and following ophthalmic formula application onto the ocular surface, especially wherein the ophthalmic formula is an artificial tear. The methods and devices are suitable for dry eye diagnosis. The methods and devices are suitable for use to evaluate ophthalmic formula effects on the tear film and to use such information to diagnose ophthalmic formula treatment of ocular disease conditions such as dry eye in the absence of contact lens wear or post-surgical eye drop treatment and diagnosis. The methods and devices are also suitable for use in the optimization of ophthalmic drug dosage forms and sustained drug release.
US08388132B2
A contact lens is provided with an indicator that is visible when placed in contact with a solution, but substantially transparent when removed from that solution. The indicator may be of the type to designate whether the contact lens is to be worn on the right or left eye.
US08388128B2
An adjustable eyeglasses assembly includes an eyeglasses frame, two temples and two rotary adjuster elements. The eyeglasses frame has two opposite temple connecting parts, each having an abutment face. Each temple has a pivot part connected foldably to one of the temple connecting parts, an ear piece, and a recess formed between the pivot part and the ear piece. Each adjuster element is disposed rotatably in the corresponding recess, has first and second end faces, and is rotatable to selectively move one of the first and second end faces to abut against the abutment face and to thereby limit a turning angle of the corresponding temple when the temple is unfolded, and the turning angle is changed when the first and second end faces are interchanged for abutment with the abutment face.
US08388125B2
An inkjet recording ink having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or more is provided. The inkjet recording ink contains an anionic self-dispersion pigment having an anionic functional group, a salt, and a water-soluble compound having a hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity coefficient of 0.26 or more. The ink contains a larger amount of cesium ion than the amount of the anionic functional group. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity coefficient is defined by equation (A).
US08388122B2
A liquid container includes an air-tight liquid-storage chamber or reservoir, a movable member for agitating liquid, and a protrusion portion for supporting the movable member. The movable member and the protrusion portion are disposed in the liquid-storage chamber. The movable member includes a first end that is linearly movable along the protrusion portion and a second end that is free.
US08388113B2
Provided are an inkjet printhead and a method of manufacturing the same. The inkjet printhead includes: a substrate, on which a plurality of heaters for heating ink to generated ink bubbles are formed; a chamber layer including a plurality of ink chambers formed on the substrate; and a nozzle layer including a plurality of nozzles formed on the chamber layer. In addition, at least one of the chamber layer and the nozzle layer is formed of an imide silicone resin.
US08388105B2
The image formation apparatus includes: a cylindrical conveyance member which conveys a recording medium in a conveyance direction while rotating in a state where the recording medium is held by suction on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member; a liquid ejection head which ejects liquid from an ejection face thereof toward the recording medium being conveyed by the cylindrical conveyance member; and an ejection face protective device which includes a restricting member which restricts floating up of the recording medium by coming in contact with the recording medium at a position in a first region between the ejection face of the liquid ejection head and the circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member or a second region adjacent to the first region, when the recording medium is released from the suction toward the circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member while being conveyed by the cylindrical conveyance member.
US08388099B2
An ink jet recording head includes a coating resin layer including a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting ink and a plurality of ink flow passages communicating with the plurality of ejection outlets; a substrate provided with an energy generating element for generating energy for ejecting the ink; and an adhesiveness-improving layer, provided between the coating resin layer and the substrate, for improving adhesiveness between the coating resin layer and the substrate. The adhesiveness-improving layer has a thickness so as to be larger at an end portion of the substrate than that at a portion other than the end portion.
US08388098B2
A detection device (10) including a drop detection device (22) positioned to receive drop ejection information as drops are ejected from the multiple orifices (18) of a drop ejection device (16), and a controller (34) that receives the drop ejection information and conducts a mathematical calculation to calculate frequency domain information from the drop ejection information to produce orifice information.
US08388094B2
A wide format printer that has a print zone where droplets of ink print onto media, a drive roller configured to translate the media into the print zone and a movable media engagement assembly for vacuum engagement of one side of the media to draw the media away from the print zone wherein, the print zone is more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide.
US08388093B2
A wide format printer that has a printhead assembly, a drive roller for feeding media along a media path and a vacuum platen assembly configured for movement relative to the fixed printhead assembly. The media path is more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide.
US08388091B2
A tray 2 includes a holder 10 into which a golf ball is to be set. The holder 10 has: in an upper surface thereof and a lower surface thereof, openings 46 and 48 from which parts of the golf ball are exposed, respectively; and a contact portion 52 that comes into contact with the golf ball to fix in place the golf ball. The holder 10 is invertible. Preferably, the tray 2 further includes a base plate 12 on which the holder 10 is mounted. The base plate 12 has a stopper 72 that comes into contact with the golf ball set into the holder 10. The golf ball is fixed to the holder 10 such that the position of the center of the golf ball is caused to agree with the position of the center of the holder 10 in a thickness direction thereof due to this contact.
US08388090B2
In conveying a print medium before and after a stop-unstable region in a printing apparatus, an image quality is improved while restricting a reduction of a throughput. Specifically a conveying amount is made smaller than a first conveying amount in a usual region. Thereby, the first conveying amount is maximized and the printing in the image region can be complemented by four times of scans after the conveyance of the conveying amount is completed.
US08388089B2
A discharge test device including: a head that includes a plurality of nozzles discharging liquid to a medium, a temperature obtaining section that obtains a temperature related to the head, a detection electrode that faces the head with a predetermined distance therebetween, an identification section that applies a predetermined voltage to the detection electrode and identifies an abnormal nozzle on the basis of voltage change of the detection electrode generated by liquid discharge from the nozzles, and a control section that controls the head and the identification section so that: when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is within a first temperature range, the head discharges the liquid to the medium after the identification section identifies the abnormal nozzle, when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is outside the first temperature range and within a second temperature range that is larger than the first temperature range, the head discharges the liquid to the medium without the abnormal nozzle being identified by the identification section, and when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is outside the second temperature range, the abnormal nozzle is not identified and the liquid is not discharged to the medium.
US08388082B2
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a rotatable drum that holds a medium on a periphery thereof, a head that ejects a fluid onto the medium held by the drum, a fixing portion that fixes the fluid ejected from the head onto the medium, an outer-radius measuring portion that measures an outer radius of the drum, an adjusting portion that adjusts a distance between the drum and the head, and a controller that causes the adjusting portion to adjust a distance between the head and the medium in accordance with a variation in the outer radius of the drum measured by the outer-radius measuring portion.
US08388067B2
In a case where a manipulation switch is manipulated when a limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is in an upright position, an ECU controls driving of a motor until a sector gear turned in a second turning direction moves a lock lever in a lock release direction at a second abutting portion thereby to cause a lock member to be in a lock release state. Also, in a case where the manipulation switch is manipulated when the limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is not in the upright position, the ECU controls driving of the motor until the limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is in the upright position.
US08388064B2
A stackable chair having a back member may flex to allow for improved user comfort. An inline spring-to-frame configuration with a pair of spring members reinforced by steel plates on the top and bottom of each end of each spring is attached to the underside of the left and right members of the seat support frame. The spring-to-frame configuration may allow the back support frame to flex relative to the seat support frame.
US08388063B2
A child booster seat includes a seat body, a seat base coupled to and vertically movable relative to the seat body, and a height-adjustment mechanism mounted between the seat body and the seat base. The height-adjustment mechanism includes a support structure mounted co-movably to the seat body and formed with a plurality of positioning holes that are vertically spaced apart. The height-adjustment mechanism further includes a latching component coupled movably to the seat base. The latching component includes a stop piece for engaging a selected one of the positioning holes to releasably lock the seat body at a desired height relative to the seat base. The height-adjustment mechanism also includes a manually operable part for moving the stop piece away from the positioning holes to release locking engagement between the seat base and the seat body.
US08388061B2
A display device includes: a display; and a slide mechanism including: a motor that is configured to move the display between a stored position and a use position, the display being stored in a case member of the display device in the stored position, the display being ejected outside of the case in the use position; and a grappling member, which is configured to engage with a member to be grappled, in the use position, wherein the display is tilted when the grappling member is engaged with the member to be grappled in the use position.
US08388052B2
A deflector apparatus for a vehicle includes the deflector body configured to be provided along a front edge portion of an opening portion formed on a roof portion of a vehicle and to be deployed by projecting above a surface of the roof portion. The deflector body includes a mesh member extending along the front edge portion of the opening portion. The deflector apparatus for the vehicle also includes a pair of resin frames provided at end portions of the mesh member in a widthwise direction of the mesh member respectively to extend in a lengthwise direction of the mesh member over an entire length of the mesh member. The pair of resin frames is resin-molded integrally with the mesh member and covers the end portions of the mesh member including edges of the mesh member in the widthwise direction of the mesh member.
US08388051B2
A vehicle roof comprising at least one cover element, which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening and which, with respect to the vehicle longitudinal center plane, comprises a carrier element on either side, said carrier element being provided with a gate and interacting with an adjusting device, which is guided in a guide rail arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction and comprises a carriage element, which interacts with the gate of the respective carrier element at least in order to pivot the cover element and comprises a guide section on which the carrier element rests. The guide section is formed by a wall of a plastic component, which can be elastically deformed and give way in a hollow space formed by the plastic component.
US08388048B2
A reinforcing structure for a vehicle body front part has a reinforcing member 10 disposed at a corner portion 9 formed by a dash panel 5 and a dash side panel 6. The reinforcing member 10 includes a plate-like main body portion 11 that has a width in a horizontal direction and extends between the dash panel 5 and the dash side panel 6 near the corner portion 9, a first connection portion 12 that is provided at a first end portion 11a of the main body portion 11 and extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and a second connection potion 13 that is provided at a second end portion 11b of the main body portion 11 and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The dash panel 5 and the first connection portion 12 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding, and the dash side panel 6 and the second connection portion 13 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding.
US08388045B2
A refrigerator van is provided, wherein a body of the refrigerator van includes a base frame, a pair of side panels disposed on the base frame, a front wall and a door end and a roof sheet. The front wall and a door end are disposed at two ends of each of the side panels oppositely. The side panels or the roof sheet or the front wall of the body includes a plurality of metal plates with a preset length, a plurality of connecting ribs and a pair of wing plates. Each metal plate is formed with a bending edge, and each connecting rib includes a locking slot for accommodating the bending edges of two adjacent metal plates. The wing plates extend from an opening of the locking slot, respectively, for connecting the metal plates.
US08388041B2
A spare tire installation structure for a vehicle has a first rigid member disposed within a trunk compartment of the vehicle, and a second rigid member configured vehicle rearward of the first rigid member and disposed within the trunk compartment of the vehicle. The first rigid member and the second rigid member define a space to house a spare tire. The second rigid member is configured to displace the spare tire vehicle forward and into the first rigid member in response to a rear collision to the vehicle. The first rigid member is configured to split a wheel of the spare tire.
US08388027B2
A conduit arrangement for a pressurized fluid, in particular for connecting a gearbox to an oil cooler. The conduit arrangement comprises a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit which can be connected to a housing, such as a gearbox housing, by a connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement has a first connecting part and a second connecting part which have a respective through-passage. At least one of the connecting parts is made of plastic, wherein at least one of the fluid conduits is made of plastic. The plastic connecting part and the plastic fluid conduit are integrally connected to one another.
US08388025B2
A strip for tamper evidencing has a first layer and one or more reinforcing layers. An adhesive is provided on a first portion of the strip to selectively adhere the first portion of the strip onto the first layer of a second portion of the strip, wherein the first layer is such that removal or attempted removal of the first portion of the strip from the second portion of the strip will be evidenced by the first layer. The reinforcing material may be arranged such that portions of it are bonded to each other at a plurality of locations spaced along the length of the strip. A security system may include a tamper evidencing device and a receipt portion having corresponding unique identifiers, wherein the receipt portion includes a zip tab securing portion for securing zip tabs or luggage locking points and the evidencing device includes a trackable identifier.
US08388024B2
A mailer intermediate, foldable into postcard size, includes a generally rectangular sheet of card stock having first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and first and second faces. A fold line extends substantially transverse to the side edges and substantially bisecting them, and dividing the sheet into first and second portions. An adhesive pattern on the first face of the sheet, adjacent at least one of the first and second end edges, secures the first and second portions together adjacent the first and second end edges. An obscuring coating and a camouflage image are provided on the first face of the sheet. Variable indicia are printed on the obscuring coating, and are not legible when viewed by an observer who separates the first and second portions while the first and second portions remain secured together adjacent the first and second end edges. The obscuring coating may comprise a multi-layer, thermochromic coating. Alternatively, the obscuring coating may comprise a reflective coating.
US08388021B2
A passenger seat airbag apparatus includes: an airbag which is housed in a folded state inside an instrument panel, and which inflates toward a passenger with a supply of gas during a frontal collision of a vehicle, and which has a vent hole that can be opened and closed; a tether whose first end is linked to a periphery of the vent hole in the airbag, and which closes the vent hole due to tension that is caused when the airbag inflates; an actuator which has a first hole that a second end of the tether is passed through, and which discontinues a linked state of the tether by cutting the tether if a predetermined condition is satisfied; and a protective member that is attached to the actuator so as to cover at least an edge portion of the first hole, and that is interposed between the edge portion and the tether.
US08388011B2
A sound generating apparatus includes a substantially U-shaped member having first and second panels, inner surface and outer surfaces. An arcuate section can be positioned on the inner surface of the U-shaped member for receiving and frictionally engaging a part of a bicycle fork. Two hollow ear sections can be positioned on the outer surface of the U-shaped member, each of the ear sections having an outer side and an inner side whereby exerting pressure on the outer sides of the ear sections widens an opening defined by the arcuate section to receive the bicycle fork part, and releasing the pressure on the ear sections allows the arcuate section to tighten around the bicycle fork part and frictionally engage the bicycle fork part. The arcuate section can define an arc of about 220 degrees.
US08388009B1
A two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame, a pair of wheels, and a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly has a sprocket, right crank arm assembly and a left crank arm assembly (the crank arm assemblies include pedals), wherein at least one of the two crank arm assemblies comprises an outer member and an inner member, typically, the inner member being cylindrical at least partially telescopically received in the outer member. Typically one of the inner or outer member is moveable, telescopically between a retracted locked, fixed position and an extended locked, fixed position. In the extended position, the two members lock with respect to each other and allow the bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle to lay adjacent the support surface on the removed end of the extended member, which extended member typically contains the pedal portion of the pedal assembly.
US08388003B2
A fender mounting assembly is provided for a vehicle steerable wheel. The fender mounting assembly includes a base mounted on the axle and a support pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis which is aligned with the kingpin axis. A bumper arm projects from the support. A stop support with a curved arm is fixable at different positions on the axle, and a stop member is fixable at different positions on the arm. The stop member is engagable with the bumper arm to limit pivoting of the fender. The base has a cylindrical pivot pin which is aligned with the kingpin axis. The support has a bearing housing which receives an annular bearing, and the annular bearing receives the pivot pin. A torsion spring is coupled between the base and the support. The fender mounting assembly allows the fender to rotate relative to the wheel. The fender pivot axis is coincident with the kingpin axis and includes stops which can be set in a range of positions to prevent unwanted fender rotation.
US08388002B1
A suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members, each suspension member including a housing having an interior surface that bounds a chamber and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber. The piston seals against the interior surface of the housing so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment and second compartment being filled with a gas. A first gas lines extends in fluid communication between the first compartment of a first suspension member and the second compartment of a second suspension member. A second gas lines extends in fluid communication between the second compartment of a first suspension member and the first compartment of a second suspension member.
US08388001B2
A transverse control arm for a motor vehicle is produced in one piece from a sheet metal blank. The transverse control arm includes a base body region with bearing regions formed thereon. A bearing journal is arranged in a bearing region with a material joint. The material joint is oriented in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the bearing journal, thereby providing a transverse control arm with high durability.
US08388000B2
A control arm for installation to an axle of a motor vehicle includes a base body made of sheet metal and having three bearing zones. The base body has two suspension arms to define a base body plane. One of the bearing zones includes two bearing receptacles, each having a receiving opening disposed in an opening plane. The opening plane of one of the receiving openings and the opening plane of the other one of the receiving openings are disposed in spaced-apart relationship and oriented in substantial perpendicular relationship to the base body plane.
US08387996B2
A vehicle including: a vehicle body for supporting an intended user, the vehicle body defining a body front end, a body rear end and a body longitudinal axis; a front wheel and a rear wheel, the front and rear wheels being rotatably mounted to the vehicle body respectively substantially adjacent the body front and rear ends so as to be rotatable respectively about a front wheel rotation axis and a rear wheel rotation axis orientable substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis; an auxiliary wheel mounted to the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about an auxiliary wheel rotation axis angled with respect to the front and rear wheel rotation axes; the auxiliary wheel being movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the vehicle body, wherein, when the vehicle is operatively supported on the ground surface by the front and rear wheels, the auxiliary wheel is closer to the ground surface in the extended position than in the retracted position.
US08387988B2
A game apparatus and a method using trays as the game board with vertical support columns, two sets of playing pieces and two launching devices. The one or more vertical support columns attach to the one or more trays to support the trays horizontally above a support surface. On the surface of each of the trays is a matrix and each element of the matrix has a recessed compartment orthogonal to the surface of the tray. Each recessed compartment is sized to hold a multiplicity of both types of playing pieces in a stacked manner. The launching devices are used to launch the playing pieces from the launching devices into the recessed compartments on the trays. Games are played with two or more players and the object of the game is for one player to be the first to build a predetermined pattern.
US08387982B2
A gaming dice (1) and a game with a gaming dice (1), such as a board game or a card game, said gaming dice (1) comprising a body part comprising at least six sides (2) wherein at least one or more of those sides (2) is/are provided with means (3) for simultaneous mounting of at least two indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c). This makes it possible to mount at least two separate indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c), said indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c) being configured such that they can be mounted next to each other on the same side of the gaming dice (1), and wherein the indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c) have a bottom side on which means for mounting of the indicia-carrying element of the side (2) of the gaming dice (1) is configured and a top side which is opposite relative to the bottom side and is provided with indicia.
US08387981B2
A billiard ball mixing device and wagering game provide an entertaining and enticing wagering game that utilizes billiard balls during play. The wagering game may utilize billiard balls to determine winning and losing outcomes. The mixing device may accept the billiard balls via an access point and have one or more stationary or movable agitators to mix the billiard balls, placing the balls into a random order. In one or more embodiments, the billiard balls may be removed from the mixing device preserving the random order. In this manner, winning and losing outcomes may be determined based on the randomized billiard balls.
US08387980B2
An image forming apparatus including: a plurality of medium trays to stack a print medium having an image formed thereon by an image forming unit; a driving source to momentarily apply a direction switching signal; a selector to select a carrying path of the print medium having the image formed thereon, the carrying path directing the print medium to one of the plurality of medium trays; and a switch unit connected to the driving source to set a position of the selector in order to direct the print medium along the carrying path according to the direction switching signal. Accordingly, power is only used momentarily to direct the print medium to a medium tray from among a plurality of medium trays.
US08387971B2
A media-loaded device includes a main body and a guide unit. The main body, in which media are stackable, has a first engaging member. The guide unit is movable relative to the main body and has a disengaging member. The disengaging member has a second engaging member that engages with the first engaging member. The second engaging member is disengaged from the first engaging member by an external force applied to the disengaging member in a stacking direction of the media.
US08387970B2
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage portion mounted on a device main body so as to be drawn from the device main body and the sheet storage portion stores sheets, a sheet feeding portion that feed a sheet from the sheet storage portion, a pushing portion that applies a force to the sheet storage portion in a drawing direction where the sheet storage portion is drawn from the device main body, a locking mechanism configured to lock the sheet storage portion in the device main body, and a pressing operation member that is pressed in a direction opposite to the drawing direction. A lock of the locking portion is released while interlocking the release of the press of the pressing operation member.
US08387969B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion for stacking a sheet, a sheet feeding roller for feeding the sheet stacked on said sheet stacking portion, a supporting member, rotatably supported by a base member, for rotatably supporting said sheet feeding roller, and a spring stretched between the base member and an acting portion of the supporting member. The acting portion of the supporting member is located downward with respect to a rotation center of the supporting member when a sheet stacking amount is small, and the acting portion of the supporting member is located upward with respect to a rotation center of the supporting member when a sheet stacking amount is large.
US08387967B2
An apparatus for handling stacks (18) of printing media (11) which are arranged above one another and are made from packaging material, in particular a magazine (16) for excise stamps, coupons or the like, preferably within an apparatus for producing packs (10) for cigarettes, having a shaft (19) for receiving the stack (18), which shaft (19) is delimited at least partially by preferably stationary walls (20) and is, in particular, upright. The shaft (19) can have at least one suction device (25) which acts in regions on the stack (18) in order to hold and/or align the printing media (11) on the wall (20) by means of vacuum.
US08387965B2
A stapler system for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and a mounting device for mounting the housing to the image forming apparatus. A staple head is positioned within the housing for stapling media. A media sheet path is disposed within the housing for directing media received from the image forming apparatus to the staple head for stapling. When the housing is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a portion of the housing extends above an output bin of the image forming apparatus to permit delivery of stapled media from the housing to the output bin of the image forming apparatus.
US08387960B2
A clamping sleeve is of generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior and comprises an upper crown, a lower crown, and a tubular sidewall. The upper crown is positioned at an upper end of the clamping sleeve. The lower crown is positioned at a lower end of the clamping sleeve. The tubular sidewall is positioned between the upper and lower crown and includes one or more corrugations that utilize spring like principles such that pressure applied to the external surface of the tubular sidewall circumferentially flexes the clamping sleeve in order to reduce the diameter of the clamping sleeve and apply a clamping force to an object within the clamping sleeve. The clamping sleeve may be utilized in a work support that includes a plunger positioned within the clamping sleeve, wherein a pressurized flowable medium provides pressure to the exterior of the tubular sidewall thereby causing the clamping sleeve to apply a clamping force to the plunger.
US08387954B2
A system (10) for simultaneously introducing a cable (11) and another item (21) into a conduit (12) includes a pushing machine (13) and an air blower (15) which introduces the cable (11) into the conduit (12). The conduit (12) is split near the pushing machine (13) so that the item (21) may be attached to the cable (11) by means of an attachment device (25) carried by a bullet head (23) at the leading end of the cable (11). A block (18) then connects the split ends (16, 17) of the conduit (12), and the cable (11) and other item (21) may then be moved together through the conduit (12) by the pushing machine (13) and air blower (15).
US08387953B2
Various embodiments of a vehicle jack an include an elevation assembly and a guide bracket. The elevation assembly includes a threaded member and an elongated support member, with the elongated support member configured to threadedly engage and rotate relative to the threaded member. The guide assembly includes a guide bracket configured to engage the threaded member such that the threaded member moves with the guide assembly as the guide assembly moves along a path defined by a longitudinal axis of the elongated support member. This movement raises or lowers a vehicle positioned on the jack. Various embodiments address the assembly of a vehicle jack by engaging a threaded member with an elongated support member and a guide bracket. Rotation of the elongated support member about its longitudinal axis causes the threaded member to move the guide bracket along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.
US08387948B2
A system for communicating a substance from between substance communicating devices. A substance switch is provided for selectively transferring the substance from a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source to a first substance communicating device, such as a such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to communicate the substance between the first substance communicating device and the second substance communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the substance communicating devices.
US08387946B2
An electromagnetic valve, which has a magnet armature chamber, a pressure medium chamber, a pressure medium inlet channel and a pressure medium outlet channel respectively connected to the pressure medium chamber, a valve seat, and a valve closure member that, upon bearing contact on the valve seat, blocks the connection between the pressure medium inlet channel and the pressure medium outlet channel, and a valve guide extending between the magnet armature chamber and the pressure medium chamber. A sealing ring made of a polymer, which surrounds the valve closure member and separates the magnet armature chamber from the pressure medium chamber, extends between the valve closure member and the valve guide. The geometric design of the sealing ring to the valve guide provides wear resistance for the sealing ring.
US08387941B2
An upper-bearing typed movable formwork used for cast-in-situ of concrete box girder in bridge engineering, comprising left and right legs (7) which are respectively fixed on a pier, left and right longitudinal/transverse sliding mechanisms (9), bearing devices and a template system. The left and right longitudinal/transverse sliding mechanisms (9) are respectively arranged on the left and right legs (7) and can move horizontally along the left and right legs (7), the bearing devices are respectively fixed on the left and right longitudinal/transverse sliding mechanisms (9), the template system comprises a bottom formwork (6), an internal formwork (3), a left formwork and a right formwork, the bottom formwork (6) is formed by screw connection of a left bottom formwork and a right bottom formwork (6a,6b) which are symmetrical about the axis line of the concrete box girder, two ends of the bottom formwork are respectively fixed on two opposite internal side surfaces of the left main beam and the right main beam (1). The movable formwork also comprises a plurality of adjustable supporting rods (14) used for supporting the template system.
US08387938B2
An electronic device holder is revealed. The electronic device holder includes a base, a top cover and a support member. In use, a control member of the support member is pressed so that a locking shaft is moved inwards to push a shaft part moving into a pivot hole of an assembly block of the base. And a teeth part around the shaft part is released from teeth of a locking hole. Thus the support member can be rotated to the required position. Without any force applied to the control member, the teeth part of the shaft part is engaged with the teeth of the locking hole again due to the elastic member. Thus the support member is locked, the support block is then rotated to the required position and an electronic device is leaning against the support member. Therefore users can use electronics conveniently, without holding them in hands.
US08387937B2
A stand includes a supporting panel, two first rotating members attached to opposite sides of the supporting panel, two second rotating members rotatably mounted to first ends of the first rotating members, and two supporting members mounted to second ends of the first rotating members to support the two first rotating members. An angle forms between the first and second rotating members at the first ends, because of the supporting member.
US08387933B2
A cable management member is mounted between two slide rail apparatuses. The cable management member includes an arm assembly and a support member. The arm assembly includes a rear arm, a front arm, and a connecting member pivotably connected to the rear arm and the front arm. First ends of the rear arm and the front arm opposite to the connecting member are correspondingly pivotably connected to a stationary rail and a movable rail of one of the slide rail apparatuses. Opposite ends of the support member are correspondingly connected to the two slide rail apparatuses, and slidable relative to the stationary rails of the corresponding slide rail apparatuses. The connecting member is slidably supported on the support member. The connecting member includes a first positioning button and a second positioning button to restrict the support member therebetween, thereby preventing the support member from disengaging from the connecting member.
US08387925B2
A track circuit for railway systems or the like includes a track segment of predetermined length electrically insulated from an adjacent track segment by an electric joint, which includes a conductor and forms two loops arranged in a longitudinal S-shape within the space between the rails. Units are provided that transmit and receive electric signals and that are operatively coupled with the electric joints. The transmitting/receiving units include a unit transmitting and receiving a high-frequency signal to detect a train on the a track segment, and a unit transmitting and receiving a low-frequency signal which provides the carrier encoded with information to be transmitted to a train-based receiving unit. Units are further provided that enable/disable the high-frequency signal transmitting/receiving units, and units that enable/disable the low-frequency signal transmitting/receiving units, which are alternately actuated. The electric joint includes an internal impedance disposed between the two loops.
