Patents Issued in March 6, 2012
  • Patent number: 8129573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous solution of fermentation alcohol to give anhydrous alcohol, wherein a mash column is controlled such a manner that an alcohol concentration of an alcohol/water mixed vapor distilled from a mash column is less than 50% by weight and a reflux amount of a condensate to a distillation column is controlled such a manner that an alcohol concentration of an alcohol/water mixed vapor that is distilled from the distillation column is 65 to 85% by weight. According to the present method, the purification for obtaining an anhydrous alcohol from an aqueous solution of a fermentation alcohol with the use of a mash column, a distillation column, an evaporator and a membrane separator can be more conveniently carried out with an extremely high energy efficiency as the whole process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: UBE Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kikuchi, Shunsuke Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8129574
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the catalytic hydrogenation of fluoroolefins to fluorocarbons where the reaction is carried out in a multi-tube shell and tube reactor. Reactions involving hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins are typically exothermic. In commercial processes where a fluoro-olefin C(n)H(2n?x)F(x) to C(n)H(2n?x+2)F(x) is hydrogenated (e.g. hexafluoropropylene to 236ea, 1225ye to 245eb, and the like), inadequate management or control of heat removal may induce excess hydrogenation, decomposition and hot spots resulting in reduced yields and potential safety issues. In the hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins, it is therefore necessary to control the reaction temperature as precisely as practical to overcome challenges associated with heat management and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Haluk Kopkalli, Yuon Chiu, Orlando George Rodrigues, Gus Cerri, Hsueh Sung Tung, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8129575
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for fluid catalytic cracking of oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds such as glycerol and bio-oil. In the process the oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds are contacted with a fluid cracking catalyst material for a period of less than 3 seconds. In a preferred process a crude-oil derived material, such as VGO, is also contacted with the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, George W. Huber, Avelino Corma Camos, Laurent Louis Sauvanaud
  • Patent number: 8129576
    Abstract: The invention provides a method to avoid catalyst damage and achieve longer catalyst life by selecting appropriate materials for reactor spacers, liners, catalyst binders, and supports, in particular, by not using crystalline silica-containing and high phosphorus-containing materials, if the presence of even small amount of steam is anticipated. In addition, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are avoided due to potential damage to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Timur V. Voskoboynikov, Paul T. Barger, John Q. Chen
  • Patent number: 8129577
    Abstract: A system and a process for providing acetylene, preferably at a high purity level (e.g., comprising 100 parts per million (“ppm”), or 10 ppm, or 1 ppm, or 100 parts per billion (“ppb”), or 10 ppb, or 1 ppb or less of solvent), to a point of use, such as a semiconductor manufacturing process, is described herein. In one aspect, there is provided a process for providing a process for providing a high purity acetylene comprising 100 ppm or less solvent to a point of use comprising: providing an acetylene feed stream comprising acetylene and solvent at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to ?50° C.; and introducing the acetylene feed stream to a purifier at a temperature ranging from ?50° C. to 30° C. to remove at least a portion of the solvent contained therein and provide the high purity acetylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy John Maykut, Suhas Narayan Ketkar, Benjamin James Arthur Inman, John Irven, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Neil Alexander Downie
  • Patent number: 8129578
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: IR Systems International
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. O'Ham
  • Patent number: 8129579
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 8129580
    Abstract: A system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Peyton Wilkes, Justin Alexander Long, Richard Marvin Kazala, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8129581
    Abstract: A superabsorbent material with enhanced odour control and control of bacterial growth comprises a non-acidic, alkali-neutralizing compound selected from acid anhydrides, lactides, lactones and hydrolysable esters, especially cyclic acid anhydrides, lactides and lactones of ?- or ?-carboxylic acids. The superabsorbent material can be used in hygiene products such as diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products Zeist B.V.
    Inventors: Arie Cornelis Besemer, Anne-Mieke Yvonne Wilhelmina Verwilligen, Jeffrey Thornton
  • Patent number: 8129582
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Jackson, Gabriel H. Adam, Andrew M. Long, Shirlee A. Weber, Davis Dang H. Nhan, Christopher P. Olson
  • Patent number: 8129583
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 94130782 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 94130782, to the plants of soybean 94130782, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 94130782, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 94130782 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 94130782, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94130782, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 94130782 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 8129584
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 84486171 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 84486171, to the plants of soybean 84486171, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 84486171, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 84486171 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 84486171, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 84486171, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 84486171 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 8129585
    Abstract: Described are methods for making transgenic plants capable of expressing secondary cell wall cellulose synthases and methods of enhancing expression of secondary cell wall cellulose synthases in plants. Also described are plants produced by the methods. Plants comprising at least three exogenous polynucleotides encoding secondary cell wall cellulose synthases are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Michigan Technological University
    Inventor: Chandrashekhar P. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8129586
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated maize EIN3, ERF3, EBF1, EBF2, EIN5 nucleic acids which are associated with ethylene signaling in plants and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering ethylene sensitivity in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants and antibody compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Shoba Sivasankar, Kellie Reimann
  • Patent number: 8129587
    Abstract: The enzymes of the ACC synthase family are used in producing ethylene. Nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of ACC synthases, namely ACS2, ACS6, and ACS7 from Zea mays, are provided. Knockout plant cells having inhibition in expression and/or activity in an ACC synthase such as ACS2, ACS6, or ACS7 and knockout plants displaying a staygreen phenotype, a male sterility phenotype, or an inhibition in ethylene production are also provided, as are seeds obtained from such plants. Methods for modulating staygreen potential in plants, methods for modulating sterility in plants, and methods for inhibiting ethylene production in plants are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel R. Gallie, Robert Meeley, Todd Young
  • Patent number: 8129588
    Abstract: Expression cassettes causing specific regulatory control of transgene expression in plants, wherein the expression cassettes include regulatory sequences from the MADS gene family for expression of recombinant gene products in the reproductive tissue of plants for the purpose of generating abiotic stress tolerant plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Michael L. Nuccio, L. Mark Lagrimini, Moez Meghji
  • Patent number: 8129589
    Abstract: Protoporphyrinogen oxidase having an activity of imparting acifluorfen resistance and gene thereof are provided. Cyanobacterium protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene is identified by introducing a protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene of Arabidopsis into cyanobacterium, disrupting a cyanobacterium gene with a transposon, selecting a mutant strain in which protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene is disrupted, identifying the disrupted protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene, and isolating the disrupted protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene. This procedure is effective as a gene isolation technique when a protein derived from other organism species that is homologous to a known protein (e.g., protoporphyrinogen oxidase from cyanobacterium) can not be found in a gene database of the other species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Ayumi Tanaka, Ryouichi Tanaka, Kazushige Kato, Takako Fukagawa
  • Patent number: 8129590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having acetylxylan esterase activity and isolated 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Michelle Maranta, Kimberly Brown
  • Patent number: 8129591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly Brown, Michelle Maranta, Eric Abbate
  • Patent number: 8129592
    Abstract: The invention provides plant isoflavonoid hydroxylase coding sequences. Also provided are constructs comprising these sequences, plants transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects of the invention, plants transformed with the nucleic acids are provided exhibiting improved pest and disease resistance. Plants provided by the invention may also exhibit improved nutritional qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Dixon, Chang-Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8129593
    Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre R. Abad, Hua Dong, Sue B. Lo, Xiaomei Shi
  • Patent number: 8129594
    Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre R. Abad, Hua Dong, Sue B. Lo, Xiaomei Shi
  • Patent number: 8129595
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 86422661 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 86422661, to the plants of soybean 86422661, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 86422661, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 86422661 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 86422661, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 86422661, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 86422661 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 8129596
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 88192265 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 88192265, to the plants of soybean 88192265, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 88192265, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 88192265 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 88192265, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 88192265, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 88192265 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 8129597
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 98331422 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 98331422, to the plants of soybean 98331422, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 98331422, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 98331422 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 98331422, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 98331422, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 98331422 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 8129598
    Abstract: This invention provides methods for obtaining specific and stable integration of nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The invention makes use of site-specific recombination systems that use prokaryotic recombinase polypeptides, such as the ?C31 integrase, that can mediate recombination between the recombination sites, but not between hybrid recombination sites that are formed upon the recombination. Thus, the recombination is irreversible in the absence of additional factors. Eukaryotic cells that contain the recombinase polypeptides, or genes that encode the recombinases, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: David W. Ow, Richard Calendar, Lynn Thomason
  • Patent number: 8129599
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV705932. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV705932, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV705932 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 CV705932 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 CV705932.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Terry Foley
  • Patent number: 8129600
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X7H274 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 maize variety X7H274 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7H274 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7H274, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7H274. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7H274.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry R. Colbert
  • Patent number: 8129601
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH538919. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH538919, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH538919 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH538919.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Gregory J. Holland
  • Patent number: 8129602
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH970892. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH970892, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH970892 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH970892.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel J. Page
  • Patent number: 8129603
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W980052N1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W980052N1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W980052N1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W980052N1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W980052N1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W980052N1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Laskar, Kyle Jay Lively, Gregory Charles Marshall
  • Patent number: 8129604
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W010323D1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W010323D1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W010323D1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W010323D1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W010323D1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W010323D1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Laskar, Kyle Jay Lively, Gregory Charles Marshall
  • Patent number: 8129605
    Abstract: A key mechanism is specifically for a Saxophone which replaces the current Front F key (5) with a new key called Front F, altissimo G key (8, 8a). This key retains the functions of the standard Front F key (5) that allows a player to perform the altissimo F and E notes. The Altissimo G key (8a) is incorporated into the new Front F key (8) which allows the player to rapidly perform the difficult altissimo G note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph William Ursulich
  • Patent number: 8129606
    Abstract: A musical tone signal processing apparatus configured to freely expand or contract an acoustic image. A setting means may set a second reference localization, a first function that stipulates expansion of the boundary of one end of a direction range, and a second function that stipulates expansion of the boundary of an other end of said direction range. In addition, an output direction indicated by localization information of an extraction signal that exists in the direction range in which the conditions have been set in this manner is shifted by an acoustic image scaling means. The acoustic image in said direction range is expanded or contracted accordingly. In other words, the acoustic image formed by the extraction signal is expanded or contracted by shifting the output direction for each extraction signal extracted from within the direction range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Takaaki Hagino
  • Patent number: 8129607
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field pickup (10) for a musical instrument including an electromagnetic signal generator (12), an electromagnetic field transducer (18), a mixer (28), the electromagnetic signal generator (12), the electromagnetic field transducer (18) and the mixer (28) are respectively connected in series, the electromagnetic signal generator (12) is also connected directly to the mixer (28), so constructed and arranged that when power is supplied to the electromagnetic field pickup (10) an audio electrical signal of substantially same pitch, intonation and sustain as a vibrating element (22) of the instrument is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Francis Joseph Loftus
  • Patent number: 8129608
    Abstract: Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: KPBO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Sun Lee
  • Patent number: 8129609
    Abstract: Semiconductor integrated thermoelectric devices are provided, which are formed having high-density arrays of thermoelectric (TE) elements using semiconductor thin-film and VLSI (very large scale integration) fabrication processes. Thermoelectric devices can be either separately formed and bonded to semiconductor chips, or integrally formed within the non-active surface of semiconductor chips, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Hao Chen, Richard C. Chu, Louis L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 8129610
    Abstract: A thermoelectric transducer is provided, where a decrease in conversion efficiency due to uneven characteristics of semiconductors is resolved and a decrease in adhesion strength between each element unit and an electrode due to a heat expansion coefficient between the respective thermoelectric transducers. In addition, an improvement of electro thermal conversion efficiency is intended by modifying the structure of the single device. Single element unit (13), which are made off semiconductor of the same type constructed of sintered body cells each containing oxide of a metal element, an oxide of a rare-earth element, and manganese are arranged on a board (5, 12) of a thermoelectric transducer (10). Film-shaped thin-film electrodes are arranged on cooling and heating surfaces so to be integral with the sintered body cell. On these sides, lead wires (16) are connected to each other in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Koh Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8129611
    Abstract: A light scattering film having the structure which guides electrical signal to a desired position and scatters incident light and the surface of which is substantially flat, and a photoelectric device using the same. The light scattering film includes a medium made of transparent conductive material and a light scatterer embedded in the medium. The light scattering film realizes conductivity and the light-scattering characteristic by single component. It is not necessary to make the texture of a surface with concavity and convexity deliberately to achieve the light-scattering characteristic. Desirably, the surface is substantially flat. When a semiconductor layer is formed on the surface, the defects are suppressed because of the flatness of the surface. The photoelectric device having the light scattering film and the semiconductor device on the surface of the film can achieve high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Satoshi Sakai, Koji Satake
  • Patent number: 8129612
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing a single-crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting a hydrogen ion or a rare gas ion into a single-crystal silicon substrate; forming a transparent insulator layer on a metal substrate; performing a surface activation treatment with respect to at least one of the ion implanted surface and a surface of the transparent insulator layer; bonding these surfaces; mechanically delaminating the single-crystal silicon substrate to provide a single-crystal silicon layer; forming a plurality of second conductivity type diffusion regions in the delaminated surface side of the single-crystal silicon layer so that a plurality of first conductivity type regions and the plurality of second conductivity regions are present in the delaminated surface of the single-crystal silicon layer; respectively forming a plurality of individual electrodes on the plurality of first and second conductivity type regions of the single-crystal silicon layer; forming respective co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Ito, Shoji Akiyama, Makoto Kawai, Koichi Tanaka, Yuuji Tobisaka, Yoshihiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 8129613
    Abstract: Fabrication of a photovoltaic cell comprising a thin semiconductor lamina may require additional processing after the semiconductor lamina is bonded to a receiver. To minimize high-temperature steps after bonding, the p-n junction is formed at the back of the cell, at the bonded surface. In some embodiments, the front surface of the semiconductor lamina is not doped or is locally doped using low-temperature methods. The base resistivity of the photovoltaic cell may be reduced, allowing a front surface field to be reduced or omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Twin Creeks Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed M. Hilali, Christopher J. Petti
  • Patent number: 8129614
    Abstract: A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: RoseStreet Labs Energy
    Inventors: Wladyslaw Walukiewicz, Joel W. Ager, III, Kin Man Yu
  • Patent number: 8129615
    Abstract: The highly mismatched alloy Zn1-yMnyOxTe1-x, 0?y<1 and 0<x<1 and other Group II-IV-Oxygen implanted alloys have been synthesized using the combination of oxygen ion implantation and pulsed laser melting. Incorporation of small quantities of isovalent oxygen leads to the formation of a narrow, oxygen-derived band of extended states located within the band gap of the Zn1-yMnyTe host. With multiple band gaps that fall within the solar energy spectrum, Zn1-yMnyOxTe1-x is a material perfectly satisfying the conditions for single-junction photovoltaics with the potential for power conversion efficiencies surpassing 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wladyslaw Walukiewicz, Kin Man Yu, Junqiao Wu
  • Patent number: 8129616
    Abstract: The invention discloses for the first time how an organic component can be produced in a process designed entirely as a roll-to-roll process. The advantage of the continuous production method described here is, further, that the active regions of the active semiconductor layer are not exposed to unprotected solvents and/or solvent vapors at any time during the production process. This makes it possible to produce a high-quality organic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Brabec, Jens Hauch
  • Patent number: 8129617
    Abstract: An electric distribution box includes a resin exterior cover which houses an interior component and has an opening for resin-molding the exterior cover on a bottom wall of the exterior cover, and a resin cap which is fit into the opening to close the opening. A flange formed on an outer periphery of the resin cap is kept in intimate contact with the bottom wall of the exterior cover. A molding hole for forming a locking piece by resin molding is provided on the flange. The locking piece locks the resin cap to the opening of the exterior cover. A swell is formed at an entire peripheral edge of the molding hole of the resin cap. An outer face of the interior component is kept in intimate contact with the swell so that the molding hole of the resin cap is closed by the outer face of the interior component and the flange is kept in intimate contact with the bottom wall of the exterior cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Shinichi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8129618
    Abstract: A cable joint assembly may include a base and a plurality of removable legs connected to the base, each leg preferably including a limiter. A securing assembly preferably maintains the leg connected to the base. The securing assembly preferably includes an indicator for providing a visual indication whether or not the corresponding limiter is blown. The base is preferably constructed and arranged such that the indicator is visible and accessible to facilitate removal of the blown limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 8129619
    Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition including a resin component containing (A) 30 to 90 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having, as measured according to JIS K 7311, a JIS hardness of A98 or less, (B) 70 to 10 parts by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate unit content of 50 to 90% by weight, (C) 0 to 40 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from the following copolymers (C1) to (C3), (C1) an acid anhydride-modified ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative copolymer, (C2) an epoxy group-having ethylene-olefin copolymer, and (C3) an acid anhydride-modified styrene elastomer, and provided that the total amount of components (A), (B) and (C) is 100 parts by weight, (D) a metal hydroxide in a ratio of 40 to 250 parts by weight with respect to the total amount of 100 parts by weight of the resin component containing (A), (B) and (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoaki Moriuchi, Hiroshi Hayami, Satoshi Yamasaki, Jo Yagisawa
  • Patent number: 8129620
    Abstract: A cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables or other cords and cables in which an outer insulating sheath is formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures for affixing decorative elements, such as artificial leaves, to give a pleasing natural vine aesthetic to the cord and/or cable. The anchoring fixtures allow removal and attachment of other decorative elements so that the vine-look can be easily modified to suit a wide variety of tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jerome Otto Schorr, III, Anitra Kareen Schorr
  • Patent number: 8129621
    Abstract: The fixing tool (40) of a wire harness (32) bundling a plurality of cables has a portion (42) for holding the wire harness (32), and two protrusions (44) protruding therefrom. The protrusion (44) includes a stretching portion (46) formed by stretching. Since the length from the base face (48) of the holding portion (42) to the stretching portion (46) is different in different protrusions (44), the timing at which each stretching portion (46) is inserted into a through hole (56) varies and thereby insertion load of the protrusion (44) can be reduced. Consequently, workability of a work for securing the wire harness (32) to a bracket (54) can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Mizutani, Toshiya Sugiyama, Hiroshi Kato, Hideki Hattori, Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 8129622
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package for an implantable medical device is presented. The MEMS comprises a first substrate that includes an aperture. A feedthrough assembly is coupled to the aperture; the feedthrough assembly comprises a conductive element housed in a glass insulating member. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William John Taylor, Brad C. Tischendorf