US08031322B2
In a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device, when a photoresist film formed on a substrate for the liquid crystal display device is exposed and developed, protrusions are formed on the substrate for increasing a viewing angle of the liquid crystal display device. Although the substrate is formed with step differences thereon caused by various intermediate films, the protrusions may have a same size since an exposure amount to the photoresist film is varied according to the step differences of the substrate on which the protrusions are formed. Thus, the liquid crystal display device may have an improved display quality.
US08031321B2
An LCD device and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, in which it is possible to correct a problem of insufficient or excessive supply of liquid crystal in an LCD device by controlling an amount of liquid crystal. The method includes preparing a liquid crystal cell comprised of a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, and a first sealant formed in the periphery of the liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; measuring an amount of liquid crystal provided to the inside of liquid crystal cell; forming an inlet for liquid crystal in the first sealant; and regulating the amount of liquid crystal by supplying or discharging the liquid crystal through the inlet; and sealing the inlet.
US08031317B2
A first wiring is formed on an array substrate, such that the first wiring has a first protrusion. A second wiring is formed on a different layer from that of the first wiring, such that a portion of the second wiring overlaps with the first protrusion. A protection layer that covers the first and second wirings is formed, such that the protection layer has first and second contact holes that expose the first and second wirings, respectively. Then, a third wiring that electrically connects the first wiring to the second wiring through the first and second contact holes is formed. When electrical connection between the first and second wirings is abnormal, a laser beam is irradiated toward the first protrusion, so that the electrical connection may be repaired.
US08031315B2
A mobile communication device comprises: a liquid crystal (LC) panel; a drive integrated circuit connected to the LC panel; a keypad printed circuit board (PCB) having a keypad connected to the drive integrated circuit; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for connecting the drive integrated circuit and the keypad PCB to each other; a backlight assembly having an outer case, for supplying light to the LC panel; and a fixing member for fixing the FPCB and one end of the outer case of the backlight assembly by adhering to each other. The mobile communication device prevents a part of light emitted from an optical source from being displayed on a screen with a high brightness.
US08031311B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second alignment layer, and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first alignment layer is located on the first substrate and face the liquid crystal layer. The second alignment layer is located on the second substrate and face the liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second alignment layers comprises a carbon nanotube structure, and the carbon nanotube structure is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08031296B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display panel having a high contrast ratio. A liquid crystal panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell; a first polarizing plate placed on a viewer side of the liquid crystal cell; and a second polarizing plate placed on an opposite side of the liquid crystal cell with respect to the viewer side. A light transmittance (T2) of the second polarizing plate is larger than a light transmittance (T1) of the first polarizing plate. Such a liquid crystal panel has a remarkably high contrast ratio and shows excellent display properties, compared to conventional liquid crystal panel.
US08031292B2
A liquid crystal display includes a light guide plate guiding incident light, a first point light source assembly including first point light source elements providing the light to the light guide plate and a first support substrate having the first point light source elements, the first point light source assembly being disposed at one side of the light guide plate, a second point light source assembly including second point light source elements providing the light to the light guide plate and a second support substrate having the second point light source elements, the second point light source assembly being disposed at the other side of the light guide plate, a liquid crystal panel assembly disposed on the light guide plate and displaying image information, and a lower container accommodating the light guide plate, first and second point light source assemblies, and liquid crystal panel assembly, wherein the first support substrate is larger in area than the second support substrate.
US08031289B2
An optical sheet retaining tool for a liquid crystal display device that has a simple structure and low cost, wherein assembling and disassembling can be performed easily. The optical sheet retaining tool includes a first retaining piece 21 having a first retaining part 211 made of a soft material for retaining an optical sheet 13, a second retaining piece 22 having a second retaining part 221 made of a soft material opposed to and cooperating with the first retaining part for gripping and retaining the optical sheet, a latching section 24 for latching the first and second retaining parts with the optical sheet gripped therebetween, a fixing section 24 for retaining and fixing the first and second retaining pieces to a chassis 1, and a bearing section 23 disposed on at least one of the first and second retaining pieces for gripping the optical sheet.
US08031278B2
A multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display that does not require physical features on the substrate (such as protrusions and ITO slits) is disclosed. Each pixel of the MVA LCD is subdivided into color components, which are further divided into color dots. The drive component areas, i.e. where switching elements and storage capacitors are located, are converted to associated dots by adding an electrode that can be electrically biased. The voltage polarity of the color dots and associated dots are arranged so that fringe fields in each color dot causes multiple liquid crystal domains in each color dot. Specifically, the color dots and associated dots of a pixel are arranged so that associated dots have opposite polarity as compared to neighboring color dots.
US08031277B2
Method and device for regulation and control of transparence and translucence of glazing or oilcloth
The claimed inventions are intended to be used in glazing of buildings and vehicles. The effect consists in power input savings and in creating ability of a self-contained power supply source. The method for regulation of translucence of glazing or transparent or translucent oilcloth, envisaging power supply of including as their component at least one current conductor film with adjoining to it liquid crystalline layer and regulation of voltage is characterized by regulation of voltage of constant current within the limits of 12 volts or of frequency of alternating current. The device may contain an autonomous constant power supply source provided with a heliopower battery and mounted or built in the glazing or oilcloth and/or with a microprocessor regulator of frequency or voltage.
US08031274B2
A touch panel includes: a first touch panel substrate having a first surface and having a flexibility; a second touch panel substrate arranged a fixed distance away from the first touch panel substrate via spacers, having a second surface that faces the first surface; a position detecting section formed on the first surface, and detecting a position where the first touch panel substrate is being pressed based on changes in surface acoustic waves generated on the first surface; and a resin film formed on the second surface.
US08031273B2
A first transparent electrode film, which is a component of a SW-LCD for viewing angle control, is used as a touch panel. When a contacting object contacts the surface of the first transparent electrode film, a position detector detects currents flowing from plural parts of the first transparent electrode film so as to detect the contacting position of the contacting object, with reference to the detection result. With this, it is possible to provide a built-in touch sensor display device which is thin, lightweight, and low-cost, a viewing angle control device, and an electronic device.
US08031272B2
A system and method of adjusting a display and, more particularly, to a system and method of automatically adjusting a viewing angle of a display is provided. The method includes determining a location of one or more viewers and adjusting the display based on an average viewing location of the one or more viewers. The system includes a computer infrastructure. The computer infrastructure is operable to receive a detection signal indicative of a location of one or more viewers, and adjust the display based on an average viewing location of the one or more viewers.
US08031269B2
In the chroma killer detection for detecting the abnormality of the burst signal, in addition to the circuits (1004, 1005, 1006) for detecting the states of the components of the burst signal, which circuits are for selecting the cos θ data of the burst signal, circuits (1050, 1051, 1052) for detecting the states of the R-Y components, which circuits are for selecting sin θ data are employed for chroma killer detection. Thereby, it is possible to enhance the detection precision of the abnormality states of the burst signal and the precision for discrimination of the broadcasting system.
US08031257B2
A zoom lens control apparatus, which moves a first lens group and a second lens group positioned behind the first lens group on the optical axis of the first lens group with respect to a photographic subject in the optical axis direction when performing a zoom operation, converts a photographic subject optical image entering through the first and the second lens groups into image data at preset time intervals, calculates a focus evaluation value indicating the state of focus based on the acquired image data, and moves the first and the second lens groups so that the calculated focus evaluation value approaches its maximum. The second lens group is moved in a preset optical axis direction from the beginning to the end of focusing control, and the first lens group is moved in the preset optical axis direction at the end of focusing control.
US08031250B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section which includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and a vertical scanning circuit which successively performs selection and scanning for a plurality of rows of the pixel array section. Each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer transistor which transfers a signal charge of the photoelectric conversion element to a detecting section, a reset transistor which sets a voltage of the detecting section to a voltage of a power supply terminal, and an amplifying transistor which amplifies and reads a signal charge of the detecting section. A first voltage which is lower than a power supply voltage is applied to the detecting section, in a charge-storage period of the photoelectric conversion element.
US08031240B2
Whether a digital camera body (1) is in a horizontal shooting attitude (a) or in either of vertical shooting attitudes (b), (c) is detected by using drive means of an image blurring compensation device. In the case where a focus drive means detects that the digital camera body (1) is either in an upward attitude (d) or in a downward attitude (e), a shooting attitude thereof can be inputted. The inputted shooting attitude is recorded together with an image, whereby the image can be displayed in the same orientation as the image at the time of shooting thereof, even if the image is shot either in the upward attitude (e) or in the downward attitude (e).
US08031238B2
In an image-capturing apparatus, recorded position information is stored upon receiving instruction of storing the recorded position information, and real-time position information is stored upon a photograph is taken, which is stored together with a captured-image. The image-capturing apparatus executes mode changeover from a recorded position information use mode to a real-time position information use mode when a timing of the mode changeover matches a mode change condition.
US08031237B2
A technique of acquiring a width obtaining an appropriate exposure with minimum restrictions, while accurately correcting flickering is provided. An exposure control method includes integrating a video signal obtained by shooting a subject by means of a CMOS imaging element as input video signal over not less than a horizontal period, normalizing the integral value or the difference value of the integral value between neighboring fields or frames, extracting the integral value or the difference value after the normalization as flicker spectrum, determining, based on the extracted flicker spectrum, the presence or absence of a flicker component contained in the video signal obtained by the imaging element and controlling the exposure value, using a program diagram for preferentially employing the shutter speed less liable to produce flickering when it is determined that the video signal contains a flicker component.
US08031236B2
A white detecting method and apparatus using the same are disclosed, wherein the white detecting method includes steps for using a luminance division and/or using a window division for white detecting. The luminance division detects a white by using at least one color data information existing in a white area, and the window division detects a mean value of at least one color data information existing in the white area as a white. With this, the white which forms a reference in color correction, can be accurately detected, thereby improving a stability of color sense and reducing an error probability in white balancing.
US08031233B2
A solid-state image pickup device has a differential output configuration for an output stage thereof and an IC in a next stage has a differential amplifier configuration for an input stage thereof. An output buffer unit buffers and outputs a digital signal from a horizontal bus line. At this time, in addition to the normal video signal, the output buffer unit generates an inverted output of the normal video signal. The normal video signal and the inverted output are outputted from a video signal output terminal and an inverted video signal output terminal, respectively, to the outside of a chip. Further, a clock, which is supplied from a timing generator to the output buffer unit, also is buffered and outputted to the outside together with an inverted clock. A differential amplifier is used in an input stage of an IC in a next stage, whereby even signals having blunter waveforms can be recognized. This enables an increase in the speed of the system, an addition of capacitance to signal paths, or a reduction in size of the output buffer unit of the solid-state image pickup device.
US08031228B2
An electronic camera includes an image sensor. The image sensor has an imaging surface for capturing an object scene, and repeatedly generates an object scene image. A CPU assigns a search area on the imaging surface, and repeatedly executes search processing for searching a facial image on the search area in parallel with executing object scene image generating processing of the image sensor. A character representative of a position of a facial image detected by the search processing is superposed on a through-image on an LCD monitor. The size of the search area assigned on the imaging surface is reduced as a panning and/or tilting speed of the imaging surface is increased.
US08031225B2
A soundings monitoring system for a vehicle includes a first camera capturing a fist imaging surface, a second camera capturing a second imaging surface, and a monitor for displaying a first image of the first imaging surface and a second image of the second imaging surface. A standard point is specified relative to the vehicle, the first image and the second image are synthesized and displayed on the monitor so that a coordinate position of the standard point in an expanded imaging surface from the first imaging surface and a coordinate position of the standard point in the second imaging surface match each other, and an imaginary line including the standard point and extending over the first image and the second image is displayed on the monitor in such a manner that the imaginary line is superimposed on the synthesized image of the first image and the second image.
US08031224B2
The invention concerns a camera system, especially a camera system in a camera-based analysis system and/or assistance system of a vehicle, comprising a camera with an optical beam path (12), which has at least one optical element to guide image information to a light-sensitive image sensor (14). At least one test beam (22) can be coupled into a transparent test element (30) arranged on the input side in front of beam path (12) and, depending on a degree of soiling of the test element (30), at least one partial beam (24) indicating soiling can be directed from the test element (30) onto a sensor (14a) to receive the partial beam (24) indicating soiling.
US08031214B2
In a line head, a plurality of element arrays arranged in a first direction. Each array includes a plurality of light emission elements arrayed in a second direction which is perpendicularly to the first direction. The light emission elements emit light for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive surface of an image carrier. A switcher activates the light emission elements in at least one of the element arrays while deactivating the others. A developer develops the latent image as a visible image with toner.
US08031209B2
A method for displaying an operating parameter for a mobile platform. A plurality of different graphs can be digitized to place them in electronic form. Each graph represents a different operational or environmental characteristic relating to operation of the mobile platform, and each is further related to a common parameter. A first one of the digitized graphs is selected by a user. A user positionable marker is displayed on the first digitized graph at a specific, user selected location on the first digitized graph. Next a second one of the digitized graphs is selected. The second one of the digitized graphs is then overlayed over at least a portion of the first digitized graph, with the marker remaining visible and superimposed on the second digitized graph, and without having moved relative to the first digitized graph. The second digitized graph is then aligned relative to the first digitized graph. The marker is then used to assist in reading information from the second digitized graph.
US08031202B2
An image adjustment includes adapting a universal palette to generate (i) an input image palette statistically representative of pixels of an input image and (ii) a reference image palette statistically representative of pixels of a reference image, and adjusting at least some pixels of the input image to generate adjusted pixels that are statistically represented by the reference image palette. In some embodiments, a user interface for controlling the image adjustment includes a display and at least one user input device, the user interface displaying a set of colors indicative of the regions of color space represented by a palette and receiving a selection of one or more regions of the color space, so that the image adjustment adjusts those pixels of the input image lying within the one or more selected regions of the color space.
US08031200B2
In a video matrix display interface, an interface includes one or more subsystems to receive information from a plurality of display devices, compile the information from the plurality of display devices, report the compiled information to a graphics processing device, generate a video image using the compiled information, the image to be viewable across the plurality of display devices, splice the video image into portions and transmit the video image portions to the plurality of display devices, thereby creating a continuous image across the plurality of display devices.
US08031197B1
Disclosed are a GPU video data preprocessor, a computer device, an apparatus and a method for facilitating expeditious video transfer to graphics memory for enhancing display and video capture applications, among other things. In one embodiment, a graphics preprocessor is used to preprocess video for transit via a graphics processing unit (“GPU”) directly to graphics memory without invoking a graphics driver. The graphics preprocessor includes an input configured to receive video data. It also includes a native data formatter coupled to the input and configured to format the video data as GPU data to conform with the architecture of the GPU. In at least one embodiment, the graphics preprocessor also includes a command execution unit, which can be configured to transmit an instruction executable by the GPU as a transmitted instruction to perform a graphics pipeline operation on the GPU data.
US08031189B2
A data driver circuit and a delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit that can operate normally in spite of errors, etc., caused when an analog data signal is applied to a display panel are provided. The data driver circuit receives a first data signal and a first clock signal and outputs a second data signal to be transmitted to a display panel. The data driver circuit includes a data driver for sampling the first data signal in response to a second clock signal and outputting the second data signal obtained by analog-converting the first data signal, a mask signal generator for generating a mask signal indicating presence within a predetermined time period measured from a point in time at which the second data signal begins to change, and a DLL for generating the second clock signal from the first clock signal. Here, there is a delay between the first and second clock signals, the delay changes according to a phase difference between the first and second clock signals, and the change in the delay according to the phase difference is prevented by the mask signal.
US08031186B2
An optical touchpad system is disclosed that may be easily integrated into a variety of applications. One feature of the optical touchpad system that may contribute to this versatility may be the ability of the optical touchpad system to function in the same manner independent from a topology and/or opacity of an interface surface of the optical touchpad system. This may enable the interface surface to be composed of any of a variety of materials. This may further enable the interface surface to include various topologies adapted for the application in which the optical touchpad system may be employed.
US08031185B2
A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a printer for receiving print data, printing a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element, receiving indicating data from a sensing device which is generated by the sensing device sensing the coincident coded data so as to be indicative of the interactive element, and transfer the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. The coded data is indicative of an identity. The computer system determines, using the indicating data, the identity, determines, using the identity, a page description, and identifies, using the page description, the interactive element.
US08031180B2
A display device with a touch sensor according to the present invention includes an active matrix substrate 4A and a transparent counter electrode 7. On a first surface of the active matrix substrate, multiple pixel electrodes are arranged in matrix. The transparent counter electrode is opposed to the first surface of the active matrix substrate. The display device further includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a switching circuit. The first circuit supplies a voltage or a current to the transparent counter electrode for display purposes. The second circuit detects currents flowing from a number of points on the transparent counter electrode. And the switching circuit selectively connects electrically one of the first and second circuits to the transparent counter electrode.
US08031174B2
A multi-layer cover for an electronic device having one or more of a sensor panel, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a display device can include an outer hardcoat, a structural layer, an IR transmissive ink layer, a mask layer, and a backside hardcoat. The backside hardcoat can reduce cover warpage, enable full surface lamination of the cover to the sensor panel, prevent bubbles from forming in transparent windows in the cover, enable a wider range of functional inks to be applied in various layering orders to allow certain types of light to pass through while blocking others, and hide the sensors to provide a seamless, uncluttered visual appearance.
US08031170B2
There is disclosed a user interface for selecting a photo tag. In an embodiment, the user interface embodies a method of selecting a photo tag for a tagged photo, comprising: providing a tag entry field for entering a photo tag; in dependence upon a string entered by a user, displaying in a matching tag list any tags from one or more selected tag sources matching the entered string. The method may further comprise displaying a tag type for each tag appearing in the matching tag list. The method may further comprise allowing user selection of a tag in the matching tag list to complete the tag entry field.
US08031168B2
An optical switch, e.g., a display cell based on layer displacement or layer break up having at least two different states, in which one fluid, e.g. oil, in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate, and in the second state, another fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. Part of an otherwise homogeneous electrode is removed to realize oil motion control.
US08031160B2
A flat display apparatus comprising a shift register array is provided. The shift register array comprises a plurality of shift registers. At least one of these shift registers comprises a shift register unit, a first TFT, and a second TFT. The shift register unit is configured to receive an activation signal and comprises a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The gate of the first TFT is coupled to the first output terminal. The second electrode of the first TFT receives a clock signal. The gate of the second TFT is coupled to the first electrode of the first TFT. The second electrode of the second TFT is coupled to the second electrode of the first TFT. The first electrode of the second TFT is coupled to the second output terminal.
US08031147B2
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a gate driver, a gray scale compensator, and a date driver. The gate driver sequentially applies gate data to the gate lines. The gray scale compensator compares the primitive gray scale data of the n-th frame with the primitive gray scale data of the (n−1)-th frame to output a compensated gray scale data of a n-th frame, when a primitive gray scale data of a (n−1)-th frame is lower than a gray scale data of a first gray scale and a primitive gray scale data of the n-th frame is higher than a gray scale data of a second gray scale. The date driver converts the compensated gray scale data into a date voltage corresponding to the compensated gray scale data and applies the data voltage to the date line. Therefore, response time of the liquid crystal molecules may be reduced.
US08031143B2
A display device includes; an insulating substrate, a display element which defines a display region and includes an organic light emitting layer which is formed on the insulating substrate, a first circuit board disposed parallel with a first side of the insulating substrate, a reference voltage pad formed on a circumference of the display region and which is electrically connected to the display element, and a first flexible member which includes a first part which adheres to the first circuit board and a second part connected to the reference voltage pad along a second side of the face of the insulating substrate.
US08031138B2
A plasma display panel and a plasma display apparatus are disclosed. The plasma display panel includes a front substrate including a scan electrode and a sustain electrode positioned parallel to each other, an upper dielectric layer positioned on the scan and sustain electrodes, a rear substrate on which an address electrode is positioned to intersect the scan and sustain electrodes, a lower dielectric layer positioned on the address electrode, a barrier rib positioned between the front substrate and the rear substrate to partition a discharge cell, and a phosphor layer positioned inside the discharge cell. The upper dielectric layer includes a glass-based material and a blue pigment. The phosphor layer includes a phosphor material and MgO material.
US08031128B2
An electrically small antenna (ESA) for resolution of subwavelength features is disclosed. The ESA is on the order of meters and has an efficient transmit/receive capability. The ESA is 1/10 of the length of the equivalent dipole length, and may be scaled down to 1/10,000. The ESA includes a metamaterial shell. Such an antenna may include phase sensitive current injection in the metamaterial resonant structures for loss-compensation.
US08031114B2
With the present invention a cost effective infrastructure for geofencing of vehicles is provided which is able to monitor a large amount of complex geofences. In addition, a reliable method for geofencing of vehicles in real-time is provided.
US08031108B2
In a pulse radar ranging system, directional coupling means are configured to convey transmit pulses to be transmitted via an antenna to a target and to convey target echoes received by the antenna to a signal mixer that generates an intermediate frequency signal. To embed a reference measurement into the target measurement, the directional coupling means include a four-port circulator with an additional port arranged between a port receiving the transmit pulses and a port coupled to the antenna. A reference line is coupled to the additional port for generating reference echo pulses in response to input pulses. The circulator is configured to split a portion of the transmit pulses to the reference line and to convey there reference echo pulses to the antenna.
US08031095B2
Disclosed are techniques for reducing noise and providing conversion signals in electronic components, including pulse width modulation (PWM) oversampling converters, by performing signal conversion having finite impulse response (FIR) feedback. Implementations may reduce the sensitivity of the conversion process to jitter in the sampling clock, thereby reducing noise and providing conversion signals.
US08031094B2
A controller for a touch sensor includes a transimpedance amplifier, and a feedback resistor coupled to an input of the transimpedance amplifier and to an output of the transimpedance amplifier. At least one multiplexor may be coupled to the input of the transimpedance amplifier and configured to multiplex a plurality of analog inputs to one dedicated channel. The controller may further include a bandpass filter coupled to the output of the transimpedance amplifier. The output of the bandpass filter may be input to an anti-aliasing filter, which feeds into an analog to digital converter. Alternatively, the output of the bandpass filter may be input to a sigma-delta analog to digital converter.
US08031091B2
A reception circuit includes: an AD converter that outputs digital data in accordance with an input signal; a correction circuit that corrects nonlinearity of the AD converter; and an equalization circuit that equalizes the corrected digital data, wherein the correction circuit includes: a conversion table used to convert digital data output from the AD converter; and a correction amount computation circuit that creates the conversion table from the output data of the AD converter and the output of the equalization circuit. The correction amount computation circuit creates the conversion table so that there is no dependence between the ADC output value of the AD converter and the estimation result by the equalization circuit for the ADC output value.
US08031089B2
Embodiments of the present invention enable compression and decompression of data. Applications of the present invention are its use in embodiments of systems for compression and decompression of GPS long-term Ephemeris (LTE) data, although the present invention is not limited to such applications. In embodiments, the LTE data may be grouped into a set of data values associated with a parameter. In embodiments, a data set may be compressed by using a multi-order differencing scheme. In such a scheme, a set of the differences between values may be compressed because the differences have smaller magnitudes than the values. In embodiments, a multi-order differencing scheme determines how many levels (orders) of differencing may be applied to an original data set before it is compressed. In embodiments, the original data may be recovered from a compressed data set based on the type of multi-order differencing scheme used to generate the compressed data.
US08031078B1
The invention is a key chain holder with clock and audible alarm. The invention includes a housing that contains the alarm, which is actuated by a spring-loaded trigger. The spring-loaded trigger requires at least 5 pounds of pressure in order to set off the alarm. The invention also includes a hand strap and flash light. The clock displays the time and date.
US08031077B2
A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.
US08031070B2
A system for producing a location-based inventory of objects each furnished with an RFID transponder (24) designed to interact with an RFID reader/interrogator (30) and placed at different locations of a warehousing structure (10) including a plurality of rows (16A-16C) supported by vertical uprights (18A-18D). Each of the uprights of this warehousing structure is furnished at each of the rows with an RFID location transponder (26) and a processor (30; 32) to produce a location-based inventory of the objects present on the warehousing structure according to the information received from the transponders.
US08031061B2
An alarm device for use with a vehicle includes an input connector for electrical connection with a vehicle wiring harness of a vehicle, an output connector for electrical connection with a trailer lighting receptacle of a trailer, and an alarm circuit electrically connected in series between the input connector and the output connector. The alarm circuit is configured to detect a presence or absence of an electrical signal supplied to the input connector for delivery through the output connector to an electrically powered component of the trailer. The alarm circuit is configured to deliver an alert signal when the alarm circuit detects the absence of the electrical signal.
US08031054B2
Multi-Antenna element systems and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising an antenna system. The antenna system comprises a ground plane, a first antenna element on a first side of the ground plane, and a second antenna element on a second side of the ground plane opposite first antenna element. The illustrative RFID tag further comprises a first radio frequency identification circuit coupled to the first antenna element.
US08031046B2
A finger sensing device may include an array of finger sensing electrodes, and a processor cooperating with the array of finger sensing electrodes for operation in a lower power consumption finger detecting mode, and for operation in a higher power consumption reading mode upon detection of a finger. The processor may selectively bus together finger sensing electrodes into at least one group from the array thereof when in the lower power consumption finger detecting mode to thereby detect a finger adjacent the array of finger sensing electrodes. Accordingly, a finger may be accurately detected and while in a low power mode, such as may be particularly beneficial to extend battery life for portable electronic devices.
US08031042B2
Magnetic structures for use in components utilized in switched mode power supplies can be combined to provide space and cost savings. Portions of magnetic cores can be utilized to form more than one component and/or separate magnetic cores can be combined into a single core. Further, a layer of material that has a higher flux density saturation point than the core and that is lower in permeability than the core (but higher than that of air) can be placed adjacent to the air gap in a core to decrease the magnetic flux passing through the vicinity surrounding the core so as to reduce EMI. A differential-mode choke and a separate common-mode choke can be combined onto a single core. An extra leg for a PFC choke core can be added to an isolation transformer core to form a single combined core. A pair of E-E core structures can be combined into a single core structure such as could be used to combine a pair of separate PFC chokes into an integrated pair of PFC chokes.
US08031037B2
Provided are three-dimensional microstructures and their methods of formation. The microstructures are formed by a sequential build process and include microstructural elements which are affixed to one another. The microstructures find use, for example, in coaxial transmission lines for electromagnetic energy.
US08031011B2
Oscillator circuitry is provided that is based on a ring of inverters. The ring of inverters may be single-ended or differential inverters. Digitally controlled adjustable load capacitors may be provided at inverter outputs to tune the oscillator circuitry. Each digitally controlled adjustable load capacitor may be formed from multiple varactors connected in parallel. Each varactor may have a control input that receives a digital control signal. The digitally controlled adjustable load capacitors in a given oscillator may be adjusted in unison to produce the same capacitance value for each capacitor or may be adjusted individually so that they produce different capacitance values. The inverters may include common-mode-gain reduction features such as series-connected current sources, series-connected resistors, and cross-coupled negative feedback transistors.
US08031004B2
An active balun with a stacked structure includes: a first amplification unit including a first transistor having a first terminal connected with a first input terminal, a second terminal connected with a power voltage terminal, and a third terminal connected with an output terminal; a second amplification unit including a second transistor having a first terminal connected with a second input terminal, a second terminal connected with the output terminal, and a third terminal connected with a ground; and a capacitance matching unit connected between the first terminal and the third terminal of the first transistor and having a pre-set matching capacitance.
US08031003B2
An RF power amplifier includes a push-pull amplifier having field effect transistors. Temperature compensating bias circuitry provides a temperature compensated bias voltage to the transistors for decreasing the bias voltage thereof as temperature increases. The temperature compensating bias circuitry includes a temperature sensor generating a temperature signal. A first amplifier provides a first temperature dependent voltage based on the temperature signal. A second amplifier provides a second temperature dependent voltage based on the temperature signal. The first and second temperature dependent voltages change at substantially the same rate in response to the temperature signal. A potentiometer receives the first and second temperature dependent voltages such that a voltage across the potentiometer remains substantially constant when the first and second temperature dependent voltages change. An output of the bias circuitry is connected to at least one of the transistors and supplies the temperature compensated bias voltage to the at least one of the transistors.
US08031001B2
A differential amplifier includes a main differential amplifier circuit that receives a pair of input signals and supplies a pair of output signals based on a difference between the input signals; and a bias control differential amplifier circuit that receives the pair of output signals, controls a control terminal of a current-limiting transistor making up the main differential amplifying circuit based on an offset voltage included in the output signals, and reduces the offset voltage.
US08030991B2
The present invention provides a frequency tuning/DC offset canceling circuit for continuous-time analog filter with time division, the frequency tuning/DC offset canceling circuit including: a frequency tuning/DC offset canceling unit for performing frequency tuning by comparing an output voltage with a reference voltage when a frequency tuning control signal is inputted, and canceling a DC offset after terminating the frequency tuning when a DC offset canceling control signal is inputted; and a control signal generator for generating the frequency tuning control signal and the DC offset canceling control signal based on a reference clock in time division.
US08030986B2
A circuit has a power transistor, a driver control circuit, a variable clamp circuit and a turn-off control circuit. The power transistor has a first current electrode coupled to a first power supply terminal, a second current electrode as an output of the circuit, and a control electrode. The driver control circuit has an output coupled to the control electrode of the power transistor for controlling the power transistor during an active mode of the circuit. The variable clamp circuit is coupled between the output of circuit and the first power supply terminal. The turn-off control circuit is coupled to the variable clamp circuit and selects clamping levels of the variable clamp circuit during a transition from the active mode to an inactive mode of the circuit.
US08030973B2
In a signal monitoring system, a circuit includes an input terminal and an output terminal. In addition, a processor coupled to the circuit is operable for calculating a parameter indicative of an error factor of the circuit by setting a level difference between an input signal at the input terminal and an output signal at the output terminal to a predetermined level.
US08030972B2
A latched comparator circuit. The latched comparator circuit comprises a first and a second output terminal for outputting a first and a second output voltage, respectively, of the latched comparator circuit. Furthermore, the latched comparator circuit comprises a cross-coupled pair of transistors operatively connected between the first and the second output terminal for providing a positive feedback in the latched comparator circuit. In addition, the latched comparator circuit comprises a reset terminal for receiving a reset signal and reset circuitry arranged to balance the first and the second output voltage during a first phase of the reset signal and allow a voltage difference to develop between the first and the second output voltage during a second phase of the reset signal. Moreover, the latched comparator circuit comprises a load unit operatively connected to the cross-coupled pair of transistors and a bias circuit arranged to receive the reset signal and to bias the load unit such that a conductivity of the load unit is higher during the second phase of the reset signal than during the first phase of the reset signal, whereby said positive feedback is stronger during the second phase of the reset signal than during the first phase of the reset signal.
US08030968B1
According to various embodiments, a differential transmitter includes a driver and a predriver. In various embodiments, the predriver may include pull-up transistors and pull-down transistors configured in various ways to produce a staged output signal during a pull-up transition, wherein the higher bits of the input signal are switched slower in comparison with the lower bits of the input signal, while at the same time maintaining the simultaneous pull-down transition among all the bits. In various embodiments, the staged output of a predriver may further be dynamically disabled during a deemphasis exit transition. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08030965B2
A level shifter receives an input signal of either a first lower voltage or a first upper voltage which form a voltage pair, and level-shifts the input signal to output an output signal of either a second lower voltage or a second upper voltage. An SR flip-flop generates an output signal which is switched to the second upper voltage upon receiving a positive edge via its set terminal, and is switched to the second lower voltage upon receiving a positive edge via its reset terminal. An AND gate generates the logical AND of a feedback signal having the inverted logical level of the output signal of the SR flip-flop and the input signal, which is output to the set terminal of the SR flip-flop. A NOR gate generates the logical NOR of the feedback signal and the input signal, which is output to the reset terminal of the SR flip-flop.
US08030960B2
A method for converting a repeater circuit from a dynamic repeater circuit to a static repeater circuit. The method includes disconnecting a feedback path coupled to a first stage of the dynamic repeater circuit and electrically shorting gate terminals of first and second transistors of a second stage to each other, wherein the transistors of the second stage are configured to drive an output signal on an output node. Disconnecting the feedback path and electrically shorting the gate terminals is performed by reconfiguring a plurality of selection devices in the repeater circuit from a first configuration to a second configuration. The repeater circuit includes at least one keeper configured to provide an output signal on the output node.
US08030957B2
A method of testing an integrated circuit of a device is described. Air is allowed through a fluid line to modify a size of a volume defined between the first and second components of an actuator to move a contactor support structure relative to the apparatus and urge terminals on the contactor support structure against contacts on the device. Air is automatically released from the fluid line through a pressure relief valve when a pressure of the air in the fluid line reaches a predetermined value. The holder is moved relative to the apparatus frame to disengage the terminals from the contacts while maintaining the first and second components of the actuator in a substantially stationary relationship with one another. A connecting arrangement is provided including first and second connecting pieces with complementary interengaging formations that restricts movement of the contactor substrate relative to the distribution board substrate in a tangential direction.
US08030955B2
An inclination adjusting method adjusts an inclination of a probe card installed at a probe apparatus to make the probe card be in parallel with a mounting surface of a movable mounting table for mounting thereon an object to be inspected. The method includes: detecting an average tip height of multiple probes disposed at each of plural locations of the probe card by using a tip position detecting device; obtaining an inclination of the probe card with respect to the mounting table based on differences in the average tip heights detected from the plural locations of the probe card; and adjusting the inclination of the probe card based on the obtained inclination.
US08030951B2
A cathodic protection monitor to be electrically connected to a cathodic protection rectifier that is adapted to prevent rust, corrosion and possible leakage in an underground pipe or storage tank above which the rectifier is supported. The cathodic protection monitor includes a CPU that reads, digitizes and stores analog current and voltage signals which are indicative of the effectiveness of the rectifier. The monitor includes an ISM band transceiver and antenna by which the CPU is polled and from which packets of stored data are transmitted to a data collector for retransmission and analysis by the pipe owner or maintenance crew. Synchronized timing signals are supplied (from the National Bureau of Standards) to a stable auxiliary clock by way of a WWVB transceiver and antenna so that a plurality of cathodic protection rectifiers can be turned on and off at the same time as may be required to compile ground voltage readings along the pipeline as part of a government-mandated survey.
US08030949B2
In a method for capacitive determination of the moisture content in a gas to be measured, it is provided that a capacitive element (2) brought into contact with a gas to be measured is operated in the manner of an RC oscillator (5) in charge-discharge cycles (27, 28), with the moisture content of the gas to be measured being determined from the time duration of a cycle. To assess measurement errors brought about by contaminants or aging effects, a measure for the time duration of a charging process (27) and a discharging process (28) is determined from output signal (26) of RC oscillator (5) and is processed with the measurement signal for the moisture content into a corrected measurement signal.
US08030948B2
A device for analyzing the contents of a container includes electromagnetic field emitting/receiving means (40) at least several frequencies in a determined range of frequencies, means (22) supporting a container (R), the contents of which have to be analyzed, suitable for ensuring accurate relative positioning between the emitting/receiving means (40) and the container (R), means (50) capable of measuring the complex impedance of the emitting/receiving means influenced by the load formed by the container (R) and its contents, representative of the complex dielectric characteristics of the container and of its contents, means (53, 55) for obtaining at least one additional physical datum relating to a characteristic of the container (R), and means (50) capable of providing information relating to the nature of the contents of said container (R) depending on the measured complex impedance and on the additional physical datum.
US08030935B2
Logging tools, methods, and computer programs for use in borehole logging are described. The logging tool includes three or more tensors, each tensor including one or more coils. Each coil is characterized by coil parameters including an axis orientation, a cross-sectional area, a number of turns, and a location. At least one of the coil axes is disposed at an angle to the borehole axis. One or more of the coil parameters are selected to minimize sensitivity to borehole current.
US08030928B2
An air pressure fixed coil for magnetic resonance imaging has a surface on which an air pressure fixing device is arranged. The air pressure fixing device is in communication with a control switch, that is operable to actuate the air pressure fixing device to generate a negative pressure or to restore a normal air pressure, so that the air pressure fixing device is suctioned and fixed onto an object, or is released from the object. Since the coil is fixed in place by using air pressure, the coil can be fixed onto a patient bed without arranging any fixing structure on the patient bed, and therefore the coil can be positioned and fixed at any place on the patient bed for carrying out a scanning operation according to needs. At the same time, since there is no need to pre-arrange any fixing structure on the patient bed, such as slots, holes etc., the structural strength of the patient bed will not be affected, and the appearance of the patient bed can be kept simple, clean and neat.
US08030924B2
A magnetic resonance imaging system capable of conducting spectroscopic imaging with an improved SNR without degrading the spatial resolution includes edge-preserving filter processing means for spectroscopic imaging. The edge-preserving filter processing means executes processing including the steps of calculating spectral similarity in spatial neighborhoods (spatially neighboring voxels) at each voxel in spectroscopic imaging data, calculating a spectral weight according to the spectral similarity, and conducting weighted smoothing for compounding spectra of spatial neighborhoods (spatially neighboring voxels) according to the spectral weight.
US08030915B2
An integrated sensor includes: i) a voltage regulator coupled with a mechanical ground and delivering a regulated voltage based on a primary power supply voltage referencing an electrical ground; ii) a high-impedance sensitive element powered by the primary power supply, electrically coupled to the mechanical ground and delivering an electrical quantity representative of a physical quantity; iii) an amplification module powered by the regulated voltage and including a first input receiving an analog reference dependent on the regulated voltage and a second input receiving the electrical quantity, and designed to deliver a first output voltage representing the amplified measurement voltage; and iv) a differential amplifier powered by the primary power supply voltage, referencing the electrical ground and including first and a second inputs receiving the analog reference and the first output voltage, respectively, and delivering a second output voltage representing the first amplified output voltage referenced to the electrical ground.
US08030897B2
The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a charger circuit and a control circuit. The charger circuit may be configured to generate a first power down control signal and a second power down control signal in response to (i) a first charge signal, (ii) a second charge signal, (iii) a supply voltage, and (iv) a host control signal. The control circuit may be configured to generate the first charge signal and the second charge signal in response to a first battery signal and a second battery signal. The control circuit may enter a power down state in response to the host control signal initiating the power down state.
US08030892B2
A phone charging stand includes a casing and a cover. The casing has a socket on one surface to hold a phone, and a first universal serial bus (USB) connecting port on another surface of the casing is used to connect a wireless dongle having a USB interface. The cover is pivotally connected to one end of the casing. The cover can be rotated toward the socket to be attached to the casing to hold the phone. The cover can also be rotated toward the another surface of the casing to support the charging stand.
US08030886B2
A thermally managed power source (201) is provided herein which comprises a first battery module (203), and a first synthetic jet ejector (215) disposed on a surface of said first battery module and being adapted to direct a plurality of synthetic jets along a surface (211) of said first battery module.
US08030875B2
Interruption in supervisory position control signals can cause problems with respect to actuators which upon loss of such control signals for the actuator will generally slew to a fixed idle position. In such circumstances a machine such as a gas turbine engine in which an actuator is associated will not sustain performance even though there is continued local power supply to the actuator. By utilizing a local controller which stores actuator response profiles for certain machine status stages through perturbation or marginal activation of the actuator an appropriate actuator response profile can be chosen and therefore sustaining control signals presented to the actuator to maintain machine operation.
US08030874B2
To reduce, in a power converting apparatus for an electric locomotive, a sixth-order harmonic noise induced by a torque ripple component equivalent to a sixth-order frequency of an inverter frequency. When a motor is driven in a three-pulse mode to drive the electric locomotive, three pulses included within a ½ cycle of the inverter frequency in a PWM waveform, which is used for controlling a switching element of an inverter unit that drives the motor, are set to satisfy Tq≧T/8, Tp≦Tq/2, and Tr≦Tq/2 where, assuming that the three pulses include a first pulse, a second pulse, and a third pulse from an order of generation, Tp is a pulse width of the first pulse, Tq is ½ of a pulse width (full width at half maximum of a pulse) of the second pulse, Tr is a pulse width of the third pulse, and T is a cycle of the inverter frequency.
US08030871B1
A model train control system includes a controller that actively generates commands to control train operation based on user input and/or other information concerning settings of the controller, operating environment of the train, and historic operation of train control system. The model train controller includes a user throttle input for selecting a target speed for the model train. A processor in the controller is adapted to determine the commanded speed based upon at least the target speed, the processor thereby generating a speed command, to be transmitted to said train, to achieve the commanded speed. The model train controller may further include a momentum input for selecting a momentum level for the model train, in which case the processor would determine the commanded speed based on at least the target speed and a selected momentum level for the train.
US08030843B2
A phosphor for use, for example, with an ultraviolet LED to provide a broad-spectrum white light approximating diffuse sunlight, that includes quantum dots spaced from an activator material by a capping layer surrounding the quantum dots. This approach of spacing an activator material from the quantum dots provides improved spectral output for quantum dots of materials such as zinc sulfide.
US08030840B2
To enhance emission efficiency and color rendering, a light emitting device 1 comprises: at least one light source 3; at least one first emitting section 4 having at least one sort of luminescent material that can emit light including a wavelength component that is longer than the light emitted from light source 3 when excited by the light emitted from light source 3; at least one second emitting section 5 having at least one sort of luminescent material that can emit light including a wavelength component that is longer than the light emitted from first emitting section 4 when excited by the light emitted from light source 3 and first emitting section 4; wherein light emitting device 1 comprises at least one light shielding unit 6 that protects at least a part of the light emitted from first emitting section 4 from entering second emitting section 5.
US08030835B2
A light-emitting device includes: a first lead including a bonding region and a first outer edge extending generally parallel to a first direction; a light-emitting element bonded to the bonding region; a second lead including an electrical connection region connected to the light-emitting element; and a molded body including a first side surface generally perpendicular to the first direction, a second side surface provided on a side opposite to the first side surface and being generally perpendicular to the first direction, a lower surface, and a recess provided in a surface opposite to the lower surface, the molded body being formed so that one end portion of the first lead protrudes from the first side surface, the other end portion of the first lead and an end portion of the second lead each protrude from the second side surface, and the bonding region and the electrical connection region are exposed from a bottom surface of the recess. The one end portion of the first lead and the end portion of the second lead each are bent downward, the other end portion of the first lead are bent upward or downward, and a width of the first lead across the bonding region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are narrower than a width of the one end portion and wider than a width of the other end portion.
US08030813B2
A servo motor is equipped with a rotary shaft, a rotor rotated integrally with the rotary shaft, a stator that is separated a predetermined distance from and disposed in confronting relation to the rotor, and an angle detecting device that detects an angle of rotation of the rotary shaft. On a counter-load side end, which is opposite to a load side end of the rotary shaft, an operating member is provided, which enables the rotary shaft to be rotated manually from an exterior location.
US08030812B2
Each pair of coils mutually connected in a stator winding is arranged in a fashion that a first coil of each pair of coils has an inner-circumferential-side coil terminal (212) led out from an inner-circumferential-side slot position in the direction of a coil end (220) of the stator winding, and that a second coil of each pair of coils has an outer-circumferential-side coil terminal (211) led out from an outer-circumferential-side slot position in the direction of the coil end (220) of the stator winding for connection to the inner-circumferential-side coil terminal (212), wherein there is provided a coil terminal connection structure in which the inner-circumferential-side coil terminal (212) is connected to the outer-circumferential-side coil terminal (211) across the coil end (220), and joint parts (211a, 212a) thereof are bent close to the coil end (220).
US08030805B2
A mechanical micro system comprising a flexible bending beam extending along a direction, and at least one magnetic element for creating a magnetic field. The flexible beam includes: a first circuit having a first topology for generating, in response to one current flowing through the first circuit, a force having an effect on the beam at one particular place so as to cause a first vibratory mode; a second circuit having a second topology for generating, in response to one current flowing through the second circuit, a force having an effect on the beam at one particular second position so as to cause a second vibratory mode.
US08030801B2
An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. This system includes an air conditioning module and a control module having a display and a processor, the display and processor presenting an airplane type or class selection menu to airplane support technicians and responding to the selection of a type or class of airplane by generating a power output selection signal designating the type of power needed by the selected type or class of airplane. The system also includes a power supply module which has an A.C. power input, at least one power output, and which receives the power output selection signal as an incoming signal. A power conversion system within the power supply module connects to the A.C. power input and supplies converted and voltage regulated power to the at least one power output. This power conversion system also receives the power conversion control signal as an input signal. A control system within the power conversion module receives measurements of the voltage at the power supply module's at least one power output and also receives the control module's power output selection signal. This control system generates the power conversion system's power conversion control signal and adjusts it to regulate the power module's output to a predetermined preset voltage level as mandated by the power output selection signal.
US08030800B1
A mobile electronic device comprises at least one electronic component, at least one mobile power source, and at least one integrated power source. The at least one mobile power source is operable to supply power to the at least one electronic component. The at least one integrated power source is operable to supply power to at least a portion of the at least one electronic component to maintain operation of the portion of the at least one electronic component while a voltage level of the power supplied by the at least one mobile power source is below a threshold and the mobile electronic device does not receive power from an external power source.
US08030795B2
Increased cable length Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are provided. Embodiments can be designed for compliance with IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or legacy PoE standards. Embodiments include PSE and PD designs enabled for increased length PoE. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PSE system rules, including example modifications of PSE port voltage ranges to support IEEE 802.3af compliant PDs across increased cable lengths. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PD system rules, including example modifications of PD port voltage ranges to enable current IEEE compliant PSEs to support increased cable length PoE. Embodiments include PDs having increased voltage process and/or added voltage protection circuitry to support increased length PoE. Modifications of PSE system rules and PD system rules can be performed independently of each others, so that modified PSEs can be made to work with existing PDs, or vice versa.
US08030793B2
A power generating system 10 includes a drive arrangement 12 and a compressor 18 arranged to be driven by the drive arrangement 12 to compress gas, in particular air. The system 10 also includes an underwater storage arrangement 20 for storing compressed gas provided by the compressor 18 and an expander 22 for expanding compressed gas from the underwater storage arrangement 20 and/or the compressor 18 to thereby drive a generator 16 to generate electrical power.
US08030784B2
Semiconductor nanoparticles having high luminescence properties that are preferable for applications and uses of biotechnology are provided.With the use of electric charges on the surfaces of particles, the particles and selected polymers are allowed to electrostatically bind to each other, such that the surfaces of the particles are coated. The polymers are allowed to crosslink to each other, resulting in the improved durability of the particles. Further, functional groups contained in the polymers are exposed on the surfaces of the particles. Accordingly, semiconductor nanoparticles that are preferably utilized for applications such as staining and labeling of biopolymers have been synthesized.
US08030781B2
A semiconductor structure is provided. In one embodiment, a bond pad is formed above one or more underlying layers of a substrate. A plurality of dummy plugs are spaced around the bond pad, the plurality of dummy plugs substantially vertically traversing the one or more underlying layers, wherein the plurality of dummy plugs anchor at least two of the underlying layers together to achieve improved mechanical strength.
US08030764B2
The invention provides a semiconductor device that is thermally isolated from the printed circuit board such that the device operates at a higher temperature and radiates heat away from the printed circuit board. In another embodiment, the semiconductor is stacked onto a second device and optionally thermally isolated from the second device.
US08030754B2
One embodiment in accordance with the invention is a system that can include a first wafer and a second wafer. The first wafer and the second wafer can be bonded together by a wafer bonding process that forms a gap between the first wafer and the second wafer. The gap can be configured for receiving a heat extracting material.
US08030746B2
An integrated circuit package includes a substrate and a first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip is provided in a cavity on a first side of the substrate. The package further includes a second semiconductor chip provided on a second side of the substrate. The first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip form a stack.
US08030734B2
A phase change memory cell may be formed with a pair of chalcogenide phase change layers that are separated by a breakdown layer. The breakdown layer may be broken down prior to use of the memory so that a conductive breakdown point is defined within the breakdown layer. In some cases, the breakdown point may be well isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, reducing heat losses and decreasing current consumption. In addition, in some cases, the breakdown point may be well isolated from overlying and underlying electrodes, reducing issues related to contamination. The breakdown point may be placed between a pair of chalcogenide layers with the electrodes outbound of the two chalcogenide layers.
US08030729B2
A device disclosed herein includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first plurality of nanowires established between the first layer and the second layer. The first plurality of nanowires is formed of a first semiconductor material. The device further includes a third layer, and a second plurality of nanowires established between the second and third layers. The second plurality of nanowires is formed of a second semiconductor material having a bandgap that is the same as or different from a bandgap of the first semiconductor material.
US08030728B2
An optical semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a light receiving element formed on the semiconductor substrate; a light absorbing element formed on the semiconductor substrate and located adjacent to the light receiving element; and a semiconductor element formed on the semiconductor substrate and used for signal processing. The light absorbing element includes a fifth semiconductor layer, and a light absorption region in the light receiving element has a different structure from a light absorption region in the light absorbing element.
US08030725B1
Apparatus and methods for detecting evaporation conditions in an evaporator for evaporating metal onto semiconductor wafers, such as GaAs wafers, are disclosed. One such apparatus can include a crystal monitor sensor configured to detect metal vapor associated with a metal source prior to metal deposition onto a semiconductor wafer. This apparatus can also include a shutter configured to remain in a closed position when the crystal monitor sensor detects an undesired condition, so as to prevent metal deposition onto the semiconductor wafer. In some implementations, the undesired condition can be indicative of a composition of a metal source, a deposition rate of a metal source, impurities of a metal source, position of a metal source, position of an electron beam, and/or intensity of an electron beam.
US08030720B2
A back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device is provided in which an electric field to collect a signal charge (an electron, a hole and the like, for example) is reliably generated to reduce a crosstalk.The back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device includes a structure 34 having a semiconductor film 33 on a semiconductor substrate 31 through an insulation film 32, in which a photoelectric conversion element PD that constitutes a pixel is formed in the semiconductor substrate 31, at least part of transistors 15, 16, and 19 that constitute the pixel is formed in the semiconductor film 33, and a rear surface electrode 51 to which a voltage is applied is formed on the rear surface side of the semiconductor substrate 31.
US08030715B2
A semiconductor device with a gate having a bulbous area and a flattened area underneath the bulbous are is presented. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an isolation layer, a gate insulation layer, and gates. The semiconductor substrate has recess parts that have first grooves which have bulbous-shaped profiles and second vertically flattened profile grooves which extend downward from the first grooves. The gates are formed in the recess parts in which the gate insulation layer is double layered in the bulbous profile areas and is single layered in the flattened profile areas.
US08030704B2
A trench gate type power transistor of high performance is provided. A trench gate as a gate electrode is formed in a super junction structure comprising a drain layer and an epitaxial layer. In this case, the gate electrode is formed in such a manner that an upper surface of the epitaxial layer becomes higher than that of a channel layer formed over the drain layer. Then, an insulating film is formed over each of the channel layer and the epitaxial layer and thereafter a part of the insulating film is removed to form side wall spacers over side walls of the epitaxial layer. Subsequently, with the side wall spacers as masks, a part of the channel layer and that of the drain layer are removed to form a trench for a trench gate.
US08030702B2
A trenched MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) with a guard ring and a channel stop, including: a substrate including an epi layer region on the top thereof; a plurality of source and body regions formed in the epi layer; a metal layer including a plurality of metal layer regions which are connected to respective source and body, and gate regions forming metal connections of the MOSFET; a plurality of metal contact plugs connected to respective metal layer regions; a plurality of gate structure filled with polysilicon to form a plurality of trenched gates on top of epi layer; an insulating layer deposited on the epi layer formed underneath the metal layer with a plurality of metal contact holes therein for contacting respective source and body regions; a guard ring wrapping around the metal layer corresponding to the gate region at the termination; and a channel stop which is a heavier N-type doping region aside the guard ring at the termination; Wherein the contact plugs connecting to the top metal layer are corresponding to the source and the body regions.
US08030699B2
Disclosed herein is a flash memory device in which the distribution of threshold voltage is significantly reduced and the durability is improved even though a floating gate has a micro- or nano-size length. It comprises a tunneling insulation film formed on a semiconductor substrate; a multilayer floating gate structure comprising a first thin storage electrode, a second thick storage electrode, and a third thin storage electrode, defined in that order on the tunneling insulation film; an interelectrode insulation film and a control electrode formed in that order on the floating gate structure; and a source/drain provided in the semiconductor substrate below the opposite sidewalls of the floating gate structure. The novel flash memory device can be readily fabricated at a high yield through a process compatible with a conventional one.
US08030697B2
A cell structure of a semiconductor device includes an active region, having a concave portion, and an inactive region that defines the active region. A gate pattern in the active region is arranged perpendicular to the active region. A landing pad on the active region and the inactive region contacts the active region. A bit line pattern on the inactive region intersects the gate pattern perpendicularly, the bit line pattern being electrically connected to the landing pad and having a first protrusion corresponding to the concave portion of the active region.
US08030688B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device which protects the ohmic metal contacts and the channel of the device during subsequent high temperature processing steps is explained. An encapsulation layer is used to cover the channel and ohmic metal contacts. The present invention provides a substrate on which a plurality of semiconductor layers are deposited. The semiconductor layers act as the channel of the device. The semiconductor layers are covered with an encapsulation layer. A portion of the encapsulation layer and the plurality of semiconductor layers are removed, wherein ohmic metal contacts are deposited. The ohmic metal contacts are then annealed to help reduce their resistance. The encapsulation layer ensures that the ohmic metal contacts do not migrate during the annealing step and that the channel is not harmed by the high temperatures needed during the annealing step.
US08030679B2
Disclosed is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including: one or more AllnN layers; an In-doped nitride semiconductor layer formed above the AllN layers; a first electrode contact layer formed above the In-doped nitride semiconductor layer; an active layer formed above the first electrode contact layer; and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer formed above the active layer. According to the nitride semiconductor light emitting device, a crystal defect of the active layer is suppressed, so that the reliability of the nitride semiconductor light emitting device is increased and the light output is enhanced.
US08030677B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device according to the present invention includes: a GaN substrate 1 containing an n-type impurity and being made of silicon carbide or a nitride semiconductor; a multilayer structure 10 provided on a main surface of the GaN substrate 1; a p-electrode 17 formed on the multilayer structure 10; a first n-electrode 18 substantially covering the entire rear surface of the GaN substrate 1; and a second n-electrode 20 provided on the first n-electrode 18 so as to expose at least a portion of the periphery of the first n-electrode 18.
US08030672B2
A semiconductor light emitting device can vary color temperatures of its emission light and have a simple and small configuration. The semiconductor light emitting device can include a substrate, electrode wiring formed on the substrate, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements mounted on the electrode wiring, and a wavelength conversion layer surrounding the semiconductor light emitting elements. The semiconductor light emitting elements constitute a first semiconductor light emitting element group and a second semiconductor light emitting element group. The wavelength conversion layer has a thinner portion corresponding to the first group and a thicker portion corresponding to the second group and can be differentiated by a step provided on the substrate.
US08030668B2
A light emitting diode demonstrating high luminescence efficiency and comprising a Group IV semiconductor such as silicon or germanium equivalent thereto as a basic component formed on a silicon substrate by a prior art silicon process, and a fabricating method of waveguide thereof are provided. The light emitting diode of the invention comprises a first electrode for implanting electrons, a second electrode for implanting holes, and a light emitting section electrically connected to the first and the second electrode, wherein the light emitting section is made out of single crystalline silicon and has a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, wherein with respect to plane orientation (100) of the first and second surfaces, the light emitting section crossing at right angles to the first and second surfaces is made thinner, and wherein a material having a high refractive index is arranged around the thin film section.
US08030666B2
A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate; silicon faceted structures formed on a top surface of the silicon substrate; and a group-III nitride layer over the silicon faceted structures. The silicon faceted structures are separated from each other, and have a repeated pattern.
US08030661B2
In the case where a chip is made of wide band gap semiconductor, a power conversion apparatus is obtained in which a component having a low heat resistant temperature is prevented from receiving thermal damage by heat generated at the chip. In a configuration including: a chip portion (20) including a chip (21) made of wide band gap semiconductor and a member (22, 23) having a heat resistant temperature equal to or higher than that of the chip (21); and a peripheral component (25) arranged in the vicinity of the chip portion (20) and having a heat resistant temperature lower than that of the chip (21). The chip (21) and the peripheral component (25) are thermally insulated from each other so that the temperature of the peripheral component (25) does not exceed the heat resistant temperature of the peripheral component (25).
US08030650B2
A pixel structure comprises at least two scan and data lines. The scan and data lines substantially intersects one another to form at least one region therein. The pixel structure further comprises at least one thin film transistor, at least one passivation layer, at least one defect detection pattern, and at least one pixel electrode. The pixel electrode is disposed on the passivation layer and electrically connected to the thin film transistor via an opening of the passivation layer. The defect detection pattern is disposed in the region to detect whether any residue remains therebelow.
US08030630B2
A method and apparatus comprising an imaging system (10) with safety control for imaging target objects having a scanning arrangement (14) including a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) has a field-of-view focused by an optical arrangement (24) onto a sensor array (28). The imaging system further comprises an illumination assembly (18) having a housing (30), illumination source (38), light pipe (42), and projection lens (36). The illumination assembly (18) provides light energy toward the sensor assembly field-of-view for illuminating the target object to be imaged on the sensor array (28). The light pipe (42) comprises a multi-walled tapered body (52) having an input face (40). The walls of the body (52) create mirrored images of the illumination source (38), together with the projection lens redistribute the amount of light energy directed at the eyes of a human.
US08030613B2
The present invention provides a radio frequency (RF) power supply in a mass spectrometer. The power supply provides an RF signal to electrodes of a storage device to create a trapping field. The RF field is usually collapsed prior to ion ejection. In an illustrative embodiment the RF power supply includes a RF signal supply; a coil arranged to receive the signal provided by the RF signal supply and to provide an output RF signal for supply to electrodes of an ion storage device; and a shunt including a switch operative to switch between a first open position and a second closed position in which the shunt shorts the coil output.
US08030612B2
Methods for improved separation of ions from an ion trap employing a combination of low pressure and low amplitude ion excitation, including methods for removing, from an ion trap ion population, ions having a m/z value neighboring that of an ion of interest, mass spectrometry methods providing improved resolution of ion detection, and programmable apparatus programmed with instructions therefor.
US08030611B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a mass spectrometer, a method of mass spectrometry, and a program for mass spectrometry for narrowing the range in which the mass-to-charge ratio is scanned without the ion peak of the fragment ion becoming out of the range. In order to achieve the above object, a mass spectrometer including a control unit, a display unit provided with an user interface, an ionization chamber, a dissociation chamber, a mass separator, and a detector is provided.
US08030610B2
In various aspects, the present teachings provide systems and methods for reducing chemical noise in a mass spectrometry instrument that use a neutral chemical reagent and one or more mass filters to reduce interfering chemical background ion signals that are generated by ionization sources of mass spectrometers. In various embodiments, the neutral chemical reagent belongs to the class of organic chemical species containing a disulfide functionality.
US08030609B2
A read circuit includes: an integration circuit section configured to perform an integral operation and whose input is connected to an integration node; and a bias circuit connected between a connection node to which a variable resistive element is connected and the integration node. The bias circuit includes: an integration transistor whose source and drain are respectively connected to the connection node and the integration node; an operational amplifier whose output is connected to a gate of the integration transistor, to whose first input a bias voltage is supplied, and whose second input is connected to the source of the integration transistor; and at least one diode element that is connected between the gate and source of the integration transistor and clips a gate-source voltage of the integration transistor.
US08030607B2
A matrix microelectronic device comprising: a plurality of cells arranged according to a matrix, one or several conductive lines provided to carry a given potential and to which respectively one or several cells of a row of cells of the matrix are linked, a plurality of voltage regulating elements, wherein said regulating elements are connected respectively between a cell of said plurality of cells and one of said conductive lines, said given potential serving as polarisation potential of said regulating elements, wherein said regulating elements are respectively provided to apply to said given cell a regulated polarisation potential.
US08030596B1
A handheld knife includes an electric powered heater for raising the temperature of the knife blade for cutting and melting thermoplastics and the like. Two embodiments of the knife are shown, one for standard 120 volt AC current and one which includes a 24 volt battery pack. The method of use describes the steps of selecting an item for cutting, heating the knife blade by depressing a switch thereon and then manually drawing the knife blade across the item to cut selected materials.
US08030594B2
A coating removal apparatus utilizing a common optics path to provide laser pulses to a coated surface and to direct a light illumination reflected from the coated surface to a photosensitive detector and analyzer. The apparatus is an integrated device including a laser source, a beam splitter, scanning optics, a waste removal apparatus, one or more light illuminators, a photosensitive detector, a comparator, and a control logic circuit. Alternatively, the laser source is external to the integrated device and a fiber optic cable is used to connect the laser source to the integrated device.
US08030593B2
A laser welding apparatus and method for easily adjusting a laser focusing position according to a distance from a laser irradiating device to a laser irradiating point on a work piece, or a welding point. A post-collimation laser diameter is measured when the laser emitting end has an optimal laser diameter on the work piece with respect to the distance from the laser processing head to the work piece. Corresponding data is stored with the above distance and the post-collimation laser diameter corresponding to each other. During welding, a diameter of the laser beam passing through a collimate lens is measured by a laser diameter measuring device. The post-collimation laser diameter is adjusted to be an optimal value according to the corresponding data.
US08030580B2
A printed wiring board, which may be included in an electronic apparatus, includes a pair of signal pads including a first signal pad and a second signal pad formed on a front side thereof and configured to transmit differential signals, a ground pad formed at a position in proximity to the pair of signal pads, and a via configured to connect the ground pad to a ground pattern formed either on a back side or on an inner layer of the printed wiring board directly or via a lead wire led out from the ground pad. The via is located at a substantially equal position spaced away from the first signal pad and the second signal pad.
US08030579B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a multilayered printed circuit board having a short wiring distance of the conductor circuits, wide option of the design of the conductor circuits and additionally excellent in reliability since cracking scarcely takes place in the interlaminar resin insulating layers in the vicinity of via-holes. The present invention is a multilayered printed circuit board comprising: a conductor circuit and an interlaminar resin insulating layer serially formed on a substrate in alternate fashion and in repetition, wherein a connection of the conductor circuits through the interlaminar resin insulating layers is performed by a via-hole, wherein via-holes in different level layers among the via-holes are formed so as to form a stack-via structure, and wherein at least one of the land diameters of the above-mentioned via-holes in different level layers having the stack via structure is different from the land diameters of other via-holes.
US08030574B2
A flexible printed circuit includes a flexible substrate, a plurality of first conductive wires, and a plurality of second conductive wires. The flexible substrate includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The first conductive wires are provided on the first surface. The first conductive wires extend from an edge of the flexible substrate to another edge of the flexible substrate. The second conductive wires are provided on the second surface. The second conductive wires extend from an end of the flexible substrate to a predetermined portion of the flexible substrate. A part of each second conductive wire at the predetermined portion of the flexible substrate is electrically connected with the first conductive wire via a conductive structure.
US08030572B2
A core for an electrical conductor. The core includes an inner core component, an intermediate cladding component and an outer cladding component. The inner core component comprises a plurality of glass based stranded members in a first resin matrix. The intermediate cladding component surrounds the inner core component and comprises a plurality of carbon stranded members in a second resin matrix. The outer cladding component surrounds the intermediate cladding component and comprises a plurality of glass based stranded members in a third resin matrix. The first resin matrix and the second resin matrix are substantially independent of each other, meeting at a boundary. An electrical conductor as well as a manufacturing method is likewise disclosed.
US08030566B2
This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. Amplitude-envelope controlled time-modulation and pitch-modulation are employed to add rich and attention-getting aspects to solo lines and chords. The amplitude envelope may be measured from the signal being modulated, a delayed version of this signal, or another signal source. Modulation characteristics and parameters may be recalled from stored program control or modulated in real-time by arbitrary control signals, including those derived from the original input signal. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. The invention may also be used in spatially-distributed timbre construction.
US08030558B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV801744. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV801744, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV801744 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV801744 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV801744.
US08030552B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS35005. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS35005, to the plants of soybean RJS35005 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS35005 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS35005 with another soybean plant, using RJS35005 as either the male or the female parent.
US08030548B2
A cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system in different Brassica species having a distinct mitochondrial DNA specific RFLP signature. A method for obtaining male sterile lines and restoration of fertility in B. juncea for hybrid seed production using the CMS. This CMS in B. juncea can be restored by crossing male sterile plants with any B. juncea genotype other than the maintainer genotype. The same B. juncea genotype acts as maintainer of male sterility after a specified number of backcrosses. The CMS also relates to histological characterization of another and microspore development in B. juncea.
US08030544B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for transforming soybean, corn, cotton, or canola explants using spectinomycin as a selective agent for transformation of the explants. The method may further comprise treatment of the explants with cytokinin during the transformation and regeneration process.
US08030538B2
The present invention relates to a bovine beta-casein gene targeting vector comprising (1) a first region having a length of 5 to 12 kb which is homologous to the promoter and its flanking nucleic acid sequences of bovine beta-casein gene, and comprising exon 1, intron 1, and exon 2 of bovine beta-casein gene; (2) a region for cloning a nucleic acid coding for desired proteins; (3) a region for coding a positive selection marker; (4) a second region having a length of 2.8 to 3.5 kb which is homologous to the nucleic acid sequences of bovine beta-casein gene, and comprising exon 5, 6, 7 and 8, and intron 5, 6 and 7 of bovine beta-casein gene; wherein the nucleic acid segment corresponding to the first region is located upstream to the nucleic acid segment corresponding to the second region in the 5′-3′ arrangement of beta-casein gene. The present invention also relates to method producing the transgenic cattle which is bovine beta-casein gene-targeted with a gene coding a desired protein using the said vector and obtaining a large scale of a desired protein from the milk of the said transgenic cattle.
US08030533B2
A process for the combined production of para-xylene and benzene comprises: separating a first feed, by adsorption in a simulated moving bed SMB, to produce an extract E rich in para-xylene and at least one raffinate R which is depleted in para-xylene; converting a secondary feed of toluene by selective disproportionation to produce benzene and xylenes; a) at the start of the cycle, producing a supplemental quantity of para-xylene in a crystallization unit supplied with the xylenes from the disproportionation; b) at the end of the cycle, when the adsorbant has aged: dividing the distilled extract E into a first fraction Ea and a complementary second fraction Eb; replacing the feed to the initial crystallization by the stream Ea; and recycling the xylenes from the disproportionation to the SMB. The invention enables para-xylene and benzene production to be maintained despite ageing of the SMB absorbent.
US08030530B2
A reactor with swing feeds is provided for oxychlorination. This reactor comprises multiple inlets with controls capable of introducing feed streams sequentially to the reactor. In one configuration, a feed stream comprises a paraffin or olefin hydrocarbon such as methane or ethylene, and a second feed stream comprises oxygen and hydrogen chloride. By segregating these feeds, combustion reactions can be minimized and yields of chlorinated components increased.
US08030528B2
The process for producing a fluorine-containing compound such as 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorohexafluorobutane of the present invention is characterized in that a halogenated hydrocarbon compound such as 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobutane is brought into contact with fluorine gas in a liquid phase or in a solid-liquid coexistence state in the absence of a solvent and a catalyst. According to the present invention, a fluorine-containing compound is readily produced from a halogenated hydrocarbon compound using neither a reaction solvent nor a reaction catalyst.
US08030525B2
A method for producing phenol and acetone in a multi-stage process at an elevated temperature from a cumene hydroperoxide mixture comprising cumene, the method comprising the steps of a) reacting the cumene hydroperoxide mixture with a 2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid catalyst having a concentration of 0.1 to 1 mmol/L acid catalyst to form a second mixture comprising phenol, acetone and dicumyl peroxide in a first stage and decomposing the second mixture in a second stage to produce a third mixture comprising phenol and acetone.
US08030523B2
The present invention relates to a process which can effectively extract and purify natural astaxanthin from the eggs and gonads of snails.
US08030522B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of toluene diisocyanate, in which the crude toluenediamine obtained from the hydrogenation is purified and then phosgenated. The purification step reduces the total amount of cyclic ketones to less than 0.1% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the toluenediamine.
US08030516B2
Novel methods for preparing perfluoroalkanedi(sulfonyl chloride) are disclosed as are uses for these compounds. In one aspect, a method comprising reacting dibromoperfluoroalkane with Na2S2O4 followed by treating with chlorine, an organic compound, and then chlorine to form perfluoroalkanedi(sulfonyl chloride) is provided. Novel perfluoroalkanedi(sulfonyl bromide) compounds are also disclosed.
US08030515B2
Sulfonate salts have the formula: HOCH2CH2CF2CF2SO3−M+ wherein M+ is a Li, Na, K, ammonium or tetramethylammonium ion. Onium salts, oxime sulfonates and sulfonyloxyimides derived from these salts are effective photoacid generators in chemically amplified resist compositions.
US08030514B2
The present invention provides novel processes for the preparation of a cyclopentanone of Formula II and a lactone of Formula I, which are useful in the production of prostaglandins: wherein Z, R2, R3, X1, X2, and are as defined in the specification. The invention also provides novel enantiomerically enriched compounds.
US08030513B2
The present invention provides for a rheology control agent that includes a following compound represented by the following formula: wherein A, B, C and D equal CH2, CHR, NH, or O, and A, B, C and D may be the same or different and at least one of A and B equals NH and at least one of C and D equals NH; and wherein R1, R2, and R3 may be the same or different and represent a linear, branched, hyper-branched, or dendritic ether, polyether or hydrocarbon based chain, optionally forming at least one carbon-based ring, being saturated or unsaturated and R2 represents linear or branched alkylenes, ethers, polyethers, or polyester linkages and at least one of R1, R2, and R3 comprises an ester group or an amide group which is branched off from the main chain; excluded from Formula (1) is a compound wherein R2 is CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH(C(O)OCH3), A, B, C, and D are equal to NH and R1 and R3 are both equal to a linear octyl hydrocarbon chain; the rheology control agent is suitable for solvent-borne and water-borne coating composition having improved rheology control useful for OEM refinishing or repainting the exterior of automobile and truck bodies and parts thereof.
US08030505B2
A process for producing lower alkyl esters of higher fatty acids from an oil phase and lower alcohols, in a catalytic transesterification process in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. A reaction mixture is provided by mixing oil-phase fatty acids with a solution comprising methanol and an alkaline catalyst comprising sodium methylate. The transesterification reaction of the reaction mixture is accelerated by subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature above the boiling point of methanol and pressurizing the reaction mixture sufficiently to prevent boil-off. A centrifugal separator separates glycerin phase from biodiesel phase of a resulting reaction product stream. The biodiesel phase is washed by counter-current extraction.
US08030503B2
Intermediates in the preparation of epothilones and epothilone analogs are provided along with synthetic methods useful in the synthesis of epothilone compounds.
US08030484B2
Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl groups; R3 is hydrogen or an aryl group substituent or R3 is a solid support optionally attached via a spacer; Z represents an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or NR4; Y represents an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or NR5; in which R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted benzyl or optionally substituted β-phenylethyl; and one of X1 and X2 represents a nitrogen atom and the other of X1 and X2 represents a nitrogen atom or CR6, in which R6 represents hydrogen or an aryl group substituent; are useful for the affinity binding of a prion protein.
US08030474B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing for cyclin-dependent kinase 4 is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.
US08030470B2
The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides encoding farnesyltransferase polypeptides, vectors, and cells transformed with farnesyltransferase polynucleotides.
US08030469B2
The present invention provides novel anti-CD26 antibodies and other, related polypeptides, as well as novel polynucleotides encoding the antibodies and polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of making the antibodies and polypeptides. Compositions and cells comprising the antibodies or polypeptides are further provided. Methods of using the antibodies and/or polypeptides, such as to inhibit cell proliferation and in the treatment of conditions associated with CD26, are also provided.
US08030465B2
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid ligands capable of binding to one or more target molecules in a complex mixture.
US08030459B2
The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for creating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed. The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations. A method for forming the chiral polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a suitable reagent to form the chiral polyketal. A method for use in chiral separations includes the incorporation of the chiral polyketals in the mobile phase during a chromatographic separation, or into chiral stationary phases such as gels. The present invention further relates to chiral polyketals as a source for chiral compounds, and methods for generating such chiral compounds.
US08030445B2
Disclosed are derivatives of glycopeptide compounds having at least one substituent of the formula: —Ra—Y—Rb—(Z)x where Ra, Rb, Y, Z and x are as defined, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such glycopeptide derivatives. The disclosed glycopeptide derivatives are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08030440B1
3-nitratooxetane.Poly-(3-nitratooxetane).The method of synthesizing 3-nitratooxetane comprising reacting 3-hydroxyoxetane with a nitration agent.The method of synthesizing poly-(3-nitratooxetane) by polymerizing 3-nitratooxetane using a polyol initiator.
US08030439B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymers by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of a telogen and/or a comonomer over a fixed bed of an acid catalyst, in which the temperature of the polymerization mixture increases in the direction of flow through the catalyst bed.
US08030438B2
A thiophene compound having a phosphate group, for example, one represented by the formula [1]. The compound has high resistance to heat and oxidation and can be improved in solubility or dispersibility in various solvents. (In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently represents, e.g., hydrogen, halogeno, cyano, or phenyl optionally substituted by W; and R3 to R6 each independently represents —OR7, SR8, or —NR92, provided that R7 to R9 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, or phenyl optionally substituted by W and W represents halogeno, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, mercapto, amino, formyl, carboxy, C1-10 alkyl, etc.)
US08030436B2
The present invention relates to implantable medical devices comprising poly(ester-amide) elastomers in coating layers on the device.
US08030427B2
Provision of a curable composition having good curability and adhesiveness by the use of a non-organotin catalyst.A curable composition containing an organic polymer (A) having a silicon-containing group crosslinkable by forming a siloxane bond, metal carboxylate (B), a silane coupling agent (C) free of an amino group, and an amino group-containing compound (D) in an amount corresponding to a weight ratio relative to (B) of 0-0.05, which contains, as the silicon-containing group of component (A), a silicon-containing group, wherein three hydrolyzable groups or hydroxyl groups are bonded to a silicon atom, as an essential component.
US08030424B2
Described is a cyclobutene polymer comprising: monomeric units of cyclobutene, said cyclobutene having at least one fused ring system substituted thereon, said polymer comprising not more than 10 mol percent ring-opened units of said cyclobutene; and said polymer having a molecular weight of at least 1,000; said polymer optionally copolymerized with a comonomer to form a copolymer therewith. Compositions thereof and methods of making the same are also described.
US08030423B2
Multi-armed macromonomers containing multiple side chains attached to a siloxy-containing core terminated on each end with one or more first substantially linear polysiloxane radicals having a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated-containing terminal group, wherein each side chain comprises a second substantially linear polysiloxane radical having a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated-containing terminal group are disclosed. Biomedical devices such as contact lenses formed from the multi-armed macromonomers are also disclosed.
US08030422B2
Disclosed herein are novel polymer-tethered ligands, metal complexes comprising these ligands, and the use of these complexes as chain transfer catalysts to control the molecular weight of oligomeric and polymeric materials produced in a radical polymerization process. The materials made by the processes disclosed herein have significantly reduced color, making them suitable for a wide range of color-critical end-uses, including automotive coatings.
US08030413B2
Synthesis methods for creating polymeric compounds comprising dihydroxyphenyl derivatives (DHPD), or DHPp i.e. polymers modified with DHPD, with desired surface active effects are described. The polymer backbone of DHPp has structural or performance features that can be tailored to control physical properties of DHPp, allowing it to be useful for different applications i.e. tissue adhesives or sealants, adhesion promoting coatings, and antifouling coatings.
US08030394B2
Disclosed are waterproofing membranes consisting of a backing impregnated with a bituminous formulation comprising industrial bitumen, a mineral filler, a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of thermoplastic polymers, characterized in that the mineral filler consists of hollow glass microspheres with a density of between 0.10 and 0.14 g/cm3 and a size of less than 120 μm.
US08030385B2
Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a catechol. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater.
US08030381B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a low-dusting additive composition which can improve thermal coloration resistance of a thermoplastic resin. This object is achieved by a granular additive composition containing 5 to 70% by weight of fatty calcium and 5 to 50% by weight of a sulfur-based compound represented by the formula (1), wherein an infrared absorption spectrum of the composition has a maximum absorption peak A in which absorbance in 1540 cm−1 to 1543 cm−1 is a maximum value, and a maximum absorption peak B in which absorbance in 1575 cm−1 to 1583 cm−1 is a maximum value, and the absorbances of the peak A and the peak B are a maximum value and a next maximum value in 1540 cm−1 to 1583 cm1 , (R1—Y—S—C2H4CO2)m—Z (1) where R1 represents an alkyl group, Y represents a single bond, or a -C2H4CO2— group, m represents an integer of 1 to 4, and Z represents an alcohol residue.
US08030379B2
Provided is a polycarbonate resin composition having high rigidity, high flowability, high heat resistance, and excellent flame retardancy and molded articles with good appearance using the polycarbonate resin composition. The polycarbonate resin composition comprises 4 to 50 parts by mass of a nonmetallic inorganic filler (B) and 0.01 to 1 part by mass of a phosphate compound (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of a resin mixture (A) which is composed of 60 to 97% by mass of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a-1) and 40 to 3% by mass of a fatty acid polyester (a-2).
US08030363B2
The invention relates to a method for separating emulsions of oil and water, the method comprising incorporating a demulsifying-effective amount of a polyorganosiloxane demulsifier into an emulsion comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The invention also relates to compositions containing polyorganosiloxane demulsifier and the water and oil phases of an emulsion.
US08030360B2
A medicament having an anti-wrinkle action, which comprises as an active ingredient a retinoid having a fundamental structure of a phenyl substituted carbamoyl benzoic acid or a phenyl substituted carboxamide benzoic acid (for example, 4-(3,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)phenylcarboxamide) benzoic acid, 4-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)carbamoyl]benzoic acid, or the like).
US08030357B2
Compounds that may be used for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with T-cell proliferation or that is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines are of formula (I) or a salt thereof.
US08030353B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.1 μmol of formaurindicarboxylic acid or its derivatives in 1 kg of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is in the form of solution prepared using aqueous alcali or water.
US08030352B2
A method of producing a retinyl ester compound comprising subjecting a composition comprising retinyl or a retinyl ester and a fat or oil of animal or vegetable origins to enzyme catalysed trans-esterification in solvent free conditions to produce a retinyl ester.
US08030340B2
Compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, compositions comprising them, processes for preparing them and their use in medical therapy (for example modulating the glucocorticoid receptor in a warm blooded animal).
US08030335B2
The present invention generally relates to a novel therapeutical use of liver X receptor (LXR) agonsits. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of LXR agonist for the preparation of a medicament useful for the treatment and/or the prevention of a disease associated with beta cells degeneration, such as diabetes, and a method for increasing ex vivo viability of pancreatic islet cells, comprising contacting said islet cells with a LXR agonist.
US08030333B2
A novel crystal of (R)-2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridinyl]methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole or a salt thereof of the present invention is useful for an excellent antiulcer agent.
US08030332B2
The present invention relates to dipyridin-3-ylmethoxy compounds and derivatives thereof having the structure I useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like.
US08030323B2
A compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or solvates or hydrates thereof. A process for preparing the compound, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and an application for resisting cannabinoid CB1 receptor are provided.
US08030322B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof wherein A, X, R2, R4 and n are defined herein, processes for their preparation, intermediates used in these processes, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy, as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors, e.g., to treat drug dependency, as antipsychotic agents, to treat obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders, premature ejaculation or to enhance cognition.
US08030320B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, to the preparation thereof and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US08030314B2
Use of 2H-benzimidazol-2-one, 1,3-dihydro-1-(2{4-[-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-piperazinyl}ethyl)- or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of extrapyramidal movement disorders. These extrapyramidal movement disorders may result from idopathic Parkinson's disease, from the adverse effects of the administration of anti-Parkinson drugs in idiopathic Parkinson's disease, from dyskinesias caused by idiopathic Parkinson's disease and/or long-term administration of anti-Parkinson drugs, from Parkinson-like or Parkinson-related syndromes of from Parkinsonoid symptoms. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising, as active ingredients-(I) 2H-benzimidazol-2-one, 1,3-dihydro-1-(2-{4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-piperazinyl}ethyl)-or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, and (II) at least one anti-Parkinson drug, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
US08030310B2
Compounds of formulae: where X is S or O and Ar2, R1, R2, R3, R8, n, m, t, and v are disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “3-substituted Pyridyl Compound”), compositions comprising an effective amount of a 3-substituted Pyridyl Compound, and methods for treating or preventing pain, urinary incontinence, an ulcer, inflammatory-bowel disease, irritable-bowel syndrome, an addictive disorder, Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, anxiety, epilepsy, stroke, a seizure, a pruritic condition, psychosis, a cognitive disorder, a memory deficit, restricted brain function, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, retinopathy, a muscle spasm, a migraine, vomiting, dyskinesia or depression in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a 3-substituted Pyridyl Compound are disclosed herein.
US08030308B2
The invention is concerned with novel heterobicyclic derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, V, W, X and Y are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit L-CPT1 and can be used as medicaments.
US08030303B2
(2S)-[4-(Carboxymethyl)thiazol-2-ylthio]-N-{[4-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)morpholin-2-yl]methyl}acetamide hydrobromide and a crystal thereof, which resist easy weight change caused by vapor sorption as compared to a free form, and are superior as drug substances of pharmaceutical products, and a production intermediate therefor are provided.
US08030302B2
The present invention provides amidophenoxyindazole compounds useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08030301B2
A method of inhibiting growth of a tumor cell in a mammal may include steps of administering to the mammal a first solution including a tumor-inhibiting methylol-containing compound, the first solution further including a first combination having a plurality of physiologically acceptable electrolytes or a second combination having at least one amino acid in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable electrolyte. Alternatively, another solution may be administered to the mammal containing a tumor-inhibiting methylol-containing compound, while concurrently administering to the mammal a further solution including the first combination with the plurality of physiologically acceptable electrolytes or the second combination with at least one said amino acid in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable electrolyte.
US08030299B2
Melanoma is a solid tumor that is notoriously resistant to chemotherapy, and its incidence is rapidly increasing. Recently, several signaling pathways have been demonstrated to contribute to melanoma tumorigenesis, including constitutive activation of MAP kinase, Akt and stat-3. The activation of multiple pathways may account in part for the difficulty in treatment of melanoma. In a recent screen of compounds, we found that an organopalladium complex showed significant antiproliferative activity against melanoma cells. This complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium (Tris DBA), has activity against B16 murine and A375 human melanoma in vivo. Tris DBA inhibits several signaling pathways including activation of MAP kinase, Akt, stat-3 and S6 kinase activation. Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium is thus a novel compound that is a member of a class of noble metal complexes with potential antitumor activity. Further preclinical evaluation of TrisDBA and related complexes is warranted.
US08030297B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with steroid, NSAID, and/or adenosine triphosphatase (“ATPase”) modulator agents. In these methods, the steroidal, NSAID, and/or ATPase compositions and formulations are administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).
US08030293B2
The present invention provides a method of optimizing therapeutic efficacy and reducing toxicity associated with 6-mercaptopurine drug treatment of an immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease. The method of the invention includes the step of determining the level of one or more 6-mercaptopurine metabolites in the patient having an immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorder.
US08030289B2
An oligonucleotide with a nucleotide sequence of 5′-cctcctcctcctcctcctcctcct-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1) inhibits proliferation of human PBMC activated by TLR9 agonist and interferon production from human PBMC induced by TLR9 agonist, HSV-1, flu virus and serum from SLE patients, and rescues the mice from cytokine-mediated lethal shock. This oligonucleotide can be used as a remedy for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndromes and other immune-mediated disorders.
US08030283B2
A stabilized amrubicin hydrochloride composition which comprises 3 to 8 wt. % water and 92 to 97 wt. % amrubicin hydrochloride; and a method of storing amrubicin hydrochloride.
US08030282B2
The invention provides polymorphs of a motilide having a structure represented by formula Ia
US08030279B2
The present invention is directed to a compound of Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, W, X, Y, and Z are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as anticancer agents. Specifically, the compounds are useful for treating or preventing cancer and tumor growth. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound according to the above formula. The present invention is also directed to methods of using a compound according to the above formula.
US08030272B2
The present invention relates to lactoferrin compositions and methods of using the compositions to treat wounds. The compositions can be administered alone or in combination with other standard wound healing therapies.
US08030271B2
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for buccal delivery of human growth hormone (hGH) comprising a delivery agent and hGH. The compositions of the present invention provide improved delivery of hGH compared to comparable oral compositions, resulting in increased serum concentrations of hGH. The present invention further provides for methods of stimulating tissue growth in an animal by buccally co-administering hGH and a delivery agent.
US08030269B2
Calcitonin drug-oligomer conjugates that include a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer including a single polyalkylene glycol moiety consisting of between 4 and 10 polyalkylene glycol subunits are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including such conjugates and methods of treating bone disorders by administering such conjugates are also disclosed.
US08030267B2
The present invention provides new silica composite capsules that can be easily prepared, a composition containing the silica composite capsules, and a transparent gel-form composition excellent in appearance transparency and texture in use, and in particular, a transparent gel-form composition with improved cleansing properties when used as a cleanser. Micelle/silica composite capsules can easily be obtained, in an aqueous system, by mixing a material capable of forming micelles in water and a water-soluble silane derivative having a specific structure in aqueous solution. In addition, emulsion/silica composite capsules wherein the periphery of emulsion particles in the inner phase is coated with silica, can easily be obtained by mixing a surfactant, water, an oil, and a water-soluble silane derivative having a specific structure. Moreover, a transparent gel-form composition showing excellent appearance transparency, the texture in use and cleansing properties, can be obtained by blending a water-soluble silane derivative having a specific structure into the formulation that contains a surfactant, an oil and water, and capable of taking a surfactant association structure with aqueous continuous phase or both of aqueous continuous phase and oil continuous phase in the formulation.
US08030264B2
The present invention includes a composition comprising an enriched mixture of α-sulfofatty acid esters. Increasing the concentration of specific chain length α-sulfofatty acid esters, relative to the proportions of the other chain lengths, allows the detergent compositions to exhibit an improved cleaning performance while simultaneously cleaning a wide variety of materials.
US08030260B2
Preshave compositions and methods of using such compositions are disclosed. The present preshave compositions include at least about 50% by weight of a polyalkylene glycol component, preferably including at least two portions of different molecular weights, and an additional component in an amount effective to benefit the area of the body to be shaved. The present compositions are advantageously substantially clear and are substantially anhydrous and generate heat when contacted with water.
US08030259B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture of alkylated N-α-naphthyl-Nphenylamine (PANA) and alkylated diphenylamine (DPA), the product obtainable by alkylating PANA or a mixture of PANA and DPA with alkenes and the process for alkylating PANA or a mixture of PANA and DPA with alkenes. The compositions according to the present invention have an outstanding anti-oxidative action, which can be demonstrated by established test methods.
US08030253B2
Of the many compositions provided herein, an embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising at least one swellable elastomer selected from the group consisting of acrylate butadiene rubber, polyacrylate rubber, isoprene rubber, choloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene block copolymer, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluorosilicone rubber, silicone rubber, and combinations thereof, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, gas, and water. Another embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising a block copolymer of styrene butadiene rubber, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, and gas.
US08030252B2
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drilling fluid composition that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and a non-surfactant polymeric emulsifier. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion, the surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and a non-surfactant polymeric emulsifier; and treating the subterranean formation.
US08030251B2
Treatments fluids relating to the hydrolysis of water-hydrolysable materials are provided. In one embodiment, provided is a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, a water-miscible solvent, and a water-hydrolysable material. Also provided is a hydrolysis retarder composition that comprises an aqueous liquid and a water-miscible solvent.
US08030241B2
This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. The new resins were characterized by useful properties in impact, tear, adhesion, sealing, extruder motor loads and pressures at comparable melt index values, and neck-in and draw-down.
US08030239B2
Disclosed herein is a catalyst for xylene isomerization, including: a carrier including a zeolite, having a molar ratio of silica to alumina of 20˜100, impregnated with or mixed with a metal salt (I) having an amount of a metal component of 0.05˜5.0 wt % relative to a zeolite, and an inorganic binder, in which an amount of the zeolite is 10˜90 wt % based on the total amount of the carrier, wherein the carrier is supported with a VIII group metal such that an amount of the VIII group metal is 0.001˜3.0 wt % based on a total amount of the catalyst, or is supported with the VII group metal additionally supported with tin, bismuth or lead such that an amount of the tin, bismuth or lead is 0.01-5.0 wt % based on the total amount of the catalyst, and a method of producing the catalyst. The catalyst for xylene isomerization is advantageous in that, when xylene or C8 aromatic compounds are isomerized using the catalyst, the ethylbenzene conversion is increased while the xylene loss is decreased, compared to conventional technologies.
US08030237B2
The present invention relates to a dielectric thin film composition showing linear dielectric properties, in which tin oxides (SnO2) are introduced into a (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BSTO) dielectric thin film in a continuous diffusion gradient manner in composition. Since the non-linear dielectric properties of BSTO are converted to linear dielectric properties by the addition of SnO2 according to the present invention, the dielectric thin film composition of the present invention is characterized in that: there is little change in the capacitance according to the applied electric field; it has a high dielectric constant capable of showing a desired capacitance even at a thickness suitable for preventing the occurrence of electron tunneling; and it exhibits paraelectric properties similar to the conventional dielectric substances such as SiO2 while having a very low dielectric loss.
US08030232B2
A titanium-containing oxide glass having a bulky form and substantially having a chemical composition represented by the formula: (M1)1-x(M2)x(Ti1-y1(M3)y1)y2O2 [wherein M1 represents an element selected from Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na and Ca; M2 represents at least one element selected from Mg, Ba, Ca, Sr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na, Sc, Y, Hf, Bi and Ag; M3 represents at least one element selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Al, Si, P, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Sb and Te; and x, y1, y2 and z satisfy the following requirements: 0≦x≦0.5, 0≦y1<0.31, 1.4
US08030228B2
A cover for camouflage against electromagnetic radiation. According to the invention, the cover includes a random set of puckered features in relief, these being formed by a camouflage net associated with a flexible dielectric mesh.
US08030226B2
The present disclosure generally relates to wet wipes having liquid wipe compositions that including an anti-adhesion component that reduces sheet-to-sheet adhesion, improves the stack height, increases flexibility and maintains strength in the wet wipe. The liquid wipe compositions include an organopolysiloxane having the following structure: wherein p+q=0 to 2000, R1 is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyether, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in quaternary, and a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyampholyte.
US08030223B2
A solar cell (100) comprising a semiconductor solar cell substrate (66) having a light receiving surface formed on the first major surface and generating photovoltaic power based on the light impinging on the light receiving surface, wherein the light receiving surface of the semiconductor solar cell substrate (66) is coated with a light receiving surface side insulating film (61) composed of an inorganic insulating material where the cationic component principally comprising silicon, and the light receiving surface side insulating film (61) is a low hydrogen content inorganic insulating film containing less than 10 atm % of hydrogen. A solar cell having an insulating film exhibiting excellent passivation effect insusceptible to aging can thereby be provided.
US08030214B2
An embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of forming metal gate structures. A substrate is provided. A first dummy gate electrode and a second dummy gate electrode are formed on the substrate. The first dummy gate electrode comprises first spacers on its sidewalls and the second dummy gate electrode comprises second spacers on its sidewalls. A hardmask layer is formed to covers both the first dummy gate electrode and the second dummy gate electrode. A patterned photoresist layer on the hardmask layer that covers a portion of the hardmask layer over the second dummy gate electrode and that leaves a portion of the hardmask layer over the first dummy gate electrode exposed. The portion of the exposed hardmask layer over the first dummy gate electrode is removed. The first spacers and the first dummy gate electrode is exposed to a first plasma environment comprising O2, HBr, and Cl2. The first dummy gate electrode is removed in a second plasma environment comprising NF3, HBr, and Cl2 thereby leaving a hole surrounded by the first spacers. The hole is filled with a metal gate layer.
US08030213B2
To provide a polishing technique with which in production of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, when a plane to be polished is polished, an appropriate polishing rate ratio of a polysilicon film to another material can be obtained, whereby high level planarization of a plane to be polished including a polysilicon film can be realized.A polishing compound for chemical mechanical polishing, containing cerium oxide particles, a water-soluble polyamine and water and having a pH within a range of from 10 to 13, is used.
US08030211B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device comprises forming first and second bit lines at different levels. Forming the bit lines at different levels increases processing latitude, particularly the spacing between the bit lines which, with conventional processes, may strain photolithographic limits. A semiconductor device formed using the method, and an electronic system comprising the semiconductor device, are also described.
US08030202B1
An exemplary method lines the sidewalls of a first opening with a sacrificial material and then fills the first opening with a metallic conductor in a manner such that the metallic conductor contacts the substrate. Next, the method selectively removes the sacrificial material, to create at least one “second” opening along the metallic conductor within the first opening. The method selectively removes portions of the first insulator layer through the second opening to leave at least one air gap between the metallic conductor and the first insulator layer in the lower region of the second opening.
US08030201B2
A first electronic circuit component and a second electronic circuit component are electrically connected to an electro-conductive member via a first solder and a second solder, respectively. The electro-conductive member is formed in a resin film. The electro-conductive member is configured as containing a second diffusion barrier metal film. The second diffusion barrier metal film prevents diffusion of the second solder. Between the electro-conductive member and the first solder, a first diffusion barrier metal film is provided. The first diffusion barrier metal film prevents diffusion of the first solder. On the first surface of the resin film and on the electro-conductive member, an adhesive metal film is formed so as to contact with the resin film and the electro-conductive member. The adhesive metal film has stronger adhesiveness to the resin film than either of those of the first solder and the first diffusion barrier metal film.
US08030198B2
A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, an SiO film, and a High-K film. The SiO film is first formed on the silicon substrate and then subjected to a nitridation process to obtain an SiON film from the SiO film. The nitridation process is performed such that nitrogen concentration in the SiO film decreases from an interface with the silicon substrate below and an interface with the High-K film above, and nitrogen having predetermined concentration or more is introduced in a thickness within a range of 0.2 nm to 1 nm from the interface with the silicon substrate. The SiON film is etched up to a depth to which nitrogen of the predetermined concentration or more is introduced. The High-K film is then formed on the SiON film.
US08030191B2
Disclosed herein are a method of producing microstructure and a method of producing mold, the methods permitting production of much smaller pores than before in an atmosphere where impurities are negligible and also permitting production of microstructures having a smaller size and a higher crystallinity than before with the help of the pores. The method of producing microstructure comprises a step of making pores (4) in a substrate (1) to become a mold (5) by irradiation with a focused energy beam (3) and a step of growing a microstructure (8) in the thus made pores (4). The method of producing a mold includes a step of making pores (4) by irradiating a substrate (1) to become a mold (5) with a focused energy beam (3).
US08030190B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a crystalline semiconductor thin film formed on an amorphous or poly-crystalline substrate such as a glass substrate, a ceramic substrate, and a plastic substrate through induction heating using photo-charges. The method of manufacturing a crystalline semiconductor thin film includes a process of forming a low-concentration semiconductor layer on an inexpensive amorphous or poly-crystalline substrate such as a glass substrate, a ceramic substrate, and a plastic substrate and a process of crystallizing the low-concentration semiconductor layer through an induction heating manner using photo-charges. Accordingly, a low-concentration crystalline semiconductor thin film having characteristics better than those of general amorphous or poly-crystalline semiconductor thin film can be obtained by using simple processes at low production cost.
US08030181B2
A fuse circuit is disclosed, which comprises at least one electrical fuse element having a resistance that changes after being stressed in an electromigration mode, a switching device serially coupled with the electrical fuse element in a predetermined path between a fuse programming power supply (VDDQ) and a low voltage power supply (GND) for selectively allowing a programming current passing through the electrical fuse element during a programming operation, and at least one peripheral circuit coupled to the VDDQ, wherein the peripheral circuit is active and draws current from the VDDQ during a fuse programming operation.
US08030170B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming isolation structures. A trench may be formed to extend into a semiconductor material. Polysilazane may be formed within the trench, and then exposed to steam. A maximum temperature of the polysilazane during the steam exposure may be less than or equal to about 500° C. The steam exposure may convert all of the polysilazane to silicon oxide. The silicon oxide may be annealed under an inert atmosphere. A maximum temperature of the silicon oxide during the annealing may be from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. In some embodiments, the isolation structures are utilized to isolate nonvolatile memory components from one another.
US08030164B2
A method for manufacturing a compound semiconductor structure, includes (a) selecting a conductive SiC substrate in accordance with color and resistivity and (b) epitaxially growing a GaN series compound semiconductor layer on the selected conductive SiC substrate. The step (a) preferably selects a conductive SiC substrate whose main color is green, whose conductivity type is n-type and whose resistivity is 0.08 Ωcm to 1×105 Ωcm, or whose main color is black, whose conductivity type is p-type and whose resistivity is 1×103 Ωcm to 1×105 Ωcm, or whose main color is blue, whose conductivity type is p-type and whose resistivity is 10 Ωcm to 1×105 Ωcm. The step (b) preferably includes (b-1) growing an AlInGaN layer having a thickness not thinner than 10 μm on the conductive SiC substrate by hydride VPE.
US08030159B2
There is provided a method of fabricating an EEPROM for forming a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor, the method includes: forming a first source region and a first drain region of the memory cell transistor; forming a first gate oxide film; forming a resist having at least one through hole on the first gate oxide film; adding conductivity type impurities through the through hole; partially removing the first gate oxide film and forming a tunnel oxide film in a region corresponding to the through hole; forming a floating gate electrode and a second gate oxide film formed on the floating gate electrode; forming a control gate electrode and a selection transistor gate electrode on the second gate oxide film and at a region in which the selection transistor is formed; and forming a second source region and a second drain region of the selection transistor.
US08030155B2
A method of forming a rectifying diode. The method comprises providing a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and having a first dopant concentration and forming a second semiconductor region in the first semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region has the first conductivity type and having a second dopant concentration greater than the first dopant concentration. The method also comprises forming a conductive contact to the first semiconductor region and forming a conductive contact to the second semiconductor region. The rectifying diode comprises a current path, and the path comprises: (i) the conductive contact to the first semiconductor region; (ii) the first semiconductor region; (iii) the second semiconductor region; and (iv) the conductive contact to the second semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region does not extend to a layer buried relative to the first semiconductor region.
US08030152B2
A semiconductor substrate includes a pair of trenches filled with a dielectric material. Dopant introduced into the mesa between the trenches is limited from diffusing laterally when the substrate is subjected to thermal processing. Therefore, semiconductor devices can be spaced more closely together on the substrate, and the packing density of the devices can be increased. Also trench constrained doped region diffuse faster and deeper than unconstrained diffusions, thereby reducing the time and temperature needed to complete a desired depth diffusion. The technique may be used for semiconductor devices such as bipolar transistors as well as isolation regions that electrically isolate the devices from each other. In one group of embodiments, a buried layer is formed at an interface between an epitaxial layer and a substrate, at a location generally below the dopant in the mesa. When the substrate is subjected to thermal processing, the buried layer diffuses upward, the dopant in the mesa diffuses downward until the two dopants merge to form an isolation region or a sinker extending downward from the surface of the epitaxial layer to the buried layer. In another embodiment, dopant is implanted between dielectrically filled trenches at a high energy up to several MeV, then diffused, combining the benefits of deep implantation and trenched constrained diffusion to achive deep diffusions with a minimal thermal budget.
US08030148B2
In a strained SOI semiconductor layer, the stress relaxation which may typically occur during the patterning of trench isolation structures may be reduced by selecting an appropriate reduced target height of the active regions, thereby enabling the formation of transistor elements on the active region of reduced height, which may still include a significant amount of the initial strain component. The active regions of reduced height may be advantageously used for forming fully depleted field effect transistors.
US08030145B2
A fully depleted semiconductor-on-insulator (FDSOI) transistor structure includes a back gate electrode having a limited thickness and aligned to a front gate electrode. The back gate electrode is formed in a first substrate by ion implantation of dopants through a first oxide cap layer. Global alignment markers are formed in the first substrate to enable alignment of the front gate electrode to the back gate electrode. The global alignment markers enable preparation of a virtually flat substrate on the first substrate so that the first substrate can be bonded to a second substrate in a reliable manner.
US08030143B2
A method of forming a display device is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing a substrate which includes a driving circuit region and a pixel region; forming a first island and a second island in the driving circuit region on the substrate with a semiconductor material; performing a first ion implantation process to dope ions into both of the first island and the second island; forming a first patterned mask on the substrate to cover the second island and expose a part of the first island; performing a second ion implantation process by using the first patterned mask as a mask to form a first source/drain region in the first island; removing the first patterned mask; forming a first gate and a second gate on the first island and the second island respectively; forming a second patterned mask on the substrate to cover the first island and expose a part of the second island; and performing a third ion implantation process by using both of the second patterned mask and the second gate as a mask to form a second source/drain region in the second island. The first island, the first source/drain region, and the first gate form a NMOS device, and the second island, the second source/drain region, and the second gate form a PMOS device.
US08030141B2
A thin film transistor (TFT) including a nanowire semiconductor layer having nanowires aligned in one direction in a channel region is disclosed. The nanowire semiconductor layer is selectively formed in the channel region. A method for fabricating the TFT, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the TFT, and a method for manufacturing the LCD device are also disclosed. The TFT fabricating method includes forming alignment electrodes on the insulating film such that the alignment electrodes face each other, to define a channel region, forming an organic film, to expose the channel region, coating a nanowire-dispersed solution on an entire surface of a substrate including the organic film, forming a nanowire semiconductor layer in the channel region by generating an electric field between the alignment electrodes such that nanowires of the nanowire semiconductor layer are aligned in a direction, and removing the organic film.
US08030130B2
A method for fabricating a phase change memory device including memory cells includes patterning a via to a contact surface of a substrate corresponding to each of an array of conductive contacts to be connected to access circuitry, lining each via with a conformal conductive seed layer to the contact surface, forming a dielectric layer covering the conductive seed layer, and etching a center region of each via to the contact surface to expose the conformal conductive seed layer at the contact surface. The method further includes electroplating phase change material on exposed portions of the conformal conductive seed layer, recessing the phase change material within the center region forming a conductive material that remains conductive upon oxidation, on the recessed phase change material, oxidizing edges of the conformal conductive seed layer formed along sides of each via, and forming a top electrode over each memory cell.
US08030120B2
A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.
US08030118B2
A method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof; closely contacting the single crystal silicon substrate and a transparent insulator substrate with each other via a transparent electroconductive adhesive while using the ion implanting surface as a bonding surface; curing and maturing the transparent electroconductive adhesive into a transparent electroconductive film; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer to mechanically delaminate the single crystal silicon substrate to leave a single crystal silicon layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.
US08030111B2
A method for manufacturing an MEMS device is provided. The method includes steps of a) providing a first substrate having a concavity located thereon, b) providing a second substrate having a connecting area and an actuating area respectively located thereon, c) forming plural microstructures in the actuating area, d) mounting a conducting element in the connecting area and the actuating area, e) forming an insulating layer on the conducting element and f) connecting the first substrate to the connecting area to form the MEMS device. The concavity contains the plural microstructures.
US08030110B2
A nitride semiconductor laser device uses a substrate with low defect density, contains reduced strains inside a nitride semiconductor film, and thus offers a satisfactorily long useful life. On a GaN substrate (10) with a defect density as low as 106 cm−2 or less, a stripe-shaped depressed portion (16) is formed by etching. On this substrate (10), a nitride semiconductor film (11) is grown, and a laser stripe (12) is formed off the area right above the depressed portion (16). With this structure, the laser stripe (12) is free from strains, and the semiconductor laser device offers a long useful life. Moreover, the nitride semiconductor film (11) develops reduced cracks, resulting in a greatly increased yield rate.
US08030105B1
A method of fabricating light emitting diode chips having a phosphor coating layer comprises providing a substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes formed thereon; forming a conductive bump on at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes; forming a phosphor coating layer over the substrate and the light emitting diodes; cutting the phosphor coating layer by a point cutter to remove an upper portion of the phosphor coating layer, so as to reduce a thickness of the phosphor coating layer and expose the conductive bump; and forming a plurality of individual light emitting diode chips having the phosphor coating layer by separating the plurality of light emitting diodes.
US08030102B2
A method for fabricating a plurality of individual light emitting diode units includes forming a GaN epitaxial layer on a sapphire substrate, forming a plurality of exhaust trenches on the GaN epitaxial layer, wherein the exhaust trenches define a plurality of individual light emitting diode units, forming a reflective layer on the GaN epitaxial layer, attaching the reflective layer to a conductive substrate, removing the sapphire substrate from the GaN epitaxial layer via a laser lift-off process, wherein a gas produced during the laser lift-off process is exhausted via the exhaust trenches, and dicing the conductive substrate along the exhaust trenches to form the plurality of individual light emitting diode units.
US08030101B2
A method of manufacturing a low defect density GaN material comprising at least two steps of growing epitaxial layers of GaN with differences in growing conditions, (a.) a first step of growing an epitaxial layer GaN on an epitaxially competent layer under first growing conditions selected to induce island features formation, followed by (b.) a second step of growing an epitaxial layer of GaN under second growing conditions selected to enhance lateral growth until coalescence.
US08030097B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the measurement of lipocalin-2 in body fluids (including but not limited to blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, tear, etc.) by an assay such as an immunoassay or an immunotest for (1) the prediction of risk of future cardiovascular diseases; and (2) the determination of the likelihood that certain individuals will benefit to a greater or lesser extent from the use of certain treatments designed to prevent and/or treat cardiovascular diseases.
US08030094B2
A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy. A single sensor array may carry thousands of discrete sensing elements whose combined signal provides for substantial improvements in sensor detection limits, response times and signal-to-noise ratios.
US08030088B2
A sample collection apparatus which measures biological samples and can be used to provide the early detection of respiratory diseases, for example tuberculosis induced by the pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sample collection apparatus has a sample collection unit and a corresponding complementary reader unit. The collection unit collects a sample exhaled from the user through a collection vessel with an optical interrogation region. The sample is spread on the inside of the vessel over the interrogation region and subsequently analyzed. The test results are displayed via the reader unit.
US08030086B2
A method and a particle sensor for measuring particles, especially soot particles, in which the particles to be detected accumulate in a measuring region of the particle sensor. The particles located in the gas stream or the particles already accumulated in the measuring region are burned by a combustion device, the combustion being controlled via a control signal from a control unit, which is electrically connected to a measuring device, in such a way that the quantity of the particles adhering in the measuring region remains constant. The physical variable of the combustion device, which leads to the controlled combustion of the particles, is drawn upon as the signal amplitude of the particle sensor.
US08030050B2
The invention describes a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide having amylase activity selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid mutation at each of positions 33, 34, 121, 134, 141, 146, 157, 161, 178, 179, 223, 229, 272, 303, 307, 309 and 334; (b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid mutation at each of positions 33, 34, 121, 134, 141, 145, 146, 157, 178, 179, 223, 229, 272, 303, 307 and 334; (c) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid mutation at each of positions 33, 34, 121, 134, 141, 146, 157, 178, 179, 223, 229, 272, 303, 307, 309 and 334; and (d) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid mutation at each of positions 3, 33, 34, 70, 121, 134, 141, 146, 157, 178, 179, 223, 229, 272, 303, 307, 309 and 334; with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1, uses of such a polypeptide as a food or feed additive, and nucleic acids encoding such.
US08030048B2
The present invention relates to enantioselective epoxide hydrolase proteins isolated from marine microorganisms, which has high enantioselectivity to various epoxide substrates, and a method of preparing the epoxides with high enantio-purity by using the epoxide hydrolases. The enantioselective hydrolase protein of the present invention can be applied for the preparation of enantiopure epoxides with high bioactivity at a high yield.
US08030039B1
A method for the production of fermentable sugars and high viscosity cellulose from lignocellulosic material in a batch or continuous process is provided. Lignocellulosic material is fractionated in a fashion that cellulose is removed as pulp, cooking chemicals can be reused, lignin is separated for the production of process energy, and hemicelluloses are converted into fermentable sugars, while fermentation inhibitors are removed. High yield production of alcohols or organic acids can be obtained from this method using the final reaction step.
US08030036B2
A bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has an ability to produce L-lysine or L-threonine and which is modified so that a malic enzyme does not function normally in a cell, and a method for producing L-lysine or L-threonine, comprising culturing the bacterium in a medium to produce and cause accumulation of L-lysine or L-threonine, and collecting the L-lysine or L-threonine from the medium.
US08030035B2
Provided is a method of producing D-psicose using a D-psicose epimerase derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Provided are a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and having a psicose 3-epimerase activity, a gene encoding the protein, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, and a method of producing D-psicose by reacting the protein produced on a mass scale with D-fructose. The method of producing D-psicose is an environmentally friendly method using a new enzyme, in which an inexpensive substrate is used, and the activity of the enzyme can be retained for a prolonged time period. Thus, the method can be efficiently used for the mass production of D-psicose.
US08030032B2
Methods are described herein for detecting and identifying distinct species of nucleic acids, in a single container, for example, from a certain genus of infectious agents or otherwise causative agents comprising, for example, providing a forward PCR primer common to a homologous gene region between the distinct species, and providing a reverse PCR primer common to a homologous gene region between the distinct species, to thereby define a PCR target region amongst the species, and providing a first oligonucleotide probe specific to a nucleic acid sequence within the target region that is characteristic of a first species, providing a second oligonucleotide probe specific to a nucleic acid sequence within the target region that is characteristic of a second species, wherein the first and second oligonucleotide probes are each detectably labeled with distinctly different detectable labels, conducting a PCR reaction in the container by means of the primers to amplify the target region amongst the species, and detecting the distinct labels, thereby identifying distinct species of nucleic acids corresponding to distinct species of infectious agents. Methods are preferred, for example, wherein the infectious agent is a member of the Herpesviridae family.
US08030027B2
The present invention is a method for enhancing recombinant antibody production by co-expressing in a host cell a recombinant antibody and ERp23 protein, which facilitates oxidative folding and stability of the recombinant antibody thereby enhancing production.
US08030020B2
A safer live smallpox vaccine, which contains a lowered content of revertants, is provided. A process for manufacturing a live smallpox vaccine which comprises steps of: inoculating a master seed solution of an attenuated vaccinia virus to an appropriate number of containers (1 to n wherein n is an integer) of rabbit kidney cells and incubating them; inoculating a portion of the cultured solution obtained from each container to RK-13 cells and to Vero E6 cells and incubating them to thereby select containers which contain a cultured solution that forms plaques in RK-13 cells but not in Vero E6 cells; and preparing a drug substance of vaccine using the aforementioned cultured solution (working seed solution), and a live smallpox vaccine prepared in the aforementioned process.
US08030010B2
A method for characterizing oxidative stress. The method includes dosing a ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood; comparing the ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood to a predetermined interval of ratio values associated with a predetermined level of oxidative stress; and classifying the oxidative stress as having reached the predetermined level if the ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood is within the predetermined interval of ratio values.
US08030009B2
The present invention relates to the discovery of a specific human taste receptor in the T2R taste receptor family, hT2R67 that responds to particular bitter compounds The present invention further relates to the use of this receptor in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of this taste receptor. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for blocking bitter taste.
US08030007B2
A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to SEQ ID NO: 6 polypeptide or a truncated peptide comprising an epitope of SEQ ID NO: 6 in a sample from the subject; and comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis, whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis.
US08030002B2
Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.
US08029995B2
A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.
US08029992B2
Methods of evaluating the composition of a cell culture (e.g., to distinguish chondrocytes from fibroblasts) and methods for evaluating the phenotype of an individual cell (e.g., as a chondrocyte) are disclosed. The methods may be used, for example, for assessing chondrocyte cultures used for treatment of cartilage defects. In some embodiments, the invention involves identifying cell culture composition or the identity of a cell based on expression level of a fibroblast marker. In other embodiments, the invention involves comparing expression levels of at least one chondrocyte marker and at least one fibroblast marker in a cell culture sample or in an individual cell. In illustrative embodiments, the chondrocyte marker is hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), and the fibroblast marker is microfibrillar associated protein 5 (MFAP5).
US08029989B2
Provided is a prognostic molecular marker for breast cancer recurrence. Expression of Snail, a zinc finger transcriptional repressor gene, is correlated to the risk of breast cancer recurrence, and to the likelihood of recurrence-free survival in subjects diagnosed with breast cancer. Further provided are methods of identifying therapeutic compositions for treating breast cancer to reduce recurrence associated with high expression of Snail, and methods of controlling Snail expression for research and therapeutic purposes.
US08029986B2
The present invention refers to a newly discovered gene named KASPP for Kinase Associated with Parkinsonism with Pleiomorphic Pathology or alternatively named LRRK2 for Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2, its production, biochemical characterization and use for the detection and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson disease (PD) including, without limitation, sporadic PD, Alzheimer disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other synucleinopathies and/or tauopathy as well as several polymorphisms and mutations in the KASPP/LRRK2 gene segregated with PD.
US08029982B2
Biomarkers for sepsis and resulting mortality can be detected by assaying blood samples. Changes in the concentration of the biomarkers can be used to indicate sepsis, risk of sepsis, progression of sepsis, remission from sepsis, and risk of mortality. Changes can be evaluated relative to data sets, natural or synthetic or semisynthetic control samples, or patient samples collected at different time points. Some biomarkers' concentrations are elevated during disease and some are depressed. These are termed informative biomarkers. Some biomarkers are diagnostic in combination with others. Individual biomarkers may be weighted when used in combinations. Biomarkers can be assessed in individual, isolated or assays, in parallel assays, or in single-pot assays.
US08029981B2
The present invention provides a method for inhibiting growth of a cancer cell, particularly a renal cell carcinoma, by contacting the cell with a composition composed of an HIG2 siRNA or HIG2 antibody. Methods of diagnosing renal cell cancer are also provided within the present invention.
US08029972B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, and a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D1) having a molecular weight of 200 or more, which is represented by general formula (d1) shown below (wherein each of R1 to R3 independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, with the proviso that at least one of R1 to R3 is a polar group-containing hydrocarbon group, at least one of R1 to R3 is a hydrophobic group, and two of R1 to R3 may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the nitrogen atom).
US08029971B2
Compositions, a method, and a photopatternable blend. The compositions include a blend of a first and a second polymer. The first polymer is a substituted silsesquioxane copolymer. The second polymer is a substituted silsesquioxane polymer. The second polymer is configured to undergo chemical crosslinking with the first polymer, the second polymer, or a combination thereof, upon exposure to light, thermal energy, or a combination thereof. The compositions include a photosensitive acid generator. The method includes forming a film. The film is patternwise imaged, and at least one region is exposed to radiation. After the imaging, the film is baked, wherein at least one exposed region is rendered substantially soluble. After the baking, the film is developed, wherein a relief pattern remains. The relief pattern is exposed to radiation. The relief pattern is baked. The relief pattern is cured. A chemically amplified positive-tone photopatternable blend is also described.
US08029964B1
A polymer-based pattern mask system and methods of masking and patterning a substrate employ an organosilane to enhance adhesion between a pattern mask and the substrate. The substrate is compatible with the organosilane. The methods include applying a coating of the organosilane to a substrate surface and printing a pattern mask on the coated surface using a roll-to-roll printing process. The pattern mask is polymer-based. The organosilane enhances adhesion during printing of the pattern mask. The method of patterning further includes patterning the substrate surface and lifting-off the pattern mask. The organosilane further enhances adhesion during patterning and does not hinder lifting-off the pattern mask. The system includes the pattern mask, the organosilane and a lift-off agent to remove the pattern mask.
US08029960B2
A toner, including a parent particulate material including a colorant and a binder resin, and an external additive including particles having an average primary particle diameter from 80 to less than 150 nm in an amount of from 0.03 to 2% by number, particles having an average primary particle diameter from 5 nm to less than 15 nm in an amount of from 50 to 95% by number, and particles having an average primary particle diameter from 15 to less than 40 nm in an amount of from 5 to 40% by number, and the particles having an average primary particle diameter from 80 to less than 150 nm include particles having an average primary particle diameter not less than 200 nm in an amount of from 10 to 30% by number, and have a weight reduction rate not greater than 3.00% when heated from 30 to 250° C.
US08029957B2
An electrophotographic imaging member includes a substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an overcoating layer, the overcoating layer being a cured film formed from a composition including at least a hydroxyl group-containing polymer or oligomer, a benzoguanamine compound containing at least one —CH2OR group, wherein each such R is independently an H atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and a charge transport compound.
US08029956B2
An electrophotographic imaging member includes a substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an overcoating layer, the overcoating layer being a cured film formed from a film forming resin composition including at least a melamine compound, a polyol, and a charge transport compound, where the charge transport compound is represented by: QL-OH]n. where Q represents a charge transport component, L represents a divalent linkage group, and represents a number of repeating segments or groups.
US08029953B2
A device manufacturing method includes a transfer of a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate. The device manufacturing method further includes transferring a pattern of a main mark to a base layer for forming an alignment mark; depositing a pattern receiving layer on the base layer; in a first lithographic process, aligning, by using the main mark, a first mask that includes a first pattern and a local mark pattern, and transferring the first pattern and the local mark pattern to the pattern receiving layer; aligning, by using the local mark pattern, a second mask including a second pattern relative to the pattern receiving layer; and in a second lithographic process, transferring the second pattern to the pattern receiving layer; the first and second patterns being configured to form an assembled pattern.
US08029952B2
There is provided a method for fabricating a magnetic recording medium that provides high throughput, low manufacturing cost, and no degradation in accuracy in pattern size in fine pattern formation. A resist layer is formed on a substrate or cutting work layer. The surface of the substrate is divided into two or more areas using the center of rotation of the substrate as a reference point. An optical, contactless pattern transfer method is used to transfer a figure pattern contained in the divided area through a mask to the resist layer so as to form a latent image of the figure pattern. The pattern transfer is similarly carried out for the divided area. After the pattern transfer processes for all the divided areas are completed, the entire resist layer is developed to form a resist pattern. The resist pattern is used as a mask to cut the substrate or cutting work layer. As a result, there is provided the substrate or cut work layer onto which a fine pattern has been transferred.
US08029950B2
A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography is provided which has an absorber layer wherein stress and crystal structure can be easily controlled.A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, which comprises a substrate, and at least a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light and an absorber layer for absorbing EUV light formed in this order on the substrate, wherein the absorber layer contains tantalum (Ta), nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H); and in the absorber layer, the total content of Ta and N is from 50 to 99.9 at %, and the content of H is from 0.1 to 50 at %.
US08029924B2
An apparatus includes a first seedlayer including a hexagonal close-packed alloy with a sigma phase addition, and an active layer including a plurality of quantum dots on the first seedlayer. The apparatus can further include a substrate, an adhesion layer on the substrate, and a wetting layer on the adhesion layer, wherein the first seedlayer is on the wetting layer.
US08029923B2
The invention relates to a vapour-deposition material for the production of optical layers of high refractive index which comprises titanium oxide and gadolinium oxide and/or dysprosium oxide, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof.
US08029917B2
A metallic biomedical article, preferably an orthopaedic implant, instrument or tool, for use in contact with internal human body tissue, having a first silver containing metal nitride coating thereon, and process for making the same, is provided.
US08029913B2
A panel is disclosed formed of sheet material, the panel having opposite edges and being profiled to include a plurality of formations spaced along the length of the panel and extending between the edges, each formation including a substantially convex section and a substantially concave section which meet at a peak, and wherein each formation meets an adjoining formation at a trough.
US08029899B2
The invention relates to coated particles comprising particles and a crosslinked polysiloxane coating and to a process for the manufacture of said coated particles. Further, the invention relates to the use of the coated particles to improve surface properties of articles and to material compositions comprising the coated particles, in particular coating compositions. According to the invention there is provided coated particles comprising particles having a surface with hydroxy functional groups and a crosslinked polysiloxane coating comprising a reaction product of polysiloxane disilanol according to formula I: wherein n is 1 to 25, and wherein each R is a same or different hydrocarbon group, and a coating crosslinking agent, preferably an alkoxysiloxane having 3 or 4 alkoxy groups which polysiloxane coating is at least partly grafted to the particle surface by reaction with the hydroxy functional groups on the particles. The coated particles can be used to impart improved surface properties in particular in coatings.
US08029891B2
Provided are compositions comprising infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles and a matrix material and methods to produce the compositions. The infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles preferably include antimony tin oxide (ATO), indium tin oxide (ITO), or mixtures thereof. Also provided are polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets, solar control laminates, and processes to produce the polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets and solar control laminates.
US08029890B2
The prevent invention discloses a structure of thermal resistive layer and the method of forming the same. The thermal resistive structures, formed on a plastic substrate, comprises a porous layer, formed on said plastic substrate, including a plurality of oxides of hollow structure, and a buffer layer, formed on said porous layer, wherein said porous layer can protect said plastic substrate from damage caused by the heat generated during manufacturing process. With the structure and method disclosed above, making a thin film transistor and forming electronic devices on the plastic substrate in the technology of Low Temperature PolySilicon, i.e. LTPS, without changing any parameters is easy to carry out.
US08029870B2
A method for coating a fuel cell component is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a fuel cell component, and forming a coating on a surface of the fuel cell component with a plasma jet. The step of forming the coating may include applying a coating precursor to a surface of the fuel cell component and then reacting the coating precursor with the plasma jet to form the coating. The step of forming the coating may also include growing the coating on the surface of the fuel cell component by delivering the plasma jet containing the coating precursor.
US08029865B2
A method for hard-material coating or heat treatment of the blade airfoils of blisks for gas turbines includes insulating portions of the blisk other than the blade airfoils against a furnace atmosphere; loading the blisk as a whole into a heat treatment furnace/coating cabinet at the required heat-treatment/coating temperature and partially cooling at least some of the insulated portions of the blisk with at least one of a solid and a liquid cooling medium while the blade airfoils are exposed to the temperature necessary for coating/heat treatment.
US08029863B2
A microfluidic component comprises at least one closed microchannel filled with nanostructures. The microchannel is produced by previously forming an opening delineating a bottom wall and two opposite side walls of the microchannel in a surface of a substrate. The nanostructures filling said microchannel are formed by in situ growth to constitute a layer of metallic catalyst deposited on said side walls and on said wall bottom. The microchannel is closed, before the nanostructures are formed, by sealing a protective cover onto said surface of the substrate. Sealing is obtained by formation of an eutectic compound between a material of the cover and the metal of the catalyst used for in situ growth of the nanostructures and deposited on the surface of the substrate designed to come into contact with the cover.
US08029860B2
A manufacturing method for a nozzle plate including a plurality of nozzle holes may include the step of forming a plurality of through-holes extending through a plate member in a thickness direction of the plate member. The manufacturing method may also include the step of forming a water repellant film in a region of one surface of the plate member where apertures of the through-holes are not positioned. The manufacturing method may further include the step of pressing individual regions on the one surface of the plate member, the individual regions respectively including the apertures of the through holes, to separate at least portions of the water repellant film formed in the individual regions from the water repellant film formed on the one surface.
US08029850B2
A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device includes forming partition walls partitioning pixels on a substrate; subjecting a surface of each of the partition walls to a lyophobic treatment; coating a liquid composition on each of regions surrounded by the partition walls, the liquid composition obtained by dissolving and dispersing a forming material of a functional layer forming at least a portion of an organic electroluminescent element in a solvent; and drying the coated liquid composition so as to form the functional layer. In the coating of a liquid composition, a fluorine group-containing solvent which contains a fluorine group is used as a solvent.
US08029847B2
The invention provides a trans fat replacement system that is a stable and shelf storable mixture of an edible oil and an expanded, low-density carbohydrate for use in preparing baked goods having a reduced trans fat content. Depending upon formulation and processing, the mixture can have a consistency ranging from generally granular to an almost paste-like consistency. The trans fat replacement system consists of at least one edible oil and an expanded, low-density carbohydrate having a bulk density less than about 0.4 g/cc. The trans fat replacement system can be used to reduce or eliminate the amounts of traditional fats used to make baked goods. In one representative formulation, the trans fat replacement system can take the form of a generally, paste-like mixture that is suitable for spreading and is especially useful for the preparation of laminated dough products such as biscuits and croissants.
US08029839B2
A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40-50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitute.
US08029838B2
A method for storing respiring produce, particularly bananas, during ripening is disclosed. The method allows bananas to remain in the ripened condition for an extended period of time while, at the same time, having improved sweetness and taste characteristics. In this method, during ripening, the produce is maintained in a gas medium which comprises oxygen and carbon dioxide and has the following characteristics:PR=ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide=(20.94−B)/C=from about 1.8 to about 3.8; wherein B is the percentage (by weight) of oxygen in the gas medium and C is the percentage (by weight) of carbon dioxide is the gas medium, and the percentage (by weight) of oxygen (in the gas medium) is from about 1.0 to about 6.0, and the percentage (by weight) of carbon dioxide in the gas medium is from about 3.0 to about 10.0.
US08029833B2
A method of treating CD33+ acute and chronic myeloid leukemia in animals including humans, using fraction nos. 1 and 9 obtained from water:methanol fraction by column chromatography, with ratio of water and methanol ranging between 1:5 to 5:1, wherein said water:methanol fraction is obtained from the polar extract of Piper betel by HPLC, with retention time of 3.6 and 24.0 minutes respectively, with said fractions used both individually, and in combination.
US08029825B2
The invention relates to low-dose tablets obtained by directly compressing microgranules essentially constituted of a neutral support covered by a polymeric layer containing at least one pharmaceutically acceptable polymer and permitting the modified release of active substances in an aqueous medium, to which an active layer containing at least one active substance is applied. The inventive tablets advantageously exhibit a matrix effect similar to that obtained with conventional matrix tablets that depends on the nature of the polymer(s) used for the constitution of the polymeric layer. This matrix effect makes it possible to modify the release profile of the transported active substance based on the type of the polymer used. These tablets are particularly suited for realizing low-dose tablets. The invention also relates to a method for producing these tablets and to the use thereof, particularly for administering active substances in low to very low doses.
US08029823B2
Controlled release and taste masking compositions containing one or more active principles inglobated in a three-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successive amphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally inglobated or dispersed in hydrophilic matrices. The use of a plurality of systems for the control of the dissolution of the active ingredient modulates the dissolution rate of the active ingredient in aqueous and/or biological fluids, thereby controlling the release kinetics in the gastrointestinal tract.
US08029821B2
A capsule with good disintegration properties that can quickly display its content's efficacy as well as a method for preparing the same are provided. More specifically, provided is a capsule comprising a shell comprising low-substituted cellulose ether. Also, provided is a method for preparing a hard capsule comprising the low-substituted cellulose ether comprising a step of covering a pin for forming the hard capsule with the low-substituted cellulose ether by immersing the pin in an alkaline solution of the low-substituted cellulose ether; a step of forming the low-substituted cellulose on a surface of the pin into a gel by further immersing the covered pin in an aqueous acid solution; a step of washing by immersing the pin whose surface has been covered with the gel in water; and a step of drying.
US08029815B2
Described herein is the use of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors in the prevention or treatment of restenosis and other vascular proliferative disorders.
US08029810B2
The invention relates to a water-based delivery system for an active substance, characterized by enhancing skin barrier restoration in the stratum corneum comprising water, a fatty acid, cholesterol, a ceramide and at least one skin lipid precursor.
US08029806B2
The present invention relates to a method and a kit for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) of patients. The present invention also relates to primers and probes used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) by performing PCR.
US08029792B2
A method for TCR-independent T cell activation which comprises the co-ligation of CD28 and CD81.
US08029791B2
Modified chimeric polypeptides with improved pharmacokinetics are disclosed. Specifically, modified chimeric Flt1 receptor polypeptides that have been modified in such a way as to improve their pharmacokinetic profile are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the modified polypeptides including but not limited to using the modified polypeptides to decrease or inhibit plasma leakage and/or vascular permeability in a mammal.
US08029790B2
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) having thyroid stimulating activity (TSAb), especially full or considerably agonistic activity, or thyroid blocking activity (TBAb), which are obtainable by genetic immunization of mice, or fragments (F(ab′)2, Fab or Fv) or humanized forms of such monoclonal antibodies or single chain forms (SCA; scFv) of such fragments, which antibodies, or their fragments, compete with bovine TSH for epitopes of the human TSHr, compete with autoantibodies from sera from Graves' patients as well as with autoantibodies from sera from patients harboring blocking autoantibodies for epitopes of the human TSHr, bind to conformational epitopes of the human TSHr located in the first 281 amino acids of the human TSHr, and usually also bind to TSFR receptors (TSHr) from different animals. Various uses of such antibodies, or of peptides corresponding to variable regions of such antibodies, are also described and claimed.
US08029781B2
The present invention relates to a method for treating a patient having disorder characterized by a deficient amount of functional CLN2 protein in the affected cells, which comprises administering to the patient an amount of CLN2 protein effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by the deficiency in CLN2 protein.
US08029780B2
The present invention relates to stem cells which exhibit increased sensitivity to a chemoattractant and, more particularly, to methods of generating and using them such as in clinical applications involving stem cell transplantation.
US08029779B2
Lactobacillus delbrueckii having antifungal activity is provided as novel lactic acid bacteria having antifungal activity. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii is Lactobacillus delbrueckii ANTI MUFFA FERM BP-10663 (FERM P-19705). The Lactobacillus delbrueckii has antifungal activity against mold of genus Penicillium and is excellent in probiotic activity even when used solo.
US08029778B2
A novel adaptor protein and its gene are provided. The novel adaptor protein has a property of binding to mammalian Toll-like receptor 3, which controls type I interferon production that is effective for prevention/treatment of viral infectious disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the like, treatment of tumors, and the other purposes. Novel adaptor protein TICAM-1, which has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, specifically binds to the mammalian Toll-like receptor 3 and induces production of type I interferon. A mutant of the adaptor protein TICAM-1 has similar properties, provided that it has TIR domain (an amino acid sequence ranging from 394-position to 532-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence ranging 396-position to 534-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4). The gene is a gene encoding the adaptor protein TICAM-1.
US08029777B2
Helicobacter based preparations comprising a pharmacologically active molecule of interest are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing and using said preparations. In particular, Helicobacter pylori vectors, vector plasmids and recombinant cells that include a sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest useful in therapeutic treatments and/or vaccination against disease are provided. Delivery of the pharamacologically active molecules is provided at the mucosal surface, such as the gastric mucosa or nasal membranes, to provide effective and continuous delivery of a pharmacologically active agent. In some embodiments, the Helicobacter provides exposure of a desired molecule of interest though the surface of the Helicobacter, providing exposure of the antigen to the host at the gastric mucosa. Live Helicobacter pylori vaccines are also provided. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs of the Helicobacter are also disclosed.
US08029775B2
Use of IL-31 agonists, including IL-31, are used to treat agonists are used to treat asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis. The method comprise inhibiting, reducing, limiting or minimizing production of proinflammatory cytokines and include administration of the IL-31 agonist during sensitization or challenge resulting in the asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis state.
US08029766B2
The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.
US08029765B2
Small Molecule Metabolite Reporters (SMMRs) for use as in vivo glucose biosensors, sensor compositions, and methods of use, are described. The SMMRs include boronic acid-containing xanthene, coumarin, carbostyril and phenalene-based small molecules which are used for monitoring glucose in vivo, advantageously on the skin.
US08029763B2
The present invention is drawn to a method for removing colloidal titanium dioxide and titanium oxychloride from by-product hydrochloric acid. The method includes adding phosphate ion source and quaternary amine to the by-product acid to cause the titanium dioxide and the titanium oxychloride to form a precipitate. The precipitate can then be separated from the acid, thus producing a decontaminated hydrochloric acid product with reduced levels of titanium.
US08029761B2
The invention provides surface-treated metal oxide particles. The surface-treated metal oxide particles have specific ratios of (1) the integrated area of the resonance signals with chemical shifts in the range from −4 ppm to −33 ppm to the integrated area of the resonance signals with chemical shifts in the range from −33 ppm to −76 ppm and (2) the integrated area of the resonance signals with chemical shifts in the range from −76 ppm to −130 ppm to the integrated area of the resonance signals with chemical shifts in the range from −33 ppm to −76 ppm in the CP/MAS 29Si NMR spectrum. The invention further provides a toner composition for electrophotographic image formation comprising toner particles and surface-treated metal oxide particles.
US08029759B2
Carbon nanostructures such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes are formed from electrolyzed coal char. The electrolyzed coal char is formed by forming a slurry of coal particles, metal catalyst and water and subjecting this to electrolysis, which generates carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This forms a coating on the particles which includes metal catalysts. These particles can be used as is for formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a pyrolysis method or other method without the addition of any catalyst. The gelatinous coating can be separated from the char and used as a fuel or as a carbon source to form carbon nanostructures.
US08029757B2
Carbon nanotubes and metal particle-containing carbon nanotubes are provided. The carbon nanotubes have increased surface area. A method of cutting carbon nanotubes is also provided. According to the method, the dispersion properties of the carbon nanotubes are improved by simplifying the structural changes and/or surface modifications of the carbon nanotubes, thereby enabling insertion of an active substance into the inner walls of the carbon nanotubes and increasing the insertion efficiency.
US08029753B2
An ammonia contact scrubber system (10) for removing ammonia from a fuel stream for a fuel cell (16) includes a contact scrubber (12) having a scrubber fuel inlet (14) and a scrubber fuel exhaust (20) for directing flow of the fuel stream through support material (24) within the scrubber (12) and into the fuel cell (16). An acid circulating loop (26) has an acid holding tank (28) holding a liquid acid solution (30), an acid feed line (32) secured in fluid communication between the holding tank (28) and a scrubber acid inlet (36) of the contact scrubber (12), an acid return (38) for returning the acid solution from the scrubber (12) to the acid holding tank (28), and an acid circulation pump (42) for pumping the acid solution (30) through the acid circulating loop (26) and through the support material (24) within the scrubber (12).
US08029750B2
The invention relates to a process as well as a device for removal of exhaust gas (7) that contains oxidizable pollutants. The exhaust gas (7) that contains oxidizable pollutants is introduced at a suitable location (a) into a flue gas system (K) that corresponds to a process oven (D) and is mixed with hot, oxygen-containing flue gas that flows through the flue gas system, whereby the exhaust gas (7) that contains oxidizable pollutants is heated to a temperature of at least 600° C.
US08029741B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a sensing device capable of easily grasping whether or not a concentration of a sensing target is equal to or less than a standard value.As a concrete means for solving the problem, a sensing device which senses, using a piezoelectric vibrator provided with an adsorbing layer for adsorbing a sensing target and electrodes, and having a natural frequency varied by an absorption of the sensing target, the sensing target by the variation of the natural frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator, is structured to include an oscillation circuit for oscillating the piezoelectric vibrator, a measuring section for measuring a concentration of the sensing target based on an oscillation output from the oscillation circuit, a storage section for storing data in which a plurality of sensing targets and their standard concentrations are corresponded to each other, a selecting unit for selecting the sensing target, a data processing section for reading out the standard concentration corresponding to the sensing target selected by the selecting unit from the storage section and comparing the standard concentration with a concentration detection value detected by the measuring section, and an output section for outputting a comparison result compared by the data processing section.
US08029730B1
A flow cell for chemiluminescence analysis. The flow cell has a flat, thin, opaque plate, with a groove machined into one side of the plate. An inlet port at the center, and an outlet port at the outside end of the groove pass through the plate, which is sandwiched between a flat sapphire window and a cell cap of a housing. The groove side faces the sapphire window, forming a flow channel with one wall being the sapphire window. A light detector is inserted into the housing until it butts up against that part of the housing holding the sapphire window, placing it very close to the generated light. The other side of the plate mates with inlet and outlet ports of the housing cap.
US08029726B2
A system and method for producing an ozone-containing disinfecting cloud includes an enclosure. A pair of atomizing nozzles are affixed to the enclosure in substantially directly opposed relation. Each nozzle produces a spray of ozonated water from compressed gas, ozone, and water and are positioned to direct the sprays toward each other to form a cloud comprising droplets having a size distribution. A portion of the cloud that comprises droplets having a size less than a predetermined limit is expelled from the enclosure. Droplets having a size greater than the predetermined limit remain in the enclosure. The expelled cloud has been found to have a pH lower than a pH of the remaining droplets. The cloud so produced can be used to disinfect an area by directing the cloud to the area desired to be disinfected, which can comprise a surface and/or a space.
US08029725B2
A method of sterilizing a packaging material for, for example, a ready-to-fill package with extended shelf-life for a food involves bringing a sterilization agent containing hydrogen peroxide into contact with the packaging material in order to remove microorganisms present on the packaging material. After the contact with the sterilization agent, the packaging material is ventilated with air so as to remove remaining residues of hydrogen peroxide on and/or in the packaging material. The removal of the remaining residues of hydrogen peroxide is improved synergistically by exposing the packaging material, after contact with the sterilization agent but before ventilation, to accelerated electrons at a kinetic energy of at least 50 keV.
US08029716B2
Amorphous inorganic nitrides are used as release layers on templates for nanoimprint lithography. Such a layer facilitates the release of a template from a cured, hardened composition into which the template has transferred a pattern, by reducing the adhesion energy between the release layer and the cured, hardened composition. The release layer may include one or more metallic or semiconductor elements such as Al, Mn, B, Co, Ti, Ta, W and Ge.
US08029714B2
A method of manufacturing a radial shaft seal assembly. The method includes the step of stretching an inner diameter of a ring-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene seal radially outward from an axis with a mandrel to a first stretched condition on a mold core element. The method also includes the step of defining a substantially enclosed mold cavity around the polytetrafluoroethylene seal stretched over the mold core element with at least one mold element. The method also includes the step of locating a rigid casing within the mold cavity spaced from the stretched polytetrafluoroethylene seal. The method also includes the step of introducing a liquefied rubber elastomer into the mold cavity. The method also includes the step of molding the liquefied rubber elastomer under heat and pressure such that the rigid casing and polytetrafluoroethylene seal in a stretched state are bonded to a solid rubber elastomer member. The method also includes the step of removing the collectively bonded polytetrafluoroethylene seal and rigid casing and rubber elastomer member from the mold core element without stretching the inner diameter of the polytetrafluoroethylene seal beyond the first stretched condition.
US08029713B2
A first mold has a core passage, and first and second cavities in fluid communication with each other at the core passage. A second mold has first and second nozzles therein that inject first and second resins to the first and second cavities, respectively. The core member is slidable within the core passage to provide or block the fluid communication between the cavities, and has a third nozzle therein to inject a third resin to the core passage. The first and second resins are injected into the cavities. The core member is moved to block the fluid communication between the cavities, before injecting the first and second resins is completed. The third resin is injected while moving the core member to provide the fluid communication, after injecting the first and second resins is completed. The molds are separated, thereby yielding a single molded product, such as a vehicle door trim.
US08029709B2
A process for the encapsulation of liquid particles within nanometer thick polymer shells utilizes an interfacial free radical alternating copolymerization process. Encapsulating a liquid material includes providing a mixture comprising the liquid material to be encapsulated, a hydrophobic monomer in a non-polar solution and a hydrophilic monomer in a polar solution. The liquid material is compatible in either the polar solution or the non-polar solution. The polar solution and the non-polar solution are not miscible in each other. The mixture is homogenized to form an emulsion, and then polymerized by an initiator which initiates an interfacial free radical alternating copolymerization process. The copolymerization process is optimally constrained to proceed only at the hydrophobic and hydrophilic interface thus forming a polymer around the liquid material.
US08029706B2
A vacuum transfer apparatus including an auxiliary vacuum chamber and a main vacuum chamber is used for transferring an uneven pattern to a disk substrate with a stamper. The auxiliary vacuum chamber is vacuumized or opened to air because the disk substrate is conveyed to and from the vacuum transfer apparatus through the auxiliary vacuum chamber. The disk substrate conveyed to the auxiliary vacuum chamber and then to the main vacuum chamber after the auxiliary vacuum chamber is vacuumized. In the main vacuum chamber, transferring of the uneven pattern with the stamper, curing of UV-curable resin, and removal of the stamper are performed to provide a disk substrate with the uneven pattern. Then, the disk substrate is conveyed from the vacuum transfer apparatus through the auxiliary vacuum chamber. An operation at the auxiliary-vacuum-chamber side and an operation at the main-vacuum-chamber side are performed in parallel.
US08029697B2
A naphthalene derivative represented by the following formula (1) is provided. In the formula (1), Ar1 to Ar6 each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon cyclic group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms forming a ring. The substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon cyclic group has none of anthracene skeleton, pyrene skeleton, aceanthrylene skeleton and naphthacene skeleton. R1 to R3 each represent an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano group, a silyl group or a halogen atom. R1 to R3 each may be bonded in any position of a main-chain naphthalene skeleton or a main-chain benzene skeleton. a and b each represent an integer in a range of 0 to 4. l, m, n and p each represent 0 or 1.
US08029695B2
The present invention relates to a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that includes a polymerizable reactive homeotropic alignment liquid crystal mixture solution and a primary or secondary amino compound, a homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film using the same, and a method for manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, regardless of the alignment film, a stable homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film may be manufactured.
US08029692B2
The invention relates to a combination of compounds for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, which combination comprises betaine and at least one other de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a method of de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, wherein a combination of compounds selected from the group consisting of acetates, formats, urea and combinations thereof, are applied to a slippery surface or a surface vulnerable to slipperiness. The invention further relates to the use of betaine for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, when betaine is used in combination with at least one other de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof.
US08029674B2
A process for treatment of water to convert ammonia to nitrate including: feeding water containing dissolved ammonia, as an influent introducing water to be treated, into a packed column containing filter media as packing; introducing air through a diffuser at the bottom of the packed column to maintain the water saturated with oxygen throughout the packed column; establishing colonies of bacteria converting ammonia to nitrate within the column; and removing an ammonia-free and nitrite-fee effluent from the column.
US08029673B2
The present invention relates to a vertical-horizontal filter unit for the biological purification of polluted water, comprising an upper zone of a soil patch planted with plants, having inlets for the polluted water, and arranged underneath a sand layer with a lower filter zone made of gravel and at least one removal point for the purified water, wherein between the upper and lower filter zones a barrier layer with openings is arranged and the filter unit is sealed against the soil on the sides and at the bottom. The openings in the barrier layer are arranged along the edge and/or the barrier layer does not reach the edge of the patch completely. The invention is characterized in that the upper zone acts as an aerobically cleaning zone and the lower zone as an anaerobically cleaning zone.
US08029665B2
A screening device for wastewater includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater in an associated channel flows from a bottom side thereof to a top side thereof. An overfall wall is positioned in the wastewater channel. A clearing member is shiftable relative to the screening member for cleaning screenings therefrom, and is positioned upstream of the overfall wall. A waterwheel is positioned in the wastewater channel at a location downstream of the overfall wall, and is operably connected with the clearing member for mechanically shifting the same to remove the screenings from the screening member without using external power.
US08029657B1
An AC electro-hydro-dynamic system for aggregating particles immersed in a fluid. The AC electro-hydro-dynamic system utilizes at least one set of parallel plate electrodes each having at least one conductive surface. The conductive surfaces may incorporate island conductive pads or strip conductive pads. The parallel plates may form a first set and a second set. A signal generator provides a time-varying signal across the first set of parallel plate electrodes and the second set of parallel plate electrodes.
US08029656B2
An apparatus, system and method maximizes efficiency and accuracy of measuring an ion concentration of a measured fluid by varying a flow of ions within a measuring cell in accordance with an output signal of a sensor cell. The pump current through a pump cell is switched between a constant positive current and a constant negative current when upper and lower thresholds of the output signal are reached. The pulse width ratio of the square wave produced by the varying current is compared to a pulse width ratio function derived from a calibration procedure to determine the ion concentration of the measured fluid. In one embodiment, the functions of the pump cell and sensing cell are performed by a single electrochemical cell.
US08029655B2
Provided is a sputtering target which can give a high water barrier property and a high flexibility to a sputtering film, can keep a high film forming rate certainly in sputtering, and can make damages to an objective substance wherein a film is to be formed as small as possible. In order to realize this, a mixed powder which contains 20 to 80% by weight of a SiO powder, the balance of the powder being made of a TiO2 powder and/or a Ti powder, is pressed and sintered. The sintered body has a composition of SiαTiβOγ wherein α, β and γ are mole ratios of Si, Ti and O, respectively, and the ratio of α/β ranges from 0.45 to 7.25 and the ratio of γ/(α+β) ranges from 0.80 to 1.70.
US08029642B2
An apparatus and method is provided for removing a selected portion of tape material from backing paper. One embodiment of an apparatus may include a supply reel, at least one cutting member, at least one bending member, and first and second vacuum rollers. The apparatus may further include pinch rollers, scraping members, and scrap bins. The apparatus may allow for the removal of scrap tape material from the backing paper.
US08029637B2
UV curing of adhesives with light beam shaping utilizes a spot curing process that focuses a limited amount of UV light onto a target area, such as glue dots. A focusing lens may be used to direct the UV light beam to the target area. The target areas have different geometrical shapes, and the UV light is advantageously concentrated in a more efficient manner. Beam-shaping optics or lenses are used to facilitate re-shaping and re-defining the UV-light beam. The UV beam may be defined and limited to a rectangular spot to improve the spot process quality and efficiency.
US08029636B2
A method of applying a flexible, biodegradable sheet of starch-based material to mask a surface to be coated is described. The sheet is a solid, flexible, expanded, close-celled foam. The sheet is dispersible in water.
US08029635B2
A method for forming a porous PTFE layer includes steps of: combining one or at least two unburned porous PTFE films and a support body that can withstand a heating condition in the following process (a rod or plate shaped support body made of mesh or the like is preferable) by using a predetermined means in such a manner that a slip can be prevented in a heating treatment in the following process; and heating the matter resulted from the above process at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than the melting point of the PTFE film for the range of 5-120 minutes (preferably at a temperature in the range of the melting point of a thermoplastic resin fiber to 320° C. for the range of 10-60 minutes in the case in which the thermoplastic resin fiber or the like is used in the process).
US08029630B2
The present invention concerns a composition for a pyrotechnic compound that can be used as a thermal fuse in a gas generator comprising a pyrotechnic charge, said pyrotechnic compound having a self-ignition temperature that is lower than that of the pyrotechnic charge of the generator so as to be capable of initiating combustion of the pyrotechnic charge in the event of abnormal heating of the generator before said pyrotechnic charge reaches its self-ignition temperature. This composition is characterized in that it can be metered out and deposited in the form of an adhesive onto any appropriate support of the generator.
US08029628B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a material for a precious metal tip of a spark plug, which has more excellent durability, particularly oxidation wear resistance than a conventional one. The precious metal alloy for the spark plug according to the present invention contains 0.2 to 6.0 wt. % Cr as an essential component, further at least any one of Fe or Ni, and the balance being Ir. Here, the amount of Fe and Ni to be added is preferably 2.0 to 12.0 wt. % in total. According to the present invention, the surface may be oxidized to form an oxide layer made from a Cr—Fe oxide, a Cr—Ni oxide or a Cr—Fe—Ni oxide. The oxide layer is formed by a diffusion treatment by heating the precious metal alloy at 300 to 900° C. in an oxidative atmosphere, and preferably has a thickness of 5 to 100 μm.
US08029627B2
A magnetic component for a magnetically actuated fuel injection device is formed of a corrosion resistant soft magnetic alloy consisting essentially of, in weight percent, 9%
US08029626B2
A method for producing a soft magnetic powdered core comprises a mixing step for forming a raw powder by adding a thermoplastic resin powder to a soft magnetic powder and mixing them, a compacting step for forming a compact by compacting the raw powder into a predetermined shape, a melting and setting step for the resin in which the resin of the compact is melted by heating to at least the melting point of the thermoplastic resin and the melted resin is set by cooling to a room temperature, and a crystallizing step for the resin in which the set resin is heated to not less than the exothermic onset temperature and not more than the endothermic onset temperature, which are measured by DSC analysis of the thermoplastic resin, and is cooled to a room temperature.
US08029624B2
A rinse method for rinsing a substrate having an exposure pattern thereon developed includes presetting conditions for a rinse process according to surface states of the substrate, measuring a surface state of the substrate, selecting a corresponding condition for the rinse process based on the measured surface state of the substrate, and performing the rinse process under the selected condition.
US08029612B2
The present invention provides an ink jet ink, which gives a superior lightfastness to an ink image, has a superior sticking resistance and intermittent ejection stability, and gives a preferable color tone to the image. The ink includes an azo-based dye represented by formula (I) and a water-soluble organic solvent represented by bis(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfone represented by formula (II).
US08029606B2
An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to provide stability to air flow through a hood scoop. The present invention may also be utilized to straighten and smooth out air flow through a hood scoop and accompanying air filter media. The present invention utilizes an air filtration media which may be inserted into at least a portion of a vehicle hood scoop and may filter out particulate and may also slow air flow down temporarily in order to straighten and/or smooth turbulent air flow through the air filtration media. Additionally, the present invention may provide an apparatus that may facilitate more uniform pressure inside the hood scoop of the vehicle.
US08029605B2
An apparatus for effecting separation of particles from a mixture of particles and gas, the apparatus comprises: a housing that defines therethrough a channel; an inlet in said housing to admit the mixture of particles and gas into the channel; a deflector in the channel; and a gas outlet port substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel and downstream of the deflector; wherein the deflector is shaped to direct the particles past the gas outlet port. A method of separation is also disclosed.
US08029604B2
Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.
US08029601B2
A method and apparatus for the separation of particles from a flow of gas, where both large, heavy and small, light particles are separated off from the gas by the combined effect of an electrostatic attraction force and a centrifugal force in a centrifugal separator of the type that comprises a rotor that has a plurality of adjacent surface elements with intermediate gas flow gaps and that is mounted in such a way that it can rotate in a surrounding casing, which casing has an inlet for unclean gas and an outlet for clean gas and an outlet for separated-off particles.
US08029585B2
A pocket filter assembly includes a frame structure having a plurality of filter pocket openings and a corresponding plurality of filter pockets, each filter pocket having a pocket mouth securely sealed in a corresponding filter pocket opening. The frame structure includes an outer subframe and a corresponding inner subframe connected and locked to each other by means of locking elements at locking positions distributed along opening portions of the subframes defining the filter pocket openings. At each locking position, the filter pocket mouths are sealed clamped and sealed between co-operating opening portions of the subframes. The locking elements include an undercut hook-shaped projection on the inner subframe and a co-operating receiving hole on the outer subframe, such that an interlock of the subframes to each other is obtained, while including filter pocket mouth material of the associated filter pocket between said projection and said aperture such that said interlock is sealed thereby.
US08029574B2
A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded.
US08029566B2
Exemplary orthopedic implants are disclosed. The orthopedic implants may include one or more sensors. Exemplary sensors include sensors to monitor bone growth, changes to the implant over time, and proper placement of the implant. The orthopedic implants may include a woven material. Sensor arrangements to detect a state of an item are disclosed. Exemplary states include folded, unfolded, and inflated. Exemplary items include an orthopedic implant and a parachute.
US08029563B2
A prosthetic implantable device that offers a reduction in fluid loss when the device is punctured, such as by a dialysis needle or suture needle, and the needle is subsequently removed. The device may be made to be thin and flexible, and with longitudinal stretch, in order that it also offers good handling and kink resistance to a surgeon. While the device is preferably of tubular form, flat sheets or other forms may also be made. The device includes inner and outer layers of a porous material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by bent fibrils, and having void spaces between adjacent bent fibrils. The inner and outer layers are joined by an elastomeric adhesive that may interpenetrate the void spaces of the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer layers, that is, the inner surface of the outer layer and the outer surface of the inner layer. Optionally, a middle layer of an elastomeric material may also be provided, joined to the inner and outer porous layers by the interpenetrating elastomeric adhesive. The device is preferably a vascular graft and more preferably a vascular graft for kidney dialysis.
US08029562B2
Methods are provided for surface modifying a hydrophobic polymer substrate to increase wettability comprising the steps of pre-treating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a radio frequency (RF)-generated first plasma and a RF-generated second plasma wherein the first plasma and the second plasma are applied sequentially, coating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hydrophilic coating; and polymerizing the hydrophilic coating on the hydrophobic polymer substrate by exposure to a RF-generated third plasma.
US08029559B2
Disclosed is an anchoring element for an implantable prosthesis that includes a barb, wherein the anchoring element, which includes a basal portion, comprises a thin layer of material, such as a cannula or sheet of metal, that extends or wraps at least partially around the strut of the prosthesis to which it is attached. The barb is configured to extend outward from the basal portion to penetrate adjacent tissue. The anchoring element is either permanently affixed to the strut, such as by laser or spot welding, crimping, or some other method of bonding, or allowed to slide longitudinally over the strut between two points or stops in order to relieve any excessive loads placed upon the barb that could cause fracture. The anchoring element and strut may be configured to limit axial rotation of the barb, while still allowing longitudinal movement. In another embodiment, the slidable anchoring element may be manipulated following initial deployment to reorient the barb toward the implantation site.
US08029558B2
An improved stent design and stent delivery catheter assembly for repairing a main vessel and a side branch vessel forming a bifurcation. The stent includes rings aligned along a common longitudinal axis and connected by links, where the stent has one or more portals for aligning with and partially expanding into the opening to the side branch vessel. The stent is implanted at a bifurcation so that the main stent section is in the main vessel, and the portal section covers at least a portion of the opening to the side branch vessel. A second stent can be implanted in the side branch vessel and abut the expanded central section to provide full coverage of the bifurcated area in the main vessel and the side branch vessel. Radiopaque markers on the stent and on the tip of the delivery catheter assist in aligning the portal section with the opening to the side branch vessel.
US08029553B2
A process and laser system for in vitro and in vivo pain research, pain clinical testing and pain management. In preferred embodiments of the present invention a diode laser operating at a 980 nm wavelength is used to produce warmth, tickling, itching, touch, burning, hot pain or pin-prick pain. The device and methods can be used for stimulation of a single nerve fiber, groups of nerve fibers, nerve fibers of single type only as well as more the one type of nerve fibers simultaneously. The present invention is especially useful for research of human/animal sensitivity, pain management, drug investigation and testing, and psychophysiology/electrophysiology studies. The device and methods permit non-contact, reproducible and controlled tests that avoid risk of skin damage. Applicant an his fellow workers have shown that tests with human subjects with the process and laser of the present invention correlate perfectly with laboratory tests with nerve fibers of rats. The device and the methods can be applied in a wide variety of situations involving the study and treatment of pain. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide laser systems and techniques that permit mapping and single mode activation of C fibers and A-delta fibers.
US08029550B2
A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra.
US08029543B2
This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.
US08029539B2
A capless multiaxial screw fixation assembly, including: a screw having a threaded portion and a screw head portion positioned at one end thereof; and, a retainer having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a bore for receiving the screw threaded portion so that the screw head portion is seated therein. At least one of the screw and the retainer is configured such that the retainer is able to pivot about the screw head portion in a non-symmetrical manner.
US08029532B2
A closure device includes a bioremodelable patch and a joining element linking one or more bioremodelable patches to tissue portions adjacent to a bodily opening. The closure device may include a pair of bioremodelable patches linked by sutures and compressively joined to overlapping tissue portions adjacent to the opening. The closure device may be further contained within an assembly additionally including a catheter having a hollow sheath and a pusher. The pusher may be used to dislodge one or more bioremodelable patches from the catheter to facilitate stable closure of a bodily opening, such as a septal opening in a PFO.
US08029528B2
An instrument guide and method for use. An elongate flexible body has a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body has two portions, one or more resilient than the other. A distal pocket is positioned adjacent the distal end of the elongate flexible body. An anchor is provided to attach the guide to a surgical instrument.
US08029526B2
A lancing device is disclosed in which cocking of the lancet holder is achieved in response to retraction of a push member. A lancing device is also disclosed in which a lancet storage compartment is provided in the housing of the lancing device and closing movement of a closure member for the storage compartment has the effect of cocking the lancet holder. Methods of cocking lancing devices are also disclosed.
US08029522B2
An anchorable cannula adapted for positioning within an opening formed in tissue includes a cannula body having a proximal portion and distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are linked by a circumferential ring positioned therebetween. The proximal portion includes a series of foldable arms extending upwardly from the circumferential ring and ending at a circumferential seal ring formed at a free end of the proximal portion. The distal portion includes a series of foldable arms extending downwardly from the circumferential ring and ending at a circumferential seal ring formed at a free end of the distal portion.
US08029521B2
A method and apparatus for making an anastomosis between a tubular duct and a vessel has an annulus having a longitudinal axis, a first set of fingers and a second set of fingers. The first set of fingers extend axially from the annulus in one direction and the second set of fingers extending axially from the annulus in another direction generally opposite the direction of the first set of fingers. The first and second sets of fingers are movable to penetrate the tubular duct and the vessel, respectively, as they move from a biased configuration to an unbiased configuration.
US08029509B2
A drill having a head that has a modified egg shape. The distal most end of the drill head is rounded and has a smaller diameter with a cutting bevel which flares into an area having a maximum diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the corresponding screw or implant that is used in the surgical procedure. The distal end of the drill also includes a plurality of cutting flutes which extend part of the way up the narrower portion of the drill head just up to the area having the maximum diameter. This drill can then be used to turn a countersink area into the bone at the implant site.
US08029497B2
A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.
US08029482B2
An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is included on a molded insert that is incorporated into the access port so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.
US08029476B2
Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.
US08029473B2
A medical device is provided including a catheter shaft having a lumen extending therethrough with a splittable wall portion along a side of the lumen, and a tube that extends through at least a portion of the lumen and is configured to provide a patent path of fluid communication.
US08029472B2
A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.
US08029470B2
Systems and methods for penetrating a tissue membrane to gain access to a target site are disclosed. In some examples, systems and methods for accessing the left atrium from the right atrium of a patient's heart are carried out by puncturing the intra-atrial septal wall. One embodiment provides a system for transseptal cardiac access that includes a stabilizer sheath having a side port, a shaped guiding catheter configured to exit the side port and a tissue penetration member disposed within and extendable from the distal end of the guide catheter. The tissue penetration member may be configured to penetrate tissue upon rotation and may be coupled to a distal portion of a torqueable shaft. In some embodiments, the stabilizer sheath and shaped guiding catheter may be moved relative to the patient's body structure and relative to each other so that a desired approach angle may be obtained for the tissue penetration member with respect to the target tissue.
US08029455B2
A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.
US08029432B2
A system, kit, and pet bed for treating tissue using magnetic coils connected to a pulse generator. The system can include a power supply, a bi-directional communication and power port, a microcontroller, a processor, a data storage, and a Helmholtz-like magnetic coil pair. The kit can include a saddlebag and a support strap. The pet bed can include bedding, a fabric housing, a Halbach array, and an on/off switch.
US08029431B2
Brain stimulation is used to promote or induce slow-wave activity thought to be associated with the restorative properties of sleep. In a preferred embodiment, transcranial magnetic stimulation is used to provide neural stimulation at a frequency approximating natural slow-wave activity.
US08029429B2
In a mechanism and method for bonding two paper sheets on an interfolding machine, pre-compressing mechanisms are provided on each of two folding rollers to produce compress-to-bond areas on overlapped portions of two thick or air-impermeable paper sheets transferred to the two folding rollers, so that all plies of the two paper sheets at the compress-to-bond areas are compressed to bond together. Thereby, when the interfolding machine operates at a high speed, a plurality of the locally compressed and bonded paper sheets may still be smoothly folded to form a stack of interfolded paper sheets, such as a tissue paper stack or a paper towel stack.
US08029427B1
A paint roller system includes a handle and an applicator support frame. The support frame has a base end by which it is connected to the handle and is configured to include an axle that is oriented generally orthogonally to the handle and includes a distal end. An interior frame channel extends between a first opening in the base end and a second opening in the distal end. A linkage snaked through the channel includes a first end coupled to an actuator carried by the handle and a second end terminating in a keyed lug. A roller disposed for rotation about the axle is configured to support for rotation a cylindrical paint applicator. The roller includes a keyed socket axially aligned with the second opening in the axle. The actuator is movable into a first position in which the keyed lug is disengaged from the keyed socket and that the roller is free to rotate, and a second position in which the lug protrudes from the second opening and into the keyed socket, thereby preventing roller rotation.
US08029415B2
An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.
US08029414B2
A finger glove for use in gripping movements with one or more fingers of a human hand enclosed in the glove. The glove includes glove fingers and a palm. At least one glove finger is adapted to include on each side an artificial tendon that extends along an inside of the glove. A yoke is fitted in a tip of the at least one glove finger and intended to surround a tip of an enclosed finger. At each side of the glove finger artificial tendons are connected to the yoke. A system including the finger glove having a force detecting sensor is situated on the inside of the at least one glove finger and is adapted to detect a force between a finger enclosed in the glove finger and a contact surface applied to the finger. The artificial tendons for a glove finger are connected to at least one actuator and a control unit adapted to cause the at least one actuator to exert a pulling force on the artificial tendons of the glove finger based on a force detected in the force detecting sensor, whereby the finger enclosed in the glove finger is caused to bend.
US08029410B2
An example portable module is for use with an exercise system which includes a moveable element, a first processor and a port adapted to receive the portable module. The portable module includes a second processor and a memory storing information usable to control one or more parameters associated with the movable element.
US08029406B2
An output side transfer member 103 of a second clutch C-2 extends around the outer circumferences of the output side transfer members 101, 102 of the third and first clutches C-3, C-1, the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of a fourth clutch C-4 and the output side transfer member 101 of a third clutch C-3 are linked to a sun gear S2, the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of a fourth clutch C-4, an output side transfer member 101 of a third clutch C-3, and a sun gear S2, which rotate integrally, are disposed radially inward with respect to the output side transfer member 102 of the first clutch C-1. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the diameter of the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of the fourth clutch C-4, to reduce the weight and inertia, and to improve the controllability of the automatic transmission 1.
US08029404B2
A hybrid transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and first and second planetary gearsets having a plurality of planetary gearset members. A first one-way clutch is operatively connected to the input member and at least one of the planetary gearset members. A second one-way clutch is operatively connected to at least one of the planetary gearset members and the stationary member. A first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to couple at least one of the planetary gearset members to the stationary member. A second torque transmitting mechanism being selectively engageable to operatively connect the input member to at least one of the planetary gearset members for unitary rotation.
US08029401B2
A transmission for a vehicle includes an input shaft, a carrier sun shaft, and an output shaft. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft, a ring gear coupled with the output shaft, and a plurality of planetary gears enmeshed between the sun gear and the ring gear. A plurality of shift elements each include a first gear coupled with the input shaft, and a second gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft and enmeshed with the first gear. A plurality of shift clutches are each selectively coupled between a corresponding shift element and the input shaft or carrier sun shaft. A low range clutch is selectively coupled between the input shaft and the plurality of planetary gears. A high range clutch is selectively coupled between the carrier sun shaft and the output shaft. A reverse range clutch is selectively coupled between an immovable feature and the plurality of planetary gears.
US08029383B2
A hosel portion (22) has a screw portion (32) formed on an internal surface or external surface thereof and a hosel hole (28). A screw member (10) has a through hole (30) for causing a shaft (6) and an inner member (8) to penetrate therethrough, a screw portion (32) and a downward surface (56). The screw portion (32) of the screw member (10) and a screw portion (26) of the hosel portion (22) are coupled to each other. The inner member (8) has a shaft inserting hole (40) opened on an upper end side thereof, a lower surface (42) which can be engaged with a receiving surface (60), and an upward surface (44). At least a part of the inner member (8) is inserted into the hosel hole (28). The shaft (6) and the shaft inserting hole (40) are fixed to each other through bonding and/or fitting. The shaft (6) and a head (4) are fixed to each other through an engagement of the downward surface (56) and the upward surface (44) and an engagement of the receiving surface (60) and the lower surface (42). In another embodiment, a shaft (6c) and a head (4c) are fixed to each other through an engagement of a downward surface (35c) and an upward surface (44c) and an engagement of a receiving surface (60c) and an engaging side surface (42c).
US08029377B2
A child motion device includes a frame that provides a structural support relative to a reference surface and that includes an arm pivotably coupled to the structural support. A child supporting device is coupled to the arm and spaced from the reference surface by the frame. A drive system is configured to move the arm such that the child supporting device reciprocates along a motion path at a frequency within a range from about 0.37 Hz to about 0.62 Hz. In some cases, a further drive system is configured to oscillate the child supporting device generally along the axis of rotation at a frequency in a range from about 2.85 Hz to about 3.15 Hz.
US08029376B2
An athletic field is constructed using side-by-side conjoined layers of resilient synthetic material placed over a drain blanket and extending to a peripheral trench drain. The primary material construction is a rollable layer approximately 4 feet wide by 200 feet long comprising a dimpled polyethylene core material with bonded top and bottom thin, flexible geotechnic fabric layers. A flange and flap system along one edge receives the opposite edge of the joining strip to bond the laterally adjoining layers together in a shingling or tiered manner to promote drainage and to keep water out of the resilient pliable structure. The top surface is overlaid with artificial turf.
US08029374B2
A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even when the fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact and is at an operating angle, and has improved high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. In the fixed constant velocity universal joint, a cage includes four pockets, the pockets including a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The pair of long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the pair of short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. As a result, the long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball. Two ball housing sections connected by a slit are formed in the long pocket by projections that project towards a long pocket inner side being provided on opposing long sides of the long pocket.
US08029370B2
Second spring seats 62 each have a first support component 63, a second support component 64, and a reinforcing plate 66. The first support component 63 supports the ends of second coil spring 61a in the rotational direction. The second support component 64 extends in the rotational direction from the first support component 63 and supports the end of the second spring 61a in the radial direction. At least part of the reinforcing plate 66 is embedded in at least one of the first and second support components 63 and 64. The reinforcing plate 66 directly or indirectly supports the end of the second spring 61a along with the first and second support components 63 and 64.
US08029366B2
When an insurant of the game insurance attempts to play a game on another gaming machine after having played a game on one gaming machine, the member inputs and transmits information to the effect of playing a game being covered by the game insurance on another gaming machine, on condition that the insurant of the game insurance has been identified, thereby halting making of a determination as to whether or not insurance coverage of the game insurance has been paid. Subsequently, the insurant of insurance who has played a game on another gaming machine inputs and transmits information to the effect of not playing a game being covered by the game insurance on another gaming machine, thereby canceling a halt of making a determination as to whether or not insurance coverage of the game insurance is paid.
US08029358B2
The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1×” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus game.
US08029354B2
A gaming environment is described. If the predetermined condition is met and the free game is shifted, reels are changed to other reels to be used in the free game. Also, in the free game, reel display portion on which the WILD symbols are displayed on all of the symbol display portions, the reel display portion is held in following games. The WILD symbols are consecutively displayed with the predetermined number (which is greater or equal to the number of symbol display portions of one reel display portion) on the reels used in the free game. Therefore, the probability where WILD symbols fill on the all of the can be enhanced, one or more aspects of the invention can provide higher interest to the player.
US08029351B2
As a result of lottery using the roulette device 3, if the ball 27 enters in the bonus pocket 24 among the pockets formed on the wheel 22, the special bonus game using the WIN lamp 11 occurs and all credits betted to each station 4 in the present game are paid out (S15) to one station 4 which is determined based on the lottery (S123) by the server control CPU 81 that winning is obtained.
US08029339B2
A workpiece double-disc grinding apparatus including a holder that supports a thin-plate-like workpiece from an outer periphery along a radial direction and is rotatable; a pair of static pressure support members that support the holder from both sides along an axial direction of the rotation thereof in a contactless manner based on a static fluid pressure; and a pair of grinding stones that simultaneously grind both surfaces of a workpiece supported by the holder, in which an interval between the holder and the static pressure support member is not greater than 50 μm, and the static pressure of the fluid that is not lower than 0.3 MPa. As a result, the workpiece double-disc grinding apparatus and a workpiece double-disc grinding method can stabilize a position of the holder, which can be a cause that degrades a nanotopography of the workpiece in the double-disc grinding for the workpiece.
US08029337B2
Methods and systems for marring fiber optic substrates may include rollers with abrasive surfaces that press lengths of the substrates against elongated supports, which may be tapered, during relative lengthwise movement between the rollers and supports; abrasive sheets that are vibrated against the substrates; abrasive flap wheels that are rotated to cause flexible abrasive flaps on the wheels to strike the substrates; rotating blades that cut a transverse marring pattern in the substrates; hammers having abrasive surfaces that are oscillated to strike the substrates; and water jet abrasive slurries that are directed at the substrates.
US08029333B2
A device for polishing the peripheral edge part of a semiconductor wafer includes a wafer stage for holding the wafer, a wafer stage unit including devices for rotating the wafer stage, causing the wafer stage to undergo a rotary reciprocating motion within the same plane as the surface of the wafer stage, and moving the wafer stage parallel to the surface, a notch polishing part for polishing the notch on the wafer and a bevel polishing part for polishing the beveled part of the wafer. Pure water is supplied to the wafer to prevent it from becoming dry as it is transported from the notch polishing part to the bevel polishing part.
US08029332B2
A reusable adhesive bra, comprising: a fabric bra having a pair of bra cups, each of the bra cups having a forwardly facing surface and a rearwardly facing surface; a pair of bra forms adapted to be matingly received in the pair of bra cups, each of the bra forms having a forwardly facing surface and rearwardly facing surface; each of the bra form forwardly facing surfaces adapted to be removably fastened to a respective one of the bra cup rearwardly facing surfaces of the fabric bra; each of the bra forms having a substantially centrally disposed hole therethrough; each of the bra form rearwardly facing surfaces having a reusable adhesive coating adapted to be removably fastened to a respective one of a user's breasts and having the substantially centrally disposed hole surrounding a respective one of the user's nipples, when the reusable adhesive bra is worn by the user.
US08029329B2
A drumming toy is provided as having a center drumming apparatus and a pair of side drumming apparatus. The center drumming apparatus includes movable drumming pads with switches that activate when the pads are pressed downwardly. The activation controls sounds. The side drumming apparatuses include controlled drumming hands that act like or connect with a side drum. The controlled drumming hands movements are directed by an integrated circuit which controls the movement to mimic the pressing of the pads.
US08029327B2
A display device includes a first fiber having a silicon layer or an oxide layer, on which an active element is formed on the surface of the fiber and a second fiber forming a combined one-dimensional substrate together with the first fiber by being combined with the first fiber and having light emitting layers formed on a plurality of domains of the device. The first fiber and the second fiber are respectively drawn out from take-up jigs, are cut in necessary lengths and separated into plural fibers, and these plural first or second fibers are mounted in parallel with each other on a fixing jig. In this state, at least one-side elements of active elements and passive elements are formed on the first or second fibers.
US08029316B2
A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable receiving end for receiving a cable and a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body. The nut includes a flanged head portion at its forward end and a tubular body portion extending rearwardly from the head portion over the connector body and terminating adjacent the rearward cable receiving end of the connector body. The flanged head portion is radially enlarged, having an outer diameter greater than a maximum outer diameter of the tubular body portion, and the tubular body portion preferably surrounds more than half the length of the connector body.
US08029313B2
An interconnect for connecting a needle electrode to a neurological testing device, the interconnect comprising: a needle-side connector and a device-side connector, wherein the needle-side connector and the device-side connector have complementary aspects so as to ensure that the correct needle electrode is used with a given neurological testing device.
US08029312B2
A plug-and-socket connector with a base strip for a printed circuit board connection and with a male connector having a socket housing projecting on its insertion side having a right-angle cross-sectional base form and opposite longitudinal sides corresponding to this base form and a front side between them. Insertion openings of plug receivers for contact elements are arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the front side. The plug receivers are parallel extend to the front side and are permanently arranged on the base strip in an alignment corresponding to the insertion openings. A guide element for connecting the base strip to the male connector is provided in a mounted state of the male connector on the base strip between two insertion openings of the male connector and two plug receivers of the base strip corresponding to the two insertion openings.
US08029307B2
A male electrical connector comprising a housing having an abutment and a side. Male electrical contacts project from the abutment, the male electrical contacts are arranged for insertion into a standard 120 Volt female electrical connector. A fastener has a member. The member comprises a first end portion pivotally connected to the side of the housing and a second end portion defining an engaging surface. The engaging surface extends toward the male electrical contacts. The member is selectively pivotable between an engagement position wherein the engagement surface is positioned toward the male electrical contacts and a disengagement position wherein the engagement surface is positioned away from the electrical contacts.
US08029306B2
A plug module disposed at the end of a cable is used for assembling in a socket, and the socket has a connecting portion and a position limiting structure on the connecting portion. The plug module includes a body, a positioning element, and a sliding element. The body is connected with the connecting portion in a connecting direction. The positioning element disposed on the body is interfered the position limiting structure. The sliding element is slidingly disposed at a side of the body adjacent to the cable, and it is suited for driving the positioning element to release the interference between the positioning element and the position limiting structure.
US08029302B1
An ornamental strap with charging and data transmitting function is disclosed, The ornamental strap comprises: a data cable; a base; a data connector rotatably connected to the base; and a USB connector; wherein a positioning groove is provided between the data connector and the base; the data cable has one end connected to the data connector, and the other end bent and turned back to connect with the USB connector after passing through the positioning groove. Therefore, the data cable forms a loop at one end of the base such that it can be carried about and will not be lost easily, and further it can be used as an ornament.
US08029299B1
A cover unit for a USB flash disk, wherein a seat hole is provided at the middle position of a seat, an engaging structure with an elastic element is pivotally provided in the cover unit to provide restoring force, an engaging plate of the engaging structure can be extended into the opening of the USB connector, and by using protruding blocks provided on the engaging plate in matching with directional holes on the USB connector, the holes are covered by the blocks to seal the USB connector; meantime when a stopping plate on the engaging plate is pressed, engaging of the protruding blocks with the directional holes can be relieved, thereby the whole cover unit can be removed.
US08029296B2
A nonmetallic electrical contact or wiper composed of a composite carbon fiber material through which an electrical signal is terminated. The carbon fibers are arranged in and bonded into a multi-layer structure used to conduct a primary electrical signal. A nonwoven carbon fiber mat is used as one or more of the layers structure, which also includes one or layers of carbon fiber, aligned substantially in the same direction, and encapsulated within a matrix of electrometric material. This mat also improves an off-axis conductivity of the material and provides increased mechanical stability required for the fabrication of electrical contacts or wipers produced using this material.
US08029295B2
According to one embodiment, a connector for a composite structure includes at least one conducting element that is coupled to a node of an electrical circuit embedded in a composite structure. The composite structure has two opposing surfaces in which the conducting element is disposed essentially between the surfaces of the composite structure.
US08029289B2
This invention is directed toward a map overlaying a lighted display box. The map has a plurality of magnified eye holes though which a person can view lighted, magnified pictures or photographs. The map can be easily opened such that the pictures can be interchanged, such that a user may begin with a map containing generic, stock photos of various national parks, surf spots, or baseball stadiums, then, over time, as the user physically visits these locations he/she can replace the stock photos with personalized photos. The color of light can be changed as well once a location is visited, to give the user a sense of visual association and accomplishment.
US08029281B2
A separating ring having a body being a resilient bent open ring and having two bent side bars having distal ends and wedge legs formed respectively on the distal ends, the wedge legs being spearheaded and fit easily between adjacent teeth to allow dental operations to be carried out easily and without the need for wedges.
US08029278B1
An intra-oral whitening device that has a mouthpiece in which is embedded a flexible circuit board and arrays of spaced apart lamps. The mouthpiece has a curvature. The lamps may be light emitting diodes that generate electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the white and blue light spectrum and the infrared and ultraviolet light spectrum. The arrays are positioned to expose the facial and lingual sides of the teeth for whitening when the mouthpiece is positioned to fit upper and lower rows of teeth to be whitened within accommodating recesses. The flexible circuit board is flexed to exhibit a curvature that follows a curvature of the mouthpiece.
US08029262B2
A boundary lubricant film 1 is formed on a stamper 22 contact portion of a stationary mirror 21 and/or a stationary mirror 21 contact portion of the stamper 22. The boundary lubricant film 1 contains one of kinds of phosphate esters. A material is injected into a cavity 14. As a result, a disc substrate for an optical disc is molded.
US08029245B2
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US08029242B2
In a multi-blade fan provided with a plurality of notches in a blade edge in an outer side of each impeller blade, it is possible to direct an impeller blade outlet in a portion of the notches to a circumferential direction. Also, it is possible to direct an air flow blown out of the fan to the circumferential direction. Further, it is possible to effectively increase a pressure, by setting a projection protruding along a thickness direction of the impeller blade in a rear portion of each notch, in a pressure surface of the impeller blade receiving air pressure on the basis of rotation of the multi-blade fan.
US08029238B2
System for cooling a downstream cavity of a centrifugal compressor impeller in a turbomachine, this compressor being connected to a diffuser comprising a downstream annular flange, an annular plating being mounted coaxially around the flange of the diffuser and substantially extending over the entire axial dimension of the flange so as to define an annular ventilation passage fed with air which is cooler than the air exiting the centrifugal compressor.
US08029227B2
In a load port apparatus, a clearance is formed between an inner circumferential surface of an opening of the chamber and an outer circumferential surface of a door. The area of the clearance between the plate and the opening portion on a plane flush with an interior side of the chamber is larger than the area of the clearance between the plate and the opening portion on a plane flush with the exterior of the chamber. A fan located at an upper side of the chamber generates a first flow of air in the downward direction. The clearance generates a second flow of air from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the chamber. The second flow of air is generated by the difference in the area of the interior cross section of the clearance and area of the exterior cross section of the clearance.
US08029226B2
Linear semiconductor handling systems provide more balanced processing capacity using various techniques to provide increased processing capacity to relatively slow processes. This may include use of hexagonal vacuum chambers to provide additional facets for slow process modules, use of circulating process modules to provide more processing capacity at a single facet of a vacuum chamber, or the use of wide process modules having multiple processing sites. This approach may be used, for example, to balance processing capacity in a typical process that includes plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition steps and bevel etch steps.
US08029220B2
A blind rivet assembly for securing workpieces having aligned bores with the workpieces having an open surface at an open side and a blind surface at a blind side, the blind rivet assembly including a tubular shell having an enlarged shell head adapted to be in engagement with the open surface of the workpieces, a stem having an elongated shank with a stem head at the far end of the shank and having gripping means at the opposite end adapted to be gripped by an installation tool for application of an axial pulling force, and a placement ring having an near end and a far end, and having a pre-installation orientation and a post-installation orientation, wherein in the pre-installation orientation the placement ring is disposed around a ring receiving portion of the elongated shank, and the post-installation orientation is created by axially pulling the stem towards the open side of the workpieces with an axial pulling force that forces the placement ring into a through bore which causes the shell to deform outwards and form a blind head, and wherein upon continued axial pulling of the stem, the stem progressively moves into the shell until the stem encounters a stop shoulder, whereupon material of the stop shoulder is moved into a locking portion to arrest further movement of the stem, and whereupon increased axial force on the stem shears a portion of the stem on the open side at a shearable break-groove.
US08029219B2
Interlocking load dividers for a utility vehicle cargo box include a primary load divider with a plurality of notches in its top edge, and one or more secondary load dividers slidably interlocked to the primary load divider. Each secondary load divider has a downwardly facing L-hook interlocking with one of the notches such that the secondary load divider is perpendicular to the primary load divider.
US08029216B2
A chuck and an article are configured such that the article is releasably secured in the chuck. One of the chuck and article is provided with a crest and the other with a trough. When the article is secured to the chuck, the crest enters the trough so as help prevent slippage of one with respect to the other. The chuck may include a receiver having a tapered bore, a collet having a complementarily tapered outer surface, and a nut configured to be threadingly secured to a forward end of the receiver; the article may be a shank, such as a tool shank. An inner surface of the collet may be provided with a crest which is configured to fit into a trough formed on the shank. In a secured position, the shank is accommodated in the bore of the collect with the crest of the collet at least partially occupying the trough of the shank, thereby preventing movement of the shank relative to the collet, which itself is accommodated in the bore of the receiver.
US08029214B2
A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
US08029210B2
Methods and apparatus for the installation of VIV suppression during the S-Lay installation of a subsea pipeline. A locking member will be interposed between a pipe and a fairing rotatably mounted on the pipe, sufficient to bias the fairing against rotating. Upon marine application, the locking member will degrade, thereby releasing the fairing.
US08029207B2
A brush head device for cleaning an object with a cleaning fluid. The device includes a body assembly having an input port and a reservoir. The input port is configured to receive the cleaning fluid. The reservoir is configured to collect the cleaning fluid received by the input port. A valve assembly is disposed in the body member between the input port and the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a plurality of discrete flow control channels configured to regulate a flow of cleaning fluid between the input port and the reservoir. The valve assembly is actuatable between an OFF position and a plurality of discrete flow control positions. Each of the plurality of discrete flow control positions corresponds to one of the plurality of discrete flow control channels. A brush member is coupled to the body assembly and in fluidic communication with the reservoir. The brush member is configured to apply the cleaning fluid to the object.
US08029206B2
A pole apparatus for supporting and operating the push button of a spray can. The apparatus includes an elongated pole having a base end and a top end, a body member mounted at the top end of the pole, means for supporting the spray can from the body member, an actuation slide supported by the body member and including an actuation tab for engagement with the push button of the spray can, a biasing member for biasing the actuation slide to an un-actuated position and a cord that extends between the base and top ends of the pole for operating the slide member. The cord is operable by manually engaging the cord and moving the cord orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the pole to move the slide member so that the actuation tab operates the spray can push button.
US08029202B2
A printer, which prints by repeatedly reciprocating a rolled recording paper and ejects a printed recording paper, has therein a recording paper storage unit in which the recording paper is temporarily stored. The recording paper storage unit has a configuration formed by at least a part of the periphery of the rolled recording paper or a configuration provided in a space between the rolled paper holder and an ejection slot. This configuration eliminates the need for separately providing a configuration in which a recording paper is set aside when printing a long sheet of printed material and, at the same time, makes the printer smaller.
US08029199B1
A camera lens holder configured to hold a camera lens when the lens is not attached to a camera body. The camera lens holder includes a back plate and an adapter plate associated with the back plate. The back plate and adapter plate may be movably connected with a hinge. The lens holder also includes a lens mount configured to engage with a camera lens associated with the adapter plate. The camera lens holder may include a lens release mechanism to selectively prohibit or allow the removal of a camera lens which has been engaged with the lens mount. Also disclosed is a lens holding system and a method of holding a spare camera lens.
US08029194B2
A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.
US08029192B2
A bag comprises a sheath which includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion joined longitudinally by gusseted sidewalls portions which define the bag volume. The sheath has gusseted regions having a first sheath thickness and a non-gusseted region between the gusseted regions having a second different sheath thickness. The bag also includes a first handle disposed on the exterior surface of the first wall portion at the first end of the bag and a second handle disposed on the exterior surface of the first wall portion at the second end of the bag. The first handle and second handle have outer regions having a first sheet thickness and an inner region having a second different sheet thickness. The sum of the first sheath thickness and the first sheet thickness is equal to the sum of the second sheath thickness and the second sheet thickness.
US08029189B2
The present invention relates to a computer and a method of monitoring wind resistance changes. The computer comprises a wind resistance change monitoring device, the device comprising: one or more first temperature sensors, located at one or more positions inside the computer where an actual ambient temperature can be monitored, and configured to sense one or more ambient temperatures as first temperature; one or more heaters, located at the front end of a cooling duct of the computer, and configured to work at a rated power; one or more second temperature sensors, located corresponding to the one or more heaters, and configured to sense one or more temperatures of the one or more heaters as second temperature; and a control module configured to determine whether the wind resistance of the computer has changed or not based on a comparison of the relationship between the first and second temperature with the relationship between a predetermined ambient temperature and a predetermined heater temperature.
US08029188B2
A temperature sensor for an automobile is disclosed. The temperature sensor includes a conductive sensor body including a bottom wall, an insulative connector housing coupled to the sensor body, first and second terminals provided inside the connector housing, which have lower contact portions, a ceramic element mounted near the bottom wall in the sensor body for detecting temperature, which has lower and upper electrode surfaces, and a connecting disc mounted on the ceramic element, which has lower and upper connecting surfaces. The lower electrode surface of the ceramic element is attached to the bottom wall by a conductive adhesive layer and grounded to the sensor body. The upper electrode surface of the ceramic element is electrically connected to the lower contact portion of the first terminal through the lower and upper connecting surfaces of the connecting disc. The lower contact portion of the second terminal contacts the sensor body.
US08029184B2
The invention relates to an apparatus suitable for preparing a variety of emulsion type of food products. The apparatus comprises a source unit (a) for components that are used to make a base product and a source unit (b) for post-added ingredients. It is preferred that the apparatus comprises separate mixers for each family of post-added ingredients.
US08029182B2
An LED night light includes a liquid optics medium arrangement that lets visible wavelength light beams pass through the liquid optics medium to a viewer. The liquid optics medium may include miniature floating objects made from textile, metal, plastic, porcelain, ceramic, dry flower, wood, plants, and/or potpourri in the shape of toys, stuffed animals, blow-molded units, seasonal items, dolls, etc. for a variety of gift, toy, sports, seasonal, or holiday applications. The night light may further incorporate a heater element to cause the liquid medium to flow and cause movement of the miniatures.
US08029179B2
Laser lights emitted from a light source 30 are diffused in a direction parallel to main surfaces of a light guide plate 9 by a one-dimensional diffuser 5. The diffused laser lights are converted to parallel lights by a first cylindrical lens 6, and are then converged in a direction of the thickness of the light guide plate 9 by a second cylindrical lens 7. The converged laser lights are reflected 90 degrees twice by a mirror 8, and are guided to a side surface of the light guide plate 9.
US08029178B2
A fighting system comprising: a light harness; and a fiber optic light pipe having a body with an outer diameter, and a jacket that substantially covers the entire length thereof between a proximal and distal end about the outer diameter; where said proximal end is cooperatively connected to said light harness; said second end is cooperatively connected to a diverging lens yielding an output of light.
US08029171B2
A fixing structure of a light emitting diode includes an opening part formed in the fixing plate, the opening part being where the light emitting diode is inserted and extending in a fixing direction perpendicular to an inserting direction; a first engaging part configured to engage one of a surface and a rear surface of the brim part in a state where the light emitting diode is fixed; a second engaging part configured to engage another one of the surface and the rear surface of the brim part in the state where the light emitting diode is fixed; and a third engaging part configured to engage the light emitting part of the light emitting diode in the state where the light emitting diode is fixed so that detachment of the light emitting diode in a direction opposite to the fixing direction is prevented.
US08029166B2
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
US08029165B2
LEDs are mounted onto a flat, thermally conductive, substrate, which is folded to form a light recycling cavity. A planar substrate is first coated with a metal layer, which is patterned to electrically connect the LEDs and to form bonding pads for wirebonds to connect the LEDs to external circuitry. The LEDs are mounted on the substrate. The substrate is then scribed on the backside to form the folds. The LED dies are then attached onto the metal islands (pads) defined on the substrate and wirebonds are used to connect the top side of the LED to adjacent patterned metal islands (pads) on the substrate. The substrate is then folded into a light recycling cavity where the LEDs are facing the inside of the cavity.
US08029162B2
A light source is disclosed. For example, the light source includes an enclosure forming an internal volume, the enclosure having at least one side, a top and a bottom. At least one light emitting diode (LED) may be deployed within the internal volume of the enclosure. Optionally, an optic may be coupled to each one of the at least one LEDs. The light source also includes a potting compound surrounding said at least one LED and substantially filling said internal volume or covering said top of said enclosure and substantially sealing said enclosure.
US08029157B2
In an embodiment, a light refraction illumination device is disclosed. The light refraction illumination device may comprise or include a support member, and a plurality of lenses associated with the support member, wherein each lens from among the plurality of lenses may comprise or include a plurality of concave surfaces. The light refraction illumination device may further comprise or include at least one light source associated with the support member, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit light, and wherein the at least one light source is positioned relative to the plurality of lenses such that the light is configured to travel through the plurality of concave surfaces.
US08029152B2
A package includes a base body having a mounting portion for mounting a light-emitting device, a frame-shaped first reflection member attached to the upper surface of the base body, an inner peripheral surface of which is shaped into a first light reflecting surface and surrounds the mounting portion, and a frame-shaped second reflection member attached to the upper surface of the base body, with a spacing secured between an inner peripheral surface of the second reflection member and an outer peripheral surface of the first reflection member, the inner peripheral surface surrounding the first reflection member and having a second light reflecting surface at a location above an upper end of the first reflection member.
US08029146B2
A light source device which produces illumination light for illuminating a target illumination area on a predetermined light receiving surface includes: a light source which emits light; a superimposing illumination element which superimposes the light emitted from the light source and applies the light to the target illumination area; an optical path converting unit disposed on an optical path between the light source and the superimposing illumination element to convert the optical path of the light emitted from the light source and supply the light having the converted optical path to the superimposing illumination element; and a shift unit which shifts the optical path converting unit.
US08029139B2
A 2D/3D switchable display system having a selector for selecting a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) image processing path; a first processor for processing image data through the two-dimensional image processing path; a second processor, independent of the first processor, for processing image data through the three dimensional image processing path; a first set of at least three emitters having corresponding first wavelengths; a second set of at least three emitters having corresponding second wavelengths; and a controller that during a 2D operation activates both first and second sets of emitters to present a single image, while during a 3D operation activates the first set of emitters to present a first image having one half of stereo image information and activates the second set of emitters to present a second image having a second half of stereo image information.
US08029138B2
A method is provided for stimulating a motion-detecting visual pathway of a subject. A subject is tasked with fixating on a central stimulus displayed on a computer-driven display. While the subject is visually fixated, a peripheral stimulus is presented on the display. At least one characteristic of the peripheral stimulus is altered so as to trigger the motion-sensitive visual pathway of the subject. The altered characteristic may be the spatial locus, size, pattern, luminosity or hue of the stimulus. The altered and base stimulus may be alternately displayed in a cyclical manner to sustain the display of a dynamic peripheral stimulus. While alternately displaying the base and altered stimulus, the subject's response, indicative of their detection of the stimulus, may be monitored and recorded. The dynamic peripheral stimulus may be, for example, a repetitively translating object, or a repetitively blinking object.
US08029136B2
A device for correcting visual defects of an eye comprises a coherent light source, a beam modification device for shaping and deflecting a beam of the coherent light source, and a wavefront analyzer device for analyzing a wavefront of an optical path in the eye.
US08029131B2
The present invention discloses glasses comprising an invertible nose bridge and invertible temples. The glasses can be worn in two manners by rotating the glasses 180 degrees in the plane of the lens or lenses. The lenses are asymmetrical along an axis which is drawn through the nose bridge. The invention additionally discloses an invertible nose bridge characterized in that it comprises two recesses into which the nose fits.
US08029130B2
A hand-held printer comprises an elongate body defining an ink ejection slot through which ink is ejected; an ink cartridge received in the body and defining a plurality of ink reservoirs storing respective types of ink; a movement sensor for sensing movement of the printhead module along print media; a printhead module in fluid communication with respective ink reservoirs, the printhead module including a printhead for ejecting ink through the ink ejection slot in accordance with the movement sensed by the movement sensor; and a capping device movable to expose or cover the printhead, the capping device including an elastomeric pad at an end thereof positioned to be in contact with nozzles of the printhead when the capping device covers the printhead.
US08029128B2
A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole.
US08029126B2
A disclosed image forming apparatus has a recording head for ejecting droplets of recording liquid and forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes a decurling unit configured to perform decurling of the recording medium and adjusts the decurling of the recording medium based on a first information piece about the degree of curl of the recording medium and a second information piece about a subsequent recording medium on which an image is to be formed after the image is formed on the recording medium.
US08029124B2
System and method for encapsulating edges of a paper in digital printing systems. A spray applicator can include a set of stationary sprayers with spray nozzles, a set of transfer rollers and an inkjet print head. The stationary sprayers can be positioned at both marginal ends of the paper. The stationary sprayers apply the fluid through the spray nozzles at edges of the moving paper to encapsulate the edges of the paper such that loose paper fibers and debris are bound to the paper. The fluid can be applied when the transfer rollers can pass the moving paper through a printer or printing press. Thus, the system can protect various subsystems of the printer or printing press against contamination due to the loose paper fibers and debris.
US08029114B2
Method of using a container for housing and transporting ink cartridges and for collecting waste ink
A method of using a container for a phase change ink cartridge includes inserting the cartridge in the container, transporting the container with the inserted cartridge to an ink jet printer, taking the cartridge out of the container and operatively connecting the cartridge to the printer, and operatively connecting the container to the printer to enable collecting of waste ink produced by the printer in the container. A container for a phase change ink cartridge is also provided for use in a phase change ink jet printer. The container has an inner shape and an outer shape. The inner shape constitutes a fitting enclosure for the cartridge and the outer shape provides a profile for operatively engaging a matching profile of the ink jet printer hardware.
US08029107B2
An ink jet printhead has a plurality of nozzles and a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively. The bubble forming chambers are adapted to contain a bubble forming liquid and a heater element is disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers respectively. The heater elements are configured for thermal contact with the bubble forming liquid and, a pair of electrodes for each of the heater elements are positioned adjacent each other such that the heater element provides a single current path between the electrodes of each pair. Each of the heater elements has a double omega shape in which a smaller, inner omega shape is concentric with, and encircled by, a larger, outer omega shape.
US08029105B2
A method of treating a printer component, a printhead, and a printer are provided. The method includes providing an electrode proximate to the printer component to be treated; introducing a plasma treatment gas in an area proximate to the printer component to be treated; and treating the printer component by applying power to the electrode thereby producing a micro-scale plasma at near atmospheric pressure, the micro-scale plasma acting on the printer component.
US08029093B2
An image forming apparatus includes a reference surface that is partitioned into an array of chambers; an image forming head for forming an image on a media; and a source of negative pressure. The array of chambers is in fluid communication with the source of negative pressure. An overprint trough is positioned neighboring the array of chambers. The overprint trough includes a side wall with a plurality of vent holes to direct airborne ink mist produced by the image forming head away from a back side of the media.
US08029092B2
The invention prevents and suppresses wasteful expenditure of ink which occurs when recovering nozzles. In greater detail, a plurality of head units arranged in a direction which intersects a transportation direction of a printing medium is provided, a plurality of cleaning units is disposed to face the plurality of head units, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning units is selected and moved so as to be in close contact with the corresponding cleaning unit. By such a method, only the cleaning head unit which faces the head unit of which nozzles need to be recovered is selected and is brought into contact with the head unit, and liquid is sucked in from the nozzles of the head unit.
US08029090B2
An image forming method including: forming a liquid receiving particle layer on an intermediate transfer member using a liquid receiving particle that is capable of receiving a recording liquid including a recording material; forming an image of the recording material on a surface of the liquid receiving particle layer by applying a liquid droplet of the recording liquid to the liquid receiving particle layer on the basis of image data and holding the recording material on the surface of the liquid receiving particle layer on the intermediate transfer member; applying a transfer auxiliary liquid in at least a portion of a formation range of the image; and transferring the liquid receiving particle layer to which the recording liquid is applied to a transfer receiving member from the intermediate transfer member, such that the image is interposed between the transfer receiving member and the liquid receiving particle layer is provided.
US08029087B2
A droplet ejection apparatus includes: a treatment liquid deposition device which deposits treatment liquid aggregating ink onto a medium; an ink droplet ejection device which ejects droplets of ink onto the medium on which the treatment liquid has been deposited; and a droplet ejection correction device which corrects a droplet ejection volume of the ink droplet ejection device in accordance with distribution of the treatment liquid on the medium.
US08029086B2
A printing device includes first and second print heads, first and second print head control units, a first print head feeding unit moving the first print head in a main scanning direction, a second print head feeding unit moving the second print head in the main scanning direction, a first medium feeding unit moving a first medium holding unit in an auxiliary scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, a second medium feeding unit moving a second medium holding unit in the auxiliary scanning direction in parallel with the movement of the first medium feeding unit, a first printing unit control unit (controlling the first print head control unit, the first print head feeding unit and the first medium feeding unit), and a second printing unit control unit (controlling the second print head control unit, the second print head feeding unit and the second medium feeding unit).
US08029076B2
A jewelry storage system for storing and allowing access to and removal of jewelry pieces includes a jewelry cabinet and a stand. The jewelry cabinet defines an interior space for holding jewelry items. The jewelry cabinet includes a box frame and a door connected to the box frame wherein the door extends substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall. A plurality of jewelry storage elements are attached within the interior space. In one embodiment, a stand is configured to receive the jewelry cabinet to hold the jewelry cabinet in an upright position so that the back wall of the jewelry cabinet forms an angle from the horizontal.
US08029071B2
A take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes at least a first, a second and a third wheel part operatively connected together to form the take apart vehicle wheel assembly. A first one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. A second one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes to enable stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the first one and the second one of the first, second and third wheel parts together.
US08029067B2
A cushion body which has a force to support a large load and both a soft touch feeling and can maintain an undulation shape of a groove portion and the like provided on a contact surface with a seat occupant favorable, a seat using the same, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided.
US08029056B2
A coupling arm presses a first or second arm of a swing member, connected to a frame of a seat back, by an occupant's backrest load caused by a rear-end collision of a vehicle to pivotally move the swing member. The swing member has a first arm receiving a first backrest load via the coupling arm and a second arm receiving a second backrest load, which is larger than the first backrest load, via the coupling arm. A distance between the first arm and a rotation center of the swing member is longer than a distance between the second and the rotation center of the swing member.
US08029055B2
A head restraint for a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a head restraint subsection and a driving device. The head restraint subsection is movable from a use position to a safety position, while the driving device is configured to move the head restraint subsection from the use position to the safety position. The driving device includes at least two components which are movable with respect to each other under the action of a first force. At least one component has an oblique surface which acts on the other component and is inclined in relation to a direction of the first force. Movement of the at least one component under the action of the first force transmits a second force on the other component in a direction different than the first force.
US08029053B2
High chairs and methods to use high chairs are disclosed. An example high chair includes a frame and a seat, wherein the seat defines a slot and is shaped to funnel spills toward the slot.
US08029039B2
A roof locking apparatus for a vehicle (70) is provided in a vehicle body and operable to hold a middle portion with respect to a vehicle width direction of a front edge of the roof (2) within a storage space (7).
US08029023B2
A method and a device are provided for contamination-free and/or sterile sealing between two interconnectable connecting elements having opposing openings. Interconnection allows transfer of a fluid between the openings. Sealing elements are arranged on the connecting elements around the openings, and protective films are provided, covering the sealing elements and the openings and adapted to be removed in the final interconnection. The sealing elements are each provided with at least one recess which extends wholly or partly around the associated opening and receives a gas. In use the sealing elements are moved into engagement with each other, interleaved with the protective films, to reduce the volume of the recesses and, thus, increase the pressure of the gas therein. During removal of the protective films, the gas flows out of the recesses to the environment to prevent penetration of contamination into the openings.
US08029022B2
A fuel tank has a primary sump and secondary sump. A first vent valve and a second vent valve are disposed within the fuel tank. The first vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the primary sump is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the secondary sump is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level in a refueling procedure.
US08029007B2
The present invention is a passenger assembly for a stroller and is adaptable to almost any stroller and is capable of practice in numerous embodiments. The preferred embodiment features a chassis mounted platform with adjustable mounting arms. A mounting mechanism is located at the terminus of each arm and is attachable and removable from the stroller frame with the passenger assembly. A number of potential mounting mechanisms are disclosed. An extension handle is provided to allow users greater control of the stroller from a distance further than normal, as the assembly occupies the position proximate the stroller, where the user ordinarily stands. Modules are capable of addition to the assembly, such as a seat or basket, or a stow strap for securement of the assembly when not in use.
US08029004B2
A snowmobile ski has an upturned front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. A longitudinally extending rib protrudes from a top of the middle portion and is laterally spaced from a longitudinal centerline of the ski. An aperture is disposed in the longitudinally extending rib for permitting attachment of the ski to a snowmobile. A ramp extends from a first point to at least a second point. The first point is disposed longitudinally between the front portion and the aperture, and closer to the top of the middle portion than the aperture. The second point is disposed longitudinally between the first point and the rear portion, and further away from the top of the middle portion than a lower end of the aperture. The longitudinally extending rib is disposed between the longitudinal centerline and the ramp. A snowmobile having a pair of the above-described skis is also described.
US08029002B2
An inner and an outer spring plate are disposed, in a radially spaced relationship from one another, on a spring strut cylinder. In a first springing position (normal position), the helical spring is supported with a turn region of small diameter against the inner spring plate. In a second springing position (sports position) of the helical spring, the latter is supported with a turn region of larger diameter against the outer spring plate.
US08028998B2
In order to provide a radial seal for sealing between a first component arranged radially inside the radial seal and a second component arranged radially outside the seal, which is suitable for sealing between two components, of which at least one has a non-rotationally symmetrical contact face for the radial seal, it is proposed that the radial seal comprises a non-rotationally symmetrical sealing body with an inner sealing face for application to the first component and an outer sealing face for application to the second component, a first reinforcement element, which supports the inner sealing face against a pressing force acting radially outwardly and a second reinforcement element, which supports the outer sealing face against a pressing force acting radially inwardly.
US08028988B2
A method includes receiving a sheet of material at a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to measure a property of the sheet. The method also includes stabilizing the sheet with respect to the sensor using a guide roller. Stabilizing the sheet includes using the guide roller to remove at least a portion of a first boundary layer of air moving towards the guide roller and to reform at least a portion of a second boundary layer of air moving away from the guide roller. For example, the guide roller could include a plurality of grooves or openings in a surface of the guide roller, or the guide roller could include a plurality of rings spaced apart from one another. Air could move from one side of the guide roller to another side of the guide roller through the grooves, through the openings, or between the rings.
US08028982B2
The present teachings relate to techniques and equipment to insert documents into either letter envelopes or flat mail envelopes on the same dual mode mailing inserter without the need to do machine setup between letter and flat mail envelope insertion. The dual mode mail inserting machine is configured to accept documents from a printer that are designed for insertion into flat mail envelope. If a document plus its inserts and envelope weighs less than a predetermined weight, the document will be diverted from the normal flat mail path to a second inserter and output section.
US08028972B2
Even when a gate valve for a vacuum apparatus used in a vapor deposition apparatus is in an open position, reliability of keeping a vapor deposition chamber vacuum can be improved by protecting an inner wall surface of a valve casing and a sealing member of a valve body against a vapor of a vapor deposition material. A gate valve (1) for a vacuum apparatus (50) is used as a gate valve for an electron gun (52). When the valve is in a closed position, as with the related art technique, a valve body (3) detaches an electron gun (52) part from a vapor deposition chamber (51). On the other hand, when the valve is in an open position, a valve chamber (15) is separated from the vapor deposition chamber (51) by inserting a cylindrical movable shield (22) into the valve chamber (15) to prevent the inner wall surface of a valve casing (2) and a sealing member (5,6,7) of the valve body (3) from being exposed to vapor in the vapor deposition chamber (51), with the result that they are protected against the deposition of a deposition material (MgO) (81).
US08028971B2
An electromagnetic safety valve that includes a reel, a support that has a first segment that is inserted in the interior of the reel and which acts as a fixed core, a movable core that moves in the interior of the reel, a sealing member connected to one end of the movable core that opens a passage of gas overcoming the opposition of a spring when the valve is energised, and a casing that encloses the reel. The support has a second segment that includes a base upon which the reel is supported, the base including axial through holes for the respective passage of a phase wire and a mass wire. The second segment also includes a coaxial housing wherein a male terminal is inserted.
US08028967B2
A device and a method for mounting a turbine engine, e.g., a gas turbine system, are described, in which a rotor unit is mounted to rotate inside a stationary external housing, having at least two supports for taking up the weight of the turbine engine, these supports being arranged at a spacing from one another in an axial longitudinal direction in relation to the external housing and at one side being articulated directly or indirectly on the external housing and at the other being supported directly or indirectly on a base frame. At least one support provides at least one support face which is supported exclusively in partial regions on at least two support plate elements. The at least one support face of the support is in operational engagement with the base frame by way of the support plate elements.
US08028961B2
A vital programmable logic device (VPD) is provided having at least two microprocessors. The VPD is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system while operating in a closed circuit environment. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, railroad grade crossing signals are controlled by the VPD.
US08028960B2
An aircraft flight deck includes: first and second seats disposed side-by-side longitudinally in a flying direction of an aircraft, and separated by a central pedestal; control or display elements distributed ergonomically in the flight deck; and a third seat disposed longitudinally in the flying direction, located behind the first and second seats, and at a rear of the central pedestal. The central pedestal includes: a connecting device for the display elements, a control device dedicated to a third crew member and disposed at a side of the third seat; and display or control elements dedicated to tasks other than piloting, and visible and accessible from the three seats.
US08028955B2
A reduced-volume landing gear casing for the landing gear of an aircraft including a box structure to which the landing gear is fixed and which takes up the loads acting thereon. The box structure can include, in particular, means for receiving the fixing bearings of the landing gear.
US08028954B2
The invention relates to an architecture for a hydraulic system for operating the landing gear of an aircraft including at least one pressure source and at least one hydraulic return, the system having a hydraulic circuit comprising a first hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the landing gear to be lowered, and a second hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the landing gear to be raised, said lines being selectively pressurized by means of a hydraulic distribution member comprising at least an isolation valve and a selector for putting one of the lines into communication with pressure and the other line into communication with return. According to the invention, the architecture includes passive bypass means for bypassing the selector, said means being disposed between the second line and an admission line that extends between the isolation valve and the selector, and forced return connection means for forcing the isolation valve to isolate the pressure circuit of the aircraft and connect the admission line to return.
US08028949B2
In a webbing take-up device 10, a worm gear 34, which is connected to a motor 44, engages with a gear wheel 32, and when the worm gear 34 rotates, driving force is transmitted via the gear wheel 32 and a clutch 26, whereby a take-up shaft 20 is rotated in a take-up direction. Helix angles of teeth of the worm gear 34 and the gear wheel 32 are set so that thrust force generated at this time along the axial direction of the gear wheel 32 faces a leg plate 16 fixed side of a case 30. Accordingly, because the thrust force acts on the leg plate 16 fixed side of the case 30, i.e., on a frame 12, there is no need to provide the case 30 or a cover clutch 31 with high strength and rigidity.
US08028948B1
A fishing spool line control system includes a cutter housing attached to an annular elastic cloth band that fits around and covers fishing line on a spool. Fishing line, such as tippet, is fed from the spool through a hole in the rear of the cutter housing, and is cut to desired length by a blade in the front of the cutter housing. A thumb rest behind the blade allows pressure to be placed on the cutter housing, allowing safer, easier, and more accurate cutting of the fishing line.
US08028935B2
A showerhead for a low flow rate may employ one or more of a showerhead housing, a showerhead engine, a flow restrictor and a flow regulation device. The showerhead engine may be moveably connected to the showerhead housing. The showerhead engine may include a back member, an intermediate member, and a front member defining various fluid chambers and apertures that allow for one or more spray modes. The showerhead may include a flow control device to selectively reduce flow to the showerhead engine. The flow control device may also be selectively pause fluid flow for more than one spray mode. The showerhead may include a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may limit a maximum fluid flow rate of a fluid delivered from the showerhead engine to approximately 1.5 gallons per minute.
US08028932B2
A rotary, nutating sprinkler head includes a housing supporting a nozzle; a starter tube axially adjacent the nozzle and extending in a downstream direction, concentric with a vertical center axis of the sprinkler head. A spool assembly is loosely supported on the starter tube, the spool assembly including a double-flanged spool and a water-deflection plate carried by the spool, the water-deflection plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to cause the spool assembly to rotate when impinged upon by a stream emitted from the nozzle. Either the starter tube or the spool is provided with at least one tilting lug located to keep the spool assembly in a tilted or angularly offset orientation relative to the vertical center axis, thereby facilitating a wobbling action of the spool assembly during rotation.
US08028927B2
The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a plurality of scrolling means operatively connected to the sprayer, where the spray system offers added controllability and operability. Also provided is a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system of the present invention.
US08028918B2
Laser power monitoring arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards. An auxiliary light detector independently monitors the output power of a laser beam, and directly receives a portion of the laser beam reflected from an optical assembly operative for optically modifying the laser beam.
US08028908B2
A system and method for managing data rights is disclosed. A label associated with a data object is received and one or more predefined rules for the conversion of the label to a universal label having a universal format. The label is converted into the universal label at least in part by electronically mapping information associated with the label to one or more data fields associated with the universal label based at least in part on the one or more predefined rules.
US08028905B2
In accordance with an embodiment, a system and method for verifying presence at a vendor location is defined. Preferably, an identification tag is coupled to a device, and the identification tag is operable to transmit a unique user identifier representing the user in possession of the device. The identification tag preferably includes a low frequency RFID device. Further, an identification tag reader is provided that is operable to receive from the identification tag the user identifier. The identification tag reader is preferably placed at a location of a vendor. Further, a computing device is provided that is operable to receive the user identifier from the identification tag reader. The computing device is further operable to receive from the identification tag reader a vendor identifier representing the vendor location, and is still further operable to receive a time identifier representing a time when the identification tag reader received the user identifier from the identification tag. Preferably, a database is also provided that stores the user identifier, the vendor identifier and the time identifiers with a plurality of other user identifiers, other vendor identifiers and other time identifiers. The computing device determines the name of the user and the name of the vendor as a function of the user identifier and the vendor identifier.
US08028894B2
A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate comprises user information and coded data. The coded data is indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The system includes an optically imaging sensing device for sensing the coded data and generating interaction data. Receipt of the interaction data by a computer system causes the computer system to identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; determine whether the sensing device is positioned within a zone of a hyperlink on the substrate; and (i) if the sensing device is positioned within the zone of the hyperlink: send a hyperlink URI or a hyperlinked resource corresponding to the hyperlink to the user; or (ii) if the sensing device is positioned outside the zone of the hyperlink: generate a query expression, form a request and send search results to the user.
US08028886B2
A bonding tool comprises: a horn which transmits an ultrasonic vibration; a ultrasonic transducer which is provided on one end of the horn, and produces the ultrasonic vibration; a heater disposition part, in which a heater is disposed, which is provided between the one end of the horn and the other end of the horn; a bonding action part which is provided between the one end of the horn and the other end of the horn, holds an electronic component, and is heated by the heater; a first cooling part, through which a fluid flows, which is provided between the heater disposition part and the one end of the horn; and a second cooling part, through which a fluid flows, which is provided between the heater disposition part and the other end of the horn.
US08028885B2
A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having at least one actuation assembly to effect a surgical procedure when actuated, an electric motor operationally connected to the end effector to operate the at least one actuation assembly, and a power supply electrically connected to the motor and selectively powering the motor to actuate the actuation assembly. The power supply has a battery cell with a critical current rate and, when activated to power the motor and actuate the actuation assembly, operates the cell at a super-critical current rate or at an average current rate above the critical current rate. The power supply selectively powers the motor to actuate the assembly less than 16 times during a clinical life of at least one of the end effector, the motor, and the power supply. When actuated, the assembly operates only between 0.5 seconds and 16 seconds in duration.
US08028881B2
A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a housing with an upper housing portion, a middle housing portion, and a side housing portion extending between the upper housing portion and the middle housing portion, a drive cylinder configured to vent within the housing, an air passage extending through the housing and including a mouth at the upper housing portion, and a strike plate extending over the upper housing portion and including a top portion positioned apart from the upper housing portion, and a first side extension extending downwardly from the top portion along the side housing portion to a location above and spaced apart from an outwardly extending first surface of the middle housing portion.
US08028876B2
A lockable glovebox cover unit is configured for mating engagement with a frame mounted on a motorcycle. The unit includes a rigid cover element presenting a front and back. Portions of the back extend outward. A locking apparatus is received through the cover and includes a rotatable latch on the back of the cover element. When the latch is placed in the locked position access to the interior of the glovebox is not possible.A keyhole is formed on the front of the cover element for access to the interior of the glovebox. Additionally, the cover unit may also be removed from the frame when unlocked.The cover element is preferably made of a synthetic resin. In particularly preferred embodiments the cover unit includes a metal flange affixed to lower portions on the back of the cover. The flange is adapted for mating, gripping engagement to the frame.
US08028875B2
A vehicle article carrier system having a pair of swingable cross bars. The cross bars can be placed in a first configuration in which they extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. They can easily be released and re-secured in a different configuration wherein they take the form of low profile side rails. A particular advantage is that when the cross bars are moved into their positions perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, each of the cross bars is raised to an elevated position. This provides additional clearance above the outer body surface for articles being supported on the cross bars.
US08028860B2
The liquid-containing bag is produced integrally from two sheets (4; 5) which are welded to on another along the edge region (3), and the bag forms two chambers (6; 7) which are separated from one another by a separating strip (8). A drinking or dispensing spout (2) is welded with sealing action in the separating strip (8), in which case this connects the two chambers (6, 7) in the open state, the one bag chamber (6) being intended for receiving the liquid, while the other bag chamber (7), as a protective chamber, encompasses the outer spout end (9) and encloses the same with sealing action.
US08028857B2
A beverage dispensing assembly and a method for dispensing a beverage are provided in which a collapsible container provided with a base unit is mounted on a substantially flat base part of a dispensing assembly with the outlet of the container facing downwards. A free end of a dispensing tube is arranged at a closed dispensing tap located outside the dispensing assembly, and a hollow piercer connected to the dispensing tube is aligned with the outlet of the collapsible container. A cover is mounted on the base part in a hermetically sealed manner to form a pressure chamber between the collapsible container, the base unit, the base part and the cover. An increased pressure is provided in the pressure chamber, and the beverage is dispensed after the piercer has pierced the outlet of the container by opening the dispensing tap.
US08028848B2
A container and closure package to provide secure threaded attachment of the closure to the container in a predetermined orientation and inhibits removal of the closure. A container neck finish has an external thread and an external annular ledge or flange therebelow having external locking recesses or notches. A closure includes an inner annular wall adapted for threaded engagement on the neck finish. A closure outer annular skirt wall inhibits tampering access to an intermediate annular locking lug wall disposed concentrically between the inner and outer skirt walls. Locking lugs protrude radially inwardly from the inner periphery of the intermediate annular wall and are disposed for snap receipt into the ledge locking notches as the closure is fully threaded onto the container neck finish.
US08028843B2
A shift and scan test tube rack apparatus and method comprised of an array of initially aligned racks each comprised of a row of spaced apart receptacles each having a receptacle window through which a barcode on a received barcode labeled test tube is viewable and each rack further comprised of a plurality of line of sight windows each interposed between two adjacent spaced apart receptacles, and a shifting device for individually shifting any one of the racks in the array of initially aligned racks to a shifted position that allows a plurality of the receptacle windows in the shifted rack to be viewed through the plurality of line of sight windows in the remaining aligned racks for reading barcodes on barcode labeled test tubes received in the shifted rack.
US08028839B2
A combination shipping and dispensing carton contains a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and are overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton is for shipping articles to the point of sale vendor and can be converted to a dispensing carton that displays the articles and allows removal of the articles from the carton.
US08028827B2
The invention relates to a packaging for an ophthalmic lens (100) that comprises a box (200) and a lens holder (300) inside the closed box. The holder includes at least one flexible portion (305) that is bent by the lid (202) of the box when said lid is closed. The portion thus bent bears against a peripheral edge (B) of the lens in order to maintain said lens at a distance from the lid inside the box. A convex face (S1) of the lens in the box is thus protected against any damage.
US08028826B1
An improved 25 mm linked cartridge IM ammunition storage system, using existing ammunition cans, that simplifies the design of the storage system, and utilizes standoffs to separate the base of each cartridge from the ends of the ammunition can—thereby allowing the cartridges base IM venting system to vent properly, avoiding pressure build-up, and reducing the risk of explosion or detonation of the propellant.
US08028825B2
Handling device of the present invention includes spaced-out transverse bars connected through their ends to endless lateral drive chains made of links. The chains include a series of flexible links connected through bars.
US08028824B2
A replacement roller support assembly allows repairing of a conveyor roller support system begins with removing at lease one system roller support from the system base. Next a replacement roller support assembly includes an assembly base with an opening and assembly roller support above each opening for each system roller support removed. The replacement roller support assembly is positioned with the opening and the assembly roller support aligned with the location of the removed roller supports of the system. The support assembly is secured to the system base and the roller is attached to the assembly roller support.
US08028815B2
A conveying device for objects, in particular for bottles, having a first conveyor, a second conveyor and an intermediate buffer communicating with said first and second conveyors via a first transfer site. In order to increase the flexibility of such a conveying device, the first and second conveyors are connected to the buffer separately from one another via a respective first transfer site. Also, a switchable intermediate conveyor is provided, which bypasses the buffer and which is in conveying connection with the first and second conveyors via a respective second transfer site.
US08028811B2
The invention relates to a process for releasing at least one spring accumulator brake (10), which is operated by a pressure medium and which is connected to a brake-release-pressure-supply-circuit (63) in normal operation for impact with a brake release pressure and which, in service operation, is detached from the circuit (63) in case of failure of the brake release pressure and is released through a pressure medium source (37) against the spring force of the spring accumulator. To develop the process in such a way that the risk of an accident taking place reduces after the brake release pressure has failed, it has been proposed in the invention that at least one brake (10) gets re-connected automatically with the circuit (63) when the brake release pressure is provided again. Further, an apparatus and a hydraulic circuit for carrying out the process are proposed.
US08028803B1
A lightweight cast article that is made by the method of the present invention. A foamed acoustical product is prepared by blending a starch with cold water, then heating the starch/water blend to form a starch gel. Mineral wool is added to the starch gel to form a pulp and the pulp is wet-mixed until wool nodules are formed. The pulp is then combined with a surfactant and an amount of foam water. The foaming agent is selected from the group consisting of a linear sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, a cocamidopropyl betaine, a cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, their salts and mixtures thereof. Mixing of the foaming agent and pulp continues to form a foamed pulp. The foamed pulp is cast into a mold and allowing the foamed pulp to dry forming a foamed product. The foamed product is removed from the mold.
US08028800B2
An acoustic damping composition includes a binder resin including an addition polymer having a carboxylic functional group and a urethane component. The acoustic damping composition has a Mode 1 Damping Parameter of at least 0.45.
US08028798B2
An exhaust-pipe structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes expansion paths each having a capacity appropriate for the output capacity of a corresponding cylinder. A front exhaust pipe and a rear exhaust pipe extend from a front cylinder and a rear cylinder constituting a V-type engine, respectively. A silencer is connected to rear end portions of the front and rear exhaust pipes. As expansion chambers, the silencer is provided with a lower first chamber led from the front cylinder and an upper first chamber led from the rear cylinder. A protruding space protruding from the lower first chamber is formed so that the capacity of the lower first chamber led from the front cylinder is larger than the capacity of the upper first chamber led from the rear cylinder.
US08028778B2
A hybrid vehicle has a power system with a torsional coupling. The power system includes a battery system for receiving, storing and providing electrical power, an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational power through a flywheel, a first motor-generator, a second motor-generator, a control system, and a torsional coupling. The torsional coupling may absorb rotational shock caused by angular or rotational speed differences between the engine and the first motor-generator. The torsional coupling includes a driven plate assembly, a cover assembly and an interconnecting plate assembly. The interconnecting plate assembly may include a plurality of shock absorbing elements that absorb shock and vibration between the engine and the motor-generator.
US08028774B2
A high impact resistant tool includes a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having a radius of curvature of 0.050 to 0.125 inches. The superhard material also has a thickness of 0.100 to 0.500 inches from the apex to a central region of the cemented metal carbide substrate. The diamond material comprises a 1 to 5 percent concentration of binding agents by weight.
US08028765B2
A rotary drag bit for use in subterranean earth boring operations, the drag bit having blades, rows of cutters on the blades, and nozzles disposed within the rows. The nozzles are configured to discharge fluid during drilling.
US08028763B2
The present invention relates to downhole tools, and in particular an underreamer tool for use in a wellbore of an oil or gas well and a method of actuation. In an embodiment, the underreamer tool has body having a longitudinal axis and a fluid conduit, a tool element and an actuation device configured to urge the tool element relative to the body from a first configuration into a second configuration. In this embodiment, a portion of the tool has a curved actuation surface and the tool element is urged across the curved actuation surface the tool element is moved radially with respect to the body of the tool. Typically, the actuation device may include a piston driven by pressure of fluid circulated through the fluid flow conduit.
US08028759B2
A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.
US08028758B2
A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
US08028755B2
A blow out preventor (BOP) apparatus is disclosed including a quick connection system. The quick connection system comprises at least one actuator receiving aperture including at least one female connector having a female engaging profile and at least actuator cylinder including at least one male connector having a male engaging profile, where the male engaging profile is adapted to register with the female engaging profile upon insertion of an actuator into its corresponding receiving aperture and upon rotation of the actuator through a rotational angle.
