US08994698B2
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for simulation of an erodible tip. A brush tool representing an erodible media is modeled as a height map. Information is collected about a user manipulation of a stylus representing a stroke made on a virtual canvas with the brush tool. A mark to be made on the virtual canvas is determined dependent on the brush tool model and the collected information. The determined mark is rendered. A change in the height map of the brush tool due to the stroke is determined dependent on the brush tool model and the collected information. One or more subsequent marks are rendered in response to manipulation of the brush tool dependent on the determined change in the height map.
US08994694B2
A user input device for an electronic device includes an illumination source and image sensor module. A translucent layer is disposed above the illumination source and the image sensor module. The translucent layer includes at least a first set of patterns disposed thereon. A deformable layer is disposed above the translucent layer. The deformable layer includes at least a second set of patterns. The illumination source is configured to illuminate at least the portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module includes a field of view that corresponds to at least a portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module being configured to detect a third set of patterns when the first set of patterns and the second set of patterns are displaced with respect to each other.
US08994692B2
Provided is a touch panel system capable of reliably removing a wide variety of noises. The touch panel system (1p) includes a subtracting section (41a) which receives output signals from the sense lines (33) and finds differences between the capacitances in a direction in which each of drive lines (35) extends, as the differences in signal between the respective pairs of the sense lines (33) adjacent to each other. The subtracting section (41a) obtains a difference signal value between the sense lines adjacent to each other.
US08994689B2
A capacitive switch assembly for controlling power windows of an automotive vehicle has a plurality of window select capacitive sensors with a respective window select capacitive sensor for selecting a respective power window to be opened or closed. The capacitive switch assembly also includes a capacitive actuator including gesture responsive capacitive sensors responsive to an open gesture and a close gesture made by a user with a finger on a gesture pad of the capacitive actuator. The gesture responsive capacitive sensors are located at locations on the gesture pad so that the open and close gestures mimic the way in which a user moves an actuator of a mechanical switch to open and close a window. The capacitive switch assembly may include a hot button that enables and disables the power windows.
US08994665B1
A system capable of providing directional cues to a user of the vehicle comprises a vehicle component, configured to be installed within a vehicle that is adapted to be controlled by a user. A tactile display system is operably coupled to the vehicle component. The tactile display system includes: a contact pad, operable to engage a target area of a user's skin; a restraining system, operable to restrain a portion of the user's skin distal from the target area of the skin; and an actuation system, operably coupled to one of: i) the contact pad and the ii) restraining system. The actuation system is capable of moving the contact pad and the restraining system relative to one another to apply a tangential displacement or shear force across the target area of the user's skin to thereby provide tactile information to the user.
US08994664B2
A touch screen panel includes a transparent substrate divided into a display area and a non-display area, the non-display area being outside the display area, first sensing cells disposed in one row with a same X-coordinate in the display area, the first sensing cells having a double-layered structure including first and second sensing cell parts overlapping each other, a connection portion between adjacent first sensing cells, second sensing cells disposed in one column with a same Y-coordinate in the display area, the second sensing cells having a double-layered structure including third and fourth sensing cell parts overlapping each other, a connection pattern between adjacent second sensing cells, the connection pattern intersecting and overlapping the connection portion, and an island-shaped insulating layer between the connection portion and the connection pattern.
US08994654B2
An apparatus and a method that controls gaze tracking. The apparatus includes an imaging device that has an image sensor divided into a plurality of zones and a gaze tracking controller. The gaze tracking controller is configured to determine a lens PSF and an image sensor PSF of the camera, respectively, using images for each zone acquired from image elements disposed in each zone of the image sensor. In addition, the gaze tracking controller is configured to estimate illumination reflection points using an imaging device PSF determined from the determined lens and image sensor PSFs at the time of detecting a user gaze using the imaging device.
US08994650B2
A method is disclosed for operating a mobile device. The method is performed by one or more processors of the mobile device. The one or more processors process image input on the mobile device in order to detect one or more graphic objects displayed on a remote display device and to detect one or more fingers of a user in relation to the one or more graphic objects. From processing the image input, a command for the remote display device is determined based on a position or movement of the one or more fingers in relation to the one or more graphic objects. The command is communicated to the remote display device.
US08994649B2
A data manipulation transmission apparatus including: an object acquisition section for acquiring a display object, generated on display screen 1 of an information input device based on input to the device, from the device manipulated by an individual; a distance information acquisition section for acquiring distance information from display screen 2 of a common display apparatus to a person viewing display screen 2 when viewed by plural people; a display ratio determining section for determining a ratio of a display size of an arbitrary display object on display screen 2, to a display size of the arbitrary display object on display screen 1, according to the distance information; and a display data transmission section for generating data to display a display object, acquired by the object acquisition section, on display screen 2, at a ratio determined via the display ratio determining section, and transmitting the data to the common display apparatus.
US08994627B2
A liquid crystal display includes data lines extending in a first direction, gate lines extending in a second direction between a first side and a second side of the liquid crystal display and crossing the data lines, and common voltage lines crossing the data lines and parallel with the gate lines. The gate lines include even gate lines coupled to a gate driver at near the first side and odd gate lines coupled to the gate driver at near the second side. The common voltage lines include even common voltage lines coupled to a common voltage supplier at near the second side and odd common voltage lines coupled to the common voltage supplier at near the first side.
US08994626B2
A display includes a pixel array part with pixels that each have at least one transistor whose conduction state is controlled by a drive signal input to a control terminal, and a scanner including a plurality of buffers that are formed of transistors. The buffers correspond to a pixel arrangement and output a drive signal to the control terminals of the transistors of the pixels. The transistors of the pixels and the transistors of the buffers are formed through irradiation with laser light that is moved for scanning in a predetermined direction and has a predetermined wavelength. The transistors in the buffers are formed in such a way that the channel length direction of the transistors is set parallel to the scan direction of the laser light.
US08994618B2
Provided are a display device and an operating method thereof. The display device includes a display panel which includes a plurality of first, second, and third display pixels and a plurality of unit cells. The first, second, and third display pixels include a plurality of organic light emitting materials for displaying first, second, and third colors, respectively. Each of the unit cells includes one light sensing pixel adjacent to the first, second, and third display pixels.
US08994613B1
Methods and systems for customizing user-experience of media content and providing content of interest to a user are provided. A computing device, such as a wearable user device having a head-mounted display (HMD) may receive media content and physiological data associated with a user experiencing the media content. The received physiological data may include one of a pupillary response, a galvanic skin response, an electrocardiographic response, an electroencephalographic response, a body temperature response, or a blood pressure response. The computing device may determine a portion of the media content which corresponds to the physiological data, and accordingly search for content of interest to the user. The content of interest may then be provided to the user, thereby customizing the user-experience of the user. The content of interest to the user may be displayed on a display of the wearable user device.
US08994612B2
A virtual image display system includes a display device outputting image light, a circuit substrate driving the display device based on an image signal, a signal line connected to the circuit substrate and inputting the external image signal to the circuit substrate, a projection optical device projecting the image light from the display device, a light guide plate taking in the projected image light, and then, guiding the light to an external predetermined position, a housing member having a housing space housing respective members, and a first space communicated with the housing space and housing a part of the signal line inside, and a temple rotatably attached to the housing member via a hinge mechanism and having a second space communicated with the first space via the hinge mechanism inside. The signal line is routed from the first space into the second space via the hinge mechanism.
US08994602B2
A radiating element of a broadband antenna comprises a foot supporting first and second components disposed in a first plane which are two half-wavelength symmetrically fed dipoles generating a linear dual polarization, both comprising two arms. According to the invention, the radiating element further comprises at least one third component chosen from among a dipole or a patch disposed within a second plane placed above the first plane, and each of the components is made up of a volume fractal pattern.
US08994599B2
An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.
US08994598B2
A GPS loop antenna attached to the front windshield of a vehicle to receive a circularly polarized wave which is improved in reception performance, that is, a loop antenna comprised of a loop-shaped antenna conductor receiving a circularly polarized wave, feed terminals connected to the two ends of the antenna conductor, and a parasitic element positioned near the antenna conductor and made of a conductor independent of the antenna conductor, all arranged on a sheet-like transparent film, wherein a looping line conductor is arranged around the loop antenna on the film. It is sufficient if the total length of the line conductor is about three times the antenna conductor.
US08994593B2
A microstrip antenna includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a ground plane disposed at the first surface of the dielectric layer, and a conductive layer disposed at the second surface of the substrate. The conductive layer includes a continuous conductive trace comprising a plurality of linear segments arranged in a near-closed polygonal chain. The near-closed polygonal chain can define a truncated square spiral shape. Alternatively, the near-closed polygonal chain can define one of a near-closed pentagonal shape, a near-closed hexagonal shape, a near-closed heptagonal shape, and a near-closed octagonal shape. The antenna can be operated to communicate electromagnetic signaling responsive to current signaling provided by the transceiver circuitry, either by driving electrical current signaling at the microstrip antenna to generate the electromagnetic signaling or by receiving the electromagnetic signaling at the microstrip antenna and converting it to electrical current signaling.
US08994592B2
An apparatus (10) for forming a three dimensional object (30) by layer-wise addition of a build material has a build-support (100) for supporting the object (30) during forming and a removable metallic base-layer (110) that is in the form of a mesh, film, sheet or foil. The base-layer (110) is removably securable to the build support (100).
US08994590B2
A method of forming an estimate of the two-dimensional position of a radio receiver relative to a plurality of radio transmitters each having an associated position estimate and a position uncertainty expressible as an uncertainty ellipse having major and minor axes, the method comprising using the uncertainty vectors describing the uncertainty ellipses of the radio transmitters in a predetermined coordinate system to define a new compound coordinate basis, and forming an estimate of the two-dimensional position of the radio receiver in the compound coordinate basis by projecting the major and minor axes of each uncertainty ellipse onto the new compound coordinate basis and calculating the position of the radio receiver by means of a weighted centroid that uses weighting values calculated in the new compound coordinate basis and position estimates of the plurality of the radio transmitters expressed in the compound coordinate basis.
US08994589B2
An orientation and localization system is provided with spatial filtering capabilities that combines time polarization and space diversity to detect the direct lines of sight (LOS) and to deliver location and orientation estimates of mobile nodes.
US08994587B2
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for processing positioning signals to obtain navigation information by applying compressed sensing.
US08994573B2
A digital-to-time converter (DTC) comprises a gate controller configured to generate a gate enable signal based on first and second digital values so that the gate enable signal has a first enable period and a second enable period for each pair of a first digital value and a second digital value. A gate conditionally passes a main clock signal to a gate output in response to the gate enable signal, the gate thus providing a gated signal at a gate output. A frequency divider generates a frequency divided signal as the output signal of the digital-to-time converter based on the gated signal. The DTC may be calibrated by a time-to-digital converter connected between an input for the main clock signal and an output of a delay element of the DTC.
US08994570B1
An analog-to-digital converter employs one or more reference ladders for generating reference voltages with which to compare the analog signal for quantization. Selected impedances of the reference ladder can be dynamically decoupled from the input signal in dependence on the value of the output signal in order to reduce headroom in the reference ladders, thus making possible accurate quantization in low-voltage applications.
US08994561B2
The general field of the invention is that of helicopter cockpit display systems. The system according to the invention comprises at least a first mobile display screen. Depending on the mission and in order to optimize the vision of the external landscape, the mobile screen or screens are moved so that they are either in the field of vision of the pilot, or out of his field of vision. The symbologies displayed are adapted according to the mission and to the position of the screen.
US08994553B2
This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.
US08994540B2
According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a housing having a back plate and a front casing coupled therewith to define an interior space within which various components are contained. The components may include an alarm device and a hazard sensor that is configured to detect a potentially hazardous condition to trigger the alarm device. A cover plate may be coupled with the housing and may face an occupant of a room in which the hazard detector is positioned. The cover plate may include a relatively large population of relatively small openings that are positioned, configured, and dimensioned so that internal components are substantially hidden from view of the occupant while air is allowed to substantially freely flow through the cover plate. A collective area of the openings may be at least 30% of the total area of the cover plate.
US08994536B2
The present invention provides a new non-invasive technique for organ, e.g., heart and lung, monitoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a subject is radiated with a non-harmful and relatively low power electromagnetic source diagnostic signal normally associated with a communications protocol such as, but not limited to a version of the IEEE 802.11(x) family of protocols in the 2.4, 3.6, or 5 GHz spectrum bands. After passing through the patient, a return signal is acquired from the patient and compared to the original source signal. The differences between the source and modified signals are then analyzed to monitor the heart, e.g., measure heart rate and detect defects within the heart, and the lung. For example, using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient.
US08994534B2
A documents management system with remote location and retrieval of documents contained in file folders positioned in file drawers in a collection of file cabinets. Each document has an RFID tag containing a document identifier and the contents of the document stored in a read-only memory. Each file folder has a circuit containing a unique identifier for that folder. Each file cabinet has a control unit which searches for a specific file folder in response to receipt of a file folder request from a source. If the folder is found, each cabinet has an R.F. reader which searches for a specific document in response to receipt of a document request from the source. If the document is found, the R.F. reader extracts the document contents and transmits them to the source.
US08994529B2
Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for controlling and monitoring a mosquito misting system. The apparatus includes a chemical reservoir, a delivery system, a spray system, one or more sensors, a communication network and a misting management unit. The sensors may detect normal and abnormal operations of the misting system and send this data to the misting management unit. The misting management unit may then analyze the data and determine the problem. If the problem can be fixed without personnel, the misting management unit may simply adjust the system and fix the problem. If the problem requires personnel, the system may automatically schedule the service call based on a number of criteria.
US08994528B2
The present invention provides a sensor (100, 300, 400) that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406) having one or more sensor arrays (104, 302), a power source (106, 416), an output interface (108, 418) and a processor or analog circuit (304), all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406). The substrate (102, 406) can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array (104, 302), the power source (106, 416), and the processor or analog circuit (304). Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays (104, 302) measure acceleration, force or pressure.
US08994522B2
The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation.
US08994513B2
A handheld computing system for adaptive multi-sensor, a manipulator grip and its method is provided. The system includes plurality of sensor systems for sensing characteristics of a physical object as well as a distance analyzer for dynamically determining the activation of at least one of the sensor systems based on a distance to the object and pre-determined criteria. Characteristics include an identifier and one or more attributes for contributing to identification of the object. Additions to the system include a display for displaying the object's image and having an analysis field and a zoom for placing a specific captured characteristic of the object in the analysis field. Additions to the handheld computing system further include a handheld ergonomic data input device for operating a handheld computing device.
US08994504B1
A system and method of using motion or spatial identification technology with a mobile RFID reader to detect whether an RFID tag is part of a forklift load or other ambulatory space such as a shopping cart receptacle, includes determining whether a tag is within a defined space and/or whether a tag is in motion relative to a mobile RFID reader. The system and method determines whether a particular RFID tag is part of a forklift load/space, has been added to or removed, is an extraneous tag, etc.
US08994502B2
A method according to one embodiment includes conummicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and determining whether the RTI has passed a predetermined useful lifetime thereof based on information received from the RFID tag. A method according to one embodiment includes conummicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and determining both a horizontal and vertical position of the RTI. A method according to yet another embodiment includes communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and performing an action based at least in part on at least one of a location and a determined inactivity of the RTI.
US08994500B2
Systems and methods for event management are described. In one embodiment of the present subject matter, an audio beacon indicative of a location code associated with a location is received from a user device by an event management system. The event management system may then identify the location and an event associated with the location, based on a current time and an event schedule. Event content related to the identified event may then be provided to the user device in real time. In another embodiment, visual tag data pertaining to color coded tags embedded in one or more objects in the location of the event may be received and information content related to the object may be provided to the user device, based on the event schedule.
US08994491B2
There are provided a chip resistor and a method of manufacturing the same. The chip resistor includes a ceramic substrate; an adhesion portion formed on a surface of the ceramic substrate; and a resistor formed on the adhesion portion, wherein the adhesion portion includes at least one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and copper-nickel (Cu—Ni).
US08994478B1
A common mode filter is disclosed. The common mode filter in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a first dielectric layer having a first groove formed along an outer boundary portion thereof; a second dielectric layer coated on the first dielectric layer so as to cover a first coil laminated on the first dielectric layer, having a first protrusion corresponding to the first groove formed on one surface thereof being in contact with the first dielectric layer, and having a second groove formed on the other surface thereof; and a third dielectric layer coated on the second dielectric layer so as to cover a second coil laminated on the second dielectric layer, having a second protrusion corresponding to the second groove formed on one surface thereof being in contact with the second dielectric layer, and having a third groove formed on the other surface thereof.
US08994477B2
A noise filtering circuit for suppressing electromagnetic interference (EMI) is provided. The noise filtering circuit filters out high multiplied-frequency noise of a digital signal being transmitted and includes a reference voltage structure formed from conductors, a signal transmitting structure formed from a transmission conductor, a ground layer, and a ground structure electrically connected to the reference voltage structure and the ground layer. The ground structure is configured to form an inductor-capacitor oscillating structure in coordination with the electric-magnetical coupling between the reference voltage structure and the signal transmitting structure as well as the inductance of the ground structure, so that a digital signal is filtered out at a specific frequency and the passband of the digital signal can be transmitted.
US08994466B2
Methods, apparatuses, systems and computer-readable media for addressing the aging of oscillation (XO) crystals are presented. Some embodiments may determine a change of age of the XO crystal since last prior use of the XO crystal. Embodiments may then determine that at least one calibration parameter is not suitable for use in at least one calibration technique of the XO crystal, based on the change of age of the XO crystal. Embodiments may then determine at least one fresh calibration parameter configured to update the at least one calibration parameter for suitable use in the at least one calibration technique of the XO crystal.
US08994461B1
A cascaded oscillator array includes a first oscillator array and a second oscillator array. The first oscillator array includes at least three oscillator elements coupled unidirectionally in a first ring such that the first oscillator array outputs a first oscillating signal. Each of the at least three oscillator elements is coupled to receive a signal from a sensing element. The second oscillator array includes at least three oscillator elements coupled unidirectionally in a second ring such that the second oscillator array outputs a second oscillating signal. A first number of the at least three oscillator elements of the first oscillator array is the same as a second number of the at least three oscillator elements of the second oscillator. Each oscillator element of the at least three oscillator elements of the second oscillator array is coupled to receive an output signal from a single oscillator element of the at least three oscillator elements of the first oscillator.
US08994455B2
There is provided a radio frequency amplifying apparatus having a protection voltage varying function, including a radio frequency amplifying unit amplifying a radio frequency signal, and a protection circuit unit connected between an output node of the radio frequency amplifying unit and a ground and limiting a voltage in the output node to a level of a preset protection voltage or less when the voltage in the output node is higher than the preset protection voltage, wherein the protection voltage is varied with a control signal.
US08994452B2
A bias generation method or apparatus defined by any one or any practical combination of numerous features that contribute to low noise and/or high efficiency biasing, including: having a charge pump control clock output with a waveform having limited harmonic content or distortion compared to a sine wave; having a ring oscillator to generating a charge pump clock that includes inverters current limited by cascode devices and achieves substantially rail-to-rail output amplitude; having a differential ring oscillator with optional startup and/or phase locking features to produce two phase outputs suitably matched and in adequate phase opposition; having a ring oscillator of less than five stages generating a charge pump clock; capacitively coupling the clock output(s) to some or all of the charge transfer capacitor switches; biasing an FET, which is capacitively coupled to a drive signal, to a bias voltage via an “active bias resistor” circuit that conducts between output terminals only during portions of a waveform appearing between the terminals, and/or wherein the bias voltage is generated by switching a small capacitance at cycles of said waveform. A charge pump for the bias generation may include a regulating feedback loop including an OTA that is also suitable for other uses, the OTA having a ratio-control input that controls a current mirror ratio in a differential amplifier over a continuous range, and optionally has differential outputs including an inverting output produced by a second differential amplifier that optionally includes a variable ratio current mirror controlled by the same ratio-control input. The ratio-control input may therefore control a common mode voltage of the differential outputs of the OTA. A control loop around the OTA may be configured to control the ratio of one or more variable ratio current mirrors, which may particularly control the output common mode voltage, and may control it such that the inverting output level tracks the non-inverting output level to cause the amplifier to function as a high-gain integrator.
US08994449B2
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, an electronic circuit is provided, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a first transistor and also a second transistor coupled in series with the first transistor. Furthermore, the electronic circuit comprises a capacitor, wherein a first terminal of the capacitor is coupled to a control terminal of the second transistor, and wherein a second terminal of the capacitor is coupled to an electrical potential which is dependent on a radio-frequency input signal of the electronic circuit.
US08994446B2
An integrated circuit includes a device of a first conductivity type formed in a first well; a voltage regulator configured to provide a bias voltage to the first well based on a first reference voltage which is generated using a first band gap reference generator; and a monitor circuit configured to compare a voltage of the first well to an upper limit and a lower limit of a first voltage range, wherein each of the upper limit and lower limit is provided using a second band gap reference generator, separate from the first band gap reference generator, wherein, in response to determining that the voltage of the first well is outside of the first voltage range, providing a first out of range indicator.
US08994433B2
A fully on-chip clock generator on an integrated circuit (“IC”) includes a frequency detector for receiving a reference current and providing a first voltage; an error integrator for receiving the first voltage from the frequency detector, comparing it with a reference voltage, and providing a control voltage; a voltage controlled oscillator (“VCO”) for receiving the control voltage from the error integrator, and providing an output clock; and a logic controller on the IC, coupled between the VCO and the frequency detector, and generating logic control signals for controlling the frequency detector. The fully on-chip clock generator requires no external crystal, but its power consumption is significantly lower than a relaxation oscillator that generates the same clock frequency.
US08994421B1
A synchronization circuit may include: a variable delay unit configured to delay a first clock signal by a first delay time set in response to a delay control signal and generate a second clock signal; a first path configured to detect a phase difference between the first clock signal and a third clock signal generated by delaying the second clock signal by a second delay time and generate a phase difference detection signal; a second path configured to generate a second phase difference detection signal in response to a phase difference between the first clock signal and a fourth clock signal; and a control unit configured to generate the delay control signal in response to the phase difference detection signal and vary an update period of the delay control signal in response to the second phase difference detection signal.
US08994418B2
A method and an arrangement for generating a clock signal by a phase locked loop in which the time for adjusting to a prescribed frequency and phase of a clock signal is reduced by virtue of the fact that a plurality of selection signals respectively shifted by a time difference delta t are generated from the divided clock signal. A comparison signal (capture) is generated under control by an edge of the reference clock and a comparison is started in the case of which what is selected is that selection signal shifted by delta t which exhibits with its edge the least possible time deviation from the edge of the comparison signal, and the selected selection signal is output.
US08994416B2
Adaptive scaling digital techniques attempt to place the system close to the timing failure so as to maximize energy efficiency. Rapid recovery from potential failures is usually by slowing the system clock and/or providing razor solutions (instruction replay.) These techniques compromise the throughput. This application presents a technique to provide local in-situ fault resilience based on dynamic slack borrowing. This technique is non-intrusive (needs no architecture modification) and has minimal impact on throughput.
US08994414B2
A voltage controlled switching element gate drive circuit makes it possible to suppress an occurrence of a malfunction, while suppressing surge voltage, surge current, and switching noise, when switching in a voltage controlled switching element. A gate drive circuit that supplies a gate voltage to the gate of a voltage controlled switching element, thus driving the voltage controlled switching element, includes a high potential side switching element and low potential side switching element connected in series, first variable resistors interposed between at least the high potential side switching element and a high potential power supply or the low potential side switching element and a low potential power supply, and a control circuit that adjusts the resistance values of the first variable resistors.
US08994408B2
An electronic circuit includes: a weighting circuit configured to generate a first current by weighting and combining a first input signal and a second input signal in accordance with a modifiable coefficient and to generate a second current by weighting and combining a first inverted signal and a second inverted signal in accordance with the coefficient, the first inverted signal being an inverted signal of the first input signal, the second inverted signal being an inverted signal of the second input signal; and a decision circuit configured to decide on an output signal by comparing the first current with the second current.
US08994406B2
A digital cell for performing a logic operation on a logic input to produce a logic output, includes an evaluation block and a sense-amplifier block, both configured to receive input signals representative of the logic input, and to detect when the logic input and/or input signals validly encode at least one bit. The digital cell is configured to alternate between an evaluate state and a reset state. Upon the digital cell being in the reset state and the detection, the digital cell is switched from the reset state to the evaluate state in which the evaluation block generates a difference in its output signals, and the sense-amplifier block amplifies the difference so that the output signals encode at least one valid bit. Upon the digital cell being in the evaluate state, the digital cell can be triggered to reset to the reset state.
US08994400B2
To provide a novel nonvolatile latch circuit and a semiconductor device using the nonvolatile latch circuit, a nonvolatile latch circuit includes a latch portion having a loop structure where an output of a first element is electrically connected to an input of a second element, and an output of the second element is electrically connected to an input of the first element; and a data holding portion configured to hold data of the latch portion. In the data holding portion, a transistor using an oxide semiconductor as a semiconductor material for forming a channel formation region is used as a switching element. In addition, a capacitor electrically connected to a source electrode or a drain electrode of the transistor is included.
US08994399B2
A transmission line driver including an output configured to have a load impedance is provided. The transmission line driver includes a pull-up circuit coupled in series with the output. The transmission line driver also includes a pull-down circuit coupled in series with the output. The transmission line driver includes a shunt circuit having an adjustable impedance. The shunt circuit is coupled in parallel to the output. The shunt circuit is coupled to the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit. The shunt circuit is configured to receive a shunt control signal to adjust the adjustable impedance to provide linear control of an output swing at the output.
US08994396B2
Illustrative embodiments of systems and methods for variation-tolerant, self-repairing displays are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a display panel may include one or more defective pixels and a compensation circuit may be configured to extend a charging time of each of the one or more defective pixels. In another illustrative embodiment, a method may include detecting one or more defective pixels in a pixel array and extending a charging time of each of the one or more defective pixels.
US08994394B2
A test carrier includes a film-shaped base film which has first bumps which contact test pads of a die; and a cover film which is superposed over the base film, and the test carrier holds the die between the base film and the cover film. The first bumps are relatively higher than second bumps which the die has.
US08994392B2
A method of detecting a fault in a de-icer probe for measuring a physical parameter on an airplane engine, the method including: prior to starting an engine, measuring a first value of the physical parameter with help of the probe; activating the probe de-icer; at an end of a determined duration from a start of de-icing, measuring a second value of the parameter with help of the probe; and comparing the first and second values and generating a fault signal if the difference between the first and second values is less than a determined threshold.
US08994388B2
Low-voltage testing device for high-voltage frequency converter of serial superposition voltage type
A low-voltage testing device for a high-voltage frequency converter of a serial superposition voltage type including a tap transformer, power portion, monitoring box, analog interface board, voltage detecting portion and remote control portion, in which the tap transformer is connected to the power portion, the power portion is connected to the voltage detecting portion, the monitoring box is connected to the power portion via an optical fiber and the analog interface board is connected to the monitoring box and the remote control portion respectively.
US08994387B2
A semiconductor device and a detection method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a resistor terminal, a dummy pull up driver, a comparator and a detection state machine. The resistor terminal is connected to an external resistor. The dummy pull up driver provides driving operations of 20 to 2N+1−1 stages, wherein N is a natural number. The comparator outputs a comparison signal in response to a test voltage and a reference voltage. The detection state machine controls the driving operation of the dummy pull up driver to generate and output a detection signal according to the comparison signal. The detection signal indicates an electric connection state of the resistor terminal is a connecting state of an operation voltage or a floating state, a connecting state of the external resistor, or a connecting state of a ground voltage.
US08994385B2
A plural-frequency capacitive occupancy sensing system comprises an antenna electrode and a detection circuit, which is configured to drive the antenna electrode at least with a first and a second signal at a first and a second frequency, respectively, so as to obtain at least a first and a second measurement value indicative of at least one of conductance, susceptance, resistance, reactance and capacitance between the antenna electrode and a reference node, at the first frequency and the second frequency, respectively. The detection circuit compares the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node with a threshold capacitance, the threshold capacitance being derived from a difference between the first and second measurement values and/or the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node being corrected based upon the difference between the measurement values. The detection circuit outputs an occupancy state signal depending on the comparison.
US08994379B2
Exemplary methods are directed to insulation monitoring of non-grounded electrical DC power supply systems and AC power supply systems which have a resistive (Rf) and capacitive (Cf) insulation impedance between the power supply system and ground. The method includes applying a pulsed AC voltage (U0) having alternately different pulsed voltage values to the power supply system to be monitored via a resistive system interface (Ri) between the power supply system and ground. The insulation impedance (Rf) between the power supply system and ground is determined using time profiles of transient processes of the measurement voltage (Vm) prior to transient recovery of the power supply system to the respective pulsed voltage value (U0) of two polarity-inverted pulsed voltage value application processes.
US08994377B2
The invention is concerned with a tool and method for determining standoff from a formation though mud. The tool comprising a first electrode located at a distance from the formation for measuring a first impedance. A second electrode is located at a second distance from the formation for measuring a second impedance. A processing unit measures a difference between the first impedance and the second impedance, uses the difference to determine a conductivity of the mud and based thereon, determines the standoff of at least one of the first and the second electrode.
US08994375B2
The present embodiments relate to a local coil system for a magnetic resonance system. The local coil system includes at least one local coil for detecting MR response signals and at least one transmitting device for the wireless transmission of signals to a receiver of the magnetic resonance system. The local coil system is embodied with a transmitter-side diversity. A receiver-side diversity may exist in the magnetic resonance system.
US08994369B2
An apparatus and a method provide an output signal indicative of a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of a ferromagnetic object capable of rotating. A variety of signal formats of the output signal are described.
US08994368B2
A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. The position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.
US08994366B2
A magnetic field sensor assembly includes a hollow cylindrical core, conductive material and at least first and second lead wires. The hollow cylindrical core is made of ferromagnetic material and has a proximal end and a distal end. The conductive material is disposed around the hollow cylindrical core and forms at least one turn of a coil that has at least one start terminal and at least one finish terminal. The first and second lead wires pass through the center of the hollow cylindrical core and the first lead wire is connected to the start terminal thereby forming a first termination and the second lead wire is connected to the finish terminal thereby forming a second termination. The first and second terminations are positioned within the hollow cylindrical core.
US08994361B2
The present invention is a finger voltage sensor that includes a base finger ring worn by a user that works near an electrical source, an electricity sensor disposed on the base finger ring, the electricity sensor detects one or more electrical fields associated with the electrical source and a warning light disposed on the base finger ring, the warning light emits a constant light when the electricity sensor is activated and is in communication with the electricity sensor. The finger voltage sensor can also include a beeper instead of a warning light and a base finger ring that includes a hook and loop fastener that is releasably attached to a user's finger.
US08994357B2
Systems and methods are provided for a power supply. A first output stage is configured to supply power from a power source at a target voltage to a device in an integrated circuit in response to a power demand of the device. Load detector circuitry is configured to detect a load resulting from operation of the device, and a supplemental output stage is configured to selectively supply supplemental power from the power source to the device, in addition to the power provided by the first output stage, in response to detection of an additional load resulting from operation of the device.
US08994356B2
A method adjusts a reference voltage of an electronic circuit based on a band-gap voltage supplied by a first band-gap stage. The band-gap stage includes in a series arrangement, between two terminals of a voltage supply source, a current source connected to a first branch, which includes a first configurable resistor in series with a first diode, and to a second branch, which includes a second configurable resistor connected to a complementary resistor in series with a second diode. The band-gap voltage is supplied to a connection node between the current source and each branch. The current source is a PMOS transistor controlled by an output voltage of a first operational amplifier of a current control loop. An appropriate binary word for configuring the configurable resistors is determined based on four band-gap voltage values measured at two different temperatures and two resistive values of the resistors configured by the same first binary word and by the same second binary word which is different from the first binary word.
US08994350B2
A switching regulator comprises a PWM controller that controls switching of a power converter via a PWM control signal. The switching regulator detects load transients in the load driven by the power converter. Responsive to the detection of a load transient, the switching regulator resets a PWM clock synchronously with a fast clock operating at a higher frequency than the PWM clock. By doing so, the switching regulator beneficially responds more quickly to changes in the load than with conventional architectures that utilize only the slower PWM clock. This provides improved transient response without sacrificing power efficiency.
US08994339B1
A dual-loop control configuration employs battery temperature as a feedback metric in order to prevent overheating when recharging batteries. Temperature sensors are used to obtain the battery temperature. Depending on the battery temperature that is measured, a processing device such as a battery interface module determines whether that temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. The processing device also determines a charge rate of the batteries. The processing device is configured to vary the fan speed to increase or decrease airflow for cooling the batteries based on this information, and also regulates the charge rate of the batteries as a function of the fan speed. This arrangement may be used as part of a battery backup system, such as in an uninterruptible power supply used in a data center. Alternatively, it may be used in the power supply system of an electric vehicle. Fluids besides air may also be employed.
US08994333B2
A battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and a method of controlling the battery pack are provided. The method includes: permanently cutting off charging and discharging paths of the battery pack; and discharging one or more of the battery cells when a condition of which satisfies a reference condition. Therefore, state of the battery pack changes from its failure state to a stable state.
US08994331B2
An apparatus and method for adapting a voltage of a battery pack is provided through a switch control logic coupled to the cells of the pack. The switch control logic determines the output voltage generated by the cells and an operating state of the battery pack. The switch control logic is configured to selectively switch the plurality of cells between a series cell configuration and a parallel cell configuration based upon the determined current output voltage and the operating state of the battery pack.
US08994327B2
An energy storage and management system (ESMS) includes energy storage devices coupled to a power device, a power electronic conversion system that includes a plurality of DC electrical converters, each DC electrical converter configured to step up and to step down a DC voltage, wherein energy ports of the ESMS are coupleable to each of the energy storage devices, and each of the energy ports is coupleable to an electrical charging system. The ESMS includes a controller configured to determine a first condition of a first energy storage device and a second condition of a second energy storage device, wherein the first and second energy storage devices are each connected to respective energy ports of the power conversion system, determine a power split factor based on the first condition and on the second condition, and regulate power to the first and second energy storage devices based on the power split factor.
US08994324B2
A charge capacity parameter estimation system for an electric storage device capable of charging and discharging is provided, which can accurately estimate a charge capacity parameter indicative of a charge capacity of the electric storage device. The charge capacity parameter estimation system for a battery includes an ECU and a sensor unit. The ECU estimates that an actual charge capacity of the electric storage device is less than an estimated charge capacity, when a charging state of the electric storage device is detected, in a case where a generated voltage of a power generator is controlled such that the battery executes a discharging operation to an auxiliary equipment.
US08994319B2
An electric motor includes a magnet rotor which is placed with an air gap interposed between it and a stator and has a magnetic pole portion formed from a plastic magnet which swells by hydrogen bonds, an inverter circuit, a DC-voltage conversion portion, a driving logic control portion, a supply current value control portion, a current value designation portion, a reference current value designation portion, and a correlation designation portion, wherein the correlation designation portion determines an average current value by changing the average current value linearly or non-linearly with respect to a reference current value, and the magnetic pole portion absorbs moisture to swell, thereby making the air gap smaller, at higher humidity than a reference humidity.
US08994317B2
An output control apparatus for an electric motor includes a phase-current instruction-value setting device, a draw-current allowable-value storage device, a phase-current allowable-value setting device, and a phase-current instruction-value limiting device. The draw-current allowable-value storage device is configured to store a draw current allowable value of an electric storage device corresponding to an allowable current value of a system disconnecting-connecting device provided in a power system from the electric storage device to the electric motor. The phase-current allowable-value setting device is configured to set a phase current allowable value based on the draw current allowable value and an ON time of a switching element in a power converter. The phase-current instruction-value limiting device is configured to compare the phase current instruction value with the phase current allowable value to limit the phase current instruction value so as not to exceed the phase current allowable value.
US08994312B2
A method includes determining whether a robot is walking and a direction in which the robot is walking; measuring an amount of time taken for a sole of a foot of the robot to step on the ground; calculating an imaginary reaction force applied to the sole using a trigonometric function having, as a period, the measured amount of time taken for the sole to step on the ground; and applying the calculated imaginary reaction force to a Jacobian transposed matrix and converting the imaginary reaction force into a drive torque for a lower extremity joint of the robot.
US08994303B2
During displacement of an actuating element to a target position, a brushless direct-current motor is driven by a driving commutation pattern derived from rotor position signals. After the target position is reached the brushless direct-current motor is transferred to a holding mode in which it is driven by a commutation pattern providing a required holding torque. In the holding mode the holding current necessary for providing the required holding torque is minimized by an iterative holding current reduction method to a holding current value guaranteeing the required holding torque.
US08994296B1
In general, the disclosure relates to setting current output of an LED driver. In one embodiment, an external control module for setting a current output of an LED driver includes a plurality of voltage referenced elements. The external module also includes a plurality of switches. Each switch of the plurality of switches is coupled to a corresponding voltage referenced element of the plurality of voltage referenced elements. The external control module further includes an enclosure covering the plurality of switches, wherein the enclosure substantially prevents adjustment of switch positions of the plurality of switches. The external control module can be adjusted to set the desired output current prior to enclosing the external control module in the enclosure in connection with the assembly of a light fixture.
US08994286B2
For the purpose of power factor correction of an operating device for a lamp, an inductor (7) is supplied with an input voltage (Vin), a controllable switch element (13) coupled with the inductor (7) being opened or closed to optionally charge or discharge the inductor (7). A control unit (14) for controlling the switch element (13) is designed such that it determines, depending on an output voltage (Vout) of the power factor correction circuit, a switch-on time (Ton) for switching the switch element (13) on and controls the switch element (13) optionally according to at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the operation in the first operating mode and the operation in the second operating mode being dependent on the duration of the determined switch-on time (Ton).
US08994284B2
A high intensity discharge lamp (HID) control circuit and method are provided in the present invention. The circuit includes a first winding and a second winding, both of which are coupled with a series-connected inductor of an HID lamp circuit; a current zero point detector for detecting an inductor current zero crossing signal in the HID lamp circuit; an inductor current signal generator for generating an inductor current signal in the circuit to indicate a current value of the HID lamp; a modulator having input terminals connected to the current zero point detector and the inductor current signal generator, respectively, and an output terminal connected to a driving circuit for the HID lamp; and the driving circuit for driving switches in the HID lamp control circuit.
US08994282B1
A light emitting diode control circuit with synchronization signal includes a signal coupling unit, an operational amplifier, a synchronization and control logic unit, a light signal generating unit, an output logic unit and at least a current output unit. The synchronization and control logic unit sends a synchronization clock signal to the light signal generating unit. The light signal generating unit sends a light control signal to the output logic unit. According to the light control signal, the output logic unit is configured to control the current output unit to drive at least a light emitting diode.
US08994276B2
A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.
US08994273B2
A light-emitting diode fixture comprises spaced-apart first and second housing portions. There is a cooling device disposed within the first housing portion. The cooling device is in fluid communication with the second housing portion. First and second printed circuit boards are disposed within the second housing portion. A light-emitting diode and a negative coefficient thermistor array are mounted on the first printed circuit board. The light-emitting diode and the negative coefficient thermistor array are each thermally coupled to a heat sink. A rectifier is mounted on the second printed circuit board. The rectifier is electrically connected in series with the negative coefficient thermistor array and the cooling device. Current used to power the cooling device flows from the rectifier through the negative coefficient thermistor array to the cooling device.
US08994262B2
A light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body including an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between peripheral edges of the upper surface and peripheral edges of the lower surface, the peripheral side surface including a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a pair of element electrodes as a first element electrode and a second element electrode positioned at the rear surface of the body; and a support disposed at the rear surface of the body between the first element electrode and the second element electrode that are positioned at a lower area of the rear surface of the body.
US08994259B2
A wave-length conversion inorganic member can includes a base body and an inorganic particle layer on the base body. The inorganic particle layer can include particles of an inorganic wave-length conversion substance which is configured to absorb light of a first wave-length and to emit light of a second wave-length different from the first wave-length. The inorganic particle layer can include an agglomerate of a plurality of the particles. Each of the plurality of the particles are in contact with at least one of the other particles or the base body. A cover layer comprises an inorganic material, and the cover layer continuously covers a surface of the base body and surfaces of the particles. The inorganic particle layer has an interstice enclosed by the particles, or by the particles and one of the base body and the cover layer.
US08994252B2
An AT-cut quartz plate having chamfered ridge portions and an almost rectangular shape in planar view, wherein a resonance frequency is equal to or larger than 7 MHz and equal to or smaller than 9 MHz, lengths of long and short sides of the rectangular shape are equal to or larger than 1.5 mm and equal to or smaller than 2.4 mm, and equal to or larger than a frequency difference between primary vibration and sub-vibration is equal to or larger than 975 kHz and equal to or smaller than 1,015 kHz.
US08994247B2
A piezoelectric actuator includes a stacked body composed of internal electrodes and piezoelectric layers which are stacked on each other; and a surface electrode disposed on at least one of main surfaces of the stacked body so as to be electrically connected to the internal electrodes. The internal electrodes each includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The stacked body has an active section in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes of the internal electrodes are arranged so as to overlap each other in a stacking direction thereof, and an inactive section which is every section of the stacked body other than the active section. An internal electrode placed on a one-main-surface side of the internal electrodes is configured so that its end part situated near a boundary between the active section and the inactive section is curved toward the other main surface.
US08994246B2
Provided is an actuator simultaneously having better deformation response characteristics and larger generative force. The actuator includes a pair of opposing electrodes and an intermediate layer disposed therebetween. The intermediate layer contains at least an electrolyte and includes at least a polymer fiber layer. The polymer fiber layer includes a plurality of polymer fibers crossing each other and intertwined three-dimensionally. The polymer fiber layer has fused portions at intersections of the polymer fibers.
US08994245B2
The permanent magnet type electrical rotating machine has an overhung rotor support structure in which a shaft of a rotor is supported at only one end side thereof by a bearing provided on one side of a casing of the electrical rotating machine. Another end side of the rotor shaft to be a bearing support-free side is capable of being joined to an end of a shaft of a prime mover via a flange formed at an end of the shaft. The rotor shaft is configured such that, upon a state of not being coupled to the prime mover shaft, the flange on the bearing support-free side is joined to an end face of the casing through a retaining member to be prevented from moving in any of an axial, radial and circumferential directions of the rotor shaft.
US08994243B2
An electrical machine stator assembly comprises: an electroconductive coil arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis; a plurality of pairs of side lamination assemblies arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis; a plurality of pairs of switch lamination assemblies arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis and positioned adjacent ends of side lamination assemblies proximal the rotor; and at least one tooth associated with each switch lamination assembly and proximal the rotor. Each switch lamination assembly comprises a first group of laminated materials aligned generally circumferentially and generally in a first direction with respect to the rotational axis, the first direction being one selected from the group consisting of the axial and radial directions with respect to the rotational axis. Each side lamination assembly comprises a second group of laminated materials aligned generally axially and generally radially with respect to the rotational axis.
US08994237B2
A resistance to ground monitoring system for a magnetic bearing is disclosed. The system includes a dummy bearing arranged in a cooling loop and having a dummy bearing coil made up of an electrical winding that is configured to detect the resistance to ground for the dummy bearing coil. The electrical winding is communicably coupled to a sensing device that monitors the resistance to ground for the dummy bearing coil. Since the magnetic bearing is arranged within the same cooling loop, the resistance to ground for the dummy bearing coil is indicative of a resistance to ground for the radial bearing coils of the magnetic bearing.
US08994221B2
A wireless energy transfer system includes a primary and one (or more) secondary oscillators for transferring energy therebetween when resonating at the same frequency. The long range (up to and beyond 100 m) efficient (as high as and above 50%) energy transfer is achieved due to minimizing (or eliminating) losses in the system. Superconducting materials are used for all current carrying elements, dielectrics are either avoided altogether, or those are used with a low dissipation factor, and the system is operated at reduced frequencies (below 1 MHz). The oscillators are contoured as a compact flat coil formed from a superconducting wire material. The energy wavelengths exceed the coils diameter by several orders of magnitude. The reduction in radiative losses is enhanced by adding external dielectric-less electrical capacitance to each oscillator coil to reduce the operating frequency. The dielectric strength of the capacitor is increased by applying a magnetic cross-field to the capacitor to impede the electrons motion across an air gap defined between coaxial cylindrical electrodes.
US08994219B2
A DC/DC module comprises a buck-boost circuit, which is used to convert the input voltage of the DC/DC module into a gate off-state voltage VGL; a LDO circuit, which is used to convert the input voltage of the buck-boost circuit into a lower limit output voltage VBB of a liquid crystal driver; a BUCK circuit, which is used to convert the input voltage of the DC/DC module into an operating voltage VDD of a specific IC; a charge pump circuit, which is used to convert the input voltage of the DC/DC module into a gate on-state voltage VGH; wherein, the input voltage of the DC/DC module is used directly as an upper limit output voltage VAA. The DC/DC module according to the present invention has simple circuit structure, low hardware cost, and high load capacity.
US08994210B2
A driver circuit and a diagnostic method are provided. The driver circuit includes a first voltage driver, a second voltage driver, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor iteratively measures voltages on first and second sides of a contact to obtain a first plurality of voltage values and a second plurality of voltage values. The microprocessor determines first and second filtered voltage values based on the first and second plurality of voltage values, respectively. The microprocessor de-energizes a contactor coil if both the first filtered voltage value is substantially equal to the second filtered voltage value, and a first filtered current value is less than a threshold current value.
US08994200B2
A power generation system is provided. The power generation system including a power generation unit operable to supply electrical power to an utility system; a synchronous machine coupled to the utility system; a grid measurement device arranged for measuring the current and power that is exchanged between the synchronous machine and the utility system; a controller for adjusting the output power of the power generation unit as a function of the power and current that is measured by the grid measurement device; and a communication link between the grid measurement device, controller and/or the power generation unit. The power generation unit is configured to provide current and power to the utility system as a function of the power and current that is measured by the grid measurement device.
US08994197B2
An alignment mark includes a plurality of mark units. Each mark unit includes a first element and a plurality of second elements. Each second element includes opposite first and second end portions. The plurality of second elements are arranged along a direction. The first element extends adjacent to the first end portions of the plurality of second elements and parallel to the direction of the plurality of second elements.
US08994196B2
A semiconductor device includes a backing plate, a semiconductor wafer, and integrated devices. The semiconductor wafer includes a plurality of semiconductor die having edges oriented along a reference line, a front surface facing the backing plate, and a backside surface. The backside surface is formed opposite the front surface and includes linear grind marks oriented along the reference line and diagonal with respect to the edges of the plurality of semiconductor die. The linear grind marks are formed by a linear motion of an abrasive surface, such as by a cylinder or wheel having an abrasive surface, and in one embodiment are oriented at 45 degrees with respect to the reference line. The linear grind marks increase a strength of the plurality of semiconductor die to resist cracking. Integrated devices are formed on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US08994187B2
A semiconductor device has a through electrode formed in a through hole which penetrates a Si substrate from one surface to the other surface of the Si substrate, wherein a rectangular electrode pad is provided on the other surface with an insulation film laid between the electrode pad and the other surface, an opening of the through hole on the one surface side is circular, an opening of the through hole on the other surface side is rectangular, and the area of the opening on the other surface side is made smaller than the area of the opening on the one surface side.
US08994185B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. A conductive micro via array is formed outside a footprint of the semiconductor die and over the semiconductor die and encapsulant. A first through-mold-hole (TMH) is formed including a step-through-hole structure through the encapsulant to expose the conductive micro via array. An insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor die and the encapsulant. A micro via array is formed through the insulating layer and outside the footprint of the semiconductor die. A conductive layer is formed over the insulating layer. A conductive ring is formed comprising the conductive micro via array. A second TMH is formed partially through the encapsulant to a recessed surface of the encapsulant. A third TMH is formed through the encapsulant and extending from the recessed surface of the encapsulant to the conductive micro via array.
US08994182B2
The present disclosure relates to a dielectric solder barrier for a semiconductor die. In one embodiment, a semiconductor die includes a substrate, a semiconductor body on a first surface of the substrate, one or more first metallization layers on the semiconductor body opposite the substrate, a via that extends from a second surface of the substrate through the substrate and the semiconductor body to the one or more first metallization layers, and a second metallization layer on the second surface of the substrate and within the via. A portion of the second metallization layer within the via provides an electrical connection between the second metallization layer and the one or more first metallization layers. The semiconductor die further includes a dielectric solder barrier on the second metallization layer. Preferably, the dielectric solder barrier is on a surface of the portion of the second metallization layer within the via.
US08994178B2
A interconnect structure includes a first etch stop layer over a substrate, a dielectric layer over the first etch stop layer, a conductor in the dielectric layer, and a second etch stop layer over the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer contains carbon and has a top portion and a bottom portion. A difference of C content in the top portion and the bottom portion is less than 2 at %. An oxygen content in a surface of the conductor is less than about 1 at %.
US08994177B2
A method for far back end of the line (FBEOL) protection of a semiconductor device includes forming a patterned layer over a back end of the line (BEOL) stack, depositing a first conformal protection layer on the patterned layer which covers horizontal surfaces of a top surface and sidewalls of openings formed in the patterned layer. A resist layer is patterned over the first conformal protection layer such that openings in the resist layer correspond with the openings in the patterned layer. The first conformal protection layer is etched through the openings in the resist layer to form extended openings that reach a stop position. The resist layer is removed, and a second conformal protection layer is formed on the first conformal protection layer and on sidewalls of the extended openings to form an encapsulation boundary to protect at least the patterned layer and a portion of the BEOL stack.
US08994176B2
Methods and apparatus for an interposer with dams used in packaging dies are disclosed. An interposer may comprise a metal layer above a substrate. A plurality of dams may be formed above the metal layer around each corner of the metal layer. Dams may be formed on both sides of the interposer substrate. A dam surrounds an area where connectors such as solder balls may be located to connect to other packages. A non-conductive dam may be formed above the dam. An underfill may be formed under the package connected to the connector, above the metal layer, and contained within the area surrounded by the dams at the corner, so that the connectors are well protected by the underfill. Such dams may be further formed on a printed circuit board as well.
US08994174B2
A structure and method of handling a device wafer during through-silicon via (TSV) processing are described in which a device wafer is bonded to a temporary support substrate with a permanent thermosetting material. Upon removal of the temporary support substrate a planar frontside bonding surface including a reflowed solder bump and the permanent thermosetting material is exposed.
US08994170B2
A semiconductor unit includes a chip having left and right columns of contacts at its front surface. Interconnect pads are provided overlying the front surface of the chip and connected to at least some of the contacts as, for example, by traces or by arrangements including wire bonds. The interconnect pads alone, or the interconnect pads and some of the contacts, provide an array of external connection elements. This array includes some reversal pairs of external connection elements in which the external connection element connected to or incorporating the right contact is disposed to the left of the external connection element incorporating or connected to the left contact. Such a unit may be used in a multi-chip package. The reversed connections simplify routing, particularly where corresponding contacts of two chips are to be connected to common terminals on the package substrate.
US08994169B2
A semiconductor package usable with a mobile device includes a circuit board including conductive wirings therein and contact terminals on a rear surface thereof, an integrated circuit chip positioned on a front surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the conductive wirings, a cover including at least an opening, and to cover the integrated circuit chip such that a flow space is provided around the integrated circuit chip and the opening communicates with the flow space, and an air flow generator positioned on the cover to generate a compulsory air flow through the flow space and the opening, thereby dissipating heat out of the semiconductor package from the integrated circuit chip by the compulsory air flow.
US08994163B2
Stacked semiconductor devices, semiconductor assemblies, methods of manufacturing stacked semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing semiconductor assemblies. One embodiment of a semiconductor assembly comprises a thinned semiconductor wafer having an active side releaseably attached to a temporary carrier, a back side, and a plurality of first dies at the active side. The individual first dies have an integrated circuit, first through die interconnects electrically connected to the integrated circuit, and interconnect contacts exposed at the back side of the wafer. The assembly further includes a plurality of separate second dies attached to corresponding first dies on a front side, wherein the individual second dies have integrated circuits, through die interconnects electrically connected to the integrated circuits and contact points at a back side, and wherein the individual second dies have a thickness of approximately less than 100 microns.
US08994162B2
A single metal layer tape substrate includes a patterned metal layer affixed to a patterned dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is patterned to provide openings exposing lands and bond sites on bond fingers on the land side of the metal layer. The metal layer is patterned to provide circuit traces as appropriate for interconnection with the die (on the die attach side) and with other elements (such as other packages in a multi-package module). Interconnection with a die is made by wire bonding to exposed traces on a die attach side of the metal layer, and bond fingers and lands for access to testing the package are provided on the opposite (land) side of the metal layer.
US08994159B2
To prevent, in a resin-sealed type semiconductor package, generation of cracks in a die bonding material used for mounting of a semiconductor chip. A semiconductor chip is mounted over the upper surface of a die pad via a die bonding material, followed by sealing with an insulating resin. The top surface of the die pad to be brought into contact with the insulating resin is surface-roughened, while the bottom surface of the die pad and an outer lead portion are not surface-roughened.
US08994155B2
Packaging devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging device includes a substrate including an integrated circuit die mounting region. An underfill material flow prevention feature is disposed around the integrated circuit die mounting region.
US08994153B2
A semiconductor device (semiconductor module) includes a circuit board (module board) and a semiconductor element mounted on the circuit board. A shielding layer that blocks electromagnetic waves is disposed on the upper surface of the semiconductor element, and an antenna element is disposed over the shielding layer. The semiconductor element and the antenna element are electrically connected to each other by a connecting portion. This structure enables the semiconductor device to be reduced in size and to have both an electromagnetic-wave blocking function and an antenna function.
US08994152B2
A metal shield structure is provided for an integrated circuit (IC) having at least a first metal contact coupled to a fixed potential and a second metal contact. A first passivation layer is located between the first and second metal contacts and on a first portion of the first metal contact and a first portion of the second metal contact, leaving a second portion of the first metal contact and a second portion of the second metal contact uncovered by the first passivation layer. A metal shield layer is provided on the second portion of the first metal contact and on the first passivation layer, and a second passivation layer is formed on the metal shield layer.
US08994145B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip which includes a semiconductor integrated circuit provided in an insulator, a first pad a pad having an upper surface of which is exposed via an opening formed in the insulator, and capacitors provided in a capacitor region of the semiconductor chip under the pad. The capacitors are provided in the capacitor region to satisfy a rule of a coverage. And contacts respectively connected to two electrodes of the capacitors are provided at positions that do not vertically overlap the opening.
US08994140B2
A vertical conduction nitride-based Schottky diode is formed using an insulating substrate which was lifted off after the diode device is encapsulated on the front side with a wafer level molding compound. The wafer level molding compound provides structural support on the front side of the diode device to allow the insulating substrate to be lifted off so that a conductive layer can be formed on the backside of the diode device as the cathode electrode. A vertical conduction nitride-based Schottky diode is thus realized. In another embodiment, a protection circuit for a vertical GaN Schottky diode employs a silicon-based vertical PN junction diode connected in parallel to the GaN Schottky diode to divert reverse bias avalanche current.
US08994139B2
A lateral overflow drain and a channel stop are fabricated using a double mask process. Each lateral overflow drain is formed within a respective channel stop. Due to the use of two mask layers, one edge of each lateral overflow drain is aligned, or substantially aligned, with an edge of a respective channel stop.
US08994136B2
A silicon photomultiplier detector cell may include a photodiode region and a readout circuit region formed on a same substrate. The photodiode region may include a first semiconductor layer exposed on a surface of the silicon photomultiplier detector cell and doped with first type impurities; a second semiconductor layer doped with second type impurities; and/or a first epitaxial layer between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The first epitaxial layer may contact the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The first epitaxial layer may be doped with the first type impurities at a concentration lower than a concentration of the first type impurities of the first semiconductor layer.
US08994134B2
An electronic device includes a first wiring substrate including a component mounting area, a second wiring substrate stacked on the first wiring substrate, in which an opening portion is provided in a part corresponding to the component mounting area, and connected to the first wiring substrate via solder bumps which are arranged on a periphery of the component mounting area, a frame-like resin dam layer formed between the solder bumps on the periphery of the component mounting area, and surrounding the component mounting area, and an electronic component mounted on the component mounting area of the first wiring substrate, wherein a sealing resin is filled between the first wiring substrate and the second wiring substrate such that the component mounting area is formed as a resin non-forming area by the resin dam layer.
US08994127B2
Embodiments related to semiconductor manufacturing and semiconductor devices with semiconductor structure are described and depicted.
US08994120B2
A motor control multilayer printed wiring board includes: a multilayer printed wiring board having a plurality of laminated conductor layers; an upper-row FET connected to the conductor layers and configured to control a motor; a lower-row FET connected to the conductor layers and arranged at a location at which the lower-row FET overlaps with the upper-row FET in a laminated direction in which the conductor layers are laminated, the lower-row FET being configured to control the motor; and a heat dissipation mechanism arranged on the multilayer printed wiring board and arranged at a location at which the heat dissipation mechanism overlaps with at least one of the upper-row FET and the lower-row FET in the laminated direction.
US08994115B2
A semiconductor structure for facilitating an integration of power devices on a common substrate includes a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and an active region having a first conductivity type formed on at least a portion of the first insulating layer. A first terminal is formed on an upper surface of the structure and electrically connects with at least one other region having the first conductivity type formed in the active region. A buried well having a second conductivity type is formed in the active region and is coupled with a second terminal formed on the upper surface of the structure. The buried well and the active region form a clamping diode which positions a breakdown avalanche region between the buried well and the first terminal. A breakdown voltage of at least one of the power devices is a function of characteristics of the buried well.
US08994112B2
A Fin FET whose fin (12) has an upper portion (30) doped with a first conductivity type and a lower portion (32) doped with a second conductivity type, wherein the junction (34) between the upper portion (30) and the lower portion (32) acts as a diode; and the FinFET further comprises: at least one layer (26, 28) of high-k dielectric material (for example Si3N4) adjacent at least one side of the fin (12) for redistributing a potential drop more evenly over the diode, compared to if the at least one layer of high-k dielectric material were not present, when the upper portion (30) is connected to a first potential and the lower portion (32) is connected to a second potential thereby providing the potential drop across the junction (34). Examples of the k value for the high-k dielectric material are k≧5, k≧7.5, and k≧20.
US08994105B2
A semiconductor structure for facilitating an integration of power devices on a common substrate includes a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and an active region having a first conductivity type formed on at least a portion of the first insulating layer. A first terminal is formed on an upper surface of the structure and electrically connects with at least one other region having the first conductivity type formed in the active region. A buried well having a second conductivity type is formed in the active region and is coupled with a second terminal formed on the upper surface of the structure. The buried well and the active region form a clamping diode which positions a breakdown avalanche region between the buried well and the first terminal. A breakdown voltage of at least one of the power devices is a function of characteristics of the buried well.
US08994099B2
A method of making multi-level contacts. The method includes providing an in-process multilevel device including at least one device region and at least one contact region. The contact region includes a plurality of electrically conductive layers configured in a step pattern. The method also includes forming a conformal etch stop layer over the plurality of electrically conductive layers, forming a first electrically insulating layer over the etch stop layer, forming a conformal sacrificial layer over the first electrically insulating layer and forming a second electrically insulating layer over the sacrificial layer. The method also includes etching a plurality of contact openings through the etch stop layer, the first electrically insulating layer, the sacrificial layer and the second electrically insulating layer in the contact region to the plurality of electrically conductive layers.
US08994094B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes first and second stacked body, first and second semiconductor pillars, a connecting portion, a first memory film, and a dividing portion. The stacked bodies include a plurality of electrode films stacked along a first axis and as interelectrode insulating film provided between the electrode films. The first and second semiconductor pillars penetrate through the first and second stacked bodies along the first axis, respectively. The connecting portion electrically connects the first and second semiconductor pillars. The first memory film is provided between the electrode film and the semiconductor pillar. The dividing portion electrically divides the first and second electrode films from each other between the first semiconductor pillar and the second semiconductor pillar, is in contact with the connecting portion, and includes a stacked film including a material used for the first memory film.
US08994092B2
A semiconductor device including a nonvolatile memory cell with a high performance and also a high reliability is provided. A nonvolatile memory cell includes a first n-well, a second n-well separated from the first n-well in a first direction, a selection transistor formed in the first n-well, a floating gate electrode formed to overlap with a part of the first n-well and a part of the second n-well in a plan view, and an n-conductivity-type semiconductor regions formed in the second n-well on both sides of the floating gate electrode. In write operation, −7 V is applied to the drain of a selected nonvolatile memory cell, −8 V is applied to the gate electrode of the selection transistor, and further −3 V is applied to the n-conductivity-type semiconductor region for obtaining a higher write speed. Thereby, a selected nonvolatile memory cell is discriminated from an unselected nonvolatile memory cell.
US08994088B2
A semiconductor storage device according to the present embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate. A memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells provided on the semiconductor substrate in an array direction. A selection gate transistor is provided on an end of the memory cell array, and is used to select the memory cells from the memory cell arrays. A dummy cell is provided between a gate electrode of one of the memory cells on the end of the memory cell array and a gate electrode of the selection gate transistor. The width of a gate electrode of the dummy cell in the array direction of the memory cells and the dummy cell is twice or more as large as the width of the gate electrode of one of the memory cells.
US08994085B2
An integrated circuit comprising an N+ type layer, a buffer layer arranged on the N+ type layer; a P type region formed on with the buffer layer; an insulator layer overlying the N+ type layer, a silicon layer overlying the insulator layer, an embedded RAM FET formed in the silicon layer and connected with a conductive node of a trench capacitor that extends into the N+ type layer, the N+ type layer forming a plate electrode of the trench capacitor, a first contact through the silicon layer and the insulating layer and electrically connecting to the N+ type layer, a first logic RAM FET formed in the silicon layer above the P type region, the P type region functional as a P-type back gate of the first logic RAM FET, and a second contact through the silicon layer and the insulating layer and electrically connecting to the P type region.
US08994055B2
A light source capable of solving a problem in which the etendue is increased when random polarization is converted into a specific polarization is provided. A relief structure that functions as surface plasmon excitation means for exciting a surface plasmon by a specific polarization component in a polarization direction perpendicular to a first direction in an interface between metal layer 15 and first cover layer 14 in light from emission layer 13 incident on the interface is formed at the interface. The relief structure is periodic in a second direction. Projections 21A of the relief structure are extended along the first direction. A light generation means for generating light having the same polarization component as the particular polarization component from the surface plasmon generated at the interface between metal layer 15 and first cover layer 14 according to the surface plasmon excited by the particular polarization component through the surface plasmon excitation means is formed at the interface between metal layer 15 and second cover layer 16.
US08994054B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a stacked structural body, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode. The stacked structural body includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a light emitting layer provided between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer. The second electrode forms an ohmic contact with the second semiconductor layer. The second electrode is translucent to light emitted from the light emitting layer. The third electrode penetrates through the second electrode and is electrically connected to the second electrode to form Shottky contact with the second semiconductor layer. The third electrode is disposed between the fourth electrode and the second semiconductor layer. A shape of the fourth electrode as viewed along a stacking direction of the first semiconductor layer, the light emitting layer, and the second semiconductor layer is same as a shape of the third electrode as viewed along the stacking direction.
US08994048B2
A semiconductor device has a substrate with a first and second recess formed in a surface of the substrate using a wet etch process. The second recess can have a size different from a size of the first recess. A plurality of conductive vias are formed in a surface of the first and second recesses using a dry etch process. A first conductive layer is formed over the surface of the substrate, over curved side walls of the first and second recesses, and electrically connected to the plurality of conductive vias. A first and second semiconductor die are mounted into the first and second recesses respectively. The second semiconductor die can have a size different from a size of the first semiconductor die. The first and second semiconductor die are electrically connected to the first conductive layer. An interconnect structure is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive vias.
US08994042B2
A display panel includes a first substrate on which an electrode line and a switching element are disposed, a second substrate positioned opposite the first substrate, a seal provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, a pad electrode that vertically overlaps the seal and is electrically connected to the electrode line, and a side electrode which is connected to one end of the pad electrode and includes a portion positioned on an exterior facing side of the seal.
US08994040B2
A method of producing an optoelectronic component including providing an epitaxially grown layer sequence on a growth substrate, which comprises a suitable layer for light emission; applying a metal layer to the epitaxially grown layer sequence; applying a molding support to the metal layer, the molding support including a support material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a fiber mesh with a second coefficient of thermal expansion functionally bonded to the support material; and detaching the growth substrate.
US08994034B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including: a first electrode formed of a conductive material; a p-type first silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor section and an n-type second SiC semiconductor section 230, connected to the first electrode, containing carbon (C) such that a surface density distribution has a peak at a first interface with the first electrode.
US08994027B2
A thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate includes a TFT including an active layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a first gate insulating layer and a second gate insulating layer formed between the active layer and the gate electrode, and an interlayer insulating layer formed between the gate electrode and the source electrode and the drain electrode; a pixel electrode formed in an opening of the interlayer insulating layer, the pixel electrode including transparent conductive oxide; a translucent electrode formed in a region corresponding to the pixel electrode, between the first gate insulating layer and the second gate insulating layer; and a capacitor including a lower electrode formed from the same layer as the active layer, and an upper electrode formed from the same layer as the translucent electrode.
US08994026B2
Design structures, structures and methods of manufacturing structures for providing latch-up immunity for mixed voltage integrated circuits. The structure includes a diffused N-Tub structure embedded in a P-wafer and provided below a retrograde N-well to a non-isolated CMOS logic.
US08994019B2
The invention is to provide a structure of a semiconductor device which achieves quick response and high-speed drive by improving on-state characteristics of a transistor, and to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device. In a transistor in which a semiconductor layer, a source and drain electrode layers, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode are sequentially stacked, a non-single-crystal oxide semiconductor layer containing at least indium, a Group 3 element, zinc, and oxygen is used as the semiconductor layer. The Group 3 element functions as a stabilizer.
US08994018B2
The present invention provides an OLED packaging structure and a packaging method thereof. The OLED packaging structure comprises a packaging board and an OLED substrate. At least one seal frame matching OLED in size is formed through painting glass frit seal on the packaging board at a position corresponding to the OLED. An initial painting point is at every seal frame with a protruding prominence. A recess is set up on the OLED substrate corresponding the initial painting point to accommodate the prominence. the OLED packaging structure and the packaging method thereof is to set up a recess on an OLED substrate to accommodate a prominence on the initial painting point due to accumulation of glass frit seal on a packaging board, so that when adhering the OLED substrate to the packaging board the seal frame is adhesive to the OLED substrate tightly without significant gap. Therefore subsequent laser melding is more successful, to prevent from forming gaps between a packaging board, an OLED substrate and a seal frame, and lifetime of OLED is lengthened.
US08994012B2
An organic EL panel (1) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes: an element substrate (10); a sealing substrate (14); and an organic EL element (15) which is (i) sandwiched between the element substrate (10) and the sealing substrate (14) and (ii) constituted by at least an anode, an organic light emitting layer and a cathode which are stacked together. The sealing substrate (14) has, on its surface facing the element substrate (10), a PVA sealing film (13) and an SiO2 sealing film (12) stacked together.
US08994011B2
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device including: a substrate; and two or more stacked light emitting elements, which comprise a first electrode, at least one intermediate electrode, a second electrode, and an organic material layer disposed between the electrodes, the stacked organic light emitting elements including a first group of electrodes electrically connected to each other such that among the electrodes, at least two electrodes, which are not adjacent to each other, become a common electric potential, and a second group of electrodes which include one electrode among electrodes which are not electrically connected to the first group of electrodes, or at least two electrodes which are not electrically connected to the first group of electrodes and are electrically connected to each other so as to be a common electric potential without being adjacent to each other, in which the stacked organic light emitting elements are disposed at an interval apart from each other on the substrate and driven by an alternating current power source such that a form, in which a first group of electrodes of one stacked organic light emitting element among the stacked organic light emitting elements are directly connected to a second group of electrodes of another stacked organic light element, is continuously repeated.
US08994010B2
An organic light-emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device are provided. The organic light-emitting display device includes a plurality of pixels each including: a first region including a light-emitting region for emitting light, a first electrode and an emission layer covering the first electrode being located in the light-emitting region; and a second region including a transmissive region for transmitting external light through the display device. The display device also includes: a third region between the pixels; a first auxiliary layer in the first and third regions; a second electrode on the first auxiliary layer in the first and third regions; a second auxiliary layer covering the second electrode and located in the first and second regions and not in the third region; and a third electrode on the second electrode in the third region.
US08994007B2
A light-emitting element has a layer including an organic material between a first electrode and a second electrode, and further has a layer including a metal oxide between the second electrode and the layer including the organic material, where these electrodes and layers are laminated so that the second electrode is formed later than the first electrode. The light-emitting element is suppressed damage caused to a layer including an organic material during deposition by sputtering and a phenomenon such as short circuit between electrodes.
US08994001B2
A light emitting device, a method of manufacturing the same, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system are disclosed. The light emitting device may include a first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer, and an active layer interposed between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers. The first conductive semiconductor layer, the active layer, and the second conductive semiconductor layer may include Al. The second conductive semiconductor layer may have Al content higher than Al content of the first conductive semiconductor layer. The first conductive semiconductor layer may have Al content higher than Al content of the active layer.
US08993997B2
A gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor light emitting device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor light emitting device includes: a substrate; a p-type ohmic electrode layer formed on the substrate; a p-type gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor layer formed on the p-type ohmic electrode layer; an n-type gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor layer formed on the p-type gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor layer; an n-type ohmic electrode layer formed on the n-type gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor layer; and first and second refractive index adjustment layers having refractive index smaller than those of the n-type gallium nitride-based group III-V compound semiconductor layer and the n-type ohmic electrode layer, wherein a pyramid structure is formed on the surface of the second refractive index adjustment layer.
US08993993B2
Provided are a semiconductor light emitting device and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting structure and a pattern. The light emitting structure includes a first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second-conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The pattern is formed on at least one light emitting surface among the surfaces of the light emitting structure. The pattern has a plurality of convex or concave parts that are similar in shape. The light emitting surface with the pattern formed thereon has a plurality of virtual reference regions that are equal in size and are arranged in a regular manner. The convex or concave part is disposed in the reference regions such that a part of the edge thereof is in contact with the outline of one of the plurality of virtual reference regions.
US08993992B2
A GaN based semiconductor light-emitting device is provided. The light-emitting device includes a first GaN based compound semiconductor layer of an n-conductivity type; an active layer; a second GaN based compound semiconductor layer; an underlying layer composed of a GaN based compound semiconductor, the underlying layer being disposed between the first GaN based compound semiconductor layer and the active layer; and a superlattice layer composed of a GaN based compound semiconductor doped with a p-type dopant, the superlattice layer being disposed between the active layer and the second GaN based compound semiconductor layer.
US08993981B2
Systems and methods for heating an apex of a tip of a charged particle source are disclosed. The charged particle source can be, for example, a gas ion source. The systems can include a detector configured to detect light generated by the tip apex, and a controller coupled with the charged particle source and the detector so that the controller can control heating of the tip apex based on the light detected by the detector.
US08993977B2
The present invention discloses a detector. The detector includes a detector crystal, configured to detect incident rays therein; a plurality of moderator layers, configured to moderate neutrons entering the moderator layer; and a plurality of converter layers, configured to react with said moderated neutrons. The moderator layers and the converter layers are overlapped with each other, and the moderator layers and the converter layers are located outside the detector crystal.
US08993955B2
The encoder includes a scale including first and second periodic patterns, and a detector relatively movable with respect to the scale and whose detection state is switchable between a first detection state to read the first periodic pattern and output a first signal and a second detection state to read the second periodic pattern and output a second signal. A processor performs a first process to detect a first absolute position by using the first and second signals and then performs a second process to calculate a relative movement amount by using a specific signal that is one of the first and second signals and detect a second absolute position by using the relative movement amount and the first absolute position. The specific signal is obtained from the detector set in a same detection state as that set last in the first process.
US08993953B2
An apparatus and a system for measuring flicker of a display panel are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light guide tube, a measuring probe for flicker measurement, and an optical device for diverging fight. The light guide tube comprises an opening at a first end and an opening at a second end. The trumpet-shaped light guide tube gradually enlarges from the opening at the second end to the opening at the first end. The opening at the first end is used for receiving light emitting from the periphery regions and the center region of the display. Light entering into the light guide tube through the opening at the first end emerges from the opening at the second end and is transmitted to the measuring probe through the optical device having a diverging effect. The more overall flicker information is acquired to improve the accuracy of measurement.
US08993938B2
An indoor or outdoor heater with a safety bar, a tiltable heater head, a power controlling and power limiting device serving as safety mechanisms.
US08993935B2
A heating device (100, 200), which can be arranged at an object (101, 201) to be heated, especially an injection molding die, has an inner jacket surface (111, 211) and an outer jacket surface (112, 212), with a heating element (105, 205) and with a thermocouple (103, 203). The thermocouple (102, 203) has at least one positioning section, in which the cross section of the thermocouple (103, 203) deviates in at least one direction of the cross-sectional area from the cross section of at least one section of the thermocouple (103, 203) located adjacent to this positioning section. The heating device (100, 200) has at least one device for locking this positioning section against displacement in and/or opposite to the direction in which the thermocouple (103, 203) extends.
US08993929B2
A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel.
US08993928B2
An attachment device for use in connecting a conductor tube to a handle of a welding gun is provided that includes an adapter disposed proximate the handle of the welding gun, wherein the adapter defines a plurality of radially spaced receiving portions. A conductor tube is disposed adjacent the adapter, and the conductor tube defines at least one extension disposed near a proximal end portion of the conductor tube. The plurality of radially spaced receiving portions are adapted for engagement by the extension of the conductor tube such that the conductor tube can be repositioned relative to the handle of the welding gun.
US08993926B2
A method for arc welding can control the increase slopes of the short-circuit current and the inflection point of the increase slopes in the welding start period to be smaller than in the steady-state welding period. Thus, the increase slopes of the short-circuit current and the inflection point are made different between the welding start period and the steady-state welding period, thereby reducing sputtering in the welding start period.
US08993924B2
There is provided a target object processing method capable of self-breaking a target object with a laser beam. The target object processing method includes: generating a laser beam from a laser beam source; correcting a divergence angle of the generated laser beam; and forming a spot by condensing the corrected laser beam to the inside of the target object. A shape or a size of the spot is adjusted by correcting the divergence angle of the laser beam, a phase transformation area is formed within the target object by the spot, and the target object is subject to self-breaking with the phase transformation area as the starting point.
US08993921B2
The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.
US08993920B2
A steel strip is formed into a cylinder so that opposite ends of the steel strip face each other, while continuously conveying the steel strip. The opposite ends are melted across the entire thickness by irradiating the opposite ends with a high-energy-density beam while applying a pressure with squeeze rolls. A seam is formed by joining the opposite ends, and excess weld metal of the seam on the outer and inner sides of the obtained welded steel pipe is removed by cutting. A repaired seam is then formed by remelting and solidifying a region on the inner side of the welded steel pipe, the region having a depth of 0.5 mm or more from the surface and a width of double or more the width of the seam, and in addition, the center line of the seam is made to coincide with the center line of the repaired seam.
US08993914B2
A high-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts are provided. The method includes consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts move along a path which extends from a supply of parts and through an imaging station. A triangulation-based sensor head is supported at the imaging station. The sensor head is configured to generate focused lines of radiation and to sense corresponding reflected lines of radiation. The focused lines are delivered onto an end surface of each part to obtain a corresponding array of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor head senses the array of reflected lines to obtain a corresponding set of 2-D profile signals. The set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of the end surface. The set of 2-D profile signals of each part is processed to identify parts having an unacceptable defect.
US08993909B2
A button structure is provided and includes a support bracket and a button. The support bracket has two opposite edges, a first concave portion, a second concave portion, and a position limiting protruding point. The first and second concave portions are respectively located at the two opposite edges, and the position limiting protruding point protrudes from the second concave portion. The button is located on the support bracket and includes a body portion, two neck portions and two stop portions. The two neck portions are located on two opposite ends of the body portion, and are respectively coupled to the first and second concave portions. The neck portion coupled to the second concave portion is positioned by the position limiting protruding point. The two stop portions are respectively connected to a side of the two neck portions facing away from the body portion.
US08993890B2
An electric cable includes: a flat electric wire that is hard to bend in a longitudinal direction and easy to bend in a lateral direction; and a terminal that is coupled to a terminal end of the flat electric wire and connected to an inverter. The terminal has a wire connection portion coupled to the terminal end of the flat electric wire and a connecting portion connected to the inverter. The terminal is formed so that, when the terminal is connected to the inverter, a plane that includes a flat surface of the connecting portion is oriented in the direction in which the flat electric wire is easy to bend and intersects with the predetermined direction.
US08993889B2
An oil smelter cable has a plurality of conductor assemblies. Each conductor assembly includes a galvanized steel conductor, an insulation layer that surrounds the galvanized steel conductor, and a metal sheath that surrounds the insulation layer. An armor layer surrounds the plurality of conductor assemblies.
US08993887B2
The invention relates to a twisted pair cable and connector combination comprising a cable having a plurality of twisted pairs, each twisted pair comprising a first conductor and a second conductor, an electrical connector having an electrical connection element for each conductor of the cable and a window through which the conductors of the cable enter the connector, wherein each conductor in the cable is electrically coupled to a one of the electrical connection elements in the electrical connector, and a guide element disposed adjacent the window for guiding the twisted pairs into the connector, the guide element having a distal end and a proximal end and a length there between, the guide element curved over the length and including at least one channel running along the length of the guide element body for each twisted pair, the guide element gradually transitioning over the length from a first cross sectional shape wherein said channels are disposed in a pattern relative to each other corresponding to the relative positions of the twisted pairs in the cable to a second cross sectional shape wherein the channels are disposed in a pattern relative to each other corresponding to the relative positions of the electrical connection elements of the connector.
US08993884B1
A wire theft deterrent system includes a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion for encapsulating wire in a riser that is associated with a telephone pole. The first and second U-shaped portions are both made of stainless steel, so as to be substantially resistant to saw blades and hammers. The first U-shaped portion and the second U-shaped portion are connected to one another by high-security fasteners, each of which passes through an aperture in a flange of the first U-shaped portion and a corresponding aperture in a flange of the second U-shaped portion. The high-security fasteners restrict access to the encapsulated wires, so as to deter wire theft.
US08993879B2
A semiconductor structure including a bonding layer connecting a first semiconductor wafer layer to a second semiconductor wafer layer, the bonding layer including an electrically conductive carbonaceous component and a binder component.
US08993874B2
A photovoltaic cell having multiple stacked layers has a thickness from the top of its top layer to the bottom of its bottom layer of less than one micron. Metal conducting layers are positioned between semiconductor layers with semiconductor layers having higher bandgaps being located above semiconductor layers having lower band gaps. The layers of the photovoltaic cell are arranged and stacked, and the thicknesses and materials for the semiconductor layers and conductive layers are selected to realize desired absorption, transmission, and reflection characteristics. The geometry and thicknesses of the respective layers of the cell allows incident light of various angles to be absorbed by all of the semiconductor layers of the cell.
US08993872B2
A photovoltaic module comprises a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells; an inverter to convert DC voltage supplied from the solar cell module into AC voltage and to output the AC voltage; and a screen to generate an electric field based on the AC voltage, the screen comprising multiple electrode patterns that can receive AC voltage and being separated from each other. Based on the above, for example, foreign substance such as dust, snow, ice, etc., on the front surface of a photovoltaic module may be removed.
US08993871B2
A concentrating lens array according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged at least one-dimensionally. Each unit structure includes: a first surface through which light enters inside of the structure; a second surface which reflects the light that has entered the structure through the first surface; a third surface which reflects the light that has been reflected from the second surface; and a fourth surface which lets the light that has been reflected from the third surface go out of the structure. In each unit structure, the second and third surfaces are located between an incident plane including the first surface and an emitting plane including the fourth surface. At least one of the second and third surfaces reflects the light after having converged the incoming light. When viewed from over the incident plane, the second surface of each unit structure is laid upon the third surface of an adjacent unit structure, and is located closer to the incident plane than the third surface of the adjacent unit structure is.
US08993867B2
Describes a mobile communication device (1, 20, 55, 111, 150, 200, 220, 335) having musical instrument (percussion, keyboards, string and blow) function, which “can be scrapped onto the user's body through an adjustable elastic belt (151). It is also able to receive commands from a remote sensor (4, 70, 75, 160, 210, 257, 392,412), which has a musical instrument interface (percussion, keyboards, string and blow), preferably scrapped onto the user's body by means of an adjustable elastic belt (151). A sound system (6) or an audio/video equipment might receive audio and/or video from the mobile communication device (1, 20, 55, 111, 150, 200, 220, 335) through an adapter (5, 56, 63, 68). The use of this device is intended to be an occupational therapy, satisfying, entertaining and relaxing for the user, which will provide user's mental and physical health benefits. Its technical classification is under “electronics”.
US08993866B2
An improved portable media device and methods for operating a media device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the portable media device can also function as a solid-state drive for data storage. The form factor of the portable media device can be hand-held or smaller, such that it is highly portable. The portable media device can use one or more status indicators. The portable media device can also include a peripheral bus connector, a rechargeable battery, and one or more input devices. According to another aspect, the portable media device has the capability to store media device status information in persistent memory before powering down. Thereafter, when the portable media device is again powered up, the stored media player status information can be retrieved and utilized. According to still another aspect, the portable media device can form and/or traverse a media asset playlist in an efficient manner.
US08993865B2
A pedal beating apparatus for musical instruments comprises a pedal beating holder, an elevation adjustment tray and a clamp beam. The elevation adjustment tray is movable against the pedal beating holder and has an elevation difference curved surface. The pedal beating holder has a fulcrum member. The clamp beam hinged on the fulcrum member has a clamp end and a leaning end at two ends. A compression spring is interposed between the clamp beam and pedal beating holder and located between the clamp end and fulcrum member to allow the leaning end to move downward to contact the elevation difference curved surface. By moving the elevation adjustment tray, position of the leaning end contacting the elevation difference curved surface is adjusted to further drive the clamp end to move. Thus distance between the clamp end and clamp boss can be changed to rapidly clamp drum hoops with varying thicknesses.
US08993860B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV405805. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV405805, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV405805 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 CV405805 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 CV405805.
US08993858B1
A novel maize variety designated X80D011 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X80D011 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80D011 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80D011, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80D011. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80D011.
US08993851B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP47011 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP47011, cells from soybean variety XBP47011, plants of soybean XBP47011, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP47011. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP47011 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP47011, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP47011, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP47011. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP47011 are further provided.
US08993844B1
Methods for the production of synthetic spider silk-like proteins in corn endosperm or plant shoot tissue are provided. The present invention provides further methods for the identification of synthetic spider silk-like proteins in corn endosperm or plant shoot tissue.
US08993836B2
The invention concerns tools, methods and compositions for modifying plants and/or protein expression in plants. The invention concerns in particular transcriptional promoters enabling specific expression in the trichomes, constructs containing said promoters, and their uses for genetically modifying cells, seeds or plants. The invention also concerns methods for producing transgenic plants expressing proteins or metabolites of interest. The invention is generally applicable to any plant having glandular trichomes, and to the expression of any protein of industrial interest, in particular therapeutic or phytosanitary.
US08993835B2
Methods for improved sesame agriculture comprising growing a pygmy sesame line homozygous for the py/py recessive pygmy allele and a character selected from non-dehiscence or improved non-dehiscence are disclosed.Pygmy sesame plants homozygous for the py/py recessive pygmy allele and a character selected from non-dehiscence or improved non-dehiscence, and a method for breeding the same, are disclosed.
US08993833B2
A modified non-human warm-blooded vertebrate animal in which a biologically active human APP polypeptide is expressed, and in which function of its inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) protein is reduced as compared to a non-modified animal, methods of making the animal, and methods of testing a candidate composition for activity in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease using the animal.
US08993832B2
Described is an absorbent article that includes at least a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorption body sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet. A pair of right and left compressed grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction. Each compressed groove is separated into a right or left compressed groove located in the longitudinal side edge part at least in the center region of the absorption body, a front-side compressed groove located in the longitudinal front part of the side edge part, and a rear-side compressed groove located in the longitudinal rear part of the side edge part and out of these compressed grooves. The compressed groove located on the widthwise innermost side is formed to allow its end part in the separation portion to run in parallel with the longitudinal centerline or face outwardly in the width direction.
US08993831B2
Medical implants and methods useful in treating postpartum hemorrhage are disclosed. The implants, in some embodiments, comprise polyurethane foams having advantageous mechanical and other properties selected to promote hemostasis when brought in contact with an inner wall of a uterus. Methods of making and deploying such implants are also disclosed.
US08993816B2
Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (HCC-1230xa) using 1,1,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240za) and/or 3,3,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240zf) and Cl2 gas as the reactants, wherein the process takes place in a single reactor system. Before this invention, HCC-1230xa was made in a two-step process using HCC-1240za/HCC-1240zf and Cl2 gas, and the processing was conducted using two separate reactors.
US08993805B2
A novel material having high hole-transporting ability and a high glass transition temperature and having long-lasting durability is obtained.A benzofluorene compound represented by formula (1) is used. (In the formula, M is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6-40 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 5-40 carbon atoms; Ar1 to Ar4 each independently is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6-40 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 5-40 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of Ar1 to Ar4 is a substituent represented by any of the following formulae (2) to (5); and p is an integer of 0-2.) (In the formulae, R1 to R4 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6-40 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group having 6-40 carbon atoms, provided that R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a ring.)
US08993804B2
The invention relates to highly active and selective catalysts for alkyne metathesis. In one aspect, the invention includes a multidentate organic ligand wherein one substrate-binding site of the metal center is blocked. In another aspect, the invention includes N-quaternized or silane-based multidentate organic ligands, capable of binding to metals. In yet another aspect, the invention includes N-quaternized or silane-based multidentate catalysts. The catalysts of the invention show high robustness, strong resistance to small alkyne polymerization and significantly enhanced catalytic activity compared to their corresponding non-quaternized or non-silane-based multidentate catalyst analogs.
US08993799B2
A method for producing a purified naphthalenedicarboxylic acid includes steps of mixing a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid-containing material and an amine in a mixed liquid of water and an organic solvent to give a crystal of a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid amine salt; and obtaining a purified naphthalenedicarboxylic acid from the crystal of the naphthalenedicarboxylic acid amine salt, wherein (1) in the step of forming the naphthalenedicarboxylic acid amine salt by adding an amine to the slurry that contains water, an organic solvent and a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, the amine addition rate is from 0.002 to 0.4 mol/min relative to one mol of the naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, or (2) an amine is added to the aqueous solution prepared by dissolving the naphthalenedicarboxylic acid amine salt in water, or to the liquid prepared through solid-liquid separation of the aqueous solution to insolubilize and precipitate the metal component, and the precipitated metal component is removed through solid-liquid separation.
US08993792B2
The invention relates to polyglycol ether-free, polyglycerol partial ester-based sulphosuccinates, the preparation thereof, and the use of these in cosmetic formulations and also in cleaning compositions in the industrial and domestic sector and formulations comprising these sulphosuccinates.
US08993789B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing methyl 5-acetamido-4-amino-6-(1,2,3-triacetoxypropyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate (V), which process comprises reducing methyl 5-acetamido-4-azido-6-(1,2,3-triacetoxypropyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate (IV) in the presence of a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, zinc/ammonium chloride, zinc-ferric chloride and ferric chloride/sodium iodide. The present invention also provides compounds of formula (VIII) and (IX) which may be used in the synthesis of zanamivir. The present invention also provides processes for preparing compounds (VIII) and (IX) and processes involving their use, including in the synthesis of zanamivir.
US08993781B2
The invention relates to novel fluorescent compounds derived from non-fluorinated dipyrromethene-boron, to a method for preparing same and to the use thereof for the fluorescent marking of biological molecules. The invention also relates to biological molecules marked with said fluorescent compounds, and to the use thereof in detection methods such as medical diagnosis methods. More particularly, the detection methods of the invention are particularly useful for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08993777B2
The present invention is a method for producing a phenyl-substituted heterocyclic derivative represented by general formula (1), which has a step wherein a heteroaromatic compound represented by general formula (2) is reacted with a phenol derivative represented by general formula (3) in the presence of a nickel compound, 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, and a base.
US08993770B2
An improved process for preparing dabigatran etexilate, as well as analogous compounds of formula 7, is described.
US08993766B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing tetrabenazine (TBZ) and dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ), and more specifically to a method for preparing tetrabenazine (TBZ) and dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) by using simple and short reaction processes of using 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 4-methyl-2-(3-(trimethylsilyl)prop-1-ene-2-yl)pentane as starting materials to sequentially perform an alkylation reaction, an Aza-Prins cyclization reaction in the presence of an oxidant and an oxidation reaction.
US08993752B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08993749B2
A process for producing an eriocitrin-containing material comprises the steps of: preparing an eriocitrin-containing citrus extract from a citrus fruit using an extractant; and separating eriocitrin from the citrus extract. The step of separating eriocitrin from the citrus extract comprises the steps of: bringing the citrus extract into contact with a porous synthetic adsorption resin such that eriocitrin in the citrus extract is adsorbed on the porous synthetic adsorption resin, the porous synthetic adsorption resin comprising a phenol-formaldehyde resin as a main framework and having amino and phenolic hydroxyl groups; and eluting the eriocitrin adsorbed on the porous synthetic adsorption resin using an elution solvent.
US08993740B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparation of the tetrasaccharide lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnt, formula (I)) especially in large scale, as well as intermediates in the synthesis, a new crystal form (polymorph) of LNnt, and the use thereof in pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions.
US08993739B2
A process for the preparation of compound of Formula (I) is provided. Formula-I
US08993738B2
The present invention provides modified nucleosides, analogs thereof and oligomeric compounds prepared therefrom. More particularly, the present invention provides modified nucleosides and analogs thereof that are useful for incorporation at the terminus of an oligomeric compound. Such oligomeric compounds can also be included in a double stranded composition. In some embodiments, the oligomeric compounds provided herein are expected to hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA.
US08993734B2
The present invention provides improved methods for the manufacturing of IVIG products. These methods offer various advantages such as reduced loss of IgG during purification and improved quality of final products. In other aspects, the present invention provides aqueous and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous, and/or intramuscular administration. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a disease or condition comprising administration of an IgG composition provided herein.
US08993730B2
This invention relates to chimeric and humanized antibodies that specifically bind the BCR complex, and particularly chimeric and humanized antibodies to the BCR complex. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions comprising them in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disease.
US08993724B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of interferon beta, and to an interferon beta composition having a unique glycosylation pattern.
US08993720B2
The disclosure provides methods of treating X-linked hypophosphatemia, related bone demineralization and renal phosphate wasting disorders in a mammalian subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a polyarginine peptide.
US08993719B2
Disclosed are methods and compositions relating to plasmin inhibition.
US08993715B2
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a labeled protein, and specifically, to separate a labeled protein and the same unlabeled protein. There is provided a labeled protein including: a protein to be labeled having a target protein, at least one or more affinity interaction domains for binding to an affinity support, and at least one or more labeling sites; and a labeling reagent binding to at least one of the labeling sites; wherein the affinity of the labeled protein for the affinity support is difference from that of the protein to be labeled for the affinity support.
US08993702B2
This invention relates to a transition metal catalyst compound represented by the structure: wherein M is hafnium or zirconium; each X is, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrides, amides, alkoxides, sulfides, phosphides, halogens, dienes, amines, phosphines, ethers, or a combination thereof; each R1 and R3 are, independently, a C1 to C8 alkyl group; and each R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, and R14 are, independently, hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, provided however that at least three of the R10-R14 groups are not hydrogen, compositions thereof and methods of use thereof to prepare polymers.
US08993695B2
Heat aging of the composition comprising melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, the alkyl containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms and melt flowable polytetrafluoroethylene is effective to cause thermal transformation of the composition in the solid state, which is epitaxial co-crystallization of the polymer components of the composition, and other valuable changes, such as increased continuous use temperature.
US08993687B2
There is provided a method for production of a high-purity biodegradable polyoxyethylene derivative on an industrial scale using a polyoxyethylene compound containing polylactic acid at the terminal thereof. A biodegradable polyoxyethylene compound represented by formula (1) and a compound represented by formula (I) are caused to react with each other at 60° C. to 120° C. using toluene as a solvent in the presence of sodium acetate to obtain a biodegradable polyoxyethylene derivative represented by formula (2).
US08993685B2
A method for hydrogenating a polymer containing vinyl aromatic block and the hydrogenated polymer are provided. The method includes providing a polymer having at least one vinyl aromatic block; and hydrogenating the polymer in presence of a heterogeneous catalyst on a support, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst consists essentially of Ru, Zn and B, or Ru, Zn and P.
US08993678B2
A heterophasic polypropylene composition comprising (percent by weight referred to the sum of components A) and B)): A) from 80% to 97% of a random copolymer of propylene containing from 0.1 to 4% of 1-hexene derived units; B) from 3-20% of a copolymer of propylene and ethylene having a content of ethylene derived units ranging from 50% to 55% extremes excluded; wherein the heterophasic polypropylene composition is endowed with a Melt Flow Rate: measured according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 5 Kg) ranging from 0.5 to 5 g/10 min; and an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature ranging from 2.5 to 5.5.
US08993676B2
A blend of polylactic acid resin and copolyester resin, which has excellent impact resistance and heat resistance, and a molded article manufactured using the same are disclosed. The blend of polylactic acid resin and copolyester resin, comprises 5 to 94 wt % of a polylactic acid resin; 3 to 92 wt % of a copolyester resin comprising a dicarboxylic acid component, which contains a terephthalic acid residue, and a diol component which contains 3 to 99 mol % of a cyclohexanedimethanol residue and 1 to 60 mol % of an isosorbide residue; and 3-30 wt % of a compatibilizer containing at least one reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of glycidyl, maleic anhydride, epoxy, isocyanate, amino, carboxylic acid and oxazoline groups, and mixtures thereof.
US08993674B2
To provide an inkjet ink polymer capable of providing an inkjet ink capable of forming a printed product having excellent weather resistance, print density (coloring properties), and fixability (abrasion properties) with good productivity and providing a pigment dispersion having excellent dispersibility with good productivity. An inkjet ink copolymer contains 10 to 99% by weight of a cyclohexyl methacrylate unit and 1 to 90% by weight of an acrylic acid unit. The purpose is achieved by an inkjet ink pigment dispersion containing the inkjet ink copolymer and a pigment.
US08993670B2
The present invention provides a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition in which a particular relationship is satisfied between the glass fiber content (W (parts by weight)) and the melt viscosity (η) of the thermoplastic resin composition at molding temperature as determined at a shear rate of 1,000 sec−1. According to the present invention, there can be obtained a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin having increased strength and rigidity and excellent in practical characteristics such as impact resistance and antifreeze liquid resistance. In addition, molded articles obtained by injection-molding the composition are available as components having reduced anisotropies of mechanical characteristics and mold shrinkage factor.
US08993667B2
The present invention provides elastomeric roof coatings and aqueous coating compositions of (i) an acrylic emulsion copolymer that comprises (ii) a reductant and has a high molecular weight, (iii) a combination of a hydrophilic polymeric dispersant and a pigment, extender or filler, and (iv) a multivalent transition metal ion or multivalent transition metal ion compound or salt. The composition and coating provide excellent swelling resistance and a balance of tensile and elongation in an acrylic roof coating composition.
US08993666B2
For the purpose of improving rolling resistance and durability, the present invention provides a rubber composition for insulation of a tire comprising 0.2 to 4 parts by mass of (B) an alkylphenol-sulfur chloride condensate, and 20 to 59 parts by mass of (C) carbon black having a BET specific surface area of 25 to 50 m2/g based on 100 parts by mass of (A) a rubber component comprising 30 to 85% by mass of (a1) a natural rubber and/or an isoprene rubber, 0 to 70% by mass of (a2) at least one styrene butadiene rubber selected from the group consisting of an emulsion-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber, a solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber and a modified styrene butadiene rubber, and 0 to 60% by mass of (a3) a butadiene rubber, and a tire having insulation prepared from the rubber composition.
US08993658B2
A surfactant composition selected from the group consisting of: ArO—(CH2CH[CH2CH3]O)1-10(CH2CH2O)5-50H, isomers, aromatic ring substituted analogs, and mixtures thereof; and an aqueous coating composition including an aqueous polymeric dispersion, and certain other compositions, including the surfactant composition are provided. Also provided are a method for forming a coating and a method for improving the freeze/thaw stability of an aqueous composition including an aqueous polymeric dispersion.
US08993655B2
Capable of being provided are [1] a master batch comprising polyamide (X) comprising a diamine unit containing 70 mole % or more of a metaxylylenediamine unit and a dicarboxylic acid unit and an alkali compound (A), wherein an average particle diameter of the alkali compound (A) contained in the master batch is 50 μm or less; a contained number of particles having a particle diameter of exceeding 80 μm in 5 square millimeter of a cross section of the master batch is 1.5 particle or less; and a sum (m) of values obtained by multiplying a mole concentration of an alkali metal atom and a mole concentration of an alkaline earth metal atom each contained per g of the master batch by valencies thereof respectively is 60 μmol/g or more and 1710 μmol/g or less and [2] a production process for a polyamide resin composition prepared by making use of the master batch described in the above item [1]. Making use of the master batch of the present invention makes it possible to provide a polyamide resin composition which has a good appearance and a good color tone and which forms less gels in mold processing.
US08993653B2
The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers, and especially polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid based biodegradable polymers. Further, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of the present biodegradable polymers and the use thereof as, for example, protective layer or packaging material. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preparing a biodegradable polymer comprising: a) preparing an acidic mixture of polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid, sodium ions, one or more oligosaccharides, or derivatives thereof, and water, wherein the resulting mixture has a pH equal to or lower than 5; b) maintaining the temperature of said acidic mixture in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until an homogeneous suspension is obtained; and c) adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and one or more polycarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, to the mixture of step (b) while maintaining the temperature in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until the biodegradable polymer is formed.
US08993640B2
The present invention relates generally to the compound: N-((4aS,6aR,6bS,8aR,12aS,14aR,14bS)-11-cyano-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-10,14-dioxo-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,6b,7,8,8a,9,10,12a,14,14a,14b-octadecahydropicen-4a-yl)-2,2-difluoropropanamide, polymorphic forms thereof, methods for preparation and use thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and kits and articles of manufacture thereof.
US08993636B2
Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues.
US08993628B2
LXR nuclear receptor agonists have been previously shown to increase cholesterol efflux, raise plasma HDL cholesterol, stimulate cholesterol excretion, and reduce atherosclerotic lesions. However, these agonists have also been associated with the unwanted side effect of hypertriglyeridemia. This hypertriglyeridemia appears to be mediated by the LXRα subtype rather than LXRβ, which suggests that LXRβ-selective agonists are attractive candidates for modulation of human lipid metabolism. The present application provides novel LXRβ-selective ligands that preferably modulate LXRβ over LXRα. These ligands may be used to treat a variety of diseases associated with LXR, such as for example lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and inflammation.
US08993624B2
The present invention relates to the use of a therapeutically effective amount of abscisic acid (ABA) or its analogs to treat or prevent inflammation induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or respiratory inflammation. The invention also relates to methods and composition for enhancing vaccine efficacy using ABA.
US08993622B2
The present invention provides new antiviral compounds and pharmacological compositions comprising these new compounds and their use in the prophylaxis, prevention and treatment of viral infections, particularly adenovirus and herpes virus infections.
US08993620B2
Cinnamic acid-based oligomers and therapeutic uses thereof are provided. The oligomers are used as anti-inflammation agents, inhibitors of elastase and anti-oxidants, and in some cases (e.g. the treatment of lung disorders such as lung cancer) all three activities are simultaneously beneficial. Subsets of the oligomers (e.g. β-O4 and β-5 trimers and tetramers) are used as anticoagulants.
US08993619B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): useful for treating disorders mediated by acyl coA-diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 (DGAT1), e.g. metabolic disorders. The invention also provides methods of treating such disorders, and compounds and compositions etc. for their treatment.
US08993617B2
The present invention directed to a method of treating multiple myeloma with the following compound: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound is a novel small molecule inhibitor of Ire1.
US08993614B2
There are provided compounds of the formula wherein X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein and enantiomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds are useful as anticancer agents.
US08993607B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I, II, and III as defined herein, as well as salts thereof. The compounds may have activity as anti-proliferative agents.
US08993604B2
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain 2-aryl-benzothiazole or 2-heteroaryl-benzothiazole derivative compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by flavivirus is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to, Dengue virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus.
US08993602B2
The invention relates to a benzoic acid salt of methyl(2R,3R)-2-{3-[amino(imino)methyl]benzyl}-3-{[4-(1-oxidopyridin-4-yl)benzoyl]amino}butanoate, and to a benzoic acid salt of methyl(2R,3R)-2-{3-[amino(imino)methyl]benzyl}-3-{[4-(1-oxidopyridin-4-yl)benzoyl]amino}butanoate which is in a crystalline form or in at least partially crystalline form, as well as a process for the preparation of the same, methods of using such salt to treat subjects suffering from conditions which can be ameliorated by the administration of an inhibitor of Factor Xa.
US08993601B2
The present invention provides a tetomilast crystal that is industrially easily produced in a large volume. (1) a tetomilast hydrate crystal having a power X-ray diffraction spectrum that is substantially the same as the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum shown in FIG. 2; (2) an anhydrous tetomilast type A crystal having a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum that is substantially the same as the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum shown in FIG. 4; (3) an anhydrous tetomilast type C crystal having a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum that is substantially the same as the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum shown in FIG. 8; (4) a tetomilast acetonitrile solvate crystal having a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum that is substantially the same as the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum shown in FIG. 10; and (5) a mixture consisting of the above anhydrous tetomilast type A crystal and an anhydrous tetomilast type B crystal. These crystals are stable towards heat and moisture, and are also excellent in terms of the disintegration property and dissolution property of tablets. Accordingly, these crystals are preferably used as pharmaceutical compositions.
US08993598B2
The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula: wherein A is pyridyl group having at least one substituent wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen or a C1-6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by halogen, R4 and R6 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen, R5 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen or a C1-6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by halogen, and R7 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen or a salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition containing the same.
US08993597B2
Provided are peptides, compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, a macrovascular disorder, or a microvascular disorder.
US08993595B2
Provided herein are macrocyclic serine protease inhibitor compounds, for example, of Formula Ia or Ib, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and processes of preparation thereof. Also provided are methods of their use for the treatment of an HCV infection in a host in need thereof.
US08993592B2
Provided is a cyclic amine compound, represented by the following formula (I) that has superior acaricidal activity, has superior properties and safety, and which can be synthesized industrially advantageously, a salt thereof and an acaricide: (wherein, Cy1 and Cy2 respectively and independently represent, for example, an aryl group, R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4a, R4b and R5a respectively and independently represent, for example, a hydrogen atom, R1a and R2a or R3a and R4a may together form, for example, an ethylene group, R10, R11, R20 and R21 respectively and independently represent, for example, an alkyl group, R10 or R11 may respectively or mutually, or together with an atom that bonds on Cy1, form a ring, R20 or R21 on Cy2 may respectively or mutually, or with an atom that bonds on Cy2, form a ring, m represents an integer of 0 to 5, n represents an integer of 0 to 5, p represents an integer of 0 to 5, and r represents an integer of 0 to 5).
US08993588B2
Compounds of formula I: wherein variables A1, A2, B, m, n, J, R4, G1, G2, G3 and Y are as described herein, which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08993578B2
The present invention features interferon- and ribavirin-free therapies for the treatment of HCV. Preferably, the treatment is over a shorter duration of treatment, such as no more than 12 weeks. In one aspect, the therapies comprise administering at least two direct acting antiviral agents without interferon and ribavirin to a subject with HCV infection. For example, the therapies comprise administering to a subject an effective amounts of therapeutic agent 1, therapeutic agent 2 (or therapeutic agent 3), and an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (e.g., ritonavir).
US08993574B2
The invention provides compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A1, L1 and n are as defined herein. These compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful in prevention or treatment of a fungal disease. Compounds of formula (I), and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may also be used as agricultural fungicides.
US08993567B2
Novel cyclic compounds and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders such as immunologic and oncologic disorders.
US08993564B2
Compounds of the formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of PDK1 and cell proliferation/cell vitality and can be employed treatment of tumours.
US08993556B2
The present invention relates to substituted resorcinol derivatives which inhibit the activity of Heat Shock Protein HSP90. The compounds of the invention are therefore useful in treating proliferative diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The present invention also provides processes for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, methods of treating diseases and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US08993547B2
This invention discloses 3-desoxy-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D analogs, and specifically (20S)-3-desoxy-2-methylene-1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3 and (20R)-3-desoxy-2-methylene-1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3 as well as pharmaceutical uses therefor. These compounds exhibit relatively high binding activity and pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to monocytes thus evidencing use as anti-cancer agents especially for the treatment or prevention of osteosarcoma, leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer. These compounds also exhibit relatively high calcemic activity evidencing use in the treatment of bone diseases.
US08993541B2
There are disclosed aminopyrimidinecarboxamide compounds useful as pharmaceutical agents, synthesis processes, and pharmaceutical compositions which include aminopyrimidinecarboxamides compounds. More specifically, there is disclosed a genus of CXCR2 inhibitor compounds that are useful for treating a variety of inflammatory and neoplastic disorders.
US08993533B2
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Sialidase 4 (NEU4), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Sialidase 4 (NEU4). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of NEU4.
US08993527B2
The present invention provides methods, compositions, formulations, and kits related to acadesine, or a prodrug, analog, or salt thereof, and/or a blood clotting inhibitor for preventing or reducing adverse side effects in a patient. The type of patient that may benefit includes a patient with decreased left ventricular function, a patient with a prior myocardial infarction, a patient undergoing non-vascular surgery, or a fetus during labor and delivery.
US08993513B2
A molecular device including: at least one molecule of zinc cytochrome c; in which an electron or a hole is transferred within the at least one molecule of zinc cytochrome c bar utilizing transition of an electron between molecular orbitals of the at least one molecule of zinc cytochrome c. The molecular orbitals, for example, are a first molecular orbital localized in a first amino acid residue of the at least one molecule of zinc cytochrome c, and a second molecular orbital which is localized in a second amino acid residue of the at least one molecule of zinc cytochrome c and which has a maximum transition probability per unit time with respect to the first molecular orbital. In this case, the electron or the hole is transferred between the first amino acid residue and the second amino acid residue.
US08993512B2
A method and composition for the treatment of ischemic neuronal reperfusion injury are provided. The composition can include a compound which is a combination of dantrolene and a residue of FMOC-valine. This composition can be used to provide a faster and higher CNS penetration than heretofore experienced with dantrolene. In another form, dantrolene may be formulated as a pro-drug, a pro-pro-drug and the like.
US08993507B2
Functional additives for cleansing compositions exhibiting enhanced anti soil-re-deposition and/or dye transfer inhibitory properties comprising polymers in the form of homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers synthesized from at least one hydrophobic monomer. Examples of hydrophobic monomers include N-vinyl caprolactam, vinyl acetate, vinyl esters, acrylated glycols, methacrylamide, C1 to C12 alkyl- and C1 to C12 dialkylacrylamide, C1 to C12 alkyl- and C1 to C12 dialkylmethacrylamide, C1 to C12 alkyl aery late, C1 to C12 alkyl methacrylate, 4-butyl phenyl maleimide, octyl acrylamide.
US08993503B2
A liquid detergent comprising from about 5% to about 20% by weight thereof of a surfactant system wherein the surfactant system comprises an alkoxylated anionic surfactant having and alkoxylation degree of from 0.20 to 1.75 and wherein the detergent at 20° C. has a pouring viscosity of from about 2500 mPa s to about 6000 mPa s and a ratio of medium to high shear viscosity of from about 2 to about 1.
US08993502B2
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) a blend of linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of said blend includes a carbon chain containing 9 to 17 carbons or an ethoxylated blend thereof; (e) water; (f) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.
US08993501B2
A sprayable homogeneous and high viscosity surface cleaning gel or gel foam composition and method of cleaning is provided. The composition may include from about 70% to about 99% of a liquid carrier; from about 0.002% to about 10% of surfactant selected from the group of non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; from about 0.005% to about 5% of a water-soluble polymeric thickening agent; and from about 0.001 to about 1.0% of a pH balancing agent. The sprayable gel cleaner composition may be completely clear without any suspended encapsulated particles in it and includes a viscosity range from about 200 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure.
US08993485B2
Disclosed is a splicing method of two second-generation ReBCO high temperature superconductor coated conductors (2G ReBCO HTS CCs), in which, with stabilizing layers removed from the two strands of 2G ReBCO HTS CCs through chemical wet etching or plasma dry etching, surfaces of the two high temperature superconducting layers are brought into direct contact with each other and heated in a splicing furnace in a vacuum for micro-melting portions of the surfaces of the high temperature superconducting layers to permit inter-diffusion of ReBCO atoms such that the surfaces of the two superconducting layers can be spliced to each other and oxygenation annealing for recovery of superconductivity which was lost during splicing.
US08993482B2
The present invention relates to a composition of granulated or pelletized endomycorrhizal fungi spores coated with a covering of mineral clays and binders with calcium sulphate monohydrate and the production and use thereof in agriculture.
US08993479B2
The present invention relates to a process for modifying or functionalizing oxide surfaces, such as surfaces of SiO2 and Al2O3, but also metals including alloys such as stainless steel with alkenes or alkynes under mild conditions by photochemical reaction. The process is very well suited to form patterned modified surfaces which are of use for example in microelectronics, biosensing and catalysis.
US08993472B2
Layered catalyst structures for fuel cells, particularly for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), are produced by a reactive spray deposition technology process. The catalyst layers so produced contain particles sized between 1 and 15 nm and clusters of such particles of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum alloys with transition metals, mixtures thereof and non-noble metals. The catalyst layers without an electrically conducting supporting medium exhibit dendritic microstructure, providing high electrochemically active surface area and electron conductivity at ultra-low catalyst loading. The catalyst layers deposited on an electrically conducting medium, such as carbon, exhibit three-dimensional functional grading, which provides efficient utilization as a catalyst, high PEMFC performance at the low catalyst loading, and minimized limitations caused by reactant diffusion and activation. The catalytic layers may be produced by a single-run deposition method.
US08993464B2
The invention relates to a glass ceramic comprising article, wherein the integral, non-post-processed and non-reworked glass ceramic comprising article comprises at least three different types of microstructures. The microstructures differ in the number and/or size of the crystallites contained per unit volume, and/or in the composition of the crystallites, and/or in the composition of the residual glass phases. The different microstructures are characterized by different relative ion content profiles across a cross-section perpendicular to the transition areas. The relative ion content profiles are determined from intensities which are determined using secondary ion mass spectrometry, and each of the three different types of microstructures preferably has different intensity plateaus for individual ions, wherein the individual ions are components of the main crystal phases.
US08993454B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the fabrication of integrated circuits and particularly to the deposition of a boron containing amorphous carbon layer on a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a boron-containing amorphous carbon film is disclosed. The boron-containing amorphous carbon film comprises from about 10 to 60 atomic percentage of boron, from about 20 to about 50 atomic percentage of carbon, and from about 10 to about 30 atomic percentage of hydrogen.
US08993452B2
Provided are methods of patterning metal gate structures including a high-k gate dielectric. In an embodiment, a soluble hard mask layer may be used to provide a masking element to pattern a metal gate. The soluble hard mask layer may be removed from the substrate by water or a photoresist developer. In an embodiment, a hard mask including a high-k dielectric is formed. In a further embodiment, a protection layer is formed underlying a photoresist pattern. The protection layer may protect one or more layers formed on the substrate from a photoresist stripping process.
US08993444B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods for lowering the dielectric constant of low-k dielectric films used in semiconductor fabrication. In one embodiment, a method for lowering the dielectric constant (k) of a low-k silicon-containing dielectric film, comprising exposing a porous low-k silicon-containing dielectric film to a hydrofluoric acid solution and subsequently exposing the low-k silicon-containing dielectric film to a silylation agent. The silylation agent reacts with Si—OH functional groups in the porous low-k dielectric film to increase the concentration of carbon in the low-k dielectric film.
US08993443B2
Thin film structures and devices with integrated light and heat blocking layers for laser patterning
Selective removal of specified layers of thin film structures and devices, such as solar cells, electrochromics, and thin film batteries, by laser direct patterning is achieved by including heat and light blocking layers in the device/structure stack immediately adjacent to the specified layers which are to be removed by laser ablation. The light blocking layer is a layer of metal that absorbs or reflects a portion of the laser energy penetrating through the dielectric/semiconductor layers and the heat blocking layer is a conductive layer with thermal diffusivity low enough to reduce heat flow into underlying metal layer(s), such that the temperature of the underlying metal layer(s) does not reach the melting temperature, Tm, or in some embodiments does not reach (Tm)/3, of the underlying metal layer(s) during laser direct patterning.
US08993440B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment, includes forming a wiring in a surface of a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, exposing the first insulating film in whose surface the wiring is formed to a plasma containing a rare gas so as to form a densified layer on the surface of the first insulating film, removing an oxide film formed on the wiring, after the densified layer is formed and forming a second insulating film on the wiring from which the oxide film is removed and on the densified layer, wherein the processes from the removal of the oxide film to the formation of the second insulating film are carried out without being atmospherically-exposed.
US08993439B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including forming a molding layer; forming a damascene mask layer and mask layer on the molding layer; forming a mask layer pattern by etching the mask layer; forming a damascene pattern by partially etching the damascene mask layer; forming a damascene mask layer on the mask layer pattern to bury the damascene pattern; forming a damascene pattern partially overlapping the damascene pattern by etching the damascene mask layer and the mask layer pattern; connecting the damascene pattern and the damascene pattern by removing a portion of the mask layer pattern exposed by the damascene pattern; forming a damascene mask layer on the damascene mask layer to bury the damascene pattern; and forming a trench under the damascene patterns by etching the damascene mask layers and the molding layer using remaining portions of the mask layer pattern.
US08993434B2
Methods for forming layers on a substrate having one or more features formed therein are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for forming layers on a substrate having one or more features formed therein may include depositing a seed layer within the one or more features; and etching the seed layer to remove at least a portion of the seed layer proximate an opening of the feature such that the seed layer comprises a first thickness disposed on a lower portion of a sidewall of the feature proximate a bottom of the feature and a second thickness disposed on an upper portion of the sidewall proximate the opening of the feature and wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
US08993433B2
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, at least containing the following steps: first, a substrate is provided, wherein a first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, at least one metal gate is formed in the first dielectric layer and at least one source drain region (S/D region) is disposed on two sides of the metal gate, at least one first trench is then formed in the first dielectric layer, exposing parts of the S/D region. The manufacturing method for forming the first trench further includes performing a first photolithography process through a first photomask and performing a second photolithography process through a second photomask, and at least one second trench is formed in the first dielectric layer, exposing parts of the metal gate, and finally, a conductive layer is filled in each first trench and each second trench.
US08993432B2
A method and apparatus for testing the electrical characteristics, such as electrical continuity, is provided. A substrate, such as a wafer or an interposer, having a plurality of through vias (TVs) is provided. Along one side of the substrate, a conductive layer electrically couples two or more of the TVs. Thereafter, the electrical characteristics of the TVs may be test by, for example, a probe card in electrical contact with the TVs on the other side of the substrate. During testing, current passes through a first TV from a first side of the substrate, to the conductive layer on a second side of the substrate, to a second TV, and back to the first side of the substrate through the second TV.
US08993424B2
Provided is a transistor and a method for forming a transistor in a semiconductor device. The method includes performing at least one implantation operation in the transistor channel area, then forming a silicon carbide/silicon composite film over the implanted area prior to introducing further dopant impurities. A halo implantation operation with a very low tilt angle is used to form areas of high dopant concentration at edges of the transistor channel to alleviate short channel effects. The transistor structure so-formed includes a reduced dopant impurity concentration at the substrate interface with the gate dielectric and a peak concentration about 10-50 nm below the surface. The dopant profile also includes the transistor channel having high dopant impurity concentration areas at opposed ends of the transistor channel.
US08993420B2
A method of forming an epitaxial layer includes forming a plurality of first insulation patterns in a substrate, the plurality of first insulation patterns spaced apart from each other, forming first epitaxial patterns on the plurality of first insulation patterns, forming second insulation patterns between the plurality of first insulation patterns to contact the plurality of first insulation patterns, and forming second epitaxial patterns on the second insulation patterns and between the first epitaxial patterns to contact the first epitaxial patterns, the first epitaxial patterns and the second epitaxial patterns forming a single epitaxial layer.
US08993413B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of preparing a semiconductor wafer having a thick portion in an outer circumferential end portion and a thin portion in a central portion, attaching a support material to one surface of the semiconductor wafer, dividing the semiconductor wafer into the thick portion and the thin portion, and cutting the thin portion, after the division, while supporting the thin portion by the support material.
US08993410B2
A thickness of material may be detached from a substrate along a cleave plane, utilizing a cleaving process controlled by a releasable constraint plate. In some embodiments this constraint plate may comprise a plate that can couple side forces (the “P-plate”) and a thin, softer compliant layer (the “S-layer”) situated between the P-plate and the substrate. In certain embodiments a porous surface within the releasable constraint plate and in contact to the substrate, allows the constraint plate to be secured to the substrate via a first pressure differential. Application of a combination of a second pressure differential within a pre-existing cleaved portion, and a linear force to a side of the releasable constraint plate bound to the substrate, generates loading that results in controlled cleaving along the cleave plane.
US08993409B2
A method for fabricating air media layer within the semiconductor optical device is provided. The step of method includes a substrate is provided, a GaN thin film is formed on the substrate, a sacrificial layer is formed on the GaN thin film, and a nitride-containing semiconductor layer is formed on the sacrificial layer. The semiconductor optical device is immersed with an acidic solution to remove the portion of sacrificial layer to form an air media layer around the residual sacrificial layer.
US08993407B2
An RRAM is disclosed with a vertical BJT selector. Embodiments include defining a STI region in a substrate, implanting dopants in the substrate to form a first polarity well around and below a bottom portion of the STI region, a second polarity channel over the well on opposite sides of the STI region, and a first polarity active area over each channel at the surface of the substrate, forming an RRAM liner on the active area and STI region, forming a sacrificial top electrode on the RRAM liner, forming spacers on opposite sides of the sacrificial top electrode, implanting a second polarity dopant in the active area on opposite sides of the sacrificial top electrode, forming a silicon oxide adjacent the spacers, removing at least a portion of the sacrificial top electrode forming a cavity, forming in the cavity inner spacers adjacent the spacers and a top electrode.
US08993393B2
A structure and method for providing a multiple silicide integration is provided. An embodiment comprises forming a first transistor and a second transistor on a substrate. The first transistor is masked and a first silicide region is formed on the second transistor. The second transistor is then masked and a second silicide region is formed on the first transistor, thereby allowing for device specific silicide regions to be formed on the separate devices.
US08993390B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprises the following steps. First, a substrate is provided, at least one fin structure is formed on the substrate, and a metal layer is then deposited on the fin structure to form a salicide layer. After depositing the metal layer, the metal layer is removed but no RTP is performed before the metal layer is removed. Then a RTP is performed after the metal layer is removed.
US08993386B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device including a semiconductor element which has favorable characteristics. A manufacturing method of the present invention includes the steps of: forming a first conductive layer which functions as a gate electrode over a substrate; forming a first insulating layer to cover the first conductive layer; forming a semiconductor layer over the first insulating layer so that part of the semiconductor layer overlaps with the first conductive layer; forming a second conductive layer to be electrically connected to the semiconductor layer; forming a second insulating layer to cover the semiconductor layer and the second conductive layer; forming a third conductive layer to be electrically connected to the second conductive layer; performing first heat treatment after forming the semiconductor layer and before forming the second insulating layer; and performing second heat treatment after forming the second insulating layer.
US08993384B2
A semiconductor device includes a fin structure, an isolation structure, a gate structure and an epitaxial structure. The fin structure protrudes from the surface of the substrate and includes a top surface and two sidewalls. The isolation structure surrounds the fin structure. The gate structure overlays the top surface and the two sidewalls of a portion of the fin structure, and covers a portion of the isolation structure. The isolation structure under the gate structure has a first top surface and the isolation structure at two sides of the gate structure has a second top surface, wherein the first top surface is higher than the second top surface. The epitaxial layer is disposed at one side of the gate structure and is in direct contact with the fin structure.
US08993383B2
A method for manufacturing a thin-film transistor, includes: preparing a substrate; forming a gate electrode above the substrate; forming a gate insulating layer above the gate electrode; forming a semiconductor film above the gate insulating layer; forming, above the semiconductor film, a protective layer comprising an organic material; forming a source electrode and a drain electrode above the protective layer; forming a semiconductor layer patterned, by performing dry etching on the semiconductor film; removing at least a portion of a region of an altered layer, the region contacting the semiconductor layer, the altered layer being a surface layer of the protective layer that is altered by the dry etching; and forming a passivation layer having a major component identical to a major component of the protective layer so as to contact the semiconductor layer in a region in which the altered layer has been removed.
US08993372B2
Exemplary embodiments of a method for producing a semiconductor component having a polycrystalline semiconductor body region are disclosed, wherein the polycrystalline semiconductor body region is produced between the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor body in a semiconductor component section, wherein an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of at least 1064 nm is introduced into the semiconductor body in a manner focused onto a position in the semiconductor component section of the semiconductor body and wherein the power density of the radiation at the position is less than 1×108 W/cm2.
US08993370B2
In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a photoactive layer onto a first substrate, depositing a contact layer onto the photoactive layer, attaching a second substrate onto the contact layer, and removing the first substrate from the photoactive layer, contact layer, and second substrate.
US08993368B2
Method for manufacturing a microelectronic device from a first substrate (10), including the production of at least one electronic component in the semi-conductor substrate after transferring the first substrate (10) onto a second substrate (20), characterized in that it comprises: a first phase carried out prior to the transfer, and including forming at least one pattern made of a sacrificial material in a layer of the first substrate (10), a second phase carried out after the transfer and including the substitution of the electronic component for the pattern.
US08993367B2
Provided is a method whereby a cell for a light-emitting device less variable in the thickness of the internal space can be suitably produced with high production efficiency. A glass-made fused part forming element (25) is provided in a grid-like pattern between a pair of glass sheet base materials (21, 24) disposed facing each other with a space therebetween. The fused part forming element (25) is fused to each of the pair of glass sheet base materials (21, 24) to produce a cell base material (30) having a grid-like fused part (26). The cell base material (30) is cut along each of row and column directions of the grid-like fused part (26) to produce a plurality of light-emitting devices (1). Portions off the grid-like fused part forming element (25) along a first direction are formed of glass ribbons (22) and portions of the grid-like fused part forming element (25) along a second direction are formed of glass paste.
US08993363B2
In one aspect, optoelectronic devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an optoelectronic device comprises a fiber core, a radiation transmissive first electrode surrounding the fiber core, at least one photosensitive inorganic layer surrounding the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode surrounding the inorganic layer and electrically connected to the inorganic layer. In some embodiments, the device comprises a photovoltaic cell.
US08993361B2
A manufacturing method for an edge illuminated type photodiode has: a process of forming an impurity-doped layer of a first conductivity type in each of device forming regions in a semiconductor substrate; a process of forming an impurity-doped layer of a second conductivity type in each of the device forming regions; a process of forming a trench extending in a direction of thickness of the semiconductor substrate from a principal surface, at a position of a boundary between adjacent device forming regions, by etching to expose side faces of the device forming regions; a process of forming an insulating film on the exposed side faces of the device forming regions; a process of forming an electrode for each corresponding impurity-doped layer on the principal surface side of the semiconductor substrate; and a process of implementing singulation of the semiconductor substrate into the individual device forming regions.
US08993358B2
A method for depositing a layer of phosphor-containing material on a plurality of LED dies includes disposing a template with a plurality of openings on an adhesive tape and disposing each of a plurality of LED dies in one of the plurality of openings of the template. The method also includes disposing a stencil over the template and the plurality of LED dies. The stencil has a plurality of openings configured to expose a top surface of each of the LED dies. Next, a phosphor-containing material is disposed on the exposed top surface of each the LED dies. The method further includes removing the stencil and the template.
US08993351B2
[Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetization-type magnetic element, which does not need a step of depositing MgO.[Solving Means] The method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element 1 according to the present invention includes laminating a first layer 30 on a base 10, the first layer 30 including a material containing at least one of Co, Ni, and Fe. Next, a second layer 40 is laminated on the first layer 30, the second layer 40 including Mg. Next, the Mg in the second layer 40 is oxidized to form MgO by applying an oxidation treatment to a laminated body including the first layer 30 and the second layer 40. Next, the second layer 40 is crystallized by applying a heat treatment to the laminated body, and the first layer 30 is caused to be perpendicularly magnetized. According to the manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a perpendicular magnetization-type CoFeB—MgO magnetic element without causing a problem arising from the deposition of MgO.
US08993350B2
The present invention relates generally to a novel method using HPLC and fluorescence detection of free PEG-mal in PEGylated proteins and PEG-mal raw materials by adding a fluorescent label to the free PEG-mal.
US08993344B2
Provided is a prozone phenomenon detecting method, by which generation of a prozone phenomenon can be detected even when a conventional specimen analysis tool is used, and examinations using an immunochromatography method and the like can be performed efficiently.
US08993340B2
A cell separation device includes a channel or chamber in which a sample flows or moves, the sample including target cells marked with magnetic particles, and non-target cells, and a magnet which generates a magnetic first force in a first direction with respect to the sample within the channel or chamber. The channel or chamber of the cell separation device is applied with a second force in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the magnetic force. According to the cell separation device and a method of separating cells, the target cells move in the first direction by the magnetic force, and the non-target cells move in the second direction by the second force, by simultaneously applying the magnetic force and the second force in opposing directions, thereby separating the target cells from the non-target cells.
US08993338B2
The present technology provides an illustrative hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) detection device that includes a decomposition component, a charged particle filter, and a sensing component. The decomposition component is configured to irradiate a gas sample with a radioactive element to decompose HFC gas under conditions sufficient to form hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas and one or more ionized particles. The charged particle filter is configured to filter the one or more ionized particles, and the sensing component is configured to detect the HF gas.
US08993337B2
Provided is a heat dried reagent composition that is dry, methods of making it, and methods of using it. The heat dried reagent composition can be characterized by one or more of: stability to the heat drying conditions; storage stability of the heat dried reagent composition; fast rehydration time; rapid assay kinetics; and assay precision. The reagent composition is useful for detecting and/or assessing total chlorine in an aqueous sample, such as pool water.
US08993335B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PBP that can bind to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PBP comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
US08993327B2
Systems and methods are described for parallel macromolecular delivery and biochemical/electrochemical interface to whole cells employing carbon nanostructures including nanofibers and nanotubes. A method includes providing a first material on at least a first portion of a first surface of a first tip of a first elongated carbon nanostructure; providing a second material on at least a second portion of a second surface of a second tip of a second elongated carbon nanostructure, the second elongated carbon nanostructure coupled to, and substantially parallel to, the first elongated carbon nanostructure; and penetrating a boundary of a biological sample with at least one member selected from the group consisting of the first tip and the second tip.
US08993325B2
The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.
US08993324B2
In a process for the cultivation of living cells, in which the cells are cultivated on a support structure (14), the support structure (14) comprises cellulose. A process for the production of a support structure (14) of cellulose for the cultivation of living cells comprises the steps: preparation of a hollow mould; cultivation of cellulose-forming organisms in an interior space formed by the hollow mould, in order to allow the support structure (14) to grow in the interior space; demoulding of the hollow mould. In the step of demoulding the hollow mould, at least part (2, 3, 4) of the hollow mould is irreversibly deformed.
US08993309B2
The present invention generally relates to the fields of cancer therapy and cancer prevention. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a diagnostic marker for predicting the efficacy of topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, machines, computer systems, computable readable media and kits which can be used to identify and determine the effectiveness of topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitors in the treatment of cancers, and in some embodiments, the level of sensitivity or resistance of a tumor cell to a topoisomerase I inhibitor, such as camptothecin (CPT), or CTP analogues such as topotecan and irinotecan and derivatives thereof. More specifically, the present invention related to methods, machines, computer systems, computable readable media and kits which can be used to determine the presence of phosphorylation of topoisomerase I polypeptide, in some embodiments phosphorylation at residue serine 10 (S10) of a topoisomerase I polypeptide, wherein the presence of phosphorylation, in particular the phosphorylation at serine 10 of a topoI polypeptide indicates a cancer is likely to be unresponsive to a topo I inhibitor, whereas the absence of phosphorylation, in particular, the absence of phosphorylation at residue serine 10 (S10) identifies a cancer is likely to be responsive to a topo I inhibitor. Other aspect of the present invention relate to phospho-serine 10 topoisomerase I antibodies and other protein binding moieties, and uses thereof.
US08993306B2
A method for at least partially separating viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids from eukaryotic nucleic acids from a biological sample includes re-suspending the cells in the presence of a chelating agent, lysis of the cells by chemical lysis, and/or mechanical lysis, neutralizing the cell lysate and separating the precipitated eukaryotic nucleic acids and obtaining the viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids. A kit includes a re-suspension buffer with chelating agent and optionally a saccharide and RNAse, lysis buffer including at least one base and a detergent and neutralizing buffer for at least partially separating viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids from eukaryotic nucleic acids from a biological sample. The acid constant of the weak anion defines the pH value and kosmotropic property of the salt (cation+anion) in conjunction with the detergent, which determines the protein solubility and precipitation.
US08993304B2
The present invention relates to a modified Bacillus licheniformis host cell, wherein one or more naturally occurring chromosomal chloramphenicol acetyl transferase encoding gene(s), cat, has been inactivated. The inactivation of the chromosomal cat gene(s) allows the use of chloramphenicol as an efficient selective agent in methods for DNA introduction into the modified cell.
US08993298B1
Novel proteins having DNA polymerase are described which have utility in amplification reactions and have improved properties over Bst polymerase such as for example enhanced reverse transcriptase activity.
US08993294B2
The present methods relate to the isolation and concentration of proteins using cross-flow membrane filtration, and to proteins produced by such methods. A feature of the method is that the protein of interest is retained by a cross-flow membrane under certain conditions that promote retention, while under other condition the protein passes through the membrane.
US08993290B2
This invention relates to methods of obtaining volatile hydrocarbons produced by photosynthetic microorganisms using a two-phase gaseous/aqueous bioreactor.
US08993280B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an alkaloid, for example, reticuline, comprising providing dopamine as a substrate for a series of actions of monoamine oxidase, norcoclaurine-6-O-methyltransferase, coclaurine-N-methyltransferase and 3′-hydroxy-N-methylcoclaurine-4′-O-methyltransferase.
US08993277B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the expression of recombinant β-glucosidase variants, as well as their use in the production of fermentable sugars from cellulosic biomass.
US08993275B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08993268B2
Provided are a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a media containing plant-derived components, and a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a flexible closed container.
US08993267B2
The present invention relates to methods for improving the yield of microbial processes that use lignocellulose biomass as a nutrient source. The methods comprise conditioning a composition comprising lignocellulose biomass with an enzyme composition that comprises a phenol oxidizing enzyme. The conditioned composition can support a higher rate of growth of microorganisms in a process. In one embodiment, a laccase composition is used to condition lignocellulose biomass derived from non-woody plants, such as corn and sugar cane. The invention also encompasses methods for culturing microorganisms that are sensitive to inhibitory compounds in lignocellulose biomass. The invention further provides methods of making a product by culturing the production microorganisms in conditioned lignocellulose biomass.
US08993266B2
The present disclosure provides for proprotein and activatable proprotein compositions. A proprotein contains a functional protein (i.e. a full length protein or functional fragment thereof) which is coupled to a peptide mask that inhibits the binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. An activatable proprotein contains a functional protein coupled to a peptide mask, and further coupled to an activatable linker, wherein in an non-activated state, the peptide mask inhibits binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner and in an activated state the peptide mask does not inhibit binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. Proproteins can provide for reduced toxicity and adverse side effects that could otherwise result from binding of a functional protein at non-treatment sites if it were not inhibited from binding its binding partner. Proproteins can further provide improved biodistribution characteristics. Proproteins containing a peptide mask can display a longer in vivo or serum half-life than the corresponding functional protein not containing a peptide mask. The disclosure further provides methods of screening for, making, and using these proproteins.
US08993260B2
The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.
US08993258B2
A fluorinated voltage sensitive dye has the structure wherein p is 0, 1, or 2; Xq− is an anionic counterion having a charge, q, that is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; R1 is an optionally substituted C1-C12, alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is hydrogen or fluorine; or R2 and R3 collectively form a divalent —CH═CH—CH═CH— group; R4 and each occurrence of R5 are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; R6 is hydrogen or fluorine or trifluoromethyl; and each occurrence of R7 is independently C1-C6 alkyl; provided that the dye comprises at least one fluorine atom. The dye is particularly useful for monitoring the dynamics of action potentials in axons and/or dendrites.
US08993257B2
An epidermal sample is placed into a sample holder formed as a sandwich assembly. The sample holder is placed in an upper well within a lower well to be exposed to media in both wells. Properties of the sample can be studied, such as paracellular flux, transepidermal electric resistance, reaction to compounds, and epidermal barrier recovery.
US08993256B2
The disclosure provides method and compositions for visualizing protein turnover. In particular, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for measuring the age of particular proteins or the dynamics of localized protein translation.
US08993253B2
A polypeptide comprising a chromogenic amino acid. The chromogenic amino acid is flanked by at least one amino acid to the N and C termini thereof. The amine group of the chromogenic amino acid has a pKa of less than 5. The chromogenic amino acid is capable of reacting with a conjugated aldehyde. The polypeptide comprises a target sequence for a target protease which is capable of cleaving the peptide bond comprising the amino group of the chromogenic amino acid.
US08993249B2
The invention provides anti-NRP1 antibodies and methods of using the same.
US08993248B2
Vitamin D binding proteins (DBP), in particular truncated DBP and mutated, truncated DBP, as well as fusion proteins thereof, nucleic acid molecules encoding same, vectors, host cells, and methods, kits and solid supports for determining the total amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in a test sample.
US08993247B2
An assay for identifying an individual having or at risk of developing vascular calcification, said assay comprising obtaining a blood sample from an individual and measuring the level of a vesicular compound in a matrix vesicle present in the blood sample from said individual; wherein an increased level of said compound indicates an individual at risk of developing vascular calcification.
US08993239B2
The present invention relates to beacons for fluorescent in-situ hybridization and chip technology.
US08993236B2
Devices having an electromagnetic detector for the detection of analytes are disclosed. The devices include an electromagnetic detector, including effective inductance-change magnetic detectors, and a binding moiety. The device can include an electromagnetic material that can be detected by the detector. The device is configured such that binding of an analyte to the binding moiety changes the relationship between the electromagnetic detector and the electromagnetic material such that a change in electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic detector.
US08993235B2
The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.
US08993233B2
The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors with additional functional domains. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.
US08993212B2
A resist composition according to the present invention includes at least a base resin, a photoacid generator and a solvent, wherein the photoacid generator comprises a fluorine-containing sulfonic acid salt of the following general formula (4). In the formula, X independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; n represents an integer of 1 to 6; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group; any of hydrogen atoms on carbons in R1 may be substituted with a substituent; R2 represents RAO or RBRCN; and A represents a divalent group. This fluorine-containing sulfonic acid salt can serve as a photoacid generator having high solubility in a resist solvent and thus can suitably be used for a resist composition such that the resist composition shows high resolution, wide DOF, small LER and high sensitivity to form a good pattern shape in lithographic processes.
US08993199B2
Provided is a flexible carbon fiber nonwoven fabric which has resistance to bending, is flexible, and exhibits excellent processability.
US08993192B2
An electrolyte membrane having a structure wherein fine rubber particles having substantially no ion-conducting group and having an average particle size of 20 nm to 1 μm are uniformly dispersed in a matrix including a resin component having ion-conducting group. The electrolyte membrane has high bonding ability to electrodes and does not cause cracks and ruptures because it is kept flexible even under low humid or absolutely dried condition, in addition, shows high ion conductivity even under low humid or absolutely dried condition because the matrix having ion-conducting groups are continuous.
US08993186B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel gas passage, and an oxidant gas passage. The fuel cell includes a solid polymer membrane, a fuel electrode, and an oxidant electrode. A coolant flows into the fuel cell via a coolant passage to adjust a temperature of the fuel cell. An oxidant gas outlet temperature detector is configured to detect an outlet temperature of an oxidant gas discharged from an outlet of the oxidant gas passage. A coolant temperature detector is configured to detect a temperature of the coolant passing through an inlet or an outlet of the coolant passage. A dry-up controller is configured to decide that the solid polymer membrane is in a dry-up state when a temperature difference between the temperature of the coolant and the outlet temperature of the oxidant gas exceeds a first threshold value.
US08993185B2
A system and method for determining a maximum average cell voltage set-point for fuel cells in a fuel cell stack that considers oxidation of the catalyst in the fuel cells. The method includes determining the average cell voltage, the stack current density (I) and an internal resistance (R) of membranes in the fuel cells to calculate an IR corrected average cell voltage. The IR corrected average cell voltage is then used to determine the oxidation state of the catalyst particles using, for example, an empirical model. The oxidation state of the particles is then used to calculate the maximum average cell voltage set-point of the fuel cells, which is used to set the minimum power requested from the fuel cell stack.
US08993180B2
There is provided a metal oxygen battery which is capable of obtaining superior batter capacity when starting use from charging. In the metal oxygen battery 1 including a positive electrode 2, which includes an oxygen-storing material and lithium oxide, and uses oxygen as an active substance, a negative electrode 3 capable of absorbing and discharging lithium ions, and an electrolyte layer 4 interposed between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3, in which the positive electrode 2, the negative electrode 3, and the electrolyte layer 4 are hermetically accommodated in a case 5, the oxygen-storing material has an oxygen amount stored at a start of charge time diluted.
US08993177B2
Desirable electrolyte compositions are described that are suitable for high voltage lithium ion batteries with a rated charge voltage at least about 4.45 volts. The electrolyte compositions can comprise ethylene carbonate and solvent composition selected from the group consisting of dimethyl carbonate, methyl ethyl carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone or a combination thereof. The electrolyte can further comprise a stabilization additive. The electrolytes can be effectively used with lithium rich positive electrode active materials.
US08993176B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a sulfide solid electrolyte glass producing a tiny amount of hydrogen sulfide. The present invention attains the above-mentioned object by providing a sulfide solid electrolyte glass including Li3PS4, characterized in that Li4P2S7 is not detected by 31P NMR measurement and the content of Li2S as determined by XPS measurement is 3% by mol or less.
US08993175B2
A polymer electrolyte including: a lithium salt; an organic solvent; a fluorine compound; and a polymer of a monomer represented by Formula 1 below. H2C═C—(OR)n—OCH═CH2 Formula 1 In Formula 1, R is a C2-C10 alkylene group, and n is in a range of about 1 to about 1000.
US08993171B2
To provide an active material from which a sufficient discharge capacity is obtained, an electrode containing the active material, a lithium secondary battery including the electrode, and a method for making an active material. A method for making an active material includes a temperature elevation step of heating a mixture containing a lithium source, a pentavalent vanadium source, a phosphoric acid source, water, and a reductant in a hermetically sealed container at a temperature elevation rate T1 from 25° C. to 110° C. and then at a temperature elevation rate T2 from 110° C. to a designated temperature of 200° C. or more, in which T1>T2; T1=0.5 to 10° C./min; and T2=0.1 to 2.2° C./min.
US08993162B2
A positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery provided by the present invention includes an electrically conductive layer and an active material layer on a surface of a positive electrode current collector. The electrically conductive layer contains at least one type of water-insoluble polymer that is soluble in an organic solvent as a binder, the active material layer contains at least one type of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible polymer that dissolves or disperses in water as a binder, and a mass ratio (B/A) of mass (B) per unit surface area of the binder in the active material layer to mass (A) per unit surface area of the binder in the electrically conductive layer satisfies a relationship of 0.06≦B/A≦0.35.
US08993161B2
Compositions of discrete carbon nanotubes for improved performance lead acid batteries. Further disclosed is a method to form a lead-acid battery with discrete carbon nanotubes.
US08993155B2
In a prismatic secondary battery, an internal negative electrode terminal is electrically connected to a collector through through-holes formed in a sealing plate, a gasket, and an insulating member in a manner electrically insulated from the sealing plate. The sealing plate has one face on which a protrusion is formed, an insulating plate has a face that is on the sealing plate and on which a concave portion fitted to the protrusion is formed, each of the protrusion and the concave portion of the insulating plate is provided at one position on respective sides of the through-hole, and at least one of the protrusions has a top face on which a concave portion is formed. The battery having such a structure is unlikely to cause rotary displacement between the insulating plate and the sealing plate even when a rotary torque is applied to the internal terminal.
US08993152B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including wound positive and negative electrodes with a separator therebetween, a case configured to contain the electrode assembly, a cap plate configured to seal an opening of the case, the cap plate including a terminal hole therethrough, an electrode terminal through the terminal hole of the cap plate, the electrode terminal including a terminal through-out portion extending through the terminal hole, a terminal plate connected to the terminal through-out portion outside the case, and a fastening portion including a terminal fastening portion connected to the terminal plate, and a lead tab inside the case, the lead tab connecting the terminal through-out portion of the electrode terminal to the electrode assembly.
US08993139B2
Disclosed is a sealed secondary battery provided with a current cut-off device which employs an inexpensive and uncomplicated construction, without the need to mount a separate current cut-off device on the battery body. A sealed secondary battery (10) comprises a battery casing (11) and a sealing plate (12), an electrode body (21) and current collecting plates (22, 22) provided on the inside of this casing (11). A contact section (11c) formed as part of the bottom (11a) of this battery casing (11) is bowed further inwards towards the negative electrode-side current collecting plate (22b) than the peripheral section of the bottom (11a) of this battery casing (11). At this contact section (11c), the inside face of the bottom (11a) of the battery casing contacts the current collecting plate (22b) at the negative electrode end, but this electrical contact between the contact section (11c) and the current collecting plate (22b) at the negative electrode end is cut off when outward swelling of the contact section (11c) takes place, produced by a rise in internal pressure in the casing in a sealed condition.
US08993126B2
In the light-emitting element in which a plurality of EL layers is separated from each other by a charge generation layer, provided are an electron relay layer in contact with an anode side of the charge generation region and an electron transport layer in contact with the electron relay layer. The electron transport layer contains an alkaline earth metal. A concentration gradient of the alkaline earth metal contained in the electron transport layer is such that the concentration of the alkaline earth metal becomes lower from an interface between the electron transport layer and the electron relay layer to the anode.
US08993124B2
A polymer compound including: the repeating unit shown in the following formula (I) (wherein: Ar1 represents an arylene group, a divalent heterocyclic group, or a divalent aromatic amine; J1 and J2 each represent a direct bond, an alkylene group, or a phenylene group, and X1 represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; i is an integer from 0 to 3; j is 0 or 1; m is 1 or 2; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, or the like) and the repeating unit shown in the following formula (II) (wherein: Ar2 represents a fluorene-diyl group; J3 and J4 each represent a direct bond, an alkylene group, or a phenylene group; X2 represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; k is an integer from 0 to 3; l is 0 or 1; and n is 1 or 2).
US08993118B2
According to the present invention, a steel sheet for a container excellent in corrosion resistance, adhesion, and weldability is provided, which includes a steel sheet; a Ni plating layer which is formed on a surface of the steel sheet in an amount of plating deposition containing a Ni amount of 0.3 to 3 g/m2 and contains Co in the range of 0.1 to 100 ppm; and a chromate coating layer which is formed on a surface of the Ni plating layer in an amount of coating deposition containing a converted Cr amount of 1 to 40 mg/m2.
US08993117B2
Phosphorus-based coatings having a plurality of phosphate moieties, a plurality of phosphonate moieties, or both, covalently bonded to an oxide surface of an implantable substrate exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is at least about 0.1 nmol/cm2; (b) the phosphorus-based coating has a thickness of less than about 10 nm; or (c) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is equal to or greater than the surface hydroxyl group density of the oxide surface of the substrate. Implantable devices embodying the coated substrates are also disclosed.
US08993107B2
The present invention provides a porous glass having excellent antireflection performance for visible light.A porous glass includes a porous layer which is mainly composed of silica and which has pores attributed to spinodal phase separation and pores attributed to binodal phase separation.
US08993088B2
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in line arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Semiconductor structures may include self-assembled block copolymer materials in the form of lines of half-cylinders of a minority block matrix of a majority block of the block copolymer. The lines of half-cylinders may be within trenches in the semiconductor structures.
US08993082B2
The invention relates to a splittable adhesive tape with a left-hand and a right-hand delimiting edge, wherein at least one of these two edges is not straight. The edge that is not straight has rounded projections, which comprise blunt or flattened zones at their furthest-projecting points.
US08993074B2
There is provided a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display element including a first alignment film and a second alignment film provided on opposing surfaces of a pair of substrates, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first alignment film and the second alignment film and including crystal molecules having negative dielectric constant anisotropy. At least the first alignment film includes a compound in which a polymer compound having a first side chain and a second side chain is crosslinked or polymerized. The first side chain has a crosslinkable functional group or a polymerizable functional group. The second side chain has a structure inducing dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecules are pretilted by the first alignment film.
US08993067B2
Described are 8 aqueous compositions useful for treating textile materials to impart oil- and/or water-repellent properties thereto. The compositions contain inter alia polymers containing perfluoroalkyl groups (RF groups), wherein 55 to 100% of the RF groups contain 6 carbon atoms.
US08993064B2
Provided are a substrate for a superconducting compound and a method for manufacturing the substrate which can realize the excellent adhesive strength simultaneously with high orientation of copper. An absorbed material on a surface of a copper foil to which rolling is applied at a draft of 90% or more is removed by applying sputter etching to the surface of the copper foil, sputter etching is applied to a nonmagnetic metal sheet, the copper foil and the metal sheet are bonded to each other by applying a pressure to the copper foil and the metal sheet using reduction rolls, crystals of the copper in the copper foil are oriented by heating a laminated body formed by such bonding, copper is diffused into the metal sheet by heating with a copper diffusion distance of 10 nm or more, and a protective layer is laminated to a surface of the copper foil of the laminated body.
US08993058B2
Described are apparatus and methods for forming tantalum silicate layers on germanium or III-V materials. Such tantalum silicate layers may have Si/(Ta+Si) atomic ratios from about 0.01 to about 0.15. The tantalum silicate layers may be formed by atomic layer deposition of silicon oxide and tantalum oxide, followed by interdiffusion of the silicon oxide and tantalum oxide layers.
US08993048B2
A method generates an abrasive wear-resistant layer on a substrate. The layer is formed of particles of a ductile material, in particular Zn, wherein the parameters of the cold spraying process are set such that a comparatively loose laminate having pores is formed by the spray particles. The laminate advantageously and surprisingly exhibits high resistance to abrasive wear (for example by a particle) because the layer can avoid the attack by the particle by plastic deformation and closure of the pores, whereby abrasive removal of the layer is advantageously low. The cold gas-sprayed layer is used as a protective layer against abrasive wear.
US08993047B2
A method of manufacturing a granule coated asphaltic article comprising the steps of applying liquid asphalt to a reinforcing sheet to create an asphaltic sheet, the asphaltic sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface; bending the asphaltic sheet to form an arcuate top surface of the sheet; and applying a coating of granules over the arcuate top surface of the asphaltic sheet.
US08993046B2
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel sensor, a color filter array comprising a plurality of color filters formed on the pixel sensor, wherein two adjacent color filters have a gap therebetween, and a gapless microlens array comprising a plurality of microlenses formed on the color filter array. The invention also provides a method for fabricating the image sensor.
US08993044B2
Capacitors and methods of forming capacitors are disclosed, and which include an inner conductive metal capacitor electrode and an outer conductive metal capacitor electrode. A capacitor dielectric region is received between the inner and the outer conductive metal capacitor electrodes and has a thickness no greater than 150 Angstroms. Various combinations of materials of thicknesses and relationships relative one another are disclosed which enables and results in the dielectric region having a dielectric constant k of at least 35 yet leakage current no greater than 1×10−7 amps/cm2 at from −1.1V to +1.1V.
US08993039B2
A food product comprising digestion resistant or slowly digestible oligosaccharide composition. The oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process comprising producing an aqueous composition comprising at least one oligosaccharide and at least one monosaccharide by saccharification of starch, membrane filtering the aqueous composition to form a monosaccharide-rich stream and an oligosaccharide-rich stream, and recovering the oligosaccharide-rich stream. Alternatively, the oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process comprising heating an aqueous feed composition with a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight, comprising at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and contacting the composition with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers, wherein the product contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.
US08993030B2
An aerated composition having a pH of less than 5.5 is provided, which composition comprises hydrophobin.
US08993028B2
The invention provides a process of purifying Rubusoside from the Rubus suavissimus S. Lee plant extract. The process is useful for producing high purity Rubusoside with purity greater than 95% (dry basis). High purity rubusoside is useful as in combination with other caloric and non-caloric sweeteners as well as non-caloric sweetener in various food and beverage compositions. The high purity rubusoside is useful as non-caloric sweetener in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakeries, cookies, chewing gums, and alike.
US08993024B2
The present invention provides a method of producing a food or drink containing one or more components extracted from a raw material by using fruit(s), vegetable(s), bean(s), nut(s), mushroom(s), alga(e) or tea(s) as the raw material, which comprises the following steps: freezing the raw material; grinding the frozen matter at a controlled temperature; and dipping the ground matter in a solvent and thus extracting one or more components of the raw material. It is preferable that the temperature in the grinding step is controlled to a level not higher than the brittle temperature of an aroma component, a colorant or an essential oil which can be extracted from the raw material. According to the production method of the present invention, the obtained food or drink can sufficiently contain a desired component contained in fruit(s) or vegetable(s).
US08993018B2
The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected at a peripheral seam for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, and a contactless element for identifying the capsule by detecting means of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is oriented along its longer dimension substantially orthogonally relative to the transversal plane passing along the seam of the capsule.
US08993013B2
A composition for enhanced bioavailability of curcumin including purified curcuminoid and purified essential oil of turmeric. A method to prepare a composition for enhanced bioavailability of curcumin having purified curcuminoid and purified essential oil of turmeric.
US08993010B2
An insect repellent compound that includes naturally occurring oil that emits an odor which repels insects is described. The compound is not harmful to animals, to humans or to the environment. The compound may be incorporated into materials such as yarn that is woven to form a mesh. The material may be used for making an animal mask, for screen doors and other applications. A method of making the compound and incorporating it into materials and products is described.
US08993009B2
The present invention is a system and method for creating and using algae as a food supplement for cattle and buffalo thereby providing a desirable food supplement for cattle and buffalo wherein the meat and fat produced has increased specific Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for a product, which imparts a healthier cardiovascular or healthier central nervous system.
US08992989B2
Pharmaceutical compositions of topiramate for once-a-day oral administration are provided. The formulations comprise a sustained-release component and an optional immediate-release component, the compositions of which can be selectively adjusted, respectively, to release the active ingredient along a pre-determined release profile. Method of treating or preventing pathological disorders in mammalian subjects comprising the administration of the novel formulations disclosed herein is also provided.
US08992985B2
The invention provides core-shell magnetic particles comprising a magnetic core and a functional shell, methods for making same, methods of separation using same, methods for using same, and devices comprising same. The particles and methods of the invention are useful for targeting and removing substances of interest that may be found in complex mixtures.
US08992981B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing microparticles, which can produce monodispersed microparticles, causes no clogging with a product due to self-dischargeability, requires no great pressure, and is excellent in productivity, wherein a fluid in which at least one kind of microparticle materials is dissolved is introduced between two processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, to be formed into a thin film fluid, and the thin film fluid is cooled or heated (warmed) to allow saturation solubility to change, thereby separating microparticles.
US08992980B2
Water soluble meloxicam granules comprising: (a) meloxicam; (b) a salt forming agent which forms the meglumine, sodium, potassium, or ammonium salt of meloxicam; (c) a binder; (d) a sugar or sweetener; and (e) a carrier, and optionally a flavoring agent and optionally other excipients, processes for preparing them and their use for treating respiratory or inflammatory complaints in mammals.
US08992976B2
A pharmaceutical composition is provided according to the invention which is suited for the production of tablets by direct compression and which contains donepezil hydrochloride of polymorphic form I. The polymorphic form I of donepezil hydrochloride in the directly compressed tablet is also stable during long storage.
US08992973B2
The invention relates to a controlled release composition comprising a combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, such as hydralazine hydrochloride, that in operation delivers the drug in a pulsed or multi-modal manner for the treatment of angina, ischaemic heart disease, arterial hypertension and related disease conditions. Preferably, the isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hydrochloride can be released from the dosage form in an erodable, diffusion and/or osmotic-controlled release profile.
US08992967B2
The present invention is directed to a novel poly(diol citrates)-based bioceramic composite materials created using completely biodegradable and a bioceramic material polymers that may be used in implantable devices. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using bioceramic composites comprised of citric acid copolymers and a bioceramic material.
US08992964B2
A demineralized bone matrix is produced by a process in which a bone body is placed in a first processing solution comprising an acid to demineralize the bone body. The bone body is periodically removed from the first solution at specific time intervals to perform at least one test, such as a compression test, on a mechanical property of the bone body. When the test yields a desired result, the bone body is exposed to a second processing solution that is less acidic than the first, thus minimizing the exposure of the bone body to the harsh acidic conditions of the demineralization phase of the process.
US08992961B2
This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10−7 reciprocal second.
US08992957B2
A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.
US08992955B2
Disclosed is an oil-in-water emulsion base which is stable even when ethanol in an amount of 50% by mass or less is blended therein and which exhibits excellent water resistance after being applied to the skin or the like. Specifically disclosed is an oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic composition which is characterized by containing (A) 0.1-10% by mass of a polyether-modified silicone having an HLB(Si) of 5-10, (B) 5-50% by mass of ethanol, (C) 0.01-3% by mass of a hydrophilic thickening agent and (D) 0.1-15% by mass of a polyol. Preferably, the oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic composition additionally contains a UV absorbent, thereby forming a sunscreen cosmetic composition.
US08992951B2
Novel formulations and methods for their use in treating neuropathology incident to trauma are provided. Multiple-component formulations of the invention, and especially those having four components, comprise biologically active compounds configured for preventing or reducing the incidence and severity of damage caused by neurotrauma. Formulations and methods of the invention effect both neuroprotective actions to prevent or reduce secondary injuries, and neurotrophic actions to repair and restore cells and tissues affected by the trauma. Formulations and methods of the invention are especially useful in treating neurological trauma, such as those caused by sports injuries and improvised explosive devices in combat.
US08992944B2
Disclosed are substantially purified Plasmodium sporozoites and preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites substantially separated from attendant non-sporozoite material, where the preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites have increasing levels of purity. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising purified Plasmodium sporozoites are likewise provided. Methods of purifying preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites are also provided.
US08992937B2
A disulfide trap, comprising an antigen peptide covalently attached to an MHC class I heavy chain molecule by a disulfide bond extending between two cysteines, is disclosed. In some configurations, a disulfide trap, such as a disulfide trap single chain trimer (dtSCT), can comprise a single contiguous polypeptide chain. Upon synthesis in a cell, a disulfide trap oxidizes properly in the ER, and can be recognized by T cells. In some configurations, a peptide moiety of a disulfide trap is not displaced by high-affinity competitor peptides, even if the peptide binds the heavy chain relatively weakly. In various configurations, a disulfide trap can be used for vaccination, to elicit CD8 T cells, and in multivalent MHC/peptide reagents for the enumeration and tracking of T cells. Also disclosed are nucleic acids comprising a sequence encoding a disulfide trap. Such nucleic acids, which can be DNA vectors, can be used as vaccines.
US08992933B2
The present invention is directed to a method for promoting differentiation, activation and proliferation of human T helper lymphocytes such as those that express IL17 and IL22 (Th-IL17+ and Th-IL22+ T cells) and provides methods for decreasing T cell activation or T cell biological activity, inhibiting an immune response and treating autoimmune diseases by increasing the biological activity of or administering a transcription factor such as a Krüppel-like factor or a forkhead box factor, and pharmaceutical compositions effective for these methods. Also, the present invention provides methods for increasing T cell activation or T cell biological activity, stimulating an immune response and treating diseases such as cancers and infections by decreasing the biological activity of or administering an inhibitor of a transcription factor such as a Krüppel-like factor or a forkhead box factor and pharmaceutical compositions effective for these methods.
US08992928B2
The present invention relates, in part, to agents for binding and/or inactivating native ghrelin. These agents include those that specifically bind and/or cleave octanoylated native ghrelin. Such agents include antibodies and enzymes. The agents also include those that can be used to generate antibodies that specifically bind and/or cleave octanoylated native ghrelin. Compositions that include the agents are also provided. Further provided are methods of producing and using the agents and compositions thereof. For instance, the agents and compositions can be used to reduce or eliminate the hunger response activity of octanoylated native ghrelin. Therefore, the agents, compositions and methods provided can be used to suppress appetite and/or treat obesity. In addition, the agents, compositions and methods can be used to treat any disease associated with or caused by ghrelin (e.g., Prader-Willi Syndrome).
US08992927B1
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US08992926B2
Methods of treating disorders in which TNFα activity is detrimental via biweekly, subcutaneous administration of human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor α (hTNFα) are disclosed. The antibody may be administered with or without methotrexate. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNFα (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNFα dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNFα activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Kits containing a pharmaceutical composition and instructions for dosing, and preloaded syringes containing pharmaceutical compositions are also encompassed by the invention.
US08992921B2
The present invention relates to an isolated antigen from Streptomyces coelicolor that is useful for developing, inter alia, vaccines against pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals. The present invention also relates to vaccines and antibodies developed using the isolated antigen. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antigen, vaccines, and antibodies of the present invention to detect, treat, and prevent infection and diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria.
US08992920B2
The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as anti-IL-6 antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat rheumatoid arthritis.
US08992917B2
Humanized antibodies are provided that specifically bind HLA-DR. The antibodies recognize the epitope recognized by the murine monoclonal antibody L243. Processes for preparing such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibodies, and clinical therapeutic and diagnostic, as well as research-related uses for such antibodies, are provided.
US08992913B2
The disclosure provides improved neutralizing anti-GDF-8 antibodies capable of substantially higher levels of expression in host cells compared to previous anti-GDF-8 antibodies. Also provided are methods of using compositions comprising such antibodies to increase muscle mass or strength, and to treat or prevent muscular disorders, neuromuscular disorders, metabolic disorders, adipose tissue disorders or bone disorders.
US08992911B2
Compositions and methods relating to antibodies that specifically bind to TGF-beta binding proteins are provided. These methods and compositions relate to altering bone mineral density by interfering with the interaction between a TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin and a TGF-beta superfamily member, particularly a bone morphogenic protein. Increasing bone mineral density has uses in diseases and conditions in which low bone mineral density typifies the condition, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fractures.
US08992910B2
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the IL-3 receptor alpha subunit alpha (Il3Rα) chain, and compositions comprising such antibodies. The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or reducing an IL3Rα-expressing cell population, the methods comprising contacting a population of IL3Rα-expressing cells (e.g., cancer cells and/or cancer stem cells) with an antibody that binds to IL3Rα. The present invention also provides antibody conjugates comprising an antibody that binds to an IL3Rα chain linked to a cytotoxic agent or anticellular agent and compositions comprising such conjugates. The present invention also provides methods for preventing, treating and/or managing a disorder associated with IL3Rα-expressing cells (e.g., a hematological cancer), the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody that binds to IL3Rα.
US08992904B2
The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods and compositions, especially subcutaneous and intravenous composition using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.
US08992901B2
The invention is in the field of skin hygiene, especially hand hygiene and/or hand soap compositions. It remains to be desired to prepare skin hygiene compositions having a high anti-microbial effect, even with a low dosage of anti-microbial essential oils. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a skin hygiene composition, having good anti-microbial properties, at low levels of essential oil. Surprisingly it has been found that composition comprising a low amount of at least two essential oils and a polymer provides improved hygiene efficacy.
US08992898B2
Products and methods are disclosed for reducing the production of unwanted odors on the human body.
US08992896B2
A topical therapeutic hydrophobic breakable composition includes a carrier comprising (a) about 60% to about 99% by weight of at least one hydrophobic oil; (b) at least one viscosity-modifying agents selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid and a wax; and (c) a tetracycline antibiotic, characterized in that at least part of the tetracycline antibiotic is suspended in the composition; the viscosity of the composition is at least about 30% higher than the viscosity of the carrier without the tetracycline antibiotic; and is higher than the viscosity of the hydrophobic oil and the tetracycline antibiotic without the viscosity modifying agents. The tetracycline is chemically stable in the composition for at least six months; wherein more than about 90% of the tetracycline has not broken down. The composition is packaged as a breakable foam that breaks easily upon application of shear force.
US08992890B2
The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in the form of a dusting powder or dry spray, possessing a high absorbent capacity, painkilling activity and wound-healing action, which compositions consist of croscarmellose sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and hyaluronic acid, and optionally also contain other pharmacologically active substances and/or excipients. The compositions disclosed herein are suitable for use in the treatment of skin lesions wherein the presence of exudate limits wound healing and causes pain; they are therefore particularly suitable for chronic ulcerous skin lesions of various origins and burns.
US08992889B2
A freshening composition having a malodor control component, about 1% to about 5% of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols, and an aqueous carrier are provided. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric. The composition may be delivered to fabrics and/or air. The malodor control component may include an effective amount of volatile aldehydes and/or an acid catalyst.
US08992878B2
Disclosed is a composition containing carbon nanotubes which meets all of the following conditions (1) to (4). (1) When observed via transmission electron microscopy, at least 50 out of every 100 carbon nanotubes are double-walled carbon nanotubes. (2) The carbon nanotubes have an average outer diameter in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 nm. (3) During thermogravimetric analysis under atmosphere at a temperature increase rate of 10° C./minute, a high temperature combustion peak is at 700 to 850° C., and the relationship between low temperature weight loss (TG(L)) and high temperature weight loss (TG(H)) is TG(H)/(TG(L)+TG(H))≧0.75. (4) The composition containing carbon nanotubes has a volume resistance value between 1.0×10−2 Ω·cm and 1.0×10−4 Ω·cm, inclusive. The disclosed composition containing carbon nanotubes primarily has double-walled carbon nanotubes with high electrical conductivity and high heat resistance.
US08992862B2
A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.
US08992856B2
A device for use in molecular diagnostics testing includes at least one sealed reagent storage container, and at least one opener for unsealing the reagent storage container. The device further includes an actuator coupled to the reagent storage container and opener such that moving the actuator brings the reagent storage container and the opener together so that the opener unseals the reagent storage container.
US08992837B2
Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.
US08992836B2
Embodiments of optofluidic devices or methods according to the application can provide on-chip, label-free, massively parallel analysis of analytes. An embodiment of the optofluidic device can comprise a microresonator, a waveguide optically coupled to the microresonator, and a fluidic channel that exposes an analyte to an evanescent field from the microresonator, wherein the light signal has a linewidth lesser than the width of at least one resonance of the light signal propagating in the microresonator. The light signal can be tuned across a spectrum of light wavelengths, wherein the spectrum of wavelengths includes one or more wavelengths defining the at least one resonance in the microresonator. The light transmission through the waveguide over the spectrum of wavelengths of the input light can be detected, and an absorption spectrum of the analyte can be determined.
US08992834B2
A blood glucose level measuring apparatus and measurement data management apparatus are provided which can carry out measurement of the blood glucose level of a plurality of patients relatively rapidly and reliably, while also addressing emergency situations. The blood glucose level measuring apparatus includes a patient identifier, blood glucose level measuring device, a date/time counter, a display, and a controller. The controller controls in a normal measurement mode the cross-checking of patient identification information and a patient data table, and then, if patient identification information is not found, measurement of the blood glucose level is inhibited. The controller also controls in an emergency measurement mode in which carrying out of measurement of the blood glucose level is permitted without acquiring the patient identification information by the patient identifier.
US08992833B2
The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.
US08992830B2
Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.
US08992822B2
In a method for cooling a metallurgical furnace having at least one cooling element which is flown through by a cooling mediums, a cooling medium that contains at least one ionic liquid, and preferably consists thereof, is carried through the cooling element, thereby preventing the problems that are associated with water cooling, such as the risk of hydrogen explosions and damage to the furnace lining.
US08992821B2
A pass-through catalytic substrate can comprise a plurality of porous ceramic substrate walls defining flow channels extending between an inlet end and an outlet end of the catalytic substrate. The pass-through catalytic substrate can include a plurality of porous ceramic beveled corner portions positioned at intersecting corners of the substrate walls within the flow channels. In one example, the porous ceramic beveled corner portions each include a heat capacity less than about 1.38 J/cm3/K. In another example, a catalytic washcoat layer can be provided for coating the porous ceramic substrate walls and the porous ceramic beveled corner portions. Methods for producing a pass-through catalytic substrate also provide porous ceramic beveled corner portions.
US08992795B2
In a manufacturing process of a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, which includes a lithium silicate compound represented by a general formula Li2MSiO4, heat treatment is performed at a high temperature on a mixture material, grinding treatment is performed, a carbon-based material is added, and then heat treatment is performed again. Therefore, the reactivity between the substances contained in the mixture material is enhanced, favorable crystallinity can be obtained, and further microparticulation of the grain size of crystal which is grown larger by the high temperature treatment and crystallinity recovery are achieved; and at the same time, carbon can be supported on the surfaces of particles of the crystallized mixture material. Accordingly, a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, in which electron conductivity is improved, can be manufactured.
US08992793B2
Use of a double bond-containing hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant causes a problem that it generates hydrogen fluoride by cleavage and decomposition under influence of oxygen, leading to degradation of the materials and the refrigeration oil used in the refrigeration apparatus and causing troubles in the refrigeration apparatus.It is possible to provide a high-reliability longer-lasting refrigeration apparatus by inexpensive method, by using a double bond-containing hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant in a refrigerating cycle having a refrigerant circulation route extending from a compressor 1, via a condenser 2, an expansion mechanism 3, and an evaporator 4, back to the compressor 1 that contains an ester-based refrigeration oil containing an unsaturated fatty acid as a constituent fatty acid.
US08992792B2
Methods of fabricating ultra low-k dielectric self-aligned vias are described. In an example, a method of forming a self-aligned via (SAV) in a low-k dielectric film includes forming a trench pattern in a metal nitride hardmask layer formed above a low-k dielectric film formed above a substrate. A via pattern is formed in a masking layer formed above the metal nitride hardmask layer. The via pattern is etched at least partially into the low-k dielectric film, the etching comprising using a plasma etch using a chemistry based on CF4, H2, and a diluent inert gas composition.
US08992787B2
Anode foils suitable for use in electrolytic capacitors, including those having multiple anode configurations, have improved strength, reduced brittleness, and increased capacitance compared to conventional anode foils for electrolytic capacitors. Exemplary methods of manufacturing an anode foil suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor include disposing a resist material in a predetermined pattern on an exposed surface of an anode foil substrate such that a first portion of the exposed surface of the anode foil substrate is covered by the resist material, and a second portion of the exposed surface remains uncovered; polymerizing the resist material; exposing at least the second portion of the exposed surface to one or more etchants so as to form a plurality of tunnels; stripping the polymerized resist material; and widening at least a portion of the plurality of tunnels. The resist material may be deposited, for example, by ink-jet printing, stamping or screen printing.
US08992778B2
Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus for performing chromatographic separations. The invention feature methods and control means in the form of computer programs and software that control the formation of a concentration gradient at two or more total flow rates, with an elution period occurring in a slow flow rate and at least other portions of the gradient occurring during a fast total flow rate.
US08992775B2
The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from a filter and for filtering liquid using diatomaceous earth. Embodiments of the method can include a washdown process, a backwash process, and a filtering process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more filter cartridges with cartridge tubes to increase flow during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a backwash sprayer to disturb contaminants during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a removable lid to access the filter cartridges during the washdown process.
US08992774B2
A filter system having a filter bed for filtering water or wastewater, where the filter bed is periodically washed between service runs by directing washing liquid and washing gas upwardly through the filter bed. The filter system includes a filter bed and at least one flume. The flume is in fluid communication with the filter bed. Preferably, the flume is configured such that no washing liquid and washing gas interface is present in the flume. The flume may be configured such that during washing of the filter bed between service runs the flume receives a washing gas and directs the washing gas upwardly through the filter bed to assist in cleaning the filter bed between service runs. The flume may further be configured such that during washing the only liquid directed from the flume to the filter bed is residual liquid that may be present in the flume from a prior service run.
US08992764B2
An integrated process for producing naphtha fuel, diesel fuel and/or lubricant base oils from feedstocks under sour conditions is provided. The ability to process feedstocks under higher sulfur and/or nitrogen conditions allows for reduced cost processing and increases the flexibility in selecting a suitable feedstock. The sour feed can be delivered to a catalytic dewaxing step without any separation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants. The integrated process includes an initial dewaxing of a feed under sour conditions, optional hydrocracking of the dewaxed feed, and a separation to form a first diesel product and a bottoms fraction. The bottoms fraction is then exposed to additional hydrocracking and dewaxing to form a second diesel product and optionally a lubricant base oil product. Alternatively, a feedstock can be hydrotreated, fractionated, dewaxed, and then hydrocracked to form a diesel fuel and a dewaxed, hydrocracked bottoms fraction that is optionally suitable for use as a lubricant base oil.
US08992763B2
A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at −35 degrees C. of 3000 mPA·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less, and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more. The component (A) is contained at a content of 10 mass % or more of a total amount of the composition.
US08992757B2
A method for electrofilling large, high aspect ratio recessed features with copper without depositing substantial amounts of copper in the field region is provided. The method allows completely filling recessed features having aspect ratios of at least about 5:1 such as at least about 10:1, and widths of at least about 1 μm in a substantially void-free manner without depositing more than 5% of copper in the field region (relative to the thickness deposited in the recessed feature). The method involves contacting the substrate having one or more large, high aspect ratio recessed features (such as a TSVs) with an electrolyte comprising copper ions and an organic dual state inhibitor (DSI) configured for inhibiting copper deposition in the field region, and electrodepositing copper under potential-controlled conditions, where the potential is controlled not exceed the critical potential of the DSI.
US08992756B2
A surface of an object to be plated is subjected to a treatment for palladium catalyst impartation to impart a palladium catalyst to the surface of an insulating part thereof. A palladium conductor layer is formed on the insulating part from a solution for palladium conductor layer formation which contains a palladium compound, an amine compound, and a reducing agent. On the palladium conductor layer is then directly formed a copper deposit by electroplating. Thus, the work is converted to a conductor with the solution for palladium conductor layer formation, which is neutral, without using an electroless copper plating solution which is highly alkaline. Consequently, the polyimide is prevented from being attacked and no adverse influence is exerted on adhesion. By adding an azole compound to the solution for palladium conductor layer formation, a palladium conductor layer is prevented from depositing on copper.
US08992746B2
An apparatus for anodizing substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. A substrate holder mounted in a storage tank includes a first support unit having first support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, only lower circumferential portions of the substrates, and a second support unit attachable to and detachable from the first support unit and having second support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, remaining circumferential portions of the substrates. A drive mechanism separates the first support unit and the second support unit when loading and unloading the substrates, and for connecting the first support unit and the second support unit after the substrates are placed in the substrate holder.
US08992738B2
The invention relates to a method for converting carbon dioxide to methane. The method comprises exposing carbon dioxide adsorbed on a nanoporous silicate matrix to light in the presence of a source of carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen for a time and under conditions sufficient to convert carbon dioxide to methane. The matrix contains at least one photochromic metal oxide entity, and contains a C1 impurity site. The light has a wavelength of about 437 nm to about 1200 nm.
US08992729B2
A method and assembly for separating contaminants from liquids, such as condensates, or vapors at an evaporation plant. The contaminants are separated from liquids by stripping when bringing a contaminant-enriched liquid into direct contact with a vapor by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus reducing the contaminant-content of the sprayed liquid and producing a cleaner liquid. The contaminants are enriched in the vapor. From vapors contaminants are separated by absorption when bringing a contaminant-enriched vapor into direct contact with a cleaner liquid by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus increasing the contaminant-content of the liquid, but producing a cleaned vapor.
US08992723B2
For coupling RF power from an RF input of a plasma chamber to the interior of a plasma chamber, an RF bus conductor is connected between the RF input and a plasma chamber electrode. In one embodiment, an RF return bus conductor is connected to an electrically grounded wall of the chamber, and the RF bus conductor and the RF return bus conductor have respective surfaces that are parallel and face each other. In another embodiment, the RF bus conductor has a transverse cross section having a longest dimension oriented perpendicular to the surface of the plasma chamber electrode that is closest to the RF bus conductor.
US08992715B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.
US08992712B2
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing electronic devices including providing a carrier substrate having a first side, a second side, and a first adhesive at the first side; providing a first flexible substrate; and bonding the first flexible substrate to the first side of the carrier substrate. The first adhesive bonds the first flexible substrate to the first side of the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate comprises a mechanism configured to compensate for a deformation of the carrier substrate. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08992706B2
One aspect of this method of producing a copper alloy sheet includes: a hot rolling process; a cold rolling process; a recrystallization heat treatment process; and a finish cold rolling process in this order, wherein a hot rolling initiation temperature is 800° C. to 940° C., a cooling rate from a temperature after final rolling or 650° C. to 350° C. is 1° C./second or more, and a cold working rate is 55% or more. In the recrystallization heat treatment process, 550≦Tmax≦790, 0.04≦tm≦2, and 460≦{Tmax−40×tm−1/2−50×(1−RE/100)1/2}≦580 are fulfilled, in which Tmax is the highest arrival temperature, tm (min) is a retention time in a temperature range from a temperature lower than the highest arrival temperature by 50° C. to the highest arrival temperature, and RE (%) is a cold working rate.
US08992701B2
After a reducing agent is added to a water reaction system containing silver ions to deposit silver particles by reduction, the silver particles are dried to obtain a silver powder which is heat-treated at a temperature of higher than 100° C. and lower than 400° C. The silver powder thus heat-treated has a maximum coefficient of thermal expansion of not greater than 1.5% at a temperature of 50° C. to 800° C., and has no heating peak when the silver powder is heated from 50° C. to 800° C. The silver powder has an ignition loss of not greater than 1.0% when the silver powder is ignited until the weight of the silver powder is constant at 800° C. The silver powder has a tap density of not less than 2 g/cm3 and a BET specific surface area of not greater than 5 m2/g.
US08992695B2
A pressure-relief assembly for adjusting pressure within a washing chamber of a washer. The pressure-relief assembly is composed of a housing having an opened upper end and an internal cavity communicating with a washing chamber of a washer. A valve assembly is moveable relative to the opened upper end of the housing between one of two opened positions and a closed position. The valve assembly has a first plate section dimensioned to overlay and cover the opened end of the housing. The first plate section has an opening extending therethrough. A second plate section is dimensioned to overlay the first plate section, the second plate section being moveable relative to the first plate section between a closed position and an open position.
US08992692B2
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer includes a rotary brush to be positioned to clean the semiconductor wafer, and an optical sensing device associated with the rotary brush to sense a separation distance between a reference position thereon and the semiconductor wafer. An actuator is coupled to the optical sensing device to position the rotary brush based upon the sensed separation distance.
US08992687B2
Processing gas is supplied from the central upper part of a processing chamber to a wafer on a mounting board, while the processing chamber is exhausted from processing gas exhaust passages at areas outside of the wafer. In addition, purge gas is supplied from purge gas supply passages to a buffer chamber formed between the peripheral part of a container main body and that of a cover body. The supplied flow-rate of the processing gas is made less than the exhaust flow-rate in the processing gas exhaust passages. Accordingly, the purge gas in the buffer chamber is drawn into the processing chamber via a purge gas supply hole formed of a gap between the container main body and the cover body due to a negative pressure inside the processing chamber caused by a difference between the flow rates.
US08992683B2
Highly-qualified crystals are grown with good yield under an optimal temperature condition by controlling the axial temperature distribution in the vicinity of the seed crystal locally. In an apparatus for producing crystals to grow crystals wherein a seed crystal 14 is placed in a crucible 11 which is retained in a furnace, raw materials 12 filled in the crucible 11 are heated and liquefied, and a raw material 12 slowly cooled in the crucible 11 from below upward, the apparatus including a temperature controller for controlling temperature to cool or heat the vicinity of the seed crystal 14 locally. The temperature controller controls the temperature by a hollow constructed cap 17 mounted outside the portion of crucible 11 and regulates refrigerant flow running through the hollow portion.
US08992664B2
A process for recycling blast furnace gas is provided. At least one portion of the gases resulting from the blast furnace undergo a CO2 purification step to create a CO-rich gas which is reinjected at a first top injection point at a temperature between 700° C. and 1000° C. through a top injection line, and at a second bottom injection point at a temperature between 1000° C. and 1300° C. through a bottom injection line. The gases from the bottom and top injection lines are heated at a temperature between 1000° C. and 1300° C. A portion of the CO-rich gas exiting the purification step is directly introduced into the top injection line via a cold gas injection line to obtain a temperature between 700° C. and 1000° C. at the first top injection point. The gas that flows through the bottom and top injection points controlled upstream of the system of the heaters. A device is also provided.
US08992658B2
A sintered metal bearing is obtained by compression-molding of a raw-material powder containing at least a Cu powder, an SUS powder, and a pure Fe powder and thereafter sintering a compression-molded body at a predetermined temperature.
US08992656B2
The present invention relates to formation of a controllable, high velocity, pneumatic stream of particulate solids which can be injected into a furnace containing, for instance, a liquid such as a bath of molten metal.
US08992640B2
The disclosed embodiments include systems for using an expander. In a first embodiment, a system includes a flow path and a gasification section disposed along the flow path. The gasification section is configured to convert a feedstock into a syngas. The system also includes a scrubber disposed directly downstream of the gasification section and configured to filter the syngas. The system also includes a first expander disposed along the flow path directly downstream from the scrubber and configured to expand the syngas. The syngas comprises an untreated syngas.
US08992636B1
A fuel additive and its preparation for a engine, a fuel containing the additive, a fuel additive concentrate, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for an engine. The fuel additive includes a quaternary ammonium salt derived from a reaction of a hydrocarbyl substituted anhydride, a tertiary amine and a hydroxyl-containing epoxide, wherein the tertiary amine is devoid of primary and secondary amino groups.
US08992616B2
Modular lumbar interbody fixation systems and methods with reconstruction endplates are provided. A representative system includes: a pair of engaging plates adapted to fit between and engage the vertebral bodies, at least one engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates being a reconstruction endplate, the reconstruction endplate having a trough and configured to receive a fixing agent; and an alignment device positionable between the pair of engaging plates, the alignment device being operative to maintain a disc space between the vertebral bodies during use.
US08992605B2
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium.
US08992601B2
Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.
US08992598B2
Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, methods of making such devices, and methods of treating animals, including humans, for valve-related conditions are described. The biomedical valve devices can includes a native tissue valve attached to a support frame or a tissue attached to a support frame in a manner to form a valve. The tissue valve or tissue can be autogenous to the animal being treated.
US08992597B2
This invention relates to prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and a single catheter device and minimally invasive techniques for percutaneous and transluminal valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve implantation.
US08992577B2
A rod system includes two rods each with a head and a shaft, two elastic members each fitted around one shaft against one head, and a case defining a first inner portion, a second inner portion, and a third inner portion in communication with the first and the second inner portions. A first rod with a first elastic member is seated in the first inner portion so the first elastic member abuts the bottom of first inner portion and the first head protrudes into the third inner portion. A second rod and a second elastic member is seated in the second portion so the second elastic member abuts the bottom of the second inner portion and the second head protrudes into the third inner portion and abuts the first head.
US08992574B2
Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements. The prosthesis can include a crossbar having first and second ends. A first caudal prosthesis can be attached to the first end of the crossbar, while a second caudal prosthesis can be attached to the second end of the crossbar. A first crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the first caudal prosthesis, while a second crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the second caudal prosthesis. A first cephalad prosthesis can extend from the first crossbar mount, while a second cephalad prosthesis can extend from the second crossbar mount.
US08992571B2
A suture clip having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An aperture extends completely through the clip between the top and bottom surfaces to form a slot. The slot extends into the clip from a mouth at a periphery on a first end of the clip to divide the clip into first and second lateral portions that are separated at the first end but connected at a second end of the clip. The slot is bounded by opposing inner sidewalls of the first and second lateral portions extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the clip. The clip has a sufficient resilient force to allow a suture to be slid into the slot and has a sufficient clamping force to retain the suture in place within the slot once a desired positioned of the suture has been attained.
US08992570B2
Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a plurality of flexible collet fingers that captivate a suture clip ring and a suture clip plug for assembly with a suture. An outer sliding sleeve constrains the collet fingers when distally advanced to minimize potential trauma during delivery and assembly of the suture clip in close proximity to the stitched tissue. Proximal retraction of the sliding sleeve coupled with the distal advancement of a pusher against cam surfaces on the inner walls of the collet fingers causes the collet fingers to open. The catheter is designed to hold and assemble the suture clip in a first position and release the suture clip and sever the suture ends proximal to the suture clip in a second position. Single pusher two-step embodiments and double pusher three-step embodiments are disclosed. Suture clip designs with plugs having heads for use with the suture clip delivery catheter are also disclosed. A suture clip loading device for loading suture clip components into the delivery system as well as a threader for threading sutures into the suture clip systems are also disclosed. A method of loading, delivering and deploying suture clips is further disclosed.
US08992569B2
An insertion device configured to provide access to a treatment site within a body cavity (e.g., an abdominal cavity) is provided herein. In general, the device includes any type of elongate sleeve (e.g., a trocar) having an inner lumen. Further, the device includes a tissue retraction mechanism configured to extend from a distal end of the sleeve wherein the tissue retraction mechanism is configured to securely engage a cavity wall such that in response to a retraction force the mechanism can pull the cavity wall over the distal end of the sleeve thereby positioning the sleeve across the cavity wall. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for providing access to a body cavity are also provided herein.
US08992565B2
Surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed that provide for decoupling of instrument shaft roll and end effector actuation. A surgical assembly includes a base, an instrument shaft rotationally mounted to the base, an end effector supported at a distal end of the instrument shaft and including an actuation mechanism driven by a rotational motion, a drive shaft rotationally coupled with the actuation mechanism and configured to provide the rotational motion to the actuation mechanism, and a differential rotationally coupled to the drive shaft and receiving a first input motion and a second input motion. The differential combines the first and second input motions to generate an output motion that rotates the drive shaft. The first input motion is rotationally coupleable to an actuation source. The second input motion is coupled to rotation of the instrument shaft relative to the base.
US08992558B2
A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.
US08992556B2
Devices and methods for performing a transeptal puncture procedure are described. In certain embodiments, the device includes a blunt outer needle, and a second inner needle disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the outer needle, wherein the inner needle is flexible, e.g., has a flexible portion and/or a bend or other non-traumatic conformation at its tip.
US08992554B2
A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.
US08992551B2
According to one aspect of the invention, composite implants for soft tissue repair are provided which comprise (a) a substantially two-dimensional piece of biologic matrix material and (b) one or more non-absorbable synthetic polymeric filaments.
US08992547B2
Devices and methods for forming and securing a tissue plication are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a tissue manipulation device is described that includes a first jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft and having an articulating portion located distal to the proximal end of the first jaw member. The device also includes a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the jaws move in a first plane, and a fastener delivery member attached to the second jaw member. The articulating portion of the first jaw member is configured to move the first and second jaw members between a straight configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is contained within the first plane and an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is transverse to the first plane.
US08992545B2
Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. The securement systems enable the deployment (and retrieval) of the device. In one aspect, the second securement system employs a snare connection. The snare connection may have various configurations, including a single snare, double snare, and double criss-cross snare. The securement systems are detached when the device has been properly positioned. The securement systems can be manipulated by control systems provided in the control portion of the delivery system.
US08992543B2
A bone-tying cable tightening device is disclosed which makes itself unusable after having been used a predetermined number of times. The device includes a grip portion, a rod-like member, a knot-supporting means at the tip, and a cable-holding means to grip and hold the two arms of a cable, and is provided with a sliding block mounted around the rod-like member and connected to a pulling means, and an operation lever, wherein the cable-holding means includes (a) a longitudinal through groove defined in the upper part of the sliding block, (b) a locking recess which extends at the rear end the through groove, either transversing the cross section of the through groove or containing the cross section of the through groove, and whose width in the cross section thereof widens in the rearward direction, and (c) a backward biased locking member which is provided movably back and forth behind the locking recess on the upper side of the sliding block and so made that its forward movement is blocked when it fits in the locking recess, and wherein the device further includes a pull-releasing means which can be operated to release the one-way detent means for the pulling means, and a release locking means to lock the one-way detent means in a released state after the pull-releasing means has been operated a predetermined number of times.
US08992538B2
A customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument for facilitating implantation of an acetabular cup prosthesis in a coxal bone of a patient includes a customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide. The customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide includes a longitudinal passageway for an acetabular reamer and a plurality of arms with attached feet. Each foot of the reaming guide is positioned relative to the body based on the contours of the coxal bone of the patient and a predetermined degree of version and inclination angles of the acetabular cup prosthesis when implanted in the patient's coxal bone.
US08992532B2
A system for preparing a bone implant includes a cutting guide having a body including a plurality of sides that together define a cavity that is accessible via an opening defined by a first side of the plurality of sides. A second side of the plurality of sides defines a plurality of slots and is disposed adjacent to the first side. Each of the plurality of slots is in communication with the cavity that is sized and configured to receive a bone implant therein, and each of the plurality of slots is located at a different location of the second wall to facilitate cutting a bone implant into one of a plurality of sizes.
US08992528B2
An intramedullary system for managing a fracture of a bone comprises a first rod for insertion into a medullary canal of the bone; and a second rod for insertion into the medullary canal of the bone. The intramedullary system may further include: a first hollow rod segment for receiving an end of the first rod near the first entry point; and a second hollow rod segment for receiving an end of the second rod near the second entry point, wherein the first hollow rod segment and the second hollow rod segment are tamped to force the first curved portion and the second curved portion of the first and second hollow rod segments inside of the bone, along with the first and second rods.
US08992522B2
Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).
US08992511B2
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, an acoustic control signal may be used.
US08992499B2
Wearable disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, having elastically extensible fastening members (also sometimes known as fastening “ears”) with particular features, extending from a chassis or main portion of the articles, are disclosed. The fastening members may be highly extensible and have an overall geometry, characterized by greater length nearer the chassis or main portion and lesser length nearer the distal end. Examples disclosed may have a fastener zone having a Stiffness of at least about 1,500 N/m, and shape and dimensional characteristics, that help avoid problems of buckling and/or flipping of edges of the fastening members, dishing of fastener components, and fastening member tearing, while the articles are applied and worn.
US08992498B2
A reusable diaper may include at least one fluid-absorbing insert or layer coupled to one or more inner portions of the diaper for use in absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid-absorbing insert has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion is fastened to the diaper at a first location adjacent the forward waist portion. The second end portion is fastened to the diaper at a second location adjacent the rearward waist portion. The fluid-absorbing insert includes a portion between the first and second end portions that is adjustable relative to the crotch portion between the first and second locations for selectively changing an overlapped region of the at least one fluid-absorbing insert to accommodate use by a male and/or a female.
US08992494B2
Provided are systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure source provides negative pressure to a wound dressing and a biasing mechanism provides positive pressure to a fluid reservoir.
US08992491B2
The present invention relates to a bandage including an adhesive hydrocolloid mass, wherein said bandage includes, on at least one portion of the surface of the adhesive mass intended for being in contract with the wound when the bandage is being used, a plurality of agglomerates made up of particles linked to one another, preferably in a multi-layer configuration, at least 90% and preferably at least 95% of said particles being made up of one (or more) material(s) selected among polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers, and being suitable for solubilizing or gelling in under ten seconds, and preferably still in less than one second when in contact with the exudate from the wound. The bandage according to the invention is intended for treating wounds such as blisters, exuding wounds, burns and dermal-epidermal lesions, whether superficial, deep, chronic or acute.
US08992487B2
An injection device for dispensing a product, the injection device including a moveable element which is moved for a dispensing operation, a spring, a product container holder and a product container, wherein the spring pushes against the moveable element to move the moveable element to an initial position after the dispensing operation has ended and against the product container to seat the product container in the product container holder.
US08992486B2
A housing for a dispensing apparatus. The housing comprising a main housing and a dose dial sleeve. The dose dial sleeve comprising a helical groove configured to engage a threading provided by the housing. A dose knob is disposed near a proximal end of the dose dial sleeve and a piston rod is provided within the housing. The piston rod is non-rotatable during a dose setting step. A driver comprises an internal threading near a distal portion of the driver and is adapted to engage an external thread of the piston rod. A tubular clutch is located adjacent a distal end of the dose knob and operatively coupled to the dose knob. The dose dial sleeve may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the tubular clutch.
US08992484B2
An injection device including a dose setting assembly, and an injection assembly, wherein operating the dose setting assembly to set a dose causes an engagement element to pass a tooth on a toothed rod in a combined translational and rotational movement.
US08992483B2
An indwelling needle assembly and protector. The indwelling needle assembly has an inner needle, an inner needle hub, an outer needle, an outer needle hub, and a protector for protecting the needle point of the inner needle arranged on the outer periphery of the inner needle so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The protector includes a protecting member in which the needle point of the inner needle is stored and a closing member arranged on the outer periphery of the protecting member so as to be capable of sliding, a displaceable side wall which is capable of being displaced inward so as to close a distal opening of the protecting member, the displaceable side wall being displaced inwardly by the closing member arranged on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the protecting member.
US08992476B2
Automatic injection device includes a housing, a syringe, a plunger, and a syringe carrier. The housing includes a barrel. The barrel includes an elongated window to allow viewing of contents inside the housing. The syringe is disposed within the housing and has a reservoir. The plunger is at least partially disposed within the syringe and includes a visual indicator. The syringe carrier is disposed within the housing and configured to contain the syringe and displace the syringe within the housing between a first position and a second position. The syringe carrier can have at least one opening and at least one pair of legs defining at least a portion of the at least one opening.
US08992470B2
A control mechanism for use with a steerable medical device allows for single-handed operation of at least a distal portion of the medical device. The device can be a catheter or an endoscope, for example.
US08992469B2
An apparatus comprises a plunger able to fit in a cartridge or syringe. The plunger includes an outer portion and a deflection portion. The outer portion is able to engage the body of the cartridge or syringe. The outer portion is operable to apply a first radial force to the cartridge or syringe. The deflection portion is positioned within the outer portion and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The deflection portion in the unlocked position causes the outer portion to apply a second radial force to the cartridge or syringe.
US08992468B2
The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
US08992453B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.
US08992441B2
An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.
US08992433B1
Clothing with an integrated heart rate monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device preferably comprises an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed to generate a real-time vital sign for a user.
US08992421B2
A highly articulated robotic probe comprises an outer sleeve and an inner core. The outer sleeve and inner core include a plurality of links. The links of the outer sleeve and inner core are configured to pivot relative to one another. Various characteristics of the links determine the overall pivot angle of the articulated probe. Each of the plurality of links may have one or more channels. The channels form a semi-continuous passage from link to link and are configured to receive an elongated member such as an inner core, tool or cable. One or more cables may be used to control the outer links of the outer sleeve and the inner links of the inner core. Various characteristics of the cables determine the overall performance of the articulated probe.
US08992420B2
Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.
US08992408B2
A system for assisting the right heart of a patient includes a PA cannula adapted for insertion into a PA of a patient through the right internal jugular vein of the patient. The system includes a percutaneous RA cannula adapted for insertion into an RA of the patient. The system includes a blood pump disposed outside of the patient to which the RA cannula and the PA cannula are connected to provide right ventricular circulatory support to the patient without any left ventricular assist. A method for assisting the right heart of a patient includes the steps of inserting a PA cannula into a PA of a patient. There is the step of inserting an RA cannula into an RA of the patient. There is the step of connecting the RA cannula and the PA cannula to a blood pump disposed outside of the patient. There is the step of activating the blood pump to provide right ventricular circulatory support to assist the heart of the patient.
US08992403B2
A cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35) to be inserted into a centrifuge is used for the separation of blood components. Said cartridge (1) is provided with a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, wherein a fixture (29) for a filter (31) is provided in the product section (7), a product transport path (36) which leads from the blood bag section (5) via the fixture (29) for the filter (31) to the product section (7). The product transport path (36) coming from the blood bag section (5) leads into the fixture (29) for the filter (31) radially from the outside and from below.
US08992387B2
An embodiment of an exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine. Additionally, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine such that the remote communication system generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. Furthermore, an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system may receive the exercise program and simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine.
US08992379B2
A hybrid drivetrain for a motor vehicle includes an automated mechanical transmission (AMT) having an output shaft. The drivetrain includes an alternative energy source including a motor and an energy storage unit and two torque transfer arrangements. The first transfer arrangement is separate from engageable gear sets of the AMT for transferring torque from the output shaft to a motor when the energy storage unit is being charged and for transferring torque from the motor to the output shaft when the energy storage unit is being discharged. Additionally, an alternative energy source clutch for selectively coupling the first torque transfer arrangement to the output shaft is included. The second torque transfer arrangement is for transferring torque from the output shaft to a driven axle of the motor vehicle. At least one of the first and second torque transfer arrangements has different first and second torque transfer ratios.
US08992371B1
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle include: an input shaft; an output shaft; a first compound planetary gear set combining first and second planetary gear sets and firstly changing torque input through one input path and two variable input paths into six speeds; a second compound planetary gear set combining third and fourth planetary gear sets, secondly changing the six speeds a rotation speed of the input shaft input through one variable input path into eleven forward speeds and reverse speed, and finally outputting the changed rotation speed; and friction members including clutches interposed between two rotation shafts or between a rotation shaft and the input shaft, and brakes interposed between a rotation shaft and a transmission housing.
US08992370B2
Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. Various embodiments of an infinitely variable pump or compressor are described.
US08992358B2
One embodiment may include an automotive timing chain system component (10, 12) such as a tensioner arm (10) or a chain guide (12) that, during use, bears directly or indirectly against a chain (22) of an automotive timing chain system (14). The component (10, 12) may have an elongated body (16, 116) made into a generally hollow shape by a hydroforming process. The body may have a first open free end (26, 126) and a second open free end (28, 128).
US08992351B2
A golf ball kicking device having hands-free interchangeability of golf club heads comprising a mounting plate secured to the shoe and a retaining member affixed to the mounting plate and having a pivoting lever with a release member in communication with a rear face of a club head. The mounting plate has a magnet and the rear face of the club head is constructed of a magnetic material so as to releasably mount the club head onto the mounting plate. When the club head is secured against the magnet, the club head impacts upon the release member so as to pivot the pivoting lever to a first position. When sufficient force is applied to the pivoting lever, the pivoting lever pivots to a second position thereby directing the release member to impact upon the club head and dislodge the club head from the mounting plate.
US08992337B1
A portable toddler swing is provided. The swing includes a compliant shell, an upper adjustable strap, a fastener coupled to the upper adjustable strap, a lower adjustable strap, a pair of support straps and a pair of safety fasteners. The shell defines an inner cavity, including an upper portion defining a top opening and a circumferential passage, a bottom portion, a front portion defining a pair of leg openings, a back portion, and a pair of side portions. The upper adjustable strap is slidingly disposed within the circumferential passage, and adjusts the size of the top opening of the shell. The lower adjustable strap is connected to the bottom portion of the shell, and secures the shell to a playground swing seat. The pair of safety fasteners are coupled to upper portions of the support straps, and secure the support straps to the playground swing chains.
US08992330B1
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating data model substitution related to one or more pre-existing data objects in an expression of a game environment. A system may facilitate scalable addition of new game content by leveraging pre-existing data objects at a client computing platform. The system may include a game server that provides to the client computing platform data model substitutions for the existing data objects. The data model substitutions may be used to alter the behavior or function, look (e.g., visual appearance), description, and/or other characteristic of an expression of a pre-existing data object. Thus, by leveraging pre-existing data objects and providing such data model substitutions, new content or at least the appearance of new content from the user's perspective, may be provided without revising client code or requiring downloading new instructions that encode new data objects.
US08992321B2
In a network game, player characters manipulated by individual players of video game apparatuses belong to the same party to battle with an opponent character. When a player character making a special move is not present in the party, the display screen of each video game apparatus becomes a screen focusing on the player character of the player who uses this video game apparatus. When one of the player characters makes a special move, not only the display screen of the video game apparatus corresponding to this player, but also the display screens of the video game apparatuses corresponding to the other player characters in the party become screens focusing on the player character which makes the special move.
US08992305B2
Apparatus and method for facilitating the funding of gaming and preferably the purchase of gaming vouchers (slot vouchers) with commercial bank cards and/or with casino and/or new credit accounts (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) and/or the prompting of opening of a new credit account, including an automated kiosk located on a gaming floor proximate to gaming machines but separate from particular gaming machines, and including method and apparatus for the purchase and redemption of vouchers at a gaming table, including reading and printing equipment in communication with a voucher host; also including a prompt to open new a gaming oriented line of credit, associated with a refusal of an EFT transaction, preferably a credit/debit card cash advance request, and including a preferred gaming oriented credit card account and card (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) (including a patron selection coded card) having cash advance limits commensurate with credit limits for gaming oriented transactions and wherein a cash advance can be secured within an hour after the opening and approval of the account, the approval of the account preferably based on EFT gaming transaction history.
US08992301B2
In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path.
US08992298B2
The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which receives a wager amount on a play of a primary game, outputs an audio/video programming clip in association with the wagered on play of the primary game, tracks occurrences of at least one designated event outputted in association with the audio/video programming clip, determines if a quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event outputted is at least equal to a designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event, the designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event being at least two, and when the quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event is at least equal to the designated quantity, causes an occurrence of one selected from the group consisting of: a trigger of a secondary game and a generation of a negative outcome.
US08992292B2
A coin processing device includes a rotating member that has an annular rib provided annularly along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion, which transports a coin upon a transport path using a cutout portion formed upon a lower portion of the annular rib. An open position intersects the annular rib. An opening and closing member, when positioned at the open position, is positioned adjacent to the annular rib in a radial direction of the rotating member so as to allow rotation of the rotating member.
US08992290B2
A shoulder blade removal device of bone-in meat includes: a bottom holder which is configured to be in contact with a lower side of the bone-in meat such that the lower side of the bone-in meat is lifted upward and moved in a horizontal direction; a support member for bending the bone-in meat in cooperation with the bottom holder such that an end of the shoulder blade; and a chuck unit attached to a robot arm and gripping the tip part of the shoulder blade in cooperation with the robot arm. The chuck unit includes: a base member fixed to the robot arm; a grip member; and a lock member supported by the base member such that the lock member can be advanced or retracted toward or away from the lateral plate part, the lock member pinching the shoulder blade in cooperation with the lateral plate part.
US08992289B2
A knife having a hook incorporated into the blade for skinning, wherein the hook is a belly hook that is positioned on the belly side or under side of the knife opposite a finger guard area. Methods of the using the knife include steps for using the cutting edge to cut and using the hook to cut by pressure applied away from the user's body.
US08992283B2
This present invention relates generally to an infant seat and, in particular, to an infant seat that provides a stable, enhanced seating position for an infant and includes a sensory stimulus unit with a slide switch that, when actuated, effectuates a change in visual appearance of the stimulus unit and a corresponding change in the sensory output.
US08992272B1
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stand-up pedal board wherein propulsion is provided to the stand-up pedal board by applying alternating downward force to foot pedals to swing a fin side to side through transfer of energy from foot pedal shafts rotating around a T brace, swinging the bottom of the T brace, with the forward end of the fin rotating around a connector.
US08992266B2
A system connector includes a first housing half, and a second housing half matching the first housing half. The two housing halves are snappable and lockable to each other via a locking device, and there is at least one contact module arranged in each of the housing halves. The contact module includes socket-like and/or pin-like electrical contact elements. An adapter module that is mountable on the contact module has a first connection side and a second connection side, each of which includes cylindrical adapter elements arranged in a row, in which socket contacts or pin contacts are arranged. The adapter module on its first connection side is connectable to one of the contact modules arranged within one of the housing halves. The socket contacts or pin contacts of the adapter element of the second connection side are suitable for electrical contacting of the contact modules of the matching housing halves.
US08992265B2
An insertion-type connector having a housing of an electrically insulating material and at least one electrically conductive first contact element and having a free end, and at least one electrically conductive second contact element, wherein the first contact element has a first plate-shaped section, and the second contact element has a second plate-shaped section, wherein the second contact element has an end which is designed for electrical connection to a cable, the plate-shaped sections arranged parallel to one another and facing one another such that the plate-shaped sections at least partially overlap one another in the direction perpendicular thereto in an overlap region and are at a specific distance from one another, wherein for the electrically conductive connection of the first contact element to the second contact element, and at least one helical spring of an electrically conductive and spring-elastic material is provided between the mutually facing plate-shaped sections.
US08992263B2
System and method for communicatively coupling a serial communication plug to a serial communication bus. The system may include a housing. The housing may include a receptacle that is configured to communicatively couple to a bus. The receptacle may include one or more internal retention springs situated inside the receptacle. The one or more internal retention springs may be configured to grip a male plug with a retention force, when the male plug is inserted into the receptacle. The housing may include or may be coupled to a clamp where the clamp is external to the receptacle. When the male plug is inserted into the receptacle, the clamp may be adjustable via a clamp adjustment mechanism to constrain the one or more internal retention springs, thus augmenting the retention force and further securing the male plug in the receptacle.
US08992260B2
An electrical connector arrangement includes a storage device coupled to a connector housing. The storage device is configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the electrical connector arrangement. The storage device also has contacts that enable the physical layer information to be read from the storage device by a media reading interface. A connector assembly includes at least one receptacle assembly; a printed circuit board; and a media reading interface.
US08992252B2
A receptacle assembly includes a contact module having a conductive holder and a frame assembly received in the conductive holder and electrically shielded by the conductive holder. The frame assembly has a plurality of receptacle signal contacts having mating portions extending from the conductive holder. The receptacle signal contacts are arranged in differential pairs carrying differential signals. Ground shields are received in the conductive holder between the frame assembly and the conductive holder. The ground shields have grounding beams extending along the mating portions of the receptacle signal contacts. The grounding beams are arranged on four sides of each differential pair of the receptacle signal contacts.
US08992250B1
A clockable cable adapter includes a termination body, a clocking body and a retaining member configured to retain the clocking body to the termination body. Rotation of the clocking body and an external adapter partially engaged therewith is permitted, while rotation of the clocking body and external adapter is fixed when the clocking body is fully engaged with the external adapter. A cable assembly includes a cable fixed to a clockable adapter and an external adapter engaged with the clockable adapter.
US08992246B2
A circuit board connector and a method for connecting circuit board. The circuit board connector includes: a housing, including a left side wall and right side wall opposite each other and a bottom wall arranged between the left and right side walls, the bottom wall provided with a plurality of contact pins, and the left and right side walls and the bottom wall forming an accommodation space for accommodating the circuit board; a cover, one end being connected to the housing, so that the cover may be opened or closed relative to the housing; and a locking device arranged on the housing and cover to lock the cover when the cover is closed. Reliable connection of the circuit board can be realized, without a gasket or a film, and also the circuit board can be locked firmly, preventing the rebounding of the hinge of the connector.
US08992241B2
A flex circuit blind attachment apparatus is provided and includes a plate, a fastening member affixable to the plate and configured to draw the plate toward and away from a circuit board and jaws supportively disposed on the plate. The jaws are configured to be opened with the plate being drawn toward the circuit board such that a pin of a flex connector to be connected to the circuit board is released by the jaws following disconnection of the flex connector and the circuit board. The jaws are also configured to capture the pin with the plate being drawn away from the circuit board prior to connection of the flex connector and the circuit board.
US08992236B2
A connector for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by direct plugging into respective contact holes of the printed circuit board is disclosed. The connector has a fastening region, a transmission region, four first plug-in elements, which can be inserted jointly into a first contact hole, and four second plug-in elements, which can be inserted jointly into a second contact hole. The plug-in elements extend from a main body formed from a plastically bendable electrically conductive plate, which is bent such that two of the first plug-in elements are arranged opposite two other of the first plug-in elements at least partly congruently for plugging into the first contact hole, and such that two of the second plug-in elements are arranged opposite two other of the second plug-in elements at least partly congruently for plugging into the second contact hole.
US08992234B2
A holding metal fitting 40 includes: a substantially L-shaped body portion that has a side plate portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 42; an anchor portion 45 that bent from the side plate portion 41 in a direction (longitudinal direction) Y intersecting a height direction (vertical direction Z) of the housing 21 and bites into the housing 21; and a hook portion 48 that is bent from the anchor portion 45 in a direction (vertical direction) Z intersecting an extended direction (longitudinal direction) Y of the anchor portion 45.
US08992233B2
A connector that electrically connects circuit boards to each other by fitting a header 20 and a socket 10 to each other, the connector including: header holding fixtures 24 for holding the header 20 to the circuit board; and a socket molded article 11 as a molded article of the socket 10, wherein recessed portions 16 with a recessed shape are formed on the socket molded article 11 so that soldering terminals of the header holding fixtures 24 cannot interfere with the socket molded article 11 when the header 20 and the socket 10 are fitted to each other.
US08992228B2
A system for delivering targeted content based on user behavior stores multiple behavior change models, generates a user record containing information regarding a user, selects a behavior change model from the multiple stored models based on the information in the user record, and delivers to the user targeted content based on the selected behavior change model, the targeted content being adapted to influence the user to change behavior according to the selected behavior change model.
US08992226B1
A mock welding unicoupon for a virtual welding system includes a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface perpendicular to the first exterior surface. The first exterior surface and the second exterior surface together provide a plurality of grooves configured for simulation of a plurality of different types groove welds on the mock welding unicoupon. A curved exterior surface is configured for simulation of a pipe fillet weld on the mock welding unicoupon. A magnet source is configured to generate a magnetic field around the mock welding unicoupon for tracking movements of a mock welding tool with respect to the mock welding unicoupon.
US08992225B2
An interactive cooking preparation device is presented. The user places ingredients that the user wishes to use in a recipe. The interactive cooking preparation device detects the ingredients placed by the user in the detection area of the interactive cooking preparation device using sensors. The detection results in a set of ingredient identifiers that correspond to the placed ingredients. A recipes database is then searched for the detected set of ingredient identifiers. The database search results in one or more suggested recipes. The suggested recipes are displayed to the user on a display device that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user then selects one of the suggested recipes.
US08992224B2
The method of curing a dental composite includes forming a composite filling in a cavity of a tooth surface by filling the cavity with an uncured composite and determining the geometry of the composite filling, including locations of interfaces between the composite filling and the tooth surface. The method further includes calculating a predetermined polymerization pattern for minimizing shrinkage stress at the interfaces, based on the geometry of the composite filling, and scanning a focused laser beam across the composite filling in accordance with the predetermined polymerization pattern to selectively and progressively cure the composite filling.
US08992220B2
Provided is a removable bridge system for attachment to a plurality of dental implants, including a plurality of abutments, each including a seat portion conforming with a shape of a corresponding implant head and allowing fixedly positioning of the abutment to the implant, and an abutment head. At least one of the abutments is configured as a locking abutment and includes a locking portion. A bridge generally conforming with dental parameters of the individual has a bottom surface formed with a receiving apertures shaped so as to snugly fit over a corresponding abutment head. The bridge further includes a locking arrangement for removably locking the bridge to the abutments, and including one or more locks for detachable locking to a respective at least one locking abutment.
US08992217B2
An apparatus and method for creating dental prosthetics is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an ear mount portion for making contact with a patient's head such that the patient's temporomandibular joints are maintained in a fixed level position relative to the base, a chin mount portion for making contact with the patient's chin and nose bridge such that the chin mount portion maintains the patient's head in a perpendicular orientation relative to the base, a bite fork portion including a bite fork which may be inserted into the patient's mouth for the purpose of obtaining the patient's bite registration information, and a camera mount portion including a camera oriented toward the patient's face.
US08992213B2
An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described.
US08992205B2
The instant invention relates to a device and method for manufacturing patterns in layers. The device includes an auxiliary frame, a vertically displaceable build platform, a dispensing device for applying a binder material onto the build platform, a mounting platform, a mounting platform, and a spreader device for applying particulate material. The mounting platform preferably is connected to the auxiliary frame and includes a cut-out for the build platform. The dispensing device, the spreader device, and the build platform are connected to the mounting platform, so that the dispensing device, the spreader device and the build platform are cable of being mounted, adjusted, and wired to the mounting platform while located outside the auxiliary frame.
US08992202B2
Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
US08992200B2
A resin infusion apparatus and system, layup system comprising the same, and methods of using these are provided. The resin infusion apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder having a plurality of pores perforating an arcuate surface thereof. The interior of the cylinder is provided with one or more flow restrictors that assist in controlling the flow out of the pores of the cylinder. Laminates made of prepregs prepared using the apparatus and/or system may thus be essentially free of voids.
