US08686878B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for context sensitive notifications of incoming digital communications on an aircraft. The method comprises receiving a new datalink message from a sender on a device, the datalink message including a unique identifier associated with the sender, and determining if the sender is a new sender based on the unique identifier. The method comprises determining if the device is involved in an active exchange of datalink messages based on activity data associated with the device and outputting a first alert that the new datalink message has been received at an alert level below a current alert level if the sender is not a new sender and the device is engaged in the active exchange of datalink messages.
US08686877B2
The present disclosure provides a directionally filtered indicator light, wherein a directional filter is applied to a light source that is controlled to emit light when a condition or series of conditions are met. The directional filter, in turn, regulates the transmission of light from the light source so that a first group of individuals, located within a viewing angle, are the only individuals able to see the transmitted light. In one example, the directionally filtered indicator light of the present disclosure allows an indicator light on the interior of a passenger aircraft to be viewed from outside the aircraft in direct sunlight while substantially eliminating the presence of transmitted light from a passenger seating area.
US08686874B2
A corner sensor assembly includes a housing having at least one magnet attached thereto, wherein the magnets allow the corner sensor assembly to be readily attached and relocated to corner structures within a building. The assembly includes at least one motion sensor for detecting motion within two opposing fields of monitoring. At least one visual indicator is activated when the motion sensors detect motion within both fields of monitoring and are deactivated when no motion is sensed in at least one of the fields of monitoring. The assembly includes an integrated power supply located within the housing.
US08686873B2
A system and method for providing visual information to a driver of a first vehicle, including: at least one camera or sensor which is not on the first vehicle but which captures image data that includes a view of a road within a vicinity of the first vehicle; a decision unit which receives the image data from the camera or sensor and which identifies information in the image data which a driver of the first vehicle needs to be informed of; and a display unit on the first vehicle which displays information transmitted to the first vehicle in a view that displays information determined to be missing in the vehicle's current line of sight, so that the otherwise missing information can be observed by a driver of the first vehicle.
US08686871B2
A monitoring system for use with a system is provided. The monitoring system includes a data management system that includes a database configured to store data representative of at least one operating characteristic of at least one machine. A portable display assembly is coupled to the data management system and includes at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the machine within a predefined distance from a portion of the display assembly. The display assembly also includes a communication interface that is coupled to the data management system and is configured to receive the data. Moreover, the display assembly includes a display media that is coupled to the communication interface for presenting an output representative of the data to a user of the display assembly such that the user is enabled to view historical data of the machine and/or monitor the machine in real-time.
US08686869B2
A sensing system senses whether or not a lock's bolt (140), e.g. deadbolt, is aligned with a hole (150) which the bolt is to engage in the locked state. In electronic locks, the bolt is not driven into the hole until the sensing system indicates that the bolt is aligned with the hole. Another sensing system senses the position of the bolt and/or a dead-latch bar (1310). This sensing system is spaced from the bolt's end engaging the hole in order not to interfere with the alignment sensing. The two sensing systems are used to determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A magnet system provides alignment assistance to align the bolt with the hole before the bolt is driven into the hole. Position encoding for lock and non-lock devices, and other features and embodiments are also provided.
US08686866B2
A communications patching system includes a patch panel having a plurality of connector ports on a side thereof, and a sensor module secured to the patch panel side. The sensor module includes a plurality of pairs of IR emitters and sensors, with each emitter/sensor pair located adjacent to a respective one of the connector ports. Each emitter/sensor pair is configured to detect insertion and removal of a patch cord connector from a respective connector port. The sensor module includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) secured to the housing. The IR emitters and sensors are electrically connected to the PCB, and the PCB includes a processor and memory for controlling the IR emitters and sensors.
US08686857B2
A wireless tag collective reading device of this invention comprises a rack to store the wireless-tag-equipped articles which are mounted on the wireless-tag-equipped article by printing a chip portion and an antenna portion connected to the chip portion, the chip portion emitting tag information in response to electromagnetic waves, and an antenna unit which applies, to the wireless-tag-equipped articles stored in the rack, electromagnetic waves for the emission of the tag information, and receives electromagnetic waves for the tag information emitted from the wireless tag, wherein the device controls the directivity, intensity, and phase of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna unit to apply the electromagnetic waves to the wireless-tag-equipped article at a given position stored in the rack, controls the relative positions of the antenna unit and the rack, and reads the tag information from a signal received by the antenna unit.
US08686854B2
A software module apparatus for enabling a user to generate a virtual tripwire through a geographic area of interest using a plurality of sensors. The apparatus may make use of an input for allowing a user to input a digital elevation model (DEM) of the area of interest. An input responsive to a user controlled device may also be used for defining a swath of the area of interest, the swath representing a subregion laying over, or adjacent to, a border to be monitored. A display may be generated for illustrating computed locations of a plurality of independent sensors used to form the virtual tripwire through the swath of the area of interest.
US08686848B2
An electric motor vehicle with an electric drive motor, an accumulator for storing electrical energy, an optical display device having a plurality of individually actuable lighting segments, and a display control device. To acquire important vehicle information easily and reliably by the display device, the lighting segments are arranged in such a way that they form an at least two-dimensional lighting segment field and irradiate light upward in the vertical direction. The display control device actuates the lighting segments of the lighting segment field such that the lighting segment field outputs a nondigital accumulator charge state information item and/or a nondigital vehicle operating state information item.
US08686834B2
Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.
US08686826B2
A surface mount circuit protection device includes a laminar PTC resistive element having first and second major surfaces and a thickness therebetween. A first electrode layer substantially coextensive the first surface is formed of a first metal material of a type adapted to be soldered to a printed circuit substrate. A second electrode layer formed at the second major surface includes structure forming or defining a weld plate. The metal weld plate has a thermal mass and thickness capable of withstanding resistance micro spot welding of a strap interconnect without significant resultant damage to the device. The device is preferably surface mounted to a printed circuit board assembly forming a battery protection circuit connected to a battery/cell by battery strap interconnects, wherein one of the battery strap interconnects is micro spot welded to the weld plate of the device.
US08686825B2
Embodiments of the invention are related to oxidative opening switches and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a switch assembly including a first terminal, a second terminal, and an oxidative switch element in electrical communication with the first terminal and the second terminal, the switch element comprising a conductive material and an oxidizer, the switch element configured to interrupt electrical communication between the first terminal and the second terminal as a result of an oxidation reaction between the conductive material and the oxidizer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fast opening switch for pulse power applications. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08686818B2
A microparticle includes an oblong flexible tail able to propel the microparticle in a solution along a trajectory using beats transverse to the trajectory, the tail including at least one magnetic element such that the magnetic element causes beats of the tail under the action of an external alternating magnetic field non-collinear with the trajectory and a head mechanically connected to a proximal end of the tail. The microparticle includes at least one layer of material formed from one piece and including the tail and the head, the dimensions and/or shape of the head being selected such that the beats of the proximal end of the tail are limited with respect to the beats of the distal end of the tail and such that the head does not perform a complete revolution around an axis parallel to the trajectory under the effect of the external alternating magnetic field.
US08686813B2
An electronic system. The electronic system includes a waveguide structure having a first waveguide-coupling point and a second waveguide-coupling point and an active electronic circuit having a first circuit-coupling point and a second circuit-coupling point. The second waveguide-coupling point is coupled to the first circuit-coupling point; the system is capable of receiving an input signal at the first waveguide-coupling point and transmitting an output signal at the second circuit-coupling point and/or receiving the input signal at the second circuit-coupling point and transmitting the output signal at the first waveguide-coupling point; the input signal and the output signal have frequencies in a terahertz frequency range; and the system is fabricated as a monolithic integrated structure having the waveguide structure fabricated by micromachining and the circuit fabricated monolithically.
US08686810B2
A frequency-tunable filter using a sliding system is disclosed. The frequency-tunable filter includes: a housing, in which a multiple number of cavities are defined by partitions; a sub-cover, which is coupled to an upper portion of the housing and in which a guide groove is formed; at least one sliding member installed in the guide groove; a main cover coupled to an upper portion of the sub-cover; a resonator held in the cavity; and at least one tuning element coupled to a lower portion of the sliding member to be inserted inside the housing, where tuning is achieved by a sliding movement of the sliding member, and at least one first guide member is coupled to at least one side surface of the sliding member such that the first guide member guides a sliding movement by way of contact with the side surface of the guide groove.
US08686807B2
Transmission lines for electronic devices such as microstrip and stripline transmission lines may be provided that include patterned conductive lines and a conductive paint in the patterned conductive lines. The transmission lines may include one or more planar ground conductors. The ground conductors may include conductive lines arranged in a crosshatch pattern with spaces between the conductive lines. The ground conductors may also include conductive paint in spaces within the crosshatched pattern. The ground conductors may form one or more ground planes for the transmission lines.
US08686806B2
An apparatus and a method for compensating for a mismatch in temperature coefficients of two oscillator frequencies to match a desired frequency ratio between the two oscillator frequencies over a temperature range. In one embodiment of a temperature sensor, first and second oscillators of different temperature characteristics are coupled to a differential frequency discriminator (DFD) circuit. The DFD circuit compensates for the different characteristics in order to match a frequency difference between the first and second frequencies over a temperature range.
US08686804B2
An orthogonally referenced integrated ensemble for navigation and timing includes a dual-polyhedral oscillator array, including an outer sensing array of oscillators and an inner clock array of oscillators situated inside the outer sensing array. The outer sensing array includes a first pair of sensing oscillators situated along a first axis of the outer sensing array, a second pair of sensing oscillators situated along a second axis of the outer sensing array, and a third pair of sensing oscillators situated along a third axis of the outer sensing array. The inner clock array of oscillators includes a first pair of clock oscillators situated along a first axis of the inner clock array, a second pair of clock oscillators situated along a second axis of the inner clock array, and a third pair of clock oscillators situated along a third axis of the inner clock array.
US08686795B2
A power amplifier includes: an amplifier having a base into which input signals are input, a collector to which a collector voltage is supplied, and an emitter; and a bias circuit for supplying a bias current to the base of the amplifier. The bias circuit includes a first transistor having a first control terminal into which a reference voltage is input, a first terminal to which a power voltage is applied, and a second terminal connected to the base of the amplifier. A capacitance adjusting circuit elevates capacitance between a grounding point and at least one of the first control terminal and the first terminal when the collector voltage of the amplifier is lowered.
US08686783B2
A level shifter and an associated booster driving circuit are provided. The level shifter includes an input stage and an output stage. The input stage includes an input switch, which receives an input signal and is selectively turned on according to the input signal. The output stage outputs a gate driving signal. The gate driving signal is at a low logic level when the input switch is turned on, and is at a high logic level when the input switch is turned off. The logic level of the input signal is substantially the same as the logic level of the gate driving signal.
US08686779B2
The invention concerns in general measurement of the transfer function of linear time invariant systems, more particular the calibration of such systems based on a measured transfer function. According to a first aspect the present invention an arrangement for measuring the transfer function of a linear time-invariant system is disclosed. According to a second aspect of the present invention the arrangement is implemented into a linear time-invariant circuitry having a transfer function representing the amplitude and phase characteristic of the circuitry, where by means of the arrangement for measuring the transfer function the transfer function can be optimized in accordance with certain criteria on-the-fly, i.e. in or before operation of the circuit. Finally, an effective and simple method for measuring of the transfer function of a linear time-invariant system together with the use or application of the method is shown.
US08686778B2
The described embodiments provide a configurable clock circuit. The clock circuit includes a control and enable circuit and a clock distribution circuit. During operation, when a signal on an enable input to the control and enable circuit is asserted and the control and enable circuit is configured in a clock mode, the control and enable circuit generates an enable signal on a control output to enable a signal on a clock input to propagate through the clock distribution circuit to the clock output. Alternatively, when a signal on the enable input to the control and enable circuit is asserted and the control and enable circuit is configured in a pulse mode, the control and enable circuit generates a pulsed control signal on the control output to control a length of a pulse generated from the clock input on a clock output by the clock distribution circuit.
US08686775B2
In one embodiment, a phase interpolator with a phase range of n degrees, where 0
US08686774B2
A control circuit 10 includes an internal clock generating portion (12), which starts generating an internal clock signal (LCLK) required by a control portion (11) to perform action when a specific signal pattern appears in a trigger signal, continually generates the internal clock signal (LCLK) at least before the control portion (11) completes predetermined processing, and then stops generating the internal clock signal (LCLK); and the control portion (11), which uses the internal clock signal (LCLK) to perform the predetermined processing.
US08686773B1
A margin circuit for controlling skew between first and second signals in order to determine margin, includes a variable delay circuit and a margin controller. Based on a current code value, the delay circuit applies a delay to the second signal to generate a delayed second signal. The margin controller generates the current code value for the variable delay circuit to be any one of a plurality of available code values. In one embodiment, the margin circuit is a write margin circuit that generates a first clock signal and a delayed second clock signal used to generate transmit (TX) clock and data signals having a non-zero phase offset between them. In another embodiment, the margin circuit is a read margin circuit that applies a phase offset between receive (RX) clock and data signals to enable the RX clock signal to be used to recover data from the RX data signal.
US08686771B2
The present disclosure is directed to digital phase-locked loops (DPLLs) and hybrid phase-locked loops (HPLL) for establishing and maintaining a phase relationship between a generated output signal and a reference input signal. The DPLLs use a counter based loop to initially bring the DPLL into lock. Thereafter, the DPLLs disable the counter based loop and switch to a loop with a multi-modulus divider (MMD). The DPLLs can implement a cancellation technique to reduce phase noise introduced by the MMD. The HPLLs further include a loop with a MMD. The HPLLs can implement a similar cancellation technique to reduce phase noise introduced by the MMD.
US08686770B2
Designs of devices having digital phase locked loop (DPLL) circuits that include multiple digital feedback loops to generate high frequency clock signals by a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). A time-to-digital converter (TDC) module is provided in such a DPLL circuit to receive an input reference clock signal and a first feedback clock signal from a first digital feedback loop and produces a digital TDC output indicative of a first phase error caused by a difference in time between the input reference clock signal and the first feedback clock signal. A second digital feedback loop is provided to generate a second digital feedback signal indicative of a second phase error caused by a difference in frequency between a desired clock signal and a generated clock signal generated by the DCO. The first and second digital feedback loops are coupled to the DCO to generate the high frequency clock signals.
US08686765B2
A circuit may include an input node configured to receive a signal and an output node configured to be coupled to a load. The circuit may also include a first circuit coupled between the input node and the output node. The first circuit may be configured to receive the signal and to drive the signal on the output node at a first voltage. The circuit may also include an active device coupled to the output node and a second circuit coupled to the active device and the input node. The second circuit may be configured to receive the signal and to drive the signal to the active device at a second voltage that is approximately equal to the first voltage.
US08686752B2
A circuit includes a logic stage, an inverter stage, and a driver stage. The logic stage and the inverter stage are provided with current limiters, which include a D-mode feedback transistor and a component that generates a voltage drop. A feedback loop connects the source and the gate of the D-mode feedback transistor via this component. The driver stage includes E-mode transistors connected in a totem pole that drive a D-mode transistor and an E-mode transistor to connect and disconnect the load circuit.
US08686747B2
A monitoring device for a suspension-and-traction apparatus of an elevator system that includes at least one electrically conductive cord contains a measurement apparatus for determining a resulting resistance. The measurement apparatus is connected to the cord with contacting elements contacting opposite ends of cord. Damage to the suspension-and-traction apparatus is detected by a contact point that can register protruding conductive parts of the cord and, in another embodiment, the contacting elements each contain a plurality of mutually differing resistance elements such that each of at least two electrically conductive cords of the suspension-and-traction apparatus is connected to the monitoring device through two of the resistance elements.
US08686745B2
An apparatus and a method are described for measuring water content and salt concentration in a multiphase fluid flow. A capacitive sensor (6, 7) is arranged in a pipe section (5) through which the multiphase fluid flow passes. A signal generator (10) is connected to the capacitive sensor (6, 7). A first measuring transducer (40) is adapted to measure a voltage across the capacitive sensor, and a second measuring transducer (50) is adapted to measure a current through the capacitive sensor. An output circuit (60) is adapted to generate output signals (70, 72) that indicate the salt concentration and water content in the multiphase fluid flow, based on signals emitted from the first (40) and the second (50) measuring transducer.
US08686731B2
A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.
US08686729B2
A monitoring cell, used to perform a measurement in an NMR spectrometer of a reaction fluid produced by a reaction vessel, has a body having inlet and outlet transport coaxial capillaries for transporting the reaction fluid between the body and the reaction vessel. Cooling lines are also positioned coaxially with the transport capillaries to transport cooling liquid between the body and the reaction vessel. The cell further has a hollow sample probe for insertion into the NMR spectrometer and a coupler section that removably connects the sample probe to the body so that the inlet transport capillary extends through the body into the interior of the sample probe and the outlet transport capillary is sealed to the sample probe to allow reaction fluid that enters the sample probe via the inlet transport capillary to exit the sample probe via the outlet transport capillary.
US08686719B2
A method for estimating the magnetization level of one or more permanent magnets established in one or more permanent magnet rotors of a wind turbine generator includes the steps of: establishing one or more magnetization sensors at the stator of the generator, connecting the one or more magnetization sensors to a measuring mechanism, processing measured data in the measuring mechanism, and establishing values of magnetization. Furthermore the invention also relates to a wind turbine.
US08686715B1
The invention is a method, described with the appropriate auxiliary electronic circuitry, for compensating the effect of the earth's magnetic field on Giant Magneto-Impedance magnetic sensors. The method as taught is an alternate way of cancelling out the effect of the very large residual earth's magnetic field using an impedance-tuning circuit (i.e. electrical compensation) rather than the usual magnetic type of compensation.
US08686713B2
A voltage gradient detector provides notice when a potentially hazardous voltage gradient is present in water, employing at least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes connected to an LED. The electrode spacing is selected such that, when exposed to a sufficiently large voltage gradient, the voltage between the electrodes causes activation of the LED. The LED can provide visual illumination, or can be a part of a switching device such as a photoMOS relay that in turn activates an alarm device such as an audible sounder or a high-intensity light. Sensitivity in multiple directions can be attained by employing a pair of LEDs between the electrodes, and by employing three pairs of electrodes and associated LED pairs, with the pairs of electrodes being spaced apart along substantially orthogonal axes. These pairs may be discrete or may share an electrode in common.
US08686706B2
The present invention relates to reference voltage regulating methods and circuits for a constant current driver. In one embodiment, a method can include: setting a reference voltage circuit matching with a current output channel of a constant current source; setting a first resistor of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal equivalent resistor of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first resistor and the ideal equivalent resistor to be no less than a predetermined value M; setting a first current of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal output current of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first current and the ideal output current to be no less than 1/M; and setting a product of the first current and the first resistor to be a reference voltage of the reference voltage circuit.
US08686705B2
A current mode synchronous rectification direct current (DC)/DC converter according to the present invention includes: a soft start function unit (in FIG. 1, a reference voltage generation unit (104) enabling a reference voltage REF to slowly increase while starting), for inhibiting a target value of an output voltage VO to be lower than that at a normal action while starting; and an output stabilization function unit (in FIG. 1, a frequency variable type oscillator (110A) generating a clock signal CLK and a slope voltage SLOPE through an oscillation frequency corresponding to a reference voltage REF), for performing at least one of waiting for start of a switching action and reduction of a drive frequency while starting.
US08686694B2
A discharge circuit for a DC power supply smoothing capacitor that is used in a power conversion device that supplies DC power via a switch to the DC power supply smoothing capacitor and an inverter, includes; a resistor that discharges charge in the capacitor; a switch connected in series with the resistor, that either passes or intercepts discharge current flowing from the capacitor to the resistor; a measurement circuit that measures a terminal voltage of the capacitor; and a control circuit that controls continuity and discontinuity of the switch; wherein the control circuit, after having made the switch continuous and starting discharge of the capacitor by the resistor, if a terminal voltage of the capacitor as measured by the measurement circuit exceeds a voltage decrease characteristic set in advance, makes the switch discontinuous and stops discharge by the resistor.
US08686693B2
A system and method for scalable configuration of intelligent energy storage packs are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises providing a first current measurement of a first energy storage cell electrically connected to a first converter circuit, and the first converter circuit controls the charge and discharge of the first energy storage cell. A first voltage measurement of the first energy storage cell is provided. First control signals are received and the first control signals are determined according to a load policy. The first converter circuit transforms a first voltage from the first energy storage cell to a desired first bus contribution voltage according to the first control signals.
US08686692B2
An in-vehicle charge control system includes a vehicle-state detector that detects a running state of a vehicle, a battery-state detector that detects a charge level of an in-vehicle battery, a fuel-efficiency-enhancement controller that predicts a discharge amount to be discharged by the battery under a discharge condition, sets a lower limit of the battery charge level on the basis of the battery charge level detected by the detector such that the lower limit of the battery charge level is higher than a battery charge level at which the battery begins to degrade by the predicted discharge amount, and controls a power generation amount of a vehicle generator according to the vehicle state detected by the detector. The system with this configuration can maintain the battery charge level and enhance the fuel efficiency simultaneously under practical use conditions.
US08686687B2
A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.
US08686684B2
A charging station wirelessly transmits power to mobile electronic devices (MEDs) each having a planar-shaped receiver coil (RC) and a capacitor connected in parallel across the RC. The station includes a planar charging surface, a number of series-interconnected bank A source coils (SCs), a number of series-interconnected bank B SCs, and electronics for energizing the SCs. Each SC generates a flux field perpendicular to the charging surface. The bank A and bank B SCs are interleaved and alternately energized in a repeating duty cycle. The coils in each bank are also alternately wound in a different direction so that the fields cancel each other out in a far-field environment. Whenever an MED is placed in close proximity to the charging surface, the fields wirelessly induce power in the RC. The MEDs can have any two-dimensional orientation with respect to the charging surface.
US08686683B2
A charge clip having a main body and plug received through an aperture therein includes a cradle for holding a personal electronic instrument (PEI) thereon. The plug is inserted into a wall outlet and the main body is selectively rotationally moveable with respect to the plug so that the main body is maintained in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the wall outlet. The plug includes at least one rib that is selectively engageable with at least one notch formed in the aperture, preventing rotational movement of the main body with respect to the plug. The plug further includes an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts standard AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging the PEI. The charge clip further includes at least one USB port in electrical communication with the AC/DC conversion circuit that receives a USB plug in electrical communication with the PEI.
US08686682B2
An auxiliary power supply (150) includes an auxiliary battery (152), power supply circuitry (154), and a connector (108b). The power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output which provides electrical energy for powering the electrical circuitry (102) of a battery powered device (100) and for recharging a battery (104) associated therewith. In one embodiment, the power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output current which is a function of the charge state of the auxiliary battery (152) and a load current presented by the electrical circuitry (102).
US08686672B2
A current command value computation section 22 is provided with a q-axis current command value correction section 31 and an expected voltage utilization factor computation section 32. The expected voltage utilization factor computation section 32 estimates an expected voltage utilization factor f based on a rotational angular velocity ω of a motor 12, a q-axis current command value Iq*, and a power voltage Vb (the maximum voltage Vmax). The expected voltage utilization factor f is the ratio of required output voltage to the maximum voltage Vmax applicable to a drive circuit 18. Based on the expected voltage utilization factor f, the q-axis current command value correction section 31 corrects the q-axis current command value Iq* such that the corrected expected voltage utilization factor f does not exceed a predetermined value that corresponds to the voltage saturation limit.
US08686669B2
A method of controlling a linear motion system has a linear synchronous motor comprising a stator and at least two carrier units moveable in relation to the stator, the stator comprising a number of coil units, each of the at least two carrier units comprising a magnetic unit including an array of alternate-pole magnets having a regular magnet pole-pitch, wherein in order to form a train the at least two carrier units are arranged relative to each other so that the mutual distance between two identically poled magnets of two different magnetic units is an integer multiple of the magnet pole-pitch.
US08686665B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to control of lighting systems at individual-light-fixture, local, regional, and larger-geographical-area levels. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a hierarchical lighting-control system including an automated network-control center that may control up to many millions of individual lighting fixtures and lighting elements, regional routers interconnected to the network-control center or network-control centers by public communications networks, each of which controls hundreds to thousands of individual light fixtures, and light-management units, interconnected to regional routers by radio-frequency communications and/or power-line communications, each of which controls components within a lighting fixture, including lighting elements, LED-luminaire drivers, sensors, and other devices.
US08686663B2
A lighting system according to embodiments includes a first light source, a second light source, a first lighting circuit, a second lighting circuit, a signal input unit, and a control circuit. The first light source has a predetermined color temperature. The second light source has a color temperature which is different from that of the first light source. The first lighting circuit lights the first light source. The second lighting circuit lights the second light source. The signal input unit receives an external signal. The control circuit includes a first light source lighting control cycle which performs a predetermined lighting control of the first light source, and a second light source lighting control cycle which performs a predetermined lighting control of the second light source, controls the first and second lighting circuits so as to start the lighting control.
US08686646B2
Disclosed is an illuminating device which has: a first illuminating lamp which is disposed at a first predetermined position and is identifiable; a second illuminating lamp which is disposed at a second predetermined position having a predetermined relationship with the first predetermined position and is identifiable; a determining means which determines the mutual relationship between the first illuminating lamp and the second illuminating lamp; and a transmitting means which transmits identifiable control signals to the first illuminating lamp and the second illuminating lamp, respectively, so as to achieve the determination made by the determining means.
US08686645B2
Disclosed is an LED protection circuit using a one-shot vibrator. The LED protection circuit includes an LED module; an LED load-open detection circuit for detecting a voltage applied to the LED module to vary a reference potential; a latch circuit for maintaining a latch state according to the reference potential of the LED load-open detection circuit; a current limit circuit for receiving an output signal from the latch circuit to output a first signal; an LED load connection detection circuit for varying the reference potential through the first signal to output a second signal; a trigger input circuit connected to the LED load connection detection circuit for outputting a third signal using the second signal; and a one-shot vibrator for outputting a fourth signal of a square waveform during a predetermined time when the third signal is input.
US08686639B2
A dielectric barrier discharge lamp is described, including a discharge tube having an elongated shape and enclosing a discharge gas therein, and a pair of electrodes. A portion of an outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube in a longitudinal direction of the discharge tube is defined as a light extraction area for extracting light induced in the discharge tube to an outside. The pair of the electrodes are placed on the outer peripheral surface such that the light extraction area is positioned between the pair of the electrodes in a peripheral direction of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube.
US08686631B2
Provided is a phosphor particle group of divalent europium-activated oxynitride green light emitting phosphor particles each of which is a β-type SiAlON substantially represented by a general formula: EuaSibAlcOdNe, where 0.005≦a≦0.4, b+c=12, d+e=16, wherein 60% or more of the phosphor particle group is composed of the phosphor particles in which a value obtained by dividing a longer particle diameter by a shorter particle diameter is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 3.0. A high-efficiency and stable light emitting apparatus using a β-type SiAlON, which includes a light converter using the phosphor particle group, and a phosphor particle group therefor are also provided.
US08686630B2
Disclosed are an organic electroluminescence element with significantly improved light extraction efficiency and improved film properties and an illumination device that uses said element. The organic electroluminescence element has a transparent electrode, an organic electroluminescence layer, and a cathode sequentially stacked on a transparent base material. The element is characterized in that the transparent base material is a transparent resin film, there is a hard coat layer on both sides, the respective refractive indices satisfy the expressions (1)-(4), and there is a function to scatter light to the light emission side with respect to the organic electroluminescence layer. Expression (1): −0.2≦n(H1)−n(A)≦0.2, Expression (2): −0.1≦n(H1)−n(B)≦0.1, Expression (3): −0.1≦n(H2)−n(B)≦0.1, Expression (4): −0.1≦n(H1)−n(H2)≦0.1. In the expressions, n(A) is the refractive index of the transparent electrode; n(H1) is the refractive index of the hard coat layer (on the transparent electrode side); n(H2) is the refractive index of the hard coat layer (on the side opposite the transparent electrode); and n(B) is the refractive index of the transparent resin film.
US08686625B1
In accordance with certain embodiments, a phosphor element at least partially surrounding a light-emitting die is shaped to influence color-temperature divergence.
US08686613B2
A power generating device includes a first substrate having a first electrode and a first positioning electrode being chargeable with a first polarity on a first surface, and a second substrate movable within a predetermined range from a static position in the planar direction of the first substrate and having a second electrode and a second positioning electrode being chargeable with a second polarity opposite to the first polarity on a second surface opposing the first surface. Overlapping the first positioning electrode and the second positioning electrode at least partially in plan view of the first substrate in the static position can cause the second substrate to return to the static position due to electrostatic attraction generated between the first positioning electrode and the second positioning electrode.
US08686603B2
Provided is a linear and rotary actuator capable of bearing moment and load from a movable body and downsizing its radial dimension. A spline shaft is held in housings to be movable linearly in the axial direction and rotatable about the axis. The spline shaft is connected to a mover shaft of a linear motor. The spline shaft is surrounded with a hollow rotor of a rotary motor. The rotor is connected to a spline nut which transmits rotation of the rotor to the spline shaft by rotating together with the rotor and allows linear movement of the spline shaft. The rotor of the rotary motor is rotated by a stator of the rotary motor. The spline nut, the stator of the rotary motor and a stator of the linear motor are arranged in this order from an end of the spline shaft and mover shaft along the axial direction.
US08686601B2
A power conversion apparatus for vehicle use having a small size and a light weight is obtained. The power conversion apparatus is provided with: a plurality of semiconductor modules in which semiconductor devices are molded with a resin, and each of which has a module body, an input terminal, and an output terminal; a heat sink of a rectangular parallelepiped shape which has cooling principal planes on opposite surfaces thereof, respectively, for cooling these semiconductor modules; and a plurality of control boards which control the driving of the semiconductor modules. Each of the semiconductor modules is arranged such that its module body has a principal plane in surface contact with one of the cooling principal planes of the heat sink, and each of the control boards is arranged in opposition to a surface of the module body at an opposed side of the principal plane thereof.
US08686599B2
A power transmission system and a power receiving jacket is provided that enhances the transmission efficiency of electric power with a simple structure and without increasing manufacturing costs. The power transmission system includes a power transmitting device having a first passive electrode, a first active electrode whose potential is higher than the first passive electrode, and a voltage generation circuit connected between the first passive electrode and the first active electrode, a power receiving jacket having a second active electrode and a power receiving circuit module connected to the second active electrode, and an electronic device attachable to the power receiving jacket. The electronic device includes a chassis having a conductive portion formed from a conductive material along a surface facing the first passive electrode, and the power receiving circuit module is electrically connected between the conductive portion and the second active electrode.
US08686591B2
An electrically-driven vehicle 10 comprises a chargeable and dischargeable battery 20, a charger 16 that charges the battery 20 using a supply of electric power from an external power supply 100, an accessory unit 19 that is driven by a supply of electric power from at least one of the battery 20 and the charger 16; and a PM-ECU 18 that controls drive of the charger 16 so that the charged amount of the battery does not exceed a predetermined charging upper limit. The PM-ECU 18 sets the charging upper limit used when the accessory unit 19 is being driven, lower than the charging upper limit used when the accessory unit 19 is not being driven in order to avoid overcharging when excessive electric power is supplied from the accessory unit 19 to the battery 20.
US08686589B2
The invention relates to a device (9) for controlling the maintenance actuators (7a, 7b) of the cowlings of a turbojet engine nacelle of an aircraft, that comprises a first stage (12) to be connected to an electric power network (10) of the aircraft, at least one second power stage (13a, 13b) including converters of a first DC voltage from the first stage (12) into a second DC voltage for powering at least one maintenance actuator (7a, 7b) connected downstream from the device (9), a control means (14) for the first and second stages (12, 13a, 13b), and a means (15) for establishing a communication between the control means (14) and at least one control housing (16a, 16b) so that a user can control the operation of the actuators, the control means being arranged so as to carry out switching operations between a first operation mode in which the second stage(s) (13a, 13b) are powered, and a second standby mode in which the second stage(s) (13a, 13b) are not powered by the first stage (12).
US08686587B2
A system to harvest energy from fluid flow includes: an outer body including a flowway; an inner sleeve rotatably coupled to the outer body; and a magnetostrictive material disposed proximate to the inner sleeve to be strained due to a rotation of the inner sleeve in response to a fluid flow in the flowway.
US08686583B2
Provided is a power generating device that includes a weight suspended from a buoy via a zip-line and at least two gears disposed on said zip-line which are coupled to a drive shafts, which in turn are coupled to an electric generator. The device converts the mechanical power of oscillating ocean waves into electricity.
US08686580B2
In an oscillating water column (OWC) assembly power may be generated based on a power reference that is derived from an estimate of the available mechanical power in the air turbine 2 or a measured pressure drop across the turbine. The power reference is used to derive a power control torque reference within a power controller 14. A speed controller 16 uses a comparison of a measured speed of the generator 8 and a maximum speed limit to derive a speed control torque reference. A selector function 22 selects whichever of the power control and speed control torque references is the maximum at any time instant. The selected torque reference is input to an anti stall torque function 24 where it is selectively modified by applying a speed dependent gain that decreases with decreasing turbine speed, preferably so that the main torque reference is zero for a minimum speed limit.
US08686575B2
An energy collection system may collect and use the energy generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended from a support wire system supported by poles. The support wire system is electrically connected to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made of any conducting material, but carbon and graphite are preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of energy.
US08686565B2
An assembly and method of making same are provided. The assembly can be formed by stacking a first semiconductor element atop a second semiconductor element and forming an electrically conductive element extending through openings of the semiconductor elements. The openings may be staged. The conductive element can conform to contours of the interior surfaces of the openings and can electrically connect conductive pads of the semiconductor elements. A dielectric region can be provided at least substantially filling the openings of the semiconductor elements, and the electrically conductive element can extend through an opening formed in the dielectric region.
US08686562B2
According to one disclosed embodiment, an electrical contact for use on a semiconductor device comprises an electrode stack including a plurality of metal layers and a capping layer formed over the plurality of metal layers. The capping layer comprises a refractory metal nitride. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating an electrical contact for use on a semiconductor device comprises forming an electrode stack including a plurality of metal layers over the semiconductor device, and depositing a refractory metal nitride capping layer of the electrode stack over the plurality of metal layers. The method may further comprise annealing the electrode stack at a temperature of less than approximately 875° C. In some embodiments, the method may additionally include forming one of a Schottky metal layer and a gate insulator layer between the electrode stack and the semiconductor device.
US08686558B2
In one embodiment, a method for assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package is provided. The method includes providing a stiffener that has opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is capable of mounting an integrated circuit (IC) die in a central area and forming a pattern in at least a portion of the first surface to enhance the adhesiveness of an encapsulant material to the first surface.
US08686553B2
A reduction in contaminating impurities in a TFT, and a TFT which is reliable, is obtained in a semiconductor device which uses the TFT. By removing contaminating impurities residing in a film interface of the TFT using a solution containing fluorine, a reliable TFT can be obtained.
US08686552B1
A stacked-die electronic package assembly includes IC chips connected to a base substrate in a flip-chip, offset (e.g., pyramid-type) stacked arrangement by way of single-curved interconnect springs. Each interconnect spring is patterned from a spring metal film that bends to form a cantilevered structure having an anchor portion secured to the base substrate, a body portion that curves upward from the base substrate, and a tip disposed at the free end of the body portion. The IC chips are mounted onto interconnect springs such that contact pads on the chips contact the spring tips, causing the springs to slightly compress. Optional solder is utilized to secure the connection of the spring tips to the contact pads. Optional spacers and adhesive are utilized to maintain proper spacing between the IC chips and the base substrate. The springs are formed with different tip heights to facilitate connection to the stacked IC chips.
US08686547B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a packaged semiconductor device that reduces stress on a semiconductor device caused by thermal expansion of the insulating material used in the packaged semiconductor device. In one embodiment, an inactive semiconductor device is coupled to the top of active semiconductor device. Both the inactive and active devices are encapsulated by the insulating material. The configuration of the inactive device is selected based on its ability to absorb the expansion of the insulating material at operating temperature.
US08686546B2
A combined packaged power semiconductor device includes a flipped top source low-side MOSFET electrically connected to a top surface of a die paddle, a first metal interconnection plate connecting between a bottom drain of a high-side MOSFET or a top source of a flipped high-side MOSFET to a bottom drain of the low-side MOSFET, and a second metal interconnection plate stacked on top of the high-side MOSFET chip. The high-side, low-side MOSFET and the IC controller can be packaged three-dimensionally that reduces the overall size of semiconductor devices and can maximize the chip's size within a package of the same size and improves the performance of the semiconductor devices. The top source of flipped low-side MOSFET is connected to the top surface of the die paddle and thus is grounded through the exposed bottom surface of die paddle, which simplifies the shape of exposed bottom surface of the die paddle and maximizes the area to facilitate heat dissipation.
US08686531B2
Provided is a power semiconductor device including a guard ring region to protect control devices. The power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body layer extending over a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type. The semiconductor body layer has a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. A well of the first conductivity type extends in the semiconductor body layer and is configured to be electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate. At least one control device is formed in the well, where the control device comprises at least one of PN junction. A guard ring region of the first conductivity type is laterally spaced from but surrounds the well. The guard ring region together with the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor body layer form a parasitic bipolar transistor, and the guard ring region functions as a collector of the parasitic bipolar transistor.
US08686530B2
An electronic component, notably one including, for example, a TFT, a storage capacitor, or a crossing between electrically conductive layers of a stack device is disclosed. The electronic component comprises a substrate whereon a first electrically conductive layer forming electrode is provided. A second electrode formed by a second electrically conductive layer is separated from the first electrode by at least a dielectric layer, comprising an interlayer of an electrically insulating material, preferably having high resistance against electrical breakdown and a further layer of a photo-patternable electrically insulating material.
US08686528B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a lower electrode (110); a contact layer (130) including a first contact layer (132), a second contact layer (134) and a third contact layer (136) overlapping with a semiconductor layer (120); and an upper electrode (140) including a first upper electrode (142), a second upper electrode (144) and a third upper electrode (146). The second contact layer (134) includes a first region (134a), and a second region (134b) separate from the first region (134a), and the second upper electrode (144) is directly in contact with the semiconductor layer (120) in a region between the first region (134a) and the second region (134b) of the second contact layer (134).
US08686525B2
The invention relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic memory which sense magnetic information held by a ferromagnetic body without a current flowing through the ferromagnetic body. The magnetic sensor and magnetic memory use a magnetoresistive effect generated in a current that flows through a metal layer along an interface, on at least the interface side, with a ferromagnetic dielectric layer and said metal layer being joined through said interface.
US08686524B2
A magnetic stack having a ferromagnetic free layer, a metal oxide layer that is antiferromagnetic at a first temperature and non-magnetic at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the reference layer. During a writing process, the metal oxide layer is non-magnetic. For magnetic memory cells, such as magnetic tunnel junction cells, the metal oxide layer provides reduced switching currents.
US08686522B2
Semiconductor trench inductor and transformer structures are provided, which include thin film conductive layers and magnetic layers formed within trenches etched in semiconductor substrates. Semiconductor trench devices effectively provide vertical oriented inductor and transformer structures whereby conductive coils and magnetic layers are vertically oriented on edge within trenches, thereby providing a space-saving compact design, and which allows the conductive layers within the trench to be enclosed by magnetic material, thereby providing a density of magnetic material that increases the storable energy density.
US08686512B2
Roughly described, transistor channel regions are elevated over the level of certain adjacent STI regions. Preferably the STI regions that are transversely adjacent to the diffusion regions are suppressed, as are STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to N-channel diffusion regions. Preferably STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to P-channel diffusions are not suppressed; preferably they have an elevation that is at least as high as that of the diffusion regions.
US08686510B2
An ESD protection element may include: a fin structure including a first connection region having a first conductivity type, a second connection region having a second conductivity type, first and second body regions formed between the connection regions, the first body region having the second conductivity type and formed adjacent to the first connection region, the second body region having the first conductivity type and formed adjacent to the second connection region, the body regions having a lower dopant concentration than the connection regions, a diffusion region formed between the body regions and having substantially the same dopant concentration as at least one of the first and second connection regions; a gate region on or above the first body region or the second body region; a gate control device electrically coupled to the gate region and configured to control at least one electrical potential applied to the gate region.
US08686509B2
A semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a first doped region and a second doped region. The first doped region comprises a first contact region. The first doped region and the first contact region have a first type conductivity. The second doped region comprises a second contact region. The second doped region and the second contact region have a second type conductivity opposite to the first type conductivity. The first doped region is adjacent to the second doped region.
US08686508B2
Structures and methods are provided for nanosecond electrical pulse anneal processes. The method of forming an electrostatic discharge (ESD) N+/P+ structure includes forming an N+ diffusion on a substrate and a P+ diffusion on the substrate. The P+ diffusion is in electrical contact with the N+ diffusion. The method further includes forming a device between the N+ diffusion and the P+ diffusion. A method of annealing a structure or material includes applying an electrical pulse across an electrostatic discharge (ESD) N+/P+ structure for a plurality of nanoseconds.
US08686506B2
A CMOS chip comprising a high performance device region and a high density device region includes a plurality of high performance devices comprising n-type field effect transistors (NFETs) and p-type field effect transistors (PFETs) in the high performance device region, wherein the high performance devices have a high performance pitch; and a plurality of high density devices comprising NFETs and PFETs in the high density device region, wherein the high density devices have a high density pitch, and wherein the high performance pitch is about 2 to 3 times the high density pitch; wherein the high performance device region comprises doped source and drain regions, NFET gate regions having an elevated stress induced using stress memorization technique (SMT), gate silicide and source/drain silicide regions, and a dual stressed liner, and wherein the high density device region comprises doped source and drain regions, gate silicide regions, and a neutral stressed liner.
US08686502B2
In an LDMOS device leakage and forward conduction parameters are adjusted by integrating an Schottky diode into the LDMOS by substituting one or more n+ source regions with Schottky diodes.
US08686499B2
A semiconductor device includes a p-type semiconductor substrate, an n-type drift region formed in the p-type semiconductor substrate, and a p-type body region formed in the n-type drift region. A circular gate electrode is formed over a pn junction between sides of the p-type body region and the n-type drift region along the pn junction. An n-type drain region and an n-type source region are formed in the n-type drift region and the p-type body region, respectively, with a part of the gate electrode between.
US08686490B2
Methods and apparatuses for electronic devices such as non-volatile memory devices are described. The memory devices include a multi-layer control dielectric, such as a double or triple layer. The multi-layer control dielectric includes a combination of high-k dielectric materials such as aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, and/or hybrid films of hafnium aluminum oxide. The multi-layer control dielectric provides enhanced characteristics, including increased charge retention, enhanced memory program/erase window, improved reliability and stability, with feasibility for single or multi state (e.g., two, three or four bit) operation.
US08686487B2
Semiconductor devices include one or more transistors having a floating gate and a control gate. In at least one embodiment, the floating gate comprises an intermediate portion extending between two end portions. The intermediate portion has an average cross-sectional area less than one or both of the end portions. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion may comprise a single nanowire. In additional embodiments, semiconductor devices have one or more transistors having a control gate and a floating gate in which a surface of the control gate opposes a lateral side surface of a floating gate that defines a recess in the floating gate. Electronic systems include such semiconductor devices. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include, for example, forming a floating gate having an intermediate portion extending between two end portions, and configuring the intermediate portion to have an average cross-sectional area less than one or both of the end portions.
US08686482B2
A CIS and a method of manufacturing the same, the CIS including a substrate having a first surface and second surface opposite thereto, the substrate including an APS array region including a photoelectric transformation element and a peripheral circuit region; an insulating interlayer on the first surface of the substrate and including metal wirings electrically connected to the photoelectric transformation element; a light blocking layer on the peripheral circuit region of the second surface of the substrate, exposing the APS array region, and including a plurality of metal wiring patterns spaced apart from one another to form at least one drainage path along a boundary region between the APS array region and the peripheral circuit region; a color filter layer on the second surface of the substrate covering the APS array region and the light blocking layer; and a microlens on the color filter layer on the APS array region.
US08686472B2
There is provided a semiconductor wafer including a base wafer, an insulating layer, and a Si crystal layer in the stated order. The semiconductor wafer further includes an inhibition layer that is provided on the Si crystal layer and has an opening penetrating therethrough to reach the Si crystal layer. The inhibition layer inhibiting crystal growth of a compound semiconductor. Furthermore, a seed crystal is provided within the opening, and a compound semiconductor has a lattice match or a pseudo lattice match with the seed crystal. There is also provided an electronic device includes a substrate, an insulating layer that is provided on the substrate, a Si crystal layer that is provided on the insulating layer, an inhibition layer that is provided on the Si crystal layer and has an opening penetrating therethrough to reach the Si crystal layer, where the inhibition layer inhibits crystal growth of a compound semiconductor, a seed crystal that is provided within the opening, a compound semiconductor that has a lattice match or a pseudo lattice match with the seed crystal, and a semiconductor device that is formed using the compound semiconductor.
US08686469B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a diode active region and an edge termination region adjacent to each other, a first region of a first conductivity type in the diode active region, a second region of a second conductivity type, a third region of the first conductivity type in the edge termination region, and a fourth region of the second conductivity type. The first region and the third region share a drift region of the first conductivity type. The first region and the third region share a fifth region of the first conductivity type. The drift region in the third region is greater in number of crystal defects per unit volume than the drift region in the first region in order that the drift region in the third region is shorter in carrier lifetime than the drift region in the first region.
US08686465B2
Glass is provided which is capable of covering at a covering treatment temperature of at most 400° C. and which has a low thermal expansion coefficient and excellent weather resistance. Glass comprising, as represented by mol % based on oxides, from 29% to 33% of P2O5, from 43% to 58% of SnO, from 11% to 25% of ZnO, from 0.1% to 2% of Ga2O3, from 0.5% to 5% of CaO, and from 0% to 1% of SrO, provided that the sum X of ZnO, Ga2O3 and CaO is within a range of from 13% to 27%, as represented by mol % based on oxides.
US08686461B2
A light emitting diode (LED) die includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a second substrate on the second surface of the first substrate; a p-type semiconductor layer on the first surface of the first substrate; a multiple quantum well (MQW) layer on the p-type semiconductor layer configured to emit light; and an n-type semiconductor layer on the multiple quantum well (MQW) layer.
US08686460B2
A flip-chip semiconductor based Light Emitting Device (LED) can include an n-type semiconductor substrate and an n-type GaN epi-layer on the substrate. A p-type GaN epi-layer can be on the n-type GaN epi-layer and a metal ohmic contact p-electrode can be on the p-type GaN epi-layer, where the metal ohmic contact p-electrode can have an average thickness less than about 25 Å. A reflector can be on the metal ohmic contact p-electrode and a metal stack can be on the reflector. An n-electrode can be on the substrate opposite the n-type GaN epi-layer and a bonding pad can be on the n-electrode.
US08686459B2
The present invention provides a light-transmitting metal electrode including a substrate and a metal electrode layer having plural openings. The metal electrode layer also has such a continuous metal part that any pair of point-positions in the part is continuously connected without breaks. The openings in the metal electrode layer are periodically arranged to form plural microdomains. The plural microdomains are so placed that the in-plane arranging directions thereof are oriented independently of each other. The thickness of the metal electrode layer is in the range of 10 to 200 nm.
US08686455B2
A composite substrate for the formation of a light-emitting device, ensuring that a high-quality nitride-based light-emitting diode can be easily formed on its top surface and the obtained substrate-attached light-emitting diode functions as a light-emitting device capable of emitting light for an arbitrary color such as white, is provided. A composite substrate for the formation of a light-emitting device, comprising a light-converting material substrate for radiating at least a part of incident light as light different in the wavelength through the surface opposite the incident surface, and at least two or more Al-containing nitride layers formed on the light-converting material substrate, wherein the light-converting material substrate has a texture comprising two or more oxide phases continuously and three-dimensionally entangled with each other, including an Al2O3 phase and at least one fluorescence-emitting oxide phase, and the nitride layer has a first layer of an Al-containing nitride layer formed on the light-converting material substrate and a second layer of AlN having a dislocation density of 1×1012/cm2 or less and preferably having a surface roughness (RMS) of 10 nm or less.
US08686454B2
There is provided a semiconductor light emitting device including a conductive substrate, a first electrode layer, an insulating layer, a second electrode layer, a second semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a first semiconductor layer that are sequentially stacked. The contact area between the first electrode layer and the first semiconductor layer is 3% to 13% of the total area of the semiconductor light emitting device, and thus high luminous efficiency is achieved.
US08686441B2
A semiconductor light emitting device includes first and second semiconductor layers, an active region, a transparent electrically-conducting layer 13, a reflecting structure 20, and a first electrode. The second semiconductor layer has a conductivity different from the first semiconductor layer. The active region is arranged between the first and second semiconductor layers. The transparent electrically-conducting layer 13 is arranged on or above the first semiconductor layer. The reflecting structure 20 is arranged on or above the transparent electrically-conducting layer 13. The first electrode is arranged on or above the reflecting structure 20, and electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer. The reflecting structure 20 includes at least a reflective layer 16. An intermediate layer 17 is interposed between the transparent electrically-conducting layer 13 and the reflecting structure 20. The intermediate layer 17 is formed of a material containing an element with larger ionization tendency than the reflective layer 16.
US08686436B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, a third semiconductor region, a fourth semiconductor region, an insulating film, a control electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first semiconductor region includes silicon carbide, and has a first portion. The second semiconductor region is provided on the first semiconductor region, and includes silicon carbide. The third semiconductor region and the fourth semiconductor region are provided on the second semiconductor region, and includes silicon carbide. The electrode is provided on the film. The second semiconductor region has a first region and a second region. The first region contacts with the third semiconductor region and the fourth semiconductor region. The second region contacts with the first portion. The impurity concentration of the first region is higher than an impurity concentration of the second region.
US08686430B2
A buffer layer of zinc telluride (ZnTe) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) is formed directly on a silicon substrate. Optionally, a layer of AlN is then formed as a second layer of the buffer layer. A template layer of GaN is then formed over the buffer layer. An epitaxial LED structure for a GaN-based blue LED is formed over the template layer, thereby forming a first multilayer structure. A conductive carrier is then bonded to the first multilayer structure. The silicon substrate and the buffer layer are then removed, thereby forming a second multilayer structure. Electrodes are formed on the second multilayer structure, and the structure is singulated to form blue LED devices.
US08686425B2
A larger substrate can be used, and a transistor having a desirably high field-effect mobility can be manufactured through formation of an oxide semiconductor layer having a high degree of crystallinity, whereby a large-sized display device, a high-performance semiconductor device, or the like can be put into practical use. A first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed over a substrate and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed thereover; then, crystal growth is carried out from a surface to an inside by performing heat treatment at 500° C. to 1000° C. inclusive, preferably 550° C. to 750° C. inclusive so that a first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions are formed; and a second multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions is stacked over the single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions.
US08686412B2
A microelectronic device includes a thin film transistor having an oxide semiconductor channel and an organic polymer passivation layer formed on the oxide semiconductor channel.
US08686410B2
An electroluminescence generating device comprising a channel of organic semiconductor material, said channel being able to carry both types of charge carriers, said charge carriers being electrons and holes; an electron electrode, said electron electrode being in contact with said channel and positioned on top of a first side of said channel layer or within said channel layer, said electron electrode being able to inject electrons in said channel layer; a hole electrode, said hole electrode being spaced apart from said electron electrode, said hole channel and positioned on top of within said channel layer, said hole electrode being able to inject holes into said channel; a control electrode positioned on said first side or on a second side of said channel; whereby light emission of said electroluminescence generating device can be acquired by applying an electrical potential difference between said electron electrode and said hole electrode.
US08686406B2
A pyrene-based compound, an organic light-emitting diode including the compound and an organic light-emitting apparatus including the compound are disclosed.
US08686404B2
Electrodes in an organic thin film transistor based on single component organic semiconductors may be chemically modified to realize ambipolar transport. Electronic circuits may be assembled which include at least two such organic thin film transistors wherein at least one transistor is configured as a pmos transistor and at least on other transistor is configured as a nmos transistor.
US08686403B2
Disclosed is an organic light emitting device comprising a first electrode, two or more organic compound layers, and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer which is in contact with the conductive layer, one of the organic compound layers interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the second electrode is a p-type organic compound layer forming an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode, energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (1) and (2), and one or more layers interposed between the p-type organic compound layer and the second electrode are n-doped with alkali earth metal: 0 eV
US08686396B2
An ultra-violet light-emitting device and method for fabricating an ultraviolet light emitting device, 12, (LED or an LD) with an AlInGaN multiple-quantum-well active region, 10, exhibiting stable cw-powers. The device includes a non c-plane template with an ultraviolet light-emitting structure thereon. The template includes a first buffer layer, 321, on a substrate, 100, then a second buffer layer, 421, on the first preferably with a strain-relieving layer, 302, in both buffer layers. Next there is a semiconductor layer having a first type of conductivity, 500, followed by a layer providing a quantum-well region, 600. Another semiconductor layer, 700, having a second type of conductivity is applied next. Two metal contacts, 980 and 990, are applied to this construction, one to the semiconductor layer having the first type of conductivity and the other to the semiconductor layer having the second type of conductivity, to complete the light emitting device.
US08686391B2
A method of manufacturing an electrode is provided that includes providing a pillar of a first phase change material atop a conductive structure of a dielectric layer; or the inverted structure; forming an insulating material atop dielectric layer and adjacent the pillar, wherein an upper surface of the first insulating material is coplanar with an upper surface of the pillar; recessing the upper surface of the pillar below the upper surface of the insulating material to provide a recessed cavity; and forming a second phase change material atop the recessed cavity and the upper surface of the insulating material, wherein the second phase change material has a greater phase resistivity than the first phase change material.
US08686382B2
In an opto-isolator, a nontransparent hollow tube having a smooth inner surface with mirror-like qualities is used as the optical waveguide for coupling optical signals between the transmitter module and the receiver module and for providing electrical transient isolation.
US08686374B2
The present invention provides a drawing apparatus including a generation device configured to generate drawing data, a blanking device configured to blank a beam, and a blanking controller includes a first storage device, a second storage device, and a third storage device configured to respectively store the drawing data generated by the generation device, and being configured to control operations of the first storage device, the second storage device, and the third storage device so that an operation of storing the drawing data generated by the generation device in a selected one of the first storage device and the second storage device, and an operation of reading out the drawing data stored in the other of the first storage device and the second storage device, and storing the readout drawing data in the third storage device are executed in parallel.
US08686370B2
A method is disclosed for in-situ monitoring of an EUV mirror to determine a degree of optical degradation. The method may comprise the steps/acts of irradiating at least a portion of the mirror with light having a wavelength outside the EUV spectrum, measuring at least a portion of the light after the light has reflected from the mirror, and using the measurement and a pre-determined relationship between mirror degradation and light reflectivity to estimate a degree of multi-layer mirror degradation. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a near-normal incidence, EUV mirror which may comprise the steps/acts of providing a metallic substrate, diamond turning a surface of the substrate, depositing at least one intermediate material overlying the surface using a physical vapor deposition technique, and depositing a multi-layer mirror coating overlying the intermediate material.
US08686364B1
Methods and systems for real time, in situ monitoring of fluids, and particularly the determination of both the energy content and contaminants in a gas or oil transmission facility, are provided. The system may include two separate scanning sources to scan two different, but overlapping, NIR ranges, or may involve two separate scans from a single scanning spectroscopy source. The first scan ranges from approximately 1550 nm up through 1800 nm and a second scan concurrently scans at a high resolution across a band from approximately 1560-1610 nm, the wavelength of interest for hydrogen sulfide (though similar scans are contemplated in alternative wavelength ranges for alternative contaminants). The second scan may provide very narrow (0.005 nm) step resolution over just the wavelength of interest for the contaminant and may scan at a substantially higher power level. The spectroscopic optical data from the two scans, however obtained, must then be combined into an analytical processing module containing models that analyze the multi-scan data and yield both energy content and contaminant quantitative data.
US08686362B2
A millimeter wavelength (MMW) measurement system for remote detection of object characteristics and methods for detecting such characteristics. The MMW measurement system comprises a front-end and an optional signal conditioning component. The MMW front-end includes an oscillator, a transceiver portion, and an antenna for focusing a detection component comprising micrometer level wavelength electromagnetic radiation onto the object. A portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the object is received by the MMW measurement system, which is indicative of a displacement of the object. The MMW system may be configured to detect micrometer level displacement of the object disposed tens of meters from the MMW measurement system. In various embodiments the object may be a natural object, including a human, and the displacement may be indicative of a heart rate and/or a respiratory function.
US08686359B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for 4D ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM)—in situ imaging with ultrafast time resolution in TEM. Single electron imaging is used as a component of the 4D UEM technique to provide high spatial and temporal resolution unavailable using conventional techniques. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for convergent beam UEM, focusing the electron beams onto the specimen to measure structural characteristics in three dimensions as a function of time. Additionally, embodiments provide not only 4D imaging of specimens, but characterization of electron energy, performing time resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS).
US08686358B2
Methods and apparatus are provided herein for time-resolved analysis of the effect of a perturbation (e.g., a light or voltage pulse) on a sample. By operating in the time domain, the provided method enables sub-microsecond time-resolved measurement of transient, or time-varying, forces acting on a cantilever.
US08686355B2
A detection system assembly is provided. The detection system assembly includes a detector system including a housing having a sample port configured to receive a sample of an unknown substance, a detector assembly in flow communication with the sample port, and a pump in flow communication with the detector assembly. The detection system assembly further includes a dryer cartridge removably coupled to an outer surface of the housing of the detector system. The dryer cartridge is in flow communication with the pump and the detector assembly.
US08686353B2
A mass spectrometer comprised of a mass analyzer, ion source and detector has the capability of analyzing samples in both positive and negative ionization modes. The mass spectrometer used in conjunction with a liquid chromatograph, fluid splitters and a plurality fluid pathways so that a large volume of analysis may be performed quickly and with high precision and accuracy. The apparatus is also capable of analyzing complex mixtures such as coeluting samples.
US08686341B2
An image sensor for gathering images at one and the same time at low illumination level and at high illumination level is described. The sensor operates with a double integration time at each frame. Two successive charge transfers from a photodiode to a storage node are performed, the first after a first duration, the second after a second duration different from the first. The potential of the storage node after the first transfer of charge is sampled in a first capacitor of the reading circuit. The potential after a reinitialization of the storage node is sampled in a second capacitor. A level of potential taken after the second transfer is conditionally resampled in the first capacitor. The condition of the resampling is a condition of signal level after the first transfer. This level is applied to the differential amplifier of a ramp-type converter for a short duration of ramp.
US08686332B2
An optically-controlled shunt (OCS) circuit includes a switch and a light sampler. The light sampler is coupled to the switch and is configured to sample light at a photovoltaic (PV) cell corresponding to the OCS circuit and to turn on the switch when the sampled light comprises insufficient light for the PV cell. The light sampler may also be configured to turn off the switch when the sampled light comprises sufficient light for the PV cell. The light sampler may further be configured to partially turn on the switch when the sampled light comprises adequate light for the PV cell and to turn off the switch when the sampled light comprises full light for the PV cell. The switch could include a transistor, and the light sampler could include a photodiode.
US08686329B2
A compact, purely mechanical wing deployment assisting mechanism uses torsion springs and lever arms to apply a deploying force to a guidance wing during its initial deployment through a wing slot in a rocket or missile, thereby assisting the wing to burst through a cover seal protecting the wing slot. The wings are then fully deployed by centrifugal force. Various embodiments include two “extreme duty” springs and two lever arms per wing, working in parallel. Embodiments provide a total of at least 24 pounds of force per wing at the end of a spring travel of 0.30 inches. In some embodiments, the entire mechanism weighs less than 0.5 pounds and/or occupies less than 2.5 cubic inches per wing. In embodiments, an assembled group, including two springs and two lever arms, is located between each pair of wings, whereby each assembled group applies one lever arm to each adjoining wing.
US08686328B2
A fin lock assembly 12 for locking and unlocking missile fins 20 includes a piston 34 movable along a piston axis 44 between a locked position for preventing a fin from rotating and an unlocked position for allowing the fin to rotate. The fin lock assembly includes a camshaft 46 rotatable between a locked position and a relatively-rotated unlocked position about a cam axis 50 that is transverse the piston axis. The camshaft has an eccentric portion 66 connected to the piston such that rotation of the camshaft between the locked position and the unlocked position moves the piston between its corresponding locked and unlocked positions. The fin lock assembly includes a torsion spring 72 connected to the camshaft to bias the camshaft toward its unlocked position. A latch mechanism 100 holds a plurality of camshafts in their locked positions and simultaneously releases the camshafts to release their fins.
US08686319B2
A heatable transparency comprises a substrate and an electrically conductive coating formed over at least a portion of the substrate. A power supply is in contact with the conductive coating. The power supply is configured to provide alternating current (AC) to the conductive coating.
US08686316B2
The present invention concerns an automatic welding device of MIG/MAG type consisting of at least one carriage holding at least one welding head comprising at least one torch (1) guiding a consumable electrode wire along a parting plane (P) between the pipes to be welded, which brings the current to the end of the electrode wire in order to generate an electric arc and ensure melting of the filler metal,The invention consists of the fact that the welding head therefore presents a welding torch (1) intended to be centered in relation to the parting plane (P) to ensure the penetration pass and also bears at least two other so-called tracking welding torches (2, 3), respectively positioned one after the other following the first so-called central welding torch (1) and offset respectively on both sides of the so-called central torch (1) in order to make lateral passes.Application to the welding of metal pipes in order to form pipelines.
US08686315B2
The present invention is characterized in that by laser beam being slantly incident to the convex lens, an aberration such as astigmatism or the like is occurred, and the shape of the laser beam is made linear on the irradiation surface or in its neighborhood. Since the present invention has a very simple configuration, the optical adjustment is easier, and the device becomes compact in size. Furthermore, since the beam is slantly incident with respect to the irradiated body, the return beam can be prevented.
US08686313B2
Systems and methods for forming apertures in microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes directing a laser beam toward a microfeature workpiece to form an aperture and sensing the laser beam pass through the microfeature workpiece in real time. The method can further include determining a number of pulses of the laser beam and/or an elapsed time to form the aperture and controlling the laser beam based on the determined number of pulses and/or the determined elapsed time to form a second aperture in the microfeature workpiece.
US08686311B2
A breaking device with an arc breaking shield comprising at least one stationary contact collaborating with a movable contact supported by a contact-holder arm and an actuating device of the movable contact in a casing.A movable arc breaking shield is commanded in movement to occupy a rest position and a laminating position. The movable breaking shield is connected to the contact-holder arm by an actuating rod in such a way that movement of the contact-holder arm results in movement of the movable breaking shield, the actuating rod being respectively connected to the movable breaking shield and to the contact-holder arm by a second and third pivot-pin.
US08686308B2
First conductive patterns, which each contain two or more first large lattices electrically connected by a first connection in series in a first direction, are formed on a first transparent substrate, and second conductive patterns, which each contain two or more second large lattices electrically connected by a second connection in series in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, are formed on a second transparent substrate. As viewed from above, the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first connection and the second connection are arranged facing each other. The first large lattices are electrically connected via three or more connection paths in the first connection, and the second large lattices are electrically connected via three or more connection paths in the second connection.
US08686305B2
This invention is directed to providing a handle switch which is easy in operating a horn switch and also can be easily distinguished from other switches.In a handle switch 30 of a vehicle, a horn switch 32 is disposed at a position which is overlaid on an axis line (D) of a handle grip 10 when a housing 60 is projected from a driver's front view direction and also on the vehicle body rear side further than other switches. Other switches including an optical-axis changing switch 31 and a turn signal switch 33 are disposed so as to deviate vertically with respect to the horn switch 32. The horn switch 32 is formed so as to be longer in the axis line direction of the handle grip 10, swinging about a swing shaft 36 installed at the end closer to the handle grip 10 by being pressed toward the vehicle body front side. The horn switch 32 is increased in area of an operating surface 32e, a clearance between upper and lower contour lines and a protruding amount from the housing 60, respectively, from a vehicle body outward part 32d toward a vehicle body inward part 32c.
US08686304B2
An electrical switching apparatus includes an enclosure having an opening, a single operating handle disposed through the enclosure opening, a first pole disposed in the enclosure and including first separable contacts, a first operating mechanism to open and close the first contacts, and a first operating member cooperating with the first operating mechanism to open and close the first contacts. A second pole is disposed in the enclosure and includes second separable contacts, a second operating mechanism to open and close the second contacts, and a second operating member cooperating with the second operating mechanism to open and close the second contacts. The single operating handle, centered between parallel poles, includes a first projection within the enclosure cooperating with the first operating member to open and close the first contacts, and a second projection within the enclosure cooperating with the second operating member to open and close the second contacts.
US08686303B2
A thin film switch, comprising: a first thin film, having a first conductor unit mounted thereon; and a second thin film, having a second conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof facing toward the first thin film; wherein, the first conductor unit is composed of at least one first electric conductor; and the second conductor is composed of a plurality of second electric conductors to be arranged in a manner that one of the plural second electric conductors is disposed at a first position defined on the second thin film while designating another one of the plural second electric conductors to be disposed at a second position of the second thin film. Operationally, the thin film switch is capable of outputting different signals in response to different forces exerted thereon for triggering different electric conductors mounted on different positions in the thin film switch.
US08686301B2
A vehicle weighing system for counting the number of vehicle axles before and after weighing of an unloaded vehicle to determine if the unloaded vehicle is correctly positioned during weighing, as well as method for generating a scale ticket to record vehicle axle count data from the vehicle weighing system. Also, a scale ticket data system with a plurality of such scale tickets and a scale ticket electronic database which collects the scale tickets and identifies those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing, as well as a method for querying the scale ticket electronic database to identify those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing.
US08686295B2
Disclosed herein are a heat-dissipating substrate and a fabricating method thereof. The heat-dissipating substrate includes a plating layer divided by a first insulator formed in a division area. A metal plate is formed on an upper surface of the plating layer and filled with a second insulator at a position corresponding to the division area, with an anodized layer formed on a surface of the metal plate. A circuit layer is formed on the anodized layer which is formed on an upper surface of the metal plate. The heat-dissipating substrate and fabricating method thereof achieves thermal isolation by a first insulator formed in a division area and a second insulator.
US08686292B2
The method and system of high-resistance, multiple-conductor flat cables which contain integral tunable resistance sections suitable for fine tuning the resistance of a conductor to match the resistance of the conductors to one another within a specified target value. The method involves the design and creation of the high-resistance, multiple-conductor flat cables and the tuning of the resistance of the conductor.
US08686288B2
The bus bar includes a first bus bar layer formed of a first generally uniform thickness of a first bus bar conductor; a first dielectric layer overlying a top surface of the first bus bar layer; and a second bus bar layer formed of a second generally uniform thickness of a second bus bar conductor overlying a top surface of the first dielectric layer and the top surface of the first bus bar layer wherein: the first bus bar layer includes a first via for receipt of a first electrical lead of an electrical component and a second via for receipt of a second electrical lead of the electrical component and wherein: the first dielectric layer and the second bus bar layer each include a via aligned with the first via wherein the first electrical lead is extendable from beneath the first bus bar layer through the first dielectric layer and through the second bus bar layer.
US08686282B2
A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration is disclosed herein.
US08686281B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor circuit on an insulated metal substrate, which includes an anodized film formed on at least one side of an Al substrate, wherein the Al substrate has a potential higher than an average potential of the semiconductor circuit when the semiconductor circuit is driven.
US08686278B2
An integrated micro-combustion power generator converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power generator includes a micro-machined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micro-machined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator; the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle.
US08686263B2
The present invention provides a hinge tube which is disposed in a musical instrument to connect to keys and valves of the musical instrument. The hinge tube forms at least one recess portion on a periphery of the hinge tube. Thereby, the positions on which the valves and the keys disposed are able to be identified easily, and the valves and the keys are fixed to the hinge tube more firmly to improve the stability of the musical instrument.
US08686262B1
A novel maize variety designated PH1MBT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1MBT with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1MBT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1MBT or a locus conversion of PH1MBT with another maize variety.
US08686259B1
A novel maize variety designated PH1KWM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1KWM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1KWM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1KWM or a locus conversion of PH1KWM with another maize variety.
US08686258B2
A novel maize variety designated PH1KR5 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1KR5 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1KR5 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1KR5 or a locus conversion of PH1KR5 with another maize variety.
US08686245B1
A novel maize variety designated X13B641 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 X13B641 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B641 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B641, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B641. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B641.
US08686244B1
A novel maize variety designated PH1D03 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1D03 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1D03 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1D03 or a locus conversion of PH1D03 with another maize variety.
US08686240B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB19D12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB19D12, cells from soybean variety XB19D12, plants of soybean XB19D12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB19D12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB19D12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB19D12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB19D12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB19D12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB19D12 are further provided.
US08686232B2
Nucleic acid molecules encoding novel Vip3 toxins that are highly active against a wide range of lepidopteran insect pests are disclosed. The nucleic acid molecules can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the Vip3 toxins. These recombinant organisms can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.
US08686230B2
The present invention provides a corn plant designated MON88017 and DNA compositions contained therein. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the corn plant MON88017 based on a DNA sequence and the use of this DNA sequence as a molecular marker in a DNA detection method.
US08686226B2
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having improved tolerance to drought, shade, and low nitrogen conditions, as compared to wild-type or reference plants.
US08686223B2
The present invention relates to methods for the regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants in the genera of Jatropha, more specifically, in Jatropha curcas.
US08686222B2
Provided are methods for introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell having a cell wall by using dendrimers, and optionally one or more Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs). Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.
US08686217B2
An absorbent product has a top sheet, an absorbent core and a back sheet. The absorbent core includes 40% by weight or more of high absorbent resin powder and it is possible to slim down the absorbent core while keeping a sufficient amount of absorption to thereby achieve slimming down of the absorbent product. A top sheet lower part contacting the high absorbent resin powder in the absorbent core includes hydrophilic fibers having water retention characteristics, and moisture is temporarily retained in the top sheet lower part before reaching the absorbent core and rapidly disperses in a range facing the absorbent core of the top sheet lower part. As a result, it is possible to reliably absorb the moisture of excrement in the absorbent core and to simplify a structure of the absorbent product.
US08686213B2
Methods and apparatus for decontaminating disposable protective products prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), used in a nuclear power plant, to less than minimum detectable activity (MDA) are disclosed. In the disclosed methods and apparatus, solid protective products made of PVA, generated from a nuclear power plant, are dissolved into a liquid, and then are decontaminated to less than MDA. The PVA solution decontaminated in this way is concentrated to an appropriate concentration or dried, and finally is subjected to self-disposal. This can fundamentally block the generation amount of combustible waste amounting to 50% or more of low and intermediate level waste of nuclear power plants, thereby considerably contributing to a reduction of the operating expenses of the nuclear power plants. The present invention further relates to methods and apparatus for self-disposing disposable protective products manufactured by conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through pyrolysis/catalytic oxidation of a PVA solution generated by concentration, and treating the decontaminated PVA solution within a plant. The PVA protective products are dissolved/concentrated/oxidized in water to remove firstly organic matter, and then PVA materials in the PVA solution are completely oxidized into CO2 and H2O by using a small-sized pyrolysis/catalytic oxidation reactor.
US08686212B2
Process for removing water from an ethylene stream containing water, by introducing an ethylene stream containing water into, and circulating the ethylene stream through, a separation vessel. A liquid diethyl ether stream is introduced into, and circulated through, the separation vessel so that the liquid diethyl ether stream and the ethylene stream containing water are brought into contact, and an ethylene stream having a reduced water content is recovered from the separation vessel.
US08686207B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing ethylene and propylene, comprising the step of: a) contacting a feed comprising methanol, ethanol and C4+ olefins with a catalyst, comprising ZSM-5 having a silica to alumina ratio in the range of from 40 to 100, at a temperature in the range of from 350 to 1000° C. to obtain a olefinic product comprising ethylene and propylene.
US08686202B2
The present invention provides high-octane fuel, and a method of producing same. These fuels may be formulated to have a wide range of octane values and energy, and may effectively be used to replace 100 LL aviation fuel (known as AvGas), as well as high-octane, rocket, diesel, turbine engine fuels, as well as two-cycle, spark-ignited engine fuels.
US08686197B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing trimethylolpropane having a low color number by processing a raw reaction solution obtained according to the inorganic Cannizarro process while adhering to precisely defined pH values.
US08686174B2
The present invention provides a novel modified-polysiloxane, method for producing the same, and a cosmetic containing the same. The aforementioned modified-polysiloxane exhibits a reduced viscosity and superior operationability as compared with conventional polyoxyalkylene-modified polysiloxanes and polyglycerol-modified polysiloxanes. In addition, since the modified-polysiloxane is hardly oxidized in air, hardly produce allergenic compounds such as formates, and aldehydes such as formaldehyde, during storage over time, an increased environmental compatibility can be exhibited. In addition, the modified-polysiloxane of the present invention exhibits a reduced hydrolysis property and is stable. In the modified-polysiloxane of the present invention, the terminal hydroxyl groups of a polyglycerol-modified polysiloxane are partially blocked with hydrocarbon groups.
US08686172B2
A method for the treatment of solvent-containing MOF material to increase its internal surface area involves introducing a liquid into the MOF in which liquid the solvent is miscible, subjecting the MOF to supercritical conditions for a time to form supercritical fluid, and releasing the supercritical conditions to remove the supercritcal fluid from the MOF. Prior to introducing the liquid into the MOF, occluded reaction solvent, such as DEF or DMF, in the MOF can be exchanged for the miscible solvent.
US08686171B2
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks, such as plant oils and/or animal fats, and systems including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for producing alkyl esters including mixing a lipid feed stock with an alcohol to form a reaction mixture; and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst comprising an unmodified metal oxide selected from the group consisting of alumina, titania, zirconia, and hafnia, and removing residual free fatty acids from the reaction mixture. Other embodiments are included herein.
US08686170B2
A method of preparing a composition of alcohol esters of linear monocarboxylic acids with 6 to 26 carbon atoms from a vegetable or animal oil, neutral or acid, virgin or recycled, with monoalcohols having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in the presence of a catalyst of nitrogen-containing metallophosphate type.
US08686168B2
The invention is directed to a process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids to produce saturated fatty acids, said process comprising hydrogenating the unsaturated fatty acid in the presence of hydrogen and a supported nickel catalyst, said supported nickel catalyst comprising an oxidic support, 5 to 80 wt. % of nickel, calculated as metallic nickel on the weight of the catalyst, and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a manganese promoter, calculated as MnO2 on the weight of the catalyst.
US08686167B2
Activated fatty acids, pharmaceutical compositions including activated fatty acids, methods for using activated fatty acids to treat a variety of diseases, and methods for preparing activated fatty acids are provided herein.
US08686166B2
A 2,2-bis(fluoroalkyl)oxirane (A) is prepared by reacting a fluorinated alcohol (1) with a chlorinating, brominating or sulfonylating agent under basic conditions to form an oxirane precursor (2) and subjecting the oxirane precursor to ring closure under basic conditions. R1 and R2 are fluoroalkyl groups, R3 and R4 are hydrogen or monovalent hydrocarbon groups, X is chlorine, bromine or —OSO2R5 group, and R5 is alkyl or aryl.
US08686158B2
The present invention provides novel high-valent palladium fluoride complexes. The complexes typically include multi-dentate ligands that stabilize the octahedral coordination sphere of the palladium(IV) atom. These complexes are useful in fluorinating organic compounds, in particular aryl-containing compounds. The invention is particularly useful for fluorinating compounds with 19F for PET imaging.
US08686156B2
The present application relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to their use for controlling animal pests including arthropods and in particular insects, and to processes for preparing the novel compounds.
US08686152B2
The present invention is directed to 4,4-di-substituted piperidine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by DPP-1.
US08686146B2
The invention described herein pertains to substituted azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, in particular 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, which are inhibitors of topoisomerase I, processes and intermediates for their syntheses, pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer.
US08686145B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of the general Formula (I), comprising: a) reacting a compound of the general Formula (II) with a compound of the Formula III R2COOH and a compound of the general Formula IV R3NC under such conditions that compound I is formed, wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aromatic or non-aromatic, mono-, di- or tricyclic, or heterocyclic structure, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aromatic or non-aromatic, mono-, di- or tricyclic, or heterocyclic structure, and R3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl structure. In further aspect the subject invention relates to the use of the obtained products as intermediates for various peptidomimetics, and preferably as a building block in a convergent synthesis of prolyl dipeptide structures.
US08686140B2
A method of purifying a salt of pemetrexed having a structure of formula (III) by salting-out, wherein if M3+ is H+, then each of M1+ and M2+ is independently H+, Li+, Na+ or K+, provided that both of them are not H+; if M3+ is Li+, Na+ or K+, then each of M1+ and M2+ is independently Li+, Na+ or K+.
US08686138B2
Disclosed are precursors having a pyrrolecarbaldiminates ligand and methods of synthesizing the same. The pyrrolecarbaldiminates ligand may be substituted.
US08686137B2
Compounds having the structure which are selective inhibitors of P13K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-delta), for the treatment of general inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, inflammatory or unstable bladder disorders, psoriasis, skin complaints with inflammatory components, chronic inflammatory conditions.
US08686135B2
Provided herein are methods to prepare Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein. The Heteroaryl compounds are useful for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, or cardiovascular conditions.
US08686131B2
Preparation and use of synthetic trisaccharides useful for the preparation of synthetic heparinoids.
US08686129B2
The present invention provides a method for the isolation of biological molecules by the adsorption of the molecules onto a mineral substrate in the presence of an appropriate mixture of salts and sufolane. Preferably, the biological molecules are nucleic acids. Compositions and kits for performing the process according to the invention are also provided.
US08686125B2
The invention provides a method for producing a chimeric promoter polynucleotide capable of controlling transcription of an operably linked polynucleotide in a plant cell or plant, wherein the method comprises combining: a) at least one sequence motif comprising a sequence with at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, 11 or 12, and b) another polynucleotide sequence. The invention also provides chimeric promoters polynucleotides comprising the sequences defined in a) and b). The invention also provides constructs, vectors, host cells, plant cells and plants comprising the chimeric promoter polynucleotides of the invention. The invention also provided methods for modifying gene expression and phenotype of plant cells and plants by transforming the plant cells and plants with the chimeric promoter polynucleotides of the invention.
US08686114B2
Variant sucrose transporter polypeptides that enable bacterial growth over a wide range of gene expression levels and sucrose concentrations are described. Additionally, recombinant bacteria comprising these variant sucrose transporter polypeptides, and methods of utilizing the bacteria to produce products such as glycerol and glycerol-derived products are provided.
US08686113B2
The invention relates to a peptide or peptide derivative having the general formula: Sub1-X1-D2K3-P4-P5-Y6-L7-P8-R9-P10-X2-P12-P13-R14-X3-I16-P17/Y17-N18-N19-X4-Sub2, wherein X1 is a non-polar, hydrophobic group or a positively charged group, D2 is asparagine or glutamine, K3, X2, and X4 are positively charged groups, X3 is a positively charged group, proline, or a proline derivative; L7 and I16 are non-polar, hydrophobic groups, Y6 and Y17 are tyrosine, R9 and R14 are arginine, N18 and N19 are asparagine or glutamine, P4, P5, P8, P10, P12, P13, and P17 are proline, hydroxyproline, or derivatives thereof, wherein possibly one or two of the groups selected from D2, P4, P5, P8, P10, P12, P13, P17, and Y17 are replaced by an arbitrary group and/or P13 and R14 are exchanged, Sub1 is the free or modified N-terminus, and Sub2 is the free or modified C-terminus. The invention further relates to the use of the peptides and peptide derivatives in medicine, as an antibiotic, in a disinfectant or cleaning agent, as a preservative or in a packaging material, in pharmaceutical research, or in a screening method.
US08686109B2
The present invention relates to a method for treating a block copolymer solution, wherein the method comprises: providing a solution comprising a block copolymer in a non aqueous solvent; and, treating the solution to remove metals using an ion exchange resin. The invention also relates to a method of forming patterns using the treated block copolymer.
US08686108B2
An aluminum chelate latent curing agent is configured such that an aluminum chelating agent and a specific arylsilane compound or a hydrolysate thereof are held in a polymer obtained by subjecting the aluminum chelating agent, the arylsilane compound, and a polyfunctional isocyanate compound to an emulsifying treatment, and then subjecting the polyfunctional isocyanate to interfacial polymerization. The aluminum chelating agent does not have an alkoxy group bonded to the aluminum. The arylsilane compound is a compound represented by the formula (A). (Ar)mSi(OR)n (A) In the formula (A), m is 2 or 3, and the sum of m and n is 4. Ar represents an optionally-substituted aryl group. R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. When n is two, the two Rs may be the same or different.
US08686105B2
This invention relates to adhesive systems using imines and salts thereof, precursors to electron deficient olefins and coreactants therefor.
US08686087B2
Embodiments of the invention provide block composites and their use in soft compounds.
US08686084B2
Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems.
US08686076B2
The present invention relates to moisture-curable silane-reactive hot melt compositions having an acrylate-urethane copolymer moiety. Desirably, the silane groups contain alkoxy functionality to enable and enhance moisture curing. Such compositions provide enhanced green strength without sacrificing other desirable properties.
US08686075B2
This disclosure relates generally to polysulfone compositions whose residual phenolic monomers or phenolic degradation products exhibit little or no estradiol binding activity. Also disclosed are methods for making the disclosed polysulfones and articles of manufacture comprising the disclosed polysulfones.
US08686072B2
A thermoplastic polyester composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, a chlorine- and bromine-free combination of: from 40 to 60 wt % of a modified poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate); from 25 to 35 wt % of a reinforcing filler; from 2 to 8 wt % of a flame retardant synergist selected from the group consisting of melamine polyphosphate, melamine cyanurate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine phosphate, and combinations thereof; from 5 to 15 wt % of a phosphinate salt flame retardant; from more than 0 to less than 5 wt % of an impact modifier component comprising a poly(ether-ester) elastomer and a (meth)acrylate impact modifier; from more than 0 to 5 wt % poly(tetrafluoroethylene) encapsulated by a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer; from more than 0 to 2 wt % of a stabilizer; wherein the thermoplastic polyester composition contains less than 5 wt % of a polyetherimide.
US08686069B2
The solvent resistance of epoxy resins toughened with polyethersulfone is improved by using low molecular weight polyethersulfone. The resulting thermoplastic toughened epoxy resins are useful for making prepreg for aerospace applications.
US08686065B2
To improve an adhesive force of an adhesive agent between an impression material and a tray, and to stabilize the adhesive force therebetween, provided is an adhesive agent for the adhesion between an alginate impression material and an impression tray for dental applications, which includes a polyamine compound having two or more amino groups in a molecule and a solvent.
US08686057B2
Polyurethane polymers are made from a reaction mixture that contains a polyisocyanate, a hydroxylmethyl-containing fatty acid or ester, and another polyol, polyamine or aminoalcohol. The carboxylic acid or ester group on the hydroxymethyl-containing fatty acid or ester are capable of engaging in a variety of reactions with the polyisocyanate and/or amine or hydroxyl groups present in the reaction mixture. This allows for good quality, high molecular weight polymers to be produced even though the hydroxymethyl-containing fatty acid or ester tends to be a low functionality material.
US08686055B2
The present invention relates to a method for the production of improved shell functionalized ion exchange resins from core/shell copolymer having a highly crosslinked core.
US08686047B2
Compositions of modafinil and methods of treating neurologically related conditions with the administration of modafinil. Also compositions that include modafinil and one or more excipients such as diluents, disintegrants, binders and lubricants.
US08686045B2
Methods and compounds for treating neurological and other disorders are provided. Included is the administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having binding and/or modulation specificity for a TrkB receptor molecule.
US08686039B2
The present invention relates to an aqueous nanoemulsion composition comprising conjugated linoleic acid. More particularly, the present invention relates to an aqueous nanoemulsion composition comprising 5 to 50 wt % of conjugated linoleic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt % of lecithin, 0.01 to 5 wt % of ethanol as a dissolution aid, 1 to 15 wt % of coemulsifier, 10 to 40 wt % of glycerine and the balance of water.
US08686038B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating the side effects of a toxic medical therapy using nitrated lipids. In particular, the methods comprise the use of nitrated fatty acids or esters thereof to treat side effects, including organ system damage, caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the administration of other toxic agents.
US08686037B2
The invention is related to the new application of selected derivatives of 2-pyrrolidone to inhibition of protein glycation and to prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, cataract or neuropathy.
US08686028B2
The present invention relates to novel substituted benzfurochromenes and related compounds having the general formula (I), salts and chiral, achiral derivatives thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 are independently selected from the groups consisting of hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkoxyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acylamino, optionally substituted arylamino, optionally substituted acylthio, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted aroyl, optionally substituted acyloxy, optionally substituted thioamido, halogens, nitriles, esters, hydroxy, mercapto, carbontrifluoride, nitro but not limited to this; wherein R1R2 or R2R3 or R6R7 may be connected and form either a five membered ring or a six membered ring such as optionally substituted furan, optionally substituted dihydrofuran, optionally substituted pyran; or may be connected through a methylenedeoxy moiety; wherein X is selected from the units consisting of optionally a ketone group, optionally a methylene group, optionally substituted methylene group, optionally substituted alkene; wherein Y and Z is selected from the units consisting of CH, C—OH, C-Me, C—OMe with the proviso that bond between Y and Z is a single bond; Wherein Y and Z may be a carbon atom with the proviso that bond between Y and Z is a double bond. The compounds of the general formula is useful for the prevention and treatment of bone related disorders.
US08686027B1
Administration of a loop diuretic in nebulized dry powder form directly to a patient's lungs for treating bronchial disease.
US08686026B2
The present invention features solid compositions comprising amorphous Compound I. For instance, Compound I may be formulated in an amorphous solid dispersion which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophilic polymer and preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant.
US08686025B2
Disclosed herein is a compound having a structure Therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08686024B2
The present invention provides a novel indoline derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate of the derivative or a salt thereof represented by the following formula (1) that has an excellent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. In the formula, R1 represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a heterocycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an arylalkyl group, a heteroarylalkyl group, a cycloalkylalkyl group, a heterocycloalkylalkyl group, a dihydrofurylalkyl group, an alkenyl group, a tetrahydronaphthyl group, or an indanyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an arylalkyl group, a cycloalkylalkyl group, a heteroarylalkyl group, a heterocycloalkylalkyl group, an aryl group, or an acyl group; R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a dialkylaminocarbonyl group; R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Each functional group may have a substituent.
US08686011B2
The present invention relates to compounds with the formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X and Z are as defined herein, and also to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as methods of use of the compounds for treatment of disorders associated with human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme and for the preparation of a medicament which acts on the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme.
US08686007B2
Provided are compounds of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and m are as defined herein. Also provided is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.Also provided are methods of using a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08686004B2
The present application relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to the use thereof for controlling animal pests, which include arthropods and especially insects, and to processes for preparing the novel compounds.
US08686003B2
Disclosed herein are compounds that are tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase inhibitors. The disclosed compounds are used to treat, prevent, or abate vascular calcification, arterial calcification and other cardiovascular diseases.
US08686000B2
Ketosultams and diketopyridines of the formula (I) and use thereof as herbicides are described. In this formula (I), G, X, Y and Z are each radicals such as hydrogen and organic radicals such as alkyl. W represents organic radicals such as alkyl. A represents a heterocycle.
US08685998B2
An extended release oral dosage form comprising as active substance tacrolimus or a pharmaceutically active analogue thereof for a once daily immunosuppressive treatment of a patient in need thereof, preferable a kidney or liver transplant patient. The dosage form releases the active substance over an extended period of time. It also provides improved pharmacokinetic parameters due to an extended and constant in vivo release including substantial decreased peak concentrations, despite increased bioavailability, substantial extended times for maximal concentration, and higher minimal concentrations when compared with conventional immediate release dosage forms and a recent modified release tacrolimus dosage form.
US08685997B2
New camptothecin derivatives with the following structure of the formula (I), their use and the pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The compounds of the present invention have good anti-tumor activities and good solubility in water, and can be used in development of medicines.
US08685993B2
The present invention includes novel methods of treating a disease or disorder characterized by hyperactivity of Vps34, and compound as Vps34 inhibitors; particularly compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as methods of treating a disease, disorder, or syndrome associated with Vps34 inhibition, particularly hyperproliferative diseases. The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions including compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US08685990B2
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: wherein R1, R2, R3, and L, A, and Ra are defined herein.
US08685989B2
Compounds of Formula (I) promote axonal outgrowth angiogenesis and can therefore be used to reduce central nerve injuries such as head injury and spinal cord injury, cerebral infarction, ischemic heart diseases, peripheral arterial occlusive diseases, or after-effects of these diseases. in which Nx group is preferably a 6-membered aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms; R0, R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an amino group; E is an oxygen atom or an —NR8 group (wherein R8 is an alkyl group or the like); n is an integer of of 0 to 5; X and Y are each a connected bond, a cycloalkyl group, or —CO—; and Q is a hydrogen atom or a phenyl group.
US08685988B2
The present invention relates to certain pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them, including methods for the treatment of tumors and related diseases related to the dysregulation of kinase (such as EGFR (including HER), Alk, PDGFR, but not limited to) pathways.
US08685976B2
The subject invention discloses an agent for promoting cell adhesion to a support, comprising a dispirotripiperazine derivative represented by Formula I below or a salt thereof; a method for promoting cell adhesion to a support comprising adding the dispirotripiperazine derivative represented by Formula I below or a salt thereof to a culture medium, or applying the same to a support; and an agonist of a heparin sulfate that comprises the dispirotripiperazine derivative represented by Formula I below or a salt thereof, and that promotes cell adhesion and/or cell growth.
US08685974B2
Thienylpyri(mi)dinylazole of the formula (I) in which R1 to R8 and X1 have the meanings given in the description, and agrochemically active salts, to their use and to methods and compositions for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in and/or on plants or in and/or on seed of plants and for reducing mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions and treated seed and also to their use for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, in animal husbandry, in the protection of materials, in the domestic and hygiene field and for the reduction of mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants.
US08685961B2
The present invention is directed to diazepan compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US08685955B2
Novel iron chelators exhibiting neuroprotective and good transport properties are useful in iron chelation therapy for treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with iron overload and oxidative stress, e.g., a neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular disease or disorder, a neoplastic disease, hemochromatosis, thalassemia, a cardiovascular disease, diabetes, an inflammatory disorder, anthracycline cardiotoxicity, a viral infection, a protozoal infection, a yeast infection, retarding aging, and prevention and/or treatment of skin aging and skin protection against sunlight and/or UV light. The iron chelator function is provided by a 8-hydroxyquinoline, a hydroxypyridinone or a hydroxamate moiety. The neuroprotective function is imparted to the compound, e.g., by a neuroprotective peptide. A combined antiapoptotic and neuroprotective function is provided by a propargyl group.
US08685952B2
The present invention provides a method for treatment of diabetes, comprising administering a pitavastatin, and in combination therewith, enalapril or a salt thereof.
US08685949B2
The present invention relates to the use of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 to improve the general health status of female animals at least during gestation and/or lactation. The invention also relates to the use of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 in animal breeding. More particular, the invention relates to the use of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 for improving litter size and vitality of piglets in pig breeding and for providing better body frame and increasing gestation backfat gain, reducing lactation backfat loss and increasing lactation feed intake of sows and gilts.
US08685948B2
A method of treating rheumatoid arthritis using a water-soluble cocrystal composition contains a quantity of acetylsalicylic acid and a quantity of a theanine enantiomer selected from an alpha variant of theanine or a beta variant of theanine or other form of theanine.
US08685944B2
The invention relates to a polysaccharide gel of natural origin for dermatological use that comprises an aqueous solution of the polysaccharide of 0.1 to 5% by weight/volume, for example hyaluronic acid, and a viscous and strongly hydrophilic biocompatible alcohol at 0.5-5% by weight/volume, for example glycerol, and optionally the adjuvants that are commonly used in dermatology. The gel is prepared by mixing the polysaccharide solution and the strongly hydrophilic viscous alcohol before sterilizing the entire mixture by, for example, moist heat.
US08685941B2
Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a drug combination that comprises ZD and S3I-201, Das and S3I-201, ZD and AG490, or Das and AG490. The disclosed drug combinations target two or more functional elements such as EGFR or Src and Stat3 or Jaks in pancreatic cancer cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed compositions to cytotoxically affect pancreatic cancer cells and methods of making the disclosed compositions.
US08685934B2
The invention provides methods for treating a patient having type 2 diabetes who has failed on previous regimens of one or more oral and/or injectable anti-diabetic agents, which include the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor alone or in combination with another anti-diabetic agent and/or other therapeutic agent to such patient. A pharmaceutical composition containing dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin-S-propylene glycol solvate and one or more diabetic agents and/or other therapeutic agents for use in the methods of the invention is also provided.
US08685931B2
The present invention relates to a method of promoting hair growth comprising administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) extracellular domain (ECD), including native FGFR3 ECDs, variants, fragments, and fusion molecules, to a subject in an amount sufficient to promote hair growth.
US08685925B2
The invention provides methods of treating stroke and related conditions exacerbated by fever and/or hyperglycemia by administering peptides or peptidomimetics that inhibit binding of NMDAR 2B to PSD-95 to a patient.
US08685923B2
A method for inhibiting survival of cancer cells in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of fibrillar albumin. The preparation of the fibrillar albumin comprises: (i) forming a solution comprising an isolated and/or purified globular albumin; (ii) adding a detergent to the solution containing the isolated and/or purified globular albumin, wherein the detergent is one selected from the group consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and n-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate; (iii) applying the solution to a molecular sizing column with a pore size that permits separation of a protein with a molecular weight of at least about 70 kDa so as to promote column-induced formation of the fibrillar albumin from the isolated and/or purified globular albumin; and (iv) eluting the fibrillar albumin from the column, wherein the eluted albumin has a fibrillar structure.
US08685922B2
Template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 α-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining Symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and Solution phase synthetic strategy.
US08685912B2
A detergent composition for metal according to the present invention contains a specific non-ionic surfactant, a specific nitrogen-containing organic compound, a specific carboxylic acid or salt thereof, and a specific alkanol amine, and has a pH of at least 9 that is measured at 25° C. when the detergent composition is diluted to 1% by mass of an aqueous solution. According to the present invention, the detergent composition for metal having excellent corrosion inhibition properties, excellent effluent treatment properties, excellent foaming suppressing properties and excellent liquid stability in addition to high detergent properties for metal, can be provided.
US08685911B2
A rinse aid composition comprising: a) a polymer comprising an acrylic acid backbone and alkoxylated side chains, said polymer comprising a molecular weight of from about 4,000 to about 22,000, the polymer comprising from about 20 wt % to about 50 wt % of an alkylene oxide; and b) a low foaming nonionic surfactant.
US08685908B2
A bar soap comprising a pyrithione source, a soap surfactant, and a pH adjusting agent selected from a group consisting of ammonia solution, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, soluble carbonate salts, and combinations thereof, wherein the bar soap attains a pH of greater than or equal to 10.7. A process of inhibiting the formation of a discoloration in a bar soap comprising pyrithione sources by adding pH adjusting agent to attain a pH of greater than or equal to 10.7. A process of inhibiting the formation of a discoloration in a bar soap caused by dissolved ferric ions and/or cupric ions and pyrithione sources in the bar, comprising the step of adding from about 0.3% to about 20% soluble carbonate salt during manufacturing of the bar soap.
US08685902B2
The invention relates to the area of oil and gas production (especially, to the production in which the propping technique is used for the stimulation of a well) and can be used in the development of a composition and a method of production of propping agents (proppant), as well as a method of application of these propping agents. A new type of proppant, proppant production method and use of the proppant are based on allowing the production of proppant having an apparent density of 2.5 to 4.0 g/cm3, as well as a high mechanical strength and a high chemical durability. A proppant contains granules made of the sintered feedstock, wherein the charge mixture containing at least one of the following materials—silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, silicon nitride, titanium nitride, boron nitride, silicon oxynitrides, SIALON-type compounds, was used as the feedstock.
US08685900B2
Methods and fluids are provided that include, but are not limited to, a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel and a method comprising: providing an aqueous based treatment fluid comprising a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel; placing the aqueous based treatment fluid in a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; allowing the fluid loss control additive to become incorporated into a filter cake located on a surface within the subterranean formation; allowing the filter cake to be degraded; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation. Additional methods are also provided.
US08685897B2
This invention relates to methods for the generation of humanized antibodies, particularly a humanized antibody heavy chain protein and a humanized antibody light chain protein. The method comprises using cells that express or can be induced to express Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase (AID).
US08685879B2
Disclosed are spherical magnesium-based catalyst supports and methods of using the same in a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system for the polymerization of an olefin. The spherical magnesium-based catalyst supports are made by reacting a magnesium halide, a haloalkylepoxide, and a phosphate acid ester in an organic solvent that does not have to contain substantial amounts of toluene.
US08685873B2
A lithium-aluminosilicate glass or a corresponding glass ceramic that has a content of 0-0.4SnO2, 1.3-2.7% by weight of ΣSnO2+TiO2, 1.3-2.5% by weight of ZrO2, 3.65-4.3% by weight of ΣZrO2+0.87 (TiO2+SnO2), ≦0.04% by weight of Fe2O3, 50-4000 ppm of Nd2O3 and 0-50 ppm of CoO is described. The glass or the glass ceramic is color-neutral, has a turbidity of less than 1% HAZE and a high light transmission. The glazing time for conversion of the glass into glass ceramic is especially short with less than 2.5 hours.
US08685871B2
A toughening agent for use in making composites comprises an epoxy curing agent and a thermoplastic. Compositions, composites that comprise the toughening agent and associated methods of making and using the toughening agent are also disclosed.
US08685861B2
A integrated circuit system including providing an integrated circuit device, forming an undoped insulating layer over the integrated circuit device, forming a thin insulating layer over the undoped insulating layer, forming a doped insulating layer over the thin insulating layer, and forming a contact in the undoped insulating layer, thin insulating layer and the doped insulating layer.
US08685858B2
Hemispheres and spheres are formed and employed for a plurality of applications. Hemispheres are employed to form a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes peaks of pillars which have a base attached to the lower surface. The peaks have a density defined at the upper surface by an array of hemispherical metal structures that act as a mask during an etch to remove substrate material down to the lower surface during formation of the pillars. The pillars are dense and uniform and include a microscale average diameter. The spheres are formed as independent metal spheres or nanoparticles for other applications.
US08685851B2
A manufacturing method of a MOS device with memory function is provided, which includes: providing a semiconductor substrate, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being covered by a first dielectric layer, a metal interconnect structure being formed in the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer overlying a surface of the first dielectric layer and the metal interconnect structure; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, a bottom of the opening revealing the metal interconnect structure; forming an alloy layer at the bottom of the opening, material of the alloy layer containing copper and other metal; and performing a thermal treatment to the alloy layer and the metal interconnect structure to form, on the surface of the metal interconnect structure, a compound layer containing oxygen element. The compound layer containing oxygen element and the MOS device formed in the semiconductor substrate constitute a MOS device with memory function. The method provides a processing which has high controllability and improves the performance of devices.
US08685847B2
A method of forming a transistor device includes forming a dummy gate stack structure over an SOI starting substrate, comprising a bulk layer, a global BOX layer over the bulk layer, and an SOI layer over the global BOX layer. Self-aligned trenches are formed completely through portions of the SOI layer and the global BOX layer at source and drain regions. Silicon is epitaxially regrown in the source and drain regions, with a local BOX layer re-established in the epitaxially regrown silicon, adjacent to the global BOX layer. A top surface of the local BOX layer is below a top surface of the global BOX layer. Embedded source and drain stressors are formed in the source and drain regions, adjacent a channel region. Silicide contacts are formed on the source and drain regions. The dummy gate stack structure is removed, and a final gate stack structure is formed.
US08685843B2
Graphene layers can be formed on a dielectric substrate using a process that includes forming a copper thin film on a dielectric substrate; diffusing carbon atoms through the copper thin film; and forming a graphene layer at an interface between the copper thin film and the dielectric substrate.
US08685842B2
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a first SiGe layer on an insulating film, processing the first SiGe layer to have an island shape which includes a first region and a second region, the first region having a width larger than a width of the second region in a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction of the second region, subjecting the first SiGe layer having the island shape to thermal oxidation, thereby increasing Ge composition of the first and second region, and setting the Ge composition of the second region to be higher than the Ge composition of the first region, melting the second region having the increased Ge composition by heat treatment, and recrystallizing the melted second region from an interface between the first and second region.
US08685841B2
The present invention is directed to a novel synthetic method for producing nanoscale heterostructures, and particularly nanoscale heterostructure particles, rods and sheets, that comprise a metal core and a monocrystalline semiconductor shell with substantial lattice mismatches between them. More specifically, the invention concerns the use of controlled soft acid-base coordination reactions between molecular complexes and colloidal nanostructures to drive the nanoscale monocrystalline growth of the semiconductor shell with a lattice structure incommensurate with that of the core. The invention also relates to more complex hybrid core-shell structures that exhibit azimuthal and radial nano-tailoring of structures. The invention is additionally directed to the use of such compositions in semiconductor devices.
US08685840B2
An in-situ gettering method for removing impurities from the surface and interior of a upgraded metallurgical grade silicon wafer is continuously conducted in a reaction chamber. Chloride gas is mixed with carrier gas. The gaseous mixture is used to clean the surface of the silicon wafer. Then, the gaseous mixture is used to form a porous structure on the surface of the silicon wafer before hot annealing is executed. Finally, the gaseous mixture is used to execute hot etching on the surface of the silicon wafer and remove the porous structure from the surface of the silicon wafer. As the chloride gas is used to clean the surface of the silicon wafer and form the porous structure on the surface of the silicon wafer, external gettering is improved. Moreover, interstitial-type metal impurities are effectively removed from the interior of the silicon wafer.
US08685838B2
A laser processing method which can accurately cut an object to be processed along a line to cut is provided. A modified region 7 formed by multiphoton absorption forms a cutting start region 8 within an object to be processed 1 along a line to cut 5. Thereafter, the object 1 is irradiated with laser light L2 absorbable by the object 1 along the line to cut 5, so as to generate fractures 24 from the cutting start region 8 acting as a start point, whereby the object 1 can accurately be cut along the line to cut 5. Expanding an expandable film 19 having the object 1 secured thereto separates individual chips 25 from each other, which can further improve the reliability in cutting the object 1 along the line to cut 5.
US08685834B2
A package structure and fabrication method thereof. The structure includes a substrate having a terminal, a chip overlying the substrate, the chip having an active surface, having a center region and periphery region, the periphery region having an electrode thereon, a patterned cover plate overlying the chip and exposing the electrode, a conductive material electrically connecting the electrode and terminal, and an encapsulant covering the terminal, conductive material, and electrode, but exposing the cover plate overlying the center region of the chip.
US08685832B2
Provided is a trench filling method, which includes: forming a silicon oxide liner on a semiconductor substrate with trenches formed therein, the trenches including narrow-width portions having a first minimum isolation width and wide-width portions having a second minimum isolation width being wider than the first minimum isolation width; forming an oxidation-barrier film on the silicon oxide liner; forming a silicon liner on the oxidation-barrier film; filling the narrow-width portions with a first filling material; filling the wide-width portions with a second filling material; and oxidizing the silicon liner.
US08685826B2
A method for forming a nanocrystalline silicon structure for the manufacture of integrated circuit devices, e.g., memory, dynamic random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, microprocessors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a surface region. The method forms an insulating layer (e.g., silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride) overlying the surface region. In a specific embodiment, the method includes forming an amorphous silicon material of a determined thickness of less than twenty nanometers overlying the insulating layer using a chloro-silane species. The method includes subjecting the amorphous silicon material to a thermal treatment process to cause formation of a plurality of nanocrystalline silicon structures derived from the thickness of amorphous silicon material less than twenty nanometers.
US08685824B2
The present invention discloses a hybrid high voltage device and a manufacturing method thereof. The hybrid high voltage device is formed in a first conductive type substrate, and includes at least one lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device region and at least one vent device region, wherein the LDMOS device region and the vent device region are connected in a width direction and arranged in an alternating order. Besides, corresponding high voltage wells, sources, drains, body regions, and gates of the LDMOS device region and the vent device region are connected to each other respectively.
US08685820B2
The present disclosure provides for multiple gate dielectric semiconductor structures and methods of forming such structures. In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate including a pixel array region, an input/output (I/O) region, and a core region. The method further includes forming a first gate dielectric layer over the pixel array region, forming a second gate dielectric layer over the I/O region, and forming a third gate dielectric layer over the core region, wherein the first gate dielectric layer, the second gate dielectric layer, and the third gate dielectric layer are each formed to be comprised of a different material and to have a different thickness.
US08685816B2
One example of a method disclosed herein for forming a transistor surrounded by an isolation structure includes the steps of, prior to forming the isolation structure, forming a semiconductor material on a region of a semiconducting substrate, after forming the semiconductor material, forming the isolation structure in the substrate around the semiconductor material, and forming a gate structure above the semiconductor material.
US08685814B2
A method of forming transistors and structures thereof A CMOS device includes high k gate dielectric materials. A PMOS device includes a gate that is implanted with an n type dopant. The NMOS device may be doped with either an n type or a p type dopant. The work function of the CMOS device is set by the material selection of the gate dielectric materials. A polysilicon depletion effect is reduced or avoided.
US08685811B2
A method for manufacturing a CMOS device includes providing a substrate having a first active region and a second active region defined thereon, forming a first conductive type transistor and a second conductive type transistor respectively in the first and the second active regions, performing a salicide process, forming an ILD layer, performing a first etching process to remove a first gate of the first conductive type transistor and to form an opening while a high-K gate dielectric layer is exposed in a bottom of the opening, and forming at least a first metal layer in the opening.
US08685804B2
Transistor devices including stressors are disclosed. One such transistor device includes a channel region, a dielectric layer and a semiconductor substrate. The channel region is configured to provide a conductive channel between a source region and a drain region. In addition, the dielectric layer is below the channel region and is configured to electrically insulate the channel region. Further, the semiconductor substrate, which is below the channel region and below the dielectric layer, includes dislocation defects at a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, where the dislocation defects are collectively oriented to impose a compressive strain on the channel region such that charge carrier mobility is enhanced in the channel region.
US08685797B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package carrier having a dispense port; attaching an integrated circuit to the package carrier and over the dispense port; placing a mold chase over the integrated circuit and on the package carrier, the mold chase having a hole; and forming an encapsulation through the dispense port or the hole, the encapsulation surrounding the integrated circuit including completely filled in a space between the integrated circuit and the package carrier, and in a portion of the hole, the encapsulation having an elevated portion or a removal surface resulting from the elevated portion detached.
US08685794B2
A package includes a first plated area, a second plated area, a die attached to the first plated area, and a bond coupling the die to the second plated area. The package further includes a molding encapsulating the die, the bond, and the top surfaces of the first and second plated areas, such that the bottom surfaces of the first and second plated areas are exposed exterior to the package. Additional embodiments include a method of making the package.
US08685789B2
A flexible conductive ribbon is ultrasonically bonded to the surface of a die and terminals from a lead frame of a package. Multiple ribbons and/or multiple bonded areas provide various benefits, such as high current capability, reduced spreading resistance, reliable bonds due to large contact areas, lower cost and higher throughput due to less areas to bond and test.
US08685787B2
One object is to have stable electrical characteristics and high reliability and to manufacture a semiconductor device including a semi-conductive oxide film. Film formation is performed by a sputtering method using a target in which gallium oxide is added to a material that is easy to volatilize compared to gallium when the material is heated at 400° C. to 700° C. like zinc, and a formed film is heated at 400° C. to 700° C., whereby the added material is segregated in the vicinity of a surface of the film and the oxide is crystallized. Further, a semi-conductive oxide film is deposited thereover, whereby a semi-conductive oxide having a crystal which succeeds a crystal structure of the oxide that is crystallized by heat treatment is formed.
US08685785B2
A method of manufacturing a phase change memory cell on a substrate. The method includes: etching a first trench in the substrate; depositing a first conductor layer in the first trench; depositing a first insulator layer over the first conductor layer in the first trench; etching a second trench in the substrate at an angle to the first trench; depositing a second insulator layer in the second trench; depositing a second conductor layer over the second insulator layer in the second trench; and depositing phase change material. The deposited phase change material is in contact with the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer.
US08685784B2
An electrically conductive ribbon, which is soldered on an electrically conductive busbar of a photovoltaic panel, includes a cooper core and a tin based solder. The tin based solder fully wraps an outer surface of the cooper core, and has a convex solder surface, which has a first curvature to be fitted with a second curvature of a concave solder surface of the electrically conductive busbar.
US08685773B2
A method for making a semiconductor epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes growing a substrate having an epitaxial growth surface, placing a carbon nanotube layer on the epitaxial growth surface, epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer can be suspended above the epitaxial growth surface.
US08685771B2
The present invention relates to a process for fabricating light-emitting device. More particularly, the aim of the invention is to allow the fabricating of light emitters with improved efficiency by using artificial materials, enabling antireflection or high-reflectivity treatments to be carried out. For this purpose, subwavelength structures are etched on one of the ends of an emissive cavity, enabling external face to be controlled. The invention applies to any light emitter, and therefore notably to lasers and more particularly still to QCLs (quantum cascade lasers). Moreover, the fabrication process according to the invention is preferably a wafer-scale process.
US08685770B2
A manufacturing method of a thin film transistor array panel includes forming a gate line on a substrate and a gate insulating layer on the gate line, forming a semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, forming a first data line and a first drain electrode on the semiconductor, forming a lower passivation layer on the first data line and the first drain electrode, forming an upper passivation layer on the lower passivation layer and a metal layer on the upper passivation layer, etching the metal layer by using a photosensitive film as a mask to form a reflecting electrode and to expose the lower passivation layer, etching the exposed lower passivation layer to form a first contact hole exposing the first drain electrode, and forming a connection assistance member connecting the first drain electrode and the reflecting electrode through the first contact hole after removing the photosensitive film.
US08685769B1
A method of forming a charge pattern on a microchip includes depositing a material on the surface of the microchip, and using an external device to develop charge in the material.
US08685766B2
A method of making a solid element device that includes a solid element, an element mount part on which the solid element is mounted and which has a thermal conductivity of not less than 100 W/mK, an external terminal provided separately from the element mount part and electrically connected to the solid element, and a glass sealing part directly contacting and covering the solid element for sealing the solid element, includes pressing a glass material at a temperature higher than a yield point of the glass material for forming the glass sealing part.
US08685764B2
Techniques for fabricating contacts on inverted configuration surfaces of GaN layers of semiconductor devices are provided. An n-doped GaN layer may be formed with a surface exposed by removing a substrate on which the n-doped GaN layer was formed. The crystal structure of such a surface may have a significantly different configuration than the surface of an as-deposited p-doped GaN layer.
US08685760B2
A contact resistance test structure, a method for fabricating the contact resistance test structure and a method for measuring a contact resistance while using the contact resistance test structure are all predicated upon two parallel conductor lines (or multiples thereof) that are contacted by one perpendicular conductor line absent a via interposed there between. The test structure and related methods are applicable within the context of three-dimensional integrated circuits.
US08685758B2
A thermoelectric conversion module includes a pair of heat transfer plates, p-type semiconductor blocks and n-type semiconductor blocks arranged between the heat transfer plates, and terminal electrodes formed respectively on inner surfaces of the heat transfer plates and connecting the semiconductor blocks in series. The heat transfer plates include holes reaching from an outer surface to the terminal electrodes, and grooves each formed between the terminal electrodes and communicating between the adjacent holes. If a disconnection occurs, for example, a pin of a tester is brought into contact with the terminal electrode via the hole to specify a disconnected portion, and the terminal electrodes are electrically connected by injecting conductive paste into the holes in the disconnected portion as well as the groove.
US08685755B2
A new fractionation device shows desirable features for exploratory screening and biomarker discovery. The constituent MSCs may be tailored for desired pore sizes and surface properties and for the sequestration and enrichment of extremely low abundant protein and peptides in desired ranges of the mass/charge spectrum. The MSCs are effective in yielding reproducible extracts from complex biological samples as small as 10 μl in a time as short as 30 minutes. They are inexpensive to manufacture, and allow for scaled up production to attain the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples. The MSCs are multiplexed, label-free diagnostic tools with the potential of biological recognition moiety modification for enhanced specificity. The MSCs may store, protect and stabilize biological fluids, enabling the simplified and cost-effective collection and transportation of clinical samples. The MSC-based device may serve as a diagnostic tool to complement histopathology, imaging, and other conventional clinical techniques. The MSCs mediated identification of disease-specific protein signatures may help in the selection of personalized therapeutic combinations, in the real-time assessment of therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, and in the rational modulation of therapy based on the changes in the protein networks associated with the prognosis and the drug resistance of the disease.
US08685747B2
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting samples using hybrid porous materials that include an organic material and an inorganic material. A method for sample collection includes contacting a hybrid porous material and a biological sample to the porous material. The hybrid porous material includes an inorganic material and an organic material. The method includes placing the porous material with the attached sample in a liquid medium, wherein the sample is separated from the porous material in the liquid medium to form a separated sample, and collecting the separated sample in the medium.
US08685744B2
A mobile water analyzing system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes a basic unit and a test element configured to be inserted into the basic unit. The test element includes a sample line with an inlet opening configured to receive the water sample, a measuring section forming a measuring track and configured to allow the determination of an analyte, a pump opening, and a key reagent disposed inside the sample line. The basic unit includes a test element receptacle configured to hold the inserted test element, an analyzer with an analyzer measuring track formed by the measuring section, and a pump actuator cooperatively connected with the pump opening.
US08685742B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the more efficient cleaning of nucleic acids, and to a kit for carrying out this method.
US08685741B1
The present invention provides methods for accurately classifying whether a sample from an individual is associated with an intestinal disorder. In particular, the present invention is useful for associating a sample from an individual as an IBS sample or as a non-IBS sample. The present invention is also useful for ruling out one or more diseases or disorders that present with IBS-like symptoms and ruling in IBS using statistical algorithms and/or empirical data. Thus, the present invention provides an accurate diagnostic prediction of an intestinal disorder and prognostic information useful for guiding treatment decisions.
US08685740B2
The present invention provides a method of determining the susceptibility of a subject to treatment with a leukotriene modifier by determining the subject's cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) level and the subject's level of eosinophilic airway inflammation and identifying a subject with a high ratio of CysLT levels to eosinophilic airway inflammation as susceptible to treatment with the leukotriene modifier. Also discussed is a method of treatment of subjects who are susceptible to treatment that includes administering a leukotriene modifier to such a subject.
US08685738B2
The present invention relates to methods of obtaining genetic competence in non-competent Bacillus cells for their transformation with exogenous DNA.
US08685730B2
Methods and devices for culturing human pluripotent stem cells to produce cells of the pancreatic lineage are disclosed. The methods include steps of culturing the stem cells under conditions that induce the expression of mesendoderm/primitive streak and definitive endoderm markers in a chemically defined medium including an effective amount of i) fibroblast growth factor, ii) Activin A, and iii) bone morphogenetic protein. The methods further include the steps of culturing cells under conditions favoring the formation of at least one of intact embryoid bodies and pancreatic progenitor PDX1+Ins− cells.
US08685720B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for programming mammalian cells to perform desired functions. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for programming stem cells to differentiate into a desired cell type. A quorum sensing systems that regulates the expression of cell fate regulators is introduced into mammalian host cells, such as stem cells. The quorum sensing systems generally comprises vectors that express the components of a bacterial quorum sensing pathway, including proteins which catalyze the synthesis of an autoinducer and a gene encoding a regulatory partner of the autoinducer, and vectors in which genes encoding cell fate regulators are operably linked to a promoter induced by the autoinducer/regulatory partner complex. The system can also comprise vectors in which genes encoding additional cell fate regulators are operably linked to a promoter that is induced by a factor synthesized in response to a first stage of differentiation, so that a second stage of differentiation is triggered.
US08685716B2
A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum. The gases escaping from the drum are vented from an enclosure of the composting apparatus and the material inside the drum is discharged by suction.
US08685710B2
A photodetector detects fluorescence emitted from a sample placed on a substrate of a DNA chip. There is an irradiation optical system for guiding irradiation light by a first optical waveguide, gathering the irradiation light by a first lens and irradiating the sample. A reception optical system gathers fluorescence at an input-side end surface of a second optical waveguide by a second lens and guides the fluorescence to a measuring unit. The irradiation optical system and the reception optical system are separate light guiding paths. The reception optical system is of a confocal optical system in which a focal point on the sample is identical to a focal point at the input-side end surface of the second optical waveguide of the reception optical system.
US08685709B2
In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.
US08685706B2
The present invention relates to a process for restoring disturbed arid land soil crust. According to the process, site-sourced biological soil crusts (BSC) serve as sources for liquid suspension inoculants onto degraded arid lands. The BSC are gathered from near the disturbed site, and organisms from them are cultured, replicated and multiplied many times, preferably off-site. Then, this inoculant resulting from the indigenous population is distributed live and active in a liquid suspension over the entire area of the disturbed site.
US08685703B2
A coryneform bacterium transformant prepared by transferring an exogenous gene which encodes a protein having a sugar transporter function into a coryneform bacterium capable of utilizing D-xylose.
US08685702B2
The invention provides for compositions and methods for producing isoprene by using recombinantly engineered cells that utilize a system of dual IspG enzymes in addition to isoprene synthase.
US08685687B2
The present invention is directed to chimeric recombinases comprising a serine recombinase operatively linked to a zinc finger nucleotide binding domain such that the chimeric recombinase protein catalyzes site-specific recombination at a DNA site specifically bound by the zinc finger nucleotide binding domain. The serine recombinase can be one of several naturally occurring serine recombinases. The invention also includes nucleic acids encoding the chimeric recombinases, vectors including the nucleic acids, host cells transformed or transfected with the vectors, methods of using the chimeric recombinases to carry out recombination, methods of using substrate-linked protein evolution to generate additional chimeric recombinases, methods of using the chimeric recombinases for gene therapy, and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08685680B2
The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for producing esterified, transesterified or interesterified fats or oils. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic esterification, transesterification or interesterification by purifying the substrate oil to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed.
US08685673B2
The present invention provides a method for in vitro producing an indole derivative in a one-pot reaction. The method for producing a rhamnosylated indolocarbazole compound includes the steps of transforming a plasmid carrying a gene encoding N-glycosyltransferase into a bacterial strain; expressing the gene encoding N-glycosyltransferase in the bacterial strain; lysing the bacterial strain to obtain a crude enzyme extract; and adding TDP-glucose, an indolocarbazole aglycone and a metal ion in the crude enzyme extract for performing an enzymatic reaction to form the rhamnosylated indolocarbazole compound. Alternatively, the method for producing an indole-3-carboxaldehyde analog includes the steps of transforming a plasmid carrying a gene encoding NokA of Nocardiopsis sp. K-252 into a bacterial strain; expressing the gene encoding NokA in the bacterial strain; lysing the bacterial strain to obtain a crude enzyme extract; and adding an L-tryptophan analog for performing an enzymatic reaction to form the indole-3-carboxaldehyde analog.
US08685672B2
Incorporation of flavan-3-ols and gallic acid derivatives into lignin to improve biomass utilization
A method of manufacturing modified lignin and the resulting non-natural modified lignin product in which a lignin-producing polymerization reaction is performed using a polymerizable monomer having the structure: wherein at least one of the polymerizable monomers is incorporated into the resulting lignin.
US08685666B2
This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.
US08685665B2
A method of enhancing an enzymatic activity of a disintegrin-like domain, and metalloprotease, with an isolated human thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) by substituting on or more positions in the isolated human ADAMTS-13.
US08685661B2
A reagent for classifying and counting leukocytes containing (1) a cyanine fluorescent dye; and (2) a glycoside compound; a reagent kit containing the reagent for classifying and counting leukocytes as well as its preparation process; and a process for classifying and counting blood cells using the reagent or kit are provided. Using the reagent, kit and/or process provided, leukocytes can be classified and counted in four groups with a high degree of differentiation and a better classification among each subpopulation of leukocytes, especially in that it successfully addresses the indistinct classification between lymphocytes and monocytes and between the eosinophils and neutrophils in a scattergram.
US08685656B2
This invention provides methods of diagnosing or determining a cause of an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy in a subject and of diagnosing a tumor in a subject, comprising the step of testing a biological sample of the subject for an anti-body to a GABAB receptor. This invention further provides methods of treating an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy, comprising the steps of detecting an antibody to a GABAB receptor and treating a tumor associated with the disease.
US08685644B2
The invention relates to a method for determining a concentration of ligands in an analyzed sample. The inventive method consists in immobilizing receptors specifically boundable with said ligands on a support. At least one measured value of the occupation of the support surface by the receptors is determined by means of a sensor for the surface occupation. Afterwards, the sample is put in contact with the receptors. At least one measured value of the frequency of liaisons between the ligands and the receptors is determined by means of at least one detector. The concentration of ligands in the sample can be determined with the aid of the measured values of the occupation of the surface and frequency of ligands/receptors liaisons.
US08685639B2
The present invention relates to the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of wound infection by testing wound fluid for the presence of a marker which is present in an amount which is indicative of infection. The marker may be high molecular weight phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) or a marker which is correlated with cPLA2.
US08685636B2
The invention is in the field of coagulation diagnostics and relates to a heparin-insensitive method for determining direct coagulation factor inhibitors in a sample, in particular direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors.
US08685635B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08685632B2
A lithographic apparatus includes a source configured to generate a radiation beam comprising desired radiation and undesired radiation using a plasma, an illumination system configured to condition the radiation beam and to receive hydrogen gas during operation of the lithographic apparatus, and a support structure constructed to hold a patterning device. The patterning device is capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam. A substrate table is constructed to hold a substrate, and a projection system is configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The lithographic apparatus is configured such that the radiation beam on entering the projection system includes at least 50% of the undesired radiation that is generated by the plasma and includes wavelengths of radiation that interact with the hydrogen gas to generate hydrogen radicals.
US08685628B2
Exemplary embodiments provide methods for patterning large areas, beyond those accessible with the limited single-area exposure techniques, with nanometer scale features. The methods can include forming a grating pattern to make a first interferometric exposure of a first portion of a photosensitive material disposed over a substrate by interfering two or more laser beams, wherein the two or more laser beams comprise an apodized intensity profile having a continuous intensity variation. The method can further include aligning and overlapping the grating pattern to expose a second portion of the photosensitive material such that the first portion and the second portion form a continuous grating pattern.
US08685627B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an etch-target layer over a semiconductor substrate having a lower structure, forming a first mask pattern over the etch-target layer, forming a spacer material layer with a uniform thickness over the etch-target layer including the first mask pattern, forming a second mask pattern on an indented region of the space material layer, and etching the etch-target layer with the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern as an etch mask to form a fine pattern.
US08685625B2
A photoresist processing method includes treating a substrate with a sulfur-containing substance. A positive-tone photoresist is applied on and in contact with the treated substrate. The method includes selectively exposing a portion of the photoresist to actinic energy and developing the photoresist to remove the exposed portion and to form a photoresist pattern on the substrate. The treating with a sulfur-containing substance reduces an amount of residual photoresist intended for removal compared to an amount of residual photoresist that remains without the treating.
US08685617B2
A salt represented by the formula (I): wherein Q1, Q2, L1, L2, ring W, s, t, R1, R2 and Z+ are defined in the specification.
US08685609B2
A marking agent concentration method includes concentrating the marking agent by removing at least some liquid carrier between particles without substantially removing retained liquid carrier within the particles and without substantially modifying the particle structure, which is supported by the retained liquid carrier. The concentrated marking agent is supplied to distributors or end users of liquid marking agent. A concentrated marking agent includes solid clumps of agglomerated particles and a liquid carrier retained within the particles' individual structure. The clumps exhibit a median size greater than 90 μm. The concentrated marking agent exhibiting a solids content of from 40 wt % to less than 90 wt %. A hard imaging method includes combining a concentrated marking agent with additional liquid carrier, applying a shear force, dispersing particles from clumps, forming a liquid marking agent, and forming a hard image using the liquid marking agent.
US08685603B2
An electrostatic charge image developer includes a toner containing an external additive and a carrier comprising a resin-coated layer formed on a surface of a core material. The average shape factor SF1 of the toner is from 125 to 135, the number of particles having shape factor SF1 of less than 125 is from 5% to 30% by number with respect to the total number of toner particles, the number of particles having shape factor SF1 of greater than 135 is from 5% to 30% by number with respect to the total number of toner particles, the scratch line width in a scratch strength test of the resin used in the resin-coated layer is from 80 μm to 200 μm, and the scratch depth is from 60 μm to 150 μm.
US08685602B2
There is provided a toner for electrophotography containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a barium compound, and having a relaxation modulus G(t) of from about 2.0×102 Pa to about 3.0×103 Pa in a relaxation time of t=10×Dt (wherein Dt is the heating time taken during fixing) as determined by the measurement of dynamic viscoelasticity, and a barium content of from about 0.1% to about 0.5% with respect to the total amount of constituent atoms in the toner as determined by X-ray fluorescence.
US08685593B2
A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a silicon oxide layer to form a silicon oxide/carbon bilayer. The silicon oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.
US08685591B2
A dispersion composition including a fluorine-containing ion exchange resin having a repeating unit represented by the formulae (1) and a repeating unit represented by the formulae (2), and having an equivalent weight of 400 to 1000 g/eq; and a solvent comprising water, wherein Z represents H, Cl, F, or a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; m represents an integer of 0 to 12; and n represents an integer of 0 to 2, and wherein an abundance ratio of a resin having a particle size of 10 μm or more in the fluorine-containing ion exchange resin is 0.1% to 80% by volume.
US08685590B2
An apparatus for pre-activation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a first plate and a second plate hot pressing the unit cell stack, each having a flow channel supplying water vapor to opposing inner surfaces with the unit cell stack therebetween and including a resistor producing heat, a compressor, a temperature controller and a water vapor supplier connected to the flow channels of the plates. The apparatus for pre-activating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell may be used to prepare a prep-activated integrated body of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and gas diffusion layers by performing hot pressing while supplying water vapor to the unit cell stack to hydrate the polymer electrolyte membrane. And the apparatus for pre-activating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used to monitor physical damage of the membrane electrode assembly based on the change of degree of vacuum at a fuel electrode side and an air electrode side using, thereby detecting the leaking membrane electrode assembly in advance.
US08685586B2
The separator of which the region facing the MEA is a flat includes the first electrode facing plate and the second electrode facing plate. The separator includes the reaction gas supply manifold to which the reaction gas is supplied. The first electrode facing plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes formed at the end of the cell-reaction region. The intermediate plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply path slits that forms the reaction gas supply paths, wherein each of the reaction gas supply paths has one end connected to the reaction gas supply manifold and other end connected to at least one of the plurality of reaction gas supply holes.
US08685583B2
A method of operating a fuel cell system includes characterizing the fuel or fuels being provided into the fuel cell system, characterizing the oxidizing gas or gases being provided into the fuel cell system, and calculating at least one of the steam:carbon ratio, fuel utilization and oxidizing gas utilization based on the step of characterization.
US08685578B2
A fuel cell system for a vehicle includes a fuel cell arrangement that is coupleable to a vehicle drive as a primary load, and to a plurality of secondary loads. A control apparatus which controls the primary load and the secondary loads includes a monitoring circuit that is operable in a special operating mode of the fuel cell system, with the secondary loads being switched on and/or off as a manipulated variable in order to maintain the output voltage, as a reference variable, at a low voltage value that is formed by a cell voltage of the fuel cells of less than 0.45 V on average.
US08685577B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module and a condenser apparatus. The condenser apparatus includes a first condenser using an oxygen-containing as a coolant, and a second condenser using hot water stored in a hot water tank as the coolant. Further, the fuel cell system includes a control device for controlling at least one of a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the first condenser and a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the second condenser based on at least any of a water level of the hot water in the hot water tank, a temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank, and a water level of the condensed water in the condenser apparatus.
US08685553B2
According to one aspect, a mobile electronic device having a fuel cell configured to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for the mobile electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and provide fuel to the fuel cell, and a solid-state battery configured to provide power to the mobile device. The solid-state battery is sized and shaped to at least partially surround at least one of the fuel cell and the fuel tank.
US08685542B2
An organic light-emitting device including a substrate; a first electrode on the substrate, the first electrode including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an organic layer on the first electrode, the organic layer being adjacent to the first surface of the first electrode; a second electrode on the organic layer, the second electrode including a first surface adjacent to the organic layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a luminescent efficiency improvement layer on at least one of the second surface of the first electrode and the second surface of the second electrode, the luminescent efficiency improvement layer including a condensed-cyclic compound represented by Formula 1, below:
US08685540B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) architecture in which efficient operation is achieved without requiring a blocking layer by locating the recombination zone close to the hole transport side of the emissive layer. Aryl-based hosts and Ir-based dopants with suitable concentrations result in an efficient phosphorescent OLED structure. Previously, blocking layer utilization in phosphorescent OLED architectures was considered essential to avoid exciton and hole leakage from the emissive layer, and thus keep the recombination zone inside the emissive layer to provide high device efficiency and a pure emission spectrum.
US08685529B1
A method for coating for a substrate, comprising applying an underlayer of a self assembling monolayer well ordered array of long chain molecules on the substrate; and applying a top layer, over the underlayer, wherein the self-assembling monolayer well ordered array serves as a molecular template organizing formation of said top layer, comprising at least one of a thermally-resistant polymer layer over said self assembling monolayer selected from the group consisting of epoxies, and phosphorus-based polyimides; and a metal oxide, metal nitride, or a ceramic. The self assembling monolayer may be selectively applied to a portion of the substrate, leaving an uncoated region, and the top layer formed only over the areas of the substrate coated with the self-assembling monolayer, resulting in at least one region of the substrate which is not coated with the top layer.
US08685524B2
A polylactic acid-based resin sheet including polylactic acid and rubber particles and characterized by satisfying (1) to (3): (1): 0.01 μm≦|Ra1−Ra2|≦0.2 μm; (2): Ra1≦0.3 μm and (3): Ra2≦0.3 μm where Ra1 is a two-dimensional center line average roughness of one surface of the sheet, and Ra2 is a two-dimensional center line average roughness of a surface other than that subjected to measurement of Ra1.
US08685520B2
A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising forming an array of projections extending from a bond surface of the first component, the projections having a plurality of different profiles; and embedding the array of projections in the second component formed of a plurality of laminate plies, wherein each projection profile is adapted to best transfer load into a respective one of the laminate plies. The resultant joint is able to transfer load more progressively between the two components leading to improved tensile strength.
US08685518B2
An information recording medium including three or more information layers, wherein: at least one information layer includes a recording layer and a nucleation layer; the recording layer contains a material that is represented by formula (1) [(Ge0.5Te0.5)x(In0.4Te0.6)1-x]ySb100-y (mol %) with x satisfying 0.8≦x<1.0 and y satisfying 95≦y<100; the nucleation layer contains a material that is represented by formula (2) (Ge0.5Te0.5)z(Bi0.4Te0.6)100-z (mol %) with z satisfying 10≦z≦71; and the nucleation layer is in contact with the recording layer. This information recording medium is capable of achieving sufficient signal amplitude even in cases where a small recording mark is formed, and is also capable of stably maintaining a small recording mark.
US08685514B2
Reinforced composite pipes and methods for making the same, generally employ at least one polymeric reinforcement phase, typically provided as an intermediate form. The intermediate form is typically applied over a core pipe, and may be consolidated. An optional jacket may be employed.
US08685512B2
The technical problem to be solved is to change the thickness of the colored resin layer of the preform gradually in the upward or downward direction, by utilizing a tendency of gradual decrease in the thickness of the colored resin layer caused by the flow of the main resin inside the preform mold when the main resin and the colored resin are injected into the mold. This involves adjusting the injection pattern including the time of starting and ending the supply of the main resin and the colored resin, and pressure or velocity profiles, reducing the thickness of the colored resin layer gradually upstream or downstream, injection-molding the preform in which a color-gradated portion associated with the thickness of the colored resin layer has been formed, and biaxially drawing and blow molding this preform into a bottle having a color-gradated portion.
US08685506B2
A tablet includes a bismuth-based glass and a refractory filler, wherein the bismuth-based glass comprises, as a glass composition, in terms of mass %, 70 to 90% of Bi2O3, 2 to 12% of B2O3, 0 to 5% of Al2O3, 1 to 15% of ZnO, 0 to 10% of BaO, and 0 to 8% of CuO+Fe2O3; the tablet comprises 1 to 25 vol % of alumina as the refractory filler; and the filling ratio of the tablet is 71% or more.
US08685504B2
A recording medium includes an ink-receiving layer formed by applying a coating liquid onto at least one surface of a substrate and drying the coating liquid, the coating liquid containing hydrated alumina and a binder, in which the hydrated alumina in the coating liquid has an average particle size of 100 nm to 250 nm, the surface of the ink-receiving layer has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.8 μm to 2.5 μm, the arithmetic average roughness Ra being specified by JIS B0601:2001, and the surface of the ink-receiving layer has a specular gloss at 60° of 10.0% or less, the specular gloss at 60° being specified by JIS Z8741.
US08685498B2
A coated film with no observable streak is formed. The landing positions of a first discharge liquid discharged through a first printing head and the landing positions of a second discharge liquid discharged through a second printing head are disposed in a mixed manner in an area on a substrate where the first printing head and the second printing head overlap. Which discharge liquids are to be landed is determined according to random numbers. Since a coated film which is formed with the first and second discharge liquids in a mixed manner is disposed between a coated film formed with the first discharge liquids and a coated film formed with the second discharge liquids, a boundary is obscured and no streak appears.
US08685497B2
A liquid coating composition which contains (i) a resin system crosslinkable under catalysis of a catalyst D and comprising a binder A and, as an optional component, a crosslinker B for the binder A, and (ii) solid particles CD consisting of a physical mixture of 70 to 99 wt.-% of a polyurethane resin C and 1 to 30 wt.-% of a catalyst D immobilized in said polyurethane resin C, wherein the sum of the wt.-% totals 100 wt.-%, and wherein the polyurethane resin C has a melting temperature of 40 to 180° C., measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 K/min.
US08685482B2
Disclosed herein is a composition for making a gluten-free food product, wherein the composition can include, as its main ingredients, one or more types of cheese, one or more types of starch, and one or more types of gluten-free flour, wherein the one or more types of cheese includes 20% to 40% by weight of the composition, the one or more types of starch includes 20% to 40% by weight percent of the composition, and the one or more types of gluten-free flour includes 1% to 10% by weight of the composition. The composition can further include other ingredients for flavor, structure, texture, and the like. In some embodiments, the gluten-free food product can be, for example, a cracker, a cookie, a cake, a chip, a bread-stick, and the like. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods for making gluten-free food products.
US08685479B2
The present invention relates to a capsule for delivering a food product by injection of a fluid under pressure into the capsule, said capsule having a chamber defined by capsule side walls, a flexible bottom wall and a top wall, said chamber containing at least one ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by said injection fluid, and a beverage dispensing structure having at least one dispensing opening disposed through the bottom wall, wherein said beverage dispensing structure includes a pressure retaining element adapted to retain a certain predetermined dissolution and/or extraction pressure in the chamber, disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall, which includes a protrusion in correspondence to the dispensing opening so that said protrusion is disposed into the corresponding opening and restricts its diameter at the time injection fluid inside the capsule chamber moves said membrane towards said pressure retaining means.
US08685474B2
An aqueous syrup for use in chewing gum, particularly pellet gum, comprises, on a dry basis, greater than about 98% polyols, of which i) about 50% to about 90% is sorbitol, ii) about 3% to about 30% is maltitol, iii) about 2% to about 20% are polyols, other than sorbitol and maltitol, with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 1 or 2, and iv) less than about 20% (and perhaps less than about 12%) are polyols with a DP of 3 or greater. The syrup is made with less than about 1.0% plasticizing agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The syrup contains less than 5% water. The syrup can be made by evaporating a mixture of a sorbitol solution, a maltitol syrup and one or more polyols selected from the group consisting of mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, erythritol, hydrogenated isomaltulose, and combinations thereof. Methods of using the syrup to make chewing gum, and chewing gum products containing the syrup are also provided.
US08685470B1
A natural product energy formulation is provided for a pet, which synergistically aids in (1) function of the heart, (2) energy production, such as in muscles, and/or (3) enhances removal of toxic free radicals. For example, the natural product energy formulation enhances function of the heart, by the use of CoQ10; enables the body to produce more energy through enhanced efficiency of the Krebs cycle, such as by use of L-carnitine; and aids in the removal of waste and/or toxins produced in the body, such as by providing anti-oxidants. Hence, the energy formulation synergistically optimizes the heart, muscles, and toxin removal at the same time, which allows for a more active, healthy, and/or interactive pet, where the pet can prolong duration of exercise, increase intensity of exercise, and recover faster. The natural product formulation for pets optionally contains a lipotropic constituent to aid in fat metabolism and/or weight loss.
US08685465B2
The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, including i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder having a bimodal particle distribution and a median particle size of about 5 to about 20 microns, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; and iii) a β-tricalcium phosphate powder having a median particle size of less than about 20 microns. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided.
US08685449B2
Pharmaceutical compositions with anti-obesity activity that act peripherally are provided, which comprise a premixture made up of pure orlistat as the active ingredient and other components that afford the premixture stability and suitable physical properties for simply preparing compositions for oral use with convenient dosage flexibility; and optionally necessary thickening, flavouring and colouring agents. A method for preparing said compositions is also provided. The orlistat content in the premixture is less than 20% of the total weight of the mass, preferably between 12 and 17%.The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated indistinctively from the premixture both as grooved tablets and powder for suspension.
US08685442B1
The present invention provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L. The invention further provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L wherein the capsule material comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and titanium dioxide.
US08685441B2
The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.
US08685440B2
The present invention relates to a nanoliposome comprising a liposome membrane containing esterified lecithin, and one or more physiologically active ingredients included in inner space of the liposome membrane; a method for preparing the same; and a composition for preventing or treating skin diseases, comprising the same. The nanoliposome according to the present invention has long-term stability and uniformity, and so can be used to prepare a composition for skin having excellent moisturizing and penetrating properties, such as cosmetics, medicament for treating skin diseases, or the like. In particular, the present composition for preventing or treating skin diseases comprises epidermal growth factor included in the nanoliposome, thereby showing an excellent effect of stimulating skin-penetration and good pharmaceutical stability. Also, the esterified lecithin used in preparing liposome can provide effects of softening skin and stimulating skin-penetration, thereby enhancing the penetration of epidermal growth factor and natural extract into skin, as well as additional moisturizing effect which is advantageous in treating skin diseases. Further, since the present composition comprises nanoliposome prepared by containing esterified lecithin in liposome membrane, the conventional problems of heating and dispersing active ingredients at high temperature (70° C. or more), low stability and uniformity, or the like can be solved.
US08685413B2
The invention relates to Pasteurella multocida mutants capable of providing heterologous protection against infection caused by virulent P. multocida . Said mutants are defective in fur ompH and fur ompH galE genes. The invention relates to Pasteurella multocida bacteria vaccine compositions containing fur ompH double mutants and fur ompH galE triple mutants obtained from P. multocida , or an extract of iron-regulated outer-membrane proteins (IROMPs) obtained from said mutants, and to an excipient and/or pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants.
US08685396B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) toxin. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax PA toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax PA toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.
US08685388B2
The present invention relates to a method for the prevention, treatment and reduction of gastro-intestinal inflammation in a subject by administering a specific Bifidobacterium bacteria, in particular a fermented dairy product comprising said specific Bifidobacterium bacteria for the prevention, treatment and reduction of gastro-intestinal inflammation, in particular for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and/or Crohn's Disease (CD) and for the prevention and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
US08685361B2
Disclosed therein is a method for preparing a polyacrylonitrile-based polymer for preparation of carbon fiber having a melting point controlled by selecting an optimal energy of microwave, and a method for preparing a carbon fiber through melt spinning using the preparation method for polyacrylonitrile-based polymer. The present invention uses microwave to control the properties of the polyacrylonitrile-based polymer in a simplified way and prepare the polymer optimized for preparation of carbon fiber precursor through melt spinning for a short polymerization time, and provides a means for mass production of the polyacrylonitrile-based polymer being suitable for melt spinning at a temperature lower than the stabilization temperature and acquiring properties adequate to preparation of carbon fiber through stabilization. Hence, the present invention is expected to contribute to mass production of high-performance carbon fibers at reduced cost.
US08685359B2
An atomic carbon material and a preparation method thereof having ion adsorption ability superior to fullerenes and nano-tubes are provided. This atomic carbon material is in a state existing as an organic compound and in a state close to an atom with a diameter of 1 nm or less (theoretically about 1.66 angstrom), and is a bulk where they are congregated with each other with an interatomic force or a particle with a particle size of 1 nm or less. This atomic carbon material is manufactured by heating a raw material composed of an organic material which does not include carbon units in an inactive atmosphere at a predetermined temperature while sequentially increasing the temperature and by individually separating expected elements except for carbon in the aforementioned atmosphere and the organic material from being bonded with carbon by thermally decomposing in order from an element having a lower decomposition temperature at a temperature of 450 C or lower.
US08685358B2
In various implementations, feed streams that include ultrapure, high-pressure hydrogen streams and ultrapure, high-pressure nitrogen streams are reacted to produce ultrapure, high-pressure feed gas in a stoichiometric ratio to an ammonia synthesis reactor loop without or independent of including a methanol loop purge gas.
US08685353B2
Provided are improved exhaust gas cleaning systems and methods for treating exhaust gas from a combustion source that include a hydrogen generation system, a regenerable sulfur oxides trap, and a regenerable nitrogen storage reduction (NSR) catalyst trap. The improved exhaust gas cleaning systems and methods allow for the sulfur released from the sulfur trap to pass through the nitrogen oxide trap with no or little poisoning of NOx storage and reduction sites, which significantly improves NSR catalyst trap lifetime and performance to meet future emissions standards. The disclosed exhaust gas cleaning systems are suitable for use in internal combustion engines (e.g., diesel, gasoline, CNG) which operate with lean air/fuel ratios over most of the operating period.
US08685345B2
An insert for a sample chamber of a multi-well plate, which delimits the sample chamber upwardly, so as to form a measurement space, when the insert is in the state in which it is fitted into the sample chamber. The insert has at least two portions with outer contours differing from one another, one of the portions being a sealing portion with a continuous sealing surface, which sealing portion is adapted to a corresponding, in particular hollow-cylindrical sealing portion, with a likewise continuous sealing surface, of the sample chamber, in such a way that the insert sealing portion and the sample chamber sealing portion can be connected to one another releasably and in a liquid-tight manner by means of a press fit.
US08685341B2
Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead.
US08685334B2
Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
US08685333B2
A portable ozone gas generating device that includes one or more transformers is disclosed. The portable ozone gas generating device generates a plurality of high levels of ozone gas to eradicate a plurality of pests, odors and undesired microorganisms, one or more generator cells that are utilized by the device to eradicate the plurality of pests and undesired microorganisms and an ozone hose or other conduit that directs air that is forced across the generator cell. The device also includes a blower that is a powerful high volume high pressure blower, turbine or fan that provides power to the directed ozone air required to positively pressurize a structure to eradicate the plurality of pests, odors and undesired microorganisms, a large diameter flexible undegradable ozone rated hose and a filtration system and an adjustable disposable aperture airlock that connects the structure with the device.
US08685332B2
Apparatus is described for treating an effluent gas stream from a semiconductor manufacturing process tool. The apparatus comprises a plasma torch for generating a glow discharge from an inert, ionisable gas. The gas stream is conveyed to the glow discharge to ignite a plasma. A source of electromagnetic radiation supplies electromagnetic radiation to the effluent gas stream to sustain the plasma. The apparatus is particularly suitable for treating perfluorinated and hydroflurocarbon compounds in the effluent gas stream.
US08685325B2
The system relates to filed-programmable lab-on-chip (FPLOC) microfluidic operations, fabrications, and programming based on Microelectrode Array Architecture are disclosed herein. The FPLOC device by employing the microelectrode array architecture may include the following: (a) a bottom plate comprising an array of multiple microelectrodes disposed on a top surface of a substrate covered by a dielectric layer; wherein each of the microelectrode is coupled to at least one grounding elements of a grounding mechanism, wherein a hydrophobic layer is disposed on the top of the dielectric layer and the grounding elements to make hydrophobic surfaces with the droplets; (b) a field programmability mechanism for programming a group of configured-electrodes to generate microfluidic components and layouts with selected shapes and sizes; and, (c) a FPLOC functional block, comprising: (i) I/O ports; (ii) a sample preparation unit; (iii) a droplet manipulation unit; (iv) a detection unit; and (iv) a system control unit.
US08685324B2
An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
US08685312B2
A melt spinning apparatus includes an apparatus body, a nozzle configured to extrude melted resin in the apparatus body, and a barrel having an air discharge passage arranged around this nozzle to discharge hot air. The discharge passage includes a sloped passage and a parallel passage that extends along the nozzle. At an intersection of imaginary lines extending along the centerlines of the sloped passage, an imaginary merging section is defined. An open end of the nozzle is positioned on the downstream side of the imaginary merging section of the hot air blown diagonally forward toward a periphery of the nozzle. To manufacture a sheet of a nonwoven fabric, the melted resin is discharged from the nozzle and then the hot air swirling diagonally forward is blown toward the periphery of the nozzle. This causes the melted resin to be formed into spiral fibers. Those fibers are blown onto the belt of a conveyor belt apparatus to manufacture a nonwoven fabric sheet.
US08685310B2
The invention relates to a nanofiber web preparing apparatus and method via electro-blown spinning. The nanofiber web preparing method includes feeding a polymer solution, which is a polymer dissolved into a given solvent, toward a spinning nozzle, discharging the polymer solution via the spinning nozzle, which is charged with a high voltage, while injecting compressed air via the lower end of the spinning nozzle, and collecting fiber spun in the form of a web on a grounded suction collector under the spinning nozzle, in which both of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins are applicable, the solution does not need to be heated and electrical insulation is readily realized.
US08685304B2
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a lavatory dispensing device useful for the delivery of at least one treatment composition, preferably a cleaning composition and/or a sanitizing composition to a sanitary appliance.
US08685295B2
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement configured to move an imprint template arrangement, the electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement comprising: an array of magnets; and an array of conductors, each conductor configured to carry an electric current, one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors being moveable and connected to the imprint template arrangement, and the other of the array of magnets or the array of conductors extending at least partially around or forming a part of a substrate holder; the array of magnets and the array of conductors together being in a configuration which facilitates moving of the moveable one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors in six degrees of freedom, such that the imprint template arrangement is also movable in six degrees of freedom.
US08685277B2
The present invention provides a fluorescent substance excellent both in quantum efficiency and in temperature characteristics, and also provides a light-emitting device utilizing the fluorescent substance. This fluorescent substance contains an inorganic compound comprising a metal element M, a trivalent element M1 other than the metal element M, a tetravalent element M2 other than the metal element M, and either or both of O and N. In the inorganic compound, the metal element M is partly replaced with a luminescence center element R. The crystal structure of the fluorescent substance is basically the same as Sr3Al3Si13O2N21, but the chemical bond lengths of M1-N and M2-N are within the range of ±15% based on those of Al—N and Si—N calculated from the lattice constants and atomic coordinates of Sr3Al3Si13O2N21, respectively. The fluorescent substance emits luminescence having a peak in the range of 490 to 580 nm when excited with light of 250 to 500 nm.
US08685276B2
Aqueous thermal inkjet ink composition for the printing of security documents comprising at least one luminescent water-soluble lanthanide complex.
US08685274B2
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound that has an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds and also has at least one of characteristics such as a high stability to heat, light or the like, a suitable refractive index anisotropy (Δn), a low threshold voltage and a suitable dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈). A compound represented by formula (1). For example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, R2 is halogen or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; the ring A1, the ring A2 and the ring A3 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 4 carbons; G is —CH2— or —O—; and m is 1, and n and p is 0 or 1.
US08685269B2
A laser processing method of converging laser light into an object to be processed made of silicon so as to form a modified region and etching the object along the modified region so as to form the object with a through hole comprises a laser light converging step of converging the laser light at the object so as to form the modified region along a part corresponding to the through hole in the object; an etch resist film producing step of producing an etch resist film resistant to etching on an outer surface of the object after the laser light converging step; and an etching step of etching the object so as to advance the etching selectively along the modified region and form the through hole after the etch resist film producing step; while the laser light converging step exposes the modified region to the outer surface of the object.
US08685266B2
Monocyclic chlorine based inductively coupled plasma deep etching processes for the rapid micromachining of titanium substrates and titanium devices so produced are disclosed. The method parameters are adjustable to simultaneously vary etch rate, mask selectivity, and surface roughness and can be applied to titanium substrates having a wide variety of thicknesses to produce high aspect ratio features, smooth sidewalls, and smooth surfaces. The titanium microdevices so produced exhibit beneficially high fracture toughness, biocompatibility and are robust and able to withstand harsh environments making them useful in a wide variety of applications including microelectronics, micromechanical devices, MEMS, and biological devices that may be used in vivo.
US08685261B2
Provided are methods of manufacturing a surface light source device, the methods include forming a first structure that includes a first substrate and a plurality of glass beads each partially embedded in the first substrate. A second structure is formed that includes a second substrate and an adhesive material layer formed on the second substrate. The first structure and the second structure are adhered to each other in such a way that the glass beads are each partially embedded into the adhesive material layer.
US08685256B2
Methods of producing microdispersions containing hydroxamated polymers by reacting water-in-oil microdispersions having vinyl polymers containing one or more pendant functional groups that react with hydroxylamine, with a hydroxylamine-free base substantially free of inorganic salt and containing less than 500 ppm hydrazine are disclosed herein, along with the microdispersions thereby obtained.
US08685253B2
A method of removing color bodies from a fermentation broth includes precipitating a color-forming impurity (color body) by adjusting the fermentation broth to a pH greater than about 13; filtering our precipitated color-forming impurities from the broth; and bleaching a second color impurity by treating the broth with an oxidizing agent.
US08685251B2
Disclosed herein are water purification and supply systems for medical devices and methods of using. In an embodiment, the system includes a dialysis system including a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying the water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream. The water purification system includes an RO filter 6122, a proportioning valve 6165, a heater 6150, first and second heat exchangers, and a throttle valve 6160.
US08685249B2
A high-pressure pump P1 that increases the pressure of raw water, a high-pressure reverse osmosis device including a high-pressure reverse osmosis membrane for concentrating a salt content in high-pressure feed water, a first drain valve mounted on a permeated water line for supplying the permeated water downstream and temporarily draining permeated water of an initial start-up from a discharge line, a low-pressure pump that is mounted on a permeated water line provided downstream of the first drain valve and reduces the pressure of the permeated water, a low-pressure reverse osmosis device including a low-pressure reverse osmosis membrane for concentrating a salt content in low-pressure feed water, and a second drain valve mounted on a discharge line at the concentrated water side of the low-pressure reverse osmosis device that temporarily discharges the low-pressure feed water of the initial start-up supplied to the low-pressure reverse osmosis device.
US08685246B2
Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.
US08685244B2
A disposable cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine has a blood flow path for carrying a volume of blood to be treated in a dialyser and a dialysate flow path, isolated from the blood flow path, for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through the dialyser. The cartridge is received in an engine section of the machine. The engine section has first and second platens which close when the cartridge is inserted to retain the cartridge. Actuators and sensors arranged on the second platen control operation of the cartridge.
US08685239B2
A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.
US08685236B2
A method of removing contaminates from sour water is provided. The method includes producing raw sour water within a syngas production system, and removing the contaminates from the raw sour water using a chemical reaction within a treatment unit to produce treated sour water. The treatment unit is in flow communication with the syngas production system.
US08685223B2
A method for operating a water electrolysis system includes determining whether or not a water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water electrolysis system includes the water electrolysis apparatus, a water circulation apparatus, and a gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water electrolysis apparatus includes power feeders provided on an anode side and a cathode side of an electrolyte membrane. The water electrolysis apparatus generates oxygen on the anode side and generates hydrogen on the cathode side at a higher pressure than a pressure of the oxygen by electrolysis of water. Pressure on the cathode side is released when it is determined that the water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water circulation apparatus is operated until a concentration of hydrogen remaining on the anode side is a specified value or less under a condition in which a release of pressure on the cathode side is completed.
US08685215B2
A continuously variable multi-position magnetron that is rotated about a central axis in back of a sputtering target at a freely selected radius. The position is dynamically controlled from the outside, for example, through a hydraulic actuator connected between a pivoting arm supporting the magnetron and an arm fixed to the shaft, by two coaxial shafts independent controllable from the outside and supporting the magnetron through a frog-leg mechanism, or a cable connected between the pivoting arms and moved by an external slider. The magnetron can be rotated at two, three, or more discrete radii or be moved in a continuous spiral pattern.
US08685205B2
A flash tank for concentrating fluids including a wall defining a rounded interior chamber bounded by a top elliptical head opposite to a bottom elliptical head; an inlet nozzle of the chamber; a steam chamber operatively engaged to the top elliptical head, wherein the steam chamber includes baffles and a conduit that directs condensate from the steam chamber to the level of liquid condensate; a gas discharge port operatively engaged to the steam chamber; and a liquid discharge port engaged to the bottom elliptical head below a vortex breaker. Changes to the flow passage of the steam chamber have been made by extending the baffles further into the internal chambers of the steam chamber.
US08685196B2
In a method for producing a multilayer printed circuit board from a plurality of conducting or conductive and non-conducting or insulating layers or plies to be connected to each other, in particular to be pressed together, wherein after connecting at least partially planar layers at least a partial region (11) thereof is removed, and wherein in order to prevent adherence of the partial region (11) to be removed a material (8) preventing adhesion is applied in accordance with the partial region to be removed onto a layer (9) which adjoins the partial region to be removed, it is provided that the material (8) preventing adhesion is formed by a mixture comprising a release agent on the basis of at least one metal soap, preferably the fatty acid salts of Al, Mg, Ca, Na and Zn, a binding agent, and a solvent, whereby a partial region to be removed can be removed easily and reliably after appropriate treatment and/or processing steps of the multilayer printed circuit board. In addition, an adhesion prevention material and a use of the method in connection with the production of a multilayer printed circuit board (1) are provided.
US08685194B2
A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.
US08685187B2
Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.
US08685181B2
A carbon steel sheet having high formability due to a microscopic and uniform carbide distribution and having a good characteristic of final heat treatment, and a manufacturing method thereof. The carbon steel sheet having excellent formability includes, in wt %, C at 0.2-0.5%, Mn at 0.1-1.2%, Si at less than or equal to 0.4%, Cr at less than or equal to 0.5%, Al at 0.01-0.1%, S at less than or equal to 0.012%, Ti at less than or equal to 0.5×48/14×[N]% to 0.03% when the condition of B and N is not satisfied, B at 0.0005-0.0080%, N at less than or equal to 0.006%, Fe, and extra inevitable elements; an average size of carbide is less than or equal to 1 μm; and an average grain size of ferrite is less than or equal to 5 μm.
US08685178B2
A method of preparing metal-modified silica particles is disclosed. Specifically, a treatment chamber is provided in which a first and a second formulation are ultrasonically mixed to prepare metal-modified silica particles. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the first and second formulations flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulations within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the formulations being mixed in the chamber.
US08685177B2
The invention relates to a crankshaft member having high fatigue strength and good bending correctability, and its method of manufacture. The steel made crankshaft member mainly consists of a two-phase structure of ferrite and perlite. The steel includes C, Ni, Mn, and Cr as required elements and Si, Cu, Mo, Ti, V, Nb, Ca, and S as optional elements that may be included, in the amounts of C within the range of 0.20 to 0.50 wt %, Si within the range of 0 to 0.6 wt %, Mn within the range of 0.5 to 1.5 wt %, Cu within the range of 0 to 0.7 wt %, Ni within the range of 0.05 to 1.5 wt %, Cr within the range of 0.05 to 0.45 wt %, and Mo within the range of 0 to 0.5 wt % to satisfy the condition 115≧70C+8Si+23Mn+11Cu+128Cr+83Mo≧50. A portion of the member surface is provided at least with a hard nitride layer having an average hardness within the range of 300 to 450 HV. Lamellar spacing of the perlite is 0.3 μm or less.
US08685172B2
Processing and drying of a sample, such as a semiconductor or MEMS device, is performed in a single pressure chamber. The sample is sealed in the interior volume of the chamber, which has surfaces formed of a nickel-copper alloy. Hydroflouric acid (HF) is flowed into the sealed chamber to fill the interior volume and to contact the sample with HF. The HF is allowed to etch portions of the same for a desired time before removing the HF from the sealed chamber. After removal of the HF, the interior volume is cooled to a temperature less than 10° C. The sealed pressure chamber is filled with liquid carbon dioxide. The interior volume is then heated to a temperature greater than 31° C. and a pressure greater than 1072 psi (i.e., the critical point), after which gaseous carbon dioxide is exhausted from the sealed chamber to allow subsequent removal of the sample.
US08685169B2
Disclosed are a substrate processing apparatus, a substrate processing method and a storage medium, capable of removing contaminant materials from a substrate by using SPM liquid (sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide mixture) while preventing degradation of the function of the SPM liquid for removing the contaminant materials. The SPM liquid is filled in a processing bath and the substrate is immersed in the SPM liquid. A heating unit is provided in the circulation path to heat the SPM liquid. A hydrogen peroxide supply line supplements hydrogen peroxide to the SPM liquid in the circulation path. A control unit adjusts the temperature of the SPM liquid to the predetermined temperature in the range of 135° C. to 170° C. based on a temperature detection value and outputs a control signal to supplement the sulfuric acid to compensate for the SPM liquid as the SPM liquid is evaporated by heating.
US08685162B2
In one embodiment, a sheet production apparatus comprises a vessel configured to hold a melt of a material. A cooling plate is disposed proximate the melt and is configured to form a sheet of the material on the melt. A first gas jet is configured to direct a gas toward an edge of the vessel. A sheet of a material is translated horizontally on a surface of the melt and the sheet is removed from the melt. The first gas jet may be directed at the meniscus and may stabilize this meniscus or increase local pressure within the meniscus.
US08685156B2
The present invention relates to the use of polycationic compound in combination with a hydroxycarboxylic acid or salt thereof to enhance slump retention in cements and concretes having clay-bearing aggregates, wherein the clay otherwise absorbs or diminishes the dosage efficiency of polycarboxylate superplasticizers.
US08685148B2
The present invention relates to a process and a plant for the treatment of the vented gas mixture from a deaerator of a steam production process associated with a hydrocarbon-reforming syngas production process.
US08685135B2
A method forming a potassium chloride particle form potassium chloride powder having resistance to moisture absorption and shrinkage. The original feedstock comprises potassium chloride in a size distribution of 30 mesh and 100 mesh as well as a gluten based binder.
US08685133B2
A composition includes a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a plurality of metal ions. In one embodiment, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. A method for forming a composition includes mixing a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a metal salt together to form a mixture and processing the mixture to form at least one of a granulated composition and a powdered composition. In some embodiments, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent.
US08685129B2
A framed air filter and method of making. The framed air filter includes a non-self-supporting air filter media with a generally rectangular perimeter with four major edges, a support frame comprised of four support frame portions each portion being mounted on one of the four major edges of the non-self-supporting air filter media, and a support grill that is attached to each of the four portions of the support frame but that is not integral with any portion of the support frame.
US08685117B2
A lithium ion capacitor includes, as a lithium ion supply source, a lithium metal foil for batteries or capacitors. A current collector 4 and a separator 3 formed of a paper or resin nonwoven fabric are preliminarily pressure-bonded and integrated to opposite surfaces of a lithium metal foil 1 for batteries or capacitors.
US08685115B2
The invention relates to a dye method in application of a pattern formed in conformity with the art of marbling to the carpet woven with undyed (ecru) yarn. In this developed method, the object is to allow the dyes to adhere to the yarn fibers of the carpets woven with undyed yarn.
US08685114B2
The invention relates to a dyeing composition comprising a fluorescent disulphide dye and to a method of dyeing keratin materials, with a lightening effect, that employs said composition. It likewise relates to new fluorescent disulphide dyes and to their uses in the lightening of keratin materials. This composition allows a particularly persistent lightening effect to be obtained.
US08685104B2
A prosthesis includes: a body including a first major surface for engaging an endplate of a first vertebral bone of a spine, a second major surface for engaging an endplate of an adjacent, second vertebral bone of the spine; at least one aperture extending from within the body and opening at the first major surface; at least one anchoring element disposed within the aperture and including a shaft having proximal and distal ends; and a drive mechanism engaging the proximal end of the at least one anchoring element and operating to push the at least one anchoring element out through the at least one aperture and into the first vertebral bone, without rotating the at least one anchoring element about an axis thereof.
US08685099B2
The present invention is an osteoimplant that comprises two or more portions, wherein two or more of the portions are self-interlockable with one another to form the desired osteoimplant. The components of the osteoimplant may be of the same material or of different materials. Suitable materials may include cortical bone, cancellous bone, structural polymer, other biomaterial, or any combination thereof.
US08685089B2
A shape memory polymer (SMP) intraocular lens may have a refractive index above 1.45, a Tg between 10° C. and 60° C., inclusive, de minimis or an absence of glistening, and substantially 100% transmissivity of light in the visible spectrum. The intraocular lens is then rolled at a temperature above Tg of the SMP material. The intraocular device is radially compressed within a die to a diameter of less than or equal to 1.8 mm while maintaining the temperature above Tg. The compressed intraocular lens device may be inserted through an incision less than 2 mm wide in a cornea or sclera or other anatomical structure. The lens can be inserted into the capsular bag, the ciliary sulcus, or other cavity through the incision. The SMP can substantially achieve refractive index values of greater than or equal to 1.45.
US08685085B2
A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.
US08685083B2
The invention is an apparatus, system, and method for repairing heart valves. A suture line is secured to a papillary muscle, and then passed through a portion of a heart valve leaflet. A reference element is provided at a desired distance from a plane defined by the heart valve annulus. The suture line is secured to the heart valve leaflet at a position adjacent the reference element. The reference element may part of a device configured for placement on or in a heart valve annulus. The reference element may be slidingly secured to the device so that the distance of the reference element from the main body of the device can be varied by a surgeon or other user. The reference element may be a line of suture, which may be pre-installed during manufacture of the device or may be installed by the surgeon or other user.
US08685078B2
A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.
US08685076B2
Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A sheath may be disposed about the inner member. The sheath may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the sheath may define a first inner diameter and the distal portion of the sheath may define a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter. A bumper may be disposed about the inner member. The bumper may have an outer diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter of the sheath and that is less than the second inner diameter of the sheath.
US08685074B2
A catheter system comprises a catheter, an inner shaft, an expandable balloon, and an elongate advancement member. The expandable balloon has an unwrapped state and rewrapped state and the advancement member has a first state and a second state. When the advancement member is in the first state the expandable balloon is in the unwrapped state, and when the advancement member is in the second state the expandable balloon is in the rewrapped state. The unwrapped state has a first length and a first diameter, the rewrapped state has a second length and a second diameter, the second length is equal to or greater than the first length, and the second diameter is less than first diameter. The advancement member in the second state extends through the interior region defined by the expandable balloon.
US08685069B2
A bone plate and plating system are for use of the same are disclosed. The bone plate includes a body having a span sufficient to overlap a portion of a bone. A screw hole extends through the body in order to receive a bone screw to attach for engaging the plate to the bone. The screw hole includes a counterbore having a beveled surface that intersects at a pinch point a bore having a conical surface of revolution that transitions into the bone engaging surface of the body. The beveled surface includes a variable geometry defining interleaved and rotationally-spaced contact and non-contact bone screw regions.
US08685057B2
A dental tweezers with plastic tweezers main body is disclosed. A weight cavity is disposed on both tweezers arms of the main body. Weight arms of a metal weight are inserted into the weight cavities. A weight seat holds the metal weight in place on the tweezers main body. The metal weight makes the dental tweezers feel heavier and more substantial. After the dental tweezers have been used the metal weight is removed from the main body. The plastic tweezers main body is disposed of and the metal weight is retained for future use in an new plastic tweezers main body. A use indicator of the tweezers main body indicates that the dental tweezers has been used. The use indicator provides easy determination of whether or not the dental tweezers has been previously used.
US08685051B2
An Anterior Capsule Remover (“ACR”) device allows an ophthalmologist to safely and efficiently remove an anterior portion of the lens capsule at the beginning of cataract surgery. The device allows the surgeon to safely, efficiently and consistently create a circular central opening of a predetermined diameter in the top of the lens capsule. An exemplary anterior capsule remover apparatus includes a handle and a distal shaft that holds a blade or cutter. One or more o-rings attached to a thumbwheel and to the blade allow the surgeon to easily create a circular, central opening in the anterior capsule of predetermined diameter.
US08685049B2
A method of treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the lumen including inserting a plurality of cutting members and a tracking member through a first lumen of a catheter, withdrawing the catheter from the cutting members and tracking member, inserting the catheter over the tracking member and leaving the cutting members outside the catheter, and expanding a portion of the catheter to move the cutting members into cutting contact with the lesion. A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen including a plurality of cutting members and a tracking member is also provided.
US08685046B2
An apparatus for joining organ wall portions of first and second hollow organs, including first and second connectors, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. A device for delivering and deploying the first and second connectors to portions of the first and second hollow organs can be provided, wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to axially align the first and second connectors for performing circular anastomosis of the first and second hollow organs.
US08685037B1
A pair of clamps are attached to a damaged linear or non-linear bone one each side of a fracture site during a surgical reduction, one clamp on each side of the fracture site, after which the two clamps are slidably engaged to a pivotal alignment bar, with the clamps then being adjusted to properly align the linear or non-linear bone for a surgical attachment using a bone plate. The pivotal alignment bar provides at least one pivotal ball joint which may be aligned as a straight bar for a linear bone or adjusted to an angle for non-linear bones to achieve optimal alignment of the bone. Each clamp provides axially adjustable plate retainers which slides along a track on the end of each segment of the each clamp to position the retainers at a location where the bone plate is to be attached to the bone.
US08685035B2
The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.
US08685033B2
An anatomic femoral guide positions bone tunnels corresponding to the AM and PL bundles in ACL repair and reconstruction procedures. A template guide disposed in a surgical field proximate to a surgical member such as a femur or tibia defines a surgical footprint of the resulting bone tunnel. The template includes apertures corresponding to the size of the bone tunnels for the respective (AM or PL) bundles, and allows positioning at the drilling site to identify the size and location of the bone tunnel, as well as the relative distance between tunnels for double bundle procedures. An offset angle in the template provides differing orientations of the template apertures for visualizing the actual bone tunnel placement. The template has an aperture positionable parallel to a tibial plateau formation on the tibia, and the template orients a second aperture angled by the offset angle for positioning the second tunnel.
US08685029B2
An instrument for reducing a spinal rod includes a reduction member sized and shaped to be positioned about an anchor extension connected to a bone anchor, an actuator assembly connected to the reduction member and operable to move the reduction member distally relative to the anchor extension along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extension, and a connection mechanism for removable and replaceable connection of the actuator assembly to a proximal end of the anchor extension. The connection mechanism is adjustable between a first position in which the connection mechanism connects the actuator assembly to the proximal end of the anchor extension and a second position in which the connection mechanism and the actuator assembly are released from the anchor extension.
US08685028B2
The reciprocating saw has two, superimposed, blades having a common axis and arcuate cutting surfaces adjacent each other. Part of one blade extends through an opening in the other blade so that the cutting edge of an upper blade is under the cutting edge of a lower blade. The blades' cutting edges extend around the blade or along a smaller arc. A linkage in the saw converts rotary motion of a motor into synchronous, counter-reciprocating motion of the blades about the axis. Counter-reciprocation minimizes action/reaction forces, which occur when a single reciprocating saw blade changes directions.
US08685023B2
A fixation clamp, more particularly for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements, has at least one clamping assembly having at least one reception to accommodate a fixation element along the longitudinal axis of the reception and at least one locking element extending through the clamping assemblies for blocking the position of the clamping assemblies in a defined angular position. Between said locking element and said at least one clamping assembly there is arranged a washer. The clamping assembly comprises a first contact surface which is spherical and convex and in that said washer comprises a second contact surface which is spherical and concave, wherein the first contact surface is in contact with the second contact surface.
US08685015B2
An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a power supply operable to generate a DC voltage and a multi-pole, phase-shifted, pulse-width and/or frequency modulated RF output stage coupled to the power supply. The RF output stage includes a plurality of dual-pole circuits, each of the plurality of dual-pole circuits including first and second pairs of switching components. The generator also includes a controller configured to drive the first and second pairs of switching components of each of the plurality of dual-pole circuits at a predetermined phase-shifted frequency.
US08685014B2
A system and method for use with at least one cryoprobe for the treatment of biological tissue controls the energy applied to the tissue. The invention receives live procedure data such as temperature information from locations along the pathway of the cryogenic liquids, and calculates a procedure signature or profile based on the procedure data. In one embodiment, volumetric isotherms are calculated. The procedure signature is compared to a planning signature based on previously acquired image data and estimates of the thermal gradients from models. The system and method are further configured to automatically regulate the application of power based on analysis of the planning data to the procedure data.
US08685013B2
In a method of ablating a tunica of a patient, a laser fiber is inserted into the tunica of the patient. Portions of the tunica are exposed to laser light discharged from the laser fiber. The portions of the tunica that are exposed to the laser light are ablated. In one embodiment, a device is used to control the exposure of the tunica to the laser light. In one embodiment, a penile prosthesis is implanted in the ablated tunica.
US08685006B2
A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls the laser device to focus the laser radiation, by providing target points located within the cornea, into the cornea, wherein the control device, when providing the target points, allows for focus position errors which lead to a deviation between the predetermined position and the actual position of the target points when focusing the laser radiation, by pre-offsets depending on the positions of the respective target points to compensate for said focus position errors.
US08685004B2
A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.
US08684997B2
Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.
US08684991B2
A flexible container for storing a liquid medicament comprises a container wall consisting of two wall sheets of flexible material that are sealed together is disclosed. The container may comprise a storage compartment for the liquid medicament, and an access opening on one of the wall sheets. The storage compartment and the access opening may be in fluid connection. The access opening is designed to be fluidly connected to an outer conduit system. An insert part may be arranged between the two wall sheets with positive locking, and may fluidly connect the storage compartment and the access opening.
US08684983B2
A convex shell for use in a base plate of an ostomy appliance includes an annular ring defined by an outer edge and an inner edge of defining a through-going hole. The annular ring has at least four transition sections extending transversely across the annular ring, dividing the annular ring into at least a first, second, third and fourth segment. By changing the characteristics of the convex shell in such sections, it is possible to control the bending of the shell. The shell also makes it possible to keep the area around the stoma more stable and resistant towards collapsing, while providing improved flexibility in the peristomal area for better comfort.
US08684980B2
A method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use and a device for droplet ejection includes a fluid delivery system capable of delivering a defined volume of the fluid in the form of droplets having properties that afford adequate and repeatable high percentage deposition upon application. The method and device include a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid, an ejector mechanism configured to eject a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter greater than 15 microns, the stream of droplets having low entrained airflow such that the stream of droplets deposit on the eye of the subject during use.
US08684976B2
A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.
US08684974B2
A surgical access assembly including a base and an elongated member extending from the base. The bass defines a central axis and has an opening for receipt of a surgical instrument. The elongated member defines a passageway for passage of at least a portion of the surgical instrument and is adapted to assume a substantially rolled configuration in a normal unstressed condition thereof. When in the rolled configuration, the elongated member is rolled transverse to the central axis.
US08684967B2
A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.
US08684965B2
Photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery system of the present disclosure includes an insertion catheter having an inner void for passing at least one light-sensitive liquid, and an inner lumen; an expandable portion releasably engaging a distal end of the insertion catheter, wherein the expandable portion comprises an inner expandable portion in communication with the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and sufficiently designed to maintain a light-sensitive liquid therein; and an outer expandable portion, surrounding the inner expandable portion, sufficiently designed to house and release at least one additive from the outer expandable portion in an outward direction from the inner expandable portion; and a light-conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and into the inner expandable portion for delivering light energy to the light-sensitive liquid.
US08684962B2
A robotic catheter device cartridge may include a finger or a slider block generally disposed in a channel and engaged with a steering wire. The steering wire may control movement of a component having the steering wire engaged thereto when the finger or the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction. The cartridge may be a transseptal cartridge having a transseptal needle connected thereto, a catheter cartridge having a catheter connected thereto, or a sheath cartridge having a sheath connected thereto.
US08684960B2
An endothelial scaffold may used to form a graft with an endothelial lining or endothelium. The scaffold allows a natural vessel or other endothelial lumen to line a channel of the scaffold to provide an endothelial layer which enhances blood flow through the channel. The channel may have a narrowed section to provide a stenosis. One or more conduits may extend from an exterior portion of the scaffold to an inner surface of the channel. Air may be withdrawn from between the natural vessel and inner surface of the channel via the conduits to cause the endothelial lumen to conform to the inner surface of the channel. A valve may be used to prevent air from reentering the conduits. The graft, including the endothelial lumen, may be implanted into a patient.
US08684959B2
An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises a sensor (10) for emitting a signal indicating a change of hematic volume of an individual (7) subjected to a treatment and a weight loss system for actuating the individual's weight loss. A control unit (20) receives an effective weight value of the individual and a desired weight loss value and from these values determines a desired value of a change in hematic volume at end of treatment. The weight loss system is controlled on a basis of the hematic volume change signal and the desired value of the hematic volume change. The apparatus enables automatic control of a dialysis operation while preventing some complications arising from hypotension.
US08684954B1
The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.
US08684949B2
The invention concerns an analytical instrument for assaying body fluids, the instrument having the following features: a) a housing provided with a receiving element for engaging a body part, b) an abutment for the body part which can be moved between a release position and an operating position relative to the receiving element, c) a lancing unit having a lancing element that can pierce the body part resting against the abutment in a linear lancing stroke, d) a test tape unit having a test tape for receiving body fluid issuing from the body part, and e) a detection unit for examining the body fluid applied to a section of the test tape.
US08684942B2
A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and a signal processor. The input processor receives first sampled data representing a first signal portion of a heart activity related signal and second sampled data representing a second signal portion of a heart activity related signal. The signal processor determines distribution data associated with degree of similarity between the first and second signal portions by determining a difference between (a) values derived by applying a first function to mean adjusted sampled values of the first signal portion and (b) values derived by applying a second function to mean adjusted sampled values of the second signal portion. In response to the determined distribution data, the signal processor initiates generation of a message associated with the degree of similarity between the first and second signal portions.
US08684938B2
A biological condition evaluation apparatus determines a symptom of a heart abnormality based on at least one index calculated from a heartbeat interval and/or a pulse interval. The apparatus determines whether it is in a referential period where an amount of change in the index is comparatively small. The apparatus determines whether a plurality of conditions are satisfied or not in an evaluation period set after the referential period. One condition is that an amount of change in the index in the evaluation period is greater than that observed during the referential period. Another condition is that a rate of change in the index is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The apparatus determines that there is a symptom of a heart abnormality, when both the conditions are satisfied.
US08684933B2
A portable ultrasound imaging system employs a mechanically focused multi-element circular annular transducer that is mechanically scanned using a motor. Received echoes are processed to form two dimensional gray scale B mode images or two dimensional color tissue flow images which are displayed on a display unit. In case of color flow imaging, a high pulse repetition frequency imaging sequence is employed for a reasonable frame rate and special down-sampling techniques are applied to achieve an effective low pulse repetition frequency for flow estimation with enough signal to noise ratio. The system also includes a docking subsystem which charges a system battery and transfers patient and image data between a PACS system, workstation or other information system and the portable ultrasound imaging system.
US08684930B2
The invention relates to a method for calibrating an analyte-measurement device that is used to evaluate a concentration of analyte in bodily fluid at or from a measurement site in a body. The method involves measuring a concentration, or calibration concentration, of an analyte in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site, and calibrating the analyte-measurement device based on that calibration concentration. The invention also relates to a device, system, or kit for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a body, which employs a calibration device for adjusting analyte concentration measured in bodily fluid based on an analyte concentration measured in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site.
US08684921B2
A method for identifying changes in an epilepsy patient's disease state, comprising: receiving at least one body data stream; determining at least one body index from the at least one body data stream; detecting a plurality of seizure events from the at least one body index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each seizure event; performing a first classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events from the at least one seizure metric value; detecting at least one additional seizure event from the at least one determined index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each additional seizure event, performing a second classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events and the at least one additional seizure event based upon the at least one seizure metric value; comparing the results of the first classification analysis and the second classification analysis; and performing a further action.
US08684920B2
A system and method are provided for classifying the severity of a medical condition detected by a medical device using wavelet based multi-resolution analysis of biomedical signals. Biomedical signals are converted into a set of wavelet coefficients including scales of wavelet coefficients at different resolutions ranging from a finest scale to a coarsest scale. Features of the biomedical signal useful in diagnosing a biomedical condition are identified by determining whether corresponding identifying features appear in at least one of the plurality of scales of wavelet coefficients. The identifying features determined to appear in the various scales of wavelet coefficients are conditionally linked together and used to classify a degree of severity of a diagnosed biomedical condition based on the number of identifying features appearing in different scales of wavelet coefficients. In some embodiments, alerts can be generated based on the diagnosed degree of severity of the biomedical condition.
US08684918B2
A surgical port includes a port body having a lumen extending therethrough and a plate having an opening. The port body may be made from foam. The port is configured such that rotation of the plate with respect to the port body aligns the opening and lumen defining a passage therethrough for the insertion of surgical instruments.
US08684915B2
An endoscope optical system includes a negative lens that focuses light entering along an incident optical axis, a first prism that deflects and emits the light from the negative lens along a first axis substantially orthogonal to the incident optical axis, a second prism having a first reflecting surface, which deflects the light from the first prism along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis, and a second reflecting surface that deflects and emits the light substantially parallel to the first axis and that faces the first prism, a third prism that deflects the light from the second prism substantially parallel to the incident optical axis, and a positive lens that focuses the light from the second prism, in this order from an object side, the negative lens and the first prism being rotatable about the first axis relative to the second prism.
US08684910B2
A method of implanting a medical device includes implanting a cylinder into a corpora cavernosum of a patient, and coupling the cylinder to a reservoir, a pump, and a deflation assembly. The deflation assembly is separate from the reservoir and separate from the pump. The method additionally includes implanting the deflation assembly between transversalis fascia and an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient.
US08684909B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.
US08684905B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps.
US08684901B1
An electromagnetic radiation treatment regime includes identifying a target area of a patient that comprises at least some cancer cells, or other cells amenable to pathological genetic regulations. An electromagnetic radiation source, for example, a low frequency and/or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation source, is selected, along with treatment session parameters, such as, pulse frequency, pulse duration, electrical current, magnetic flux density, and/or treatment session exposure time. An amount of electromagnetic radiation is applied to the target area, and a response to the electromagnetic radiation by at least some of the cancer cells in the target area is measured. Based on an evaluation of the measured response, the treatment parameters may be modified for one or more subsequent electromagnetic radiation treatment session.
US08684897B2
A method for assembling a blank including accessing a blank having a main panel portion and at least one flap portion coupled to the main panel portion. The method further includes positioning a plate adjacent to the blank, the plate having a curved edge, folding the flap portion relative to the main panel portion about the curved edge of the plate such that the flap portion is coupled to the main panel portion along a curved line thereof.
US08684892B1
A jump rope has a flexible rope interconnected between left and right handles. Each handle includes two elongate half-pipe members that are held together by a sleeved collar at one end and a sleeved end cap at the other end. On each handle, a rope holder includes a rotor portion rotatably retained within the handle, and a clamping portion configured to releasably clamp a cross-section of the rope. Tubular elastomeric hand grips are preferably sleeved onto intermediate portions of respective handles.
US08684883B2
The invention relates to devices including rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
US08684878B2
A speed reducer having rollers axially longer than its cage, includes coaxial input and output shafts with mutualy facing ends covered by a housing that supports an internal gear. An eccentric disk is mounted on an end of the input shaft to be located radially inwardly of, and rotatable relative to, the internal gear. A cage at the end of the output shaft is between the internal gear and a bearing fitted on the disk. The cage has pockets unequal in number to internal teeth of the internal gear. A roller in each pocket is rollable along the radially outer surface of the bearing outer race. The input shaft rotation is transmitted to the shaft at a reduced speed ratio determined by the number of the internal teeth. An annular recess is formed along the corner between the closed end and radially inner surfaces of the cage.
US08684868B2
A ball for use in teaching proper throwing or pitching techniques in baseball or softball is disclosed. The ball provides an internal mechanism by way of a snap device or a channel having a shiftable weighted material to provide both an audible and visible indication of when a proper wrist snap release of the ball has occurred. The internal mechanisms disclosed can be incorporated into newly manufactured baseballs or softballs or placed into preexisting balls.
US08684860B2
A putter-type golf club head having a face insert comprising a metal sheet and a urethane backing is disclosed herein. The metal sheet, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of oval-shaped holes having a specific size and spacing, and the urethane backing has a hardness that optimizes performance of the face insert, and thus the putter.
US08684859B1
An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve with a joint portion, a hosel portion, and a fitting piece, wherein the joint portion fits within the fitting piece and the fitting piece fits within the hosel portion.
US08684858B2
A putting training aid including an elongated golf stroke training device, a reflective mechanism a mounting mechanism. The elongated golf stroke training device has a first alignment line. The reflective mechanism has a second alignment line. The mounting mechanism holds the reflective mechanism with respect to the elongated golf stroke training device.
US08684849B2
An eight-ball fixed type constant velocity universal joint of an undercut free type is capable of increasing a torque capacity at high operating angles while securing durability at low operating angles. When a distance between a center of a track groove and a center of a ball is denoted by Rt, and when an axial distance between the center of the track groove and a joint center plane is denoted by F, a ratio R1 of F to Rt is set to fall within a range of 0.061≦R1≦0.087. When a radial offset amount, which is a distance between the center of the track groove and a joint center axial line is denoted by fr, a ratio R3 of fr to Rt is set to fall within a range of 0.07≦R3≦0.19. When an effective cured-layer depth with Hv 513 is denoted by Di and the diameter of the ball is denoted by d, a bottom surface of a track groove of an inner joint member includes a cured layer with an effective cured-layer depth ratio Di/d of at least 0.111 or more.
US08684848B2
A shaft coupling apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped hole provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft, and a cylindrically-shaped hole is provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft. The shafts are coupled by pressure fitting a cross-sectionally circular pin in the hole and by loosely fitting the pin in the hole, the pin corresponding to an inner diameter of the hole and the hole.
US08684843B2
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
US08684836B2
A game server of the present disclosure comprises: a map data storing section that stores map data; a virtual position data table that stores identification data; a display process data transmitting section that transmits display process data; an operation data receiving section that receives operation data; a virtual user position changing section that changes a virtual user position; a data updating section that updates the identification data; a relationship building section that transmits relevant information regarding a virtual user other than a target virtual user; and an attribute information storing section. The relationship building section sets a screening area covering a predetermined distance from the virtual position of the target virtual user. Also, the relationship building section selects a virtual user with a higher level from among at least one other virtual user in the screening area and transmits relevant information regarding the other virtual user thus selected.
US08684834B2
In a game device, a loading processor loads save data on which user ID information is attached from a storage device 80; an application executing unit executes a game program while using the loaded save data; a game requirement achievement determining unit determines whether or not a predetermined requirement of gameplay is achieved based on a progress status of the game; and item ID acquiring unit acquires an item ID associated with achieved requirement of gameplay; an item acquisition processing unit has a function for generating item acquisition information while using the acquired item ID; and a function limiting unit limits the function of an item acquisition processing unit in accordance with user ID information attached to the save data.
US08684830B1
Table game tournament systems can include player terminal(s), electronic gaming table(s), and/or a remote server. A player terminal can have an outer housing, a controller located therewithin or thereabout, input and output component(s), and a communications interface to an outside gaming network having other functionally similar gaming device(s), gaming table(s), and a remote server. The controller and/or server can facilitate providing tournament information to a player, which information can include whether the player would qualify for the next tournament round, who is the most serious opponent to the player, and/or the chip difference therebetween. A terminal can also facilitate asynchronous and individually paced tournament play, switching between different tournament tables on demand, and play of other non-tournament table games thereat simultaneously with the play of the table game tournament. Portable computing devices can be used as player terminals and can permit players to play in actual or practice play-along modes.
US08684822B2
Bonus gaming systems for monitoring and controlling one or more gaming devices in a gaming system on at least one gaming floor are disclosed herein. The system includes one or more gaming devices interconnected via a network, a player tracking system in communication with the gaming devices, and a bonus gaming system in communication with the gaming devices. The bonus gaming system monitors and controls bonus sessions presented on the gaming devices, wherein the bonus sessions includes a plurality of bonus levels, wherein the bonus levels increase in bonus value in response to duration of game play by a player in order to maintain continued play by the player.
US08684818B2
Gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for dynamically maintaining a set of previously generated game outcomes and providing a replay of one or more of the previously generated game outcomes.
US08684816B2
A slot machine includes a display device, reels, a bet unit, motors, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a lottery in response to an accepted bet; (b) send a signal indicating an instruction for rotating each reel to each motor; (c) determine an amount of credits to be awarded to a player in accordance with the lottery result; (d) determine an image to be displayed on the display device in accordance with a proportion of the amount of credits to the accepted bet; (e) cause the display device to display the image determined in (d); (f) send a signal indicating an instruction for causing each reel to come to a stop to each motor in accordance with the lottery result; and (g) when each reel comes to a stop, award the amount of credits determined in (c) to the player.
US08684815B2
A gaming environment is described. In a base game, one or more paylines to be activated and a bet number for the activated paylines are set. If a combination of displayed symbols on the activated payline is a winning combination, an outcome amount is calculated by multiplying a payout number corresponding to the realized winning combination by the bet number, and the calculated outcome amount will be provided to the player. Also, a payout number corresponding to the number of the activated paylines will be additionally provided to the player.
US08684811B2
This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information.
US08684810B2
A display device comprising a plurality of activatable display segments, a player input device and a controller. The plurality of activatable display segments are positioned to be viewed by a player, each display segment being configured to be individually activated and to communicate a potential outcome of a game. The player input device is positioned to be activated by the player, the player input device being configured to transmit a signal when the player activates the input device. The controller is in communication with each display segment and the player input device. The controller is configured to cause the display segments to be randomly and sequentially activated and deactivated; randomly determine an outcome of the game; determine at least one display segment that can communicate the outcome of the game; receive the signal produced by input device, when the player activates the input device; cause the display segments to stop being randomly and sequentially activated and deactivated; and cause the display segment that can communicate the outcome of the game to be activated, wherein the outcome of the game is communicated to the player and it appears that the outcome of the game was at least partially influenced by when the player activated the player input device.
US08684808B2
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine.
US08684806B2
The present invention therefore relates to a games board assembly comprising a series of squares, the squares representing the locations on which the individualised playing pieces of each player are restricted in terms of movement by the rules of the game, characterised in that each square on the games board comprises a digital recognition pictogram, the playing piece is a digital playing piece which incorporates a calculator, a screen interface, game software, pictogram recognition means on the board, playing piece movement calculation means on the board, a touchscreen which represents, according to the position of the digital playing piece on the games board, the characteristics of the square and/or of the updated game data field on which the digital playing piece is physically positioned.
US08684793B2
A method for chemical mechanical planarization of ruthenium is provided. A semiconductor substrate comprising ruthenium is contacted with a chemical mechanical polishing system comprising an oxidizing particle, an abrasive, a polishing pad and a liquid carrier. The pH of the polishing composition is about 8 to 12. A high ruthenium removal rate for the inventive slurry was observed. The disclosed oxidizing particle advantageously improves the polishing speed of ruthenium under low polishing pressure and decreases the scratches generated on low-k material.
US08684786B2
An interactive talking toy with moveable and detachable body parts has the ability to talk, sing, move and dance in response to voice input from the user. Various motors, actuators, microphones, speakers and integrated circuit means are used to control and customize the movement of the toy and the accompanying sounds, based on a combination of pre-programmed parameters and real-time input from various sensors. The toy provides the user a high degree of interactivity, as well as humour, spontaneity and unpredictability.
US08684781B2
An LED includes a chip having a light emitting surface, and a coating of phosphor-containing material on the light emitting surface. Phosphor particles are arranged in a densely packed layer within the coating at the light emitting surface, and such that the light emitting surface is in contacting relationship with the phosphor particles.
US08684776B2
A single switch unit having a pair of switches is provided in the vicinity of a throttle grip which is provided in a distal end of a tiller handle. The single switch unit is provided with a function of performing the operation for changing a tilt angle of an outboard motor body with respect to a hull and a function of performing the operation for adjusting a rotational speed of an engine of the outboard motor at the time of trolling operation. Upon simultaneous pressing of a pair of the switches, these two functions of the switch unit are switched.
US08684772B2
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having a number of passageways and a number of dividing walls extending from a rear side of the passageways; and a number of contact modules received in the insulating housing and arranged along a first direction. Each contact module includes an insulator and a number of conductive contacts received in the insulator. Each insulator includes a first section and a second section. The dimension of the first section along the first direction is larger than the dimension of the second section. When the contact modules are assembled to the insulating housing, the second sections are received in corresponding dividing walls, respectively.
US08684767B2
First and second vehicle-side connectors that respectively have a ground terminal that is grounded to the vehicles and have a plurality of signal transmission-path terminals, and a vehicle connection cable that is mounted, at both ends, with first and second connectors, and has a plurality of connection-signal transmission paths that connect the connection-signal transmission-path terminals of the first and second connectors, and has a shielding layer that shields the connection-signal transmission paths and is connected to only one of the respective connection ground terminals of the first and second connectors.
US08684765B2
A connector assembly that includes a receptacle connector and a light pipe. The connector is configured to receive a removable device inserted along a longitudinal axis. The connector has a side surface that extends along a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The connector includes a ledge and a positive stop that project laterally outward from the side surface. The ledge has a ledge surface that joins the side surface. The light pipe extends substantially along the longitudinal axis. The light pipe has an inward-facing surface that is substantially flat throughout and abuts the side surface of the connector. The light pipe rests upon the ledge surface and the positive stop is positioned on the side surface to block the light pipe from moving in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis.
US08684758B2
A terminal unit having a bus bar assembly, a lug assembly, and one or more circuit protection devices attached to the bus bar assembly. The bus bar assembly includes a bus bar and a mounting unit for holding the bus bar and providing a structure for attaching circuit protection devices to the bus bar assembly. The bus bar is made of an electrically conductive material, while mounting unit is made of an electrically non-conductive (insulating) material, such as a plastic, thereby providing a “touch safe” enclosure.
US08684729B2
A method for treating a patient's teeth includes determining an initial configuration of the patient's teeth, determining a final configuration of the patient's teeth, designing a movement path for at least one of the patient's teeth from the initial configuration to the final configuration, dividing the movement path into a plurality of successive treatment steps, each having a target configuration for the patient's teeth, and producing two or more dental aligners of substantially identical shape for at least one of the treatment steps in accordance with the target configuration.
US08684716B2
An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms into containers has a plurality of blow molding stations arranged on a movable carrier The blow molding stations have two part blow molds with a cavity inside in which the plastics material pre-forms are expanded. The blow molding stations have stressing devices which act upon the plastics material pre-forms to expand them with a flowable medium. At least one first bearing device is provided for movable mounting of the blow mold carriers with respect to each other and at least one second bearing device is provided for movable mounting of the first locking element with respect to the second locking element. At least one of these bearing devices is a slide bearing without lubricant or a bearing which is injection molded at least in part from a plastics material between bearing parts movable relative to each other.
US08684708B2
A fan stator cover structure including a main body having a front face and a back face. The main body is formed with at least one through hole and chucking sections respectively disposed on the front and back faces of the main body. The through hole is formed through the main body from the front face to back face. A protrusion body is disposed on the back face and protrudes therefrom to cover the through hole. The protrusion body has at least one open side in communication with the through hole. The main body defines a receiving space and is further formed with a perforation in communication with the receiving space. Wires can be extended through the perforation into the receiving space and chucked in the chucking sections of the front face and then extended through the through hole to the back face and chucked in the chucking sections thereof.
US08684696B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine main engine rotor. Still another embodiment is a unique method for assembling a gas turbine engine main engine rotor. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and gas turbine rotors. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08684695B2
A bucket pair in a turbomachine includes a first bucket having an airfoil and a shank; a second adjacent bucket having a second airfoil and a second shank adjacent the first shank; a first axial slot in the first shank; and an elongated, straight damper pin adapted to seat in the first axial slot, the damper pin formed with slanted forward and aft end faces.
US08684689B2
An example turbomachine shroud assembly includes an annular shroud configured to receive a rotating component. A radially outer surface of the annular shroud establishes positioning slots and relief slots. The positioning slots are configured to receive a support finger that limits radial movement of the annular shroud. The relief slots are different than the positioning slots.
US08684682B2
A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type includes a tower, a nacelle which is supported rotatably by a tip portion of the tower; a main shaft rotatable with a blade; a hydraulic pump which is housed in the nacelle and is driven by rotation of the main shaft; a hydraulic motor which is driven by operating oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; a generator which is coupled to the hydraulic motor; an operating-oil line which is provided between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor and through which the operating oil circulates; a cooling-medium line through which cooling medium for cooling the operating oil circulates via an intermediate heat exchanger; and a main heat exchanger which cools the cooling medium by heat exchange with cool water source around a base portion of the tower, and one of the operating-oil line.
US08684679B2
Enhanced abrasion resistance in well fluid wetted assemblies is described. The bearing set of the invention provides an enhanced abrasion resistance that is better capable of withstanding friction from solids in electric submersible pump (ESP) well production applications. The flutes, grooves, sectors and intersections of the invention provide improved fluid and solid flow through assembly components, which improves cooling while the assembly is in operation and reduces body wear, thereby increasing the lifespan of the ESP system.
US08684678B2
An exhaust gas turbocharger, comprising: a turbine rotor rotatably mounted in a housing, which is associated with at least one guide apparatus forming a radial inlet channel, wherein the guide apparatus includes at least one of a guide vane bearing ring, a plurality of guide vanes radially surrounding the turbine rotor and located in the inlet channel and a guide vane cover ring. The inlet channel is axially delimited by the guide vane bearing ring and the guide vane cover ring wherein the guide vane bearing ring and the guide vane cover ring are moveably mounted at least one of axially and radially relative to each other and to the housing. The guide apparatus is subjected to at least one of an axial and radial preload, wherein a line of axial preload flux runs through the guide apparatus substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the turbine rotor.
US08684672B2
A brake system comprising a brake disc is disclosed. The brake system comprises at least one flexible portion. The at least one flexible portion is configured for compensating expansion of the brake disc and/or absorbing the expansion of the brake disc. The brake system is especially for a wind turbine generator.
US08684669B2
A measuring assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an indicia portion that extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of a ring seal structure to a location radially inwardly from tips of blades mounted on a rotor. The indicia portion of the measuring assembly comprises a section that is abraded by the blades during rotational movement of the rotor to provide a visual indication of a distance between the tips of the blades and the inner surface.
US08684654B2
A wheel assembly positioning device. The device includes a wheel assembly cradle that holds a wheel assembly. A lifting device is also included that raises or lowers the wheel assembly cradle to allow a technician to dismount or mount a wheel assembly to a vehicle.
US08684650B2
A vacuum chamber assembly includes a vacuum chamber containing a reactive material, an inlet fill tube fixedly attached to the vacuum chamber, and an outlet fill tube fixedly attached to the vacuum chamber. The inlet fill tube has a first vacuum tight seal and the outlet fill tube has a second vacuum tight seal.
US08684646B2
A thread forming fastener for threading into a nut anchor of a pliable material wherein there is produced during the driving of the fastener a combination of forces that encourages the nut anchor material to flow smoothly and to develop a mating thread in the nut anchor that minimizes stress cracking and radial hoop stress as the mating thread is being formed. The fastener comprises a drive head and a shank extending from the head and having a longitudinal axis, the shank including a core and a thread having a selected axial pitch, a selected thread height and a profile which in axial cross-section includes a leading face, a trailing face and a tip. The leading face is composed of a radially inner concave portion having a first radius and which transitions smoothly to a radially outer convex portion having a second radius, the transition occurring at a point on the common tangent to those portions. The trailing face is composed of a radially inner linear portion which transitions at a selected transition location to a radially outer convex portion having a third radius. The profile also includes a convex blending portion having a fourth radius which blends together the radially outer leading and trailing face portions at the tip. The thread profile produces force vectors during assembly with the nut anchor that provide enhanced mating thread strength and improved resistance to nut anchor thread breakdown.
US08684638B2
A precision turning tool has a rotatingly drivable tool body. A tool slide and corresponding compensating slide are displaceably mounted in the tool body. The tool slide is displaceable along an axis of adjustment aligned at right angles to an axis of rotation of the tool body. The compensating slide is automatically displaceable along an axis of compensation aligned parallel to the axis of adjustment contrary to the movement of the tool slide to compensate for any imbalance. At an end projecting out of the tool body in the direction of adjustment the tool slide has a mounting surface, on which a cutting plate carrier can be mounted. An electronic distance measuring system is provided with a display unit and an energy supply device, wherein the distance of adjustment of the tool slide can be detected by means of the distance measuring system and displayed.
US08684636B2
An air seeder venting system comprising a filter screen mounted in a distribution head of an air seeder for separating seeds from air fed from a supply conduit, the distribution head having an inlet in communication with the supply conduit, a plurality of seed outlets in communication with seeding lines, and an air exhaust, wherein the filter screen is located so as to have at an upstream side the inlet and the plurality of seed outlets, and at a downstream side the air exhaust.
US08684617B2
In a writing instrument in which an ink for a writing instrument such as a water-based ink and an oil-based ink impregnated into an ink occlusion body in a barrel is fed to a pen tip in a writing part, in order to provide a writing instrument in which a sign of exhausting the ink can readily and surely be detected, the above writing instrument is provided with a structure in which the ink impregnated into the ink occlusion body in the barrel is fed to the pen tip in the writing part, wherein the ink impregnated into the ink occlusion body described above is fed to the pen tip via an ink guiding feed having visibility, and a sign of exhausting the ink fed from the ink occlusion body is detected by visually observing the ink guiding feed described above via a visible part formed in the barrel.
US08684616B2
An applicator for applying a composition to human keratinous materials, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows includes a stem and an applicator member that is carried by the stem. The applicator member includes a support, made as a single part, including an internal branch and a second branch; and an applicator portion that is engaged, at least in part, between the internal branch and the second branch. The applicator portion extends all around the internal branch, over at least a fraction of the length of the applicator portion where it is engaged between the branches.
US08684614B2
A detergent dispensing cap for pre-treating a stained fabric. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.
US08684606B2
A hydrodynamic bearing includes a housing defining a central axis, a pad slidable relative to the housing in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis, a cylinder defined in one of the housing and the pad, a lubricant port in fluid communication with the cylinder, and a piston at least partially positioned in the cylinder. The piston is movable within the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position in response to a flow of lubricant through the lubricant port to vary an axial spacing between the pad and the housing.
US08684605B2
A guide rail that includes a base rail having a channel therein and at least one finger extending from a portion of the channel. The guide rail further includes a race insert mounted against the at least one finger. In an embodiment of the invention, the race insert has a first and second raceway associated with the at least one finger extending from a portion of the channel. Further, the first and second raceways have different load transmission directions, wherein the load transmission directions of both the first and second raceways are oblique to the direction that the at least one finger extends from a portion of the channel.
US08684597B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for thermal sensor power savings using a toggle control. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (e.g., a memory device) includes an on-die thermal sensor, a storage element (e.g., a register), and toggle logic. The toggle logic may transition the thermal sensor from a first power consumption level to a second power consumption level responsive, at least in part, to a toggle indication.
US08684596B2
An alternating current impedance-estimating section (106) estimates an alternating current impedance (Rh) of the secondary battery based on electric current (I) and voltage (V) of the secondary battery detected when a ripple generating section causes a ripple current to flow in the secondary battery. A temperature estimating section (108) estimates the temperature (T) of the secondary battery based on the alternating current impedance (Rh) estimated by the alternating current impedance-estimating section (106) with the use of the relation, obtained in advance, between the temperature (T) of the secondary battery and the alternating current impedance (Rh) of the secondary battery at a ripple frequency.
US08684595B2
Systems and methods related to the determination of one or more mechanical characteristics of a structural element are generally described. In some embodiments, a mechanical characteristic (e.g., a crack, a deformation, an inclusion, etc.) can be determined based at least in part upon the determination of a temperature generated, for example, by passing a current through a network of structures within the structural element. For example, in some embodiments, the structural element can comprise a network of electrically conductive nanostructures and, in some cases, a primary structural material that is not substantially electrically conductive. An electrical current can be passed through the network of electrically conductive nanostructures (e.g., by passing current through an electrical circuit comprising the network of electrically conductive nanostructures). This may result in resistive heating (also known as Joule-effect heating) of the nanostructure network. In some embodiments, a first temperature of the network and/or structural elements can be determined (e.g., via a sensor associated with the electrical circuit). This first temperature can be, in some cases, indicative of a mechanical characteristic of the structural element. In some embodiments, one or more mechanical characteristics of the structural element can be determined based at least in part upon the determination of the first temperature of the structural element.
US08684594B2
A constant-modulus alloy, which has a low saturation magnetic flux density to provide weakly magnetic properties, a high Young's modulus, a low temperature coefficient of Young's modulus, and high hardness, is provided. A hairspring, a mechanical driving apparatus and a watch and clock, in which the alloy is used, are provided. The alloy consists of Co, Ni, Cr, Mo. and Fe. The alloy is healed and cooled before being subjected to repeated wiredrawing and intermediate annealing, forming a wire with a fiber structure having a <111> fiber axis. The wire is then cold rolled into a sheet and heated to obtain optimal magnetic insensitivity and hardness.
US08684583B2
A backlight unit 12 includes a chassis 14, a plurality of cold cathode tubes 18, an optical member 16 and a plurality of support members 20. The chassis 14 has an opening on a light exit side. The cold cathode tubes 18 are light sources arranged in a parallel layout and housed in the chassis 14. The optical member 16 is arranged on the light exit side outer than the cold cathode tubes 18 so as to cover the opening of the chassis 14. The support members 20 are arranged in a parallel layout along a parallel arrangement direction of the cold cathode tubes 18. The support members 20 are formed such that support positions of the optical member 16 are relatively closer to the cold cathode tubes 18 around the center and relatively farther from the cold cathode tubes 18 near the edges. The cold cathode tubes 18 are arranged at relatively smaller intervals around the center and at relatively larger intervals near the edges.
US08684581B2
A light-emitting diode (“LED”) package includes a light-emitting chip, a case, first and second lead frames and a dummy lead frame. The light-emitting chip generates light. The case includes a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls, wherein the light-emitting chip is positioned in the case. The first and second lead frames are spaced apart from each other and are electrically connected to the light-emitting chip. The dummy lead frame is spaced apart from the light-emitting chip and the first and second lead frames, and is electrically isolated from the light-emitting chip and the first and second lead frames. The dummy lead frame is used as a wiring for connecting the LED package to another LED package, so that the number of signal wirings or a length of a signal wiring may be decreased, and a manufacturing cost of the LED package may be reduced.
US08684566B2
The invention provides systems and methods for providing illumination. A lighting unit may have a support structure, and one or more light emitting elements supported by a circuit board contacting the support structure. A first optical element and a second optical element may be provided. A remote luminescent material may be provided on one or more optical elements. Light emitting elements configured to excite the luminescent material such as highly efficient light emitting diodes may be directed towards the luminescent material. The support structure may be a heat dissipating element, which may conduct heat from a heat source to a surface of the support structure. The heat dissipating element may have a passageway permitting the formation of a convection path to dissipate heat from the support structure. Such lighting units may be used to replace conventional fluorescent light tubes or other lighting devices, or may be provided as standalone lighting units.
US08684563B2
A heat dissipating structure of a lightweight lamp cup 10 made of a porous material includes a containing cavity 11 at an end of the lamp cup 10, a lamp holder 30 at another end of the containing cavity 11, a metal hood 60 sheathed with the lamp holder 30 and covered onto an external side of the lamp cup 10, a heat conduction medium 50 between the lamp cup 10 and the metal hood 60, and a light emitting unit 20 contained in the containing cavity 11 of the lamp cup 10, such that the heat produced by the light emitting unit 20 can be conducted form the lamp cup 10 to the metal hood 60 and dissipated from the metal hood 60 to the outside.
US08684561B2
A stage lighting fixture having: a casing having a closed first end and an open second end; 5 a light source housed inside the casing, close to the first end, and which emits a light beam along an optical axis; an optical assembly positioned to intercept the light beam, and having a focal point located between the light source and the optical assembly; and a reflector coupled to the light source; the reflector and the light source being designed and coupled to concentrate the light beam substantially at a work point substantially coincident with the focal point of the optical assembly; and the light source being defined by a short-arc lamp to project a light bar.
US08684549B2
An illumination device includes: a substrate; a first transparent electrode covering approximately an entire surface of a display region of the substrate; a second transparent electrode which overlaps with the first transparent electrode when seen in plan view and covers approximately the entire surface of the display region; and a plurality of island shaped light emitting elements disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The first and second transparent electrodes are formed as single continuous films.
US08684542B2
The invention provides a projection display that achieves continuous light amount control with ease and without causing unevenness of illumination of light applied to a light valve responsive to a video signal, thereby allowing constant image display with satisfactory contrast. The projection display of the invention includes a light valve (2); a light source (3a) generating light applied to the light valve (2); an integrator lens (4) provided on an optical path between the light source (3a) and the light valve (2) and making uniform the illumination distribution of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2); and a light amount control system (9) provided on the optical path and including a turning mechanism (9a) which turns like a set of double doors in order to adjust the amount of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2). The turning mechanism (9a) is bent into a V shape in a direction to reduce the amount of light (to block the light).
US08684536B2
A cooling apparatus for a liquid crystal image display having a liquid crystal unit includes an incident-side polarizing plate, a liquid crystal panel and an exit-side polarizing plate. The incident-side polarizing plate, the liquid crystal panel and the exit-side polarizing plate are disposed side by side with a gap therebetween to have the same in-plane direction. A first cooling unit feeds an air stream in an orientation of the in-plane direction, and a second air cooling unit feeds an air stream in the in-plane direction in a different orientation from the air stream by the first air cooling unit. The first air cooling unit and the second air cooling unit are set such that the first and second air stream collide with each other between the incident-side polarizing plate and the liquid crystal panel and/or between the liquid crystal panel and the exit-side polarizing plate.
US08684534B2
A cooling system for cooling a heat source and a projection apparatus having the same are disclosed. The cooling system includes a heat dissipating device and a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). The heat source is disposed on the side of the heat dissipating device. The TEC is disposed on the other side of the heat dissipating device corresponding to the heat source. The TEC is initiated as the temperature of the heat source is greater than the first value, while the TEC is shut off as the temperature of the heat source is lower than the second value. Therefore, the cooling system economizes the energy by controlling the operation of the TEC according to the temperature of the heat source.
US08684529B2
Systems and methods for improving the reliability of visual field test results are presented. In one embodiment, images of the eye are recorded during the presentation of visual stimuli and are displayed to the user to provide information on eye motion, eye position relative to trial lens, and eyelid closure during the test. Individual or combined images can be displayed for individual stimuli, specific test points, or points in the gaze trace in various embodiments of the invention.
US08684527B2
An eye simulation system for testing wavefront sensor systems, the eye stimulation system comprising a housing having a chamber with an opening for allowing light to enter said chamber, a fluid located in the chamber, said fluid having a known index of refraction, a lens positioned relative to said housing such that light entering the opening of the chamber passes through said lens, and a rotatable imaging surface positioned in said chamber such that light passing through said lens propagates through said fluid and is incident on said rotatable imaging surface.
US08684525B2
A machining method for an eyeglass lens blank in which a bock piece is connected, by way of a connecting material, to a first side of the eyeglass lens blank for holding and supporting the eyeglass lens blank in a processing machine, wherein to this end a cavity is made between the block piece and the first side, at least using a sealing or supporting means, wherein the sealing or supporting means has an inner diameter Dd, Ds and sits against the first side in a sealing manner, the connecting material is filled into the cavity or connecting material is provided in the cavity and then the connecting material is cured, the eyeglass lens blank is placed into a milling and/or turning or grinding machine by way of the block piece cast on by way of the connecting material, wherein the eyeglass lens blank is supported on the first side by the connecting material across a diameter Dv that corresponds to the diameter Dd, Ds and wherein the blank and the connecting material are worked off in one of the following machining processes. An eyeglass lens blank having a diameter Dr, said blank being fastened to a block piece through the cast-on connecting material, wherein the connecting material has an outer diameter Dv. The diameter Dv is at most 2 mm to 6 mm, in particular at most 4 mm and is less than diameter Dr.
US08684524B2
The invention relates to a photochromic optical article with reduced thermal dependency, comprising: (a) a transparent substrate, (b) a saturated photochromic layer having, in the activated state and at a temperature of 20° C. or greater, a relative transmission factor of less than 1% in the visible range, and (c) an anti-UV coating of plastic material at least partially covering the saturated photochromic layer, the said anti-UV coating containing at least one agent which absorbs UV radiation (anti-UV agent) and is distributed in a pattern consisting of a multitude of points, each having a surface area of less than 0.15 mm 2, the average distance between two neighboring points lying between 0.5 and 2 mm and the ratio of the overall surface area of all the points to the total surface area of the anti-UV coating being such that the relative transmission factor of the optical article in the visible range in the activated state and at 20° C. or greater is at least equal to 5%. The invention also relates to two methods for manufacturing such an optical article.
US08684516B2
A substrate support apparatus for a printer is described. The apparatus includes a table having a support surface for supporting a substrate during printing, the support surface including a plurality of substrate apertures. A negative pressure can be applied to the substrate apertures to hold the substrate to the table during printing.The apparatus further includes a plurality of mask apertures, and a negative pressure can be applied to the mask apertures to hold a mask to the support surface.By arranging for the pressure to be applied to the substrate apertures and mask apertures independently, the mask can be held to the table during loading and unloading of the substrate.
US08684509B2
An ink jet ink contains a polyurethane polymer and a pigment. The polyurethane polymer has units derived from a polyisocyanate, a polyether polyol having no acid group, and a diol having an acid group. The pigment is dispersed using a polymer other than the polyurethane polymer. The ratio of the percentage of the urethane bond in the polyurethane polymer to the percentage of the urea bond in the polyurethane polymer is 85.0/15.0 or more and 98.5/1.5 or less.
US08684506B2
An ink removal system includes a drip bib and a flexible member. The drip bib collects melted ink flowing down the face of a printhead and the flexible member captures ink dropping from the drip bib after an ink receptacle has received most of the ink collected by the drip bib. When the ink receptacle returns to the position where the receptacle catches melted ink from the drip bib, the receptacle also bends the flexible member and releases the captured ink, which falls into the ink receptacle.
