Document Document Title
US07660929B2 Connector interface system for a multi-communication device
A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.
US07660926B2 Apparatus and method for a core for implementing a communications port
There is described an apparatus and method for implementing a communications port. The apparatus comprises a core, which is operable to divide the port into a plurality of sub-ports by dividing a data transfer capacity of the port among the plurality of sub-ports using time division multiplexing. Each sub-port is allocated a corresponding data transfer capacity.
US07660922B2 Mechanism to flexibly support multiple device numbers on point-to-point interconnect upstream ports
A method and apparatus for supporting multiple device numbers on point-to-point interconnect upstream ports. In one embodiment, the method includes a downstream component (DC) that performs discovery of internal device components of the DC during initialization of the DC. Subsequent to the discovery of internal devices of the DC, the DC may issue a multiple device number (MDN) request to an upstream component (UC) of the DC. In one embodiment, the MDN request may include an indication that the DC supports a “multiple device number capability,” as well as a quantity of the internal device components of the DC. The DC may receive an acknowledgement MDN from the UC to indicate a quantity of device numbers allocated to the DC. Subsequently, the DC may assign device numbers to the internal device components of the DC according to configuration requests received from the UC. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07660921B2 Two port USB digital storage device
The present invention provides a portable electronic storage device able to receive, store, and transmit or otherwise convey digital data and images from one electronic device to another. The storage device may generally include a housing containing one or more electronic components, and a plurality of connectors extending from the housing, the connectors being engageable with secondary electronic devices for the transfer of data and/or images. The electronic storage device may further include a software program operable via the secondary electronic devices for the manipulation of data and/or images.
US07660917B2 System and method of implementing multiple internal virtual channels based on a single external virtual channel
A method, system, and computer-usable medium for coupling a collection of devices to a bridge, wherein the collection of devices includes high-performance devices and low-performance devices, coupling a data bus to the bridge, utilizing a collection of transfer credits to allow transfer of commands to the collection of devices, transferring commands to the collection of devices only when at least one transfer credit is available, and in response to determining a number of transfer credits falls below a predetermined threshold, utilizing a command arbitration scheme that gives priority to commands to the high-performance devices among the collection of devices.
US07660913B2 Out-of-band platform recovery
The present disclosure relates to attempting to initialize and configure a device utilizing a remote server and, more specifically, to attempting to initialize a device with low level device configuration information that is stored on a remote server or servers.
US07660910B2 Secure communication port redirector
A method and system that allows a host system application to securely communicate with a legacy device is provided. A redirector software module receives data that is destined for a host system serial COM port. Data is secured and re-directed to a legacy device via a network port instead of the serial COM port. Conversely, data destined for the host system is provided to a device server via a server COM port by the legacy serial device. The data can be encrypted and sent to the host system via the network. The redirector software module decrypts the encrypted data and presents it to the consumer application as if the data had arrived via the local COM port.
US07660899B2 Web site cobrowsing
Cobrowsing web sites by two or more users is disclosed. For a cobrowsing session between a first client of a first user and a second client of a second user, the cobrowsing session is first initiated. The first user browses a web site on the first client. The first client sends to the second client a synchronization message. The synchronization message indicates one or more commands reflecting the browsing performed by the first user. The second client receives the synchronization message, and cobrowses the web site in accordance with the message and its included commands. Cobrowsing continues until the cobrowsing session is terminated. The commands of the synchronization message allow for fine granularity of cobrowsing.
US07660891B2 Node discovery involving stealth node enumerators
A network node discovery method allows multiple enumerators to concurrently accept and interpret the same enumeration responses from responder nodes on a network. In this manner, the responder nodes do not have to issue individual responses for each enumerator. Each responder maintains a discovery state and one or more per-enumerator session states to manage when the responder should transmit enumeration responses. The enumeration, therefore, proceeds at a target network load, irrespective of the number of enumerators present, and completes in a short time by making efficient use of the network capacity available. Furthermore, an enumerator can determine that it need only wait for responses solicited by other enumerators, rather than requesting them, thereby reducing network traffic in the presence of many concurrently enumerating nodes.
US07660888B2 Indicating network resource availability methods, system and program product
Methods, system and program product for determining network resource availability in order to avoid time delays caused by querying unavailable resources are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention queries the network resource to determine network resource availability and response time, and indicates the network resource is available only if the network resource is determined to be available within a specified response time.
US07660883B2 Network monitoring device
A network monitoring system monitors a data network and enables observation of the data network state in the present or any arbitrary previous time. The system maintains an object-oriented network model that mirrors the state of network devices. A network data repository stores and maintains the network model. The network model retains a history of network events, enabling the system to reconstruct the state of all or a portion of the devices in the network at any previous time. The network data repository detects network devices on the data network to be monitored, communicates with network devices, monitors the state of network devices, receives and records network events, provides device and network state information to client applications, and manages data storage. Client applications can rewind and replay the history of the network model, allowing the observation of network devices and all of their state data at any prior time.
US07660876B2 Electronic file management
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of accessing, by a client, one or more files residing in a server includes requesting, by the client, downloading of a selected file residing in the server. The selected file is associated with at least one associated file. The method also includes initiating downloading of the selected file and automatically determining the identify of, and initiating downloading of, the at least one associated file in response to requesting downloading of the selected file. The method also includes initiating storing, in a memory associated with the client, of the selected file and the at least one associated file under respective local identifiers.
US07660869B1 Network real estate analysis
A method can be used to analyze the “real-estate” performance of content items within a network site. The method can comprise determining the click distance to reach each content item and determining the performance of each content item. The method can also comprise calculating a predicted value for performance based on statistical relationship between location and performance observed in a population of content items. The method can comprise comparing the predicted and actual performance. If a content item has an actual performance greater than its predicted performance, then it may be promoted to a better location in the site and the converse for poorer performing content. Such an analysis may be performed using a graph or tabular data.
US07660862B2 Apparatus and method of tracking access status of store-and-forward messages
A method of selecting a recipient of a message on the basis of data identifying access to previously transmitted messages, wherein each said message includes content data for display within a display area of a receiving terminal and control data including data indicative of a user selectable portion within the display area. The method includes receiving content data having one of a plurality of different types for use in creating said message, accessing tracking data corresponding to a previously transmitted message containing content data of a given type, the tracking data being indicative of selection of said user selectable portion upon display thereof at said receiving terminal, and selecting a recipient of the message on the basis of the received content data and the tracking data.
US07660856B2 Method and system for web-based event notification
A method and system for using web services to notify a subscriber that an event has occurred at a voice mail switch and to retrieve the event is described. A notification server receives an event and an associated identifier from the voice mail switch. The identifier is correlated to a subscriber and an alert indicating that the event occurred is generated. The alert is sent to a destination selected by the subscriber. The alert includes an event reference that links the subscriber to the event through a network via a URL. The subscriber retrieves the event through a web portal view associated with the URL.
US07660854B2 System and method for confirming specification of intended electronic mail message recipients
New and improved systems and methods for confirming transmission of email and other similar messages (e.g., instant messages, wireless device messages, etc.). Such systems and methods includes and involve generation means for permitting a sender to generate an email message to be sent to a specified recipient via a messaging system, confirmation means for confirming that the email message is to be sent to the specified recipient by presenting to the sender a confirmation notice requesting the sender to confirm that the specified recipient is an intended recipient of the email message, and sending means for causing the email message to be sent to the specified recipient via the messaging system after the sender operates the confirmation means and confirms that the specified recipient is an intended recipient.
US07660853B2 Hashing algorithm used for multiple files having identical content and fingerprint in a peer-to-peer network
The present invention provides an improved technique for accessing information in a peer-to-peer network. According to specific embodiments of the present invention, each file accessible in the peer-to-peer network is assigned a respective hash ID or fingerprint ID which is used to describe the contents of that file. Files in the peer-to-peer network may be identified and/or accessed based upon their associated hash ID values. In this way it is possible to identify identical files stored in the peer-to-peer network which have different file names and/or other metadata descriptors. Since the content of all files having the same hash ID will be identical, an automated process may be used to retrieve the desired content from one or more of the identified files.
US07660840B2 Method, system, and computer program product for executing SIMD instruction for flexible FFT butterfly
An FFT butterfly instruction based on single instruction multiple data (“SIMD”) technique is executed to reduce the number of cycles for software to perform FFT butterfly operations. The FFT butterfly instruction can implement one or more instances of the FFT butterfly operation (e.g., non-SIMD, 2-way SIMD, 4-way SIMD, etc.), at once, each instance operating over a set of complex values. A control register or variant opcode controls the behavior of the FFT butterfly operation. The contents of the control register or the variant opcode can be altered to configure the butterfly behavior to suit specific circumstances. The FFT butterfly instruction can be used in the software on a processor in a chip-set implementing the central-office modem end of a DSL link. The FFT butterfly instruction can also be used in other contexts where an FFT function is performed (and/or where an FFT butterfly operation is used) including systems that do not implement DSL or DMT.
US07660832B2 System recovery method and computer system using the same
A recovery method that uses log takes a long time to recover, and another recovery method that uses backup has the difficulties that if a computer abnormally stops its conversion process due to a failure, the result of the conversion performed up to the time of that abnormal stop couldn't be reflected on the later process for recovery. In a computer system, a system recovery management unit produces backup as the initial status of volume and snapshot taken when the system is operating, by use of a backup restore processing unit of a storage apparatus, and manages the situations of the process by use of a recovery point list/table. When a trouble occurs, it determines a point of recovery from the recovery point list/table, and makes the volume be recovered from the produced backup and the overwriting of meta data in order to keep the data consistency.
US07660829B2 System and method for delegating file system operations
The invention provides a distributed file system configured to delegate file system operations to clients. The client obtains a delegation associated with an object managed by the server. The delegation enables the client to perform a file system operation on behalf of the server. The client caches the object and enables users associated with the client to access the object in accordance with the delegation.
US07660827B2 Efficiently storing indented threads in a threaded discussion application
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for retrieving records in a hierarchical set of the records having a plurality of hierarchical levels and a plurality of hierarchical depths, each of the records having a tag that is unique within the hierarchical set of the records, comprises identifying one of the records in the hierarchical set of the records; modifying the tag, thereby producing a key; indexing the hierarchical set of the records only once, thereby selecting one or more of the records within the hierarchical set of the records, wherein indexing the hierarchical set of the records only once comprises applying the key to the hierarchical set of the records; and retrieving the selected records.
US07660826B2 Implementing adaptive buffer management on network fetches of directory contents and object attributes
A method, system, and computer-usable medium for implementing a file directory in a server. An application including a buffer for retrieving and storing at least one entry is interfaced with the file directory. Utilizing a determined average filename length, an estimate of a number of entries among the collection of entries that can be stored by the buffer is determined. In response to determining at least one attribute data field has been requested, the number of entries that can be stored by the buffer is recalculated. Recalculating the number of entries includes determining an amount of data required for storing the collection of filenames, a collection of fixed-length attribute data fields, and a collection of variable-length attribute data fields. The recalculated number of entries is then requested from the file directory, and the buffer is loaded, with the recalculated number of entries.
US07660814B2 Techniques for mapping a physical table to multiple virtual tables
Techniques are presented for mapping a physical table to multiple virtual tables. One or more fields within a results set from a query are mapped or associated to one or more virtual tables. The virtual tables are organized as sub graphs and connected together as a set. A reference to the set is provided to a table join analysis service and a join is performed against the set to produce a single logical reference to a table. The single table reference may be treated as a single table for purposes of subsequent search and retrieval by a searcher.
US07660811B2 System that facilitates database querying
A system that facilitates analyzing content of a multi-dimensional structure comprises a calculation component that receives statements in a declarative language relating to one or more of an assignment and calculation and executes such statements against a multi-dimensional structure. A pass generation component creates a pass in order to maintain content of the multi-dimensional structure as it existed prior to execution of the statement, the pass is accessible upon reference to such pass.
US07660807B2 Systems and methods for cataloging metadata for a metabase
Systems and methods for managing electronic data are disclosed. Various data management operations can be performed based on a metabase formed from metadata. Such metadata can be identified from an index of data interactions generated by a journaling module, and obtained from their associated data objects stored in one or more storage devices. In various embodiments, such processing of the index and storing of the metadata can facilitate, for example, enhanced data management operations, enhanced data identification operations, enhanced storage operations, data classification for organizing and storing the metadata, cataloging of metadata for the stored metadata, and/or user interfaces for managing data. In various embodiments, the metabase can be configured in different ways. For example, the metabase can be stored separately from the data objects so as to allow obtaining of information about the data objects without accessing the data objects or a data structure used by a file system.
US07660806B2 Automated error checking system and method
The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate automated error correction of user input data via an analysis of the input data in accordance with an automatically generated and filtered database of processed structural groupings or formulations selected and filtered from past user activities. The filtered database provides a relevant foundation of potential phrases, topics, symbols, speech and/or colloquial structures of interest to users—which are automatically determined from previous user activity, and employed to facilitate automated error checking in accordance with the user's current input, command and/or request for information.
US07660792B2 System and method for spam identification
A system and method are provided for improving a user search experience by identifying spam results in a result set produced in response to a query. The system may include a user interface spam feedback mechanism for allowing a user to indicate that a given result is spam. The system may additionally include an automated spam identification mechanism for implementing automated techniques on the given result to determine whether the given result is spam. The system may further include a merging component for merging the determinations of the user interface spam feedback mechanism and the automated spam identification mechanism for deriving an indicator of the likelihood that a given result is spam.
US07660789B2 Entity agent
An abstraction for rich data access for consumers of a service in a service oriented system. The abstraction is created by the author of a service which owns the data, and includes a number of service-public properties and associations. Further, the abstraction can contain metadata and logic that provides for a rich, interactive experience for the consumer interacting with the data encapsulated by the entity agent. These can include verifying that the data conforms to the contract published by the owning service, validating and defaulting properties, and validating associated data. Also the abstraction can contains metadata and logic for transmitting of the data back to the owning service and optionally saving to the local data store of the consumer.
US07660788B1 Mapping part numbers and other identifiers
The invention provides a technique to prevent confusion between part numbers used by different suppliers and manufacturers. The invention includes a database that (1) creates an association between part numbers that are directed to comparable parts, (2) generates a universal number for comparable parts, and (3) creates an association between the part numbers and the universal part. This set of associations is used to generate documents that include part numbers that the recipient of the document is familiar with. Limitations are placed on what authorities may provide information about a set of associations. Generally, only the supplier of a part or the supplier of a comparable part may create associations between their parts. This limitation helps maintain the integrity of information in the database. This database is coupled to a shared service network such as a hub for design collaboration or supply chain control.
US07660783B2 System and method of ad-hoc analysis of data
It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a computer implemented method of performing ad-hoc analysis including the steps of: generating a text index of the textual information items, generating a metadata lookup structure based, at least in part, on the text index, searching the text index using a search query, compiling results of the text index search into aggregate information related to characteristics of the search results from the metadata items associated with the textual information items in the search results from the metadata lookup structure, and reporting the aggregate information.
US07660775B2 Method and apparatus for classifying data using R-functions
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that constructs a classifier that distinguishes between different classes of data points. During operation, the system first receives a data set, which includes class-one data points and class-two data points. For each class-one data point in the data set, the system uses a separating primitive to produce a set of point-to-point separating boundaries, wherein each point-to-point separating boundary separates the class-one data point from a different class-two data point. Next, the system combines separating boundaries in the set of separating boundaries to produce a point-to-class separating boundary that separates the class-one data point from all of the class-two data points in the data set. Finally, the system combines the point-to-class separating boundaries for each of the class-one data points to produce a class-to-class separating boundary for the classifier that separates all of the class-one data points from all of the class-two data points in the data set.
US07660773B1 System and method for the use of an adaptive mutation operator in genetic algorithms
An adaptive mutation operator for a genetic algorithm that programmatically mutates individuals in a constrained optimization for a modeled system is discussed. The mutation operator takes into account linear and bound constraints in generating new mutated individuals. The mutation operator generates random mutation direction vectors and random initial step sizes. A mutated individual is generated and moved along a randomly chosen mutation direction vector a distance equal to the initial step size. The generated mutated individual is compared to the linear and bound constraints. In the event the generated mutated individual is located in an infeasible region, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention automatically adjusts the step size to a smaller value and generates another mutated individual along the chosen mutation direction vector. The process iterates until the generated individual is within the feasible region. The number of available valid mutation directions increases as the step size decreases.
US07660771B2 Express check conversion
A technique is provided for automatically converting checks to ACH debits. The process is a two-part process in which the MICR line in a check is read at the point the check is presented and a decision is made if the check can be converted to an ACH debit. The decision is made by applying various rules. If the system is unable to convert the check to an ACH debit, then the check is processed as a normal check. If a decision is made that the check can be processed as an ACH debit, then the MICR line is parsed for the financial institution which issues the check to create the ACH debit.
US07660770B2 System and method for providing a secure contact management system
A system and method for providing a Contact Management System (CMS) so that individual owners of personal contact data may control and manage the access and dissemination of the personal data. The owner of personal contact data may securely register the data with secured information vault of the CMS and specify which other parties may have access to the personal data. In this way, duplication of the personal data is avoided, but at the same time is always current. In use, a second party's device, such as a telephone or a PDA may access the CMS database and under public key infrastructure (PKI) controls identify themselves so that access to the owner's personal data may be verified. Once verified, the telephone number or other data may be returned to the device where a call may be automatically placed or otherwise used.
US07660768B2 Time-of-transaction foreign currency conversion
Providing a time-of-transaction currency conversion from a merchant's local currency to a cardholder's credit card currency uses a conversion rate developed by reference to the particular merchant, acquirer, card association and issuer. After a merchant has generated an authorization request in the merchant's currency for a transaction by a cardholder in a different currency, the transaction amount in the authorization is converted from the merchant's currency to the currency of the cardholder's issuing currency, and optionally modified to include additional fees. The converted authorization request is then transmitted to the appropriate card association and then to the issuing bank for authorization, with a response returned to the merchant. The cardholder sees and approves the transaction in the cardholder's currency, and in an amount identical to the amount for which he will be billed.
US07660760B2 Processing of deal tickets
A deal feed system for passing deal tickets to back office systems comprises a deal feed contributor which receives tickets from trades on a plurality of trading systems on a plurality of trading floors, a database for storing the tickets, and a distributor for passing the tickets to back office systems. Virtual deal codes are defined to which a plurality of real deal codes map. The virtual deal codes to which a ticket relates is stored in a table with a reference to the stored ticket. A deal code table is updated with the range of the virtual deal code and the update transmitted to the bank office systems and to traders.
US07660759B2 Extended hours trade filtering
A trade filtering process for preventing the processing of suspect trades includes a trade monitoring process for monitoring a trade price associated with each trade of a specific stock during a trading session. A trade comparison process, responsive to the trade monitoring process, compares the trade price of each trade of a specific stock to a known acceptable price for that specific stock to determine which trades are suspect trades. A suspect trade filtering process, responsive to the trade comparison process, prevents the processing of the suspect trades.
US07660751B2 Systems and methods for contingency-based options and futures for playoff tickets based on qualifying teams
A system for allowing a remote user to purchase and trade, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a “contingent event,” i.e., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell and trade options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify.
US07660749B2 Method, system, and medium for representing visitor activity in an online store
Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor.
US07660745B2 System and method for price analysis and negotiation
Systems and techniques for management and negotiation of prices of goods purchased from a vendor. Pricing information is collected by a purchaser. This information reflects factors influencing pricing of components used by a vendor and intended for use in products sold to the purchaser. The pricing information is processed to develop models that can be used to compute expected prices for components. The models and other available information are then used to compute target prices for components. When a price quotation for a product is received from a vendor, the price quotation is analyzed, and the quoted price is compared against an overall target price generated by identifying the components making up the product and adding the target prices for components and elements making up the product. If the quoted price exceeds the target price, the price quotation is rejected. Negotiations may then be undertaken to resolve the pricing differences.
US07660744B2 Method and system for integrating transaction mechanisms over multiple internet sites
A method is provided for effecting transactions across multiple vendors in an integrated environment, wherein the user may purchase each of a plurality of items the user finds independent of the vendors. The user's selections are received from the user and mapped to a selected set of vendors. When the user is finished, she invokes a check-out application to fill in one or many order entry forms for each of the relevant vendors whose goods the user selected during the course of shopping. The check-out application uses common information, such as name, address and credit card number, previously provided by the user in order to fill in the order entry forms for each vendor without requiring the user to fill in these forms. Finally, the check-out application tracks confirmation numbers in a common information store.
US07660739B2 Electronic inventory movement and control device
Disclosed is a method and apparatus to electronically tabulate items marked with a bar code. The system may optionally operate to manage, control and tabulate inventory, produce vendor-correct purchase orders, manage multiple locations, multiple buildings, multiple clients and multiple stores to facilitate efficiency for a wholesaler or retailer or alternatively for a distributor, broker or sales agent. The system may alternatively be used to manage inventory for a manufacturing environment or for tracking evidence or items in a chain of custody environment useful for governmental and scientific functions.
US07660727B2 System and method for selecting and reserving rooms at a venue
The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving rooms at a venue. The system or method transmits information relating to a plurality of available individual rooms at a venue to an application running on a general purpose computer on the wide area network for display to the end user. The system or method also provides a graphical user interface that includes an interactive map showing information relating to the available rooms at the venue. Through the interactive map the end user can select one or more available rooms. The interactive map may provide additional information on the one or more of available individual rooms when triggered by, for example, a mouse placed over one of the available individual rooms.
US07660725B2 Computerized method and system for estimating an effect on liability based on the stopping distance of vehicles
Computer-implemented methods and systems for estimating liability for a vehicle accident are provided. In one embodiment, at least one stopping distance of a vehicle may be estimated. In some embodiments, a stopping distance may include an approximate distance for the vehicle traveling at a specified speed to stop to avoid the accident. A perception distance that may correspond to an approximate distance from the accident at which the vehicle sensed danger of an accident may be estimated. In certain embodiments, an opportunity of the vehicle to avoid the accident using the perception distance may be assessed. Some embodiments may include estimating an effect on liability based on the opportunity to avoid the accident.
US07660722B2 Terminal apparatus, server, content data storage method, and program for executing the method
The users are allowed to easily retrieve contents data such as recipe data. A personal computer (103) receives recipe data from a server (101) via a communication network (102), and stores the received recipe data in a memory card (104). The personal computer updates recipe hierarchical information (142) in the memory card (104), i.e., information which indicates classified levels of recipe data based on retrieval keys, with reference to overall hierarchical information (133), i.e., information which indicates the hierarchical relation of retrieval keys in the whole recipes, so that the newly stored recipe data is included in the recipe hierarchical information.
US07660713B2 Systems and methods that detect a desired signal via a linear discriminative classifier that utilizes an estimated posterior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
The present invention provides systems and methods for signal detection and enhancement. The systems and methods utilize one or more discriminative classifiers (e.g., a logistic regression model and a convolutional neural network) to estimate a posterior probability that indicates whether a desired signal is present in a received signal. The discriminative estimators generate the estimated probability based on one or more signal-to-noise ratio (SNRs) (e.g., a normalized logarithmic posterior SNR (nlpSNR) and a mel-transformed nlpSNR (mel-nlpSNR)) and an estimated noise model. Depending on the resolution desired, the estimated SNR can be generated at a frame level or at an atom level, wherein the atom level estimates are utilized to generate the frame level estimate. The novel systems and methods can be utilized to facilitate speech detection, speech recognition, speech coding, noise adaptation, speech enhancement, microphone arrays and echo-cancellation.
US07660710B2 Driveline angle analyzer
A Driveline Angle Analyzer (DAA) for determining a torsional acceleration and inertias of a vehicle driveline by entering measurements of a vehicle driveline configuration into a graphical user interface program. The user selects the driveline configuration of interest from a plurality of driveline configurations. Then, the user enters information, such as driveline measurements relating to the selected driveline configuration. To aide in gathering the correct information, the user can print out a worksheet for the selected driveline configuration. After the user inputs the information for the selected driveline configuration, the user can select a corrective mode that allows the user to improve the selected driveline configuration. For example, the user can change the angle of a component with the surrounding components by changing their angles and/or length while enabling the components to stay connected to each other, thus maintaining the vehicle's driveline geometry.
US07660707B2 Dynamic model detecting apparatus
A model detection apparatus comprises a number of estimate parameter memories for storing mutually different distribution estimate parameters representing occurrences of input data. A number of distribution estimators are respectively associated with the parameter memories for producing distribution estimate parameters from data stored in the associated parameter memories and from a series of input data, and updating the associated parameter memories with the produced parameters. A model series memory stores candidate models corresponding in number to the parameter memories. A model series estimator produces candidate models using the series of input data, the stored distribution estimate parameters and the stored candidate models, and updates the model series memory with the produced candidate models. An optimal model series calculator calculates an optimal series of models from the candidate models stored in the model series memory.
US07660703B2 Device and method for processing a signal of pressure measurement of an internal combustion engine combustion chamber
A device for processing a signal of pressure measurement of an internal combustion engine combustion chamber. The device obtains, by a low-pass filter of the pressure measuring signal, a filtered signal, subtracts the filtered signal from the pressure measuring signal to obtain a difference signal, compares the difference signal to a predetermined threshold value, and determines a combustion starting time as a time at which the difference signal reaches the predetermined threshold value.
US07660696B1 Apparatus for auto focusing a workpiece using two or more focus parameters
Provided is an apparatus for auto focusing a workpiece for optical metrology measurements using an optical metrology system. The auto focusing subsystem includes a focus detector having a tilt angle, a capture range, and a plurality of sensors. A processor coupled to the focus detector is configured to utilize the plurality of focus signals measured using the focus detector to determine two or more focus parameters. The two or more focus parameters and calibration data are used to determine an initial position of the workpiece and to generate instructions to move the workpiece to a best focus position. A diffraction signal is measured off a structure on the workpiece using the optical metrology system to determine at least one profile parameter of the structure. The at least one profile parameter is used to modify at least one process variable or equipment setting of a semiconductor fabrication cluster.
US07660694B2 Arrangement for determining an initial internal battery temperature
A method and arrangement is provided for estimating an initial value for an internal battery temperature of a vehicle using a four zone process that determines which of a predetermined set of time zones correlates with a measured period of time for an engine of the vehicle being in an engine-off condition. Once the time zone is determined, an initial estimated value of the internal temperature of the battery is determined as a function of a set of parameters correlated with the determined time zone. The set of time zones include a holding time zone, a model based estimation time zone which is greater in time than the holding time zone, a first self-adjustment zone which is greater in time than the model based estimation time zone, and a second self-adjustment time zone which is greater in time than the first self-adjustment time zone.
US07660691B2 Clock circuits and counting values in integrated circuits
A clock circuit for an integrated circuit having at least one MOS transistor. The clock circuit includes a first circuit for inducing a degradation of the transistor as a function of time and circuit for measuring a parameter of the transistor that reflects a lowering of the performance of the transistor resulting from the degradation. This also includes a method of generating a counting value of clock circuit by inducing continuous degradation of an MOS transistor. The method could include measuring a parameter of transistor, reflecting a lowering of performance of transistor resulting from the degradation. The method could also include measuring the temperature and calculating the counting value of the clock from the value of the parameter, from the measured temperature and from a law of variation of the parameter as a function of time and temperature.
US07660688B2 Surface-profile measuring instrument
A surface-profile measuring instrument includes a movement-estimating unit that estimates a movement state of a drive mechanism in accordance with a scanning vector command issued by a scanning vector commanding unit to calculate an estimated movement state quantity, and a correction calculating unit that corrects a detection value of a drive sensor in accordance with the estimated movement state quantity calculated by the movement-estimating unit. The movement-estimating unit has a nominal model setting unit in which a nominal model from the scanning vector commanding unit to the probe is set. The correction calculating unit includes a correction-amount calculating unit that calculates a correction amount for correcting a measurement error generated by a deformation of the drive mechanism in accordance with the movement thereof and a measurement data synthesizing unit that synthesizes the detection value of the drive sensor and the displacement sensor and the calculated correction-amount calculated by the correction-amount calculating unit.
US07660682B2 System and method for compensating for potential and current transformers in energy meters
A meter device for measuring electrical energy is provided. The meter device includes circuitry for measuring at least one parameter of electrical energy provided to the meter device. A storage device is provided for storing at least one calibration factor for compensating for errors associated with at least one of at least one external current transformer (CT) and at least one external potential transformer (PT) that operates on the electrical energy provided to the meter device. At least one processor is provided for processing the at least one calibration factor for adjusting the measuring for compensating for the errors when measuring the at least one parameter of electrical energy.
US07660680B1 Systems and methods for totalizing parallel feeds
Systems and methods are provided for automatically totalizing materials from multiple feed locations in parallel while mitigating device requirements to monitor such locations. In one aspect, an industrial automation system to process materials is provided. The system includes a totalizer component to determine an aggregated amount of materials supplied from at least two feed locations. A logic component periodically monitors at least one of the feed locations to determine the amount of each material.
US07660670B2 Sanding advisor
The invention relates to a method for predicting zonal productivity of an oilfield drilling operation. The method includes acquiring critical drawdown pressure profile (CDPP) of at least one selected from a group consisting of an open well and a cased well, establishing a CDPP criteria according to geomechanics based model, identifying sand failure according to the CDPP criteria, and predicting zonal productivity of a drilling operation according to the sand failure.
US07660663B2 Traffic information transmitting apparatus, transmitting method, and transmitting program
A traffic information transmitting apparatus, method, and program store accumulated traffic information including past traffic information and estimate traffic information at a time when a vehicle passes through a predetermined link based on the accumulated traffic information. The apparatus, method, and program determine whether the estimated traffic information is substantially different from traffic information stored in the vehicle. The apparatus, method, and program transmit, when the estimated traffic information and the traffic information stored in the vehicle are substantially different, the substantially different estimated traffic information to the vehicle.
US07660662B2 Fault code memory administrator with a driving cycle state machine concept
A method to operate an electronic controlled diesel engine to provide enhanced fault code administration responsive to the variable driving cycle.
US07660659B2 Driving support apparatus
A driving support apparatus, which supports a driving operation of a vehicle by an operator by capturing a view around the vehicle and by displaying the captured view on at least a display device provided inside a cabin of the vehicle, and includes: a target spot setting device for setting a target spot that is a position to which the operator attempts to direct the vehicle; a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the vehicle and the target spot; a speed measuring device for measuring a traveling speed of the vehicle; and a speed controlling device for controlling the traveling speed of the vehicle so as not to exceed a speed predetermined in accordance with the distance between the vehicle and the target spot.
US07660658B2 Apparatus and methods for speed management and control
Apparatus, methods and computer readable media for speed management and control, including logic executable to determine a present geographic position of a wireless device, logic executable to determine a speed limit corresponding to the present geographic position, and logic executable to selectively generate an alert based upon the speed limit.
US07660657B2 Anti-hunt system and method for parallel path variable transmission
A system and method for largely controlling transmission gear ratio oscillation is disclosed. When shifts are executed substantially at synchronous points rendering hysteretic anti-hunting schemes impractical, the disclosed techniques in any combination thereof may allow for oscillation control via an overridable lock-out timer. For oscillation control during incline navigation and other similar loading scenarios, the transmission may be selectively locked if certain operational criteria are met.
US07660654B2 System for dynamically determining vehicle rear/trunk loading for use in a vehicle control system
A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables.
US07660653B2 Car navigation system
A car navigation system includes: a vehicle-information acquiring means 14 for acquiring the vehicle information held by a vehicle 2; a setting-information generating means 15, 16 for generating setting information to be set in a processing program 19 based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle-information acquiring means; a setting-information notification means 17 for notifying the setting information generated by the setting-information generating means 15, 16 to the processing program 19; and a setting-information switching means 18, included in the processing program 19, for switching the internal setting state of the processing program 19 according to the setting information given by the setting-information notification means, wherein the processing program 19 performs a navigation function in the setting state switched by the setting-information switching means 18.
US07660652B2 Method, system and device for monitoring vehicle usage
A vehicle tracking device (101), method and/or system are provided. The device (101) includes a location interface (117), for receiving a location signal indicating a current location when operably connected to a GPS antenna; a sensor interface (109), for receiving sensor signals from sensors in the vehicle indicating a sensed status of the vehicle, when electrically or electronically connected to the sensors; and a processor (105). The processor (105) is configured to facilitate receiving, from the location interface, indications of a current location; determining, responsive to the location signal, a determined current location of the vehicle (127); receiving, from the sensor interface, a sensed status of the vehicle (129); recording a pre-defined event condition, when the pre-defined event condition occurs (131) responsive to the sensed status, in a vehicle history; and recording the determined current location in the vehicle history (133).
US07660641B2 System, graphical user interface (GUI), method and program product for configuring an assembly line
Under the present invention, a GUI is provided that allows an assembly line to be both graphically and dynamically configured. In general, the GUI allows a designer or the like to “graphically” configure: a hierarchy of categories representing the assembly line; the process points along the assembly line; the different events that can be triggered at the process points; the actions that are taken in response to the events; the processes (sequences of actions) for the events; and the input parameters for the events and the actions. In a typical embodiment, the GUI is maintained on a system that is separate from the central computer controlling the assembly line. This not only allows the assembly line to be configured remotely, but also without ceasing operation of the line.
US07660639B2 Control system for control subject having combustion unit and control system for plant having boiler
A control system includes a basic control command operating unit, a fuel data storage unit, a running results database for storing past running results values of a control subject, a data creating unit configured to calculate a distance between data of the past running results values and the data sets and determining data set in which a distance between data becomes minimum, a modeling unit configured to model a relationship between operation parameters of a combustion apparatus and components in combustion gas of the combustion apparatus by using the data set determined by the data creating unit and a correcting unit for calculating combustion apparatus operation parameters with which components having a better condition than that of the components in a current gas are provided by using a model of the modeling unit and correcting operation command values of the basic control command operating unit by calculated operation parameters.
US07660630B2 Variable implantable medical device power characteristics based upon implant depth
An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein includes adjustable power characteristics such as variable transmitter output power and variable receiver front end gain. These power characteristics are adjusted based upon the intended or actual implant depth of the IMD. The IMD may process an IMD implant depth value (provided by an external IMD programming device) to generate power scaling instructions or control signals that are interpreted by the IMD transmitter and/or the IMD receiver. Such adjustability enables the IMD to satisfy minimum telemetry requirements in a manner that does not waste power, thus extending the IMD battery life.
US07660622B2 Method and system for positioning a tracking sensor for optimal accuracy
The present invention provides a method for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The method includes attaching a sensor to an anatomy, obtaining an image of the anatomy, indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the volumes include a smaller and larger volume, and making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes. The present invention also provides a system for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The system includes a sensor attached to a patient anatomy, an imaging modality obtaining an image of the anatomy, an image processor indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the plurality of volumes includes a smaller and larger volume, and an operator making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes.
US07660621B2 Medical device introducer
An introducer is described that is coupled to a patient, specifically a patient's skull. The introducer may include an advancer that is remote from the patient, the advancer communicating with the introducer by means of a cable system. The introducer may also include a local position sensor that indicates the position of the primary medical device being introduced. The introducer may also include a frameless reference system that locates the primary medical device relative to a table that the patient is fixed to.
US07660619B2 Method for determining the condition of an object by magnetic resonance imaging
A method for determining the condition of an animate or inanimate object by magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, particularly for determining the pathologic condition of rheumatoid arthritis (“arthritis rheumatoides”) and carrying out a patient follow-up.
US07660617B2 Electrical impedance tomography using a virtual short measurement technique
Typical electrical impedance tomography (“EIT”) systems apply current to a body under test and measure the induced voltages on the surface and then through an inverse process, reconstruct an approximation to the electrical conductivity in the interior. The EIT system described herein employs a new approach to evaluating the interior electrical conductivity by using a virtual short that allows both current and voltages to be measured at various locations on the body under test. The architecture of this system is described, distinguishability of embedded conductive anomalies is evaluated, typical error sources associated with a virtual short measurement is discussed in the context of electrical impedance tomography, and a new imaging system is discussed.
US07660612B2 Precise sleep timer using a low-cost and low-accuracy clock
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) uses an oscillator providing accuracy for synchronized communications parameters in an active mode, and operates at reduced power during a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode. A real time clock (RTC) is used as the frequency standard during the reduced power operation, and a frequency adjustment is effected while the RTC is used as the frequency standard. By effecting the frequency adjustment, the RTC is able to be used as the frequency standard for substantial time periods, thereby reducing power consumption of the WTRU during the DRX mode.
US07660608B2 Handsfree device
A handsfree device replaces a non-displayable character code in a registration name of each data entry in telephone number data with a space code in the course of reception from a mobile communication device. The registration name entirely replaced with the space code is stored in a memory medium as blank data. The registration name stored as the blank data is distinctively displayed on a display screen by using telephone number in association with the registration name in the telephone number data.
US07660605B2 Method and system for the configuration of a mobile station baseband circuit for an acoustic accessory
A method and system for the configuration of a mobile station baseband circuit for an acoustic accessory having an identifier, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether the mobile device recognizes the identifier of the acoustic device; and configuring the baseband circuit with a DSP filter response and CODEC acoustic gain parameters for the acoustic device if the mobile device recognizes the identifier of the acoustic device. The system comprising: an identifier for each of the plurality of acoustic devices; a local memory in the mobile station storing a frequency (filter) response and gain parameters for at least one of the plurality of acoustic devices and for mapping them to the identifier; and a digital signal processor to re-shape an acoustic frequency response and adjust an audio gain of a baseband circuit for the mobile station based on the stored frequency response and gain parameters.
US07660596B1 Method and apparatus for the ordering of carrier links
A method and apparatus for provisioning a physical link to a service provider is disclosed whereby physical link information in a carrier network is store, in one embodiment, in a database within the carrier network or, in another embodiment, in a database shared by a carrier and a service provider. In response to a request from the service provider for the use of the physical link, physical link information and network management information associated is retrieved from that database. In one embodiment, this information is sent directly from the carrier via in-band signaling. In another embodiment, the information is retrieved from the shared database and is transmitted via out-of-band signaling. In accordance with yet another embodiment, messages exchanged between service providers and carriers comprise digital certificates that are used to verify the identity of the providers and carriers.
US07660594B2 System and method for in-transit SMS language translation
A system and method for facilitating electronic communication between people who speak different languages. An SMS message including content in a first language is received at a network node. It is then determined whether the content in a first language is received at a network node. It is then determined whether the content of the SMS message is to be translated to a second language before being sent to a recipient. This determination can be based on an embedded code or on the fact that a bounded session has been previously established. The content is then translated from the first language to the second language, and the SMS message is thereafter sent to the recipient directly from the network node at which the translating step was performed.
US07660591B1 Propagation loss model based indoor wireless location of stations
A method and apparatus for determining a location of a transmitter includes taking a Received Signal Strength (RSSI) measurement at a plurality of locations. Next, a known transmit power is subtracted from each of the RSSI measurements to produce a Propagation Loss Vector (PLV) for each location of the plurality of locations. A model is developed from the PLVs, the model including a plurality of grid points. A candidate Transmit Power Vector (TPV) is produced by subtracting the PLV for a candidate location from the RSSI measurement. Each of the RSSI measurements are matched against each TPV of the model. Once all the grid points have been evaluated, the grid point having a best match is selected as a location of the transmitter.
US07660587B2 Communications from hypertext documents
Efficient and effective communications are initiated from the selection, at a first user device, of a link in a resource. Based on this selection, a communications request is transmitted to a server. In addition, identification information of a second user device (such as a telephone number or an Internet Protocol (IP) address) is transmitted to the server. As a result of this request and identification information, a communication response is received at the second user device. This communications response may be of various types, such as a voice call, a message, or a rich call.
US07660581B2 Managing sponsored content based on usage history
Improved search capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications devices such as cell phones, as well as improved techniques for delivering sponsored content in a mobile communication environment.
US07660566B2 System for creating a programmable tuning voltage
A system for generating a tuning voltage including a processor, a tank circuit, and a feedback loop. The processor creates a tuning voltage that is provided to the tank circuit. A feedback loop optimizes tuning performance by adjusting the tuning voltage based on radio signal strength.
US07660558B2 Interrupting and resuming a media player
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes playing a content file with a media player on a cellular telephone. Also, the method includes receiving an interrupt event. Moreover, the method includes saving state of the media player on the cellular telephone in the media player.
US07660556B2 Sheet post processing apparatus and image forming system
In a sheet post processing apparatus having a folding device that carries out the process of book folding by folding either one sheet or a plurality of sheets at a time on the sheets discharge from the image forming apparatus, a sheet stacking section that successively stacks the booklet-folded sheets, and a control unit that controls the sheet post processing apparatus, said control unit controls said folding device so that said booklet folding process of said sheets is carried out at the portions of two folding lines which are almost parallel thereby obtaining a square-shaped back of booklet.
US07660541B2 Image formation apparatus utilizing density of waste toner to detect amount thereof
An image formation apparatus has a waste toner accommodation unit including a toner transporting rotation member covered with a fixed pipe. As the member rotates, waste toner in the pipe is transported downstream. The toner transporting rotation member has an upstream portion with a recessed portion having a small diameter. As the toner transporting rotation member rotates, a detection plate located external to the waste toner accommodation unit repetitively moves and thus repetitively passes across a photo sensor. When the waste toner has reached the level of the pipe the waste toner is compressed in the pipe downstream and thus increases in density. This increases a load torque of the toner transporting rotation member and hence ruptures the recessed portion, and thus stops rotation. The photo sensor detects that the detection plate no longer passes across it, and thus detects a state full of toner.
US07660539B2 Printer consumable ordering direct from printer
A system for enabling ordering of printer supplies directly via a printer. The system provides an option for a user to request value bundled information before placing a printer supply order. By providing the option of requesting value bundled information, a customer can obtain information about printer supply promotions directly via the printer without the need for an information handling system to be coupled to the printer. Additionally, the system provides an encouragement to a customer to purchase a plurality of printer suppliers by providing the customer with incentives for the purchase.
US07660538B2 Optical burst mode receiver
An optical burst mode receiver comprises a photo-detector receiving an optical signal for conversion to a current signal, a transimpedance amplifier receiving and converting the current signal into first and second transmit signals, a limiting amplifier comprising first and second input terminals and an output terminal generating a data signal, and a control circuit coupled to the first and second transmit signals to verify that if the optical signal is valid. The control circuit is further coupled to the first and second input terminals of the limiting amplifier. When the optical signal is valid, the control circuit provides the first and second input terminals with the first and second transmit signals respectively to generate the data signal. When the optical signal is invalid, the control circuit provides the first and second input terminals with distinct voltage levels to maintain the data signal at a steady level.
US07660535B2 Optical transmission apparatus
Before being incident to a nonlinear medium, a short pulse is intensity-modulated with a bit string pattern, and then made incident. When the pulse light corresponding to a bit value ‘0’ is incident to the nonlinear medium, the pulse light is intensity-modulated so that the spectral width thereof is not spread to a predetermined spectral region due to the nonlinear phenomena, thereby producing a light state of being not output from an optical demultiplexer. Meanwhile, when the pulse light corresponding to a bit value ‘1’ is incident to the nonlinear medium, the pulse light is intensity-modulated so that the spectral width thereof is spread to the predetermined spectral region due to the nonlinear phenomena, thereby producing a light state of being output from the optical demultiplexer.
US07660518B2 Automatic focusing apparatus
An automatic focusing system comprises: a region configuring device which configures a main subject region including a main subject within a photographing screen; a focusing control device which controls focusing so that a focus state of the main subject is a best focus state; a focus state obtaining device which divides the photographing screen into a plurality of regions and obtains a focus state from each region; a device storing the focus state obtained from each region; a movement detecting device which references the stored focus state of each region to detect the movement of a group of regions located either within the main subject region and its vicinity or within the main subject region and are in a best focus state; and a region moving device which moves the main subject region in accordance with the movement of the group of regions that are in the best focus state.
US07660514B2 Video recorder and method for reserve-recording a broadcast program
A video recorder for recording a program video in a built-in HDD (hard disk drive) or the like on the basis of EPG data is easily put in a reserve-recording mode. To this end, reserve-recording candidate data is generated from the EPG data with use of recorded program information to facilitate selection of the reserve-recording mode. In a method for reserve-recording a broadcast program, similar program information is extracted from the EPG data on the basis of recorded title data held as the recorded program information, the extracted similar program data is converted to a data format usable for the reserve-recording, and is stored as reserve-recording candidate data upon reserve-recording.
US07660512B2 Systems and methods for managing frame rates during multimedia playback
Systems and methods for managing frame rates during multimedia playback are described herein. The ideal playback timing associated with video data is determined. If an actual playback timing of the video data lags the ideal playback timing, a frame rate associated with the video data is varied using a smoothing function to recover toward the ideal playback timing. An iterative frame-dropping algorithm is applied to vary the frame rate in accordance with the smoothing function. The smoothing function incorporates as a variable an average delay associated with playback of frames in the video data.
US07660495B2 Package elements and methods for securing a getter
A getter sheet is secured within a package element in a condition of elastic deformation by positioning the getter sheet between a base and a cap of a package with at least one portion of the getter sheet in contact with the package. When positioned within the package, the condition of elastic deformation may force the getter sheet into a vaulted form. Therefore, the getter sheet may be secured within the package without utilizing any additional parts or fasteners. The getter sheet comprises particulates of a getter applied to a sheet of material. The getter sheet may comprise a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or an octagonal shape. The getter sheet may be secured within the package when at least one portion of the getter sheet contacts one or more of a side surface of the cap, a bottom surface of the cap, and a top surface of the base.
US07660493B2 Optical modulator
An optical modulator is provided. The optical modulator includes a thin plate made of an electrooptic material and having a thickness of 20 μm or less, an optical waveguide formed on a top or bottom surface of the thin plate, and a modulation electrode formed on the top surface of the thin plate to modulate light passing through the optical waveguide, wherein, in a shape of the thin plate, a width of the thin plate at an optical input portion or optical output portion of the optical waveguide is two time or less the thickness of the thin plate.
US07660488B2 Systems and methods for viewing medical images
For certain medical images, it is important and/or required that a user view all of a medical image at full resolution so that minute, but important, indicia in the medical image are not missed. A computing systems monitor the portions of the medical image that are displayed on the display device, notates those portions that have been displayed at full resolution (or other user-defined display parameters), and provides the user with information indicating portions that have not been viewed at full resolution and/or provides information indicating for which images of a multiple image examination full pixel display has been accomplished. The process reduces the possibility of missing an abnormality in a medical image due to the viewer not viewing a portion of the image at full resolution or using other user-defined display parameters.
US07660487B2 Image processing method and apparatus with image resolution conversion related to relative movement detection
When an output unit is capable of operation at a frame rate F and a resolution of x×y pixels, an imaging unit or an image input unit converts an image into an imaged frame in an internal data format having the frame rate F and a resolution of ix×jy pixels. An image converter converts the resolution of the imaged frame supplied from the imaging unit or the image input unit into a resolution that can be represented by the output unit, generating an output frame having x×y pixels. At this time, the image converter carries out predetermined resolution conversion based on a moving velocity of the image by blocks each having a predetermined size. Thus, such visual effect that an observer of the image of the output frame perceives the image at a resolution exceeding the actual resolution of the output frame is achieved.
US07660486B2 Method and apparatus of removing opaque area as rescaling an image
A method of resizing an image having a plurality of data unit blocks is disclosed. Each data unit block is a pixel matrix. The method includes the steps of generating column pseudo-pixel matrix corresponding to a data unit block, decimating/interpolating the data unit block in column direction to generate a scaled column-pixel matrix, filtering the scaled column-pixel matrix and the column pseudo-pixel matrix to generate a filtered column-pixel matrix, storing the filtered column-pixel matrix in a first buffer, generating a row pseudo-pixel matrix corresponding to the filtered column-pixel matrix stored in the first buffer, decimating/interpolating each the filtered column-pixel matrix to generate a scaled row-pixel matrix, and filtering the scaled row-pixel matrix and the row pseudo-pixel matrix to generate a resized row-pixel matrix.
US07660485B2 Generating and displaying spatially offset sub-frames using error values
A method of displaying an image with a display device comprises receiving image data for the image, generating first and second sub-frames where the first and the second sub-frames comprise a plurality of sub-frame pixel values and a plurality of error values and where at least a first one of the plurality of sub-frame pixel values is calculated using the image data, at least a second one of the plurality of sub-frame pixel values, and at least one of the plurality of error values, and alternating between displaying the first sub-frame in a first position and displaying the second sub-frame in a second position spatially offset from the first position is provided.
US07660481B2 Image enhancement using anisotropic noise filtering
A method including receiving data corresponding to an original three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed image, smoothing homogenous areas and enhancing edges of the original reconstructed image using edge enhancing diffusion (EED) to create edge-enhanced image data, and calculating a structural importance map. The structural importance map includes a measure of structural importance for each voxel of data in the original reconstructed image. Voxel intensities to be used to create a filtered image are determined according to at least one rule applied to the measure of structural importance.
US07660475B2 Method and apparatus for coding positions of coefficients
A method and apparatus for coding positions of data such as coefficients are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises coding data in a vector of data based on indications of whether the data is zero or non-zero identified using a tree data structure and producing a bit stream based on coded data.
US07660472B2 System and method for managing stereoscopic viewing
Methods and systems that help control when and how stereoscopic content should be viewed, based on both geometry of the viewing system and the geometry used to generate the content are shown. One example embodiment utilizes the specifications of the system used to capture the image data to determine the geometry of the image content, and encodes this content geometry along with the stored image data. This content geometry data is then analyzed by display systems to determine appropriate geometries for a viewing system. Data arranged according to one embodiment is a series of digitally stored video frames representing a stereoscopic prospective view of an image or scene. This prospective view was rendered using a specific content geometry, and this geometry is digitally encoded and stored with, or embedded in, the digital image data.
US07660457B2 Method for inspecting luggage
A method for determining a change in position of an item of luggage, examined by a first examination system, in order to thereafter examine only a suspect region of the item of luggage in a secondary examination system.
US07660453B2 Methods and devices for analysis of x-ray images
The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone structure from x-ray images.
US07660452B2 High resolution radio frequency medical imaging and therapy system
A method for imaging includes directing a plurality of radio frequency (RF) beams toward a target organ from a plurality of angles. The RF beams include one or more first pairs of the RF beams, each first pair including two of the RF beams that impinge on the target organ from opposite directions. RF signals reflected from the target organ are received responsively to the RF beams, the RF signals including one or more second pairs of the RF signals engendered respectively by the one or more first pairs of the RF beams. Local tissue parameters at multiple points in the target organ are extracted by jointly processing the RF signals in each of the second pairs. Images of the target organ are produced using the extracted local tissue parameters. Other embodiments described herein include methods for passive imaging, motion vector analysis, ablation, local heating and application of electromagnetic pressure.
US07660450B2 Imaging system, an x-ray imaging apparatus, a method and a computer program arranged for reducing an artifact in a three-dimensional reconstructed volume
An imaging system including an artifact reducer arranged to correct for a ring-shaped artifact in a three-dimensional reconstructed volume. The artifact reducer includes a first stage correction arranged to eliminate structured noise of an output screen of an image intensifier of an X-ray imaging apparatus using a first corrective image. A raw image of a patient is first processed with the first corrective image. The gain-corrected images are forwarded to an image deformation correction where a suitable unwarping function performed. The gain-corrected unwarped images are then made available to a second stage gain correction where a second corrective image is applied resulting in a final set of images with a substantially reduced ring-shaped artifact. The final set of images is made available to an image reconstructor arranged for further processing of the final set of images, the result thereof being visualized on a computer monitor for inspection purposes.
US07660449B2 Automated method for image analysis of residual protein
A method for measuring residual protein in a cellular specimen including obtaining a low magnification image of a candidate object of interest, filtering the candidate object of interest pixels with a low pass filter, morphologically processing the candidate object of interest pixels to identify artifact pixels, identifying the candidate object of interest by eliminating artifact pixels, acquiring a higher magnification image of the subsample for the candidate object of interest, transforming pixels of the higher magnification image in a first color space to a second color space to differentiate higher magnification candidate object of interest pixels from background pixels, identifying an object of interest from the candidate object of interest pixels in the second color space, and determining the optical density of the protein in a cell contained in a subsample, wherein the optical density is indicative of the residual component of a cellular protein.
US07660433B2 Method and a system for automatic measurement and tracking of logs, industrial wood and boards
A method for tracking and measuring volume, shape and surfaces of objects, such as logs, simultaneously. In series of load and unload operations along a procurement line, series of images are captured by e.g., CCD stereo cameras with sufficient spatial resolution capabilities. Simultaneously, the location of objects (logs) are registered by a GPS system aiding the tracking of the objects. The load and unload operations are typically performed by machineries such as harvesters, forwarders or trucks all equipped with a crane. On such machines digital cameras are mounted on jib arms and a computer system is attached. A GPS system is mounted on the machines too and the computer system is attached here as well. Thus the real time processing of stereo images can be accomplished and the volume, shape and surface of the 3D objects are computed simultaneously with their location in space. The resulting data are sent to a central database that keeps track of objects and their locations. These data are then again available for the following step in the procurement line as “a priory” information, facilitating the computation of the size, shape, surface and location of logs (objects) at the current load/unload operation. A chain of information provided by this invention will profoundly increase efficiency of any production chain subjectable to the presented method.
US07660429B2 Error diffusion halftone watermarking
A watermarked halftone image is generated from a continuous tone image by performing error diffusion halftoning on the continuous tone image while adding a watermark to the halftone image during the halftoning. A location of the watermark in the halftone image may be based on prediction criteria. Error caused by adding the watermark may be diffused into the halftone image.
US07660417B2 Enhanced security design for cryptography in mobile communication systems
A basic idea according to the invention is to enhance or update the basic cryptographic security algorithms by an algorithm-specific modification of the security key information generated in the normal key agreement procedure of the mobile communication system. For communication with the mobile terminal, the network side normally selects an enhanced version of one of the basic cryptographic security algorithms supported by the mobile, and transmits information representative of the selected algorithm to the mobile terminal. The basic security key resulting from the key agreement procedure (AKA, 10) between the mobile terminal and the network is then modified (22) in dependence on the selected algorithm to generate an algorithm-specific security key. The basic security algorithm (24) is then applied with this algorithm-specific security key as key input to enhance security for protected communication in the mobile communications network.
US07660416B1 System and method for media content collaboration throughout a media production process
A delivery and display system 10 prepares and delivers daily film rushes and/or film “cuts” (i.e., rough edits) in full motion video to users via the Internet in a collaborative application and display interface. The delivery and display system includes a system server 32, parsing and embedding software 34, an encryption system 36, and a collaborative display interface 70. The system server receives and stores digital media files 50 and AV log files 60. The parsing and embedding software 34 reads meta-data in an AV log file 60 and segments the digital media files 50, wherein the parsing and embedding software is capable of reading meta-data from both .FLX AV log files and .ALE AV log files. The parsing and embedding software 34 embeds meta-data from an AV log file 60 into the segmented digital media files 50. The encryption system 36 secures the digital media files 50, which have been embedded with meta-data from an AV log file 60, using digital rights management encryption. The collaborative display interface 70 displays downloaded or streaming digital media files 50 as media clips 52 and enables users to collaboratively interact with other users by notating comments that are linked to a specific digital media file 50 and by notating on actual media clip frames.
US07660404B2 System and mobile terminal for displaying caller information and method thereof
Caller information display system includes a caller terminal, a service system and a receiver terminal. The caller terminal stores caller information and transmits data including the caller information during a call. The service system receives the data including the caller information from the caller terminal and transmits the data to a receiver terminal. The receiver terminal receives the data from the service system, stores the caller information to be linked with a telephone number of the caller terminal, and displays the caller information when a paging signal is received.
US07660402B1 System and method for managing telecommunication trunk groups
The present invention provides a system and method for managing telecommunication trunk groups. Configuration, operational, and other information may be maintained regarding trunk groups in a telecommunication network. Various calculations and searches may be performed using the information maintained regarding the trunk groups of telecommunication network and provided to a user to allow a user to identify the performance of various trunk groups. The present invention may further allow a user to propose changes to the configuration or routing associated with one or more trunk groups and provide a user with predicted outcomes should such changes be made.
US07660394B1 Close-out test system
The invention is a method and system conducting a completion test on a communications line. The system includes a testing device coupled to a remote device by a network. Line-test results are received from the testing device and made available to various client devices via the same or another network. Test data is automatically archived for analysis.
US07660392B2 Pixel array arrangement for a soft x-ray source
A pixel array arrangement is provided for a soft x-ray source. The arrangement includes: a window-frame structure having a plurality of channels passing therethrough, where each channel forms a pixel for the x-ray source; a cathode disposed on one side of each channel in the window-frame structure and operable to emit electrons into the channel; and an anode disposed in each cavity on an opposing side of the channel from the cathode and operable to emit x-ray radiation when electrons from the cathode impinge thereon, where the anode is configured to emit x-ray radiation at a diffused angle such that the x-ray radiation from a given pixel overlaps with x-ray radiation from adjacent pixels.
US07660391B2 Compact e-beam source for generating X-rays
Various novel apparatuses and methods for generating X-rays are disclosed. In some embodiments, for example, an apparatus may be configured and arranged so that, for at least one interception point on a particular portion of a scan path on a surface of a target along which a steering element steers an accelerated electron beam (e-beam), both an angle and its complement between a line corresponding to a direction in which the accelerated e-beam is traveling at the interception point and a line oriented normal to the surface of the target at such interception point are greater than forty five degrees.
US07660385B2 Time of flight aspects for X-Ray fluorescence visualizer, imager, or information provider
One aspect can relate to determining a total time of flight that indicates an at least one applied duration and an at least one induced duration, wherein the at least one applied duration describes the time for an at least some pulse-type input energy to be applied from a transmission location to an at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual, and wherein the at least one induced duration describes the time for an at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon, to travel from the at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual to a location where the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon is received at least partially by a detecting the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon. The aspect can relate to determining a location information of the at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual based at least partially on the total time of flight.
US07660379B2 Method for correcting truncation artifacts in a reconstruction method for computer tomography recordings
The invention relates to a method for correcting truncation artifacts in reconstructing computer tomography recordings. The projection images of the computer tomography recordings are extended by extrapolation. An equivalent body is determined which in the peripheral region of the projection image attenuates the radiation emanating from a radiation source of the computer tomography according to the object to be examined, and the attenuation is determined outside the projection image for extrapolated image points. A smoothing of the signal of a projection data line is effected with a digital polynomial filter to reduce the noise portion of the signal. The truncated portion of the projection data line is computed from the smoothed signal of the projection data line by an extrapolation method.
US07660376B2 Clock recovering circuit utilizing a delay locked loop for generating an output clock locked to an analog input signal and related method thereof
A clock recovering circuit for generating an output clock locked to an analog input signal includes: a phase detection unit for receiving the analog input signal and the feedback clock for generating a phase error signal according to the analog input signal and the feedback clock; a loop filter coupled to the phase detector for filtering the phase error signal and generating a control signal; a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) coupled to the loop filter for generating a first clock and an index signal according to the control signal; a delay locked loop (DLL) coupled to the NCO for receiving the first clock and generating a plurality of second clocks; and a multiplexer coupled to the NCO and the DLL for selecting one of the second clocks as the output clock according to the index signal.
US07660373B2 Data demodulation from weak navigational satellite signals
A method to determine the polarity of navigation data from weak satellite signals is disclosed. After bit edge is detected, a method in frequency domain is used to determine the present bit polarity with the help of several prior data bits which are already known, is disclosed. The impact of residual frequency can be mitigated by frequency transform. This method is especially useful in removing the data modulation in the weak signal for subsequent long coherent integrations.
US07660360B2 Peak-to-average power ratio reduction with threshold limited selection for coded OFDM systems
Disclosed is a coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system and method for reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). The system and method include a modulator configured to modulate (e.g., using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) coded bits into symbols. The system and method also include an inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT) module to perform an IDFT on the symbols to produce an OFDM signal. The system and method measure the PAPR of the OFDM signal and transmit the signal to a receiver if the PAPR of the signal is less than a threshold PAPR.
US07660358B2 Signal processing using pilot based coding
Data coding and entropy coding are performed with interconnection, and grouping is used to enhance coding efficiency. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining a number of data corresponding to a pilot reference value and if a number of data bands meets a predetermined condition, obtaining the pilot reference value and a pilot difference value corresponding to the pilot reference value and obtaining the data using the pilot reference value and the pilot difference value.
US07660353B2 Picture level adaptive frame/field coding for digital video content
A method and system of encoding and decoding digital video content. The digital video content comprises a stream of pictures which can each be intra, predicted, or bi-predicted pictures. Each of the pictures comprises macroblocks that can be further divided into smaller blocks. The method entails encoding and decoding each picture in said stream of pictures in either frame mode or in field mode.
US07660342B2 Digital receiver device based on an input comparator
A digital processing device is at the input of a radio frequency receiver chain, suited to a transmission system using a direct sequence spectrum spread, comprising analog-to-digital conversion means (ADC) performing an undersampling of a signal received, resulting in an overlapping of the wanted signal by the transmission channel noise, demodulation means connected to the output of the ADC, a low pass filter connected at the output of the demodulation means and a filter matched to the spreading code used, wherein the ADC includes a comparator capable of comparing the amplitude of the undersampled signal to a reference in order to carry out a quantizing of the 1-bit signal, said comparator bringing about the creation of a quantizing noise, and including an additional filtering unit arranged between the low pass filter and the matched filter, implementing a multi-noise, stochastic matched filtering operation.
US07660339B2 Apparatus and method for estimating and correcting frequency offset in MB-OFDM UWB system using time frequency hopping
Provided are an apparatus and method for estimating and correcting a frequency offset in a multiband-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Ultra-Wideband system using a time frequency hopping. The method includes the steps of: calculating a tangent input having a first value (X) and a second value (Y) by using PS symbols transferred over same frequency band with respect to one of a plurality of frequency bands used for frequency hopping; calculating tan(X/Y) using the first value (X) and the second value (Y), and calculating an index corresponding to the value of tan(X/Y) from a look-up table created by reflecting a relative frequency offset with respect to a center frequency; calculating indexes representing frequency offsets estimated with respect to remaining frequency bands used for frequency hopping from the look-up table by using the calculated index; extracting an index of a numerical controlled oscillator according to correction positions with respect to a plurality of frequency bands by using the calculated indexes; and correcting the frequency offsets estimated using the extracted indexes according to time frequency patterns by using a numerical controlled oscillator table.
US07660336B2 Method and device for determining an activation threshold
A method is provided for determining a laser threshold of a laser diode, which is operated by a drive circuit as a function of a first signal in a first feedback and a second signal in a second feedback, the first feedback being supplied via an optical coupling of an optical output signal of the laser diode. The method is characterized in that the second feedback is supplied by an electrical signal picked up between the drive circuit and the laser diode, the electrical signal is compared with an adjustable activation threshold, only a portion of the electrical signal that exceeds the adjustable activation threshold is transmitted to the drive circuit in such a way that the second feedback is active only when such a portion occurs, the adjustable activation threshold is changed in such a way that the activity state of the second feedback changes, and the laser threshold of the laser diode is determined as a function of the value of the adjustable activation threshold during a change in the activity state of the second feedback. Furthermore, a drive circuit is presented which carries out the method.
US07660330B1 Clock synchronization and distribution over an optical Ethernet network
A novel clock synchronization mechanism for recovering and distributing a centralized clock source synchronously over asynchronous networks such as optical Ethernet. A clock conversion scheme is provided whereby multiple clocks having diverse rates are converted to clock signals all having a common rate. One of the converted clocks is chosen and all downstream clock signals is derived from this clock. A high quality clock source located anywhere on the network is distributed throughout the network thus turning an asynchronous Ethernet network into a synchronous one. Synchronous TDM data streams can then be easily transported over the Ethernet network.
US07660320B2 Communication network, a method of routing data packets in such communication network and a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network
A communication network comprising a plurality of network nodes is provided, wherein the network nodes are logically arranged to form a plurality of concentric rings, all rings except the outermost ring being with high probability fully constructed; the number of nodes on each fully constructed ring being dD, wherein d denotes the base of an integer having D digits, D≧1, and wherein D also denotes the ring number, D starting with the value 1 for the innermost ring; each node being identified by an identification number unique in the network, said identification number having D digits, D≧1, and D denoting the ring number on which the node is located, and the value of each digit being between 0 and d−1; and each node of a given fully constructed ring is allowed to route data packets to one node in the next inner ring, to d nodes in the next outer ring, if the next outer ring is fully constructed, and to at least d nodes on the same ring. The invention further regards a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network and a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network.
US07660318B2 Internetworking support between a LAN and a wireless mesh network
In one embodiment, two portals lie between a wireless mesh network and a LAN. Each portal provides a communication path between the mesh network and the LAN. The second portal is configured to forward data frames with unknown destinations to the first portal across an intramesh path between the two portals.
US07660316B2 Methods and apparatus for device access fairness in fibre channel arbitrated loop systems
Methods and apparatus for switching Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop Systems is provided between a plurality of Fibre Channel Loop devices. In one aspect of the invention, the system switches based at least in part on arbitrated loop primitives. An exemplary interconnect system may include a first port and a second port, both including port logic to monitor certain arbitrated loop primitives, a connectivity apparatus, a route determination apparatus including a routing table consisting of ALPA addresses and their associated ports, the route determination apparatus coupled to each port and the connectivity apparatus, where the connectivity apparatus creates paths between the ports based on arbitrated loop primitives. In one embodiment, the connectivity apparatus is a crossbar switch. Examples of the arbitrated loop primitives that cause the switch to create paths between ports includes one or more of the following: ARB, OPN and CLS. In yet other aspects, the system ensures device access fairness through one or more techniques, including a rotating priority system, a counter to count the number of OPNs, especially sequential OPNs, and/or priority based on port type. Device zoning may be implemented. In one implementation, the system includes trunking such that frames may be transferred on multiple ports.
US07660302B2 Method and system for inter-fabric routing
A Fibre Channel Switch element and method for Inter-Fabric routing is provided. The switch element includes a switch port whose worldwide port number is used in a zone set to enable Inter-Fabric frame routing without using Inter-Fabric frame headers. The method includes querying a Name Server to determine world wide port numbers of devices; storing query results in an Inter-Fabric Name Server module; extracting world wide port numbers for each switch port; registering Proxy Devices with the Name Server, wherein the Proxy Devices interface with the switch ports as if it was they were actual devices to route Inter-Fabric frames; and establishing Fabric Address Translator entries so that source identification values and destination identification values are mapped to route Inter-Fabric frames without using Inter-Fabric frame headers.
US07660299B2 Network-based call interface device for real-time packet protocol calls
A network-based call interface device is used for real-time packet protocol calls, such as, but not limited to, interfacing real-time calls between client devices and call services/destination devices. The network-based call interface device includes a virtual phone and a virtual server-phone communicating with each other. The virtual phone communicates with the call server making the network-based call interface device appear to the call server as a client device; and the virtual server-phone communicates with the client device making the network-based call interface device appear to the client device as call server.
US07660290B2 System and method for visualizing traffic and path in network
Systems and methods for visualizing traffic coming in from outside to a network to be managed and being sent out of the network. An information presentation apparatus acquires traffic information regarding a traffic specified in accordance with a user's instruction, where the traffic information has been collected from one or more routers located at a border of the network to be managed. The apparatus also acquires path information regarding a path from a start router, through which the traffic passes into the network, to an end router, through which the traffic passes out of the network, referring to stored internal path information. The apparatus then informs a user of the acquired traffic information in association with the acquired path information. At least one of specification of the traffic and determination of the end router is performed referring to stored external path information.
US07660289B2 System, apparatus and method of varying channel bandwidth
Briefly, a wireless communication system having two or more wireless communication devices. The wireless communication device includes a transmitter to transmit a signal over a wireless channel and to determine a bandwidth of the wireless channel and a power level of the signal based on a quality value of the wireless channel. A method of varying the bandwidth of the wireless channel is also provided.
US07660284B1 Nevigation within a wireless network
A wireless device is registered in a first wireless router by storing information in the first wireless router, a message is created comprising a unique identifier for the wireless device and a unique identifier for the first wireless router; the message is transmitted to at least one second wireless router.
US07660283B2 Wireless communication terminal and control method therefor
A dual mode mobile wireless communication terminal detects a reception field level of another second communication system when the reception field level of a first communication system, with which communication is currently taking place, has dropped to or below a prescribed threshold. When the second communication system has priority, the terminal selects the second communication system. When prescribed operation is executed on the terminal, the terminal can also detects a reception field level of another second communication system.
US07660269B2 Apparatus, method, and program for creating network configuration information
An apparatus for creating network configuration information from data including packet transmission time between one or more relay devices and a terminal, the relay devices relaying a signal which runs through a network and is measured by the terminal connected to the network, to another network, information about the relay devices and information about the terminal. The apparatus includes systems for: receiving the data from the terminal; arranging the relay devices in the network configuration information based on information about the relay devices; arranging the terminal in the network configuration information based on information about the terminal; arranging packet transmission time between the terminal and the relay devices in the network configuration information; and identifying a subnetwork from the data.
US07660260B2 Downstream power back-off for fiber to node applications
There is provided a method of shaping PSD (Power Spectrum Density) of an FTTN (Fiber-To-The-Node) downstream signal from a disturber source to achieve spectral compatibility at an FTTN downstream victim with a downstream PSD from a reference source. The method includes receiving the downstream PSD from the reference source. The method further includes receiving an unshaped downstream PSD from the disturber source. The method further includes shaping the PSD of the FTTN downstream signal to have a substantially equivalent FEXT (Far-End Cross-Talk) into the FTTN downstream victim as the downstream PSD from the reference source.
US07660256B2 System and method for monitoring label switched path in network
Systems and methods for providing a network monitoring tool for appropriately grasping a setup state of a label switched path (LSP) in a network. A monitoring apparatus comprises a communication unit that communicates with a router among a plurality of routers in the network, and a collection unit that collects LSP path information via the communication unit. The LSP path information includes information maintained by the router. The monitoring apparatus also comprises a storing unit that stores state information based on the collected LSP path information, and a display unit that reads the state information for a selected LSP stored by the storing unit and graphically displays a path of the selected LSP, in accordance with a user's instruction.
US07660244B2 Method and apparatus for quality-of-service based admission control using a virtual scheduler
In a wireless network or other communication system, admission of users to the system involves use of a first scheduler, which makes actual scheduling decisions for admitted users, and a second scheduler, which emulates the operation of the first scheduler. The first scheduler is configured to manage access to network resources for users already admitted to the system. The first scheduler is coupled to an admission control module which contains the second scheduler. The second scheduler, also referred to herein as a virtual scheduler, emulates operation of the first scheduler, under an operating scenario involving admission of at least one additional user to the system, in order to generate a performance metric. The performance metric is used to make an admission control decision regarding admission of the at least one additional user to the system.
US07660241B2 Load balancing in a virtual private network
A network system (10). The system comprises a plurality of nodes (PE, CE). Each node in the plurality of nodes is coupled to communicate with at least one other node in the plurality of nodes. Further, each node in the plurality of nodes is coupled to communicate to another node via a respective primary path and via a respective backup path. Still further, each node in the plurality of nodes is operable to perform the steps of, when receiving network traffic as a receiving node, detecting delay (110, 120; 130, 140; 160, 170) in traffic received from a transmitting node, and, in response to detecting delay, communicating a signal to the transmitting node. In response to the signal, the transmitting node is operable to dynamically adjust (150; 190) a distribution of traffic through a respective primary path and a respective backup path from the transmitting node to the receiving node.
US07660238B2 Mesh with protection channel access (MPCA)
A method for a communications network with a protect channel transmitting protect channel data and working channel transmitting working channel data includes transmitting the working channel data via the protect channel upon a disruption in the working channel, and restoring the transmitting of protect channel data, wherein the restoring includes applying a mesh restoration protocol to the communications network to restore the transmittal of the protect channel data. The restoring includes finding one or more alternate channels to transmit the protect channel data, the one or more alternate channels including connected working and protect channels. An apparatus disposed in a communication network having a protect channel and a working channel includes a node controller, a route processor coupled to the node controller, the route processor implementing a mesh restoration protocol, and a circuit coupled to the node controller and the route processor, the circuit including a logic gate for receiving signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel and a switch responsive to the signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel, the switch communicating with the route processor to implement mesh restoration of protect channel data. In one embodiment, the circuit is coupled to at least one line card, the line card transmitting the signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel. The circuit further includes an input/output circuit for receiving instructions identifying criteria for applying mesh restoration to protect channel data.
US07660237B2 Synchronous clock supply system and synchronous clock supply method
A switching unit (1011) receives video data (103) sent from a device (102), and sends an ATM cell synchronized with the clock to switching units (1012-1014) by a signal (including optical data) containing a frequency component serving as a synchronous clock supply source. If a fault occurs midway along a line, the switching unit (1012) which detects the fault sends an AIS cell to an OAM connection (109). The termination switching unit (1014) switches a port f for receiving a synchronous clock to a port g, and sends back an RDI cell. The switching units (1013, 1012) which have received the RDI cell switch the synchronous clock to ports e and c and receive it, thus obtaining an identical clock.
US07660232B2 Interleaver design with column skip for IEEE 802.11n standard
A MIMO wireless system includes a transmitter having a parser that parses a bit stream into multiple spatial data streams and multiple interleavers corresponding to the multiple spatial data streams, where each interleaver interleaves the bits in the corresponding spatial data stream by performing column skip operation and frequency rotation, to increase diversity of the wireless system. The MIMO wireless system also includes a receiver that has deinterleavers that deinterleaves spatial bit streams transmitted by the transmitter.
US07660231B2 Interference cancellation method and receiver
The invention relates to an interference cancellation method and a receiver including interference canceller for suppressing a narrow-band interference signal from a received signal, converter for performing an orthonormal conversion of the signal into subspace components of a desired subspace, a decoder connected operationally to the output of the interference canceller, in which decoder an estimate for the received signal is obtained. The output of the decoder is operationally connected to the interference canceller, and the converter is arranged to determine an estimate for narrow-band interference properties, in which determination the estimate obtained from the output of the decoder is subtracted from the received signal before the orthonormal conversion is performed. By using the determined estimate, the interference canceller is arranged to reduce effect of the subspace components including narrow-band interference signals from the received signal.
US07660227B2 Optical information recording medium based on interference of converging spherical waves
An improved light-readable information recording medium is provided that comprises an optical data storage structure having lands and pits, in which the depth of the pits is about: λ 2 ⁢ n ⁢ m 1 + M T 2 , wherein λ is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, and n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits. The invention also provides an improved optical reading system with the parameters satisfying the relationship: nd = λ 2 ⁢ n ⁢ m 1 + M T 2 , wherein λ is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits, and d is the depth of the pits.
US07660221B2 Optical disk differentiating method and electronic device thereof
An optical disk differentiating method applied to an optical disk drive, in which a first level value, a second level value and an optical disk differentiating value generating program are stored and an optical disk is put. The method comprises the steps of: generating a laser beam impinging on the optical disk; generating a first reflex signal when the laser beam is reflected by a surface of the optical disk; generating a second reflex signal when the laser beam is reflected by a reflex layer of the optical disk; calculating a first time frame value when the first reflex signal is greater than or equal to the first level value, and rendering a first beginning time value when the first reflex signal firstly equals the first level value; enabling the optical drive to obtain an optical disk differentiating value according to the first time frame value and the optical disk differentiating value generating program; calculating a second beginning time value as the second reflex signal firstly equals the second level value; calculating a difference between the second beginning time value and the first beginning time value and defining the difference as a response time value; and comparing the response time value with the optical disk differentiating value to determine a type of the optical disk.
US07660217B2 Optical disc recording method and optical disc
A recording method for an optical disc having at least three recording layers (11, 12, 13, 14), in which test recording areas are formed in the odd-numbered recording layers (11, 13) and the even-numbered recording layers (12, 14) in positions that are mutually non-overlapping in the thickness direction of the optical disc, the test recording areas in the odd-numbered recording layers are formed in positions mutually aligned in the thickness direction, and the test recording areas in the even-numbered recording layers are formed in positions mutually aligned in the thickness direction. The time for test recording for determining the optimal recording power can be shortened.
US07660205B2 Method for determining the depth of a parking space using ultrasonic sensors and associated system
A method for determining the depth of a parking space using at least one ultrasonic vehicle sensor. According to the method, the following steps are carried out as the vehicle drives longitudinally past the parking space: a) an ultrasonic wave is emitted, b) echo signals of the emitted ultrasonic wave are collected within a measuring window, c) the dispersion is determined and/or the distribution of the echo signals within that dispersion is determined, d) a depth is defined if the dispersion range of all and/or several echo signals that form a concentration within the distribution lies below a pre-determinable threshold value.
US07660197B2 System for measuring stress in downhole tubulars
An apparatus for evaluating a tubular in a borehole of includes at least two electromagnetic acoustic transducers. The transducers are configured to generate and receive first and second acoustic waves in the tubular. A difference in velocity of the two acoustic waves is indicative of a stress field in the tubular.
US07660195B2 Attenuation mapping apparatus, systems, and methods
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include generating attenuation values associated with a set of multiple signals received by multiple receivers from a transmitted signal as a function of reception time and material velocity. The attenuation values may be stored in a memory and/or displayed on a display, perhaps in conjunction with a semblance map.
US07660192B2 Seismic streamer receiver selection systems and methods
Systems and methods for determining inline skew of one or more seismic streamers are disclosed. One system embodiment includes a seismic streamer including a plurality of receivers, a skew detector adapted to detect inline skew of the streamer, and a receiver selector adapted to select which receivers in the streamer to use in data acquisition based on the detected streamer inline skew. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07660185B2 Chip select controller and non-volatile memory device including the same
A chip select controller for a non-volatile memory device includes a first chip enable signal transfer unit, a second chip enable signal transfer unit, a first chip select pad, a second chip select pad, a third chip select pad and a chip select unit. The first chip enable signal transfer unit buffers first and second chip enable signals according to a control signal. The second chip enable signal transfer unit buffers third and fourth chip enable signals according to the control signal. The first chip select pad is configured to transfer a first chip select signal. The second chip select pad is configured to transfer a second chip select signal. The third chip select pad is configured to transfer the second chip select signal. The chip select unit addresses a specific chip according to the first chip select signal and the second chip select signal.
US07660181B2 Method of making non-volatile memory cell with embedded antifuse
A method of making a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a first electrode, forming at least one nonvolatile memory cell comprising a first diode portion, a second diode portion and an antifuse separating the first diode portion from the second diode portion, and forming a second electrode over the at least one nonvolatile memory cell.
US07660169B2 Device and method for non-volatile storage of a status value
A device for non-volatile storage of a status value indicating that there has been a condition, including a non-volatile storage, an energy storage for storing energy when applying a supply voltage, and a switching circuit to couple the energy storage to the non-volatile storage to write the status value thereto if the condition is present.
US07660164B2 Method for estimating threshold voltage of semiconductor device
A method is provided, which can improve the efficiency of device design by estimating the variation of threshold voltage according to the pulse widths of applied voltage for a semiconductor device in mass product.
US07660160B2 Flash memory device and method of operating the same
A method of performing a read operation in a flash memory device is disclosed. The flash memory has a memory cell array including at least one block, the block having a plurality of pages. The method comprises receiving a read command to read data from a selected page in the block; determining whether or not the block has any page that has not been programmed; performing a dummy data program operation on at least one page that is determined not to have been programmed; and executing the read command to read the data of the selected page after the dummy data program operation is completed.
US07660151B2 Method for programming an integrated circuit, method for programming a plurality of cells, integrated circuit, cell arrangement
Embodiment of the invention provide a method for programming an integrated circuit, methods for programming a plurality of cells, an integrated circuit, and a cell arrangement. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for programming an integrated circuit having a plurality of cells. The method includes grouping the plurality of cells into a first group of cells and a second group of cells depending on the cell state the cells should be programmed with. The first group of cells and the second group of cells each having a plurality of cells. The method further includes concurrently programming the cells of the first group of cells with a first cell state. After having programmed the cells of the first group of cells, the cells of the second group of cells are concurrently programmed with a second cell state, which is different from the first cell state.
US07660141B2 Layout structures and methods of fabricating layout structures
Example embodiments may provide a layout structure and layout method for a memory device that may reduce the area of the memory device. Example embodiment layout structures may include a first region and/or a second region. First and second sensing MOS transistors of a sense amplifier that senses data of a bit line and a complementary bit line may be arranged in the first region. First, second and third equalization MOS transistors of an equalizer that equalizes the bit line and the complementary bit line may be arranged In the second region located apart from the first region, Sensing NMOS transistors and equalization NMOS transistors may share an N-type active region in the layout structure of a memory device, and the area of a sense amplifier may be reduced.
US07660129B2 Printed circuit board, solder connection structure and method between printed circuit board and flexible printed circuit board
There is provided a printed circuit board in which a PCB and an FPC can be readily located, a solder connection structure and method between a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 1 includes a plurality of pads 2 for mounting a flexible printed circuit board, wherein a solder resist 3 is formed on the surface of the printed circuit board so as to expose the pads 2 and convex portions are formed by insulation print layers 4 around the pads 2.
US07660128B2 Apparatus for electrical and optical interconnection
A circuit package includes a circuit substrate having a cutout portion defined therein, an interconnect electrically coupled to the circuit substrate and an active circuit component disposed off the circuit substrate within the cutout portion and electrically coupled to the interconnect. An optical circuit includes a lead frame and an optical component electrically coupled to the lead frame. The lead frame includes a first lead portion at a first level having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second lead portion at a second level lower than the first level and electrically connected to the first lead portion. The lower surface of the first lead portion is arranged to electrically connect to a surface of a circuit substrate. The second lead portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The optical component is disposed on the upper surface of the second lead portion.
US07660124B2 Digital micromirror device module
A digital micromirror device (DMD) module includes a circuit board, a DMD element, a soft elastic pad, a heat dissipation pad and a heat sink. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface and a through hole, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The DMD element is electrically connected to the circuit board. The soft elastic pad is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and surrounds the through hole. The heat dissipation pad passes through the through hole and contacts the DMD element. The soft elastic pad is sandwiched between the circuit board and the heat sink, the heat dissipation pad is sandwiched between the heat sink and the DMD element, and the heat sink contacts the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad, so as to apply a force to the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad.
US07660122B2 Electrical apparatus, cooling system therefor, and electric vehicle
An inverter apparatus includes a liquid path in which cooling water flows, and in which the cooling water performs cooling at a cooling part located directly underneath the power circuit part of the inverter apparatus. The liquid path includes a first partial structure part formed between a feed pipe and the cooling part, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually reduced in the short-side direction of the cooling part and that is gradually enlarged in the long-side direction thereof; and a second partial structure part formed between the cooling part and a drain pipe, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually enlarged from the short-side of the cooling part and that is gradually reduced from the long-side thereof.
US07660116B2 Rack with integrated rear-door heat exchanger
Rack assemblies and methods for cooling one or more rack-based computer systems, as well as data center configurations that utilize the rack assembly. The rack assembly comprises a rack providing support for multiple columns of heat-generating electronic devices and device fans for moving air from an air inlet side of the rack through the devices and through an air outlet side of the rack. The rack assembly also comprises a unitary door having a support frame spanning the air outlet side of the rack and hingedly coupling the door to a rear vertical edge of the rack. The door includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger panel spanning an air outlet passage inside the support frame so that substantially all of the air passing through the air outlet must pass through the heat exchanger panel. The air outlet passage has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the multiple columns of heat-generating devices.
US07660113B2 Thin display
This thin liquid crystal television includes a thinly formed display portion displaying images and a stand member rotatably mounted on the back surface of the display portion and so formed as to support the display portion without bringing the lower surface of the display portion into contact with a receiving surface and to form a grip of the display portion by protruding upward beyond the display portion when rotated with respect to the display portion.
US07660111B2 Removable cooling duct with interlocking dovetail connections for an air tight thermal seal
A method and incorporated assembly is provided for cooling of an electronic device or component. The assembly comprises a thermal duct having a fixed duct portion and a removable duct portion. The portions each have complementary interlocking components to secure them to one another. Also a first attachment block is provided. The first attachment block has complementary interlocking portions with the fixed and removable duct portions such that the block can be secured at least partially to each of the fixed duct portion and the removable duct portion. A second attachment block is also provided that has a complementary interlocking portion with the removable duct portion. This second attachment block can be secured to one or more electronic devices requiring cooling.
US07660106B2 Display device
A supporting mechanism movably supports a display body, a display surface of which is in the vertical position and in an inclined position. A pressing mechanism has an elastic member which stores repulsive force by being pressed by the display body as the display body moves from the vertical position to the inclined position, and presses the display body by the repulsive force in the direction from the inclined position to the vertical position. A position holding mechanism holds the display body at an optional position anywhere between the vertical position and the inclined position.
US07660103B2 Electronic device and electronic system
An electronic device includes: a main unit; a cap unit that is capable of having a portable electronic device attached thereto; an instructing unit that issues an instruction to designate a tilt angle of the cap unit with respect to the main unit; a driving unit that drives the cap unit in accordance with the instruction from the instructing unit; and a controlling unit that controls the operation of the driving unit in accordance with the instruction from the instructing unit, when the portable electronic device is not attached to the cap unit.
US07660102B2 Bus bar block
The invention relates to a bus bar block with a first bus bar and a second bus bar, each of which has an insulating enclosure, which is at least partially open on one side across from the base side, with, in each enclosure, at least one terminal bar being arranged on which several terminal lugs are arranged such that they protrude from the enclosure in sections through the at least partially open side, with the two bus bars being arranged on a holding device such that their base areas are facing each other, with the holding device for each terminal bar of one of the two bus bars having an electro-conductive connection element, which is designed such that it can be connected with a first end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the first bus bar and with a second end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the second bus bar and such that it makes a connection to a connection contact.
US07660089B2 Voltage rise suppression circuit and panel television
Included are a Zener diode D2 having a cathode connected onto a voltage output line, dividing resistors having one terminal connected to the anode of the Zener diode D2 and having the other terminal grounded, a transistor Q1 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors via a resistor and having an emitter grounded, a transistor Q2 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors and having an emitter grounded, and a microcomputer having an undervoltage detection terminal 10a which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q1 and to which 3.3 V is externally applied and a power supply terminal 10b which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q2 and via which a P-ON-H signal of 3.3 V that starts a power supply circuit 126 when the power supply is turned on is transmitted.
US07660085B2 Semiconductor device
A conventional layout of power supply protective element cannot sufficiently protect an internal circuit against a surge current that flows into a narrow branch line that branches off from a thick main wiring line. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply protective element connected around a terminal; a main wiring line connected with a VCC pad or a GND pad; a branch line that branches off from the main wiring line and applies a power supply potential or a ground potential to a functional block of the semiconductor device; a branching portion at which the branch line branches off from the main wiring line; and an internal power supply protective element connected with the branch line.
US07660075B1 Disk drive including an actuator latch with a pivot ball in a latch post opening and between a VCM top plate and the latch
A disk drive includes a housing including a support post extending from the housing. The support post defines a post axis. The disk drive further includes an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing. The disk drive further includes a VCM top plate physically coupled to the housing and comprising a ferromagnetic metal. The disk drive further includes a VCM magnet magnetically coupled to the VCM top plate. The disk drive further includes an actuator latch contactable with the actuator. The latch includes a post opening. The latch is pivotably mounted about the support post with the support post disposed in the post opening. The disk drive further includes a pivot ball disposed in the post opening and partially protruding from the latch between the VCM top plate and the latch along the post axis.
US07660071B1 Disk drive with altitude detection air vane
A disk drive includes a rotatable data storage disk and a vane positioned adjacent to the disk that receives airflow generated during rotation of the disk. A sensor is operably coupled to the vane and measures airflow force on the vane. Because of a known relationship between altitude and airflow force, the amount of airflow force on the vane is indicative of altitude of the disk drive. The sensor provides an output signal that is indicative of measured airflow force on the vane. The vane surface may be oriented substantially orthogonal to a plane of the disk or substantially parallel with a plane of the disk.
US07660063B2 Managing data storage media and multiple cartridge memories of a data storage cartridge
A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
US07660056B1 Lens barrel
An improved lens barrel and related methods are provided. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel includes a housing comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A first lens element having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the first section is enclosed by the first section of the housing. A second lens element is provided having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter of the second section.
US07660052B2 Optical barrel enclosing rod lenses
An optical barrel (1) enclosing rod lenses (2) of a rigid endoscope optics, the rod lenses being contacted by the barrel in zones wherein an inwardly deforming, blade (4, 4′) cut free by two associated cutouts (5, 5′) in the barrel (1) is designed at each zone to make contact with rod lens (2).
US07660050B2 Imaging lens, camera module, and portable terminal apparatus
An imaging lens comprises, in order from an object side: a first lens having a positive refractive power and a meniscus shape and having a convex surface directed to the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power in the vicinity of an optical axis of the imaging lens; and a third lens having a positive refractive power in the vicinity of the optical axis, wherein at least one surface of each of the second lens and the third lens is an aspheric surface; and the imaging lens satisfies the following conditional expression expressions: 0.7
US07660033B2 Electrophoretic display device and electronic apparatus
An electrophoretic display device includes a display element including a pair of first and second substrates which are opposed to each other, and a microcapsule enclosing a display material changed in optical characteristics in response to an electric impulse, the microcapsule being sandwiched between the first and second substrates; and a protective film sealing the display element. In the display device, a first electrode is provided on the surface of the first substrate which faces the second substrate, a second electrode is provided on the surface of the second substrate which faces the first substrate, and a spacer is provided in the space between the periphery of the facing surface of the first substrate and the first electrode.
US07660028B2 Apparatus and method of dual-mode display
One embodiment includes display comprising a light modulator configured to display a portion of an image such as a reflective light modulator, a light emitter configured to display the portion of the image and a circuit configured to selectively provide signals to at least one of the light modulator and the light emitter indicative of the portion of the image. In one such embodiment, an active matrix provides a simple, efficient drive for such devices. Other embodiments methods of making and driving such devices.
US07660019B2 Products with data-encoding pattern
A method and apparatus for producing a document having human-readable content and a position identifying encoding pattern. A printer places text or other content onto a substrate, such as paper, and a filter material application system applies transparent filter material to at least a portion of that content to only modify the reflectivity of the content at a predetermined wavelength. Because the reflectivity of the position identifying encoding pattern remains unchanged, it is distinguishable from the content and can be read at the predetermined wavelength. The position identifying pattern can take a number of forms including a number of dots printed at predetermined positions on the substrate on an imaginary grid.
US07660018B2 Image reading device and noise detecting method
An image reading device compares pixel values of an image data, which is output when a document is not at a reading position, with a threshold and generates a first dust detection data; compares a image data, which is output while the document is passing the reading position, with a threshold and generates a second dust detection data; when dust is indicated as being present at a matching position in a main scanning direction in both the first dust detection data and the second dust detection data, generates a third dust detection data; and judges that noise is present when the third dust detection data indicates that dust is continuously present for at least a prescribed length in a sub scanning line direction.
US07660016B2 Image-processing apparatus, an image-forming apparatus, and a program
An image-processing apparatus for quantizing multi-level (M-level) image data into N-level values, where M>N>1, using a multi-level error-diffusion process or a minimum-average multi-level error method is disclosed.The image-processing apparatus includes: means for outputting correction data; means for setting a quantization-threshold value; means for comparing the correction data and the quantization-threshold value so as to output N-level image data; and means for calculating an error generated with generating the N-level image data.
US07660000B2 Stabilizing print job manager
Job starting processing and terminating processing of a printer is kept to the necessary minimum thereby to increase the efficiency of the printer. Print output is performed in accordance with print settings designated in print information, such as a print style of binding, the number of copies, and paper size, and a file output port, which is a characteristic of the present invention, is used as an output destination. An output print job file is sent to a common folder monitored by a job manager. The job manager executes scheduling operations at the time when the print job file is received in the common folder. The job manager also determines order characteristics, such as priority and quality, of the print job file, rearranges job schedules, and generates a stabilizing processing execution job when stabilizing processing is necessary.
US07659989B2 Focus determination for laser-mask imaging systems
A system and method for calibrating the focal position of the imaging plane of a sequential lateral solidification (SLS) system. A test pattern is formed on a test substrate while varying the z-position of the focal position. Information concerning the z-position of the focal position is stored by a data processing system for various positions in the test pattern. An inspection light beam is directed onto the test pattern at a predetermined angle. The reflection of the inspection light beam is detected by an optical detector. The data processing system analyzes the reflection and determines whether the reflected light is substantially specular or substantially scattered. The data processing system uses the analysis of the reflected light and the information concerning the z-position of the focal position to select an optimal focal position for calibrating the SLS system.
US07659987B2 Device and method for acquiring information on objective substance to be detected by detecting a change of wavelength characteristics on the optical transmittance
An information-acquiring device for acquiring information on an objective substance to be detected, which is provided with a sensing element that has a surface capable of fixing the objective substance to be detected thereon, and makes applied light change its wavelength characteristics in response to the fixed state of the objective substance to be detected onto the surface, a light source, and light-receiving means for receiving light emitted from the light source through the sensing element, has the light-receiving means and the light source arranged on the same substrate so that the light which has been emitted from the light source and has been transmitted through the sensing element can be led to the light-receiving means, and has means for varying the wavelength regions of each light incident on each of a plurality of the light-receiving means installed in an optical path from the light source to the light-receiving means.
US07659982B2 Quantitative evaluation of a color filter
A quantitative evaluation of a color filter (10) in accordance with the capacity of said filter to restore hues comprises the use of a numerical color appearance model. Values of a perceptive attribute are calculated for hue samples (20), by simulating the observation of each of the samples through the filter (10) and without a filter. The values of the perceptive attribute correspond to the visual perception of the samples by an observer (40), and a deviation between the values with and without filter constitutes the result of the evaluation of the filter. Such a method makes it possible to quantitatively rank several color filters, and the ranking obtained corresponds to that which would be established by real observers evaluating the filters.
US07659981B2 Apparatus and method for probing integrated circuits using polarization difference probing
A system for probing a DUT is disclosed, the system having a pulsed laser source, a CW laser source, beam optics designed to point a reference beam and a probing beam at the same location on the DUT, optical detectors for detecting the reflected reference and probing beams, and a collection electronics. The beam optics is a common-path polarization differential probing (PDP) optics. The common-path PDP optics divides the incident laser beam into two beams of orthogonal polarization—one beam simulating a reference beam while the other simulating a probing beam. Both reference and probing beams are pointed to the same location on the DUT. Due to the intrinsic asymmetry of a CMOS transistor, the interaction of the reference and probing beams with the DUT result in different phase modulation in each beam. This difference can be investigated to study the response of the DUT to the stimulus signal.
US07659978B2 Photobleaching by high power pulses
A pulse photobleaching methodology wherein a monochromatic illumination (e.g., laser illumination) having a higher power intensity (photobleaching power) just below the photodamage threshold of a luminescent sample is initially used to significantly attenuate sample luminescence without photothermally destroying the sample material. Thereafter, the laser power density may be reduced to a significantly lower level (analytical power level) to carry out spectroscopic measurements (e.g., collection of Raman scattered photons) on the sample. In one embodiment, the laser illumination wavelength remains the same despite changes in laser power intensity. Some figures-of-merit may be computed from optical measurements made at the analytical power level to guide the photobleaching process. Sample-dependent combinations of laser power density and short exposure times may be obtained to significantly expedite photobleaching to assist in collection of sample spectral data in the field without a long wait. Portable spectroscopy systems employing pulse photobleaching may be devised for expeditious collection of spectral data from luminescent samples in the field.
US07659976B2 Devices and methods for inspecting optical elements with a view to contamination
Described is an examination system (1) for locating contamination (2) on an optical element (4) installed in an optical system (5), which examination system (1) comprises: a spatially resolving detector (6); imaging optics (7) that magnify in particular at a magnification of between 2 times and 100 times, for magnified imaging of a surface sub-region (3a) of the optical element (4) on the spatially resolving detector (6); as well as a movement mechanism (12), in particular a motorized movement mechanism (12), for displacing the imaging optics (7) together with the detector (6) relative to the surface (3) of the optical element (4) such that any desired surface sub-region of the surface (3) can be imaged at magnification.
US07659972B2 Rail measurement system
A system and method of continuously measuring the profile of a rail in real time is disclosed. The rail which the profile is obtained in position on a track bed, The system includes a means for transmitting a beam of light at a selected wavelength onto the rail to illuminate a portion of the rail. The light is preferably a beam of laser light. A digital image of said illuminated portion of said rail is recorded. The digital image is manipulated to filter all light except for the selected wavelength. Rail wear is determined from the digital image created by the selected wavelength of light.
US07659967B2 Translational optical flow sensor
An optical flow sensor is presented that directly measures the translational component of the optical flow experienced by the sensor while it is on a moving platform. The translational optical flow is measured by using a gyro to measure the platform's angular rates and then incorporating these angular rates in the optical flow computations in a manner that bypasses lags in the optical flow sensor measurement. In one embodiment, individual “velocity report” optical flow measurements have their rotational component removed before these velocity reports are utilized in the remainder of the optical flow algorithm. In another embodiment, a movable window and shifting techniques are used to form a windowed image that has no rotational optical flow components. In another embodiment, an optical flow sensor is mounted on a gimbal and held to point in one direction even as the platform on which the optical flow sensor is mounted moves.
US07659964B2 Level adjustment systems and adjustable pin chuck thereof
A level adjustment system. The level adjustment system includes an adjustable pin chuck, an evacuation device, a level detection device and a length control device. The adjustable pin chuck includes a base and a variable pin to support a substrate. The base includes a recess and an evacuation channel connected thereto. The variable pin is disposed in the recess. The evacuation device is connected to the evacuation channel to evacuate the recess, such that the substrate is attached to the base and variable pin. The level detection device is disposed on the adjustable pin chuck to detect the horizontality of a target surface of the substrate. The length control device is electrically connected to the level detection device and variable pin. The length control device changes the length of the variable pin to adjust level of the target surface of the substrate according to the detected horizontality.
US07659956B2 Pixel unit and display device utilizing the same
A pixel unit comprising a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer comprises a gate electrode and a first electrode. The second metal layer comprises a drain electrode, a source electrode, and a second electrode. The drain electrode overlaps the gate electrode in a first overlapping region. The source electrode overlaps the gate electrode in a second overlapping region. The second electrode overlaps the first electrode in a third overlapping region. The size of the first electrode approximates that of the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are staggered.
US07659950B2 Liquid crystal display module having electrode pairs in partitioned light emitting spaces, respectively
A liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal display panel, a surface light-emitting lamp irradiating light to the liquid crystal display panel by a surface light-emission, and a power source supplying an electric power to the surface light-emitting lamp. The surface light-emitting lamp includes a frame having a light-emitting space, a first barrier rib formed partitioning the lamp into light-emitting spaces and electrode pairs for generating electric fields in the light-emitting spaces, respectively.
US07659933B2 Imaging device and driving method for solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device of the present invention includes: photodiodes having a vertical overflow drain structure; vertical shift registers for temporarily storing signals transferred from the photodiodes; and a horizontal shift register for storing and horizontally transferring signals transferred from the vertical shift registers, wherein a φSUB pulse is applied to the substrate, the φSUB pulse having a larger pulse width than a φV pulse applied to the gate electrode of each vertical shift register. Thus, it is possible to sweep out smear charges from the photodiode toward the substrate.
US07659932B2 Solid state imaging apparatus and its driving method
A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising a semiconductor substrate, a multiplicity of photo electric conversion elements, a vertical electric charge transfer device having a plurality of vertical electric charge transfer channels, reading out parts, each comprising a reading out electrode, wherein the reading out electrode and at least one of transfer electrodes adjoining to the reading out electrode are adjoining to same photo electric conversion element is characterized by that electric charge accumulated in each photo electric conversion element is transferred by every other line of vertical electric charge transfer channels in the vertical direction. The solid-state imaging apparatus can prevent color mixture even when the inter-VCCD blooming is occurred.
US07659927B2 Digital video camera and mode changing method
According to an embodiment of the invention, in a digital video camera using a non-tape recording medium, the user can select whether to save a moving image file in a divided form or as one file, when recording a moving image, by changing the function of a REC button. When one moving image file has been saved in a divided form, a moving image file to be reproduced is easily searched, and a moving image is quickly played from an object chapter, or from a divided sub-file.
US07659915B2 Portable reading device with mode processing
A reading device includes a computing device and an image input device coupled to the computing device for capturing low resolution images and high resolution images. The reading machine also includes a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium. The medium is in communication with the computing device and includes instructions to operate in a plurality of modes to optimize performance for specific uses of the reading device and process low and high resolution images during operation of at least one of the plurality of modes.
US07659911B2 Method and apparatus for lossless and minimal-loss color conversion
A method and apparatus for perfectly lossless and minimal-loss interconversion of digital color data between spectral color spaces (RGB) and perceptually based luma-chroma color spaces (Y′CBCR) is disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides a process for converting digital pixels from R′G′B′ space to Y′CBCR space and back, or from Y′CBCR space to R′G′B′ space and back, with zero error, or, in constant-precision implementations, with guaranteed minimal error. This invention permits digital video editing and image editing systems to repeatedly interconvert between color spaces without accumulating errors. In image codecs, this invention can improve the quality of lossy image compressors independently of their core algorithms, and enables lossless image compressors to operate in a different color space than the source data without thereby becoming lossy. The present invention uses fixed-point arithmetic with signed and unsigned rounding normalization at key points in the process to maintain reversibility.
US07659898B2 Multi-execution resource graphics processor
A dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor comprises a spreader that creates graphic objects for processing and assigns and distributes the created objects for processing to one or more execution blocks. Each execution block is coupled to the spreader and receives an assignment for processing a graphics object. The execution block pushes the object through each processing stage by scheduling the processing of the graphics object and executing instruction operations on the graphics object. The dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor includes one or more fixed function units coupled to the spreader that are configured to execute one or more predetermined operations on a graphics object. An input/output unit is coupled to the spreader, the one or more fixed function units, and the plurality of execution blocks and is configured to provide access to memory external to the dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor.
US07659894B2 Terminating spatial partition hierarchies by a priori bounding memory
The present invention provides methods, systems and computer program code (software) products for terminating spatial partition hierarchies and other hierarchies by a priori bounding.
US07659887B2 Keyboard with a touchpad layer on keys
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a keyboard with integrated key and touchpad. In an example embodiment, a keyboard is provided that includes a plurality of keys, each key being capable of being pressed to select one or more keyboard inputs. The keyboard also includes a micro touchpad provided on an upper surface of a first key of the keys to allow pointer control by moving a finger or other object across a top surface of the micro touchpad.
US07659884B2 Battery-receiving structure of wireless mouse
A battery-receiving structure of a wireless mouse has a front section structure belonging to a front part and a receiving structure belonging to a rear part. The receiving structure has a first latching part, a second latching part, a seat body with multiple battery holes and an upper cover covering the seat body. A first latching body and a second latching body are set inside the upper cover corresponding to the first latching part and the second latching part. Meanwhile, the first latching body and the second latching body are latched to the first latching part and the second latching part. An existent upper cover is used as a battery cover; therefore, the battery cover does not need not to be molded additionally and the cost is lowered. In addition, the space inside the mouse is also fully used.
US07659882B2 Method and apparatus for use in determining an activity level of a user in relation to a system
Methods and techniques for use in the operation of a game apparatus or other system for determining an activity level of a user in relation to the game apparatus or other system. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for performing such methods and techniques is also included, as well as an example system for implementation.
US07659878B2 Display control device
A display control device has: a shift register generating n shift pulses in series; a data hold block configured to hold n gradation data; and a DA converter for converting the n gradation data into corresponding gradation voltages. The data hold block includes: n first latch circuits configured to respectively latch the n gradation data in series in synchronization with the n shift pulses; and n second latch circuits provided between the DA converter and the n first latch circuits. An electrical connection between the first latch circuits and the second latch circuits is cut off while the first latch circuits receive the n gradation data. After the first latch circuits finish latching all the gradation data, the n gradation data are simultaneously supplied to the DA converter from the first latch circuits through the second latch circuits.
US07659877B2 Shift register and display device using the same
A shift register includes control circuits CNi (i=1 through n) corresponding to respective blocks, and a level shifter LSi+1 of the next stage is controlled by one of the outputs of the shift register and one of the outputs of flip-flops Fi. With this, a level shifter of the present stage operates only for a period minimum for outputting the shift output from the present block, so that the power consumption is reduced, Furthermore, it is possible to cause the outputs SL1 through SLn not to overlap each other.
US07659876B2 Driving a display with a polarity inversion pattern
This invention relates to a method for driving a display panel (DP) having pixels (P). The display panel (DP) is driven with a sequence of image frames. The image frames are converted to a drive signal (V2) comprising refresh frames with a refresh frame period (TR) shorter than the image frame period. A pixel (P) of the display panel (DP) is driven with an adapted drive signal having a first polarity during a first group of refresh frame periods, and having a reversed polarity during a subsequent second group of refresh frame periods. The first group and the second group each comprise at least two refresh frame periods.
US07659875B2 Gradation display reference voltage generating circuit and liquid crystal driving device
In a gradation display reference voltage generating circuit, first reference voltages (VH0 to VH63) produced by resistors for positive polarity (RH0 to RH64) of a first ladder circuit in a first reference voltage producing section (LDH) are output from reference voltage output terminals (T0 to T63), respectively, at the positive polarity drive, while second reference voltages (VL0 to VL63) produced by resistors for negative polarity (RL0 to RL64) of a second ladder circuit in a second reference voltage producing section (LDL) are output from the reference voltage outputs (T0 to T63), respectively, at the negative polarity drive. A resistance ratio of the resistors for positive polarity (RH0 to RH64) is different from a resistance ratio of the resistors for negative polarity (RL0 to RL64).
US07659867B2 Complex antenna
Provided is a complex antenna which corresponds to both a circularly polarized wave and a linearly polarized wave. The complex antenna includes a substrate, a power feed terminal, four helical antenna devices disposed on the substrate at intervals of 90 degrees, four delay lines having different lengths by a quarter wavelength, and four switch modules which are connected to the power feed terminal in common and each of which is connected to each helical antenna device and each delay line. Each switch module selects one of a first mode in which the power feed terminal and each helical antenna device are directly connected and a second mode in which each delay line is connected to each helical antenna device so that a phase of a power feed fed from the power feed terminal and propagated from each delay line to each helical antenna device can be sequentially shifted by 90 degrees.
US07659861B2 Dual frequency feed assembly
The invention discloses a dual frequency feed assembly for receiving signals of both a first band and a second band lower than the first band, or transmitting signals of one of the first band and the second band while receiving signals of the other band. The dual frequency feed assembly includes an orthogonal-mode transducer, which includes: a core unit having an inner waveguide, an outer waveguide with a diameter larger than that of the inner waveguide and the two waveguides being concentric, a first band output/input port connected to the inner waveguide, and a second band output/input port; and two or four detachable branch waveguides connected to the core unit. An O-ring is provided at each connection between the core unit and the branch waveguides. The dual frequency feed assembly further comprises a first band polarizer made of a metal septum and/or a second band polarizer made of dielectric slabs, when receiving circularly polarized signals. Both of them can be provided in the inner waveguide or the outer waveguide, respectively, which makes the feed assembly design more compact and suitable for mass production.
US07659858B2 Antenna and electronic device
An electronic device which includes a radio wave impermeably cylindrical case, a radio wave permeable cover covering an opening in one end of the case, a radio wave impermeable cover covering an opening in the other end of the case, and a circuit board and an antenna, both arranged between the two covers in the inner space. The antenna is connected to the board and includes an elongated core and a coil wound around an intermediate portion of the core. Magnetic flux introducing portions are provided on both end portions of the core, a radio wave permeable partition plate is arranged between the permeable cover and the antenna in the inner space, and a pair of flat and magnetic members are arranged between the partition plate and the antenna in the inner space and are magnetically connected to the flux introducing portions.
US07659855B2 Foldable portable radio device
Regardless of a user's hand holding condition, it is possible to obtain excellent antenna performance in both of folded and unfolded calling conditions.A folder type mobile radio apparatus includes an upper case 1301 having a first antenna element made of a metal plate 1305, a lower case 1302 having a second antenna element made of a circuit board 102, a hinge portion 1303 pivotably connecting the upper and lower cases 1301 and 1302, a first circuit board 101 having a ground pattern provided in an end side near the hinge portion 1303 in the lower case, an antenna switching unit 103 for selecting one of a first feed means for feeding the first antenna element for the radio circuit 1314 on the first circuit board 101 or a second feed means for feeding the second antenna element.
US07659852B2 Multi-band antenna with low-profile
A multi-band antenna includes a radiating element, a connecting element and a grounding element; the radiating element is made from a metal plate, and includes a first radiating portion and a second radiating portion having an end connect to one end of the first radiating portion. The first radiating portion, the second radiating portion and the connecting element is on the same planar, and the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion surround a rectangle rim.
US07659851B2 Radio frequency certificates of authenticity and related scanners
Radio frequency certificates of authenticity (RFCOAs) and associated scanners are presented. In one implementation, an array of miniaturized antenna elements in an RFCOA scanner occupies an area smaller than a credit card yet obtains a unique electromagnetic fingerprint from an RFCOA associated with an item, such as the credit card. The antenna elements are miniaturized by a combination of both folding and meandering the antenna patch components. The electromagnetic fingerprint of an exemplary RFCOA embeddable in a credit card or other item is computationally infeasible to fake, and the RFCOA cannot be physically copied or counterfeited based only on possession of the electromagnetic fingerprint.
US07659849B2 Frequency scanning antenna
Embodiments of the invention are concerned with frequency scanning antennas for transceiving radio frequency energy for use in detecting and monitoring ground-based targets.In one arrangement the frequency scanning antenna is embodied as a structure that is capable of steering a radio frequency beam to a plurality of different angles about the antenna structure: the antenna structure comprises at least two array antennas and a controller for controlling input of energy to the two array antennas, and the array antennas are disposed within the antenna structure such that the antenna structure is capable of steering a beam to a first angle using one of said two array antennas and of steering a beam to a second angle, different to said first angle, using the other of said two array antennas.Thus in embodiments of the invention two or more array antennas are arranged to form an antenna structure, and the feed to a respective antenna array of the antenna structure is coordinated so that individual scan areas can be combined to generate an increased overall scan region.
US07659847B2 Radar mining guidance control system
A coal-mining machine uses a ground-penetrating radar based on a software-definable transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a constant or variable different amount double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz. Processing suppresses the larger first interface reflection and emphasizes the smaller second, third, etc. reflections. Processing determines the electrical parameter of the natural medium adjacent to the antenna. Deep reflections at 90-degrees and 270-degrees create maximum reflection and will be illuminated with modulation signal peaks. Quadrature detection, mixing, and down-conversion result in 0-degree and 180-degree reflections effectively dropping out in demodulation.
US07659834B2 Direct wireless polling of model trains
A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number.
US07659832B2 Electrically controlled actuating element on a machine
An electrically controlled actuating element is arranged on a machine by a flange connection consisting of a mounting flange (4) and a machine flange (2), and is controlled by an electric control subsystem (6). Embedded in the mounting flange (4) in a predetermined geometric pattern is a plurality of electric switches (7.1-7.8, 8.1-8.8). Each switch is arranged in an electric circuit that connects to the control subsystem. In the machine flange (2), closing elements are arranged in some marking points of the geometric pattern in a geometric arrangement that is characteristic of the respective machine and associated to it. In an existing flange connection, the switches located in the respective marking points can be actuated by the closing elements. The control subsystem (6) of each consumer is provided with a memory (11), which stores the geometric arrangement of the closing elements that is characteristic of and associated to the machine.
US07659823B1 Tracking variable conditions using radio frequency identification
A method and system for tracking variable conditions using radio frequency identification (RFID) are disclosed. In embodiments of the present invention, an RFID sensor tag is used to measure a condition. The condition can be any measurable condition such as location, temperature, humidity, pressure, time, date, inertial measurements, etc. Variable data representing the measured condition is read from the RFID sensor tag in order to track the measured condition. The variable data can be read from RFID sensor tags in addition to reading tag identification data from RFID tags, so that the variable data can be associated with tag identification data.
US07659818B2 Bearing, and management system and method for the same
Installed in a ball bearing which supports a rotation axis (a supported part) freely rotatable are a control unit, a memory unit wherein specified bearing initial information proper to the ball bearing is stored, and a wireless tag equipped with a radio antenna and a transmission/reception unit which transmit/receive information between this memory unit and the exterior. Then, when the bearing motion information on the motion state of said ball bearing is input to the transmission/reception unit, the control unit has a memory unit which stores the motion information. By this, a bearing, its management system, and its management method wherein an appropriate information management is easy can be provided.
US07659812B2 Tire pressure monitor with diversity antenna system and method
An automotive tire pressure monitor with diversity antenna system employs a RF transmitter within each wheel/tire assembly and a vehicle mounted receiver with multiple receiving antennas. A first, primary antenna is located adjacent one vehicle window and a secondary antenna is located adjacent another vehicle window opposite the primary antenna. Both antennas are coupled to a receiver via a switch. The receiver feeds a processor, which is encoded to select the optimal antenna/receiver configuration based upon absolute signal strength (signal to noise), signal quality (completeness of encoded data) or signal reception rate. The signal received from the optimized antenna/receiver configuration is processed and transmitted to the host vehicle for system intervention and or display to an operator.
US07659808B1 Automotive messaging display unit
The present invention relates to a communication systems, and more specifically to a vehicular messaging display unit. The unit allows one of a plurality of messages to be displayed on at least one of the front or rear windshield to other drivers. A remote control unit is provided for customizing messages by the user in terms of content and appearance as well as for controlling the display of the messages. The display is designed so that it does not impede the safety of drivers.
US07659801B2 Starter
A starter includes a starter motor, a main circuit section, a main switch section including a main contact section to cut a current, a main plunger driven to open and close the main contact section, suction and holding coils, battery and motor terminals, and a switch terminal connected to the battery through a start switch, and opening and closing the main contact section in accordance with movement of the main plunger, a suction circuit section connected in parallel with the main circuit section and connected in series with the suction coil, a holding circuit section connected in series with the holding coil, and a breaking section connected in series with the suction coil inside the suction circuit section. The breaking section cuts electricity conduction when electricity is continuously conducted to the suction coil to bring about layer short circuit and a short circuit current flows at the suction circuit section.
US07659800B2 Electromagnetic relay assembly
An electromagnetic relay enables current to pass through switch termini and comprises a coil assembly, a rotor or bridge assembly, and opposing, balanced switch assemblies. The coil assembly comprises a coil and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound round a coil axis extending through the core. The core comprises core termini parallel to the coil axis. The bridge assembly comprises a bridge and a pair of actuators. The bridge comprises medial, lateral, and transverse field pathways. The actuators extend laterally from the lateral field pathway. The core termini are coplanar with the axis of rotation and received intermediate the medial and lateral field pathways. The actuators are cooperable with the switch assemblies. The coil creates a magnetic field directable through the bridge assembly via the core termini for imparting bridge rotation about the axis of rotation. The bridge rotation displaces the actuators for opening and closing the switch assemblies.
US07659798B2 Piezoelectric vibration piece and piezoelectric device
A piezoelectric vibration piece includes a base made of a piezoelectric material; a plurality of vibration arms which is integrally formed with the base and extends in parallel; elongate grooves which are formed along longitudinal directions of the vibration arms; and excitation electrodes which include inner electrodes disposed in the elongate grooves and side electrodes disposed in side surfaces facing the inner electrodes, wherein widening portions in which the widths of the vibration arms are widened toward the base at a joint between the vibration arms of the base are formed, and the side electrodes are led to principal surfaces and side surfaces of the widening portions.
US07659790B2 High speed signal transmission line having reduced thickness regions
Apparatus and associated systems and methods may include one or more features for high speed transmission line structures that may substantially reduce signal degradation due to effects, such as dielectric loss, parasitic capacitance, cross-talk, and/or reflections. For example, one such feature may include a dielectric layer having a reduced thickness within at least a part of a region that extends between two conductors fabricated on a PCB (printed circuit board). In some embodiments, the dielectric layer may include a solder mask layer that is partially or substantially absent in the region between two coplanar conductors. In another embodiment, a substrate layer made of a dielectric material may include a trench in the region between the two conductors. Another such feature, for example, may include a conductor having vias spaced less than a quarter wavelength apart to substantially reduce resonance effects on propagating high frequency signals.
US07659786B2 Ring oscillator
A ring oscillator includes a first logic block having a first input connected to a specific point along a delay path, a first output and a second output, and a second logic block having a first input connected to the first output of the first logic block, a second input connected to the second output of the first logic block, a third input connected to the end of the delay path, and a first output connected to the beginning of the delay path. The first logic block is arranged to alternately switch its first output and second output from logical HIGH to logical LOW, and vice versa, every time a rising edge is input into its first input. The second logic block is arranged to alternately select its first input and its second input every time a rising edge is input into its third input.
US07659781B2 Active resistor used in a feedback amplifier particularly useful for proximity communication
An active resistor and its use in a negative feedback amplifier allow wide voltage swings on the input and output signals. One embodiment includes parallel pass-gate MOS transistors of opposite conductivity types connected between the input and output nodes. Bootstrapping transistors are connected between the gates of the pass-gate transistors and respective bias voltages. Coupling capacitors are connected between the gates and the output node. Additional coupling capacitors may be connected between the gates and the input node to make the resistor symmetric. In other embodiments, only one pass-gate transistor is used.
US07659779B2 Method and system for polar modulating OFDM signals with discontinuous phase
Aspects of a method and system for polar modulating OFDM signals with discontinuous phase may include amplifying an OFDM signal via a plurality of amplifiers such that a combined gain of the plurality of amplifiers comprises a coarse amplitude gain and an amplitude offset gain. A gain of one or more of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the coarse amplitude gain, and a gain of one or more remaining ones of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the amplitude offset gain. The setting of the coarse amplitude gain and/or the amplitude offset gain may be adjusted dynamically and/or adaptively.
US07659778B2 Apparatus and method for class D amplifier with sampling rate conversion
A class D amplifier is provided. The class D amplifier includes an interpolator, a sampling rate converter, a pulse width modulator, a sigma-delta modulator, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse generator (PPG). The sampling rate converter interpolates the output of the interpolator such that the sampling rate converter up-samples the interpolator output by a factor that is greater than one and less than two. The pulse width modulator outputs a multi-bit digital signal. The sigma-delta modulator performs sigma-delta modulation on the pulse width modulator output, the order of the sigma-delta modulation is programmable, and the output of the sigma-delta modulator is a multi-bit, digital signal. At least one of the orders to which the sigma-delta modulator can be programmed is greater than two. The PPG provides a pulse signal such that the width of each pulse is based on the value of the sigma-delta modulator output.
US07659771B2 Differential charge pump
A differential charge pump includes a differential charge pump unit, current adjusting device, and common mode voltage control circuit. The differential charge pump unit is used for generating a output voltage signal according to a pump-up signal and a pump-down signal. The current adjusting device is coupled to the differential charge pump unit for providing an adjusting current signal to the differential charge pump unit as the pump-up signal and pump-down signal are both enabled or disabled. The control circuit is coupled to the differential charge pump unit for outputting a feedback signal to the differential charge pump unit according to the output voltage signal.
US07659756B2 MOSFET transistor amplifier with controlled output current
A switched current source has a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and a third voltage source. A first transistor has a drain terminal coupled to one terminal of a load and a source terminal coupled to the third voltage source. A second transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor. The gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first voltage source. A third transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the second voltage source. The gate terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the first voltage source.
US07659752B2 Noise filter circuit
Provided is a noise filter circuit capable of outputting only a normal signal pulse in synchronization with a clock signal without passing the noise pulse on to a subsequent stage, even if a noise pulse having a width that is larger than a delay time is inputted. The noise filter circuit according to the present invention has a flip-flop additionally provided to a stage subsequent to a noise removing circuit that uses a delay circuit. The delay time of a clock signal inputted to the flip-flop is made different from the delay time of the noise removing circuit to thereby obtain a normal signal pulse to be outputted in synchronization with the clock signal.
US07659747B2 Transmission device
A transmission device including: a driver unit which generates an output signal having an amplitude by a resistance division of a power-supply voltage; and an output-amplitude correction unit which generates current according to variation in the power-supply voltage, and corrects the amplitude by using the current.
US07659743B2 Method and apparatus for testing electronic components within horizontal and vertical boundary lines of a wafer
A method and an apparatus are provided which make it possible, when testing chips arranged on a wafer, to be able to test optionally both additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines and on vertical boundary lines. The additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines are tested in a first position of the wafer. For testing the additional components arranged on vertical boundary lines, the wafer is rotated about its vertical axis through 90° relative to the first position into a second position. The apparatus comprises a housing and, in the housing, at least one test probe for making contact with an electronic component, a chuck for moving the wafer and a rotatably mounted additional plate operatively connected to the chuck.
US07659740B2 System and method of digitally testing an analog driver circuit
Digital testing of an analog driver circuit is enabled using a circuit including a control circuit for generating signals, a differential driver circuit for receiving a differential input signal, amplifying the differential input signal and transmitting a differential output signal, a programmable termination impedance circuit for generating a differential termination impedance at the output node of the differential driver circuit, and a differential receiver circuit for converting the differential output signal to a single ended signal and transmitting the single ended signal. The testing includes skewing a differential output termination impedance, adjusting a differential receiver circuit voltage offset, selecting a differential driver circuit power level, enabling a decoder which activates only one differential driver circuit segment per test sequence, activating a segment, stimulating the differential driver circuit with digital test patterns, receiving differential driver circuit output, converting the output to a single-ended signal, and observing the single-ended signal.
US07659739B2 Knee probe having reduced thickness section for control of scrub motion
An improved knee probe for probing electrical devices and circuits is provided. The improved knee probe has a reduced thickness section to alter the mechanical behavior of the probe when contact is made. The reduced thickness section of the probe makes it easier to deflect the probe vertically when contact is made. This increased ease of vertical deflection tends to reduce the horizontal contact force component responsible for the scrub motion, thereby decreasing scrub length. Here “thickness” is the probe thickness in the deflection plane of the probe (i.e., the plane in which the probe knee lies). The reduced thickness probe section provides increased design flexibility for controlling scrub motion, especially in combination with other probe parameters affecting the scrub motion.
US07659735B2 Probe card capable of multi-probing
A probe card capable of multi-probing includes a print circuit board having a plurality of contact portions and a test module having a plurality of test boards. Each of the test boards includes at least one probing portion on which a plurality of needles are arrayed. The test module selects one of the test boards and probes semiconductor chips formed on a semiconductor wafer through the needles arrayed on the probing portion of the selected test board.
US07659734B2 Semiconductor inspection system and apparatus utilizing a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor and controlled illumination
A method and system for identifying a defect or contamination on the surface of a semiconductor or in a semiconductor. The method and system involves providing a semiconductor with a surface, such as a semiconductor wafer, providing a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor, providing a source of illumination with controllable intensity or distribution of wavelengths, using the illumination source to provide controlled illumination of the surface of the wafer under or near the non-vibrating contact potential sensor probe tip, using the non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor to scan the wafer surface during controlled illumination, generating data representative of changes in contact potential difference across the wafer surface, and processing that data to identify a pattern characteristic of a defect or contamination.
US07659733B2 Electrical open/short contact alignment structure for active region vs. gate region
An apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area. The apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area comprises the silicon area, and a plurality of polysilicon shapes each having a unique orientation relative to the silicon area wherein each of the polysilicon shapes is formed having an angle less than or equal to a critical angle. The critical angle is an angle at or below which a sidewall spacer no longer is formed on a polysilicon shape, thereby causing the polysilicon shape to short circuit to an underlying portion of the silicon area by way of a silicide bridge.
US07659726B2 Image forming apparatus with plural AC sources
An image forming apparatus includes two AC power input cords to be connected to an AC power source. The image forming apparatus can detect if at least one of the two AC power input cords is not connected to the AC power source. An input voltage detector or a zero-cross signal detector receives an input from the one AC input power cord, and detects a voltage state of connection to the AC power input cord. A controller utilizes signals from the input voltage detector or zero-cross signal detector to detect whether the one AC input power cord is connected to the AC power source. An operator can also be provided an indication if it is determined that the one AC power input cord is not connected to the AC power source.
US07659724B2 Surveying method using an arrangement of plural signal sources
The survey technique for use in a marine environment to survey a subterranean structure includes providing an arrangement of plural signal sources in a body of water to produce corresponding signals. The signals of the signal sources in the arrangement are set to cause reduction of at least one predetermined signal component in data received by a receiver in response to the signals.
US07659720B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method of setting slice-area/slice-volume orientation at each moved couch position
An observation-point arranging unit arranges an observation point indicating a portion to be included in a slice area on a positioning image displayed on a display device. A scanning-condition receiving unit receives a specification of a scanning condition including number of movements of a couch on which an object is placed during scanning and a size of the slice area. A slice-area setting unit sets the slice area including the observation point for each position to which the couch is to be moved, based on the observation point and the scanning condition. A scanning unit scans the object multiple times while moving the couch, based on the slice area.
US07659719B2 Cavity resonator for magnetic resonance systems
An magnetic resonance apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a coil having at least two sections, (b) the at least two sections having a resonant circuit, (c) the at least two sections being reactively coupled or decoupled, (d) the at least two sections being separable, (e) the coil having openings allowing a subject to see or hear and to be accessed through the coil, (f) a cushioned head restraint, and (g) a subject input/output device providing visual data to the subject, the input/output device being selected from the group consisting of mirrors, prisms, video monitors, LCD devices, and optical motion trackers.
US07659718B1 Blip design for random sampling compressed sensing of flyback 3D-MRSI
A method of providing a magnetic resonance spectral image (MRSI) is provided. A magnetic resonance imaging excitation is applied. Data is acquired, comprising applying an oscillating gradient in a first dimension and applying blips in at least a second dimension in a pseudo-random order to acquire pseudo-random temporally undersampled spectral data in at least two planes. The pseudo-random order is used to reconstruct a magnetic resonance spectral image in at least two dimensions.
US07659712B2 System and method for process measurement
Process measurement may be achieved by systems and techniques generating output signals based on the measured process. In certain implementations, process measurement systems and techniques may include the ability to generate a magnetic field and successively change the orientation of the magnetic field. The systems and techniques may also include the ability to sense the presence of at least a first orientation of the magnetic field with a magnetic field sensor including a conductor and at least two Wiegand-effect conductors as the magnetic field orientation is changed and to generate an electrical pulse in the conductor with each Wiegand-effect conductor when the first orientation of the magnetic field is sensed.
US07659711B2 Test handler including single-door-type stockers
A handler may include a handler system main body used for testing semiconductor devices; an open-type stocker portion on a front side of the handler system main body; and/or a plurality of single-door-type stockers in the open-type stocker portion. The single-door-type stockers may include windows on upper parts of front sides of the single-door-type stockers. The front sides of the single-door-type stockers may be protected. The handler also may include a front top door on an upper part of the front side of the handler system main body; locking stoppers below the windows of the single-door-type stockers; safety sensors on sides of the open-type stocker portion; and/or a working table in front of the open-type stocker portion. The open-type stocker portion may be below the front top door. The safety sensors may stop the handler when the single-door-type stockers are not closed.
US07659707B2 RF detector with crest factor measurement
An RF detector configured to provide two outputs, one being a function of the true RMS power level of an RF input signal, and the other being a function of the instantaneous/peak power of the RF input signal, normalized to the average power level. The RF detector includes a variable gain detection subsystem including a single detector or detector array that provides a representation of the power level of the RF input signal. The detector or detector array is common to both the RMS power detection channel and the instantaneous/peak power detection channel of the RF detector. A method of RF detection includes providing representations of the RF input signal at different gain levels, selecting one or more of the representations, and averaging the selected signals. The gain levels of the selected representations is adjusted to provide information about the average power level of the RF input signal.
US07659706B2 Current detector circuit and current-mode DC-DC converter using same
A current detector circuit for detecting a load current flowing through a load includes a first series circuit having a first element and the load connected in series, a second series circuit having a second element and a resistor connected in series, the second element having a temperature characteristic equal to the temperature characteristic of the resistance of the first element, a power supply configured to supply voltage to the first series circuit and the second series circuit, and a control circuit configured to control the voltage drop across the second element so that the voltage drop across the second element is equal to the voltage drop across the first element. A current detection signal corresponding to the load current is generated based on a current flowing through the second element.
US07659705B2 Low-power start-up circuit for bandgap reference voltage generator
A bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a bandgap voltage generation circuit that can produce a bandgap reference voltage in response to an activation voltage signal, a start-up circuit that can produce the activation voltage signal in response to one-shot voltage pulse and an one-shot pulse generator circuit configured to produce the one-shot voltage pulse. The start-up circuit can be automatically shut off after the one-shot voltage pulse.
US07659703B1 Zero generator for voltage regulators
A circuit for providing an improved “feed forward” zero in a feedback loop such that the zero has a frequency dependent on the transconductance (gm) of a common gate transistor, and pole and zero separation that is dependent on a multiple of the gm. The circuit includes an error amplifier and a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit provides a first feedback current and a second feedback current. The error amplifier receives a reference signal and a feedback signal. The feedback signal is provided by summing the first feedback current and the second feedback current.
US07659694B2 Self-aligning terminal block for battery pack
A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.
US07659690B2 Vehicular battery charging method
A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.
US07659689B2 Power conversion apparatus and method and automobile
An apparatus and method for supplying a polyphase (AC) alternating current motor with driving voltages. A conversion unit is coupled to phases of the polyphase AC motor and includes a plurality of switching devices and includes, in at least one phase, a first switching device between a bus of an AC power supply and an output terminal, a second switching device between a bus of a direct current (DC) power supply and the output terminal, and a third switching device between a common bus for the AC power supply and the DC power supply and the output terminal. Driving voltages for the polyphase AC motor are generated by selecting a voltage from among voltages having potential values corresponding to the AC power supply and the DC power supply, and the selected voltage is used to operate a switch of the plurality of switching devices.
US07659687B2 Intelligent drive
The invention relates to an electric drive (19) provided with a drive regulator (5), an electromotor (9) and a control device (3, 4, 7, 8) which is used to detect and monitor the threshold value of axis-relevant, electrical/mechanical operational state variables, and preventative error diagnosis. The control device (3, 4, 7, 8) comprises an additional monitoring device (6) which can analyze the operational state variables in order to recognize, at an earlier stage, possible deviations from tolerance ranges and to process the analysis results.
US07659686B2 Motor-generator control system
In a motor-generator control system for controlling a motor-generator, first and second sets of multiphase windings of a motor-generator are arranged to be spatially shifted in phase from each other. An allocating unit is configured to, upon input of workload request for the motor-generator, determine a first torque to be allocated to the first set of multiphase windings and a second torque to be allocated to the second set of multiphase windings. A resultant torque of the first torque and second torque meets the input workload request for the motor-generator. An energizing unit is configured to energize the first set of multiphase windings to create the first torque and energize the second set of multiphase windings to create the second torque.
US07659674B2 Wireless lighting control methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.
US07659672B2 LED driver
The present invention provides a flexible light emitter driver circuit which adjusts the luminance of the light emitter diodes (LED) by a manual input signal. The light emitter driver circuit comprises a Duty Ratio Change Logic, a PWM Generate and Control Logic, an oscillator, and a gate driver. The Duty Ratio Change Logic adjusts the duty cycle of the output signal according to the manual input signal. The PWM Generate and Control Logic generates a PWM signal according to the output signal to control the current of the LED, thus adjusts the luminance of the LED. The present invention further provides a highly flexible display system that comprises a light emitter driver circuit which can adjust the LED luminance by manual input signal.
US07659671B2 High-reliability light fixture and method
A light fixture includes multiple sets of light-producing devices, such as bulbs. A first set of bulbs is illuminated. When one or more bulbs in the first set of bulbs fails, the failure is detected, and a second set of bulbs is illuminated: If a number of good bulbs remaining falls below a predetermined threshold, the light fixture provides a notification that a bulb change is required. The notification may include visual, audio, or electronic notification. By providing multiple sets of bulbs and a controller to detect a bulb failure and automatically switch to a different set of bulbs, the light fixture and method of the preferred embodiments provide high-reliability lighting that automatically compensates when a bulb burns out.
US07659667B2 Plasma display device with chassis base formed of plastic and conductive material
A plasma display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the plasma display device includes a plasma display panel on which an image is displayed, a chassis base coupled to the rear side of the plasma display panel and formed of a material in which plastic and a conductive material are mixed, and at least one circuit board mounted on the rear side of the chassis base and driving the plasma display panel. According to embodiments of the present invention, a lightweight plasma display device can be manufactured, since the weight of the chassis base can be reduced by manufacturing the chassis base from a mixed material of plastic and a conductive material. Also, the grounding and EMI shielding of the circuit board or a signal transmitting member can be achieved.
US07659663B2 Organic light-emitting display device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device capable of blocking the infiltration of oxygen and moisture, etc. by encapsulating an array of pixels by interconnecting first and second substrates with a frit. The organic light-emitting display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate, an array of pixels interposed between the first and second substrates, and a frit positioned between the first and the second substrate to adhere the first substrate to the second substrate. The frit is formed to overlap with at least a part of scan drivers.
US07659662B2 Electroluminescence display device with microlens
An electroluminescence (EL) display device is disclosed with a microlens layer positioned between a light-emission layer and a color converting layer or a color filter layer. The microlens layer can be formed separately or integrally with an electrode of the EL display device. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer passes through an electrode and then through the microlens layer, which has a higher refractive index than the electrode to focus light in a predetermined direction. The light then passes through the color converting layer or a color filter layer to emit red, green, or blue light from the device. The microlens layer and color converting layer or color filter layer can be disposed for either active matrix or passive matrix, and for either a top-emission type, bottom-emission type, or dual emission type EL display device for improved external light coupling efficiency and brightness.
US07659661B2 Full color OLED and method of fabricating the same
A full color organic light emitting display device (OLED) and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The OLED includes an element substrate and an encapsulating substrate. The element substrate includes a color filter layer or a color conversion layer, as well as an organic layer with an emission layer that emits light of a single color. The encapsulating substrate includes a color filter or a color conversion layer and a moisture absorbent, and a the color filter or color conversion layer corresponds to the emission region. Accordingly, there is no need to have a separate process for the moisture absorbent and the color filter layer or the color conversion layer may be formed without using a shadow mask, so that a high resolution OLED may be advantageously realized.
US07659660B2 Organic EL panel having film layers with overlap deviations
The present invention is to ensure that when it has been judged that film-formation areas of a plurality of layers laminated on the same luminescent areas of organic EL devices involve a defect, it is possible to exactly find which layer of the multi-laminated layers is a defective layer. The film formation areas of layers to be laminated on luminescent area are formed in a manner such that overlap deviations e1-e3 are intentionally formed.
US07659653B2 Acoustic wave device and filter
An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first dielectric film formed on the piezoelectric substrate, and electrodes that are provided on the first dielectric film and excite an acoustic wave, the electrodes including electrode fingers. At least a part of the first dielectric film is cut out between adjacent electrode fingers among the electrode fingers.
US07659650B2 Self-magnetizing motor and compressor having the same
A self magnetizing motor and a compressor having the same is configured to require a lower starting voltage and to deliver superior performance. In the self magnetizing motor, a magnetic material on an exterior of the rotor is magnetized when power is supplied to a magnetizing unit of the stator. A plurality of conductive bars are inserted on the outer circumference of the rotor core. A spacing distance between outer portions of the conductive bars and inner circumference of the magnetizable material is longer than an air gap between the stator and the rotor. As a result, a magnetic strength of the magnetic material may be increased.
US07659641B2 Moving magnet type linear slider
In some embodiments, a moving magnet type linear slider capable of eliminating a magnet suction force caused by a linear motor to minimize the linear guide friction is provided. The field of the linear motor includes magnet track having a horizontally arranged generally U-shaped magnetic yoke and plural pairs of field permanent magnets arranged on inner opposed surfaces of the magnetic yoke with polarities arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic yoke, each pair of the filed permanent magnets being arranged with opposite polarities faced with each other. The armature of the linear motor includes an armature holder mounted on the side portion of the fixed base in a vertically extended manner, and a planar coreless armature holder horizontally held by the armature holder. The stroke direction length Lmg of the magnet track is set to be longer than the stroke direction length La of the armature. Furthermore, a gravity compensation spring for compensating the weight of the movable unit is provided at the bottom portion of the magnet track so as to face the fixed base.
US07659624B2 Semiconductor device having a nanoscale conductive structure
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating layer having an opening, the opening exposing a portion of the substrate, a hydrophobic layer covering substantially only a sidewall and a top surface of the insulating layer, and a nanoscale conductive structure on the exposed portion of the substrate.
US07659623B2 Semiconductor device having improved wiring
An electronic component such as a semiconductor device is provided which is capable of preventing wiring breakage in a stress concentration region of surface layer wiring lines. In a semiconductor device provided with a support ball (5), no ordinary wiring line is formed in a region (7(A)) in the vicinity of the support ball (5) and a region (7(B)) at the end of the semiconductor chip facing the support ball (5), which are the stress concentration regions of the package substrate (2). Instead, a wiring line (6(C)) is formed away from these regions or a wide wiring line is formed in these regions.
US07659616B2 On-chip cooling systems for integrated circuits
Structures and methods for forming the same. A semiconductor chip includes a substrate and a transistor. The chip includes N interconnect layers on the substrate, N being a positive integer. The chip includes a cooling pipes system inside the N interconnect layers. The cooling pipes system does not include any solid or liquid material. Given any first point and any second point in the cooling pipes system, there exists a continuous path which connects the first and second points and which is totally within the cooling pipes system. A first portion of the cooling pipes system overlaps the transistor. A second portion of the cooling pipes system is higher than the substrate and lower than a top interconnect layer. The second portion is in direct physical contact with a surrounding ambient.
US07659610B2 Flash memory card
A Flash memory card is disclosed comprising a substrate, a Flash memory die on top of the substrate, a controller die on top of the Flash memory die, and an interposer coupled to with the controller die and on top of the Flash memory die wherein the interposer results in substantial reduced wire bonding to the substrate. The interposer can surround or be placed side by side with the controller die. A system and method in accordance with the present invention achieves the following objectives: (1) takes advantage of as large of a Flash memory die as possible, to increase the density of the Flash card by reducing the number of wire bond pads on the substrate and enabling insertion of the largest die possible that can fit inside a given card interior boundary; (2) more efficiently stacks Flash memory dies to increase density of the Flash card; and (3) has a substantially less number of bonding wires to the substrate as possible, to improve production yield.
US07659609B2 Integrated circuit package-in-package system with carrier interposer
An integrated circuit package-in-package system includes: mounting an integrated circuit device over a package carrier; forming a subassembly including: providing an integrated circuit package system having a carrier interposer with an integrated circuit die thereover, and mounting a device under the carrier interposer; mounting the subassembly over the integrated circuit device; and encapsulating the subassembly and the integrated circuit device over the package carrier.
US07659606B2 Contacting unit
Disclosed is a contacting unit, with plug-in card-shaped housing, having a base plate and a cover plate, between which a slit-like plug-in channel opening on one end of the housing is formed to receive a chip card, and which is provided on the other side with a connector strip, in which the plug-in channel is essentially open on both sides over its entire length in the plug-in direction of the chip card, and the base plate and the cover plate are firmly connected to each other only in the area connected to the plug-in channel in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one lateral guide device is arranged on one end on base plate and/or cover plate, which at least partially bounds the plug-in channel.
US07659605B2 COF board
A COF board includes an insulating layer, and a terminal portion formed on the insulating layer. The terminal portion includes a first lead extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second lead extending in the longitudinal direction, and having a smaller length in the longitudinal direction than a length of the first lead in the longitudinal direction. The first leads are arranged in spaced-apart relation in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second leads are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to be interposed between the mutually adjacent first leads such that, when the mutually adjacent first leads are projected in an adjacent direction thereof, overlap portions where the second leads overlap with the first leads and non-overlap portions where the second leads do not overlap with the first leads are formed. Dummy leads are provided at the non-overlap portions.
US07659601B2 Semiconductor device having moisture-proof dam and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having a moisture-proof dam and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer provided on a substrate having a fuse region. A fuse guard dam is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to surround the fuse region. A cover insulating layer is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to cover the fuse guard dam and have a fuse window exposing a middle part of the fuse region, and at least two upper extension dams are provided in the cover insulating layer to sequentially surround the fuse region and be connected to the fuse guard dam.
US07659590B2 DNA-based memory device and method of reading and writing same
The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
US07659589B2 Device with gates configured in loop structures
A device includes a substrate, a first gate, a second gate, and a third gate. The substrate has a first active region and a second active region. The first gate is configured in a first loop structure around the first active region. The second gate is configured in a second loop structure around the second active region, and the third gate is configured in a third loop structure around the first gate and the second gate.
US07659587B2 Complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistor technology using selective epitaxy of a strained silicon germanium layer
A CMOS integrated circuit includes a substrate having an NMOS region with a P-well and a PMOS region with an N-well. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed between the NMOS and PMOS regions and a composite silicon layer comprising a strained SiGe layer is formed over said P well region and over said N well region. The composite silicon layer is disconnected at the STI region. Gate electrodes are then formed on the composite layer in the NMOS and PMOS regions.
US07659586B2 Inverter with four-transistor Schmitt trigger
A four-transistor Schmitt trigger inverter is provided. The Schmitt trigger inverter is made from an n-channel MOS (NMOS) dual-gate thin-film transistor (DG-TFT) and a p-channel MOS (PMOS) DG-TFT, both DG-TFTs having a top gate, a back gate, and source/drain regions. A (conventional) NMOS TFT has a gate connected to an NMOS DG-TFT first S/D region and a PMOS DG-TFT first S/D region. The NMOS TFT also has a first S/D region connected to the NMOS DG-TFT back gate and the PMOS DG-TFT back gate. A (conventional) PMOS TFT has a gate connected to the NMOS TFT gate, and a first S/D region connected to the NMOS TFT first S/D region.
US07659567B2 Semiconductor device featuring common capacitor electrode layer, and method for manufacturing such semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate is sectioned into a logic-circuit formation section in which a plurality of logic circuits are formed, and a memory formation section in which a plurality of memory cells are formed. A multi-layered insulating layer is formed on the substrate, and a conductive structure is formed in the insulating layer at the logic-circuit formation section. Capacitors are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section. Each of the capacitors includes a lower capacitor electrode, a capacitor dielectric layer formed on the lower capacitor electrode, and an upper capacitor electrode formed on the capacitor dielectric layer, with upper is end faces of the upper capacitor electrodes being coplanar with an upper end face of the conductive structure. Bit-line layers are formed in the insulating layer below the lower capacitor electrodes at the memory formation section. A signal-line layer is formed in the insulating layer on or above the conductive structure at the logic-circuit formation section so as to be electrically connected to the conductive structure. An upper-side connection layer are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section on or above the capacitors so as to be electrically connected to the upper capacitor electrodes.
US07659560B2 Transistor structures
A transistor gate forming method includes forming a metal layer within a line opening and forming a fill layer within the opening over the metal layer. The fill layer is substantially selectively etchable with respect to the metal layer. A transistor structure includes a line opening, a dielectric layer within the opening, a metal layer over the dielectric layer within the opening, and a fill layer over the metal layer within the opening. The metal layer/fill layer combination exhibits less intrinsic less than would otherwise exist if the fill layer were replaced by an increased thickness of the metal layer. The inventions apply at least to 3-D transistor structures.
US07659557B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and method of fabricating the same
The invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device with II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a substrate, a first conductive type semiconductor material layer, a light-emitting layer, a first electrode, a second conductive type semiconductor material layer, a II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer, a transparent conductive layer, and a second electrode. The existence of the II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer improves the ohmic contact between the second conductive type semiconductor material layer and the transparent conductive layer.
US07659549B2 Method for obtaining a better color rendering with a photoluminescence plate
The present invention is a method for obtaining a better color rendering with a photoluminescence plate, and the better color rendering is obtained by using UV radiating on the photoluminescence plate stacked with a red photoluminescence plate, a green photoluminescence plate and a blue photoluminescence plate. Therefore, the color rendering is above 90% and close to the solar light. The photoluminescence plate can be made from directly coated with photoluminescence layers of three colors or with fully mixed fluorescent materials of three colors. Consequently, a white light relied on the present invention is more uniform than the conventional techniques with a color mixing performance based on tricolor LEDs.
US07659548B2 White light emitting diode and method of manufacturing the same
Employing a LED which emits light via excitation with UV light, particularly the foregoing high-power LED, disclosed are a white LED exhibiting high reliability and longer operating life, and a method of manufacturing the white LED. Also disclosed are a white light emitting diode possessing a phosphor layer which emits light via excitation with UV light, wherein the phosphor layer consists of phosphor, or possesses phosphor and transparent inorganic oxide, and a method of manufacturing the white light emitting diode, possessing the step of making phosphor particles to collide with a light emitting diode at high speed to deposit the phosphor layer, employing an aerosol deposition process.
US07659546B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device firstly includes a light emitting diode (LED) structure, having a top surface with a light emitting region. The device also has a heterojunction within the device structure, the heterojunction having a p-type and an n-type semiconductor layer, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the top surface, each being electrically connected to one of the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers. At least a first and a second electrodes are connected to a same type semiconductor layer and are physically separated from each other. The device further includes a first and a second heterojunction regions within the heterojunction, each being respectively defined between one of the first and second electrodes and one of the other electrodes connected to the other type semiconductor layer. The first and second heterojunction regions are alternatively driven for emitting lights in the time domain.
US07659543B2 Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting display including a pixel electrode arranged on a substrate, an organic layer arranged on the pixel electrode and including at least a hole injection layer, a hole acceleration layer, a hole transport layer, and an emission layer, and an opposite electrode arranged on the organic layer. The hole acceleration layer is formed of a material having a hole mobility that is higher than that of the hole injection layer.
US07659541B2 Liquid crystal display device having a thin film transistor substrate with a multi-cell gap structure and method of manufacturing same
A liquid crystal display, in accordance with the present invention, includes a first substrate having a thin film transistor and a first electrode formed thereon. The first electrode is electrically connected to the thin film transistor. A first insulating layer is formed on the first substrate including the thin film transistor and the first electrode and a window is formed in the first insulating layer, the window exposing a predetermined region of the first electrode. A second electrode is provided on the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the first electrode. A second substrate includes a third electrode formed thereon. A first gap is formed between a surface of the third electrode and a surface of the predetermined region of the first electrode, and a second gap is formed between the surface of the third electrode and a surface of the second electrode. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first gap and the second gap. Other embodiments are included as well as methods for forming the liquid crystal display of the present invention.
US07659537B2 Field effect transistor
A field effect transistor comprises a source and a drain, and a channel layer of Si1-x-yGexCy crystal (1>x>0, 1>y≧0). Ge composition increases toward a drain end, in a vicinity of a source end of the channel layer.
US07659535B2 High speed data channel including a CMOS VCSEL driver and a high performance photodetector and CMOS photoreceiver
A high speed optical channel including an optical driver and a photodetector in a CMOS photoreceiver. The optical channel driver includes a FET driver circuit driving a passive element (e.g., an integrated loop inductor) and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode. The VCSEL diode is biased by a bias supply. The integrated loop inductor may be integrated in CMOS technology and on the same IC chip as either/both of the FET driver and the VCSEL diode. The photodetector is in a semiconductor (silicon) layer that may be on an insulator layer, i.e., SOI. One or more ultrathin metal electrodes (<2000 Å) on the silicon layer forms a Schottky barrier diode junction which in turn forms a quantum well containing a two dimensional electron gas between the ultrathin metal electrode and the Schottky barrier diode junction.
US07659532B2 Image reading apparatus capable of reading infrared and visible images
An image reading apparatus includes a light source with a first luminescent portion that outputs light with a first wavelength range and a second luminescent portion that outputs light with a second wavelength range, the wavelength ranges being different from each other; a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected from an original irradiated by the light source; a scanning portion that shifts a reading position of the original in a vertical scanning direction by changing a relative position between the original and the light-receiving portion; a switching portion that alternately turns on the first and second luminescent portions when the scanning portion shifts the reading position, wherein a vertical scanning resolution for a first data obtained when the first luminescent portion is turned on is independently set from a vertical scanning resolution for a second data obtained when the second luminescent portion is turned on.
US07659530B2 Focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife
A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole. The focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife of the present invention is simple in structure and low in cost, and as the inner surface of the armet is in a column shape, it expand the space for therapy.
US07659528B2 Particle beam irradiation system
A particle beam irradiation system includes a particle beam irradiation apparatus, which is free of a gantry structure, having a particle beam irradiator for irradiating an affected area of a patient with a particle beam, the particle beam irradiator being housed in a chamber, a CT scanner installed in the chamber, for positionally confirming the affected area of the patient, a drive unit for moving the patient from a detection range to an irradiation range, a patient fixing device for fixing the patient in position, the device being mounted on the drive unit for rotation, and a housing unit having a structure housing the drive unit with the patient fixing device mounted and the CT scanner, the housing unit being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane including a direction in which the particle beam is applied and a direction in which the drive unit moves.
US07659523B1 Integrated assembly for delivery of air stream for optical analysis
An integrated particle detection apparatus for optical detection of particles in an air stream. The particle detection apparatus includes a scalper for removing large particles from the air stream, a concentrator for separating out small particles and increasing the concentration of particles of interest, and a fluorescence sensor system for detecting the particles present in the air stream. The scalper, concentrator and sensor may include a single integrated unit, such that the scalper is fluidly contiguous with the concentrator and the concentrator is fluidly contiguous with the sensor.
US07659514B2 Asymmetric annular detector
An assembly for a detection unit for an optical device is described. The assembly includes a scintillator adapted to received secondary particles and, in response, generate photons, wherein the scintillator includes an opening for trespassing of a primary beam through the scintillator. The scintillator including the opening is asymmetrical with regard to one axis.
US07659512B2 Oil type discrimination method and oil type discriminator
To provide an oil type discrimination method and an oil type discriminator capable of accurately discriminating a type of oil even when light-shielding components exist in the oil and of preventing in advance erroneous discrimination of a mixture of oil.There are provided step S1 in which the transmission spectrum of near infrared light is measured, step S2 in which the transmission spectrum is converted into an absorbance spectrum, a first discrimination step S3 in which between gasoline type and non-gasoline type is discriminated by comparing the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds with 0.0, step S4 in which the first derivative spectrum of the absorbance is found, a second discrimination step S5 in which a value, which is obtained by multiplying respective first derivative values of absorbance of at least four wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds by respective coefficients and further adding a constant to the sum, is compared with 0.0 and thus between regular gasoline and high-octane gasoline is discriminated, and a third discrimination step S6 in which the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds is compared with 0.0 and thus between kerosene and diesel oil is discriminated.
US07659510B2 Cryo-charging specimen holder for electron microscope
The present invention relates to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope, particularly to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope to hold various biological materials. The major feature of the invention is to charge the biological specimen and freeze the specimen at low temperature. The ice around the biological sample is also doped, so that after charging the doped ice surrounding the sample has a conductivity level comparable to that of conductor. Therefore, the sample can be embedded by the doped and charged ice obtaining the property of conductor, in order to be observed by the electron microscope.
US07659504B1 Optical sensor with an optical element transmissive to warming radiation
An optical gas sensor includes an optical element that is substantially transparent to both monitoring radiation and warming radiation. Such an optical element facilitates the removal of warming radiation from the optical gas sensor, thereby preventing an increase in the internal temperature of the sensor during use. Additionally, the warming radiation that is emitted from the optical gas sensor may be used to warm one or more windows of a sampling component that is configured for use with the sensor.
US07659498B2 Image sensor power supply including at least one ripple rejection circuit for reducing variations in the supply voltage
An image sensor includes a power supply ripple rejection circuit having an input connected to a supply voltage reference, and an output connected to an output voltage reference. The power supply ripple rejection circuit reduces the affect of variance in the supply voltage reference on the output voltage reference.
US07659497B2 On demand circuit function execution employing optical sensing
Disclosed is a method of executing an electrical function, such as a fusing operation, by activation through a chip embedded photodiode through spectrally selected external light activation, and corresponding structure and circuit. The present invention is based on having incident light with specific intensity/wave length characteristics, in conjunction with additional circuit elements to an integrated circuit, perform the implementation of repairs, i.e., replacing failing circuit elements with redundant ones for yield and/or reliability. Also to perform disconnection of ESD protection device from input pad once the packaged chip is placed in system. No additional pins on the package are necessary.
US07659479B2 Tool for installing electrical boxes
A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.
US07659478B2 Electrical switch box
This invention relates to electrical switch boxes. In particular, the invention relates to a device having an extension portion connected with a series of electrical switch boxes. In preferred embodiments, the extension portion of the device permits, for example, attachment of the device to a wall stud without flush positioning of the electrical switch boxes with the wall stud.
US07659471B2 System and method for music data repetition functionality
Systems and methods applicable, for example, in music data repetition functionality. Timbral feature calculation and/or pitch feature calculation might, for instance, be performed. One or more self matrices might, for example, be calculated. A combined matrix might, for instance, be created. One or more music data repetition candidates might, for example, be selected. Candidate refinement might, for instance, be performed. A final choice for the music data repetition corresponding to the music data might, for example, be determined.
US07659465B1 Method of attachment for string tension adjustment devices (tuners) for stringed instruments and string instruments formed thereby
A method of adding at least one more string to a stringed instrument having an initial plurality of strings and an initial plurality of tuners equaling the number of initial plurality of strings, wherein the stringed instrument comprises a headstock on which is disposed the initial plurality of tuners, a neck and a body coupled to the neck, wherein among other things, the headstock has a front surface, a rear surface and at least one side planer surface and at least one elongated bore in the side planer surface and wherein the headstock further comprises at least one individual aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the headstock and the elongated bore extends perpendicularly to the aperture, wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting a steel flanged insert into the individual aperture; inserting a shaft, having a first end and a second end, in the elongated bore such that the first end of the shaft extends into the aperture of the headstock; coupling a first end of the at least one more string to the first end of the shaft and coupling a second end of the at least one more string to the termination section; and securing the shaft to the headstock. In a particular feature, the steel flanged insert prevents the at least one more string from direct contact with an edge of the aperture and facilitates an improved tone transfer to the headstock.
US07659462B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH862061
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH862061. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH862061, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH862061 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 CH862061.
US07659455B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH635689
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH635689. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH635689, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH635689 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 CH635689.
US07659452B2 Soybean variety 457114
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 457114. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 457114. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 457114 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 457114 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07659450B2 Lcb1 subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit in a transformed host cell.
US07659447B2 Increasing host plant susceptibility to agrobacterium infection by overexpression of the arabidopsis VIP1 gene
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions which employ an Arabidopsis VIP1 gene or VIP1-like gene from another plant species for purposes of increasing host plant susceptibility to Agrobacterium infection. Methods for increasing susceptibility of a host to Agrobacterium infection and methods for improving Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer are provided. Also provided are chimeric genes and expression vectors that, upon introduction into a plant cell, enable the plant cell to become more susceptible to Agrobacterium infection and thus better transformed via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic plant cells and plants regenerated therefrom which overexpress a VIP1 or VIP1-like gene are also provided.
US07659439B2 Bandage package and dispenser
An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a pull cover and is separated from the lower sheet and release liner when the envelope is opened. The pull cover has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the lower sheet and upper sheet have optional gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package.
US07659437B2 Process for methane conversion
A process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon(s) including aromatic hydrocarbon(s) comprises providing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing methane and a catalytic particulate material to a reactor system having at least first and second reaction zones connected in series. Each of the reaction zones is operated under reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the methane to said higher hydrocarbon(s) and is maintained in a moving bed fashion, with the bulk of the catalytic particulate material being moved from the first reaction zone to the second reaction zone and with the bulk of the hydrocarbon feedstock being moved from the second reaction zone to the first reaction zone.
US07659434B2 Method for producing fluorinated organic compounds
A method for preparing fluorinated organic compounds comprising contacting hydrogen fluoride with at least one compound of formula I: CX3CXYCH3  I where each X is independently Cl, I or Br, and each Y is independently H or F, said contacting step being carried out under conditions effective to produce a compound of formula II CF3CZCH2  II where Z is Cl, I, Br, or F.
US07659408B2 Pyrazole carboxamides as inhibitors of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1
Pyrazole carboxamides of structural formula I are selective inhibitors of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes, such as noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, and other symptoms associated with NIDDM.
US07659395B2 Urea derivatives as calcium channel blockers
Urea derivatives which comprise compounds of the formula wherein A is H, B is piperidine and each Ar is phenyl are disclosed as useful in treating conditions such as pain, epilepsy, diabetes or prostate cancer.
US07659394B2 Substituted morpholine compounds for the treatment of central nervous system disorders
This invention relates to compounds of the formulae I wherein R1-R8, A, X, and Z are defined as in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of central nervous system disorders.
US07659393B2 Method of preparing cis-8b-methyldecahydro-2a,4a,6a,8a-tetraazacyclopenta[fg]acenaphthylene, cis-decahydro-2a,4a,6a,8a-tetraazacyclopenta[fg]acenaphthylene, cyclene and functionalised cyclenes
A method of preparing cyclene having formula (I) from triethylenetetraamine having formula (VIII) or ethylenediamine having formula (VIII′) includes a series of steps. The first series of steps (I) includes a step A (one-pot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step B (transforming the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I)). The second series of steps (II) includes a step C (preparing the compound having formula (IIb) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step D (transforming the compound having formula (IIb) into cylcene having formula (I)). The third series of steps (III) includes a step E involving the onepot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII), followed by a step B involving the transformation of the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I).
US07659385B2 Polynucleotides encoding molecules designated LDCAM
The invention is directed to LDCAM as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LDCAM, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LDCAM, processes for preparing LDCAM polypeptides and compositions and methods for treating utilizing LDCAM polypeptides.
US07659376B2 Antibody that binds glyphosate resistance protein
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance to plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a polypeptide that confers resistance or tolerance to glyphosate herbicides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants. Compositions also comprise transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding glyphosate resistance proteins are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.
US07659374B2 Eph receptor Fc variants with enhanced antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity activity
The present invention relates to novel Fc variants that immuno-specifically bind to an Eph receptor. The Fc variants comprise a binding region that immunospecifically binds to an Eph receptor and an Fc region that further comprises at least one novel amino acid residue which may provide for enhanced effector function. More specifically, this invention provides Fc variants that have modified binding affinity to one or more Fc ligand (e.g., FcγR, C1q). Additionally, the Fc variants have altered antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the application of said Fc variants that immunospecifically bind to an Eph receptor, particularly for therapeutic purposes.
US07659362B2 Metal-binding motif compositions and methods
Disclosed herein are recombinant copper or zinc binding polypeptides containing at least one copper or zinc binding motif and a sequence heterologous to it. Also disclosed is a method to reduce the concentration of a free copper or zinc ion in a substrate by contacting it with a recombinant polypeptide containing a copper or zinc binding motif. A further method relates to reducing the concentration of a free copper or zinc ion in a substrate by contacting it with a host cell that expresses a recombinant polypeptide containing a copper or zinc binding motif.
US07659353B2 Hyperbranched polymers
A method for limiting the transmission of light through a material is disclosed. In the method, a layer composed of a hyperbranched polymer formed via a copolycyclotrimerization reaction is interposed between a light source and the material. Also provided is a method for emitting light comprising exciting the hyperbranched polymer. In addition, methods for limiting the transmission of light and for emitting light using hyperbranched polymers formed by homopolycyclotrimerization reactions are disclosed. A new class of hyperbranched polymers produced by copolycyclotrimerization is also disclosed.
US07659351B2 Water- and oil-repellent fluoroacrylates
Fluoroacrylates comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: n=1 to 4, R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diusocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoro acrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion.
US07659350B2 Polymerization method for formation of thermally exfoliated graphite oxide containing polymer
A process for polymerization of at least one monomer including polymerizing the at least one monomer in the presence of a modified graphite oxide material, which is a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g.
US07659346B2 Process for maleating polymerization residues and products
A process for converting distillation residues obtained from polymerization processes to useful maleated products is provided.
US07659345B2 S,S′-bis-(α, α′-Disubstituted-α″-Acetic acid)—trithiocarbonates and derivatives as initiator—chain transfer agent—terminator for controlled radical polymerizations and the process for making the same
A s,s′-bis-(α,α′-disubstituted-α″-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers, copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the trithio carbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well as to form telechelic polymers.
US07659338B2 Dispersions
Polychloroprene dispersions containing particles of urea derivatives having a particle size in the range of 10 to 400 nm, which can be used in adhesive compositions. The adhesive compositions can be used to provide substrates containing adhesive layers obtained from the compositions.
US07659337B2 Elastomeric blend for air barriers comprising grafted resin components
A composition suitable for an air barrier such as an automotive tire innertube, innerliner, and aircraft tire innertube or innerliner, curing bladders, and other pneumatic devices is disclosed. The composition comprises an elastomer, a processing oil, and a grafted resin component.
US07659332B2 Flame retardant polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composition having good extrusion moldability and impact resistance
One aspect of the invention relates to a flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition. The invention also relates to a method of making the foregoing composition and an article made from the foregoing composition.
US07659330B2 Thermoplastic composites containing lignocellulosic materials and methods of making same
A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix which includes a blend of different polymers. A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials and a thermal stabilization agent dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. A composite includes lignocellulosic nanoparticles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix.
US07659326B2 Antimicrobial paint
The present invention provides an antimicrobial paint including an effective amount of one or more UV light absorbers. The UV light absorber can be any UV light absorber able to prevent or reduce a change or destructive effect by UV light on a metal pyrithione, but is preferably a benzotriazole UV light absorber or a hindered amine light stabilizer (“HALS”).
US07659315B2 Use of polyaminomethylenephosphonates as dispersing agents
A method of use of polyaminomethylenephosphonates as dispersing, wetting, and/or stabilizing agents in formulations for cements, detergents, ceramic materials, dyes, synthetic resins, rubbers, drilling fluids, and for reverse osmosis includes the step of adding a polyaminomethylenephosphonate having the formula: wherein n is an integer higher than 2, M is an alkaline metal or the ammonium ion, and R is: —CH2PO3M2; —CH2Z, wherein Z is —CH2OH, —CHOHCH3, —CHOHCH2Cl, or —CHOHCH2OH; —(CH2)mSO3M, m being 3 or 4; —CH2CH2T, wherein T is —CONH2, —CONH2, —CHO, —COOQ, —COOX, CN, wherein Q is —CH3 or —C2H5 and X is an alkaline metal ion or the ammonium ion; and wherein the polyaminomethylenephosphonate is present in a weight quantity of over 0.01% with respect to the total weight of the formulation.
US07659313B2 Methods and related compositions using specific indanes to reduce weight and inhibit lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity in mammals
The present invention relates generally to methods and related compositions using flavonoids and/or indanes extracted from the stems and leaves of C. quadrangularis to reduce weight and inhibit lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity in mammals. By example and not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition and related methods for reducing body weight and/or inhibiting any combination of lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase is provided. The composition contains an effective amount of one or more flavonoids or indanes selected from 3-O-rhamnopyranosylkaempferol, 3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indane-4,6-diol, quercitrin, rhamnitrin, rhamnocitrin, quercitrin-3-O″-acetate and parthenocissin A.
US07659312B2 Inhibitors of Aquaporin 4, methods and uses thereof
This invention relates an inhibitory modulator of AQP4 protein regarding its transmembrane water transport properties, wherein the modulator selectively binds to the AQP4 protein, and inhibits AQP4 mediated water transport.
US07659304B2 Tryptophan derivative and application thereof
A compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof is provided: wherein X represents a halogen atom; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkenyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkynyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted acyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-7 alkoxycarbonyl group, or hydroxyl group; R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 alkyl group; R3, R5, and R6 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or halogen atom; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group; and R7 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 hydrocarbon group. Also provided is a therapeutic drug for osteoporosis and an osteoblast activator comprising the compound or a salt thereof.
US07659298B2 Pyrazole derivatives and use thereof as orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to the orexin receptor antagonists compounds of the general formula (I) as well as to their isomers, salts and solvates, to the pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to the therapeutic application thereof.
US07659286B2 N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide
N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or mixtures thereof, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of treatment therewith, and processes of making N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide and intermediates thereof.
US07659285B2 Selective serotonin 2A/2C receptor inverse agonists as therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases
Behavioral pharmacological data with the compound of formula (I), a novel and selective 5HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonist, demonstrate in vivo efficacy in models of psychosis and dyskinesias. This includes activity in reversing MK-801 induced locomotor behaviors, suggesting that this compound may be an efficacious anti-psychotic, and activity in an MPTP primate model of dyskinesias, suggesting efficacy as an anti-dyskinesia agent. These data support the hypothesis that 5HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonism may confer antipsychotic and anti-dyskinetic efficacy in humans, and indicate a use of the compound of formula (I) and related agents as novel therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease, related human neurodegenerative diseases, and psychosis.
US07659282B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising dextromethorphan and quinidine for the treatment of neurological disorders
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating neurological disorders by administering same are provided. The compositions comprise dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine.
US07659280B2 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases
The present invention provides 3-hydroxyphenyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formula I, as well as related compositions and methods for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases.
US07659275B2 Piperidinyl piperazine derivatives useful as inhibitors of chemokine receptors
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of compounds of structural formula IA or IB where R1-R8 are as disclosed herein as inhibitors of the CCR5 receptors, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with CCR5 using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also relates to the use of a combination of a compound of this invention and one or more antiviral or other agents useful in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention further relates to the use of a compound of this invention, alone or in combination with another agent, in the treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, graft v. host disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma, allergies or multiple sclerosis.
US07659273B2 Composition for accelerating bone fracture healing
A composition for accelerating fracture healing, which has a PDE4 inhibitor as an active ingredient, specifically a composition having a PDE4 inhibitor and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is provided, which composition, when formulated into a form suitable for local administration such as a microsphere preparation, can provide a pharmaceutical composition showing an excellent effect in the early healing of bone fracture. The composition is useful in healing of refractory fracture of elderly people and diabetic or osteoporosis patients.
US07659269B2 Substituted indolealkanoic acids
Disclosed are substituted indolealkanoic acids useful in the treatment of chronic complications arising from diabetes mellitus. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treatment employing the compounds, as well as methods for their synthesis.
US07659261B2 Combretastatin A-4 phosphate prodrug mono-and di-organic amine salts, mono-and di-amino acid salts, and mono-and di-amino acid ester salts
Provided herein are novel and useful combretastatin A-4 prodrug salts that increase the solubility of combretastatin A-4, readily regenerate combretastatin A-4 in vivo under normal physiological conditions, and which produce physiologically tolerable products as a result of the regeneration of combretastatin A-4.
US07659259B2 Method of treating inflammation of the eye
The present invention includes a method of treating inflammation of the eye comprising administering to an eye of a patient suffering from inflammation of the eye, a composition comprising an aqueous solution of alginate having a minimum of about 50% mannuronate residues based upon the total number of saccharide monomeric units.
US07659256B2 Combination therapy for effecting weight loss and treating obesity
The present invention features a novel therapy for effecting weight loss which involves treating a subject with a sympathomimetic agent (e.g., phentermine or a phentermine-like drug) in combination with an anticonvulsant sulfamate derivative (e.g., topiramate) such that the subject experiences weight loss.The combination methods of the present invention also are effective against symptoms associated with Syndrome X. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the practice of these novel therapies.
US07659243B2 Treatment of ALS and variants thereof consisting of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration.
US07659240B2 Mucin immobilized chromatography
An in vitro high-throughput screening method that models the absorption of drugs across the epithelial mucosa is provided. The invention discloses an in vitro mucin immobilized chromatography model to estimate drug permeability coefficients. The invention describes compositions for mucin immobilized chromatography media and methods to prepare this media. The invention also discloses a method to estimate in vitro drug permeability coefficients using mucin immobilized chromatography media. The invention also discloses methods to determine absorption processes in the digestive system and discloses methods of use for mucin chromatography media in column, batch, assay, diagnostic, or high-throughput screening analyses.
US07659232B1 Garden tool maintenance fluid
A fluid safe to plants and the environment for maintenance facilitation of hand or power garden shear and saw tools. When the said fluid with a pleasant odor is sprayed onto the blades of said tools it will clean, lubricate, disinfect and inhibit rust in one step on said tools while repelling some types of flying insect pests.
US07659229B2 Herbicide formulation containing hexazinone
A herbicidal composition containing hexazinone and an alkylene carbonate.
US07659223B2 Process for preparing an olefin polymerization catalyst component with improved high temperature activity
The invention refers to a process for preparing a Group 2 metal/transition metal olefin polymerization catalyst component in particulate form having an improved high temperature activity and the use thereof in a process for polymerizing olefins.
US07659218B2 Stretch nonwoven fabric and method for production thereof
A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises fibers formed from a polymer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and contains 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g as counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 μm in diameter, and wherein the fibers have diameters such that the standard deviation of fiber diameters (Sn) divided by the average fiber diameter (Xave) (Sn/Xave) gives a value of 0.15 or less.
US07659210B2 Nano-crystal etch process
A method for selectively removing nano-crystals on an insulating layer. The method includes providing an insulating layer with nano-crystals thereon; exposing the nano-crystals to a high density plasma comprising a source of free radical chlorine, ionic chlorine, or both to modify the nano-crystals; and removing the modified nano-crystals with a wet etchant.
US07659207B2 Epitaxially coated silicon wafer and method for producing epitaxially coated silicon wafer
Epitaxially coated silicon wafers, are coated individually in an epitaxy reactor by placing a wafer on a susceptor, pretreating under a hydrogen atmosphere, in and then with addition of an etching medium, and coating epitaxially on a polished front side, wherein an etching treatment of the susceptor is effected after a specific number of epitaxial coatings, and the susceptor is then hydrophilized. Silicon wafer produced thereby have a maximum local flatness value SFQRmax of 0.01 μm to 0.035 μm relative to at least 99% of the partial regions of an area grid of measurement windows having a size of 26×8 mm2 on the front side of the silicon wafer with an edge exclusion of 2 mm.
US07659200B2 Self-constrained anisotropic germanium nanostructure from electroplating
A nanostructure comprising germanium, including wires of less than 1 micron in diameter and walls of less than 1 micron in width, in contact with the substrate and extending outward from the substrate is provided along with a method of preparation.
US07659197B1 Selective resputtering of metal seed layers
Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves depositing a first portion of seed layer material, subsequently selectively resputtering the deposited seed layer material in the presence of exposed diffusion barrier material, and, depositing a second portion of the seed layer material. Resputtering operation improves seed layer coverage on the recessed feature sidewalls by redistributing seed layer material within the feature. Resputtering, however, sometimes exposes an underlying diffusion barrier material at the feature bottom and at the top corners of the feature. In order to prevent inadvertent removal of diffusion barrier layer, resputtering is performed under conditions that allow etching of the seed layer material at a rate which is at least five times greater than the etching rate of a diffusion barrier material. Selective resputtering is performed by impinging on the wafer substrate with low-energy argon and/or copper ions.
US07659191B2 Gold/silicon eutectic die bonding method
A direct gold/silicon eutectic die bonding method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of gold plating a die bonding pad, grinding a wafer to a desired thickness, dicing the wafer after the grinding step, picking a die, and attaching the die to the die bonding pad at a temperature above the gold/silicon eutectic temperature. For thinner wafers, a dicing before grinding process is employed.
US07659175B2 DNA-based memory device and method of reading and writing same
The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
US07659169B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
There is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with a dual gate field effect transistor, the method including a semiconductor body a semiconductor material having a surface with a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type and with a channel region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type between the source region and the drain region and with a first gate region separated from the surface of the semiconductor body by a first gate dielectric above the channel region and with a second gate region situated opposite to the first gate region and formed within a recess in an opposite surface of the semiconductor body so as to be separated from the channel region by a second gate dielectric wherein the recess is formed with a local change of the doping of the channel region and by etching starting from the opposite surface of the semiconductor body.
US07659167B2 Method for improving the performance of flash memory by using microcrystalline silicon film as a floating gate
This invention provides a method for forming polysilicon by using silane with introducing hydrogen, such that polysilicon is microcrystalline. This microcrystal polysilicon can be applied to floating gate of flash memory to improve the character of flash memory.
US07659163B2 Semiconductor devices having recessed structures and methods of forming the same
A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of protrusions projecting from the substrate; forming a silicon layer over the substrate and each protrusion; performing an anisotropic etching to transfer the silicon layer into a silicon spacer positioned on a side wall of each protrusion; forming an oxide layer over the silicon spacer; and etching the substrate to form a recess on the substrate by using the oxide layer as a mask.
US07659150B1 Microshells for multi-level vacuum cavities
Microshells for encapsulation of devices such as MEMS and microelectronics. In an embodiment, the microshells include a planar perforated pre-sealing layer, below which a non-planar sacrificial layer is accessed, and a sealing layer to close the perforation in the pre-sealing layer after the sacrificial material is removed. The sealing layer may include a nonhermetic layer to physically occlude the perforation and a hermetic layer over the nonhermetic occluding layer to seal the perforation as a function of the dimension of the perforation to form cavities having different vacuum levels on the same substrate.
US07659143B2 Dual-chip integrated heat spreader assembly, packages containing same, and systems containing same
A method includes mating a first heat spreader and a second heat spreader, such that the first heat spreader at a mating surface and second heat spreader at a mating surface become parallel and adjacent. The mated first heat spreader and second heat spreader have at least one convection channel disposed therebetween. A process includes placing a first die in a first die recess of the first heat spreader, and placing a second die on a second die site on the second heat spreader. The process includes reflowing thermal interface material between each die and respective heat spreader. A package is achieved by the method, with reduced thicknesses. The package can be coupled through a bumpless build-up layer. The package can be assembled into a computing system.
US07659135B2 Semiconductor device fabrication method and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device fabrication method in which when a semiconductor device with a built-in light receiving element is fabricated, a section for dividing the light receiving element is protected from damage caused by, for example, etching. An antireflection coating is formed not only on a light receiving area in a divided photodiode area but on a division area including a junction area between a division section outside the light receiving area for dividing a photodiode and a cathode. A polycrystalline silicon film is formed so as to cover the antireflection coating. Accordingly, the antireflection coating on the junction area between the division section outside the light receiving area and the cathode is protected against, for example, etching by the polycrystalline silicon film. As a result, the appearance of a crystal defect, a change in impurity concentration, or the like is suppressed in this area. Therefore, a high-performance high-quality semiconductor device with a built-in photodiode can be fabricated.
US07659125B2 Latex reagent for adiponectin analysis and method of adiponectin analysis
A latex reagent for analyzing adiponectin, comprising a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, is disclosed. Further, a method for analyzing adiponectin, comprising (1) obtaining a biological liquid possibly containing adiponectin, and (2) bringing the biological liquid, while maintaining the state in which the biological liquid is obtained, into contact with a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, and optically analyzing a degree of latex-particles-agglutination, is disclosed. According to the latex reagent and the method for analyzing adiponectin, a predilution or pretreatment of the biological liquid to be analyzed is not necessary. Further, the analysis can be performed rapidly and conveniently, and facilities therefor are not limited.
US07659124B2 Method for the detection and/or analysis of compounds simultaneously exhibiting nuclear quadrupolar resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance, or double nuclear quadrupolar resonance
The present invention contributes to the resolution of the problem of detecting, for example, plastic explosives, which are not easily detected by conventional inspection techniques, as those based on X-ray apparatuses; or those using more sophisticated means from traces of explosive material which may remain, “contaminating” the external surface of luggage. As regards the first technique, the invention has an additional advantage in that it is fully automatic, that is, it is independent from the operator's ability to interpret low contrast images. As regards the second technology, the main advantage of the present invention consists of its speed and safety when inspecting luggage.
US07659123B2 In situ remedial alternative and aquifer properties evaluation probe system
In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The probe system and methods described here when applied to a hazardous waste site being considered for in situ remediation of contaminants (organic or inorganic) by the listed treatment technologies will yield information that greatly reduces the uncertainty with regards to treatment effectiveness for the in situ soil, groundwater, and contaminant(s) conditions affecting dosage requirements and reaction rate(s) for various reactants. The probe system described here is multi-purpose in that it was designed: 1) to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant, 2) to recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, 3) to measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected into the matrix and withdrawn during a push-pull test, 4) to perform combinations of the above, 5) to measure the in situ adsorption capacity of adsorbent media and subsequently measure the effectiveness of regenerant(s) for the adsorbent media, and (6) to measure the effectiveness of a treated soil column for inorganic contaminant(s) leaching or fixation. In addition to being an in situ remedial alternatives evaluation tool, the probe system can be used as a reactant(s) delivery device after the specific remedial technology has been selected.
US07659121B2 Human salivary gland-origin stem cell
A novel human stem cell which can be differentiated to cells constituting a plurality of human organs including human liver is disclosed. The human stem cell according to the present invention is originated from human salivary gland, which is CD49f-positive, and which can be differentiated to (1) a nestin-positive and albumin-positive cell, (2) an insulin-positive cell and (3) a glucagon-positive cell by culture in vitro.
US07659116B2 Monoclonal antibody against frizzled receptor 4
The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof, which binds specifically and/or selectively to human receptors of the Frizzled (FZD) family. It further relates to a hybridoma cell that produces the antibody according to the invention. Another object of the present invention is a method for the detection and/or isolation of receptors of the FZD family or homologs or fragments thereof in a biological sample and a method for the identification and/or isolation of biological material comprising or expressing receptors of the FZD family or homologs or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof for the specific and/or selective detection and/or isolation of receptors of the FZD family, a composition comprising the monoclonal antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof, and a kit comprising the monoclonal antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof.
US07659111B2 Method for freezing viable cells
A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.
US07659100B2 DNA polymerase fusions and uses thereof
The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols.
US07659099B2 Recovery method for immobilized biocatalysts
Processes for the production of a product by the enzymatic treatment of a soluble or particulate substrate with a particulate, immobilized enzyme, by treating a process liquor containing the substrate in a bioreactor to produce a slurry of effluent immobilized enzyme and the product in an effluent liquor. The slurry is subject to a non-immobilized enzyme damaging shear inducing effective separation process to provide effluent immobilized enzyme, and effluent liquor containing the product; and reusing the effluent immobilized enzyme in the enzymatic treatment. The process provides for the reclamation and reuse of the immobilized enzyme even when a further particulate solid is present in the effluent/product stream.
US07659093B2 DAP12 nucleic acids
The purification and isolation of various genes which encode mammalian cell surface polypeptides. Nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies, and other reagents useful in modulating development of cells, e.g., lymphoid and myeloid, are provided, along with methods for their use.
US07659091B2 Diagnostic marker
An inflammatory peptide can be a marker for cardiac ischemia.
US07659089B2 Chemical sensor enhanced by direct coupling of redox enzyme to conductive surface
The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for detecting electrochemical oxidoreduction activity mediated by a redox enzyme at a site remote from the enzyme. In one embodiment, the method comprises immobilizing the redox enzyme on a first region of a conductive surface and contacting a substrate capable of producing a detectable signal upon oxidation or reduction with a second region of the conductive surface. The second region is electrically coupled with the first region and the redox enzyme is not present in the second region. The method further comprises exposing the immobilized redox enzyme to conditions that effect oxidation or reduction of the enzyme, and detecting oxidation or reduction of the substrate at the second region. The invention can be adapted for detecting a plurality of analytes.
US07659083B2 Device for detecting molecules, method for detecting molecules
A construct is provided that is capable of binding a plurality of molecules, the construct comprising a first moiety with a first molecule binding region and a first molecule non-binding region; and a second moiety with a second molecule-binding region and a second molecule-non-binding region, whereby the first binding region and second binding region are at opposite ends of the construct. Also provided is a method for detecting protein having certain amino acid sequences, the method comprising supplying a collection of proteins each with unknown amino acid sequences, contacting the collection with a moiety having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding with the protein having certain amino acid sequences so as to form a moiety-protein complex, and mixing the complex with a marker specific for the moiety in an amount sufficient to indicate existence of the complex.
US07659057B2 Stain-directed molecular analysis for cancer prognosis and diagnosis
The location at which tissue samples are obtained to determine whether cells exhibit characeristics associated with cell differentiation or cancer by molecular analysis is determined by topically applying to epithelial tissue a dye that selectively stains cancer and precancerous tissue.
US07659053B2 Methods of alteration of surface affinities using non-chemical force-creating fields
The present invention provides a series of methods, compositions, and articles for altering a property of a surface (for example, the cytophilicity and/or the hydrophilicity), by exposing at least a portion of the surface to a non-chemical, force-creating field and/or force, such as an electric field. The field/force may be created by any suitable technique. For instance, the field can be created by applying a voltage across the surface, by electrical induction, etc. In certain embodiments, the surface includes molecules attached thereto that can be detached when exposed to non-chemical, force-creating fields and/or forces, thereby altering the chemical composition of at least a portion of the surface. In one set of embodiments, the molecules attached to the surface may include molecules forming a self-assembled monolayer on the surface. In some embodiments, the molecules attached to the surface may include thiol moieties (e.g., as in an alkanethiol), by which the molecule can become attached to the surface. In certain cases, the molecules may be terminated at the unattached end with one or more hydrophilic groups, for example, unmodified ethylene glycol moieties. In some cases, the molecules attached to the surface may include one or more moieties that can bind to various entities such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, drugs, cells, etc. In certain embodiments, the techniques are used to enable novel assays for cell motility and/or spreading and screening tests for determining drugs and/or treatments effective in increasing or decreasing cell shape changes and/or motility on surfaces.
US07659044B2 Photoconductor, producing method thereof, image forming process and image forming apparatus using photoconductor, and process cartridge
A photoconductor comprising a photosensitive layer disposed on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a crosslinked layer and the crosslinked layer is produced by curing a dispersion in which at least one of an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having a radical reactivity and an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having an amine structure is dispersed in a radical polymerizable monomer.
US07659042B2 Full phase shifting mask in damascene process
A full phase shifting mask (FPSM) can be advantageously used in a damascene process for hard-to-etch metal layers. Because the FPSM can be used with a positive photoresist, features on an original layout can be replaced with shifters on a FPSM layout. Adjacent shifters should be of opposite phase, e.g. 0 and 180 degrees. In one embodiment, a dark field trim mask can be used with the FPSM. The trim mask can include cuts that correspond to cuts on the FPSM. Cuts on the FPSM can be made to resolve phase conflicts between proximate shifters. In one case, exposing two proximate shifters on the FPSM and a corresponding cut on the trim mask can form a feature in the metal layer. The FPSM and/or the trim mask can include proximity corrections to further improve printing resolution.
US07659038B2 Lithographic method for wiring a side surface of a substrate
In a lithographic proximity method for wiring an end or internal side surface of a substrate, the required exposure of strips, defining the wiring pattern, is performed by a mask having a diffraction structure to deflect exposure radiation to the side surface. An exposure beam, which is perpendicularly incident on the mask, is used so that enhanced tolerance for proximity gap width variations is obtained. The method allows manufacture of accurate and fine wiring.
US07659037B2 Nonaqueous secondary cell
Using a positive electrode active material including spinel type manganese oxide as the main constituent, a novel low cost and high output power flat type nonaqueous secondary cell for HEVs that has increased safety at overcharge, and superior storage properties and cycle life is provided. A flat type nonaqueous secondary cell that has increased safety and is superior in storage and cycle properties even though the cell is a laminate type cell which does not have a blocking mechanism can be obtained by blending the spinel type lithium manganese oxide of the positive electrode and 5 wt % to 40 wt % of layered type lithium manganese oxide, to suppress storage deterioration at a high temperature and to simultaneously achieve safety when overcharged, and further, by adding a Li compound having a structure as shown in Formula (1) structure, to suppress deterioration of a mixed positive electrode active material during a high temperature cycle.
US07659031B2 Size AA alkaline battery
A size AA alkaline battery includes an anode principally composed of zinc functioning as an active material, a cathode principally composed of manganese dioxide or nickel oxyhydroxide functioning as an active material, a separator composed of a nonwoven fabric, an electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, and zinc oxide.
US07659028B2 Polymer electrolyte fuel cell
This invention provides an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which fuel cell contains: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; electrode layers formed respectively on both faces of the electrolyte membrane; two reinforcing members which cover respective outer surfaces of the electrode layers; and a sealing member which covers, extending from respective end faces to respective end parts of the reinforcing members, whole peripheries of the two reinforcing members, wherein the electrolyte membrane, the electrode layers and the reinforcing members are integrally formed by the sealing member.
US07659018B2 Fuel cell power control unit
The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell power supply unit, which is constructed by directly connecting a fuel cell with a capacitor. In this power supply unit, a control device of the unit calculates the output voltage V2 of the fuel cell after the variation of electrical load based on the synthetic current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell and the capacitor and the predetermined width of the variation of electrical load ΔI, calculates the corresponding current Ifc2′, and then calculates the equilibrium reacting gas supply amount Qa1, and supplies an excess amount of the reacting gas exceeding Qa1 before the variation of electrical load.
US07659003B2 Silicone composition and a pressure sensitive adhesive film having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer made from the composition
A pressure sensitive adhesive film comprising a substrate film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on a surface of the substrate film, said pressure sensitive adhesive layer being prepared from (A) a silicone composition comprising a diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and (C) a polyorganosiloxane having an SiH bond, characterized in that the alkenyl groups are contained in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.05 mole per 100 g of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) and that the polyorganosiloxane (C) is contained in such an amount that a molar ratio of the SiH bond to the alkenyl group of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) ranges from 0.5 to 20.
US07659001B2 Coating with infrared and ultraviolet blocking characteristics
A composite oxide coating is provided that efficiently blocks both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Certain embodiments of this invention relate to a coating having IR and UV blocking characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the coating includes a silica matrix, zinc antimonite, and a UV blocking material such as cerium oxide, thereby permitting the coating after application to block significant amounts of both IR and UV radiation.
US07658991B2 Structures having aligned nanorods and methods of making
Substrates having nanostructures disposed thereon and methods of forming nanostructures on the substrates are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide for structures having a substrate having a non-planar surface. In an embodiment, a portion of the non-planar surface has at least one layer of nanostructures disposed thereon.
US07658989B2 Nano-and micro-cellular foamed thin-walled material, and processes and apparatuses for making the same
Polymeric materials having a plurality of cells formed therein are described. The polymeric materials include a foamed layer comprising a plurality of uniform microcells, nanocells or combinations thereof in a closed cell network, a transition layer positioned adjacent to the foamed layer, and at least one unfoamed outer layer positioned adjacent to the transition layer. The foamed layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 80 to about 99 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, the transition layer may present in a volume ranging from about 0 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, and the at least one outer layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material. Methods of making such polymeric materials are also described, as are apparatus for providing foamed polymeric materials.
US07658976B2 Method for printing of three-dimensional objects
A method to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The method may include dispensing building material in consecutive slices using a building material dispensing head which dispenses material in the printing X direction; and combining printing of two or more consecutive slices to provide high resolution printed layer in the non-printing Y direction, according to a high resolution pixel map.
US07658965B2 Use of acid stable protease in animal feed
The present invention relates to acid-stable proteases homologous to those derived from strains of the genus Nocardiopsis, their use in animal feed, feed-additives and feed compositions containing such proteases, and methods for the treatment of vegetable proteins using such proteases.
US07658952B2 Dialysis solutions containing pyrophosphates
Dialysis solutions comprising pyrophosphates and methods of making and using the dialysis solutions are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis solution comprising a stable and therapeutically effective amount of pyrophosphate. The dialysis solution can be sterilized, for example, using a technique such as autoclave, steam, high pressure, ultra-violet, filtration or combination thereof. The dialysis solution can be in the form of a concentrate.
US07658945B2 Compositions for delivering hypnotic agents across the oral mucosa and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides novel compositions for the delivery of a hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa. In particular, the buffer system in the compositions of the present invention raises the pH of saliva to a pH greater than about 7.8, thereby facilitating the substantially complete conversion of the hypnotic agent from its ionized to its un-ionized form. As a result, the dose of hypnotic agent is rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the oral mucosa with surprisingly low inter-subject variability. Furthermore, delivery of the hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa advantageously bypasses hepatic first pass metabolism of the drug and avoids enzymatic degradation of the drug within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for using the compositions of the present invention for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia are also provided.
US07658938B2 Solid oral dosage form containing an enhancer
The invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient in combination with an enhancer which enhances the bioavailability and/or the absorption of the active ingredient. Accordingly, a solid oral dosage form comprises a drug and an enhancer wherein the enhancer is a medium chain fatty acid ester, ether or salt or a derivative of a medium chain fatty acid, which is, preferably, solid at room temperature and which has a carbon chain length of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the solid oral dosage form is controlled release dosage form such as a delayed release dosage form.
US07658932B2 Method of making immunogenic compositions comprising UV-irradiated, psoralen-inactivated, desialated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles devoid of CD55 and CD59 in the viral membrane
A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H.A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H.
US07658927B2 Materials and methods for immunizing against FIV infection
The subject invention pertains to methods and compositions for protecting feline animals from infection by FIV using immunogens derived from primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV and SIV. Methods for vaccinating feline animals with the subject vaccine compositions are described. Feline animals vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with FIV. The subject invention further concerns methods and compositions for protecting humans and other animals against infection by immunodeficiency viruses, such as HIV and FIV.
US07658921B2 Molecules with extended half-lives, compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulin, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.
US07658915B2 Selected cell delivery for heart failure
This invention provides methods of increasing blood flow to tissue in a subject in need thereof, methods of regenerating tissue in a subject, methods of treating diseased tissue in a subject, methods of forming new blood vessels in tissue and new tissue, such as myocardial tissue, in a subject in need thereof, methods of increasing angiogenesis in diseased tissue in a subject, and methods of preventing heart failure in a subject, which methods comprise: a) isolating autologous mononuclear cells from the subject; b) selecting from the isolated autologous mononuclear cells of step (a) lineage negative (Lin−) mononuclear cells; and c) transplanting locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the Lin− autologous mononuclear cells, resulting in formation of new blood vessels in the tissue and formation of new tissue. Additional methods provided for such uses further select from the isolated autologous mononuclear cells of step (a) lineage negative (Lin−) mononuclear cells a subset of Lin− mononuclear side population (SP) cells and transplant locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the Lin− SP cells. In other aspects, methods using tissue other than mononuclear cells for these uses are provided, which comprise (a) obtaining a cell suspension from the tissue or a second tissue of the subject; (b) selecting from the cell suspension step (a) side population (SP) cells; and (c) transplanting locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the SP cells, resulting in formation of new blood vessels in the tissue and formation of new tissue.
US07658913B2 Compositions useful for reducing nephrotoxicity and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce renal damage caused by nephrotoxic drugs. The invention provides compositions comprising a substituted cyclodextrin, a nephrotoxic drug and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the cyclodextrin is present in an amount effective for substantially inhibiting the nephrotoxic effect of the drug.
US07658911B2 Antibody assay methods to assess risk for TIA/stroke
A methods, kits and compositions for diagnosing a central nervous system disorder, particularly transient ischemic attack or stroke, comprising measuring the level of NR2A and/or NR2B NMDA receptor or fragment thereof, in a biological sample from a human subject, and optionally measuring other biomarkers such as homocysteine and glutamate. The method is particularly useful for identifying individuals that are at risk for stroke, and for diagnosing stroke in an emergency room setting.
US07658909B2 Process for preparing a beta zeolite
A process for preparing a beta zeolite is described, comprising at least the following steps: i) mixing, in an aqueous medium, at least one source of at least one tetravalent element X, at least one source of fluoride anions and at least one quaternary ammonium salt with formula (H3C)2—N+—(CH2CH2C(CH3)3)2; ii) treating said mixture hydrothermally until said beta zeolite is formed.
US07658904B2 Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route, based on the hydrochlorination of cerium
Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route from water, based on the chlorine/cerium cycle, in which, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;  (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;  (B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2;  (C) or in which, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;  (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;  (B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl;  (B′) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2;  (C′) and in which the reaction (B) for the chlorination of cerium oxide is carried out in the liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution.
US07658894B2 Method for increasing the chrome to iron ratio of chromites products
A method for increasing the chrome to iron ratio of a chromite product selected from the group consisting of ore and ore concentrate comprising the steps of mixing the chromite product with at least one salt so as to produce a mixture, whereby the concentration of salt in the mixture is selected to induce the selective chlorination of iron; and chlorinating the mixture in the presence of CO at a temperature sufficient to induce the formation of a thin film of a melt around the chromite product and at a temperature able to promote the selective chlorination of iron, whereby an iron impoverished chromite product is yielded having an increased chromite to iron ratio as compared to that of the chromite product.
US07658886B2 Universal filtration plate
The present invention relates to a multiwell plate having a series of wells, each well having an inner bore, an open top and a bottom, the bottom being sealed with a liquid permeable filter, and an insert contained within the inner bore of each well, each insert having an outer dimension the same or larger than that of the inner bore and a through bore of a dimension less than that of the outer dimension of the insert. The use of inserts allows one to take a standard one-piece plate design with a heat sealed membrane and arrange for a universal plate format. The insert may act as a base for an extension plate that can be adhered, heat sealed or overmolded over the plate top and insert top to form a deep well plate. The plate conforms to the Society of Biological Standards Microplate Standards. Additionally, the inserts may be configured to give one a different well diameter (smaller, tapered, etc), to include various media such as chromatography resins, to include multiple layers of membrane and the like. A variety of inserts may be used in the same plate to create a minilab on a plate that is capable of conducting several steps of a process on the same (e.g (e.g. filter, wash, bind, elute, label, etc).
US07658881B2 Multilayered package with barrier properties
The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester resin, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a polyamide material (e.g., MXD6). The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend; and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.
US07658876B2 Method to fabricate a seamless tube
The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle α with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.
US07658874B2 Polymer pelletization process and apparatus
An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.
US07658872B2 Process for preparing semipermeable membranes having improved permeability
The invention provides methods for preparing reverse osmosis membranes having improved permeability as well as membranes prepared by such methods.
US07658859B2 Method of processing organic film using plasma etching and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of forming an organic film disposes a substrate on which the organic film is formed in a chamber capable of reducing a pressure therein, introduces a gas including a deuterium compound or a trideuterium compound in the chamber, to generate a plasma by ionizing the gas; and etches and patterning the organic film by the plasma.
US07658855B2 Apparatus and process for water conditioning
A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water and in some embodiments is routed through a sidestream inlet from the top of the reaction chamber to its lower portion. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. A fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.
US07658853B2 Process for the treatment of contaminated water by means of a bifunctional system consisting of iron and zeolites
A process is described for the treatment of water contaminated by metals with a high oxidation degree, aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds, halogen-aromatic compounds, chlorinated alkane and alkene compounds or mixtures thereof, which consists in circulating the contaminated water through a reactive system consisting of metallic iron and a zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio >50, placed in succession, wherein the first element through which the water passes is iron.
US07658852B2 RO membrane cleaning method
Direct-osmosis (DO) method for cleaning a semi-permeable membrane in a RO separation module, the membrane having a feed side with foulant located thereon, and an opposite permeate side. A normal RO separation process in the same module includes: feeding, under gauge pressure PGr, raw saline solution having osmotic pressure POr to the membrane feed side; collecting permeate (solvent) having osmotic pressure POp from the permeate side, under gauge pressure PGp; and removing residual brine from the membrane feed side. The method comprises feeding to the feed side of the membrane, for a predetermined injection time, super saline solution having osmotic pressure POs>POr, such that backward flow of permeate towards the feed side of the membrane is provided so as to lift the foulant from the feed side.
US07658849B2 Use of Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin in methods for treating industrial wastewaters containing dyes
Use of a fungal biomass for treating industrial wastewaters containing at least one dye, wherein: i. the fungal biomass contains at least the fungal species Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin; ii. the fungal biomass absorbs the at least one dye, so as to obtain wastewater that is basically free of the at least one dye.
US07658838B2 Delayed coking process for producing free-flowing coke using polymeric additives
A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. At least one polymeric additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both.
US07658836B2 Process for producing middle distillates by hydroisomerizing and hydrocracking feeds from the Fischer-Tropsch process using a multifunctional guard bed
The process of producing middle distillates from effluents obtained by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, comprises a step for hydro-treatment and purification and/or decontamination by passage over a multi-functional guard bed prior to a step of hydrocracking/hydroisomerization. The guard bed reduces the amount of unsaturated compounds, oxygen-containing compounds, particulate mineral solids, and organometallic compounds.
US07658834B2 Method and apparatus for generating hypochlorous acid (HOCL)
A hypochlorous acid generator includes a brine tank for holding salt and a brine solution, the brine tank having a water inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water, a brine solution outlet and a salt fill port to allow salt to be added to the brine tank. The generator also includes an anode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom, and for generating anolyte, the anode chamber having an outlet for providing hypochlorous acid therefrom, and a cathode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom and for generating catholyte. The generator further includes a catholyte recirculating pump in fluid communication with the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, the recirculating pump being responsive to a control signal to recirculate catholyte generated by the cathode chamber to the anode chamber.
US07658822B2 SiOx:Si composite articles and methods of making same
Article are made from silicon oxide and electrically conductive doped silicon materials that are joined in a protective environment to yield a composite SiOx:Si material that exhibits the properties of SiOx and yet is electrically conductive due to the presence of the Si. Articles from such composite materials find many uses, such as for targets for DC and/or AC sputtering processes to produce silicon oxide thin films for touch-screen application, barrier thin films in LCD displays and optical thin films used in a wide variety of applications.
US07658820B2 Digester wash extraction by individual screen flow control
A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The signal represent changes in temperature of a corresponding co-current down flow liquor through a corresponding conduit wherein a corresponding valve permits adjustment of a corresponding flow rate of liquor through said corresponding conduit to a flow rate that is substantially equal to each of the other flow rates of co-current downflow liquor through each of the other conduits.
US07658819B2 Composition
The invention relates to a composition used for enhancing softness in paper products. The composition comprises (i) an oil, fat or wax (i) at least one non-ionic surfactant (iii) at least one anionic compound selected from anionic microparticles and anionic surfactants (iv) at least one polymer which is cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric wherein the non-ionic surfactant is added in an amount of from about 60 to about 1000 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer. The invention also relates to a process for production of paper comprising adding said composition to a cellulosic suspension or to a wet or dry paper web.
US07658813B2 Method of preparing closure components suitable for use in diapers
A method of preparing closure components and a method of preparing a stable roll of such components. The methods include (a) providing a fastening portion comprising fastening means; (b) providing a continuous web of a material in a machine direction, said web having a first outer major surface and a second inner major surface and a left and right longitudinal edge at least one of said first and second major surfaces being capable of releasably engaging with the fastening means; (c) joining said fastening portion in the machine direction to the inner and/or outer major surfaces of the web so that the fastening means of said fastening portion are exposed; applying at least two first cuts to the web in order to provide at least two flaps each having a top edge and a baseline, each of said at least two first cuts being discontinuous in the machine direction and in a cross direction, each of said at least two flaps bearing at least part of said fastening portions and being connected to the web at least through its respective baseline so that the baselines of said at least two flaps face opposite longitudinal edges of the web; (e) folding over the flaps into a direction from their top edges to their baseline essentially along said base line onto the web so that the fastening means releasably engage with the first outer major surface or the second inner major surface of the web. A closure component and a stable roll made according to the methods are also disclosed.
US07658809B2 Tire and method of securing an object thereto
A tire and a method of securing an object thereto includes a two-piece fastening system having a first portion which is applied to an innerliner of a green tire prior to the green tire being cured and a second portion which includes an object, such as a radio frequency identification chip, attached thereto. The first portion of the two-piece fastening system is attached to the innerliner of the tire with an adhesive or by curing. The green tire is then cured and the second portion of the two-piece fastening system with the object attached thereto is then attached to the first portion of the two-piece fastening system. In an alternative embodiment, the object may be sandwiched between the first and second portions of the fastening system.
US07658808B2 Method for extending long-term electrical power cable performance
An improved method for imparting excellent long-term dielectric performance to an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average operating temperature T. The method comprising injecting a dielectric enhancement fluid composition into the interstitial void volume, the composition comprising at least one component selected from: (1) a water-reactive material selected from an organosilane monomer, the above organosilane monomer wherein at least one of the water-reactive groups has been substituted with a condensable silanol group, an oligomer oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, or a co-oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, the organosilane monomer having a diffusion coefficient at least about 15 times greater than the diffusion coefficient of its corresponding tetramer; (2) a water-reactive material similar to (1) having at least one group attached to silicon comprising 7 to about 20 —CH2— units; (3) a non-water-reactive organic material which has a diffusion coefficient of less than about 10−9 cm2/sec and an equilibrium concentration of at least about 0.005 gm/cm3 in the polymeric insulation, the above mentioned diffusion coefficients and equilibrium concentration being determined at temperature T; or (4) an organic compound having an equilibrium concentration in the polymeric insulation at 55° C. which is less than 2.25 times the equilibrium concentration at 22° C.
US07658807B2 Hot-rolled strip intended for the production of non-grain oriented electrical sheet and a method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a hot-rolled steel strip for further processing to form non-grain oriented electrical sheet with the following composition (in % by weight) C: <0.02%, Mn: ≦1.2%, Si: 0.1-4.4%, Al 0.1-4.4%, wherein the sum formed from the Si content and twice the Al content is <5%, P: <0.15%, Sn: ≦0.20%, Sb: ≦0.20%, the remainder iron and unavoidable impurities, with a strip thickness which is at most 1.8 mm, and with a partially softened structure which is characterised by a high intensity for the α fibre (fibre representation of orientation distribution functions) in the region of 0° to 60°, wherein the ratio I112/I001 formed from the intensity I112 of the position (112) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.4 and the ratio I111/I001 formed from the intensity I111 of the position (111) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.2.
US07658801B2 Heat treatment apparatus
A heating means is disclosed which comprises a reflector plate composed of an opaque quartz and a quartz tube welded to the surface of the reflector plate. A carbon wire which generates heat when a current is applied is inserted in the quartz tube.
US07658799B2 Plasma film-forming apparatus and plasma film-forming method
The present invention ensures a uniform concentration of a plasma excitation gas supplied to a plasma generation region while preventing the plasma excitation gas from turning into plasma before supply. In a plasma film forming apparatus for forming a film on a substrate using plasma, a flat-plate structure partitioning the inside of a processing container into two, upper and lower, regions is disposed between a high frequency wave supply unit and a substrate mounting unit in the processing container. The plasma excitation gas is supplied into the processing container from the lower side toward the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side, and the structure is formed with a source gas supply port for supplying a source gas for film formation in the region on the mounting unit side and an opening for allowing plasma generated in the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side to pass to the region on the mounting unit side.
US07658796B2 Cementitious mixtures and methods of use thereof
A cementitious mixture that is comprised of class C fly ash and other industrial waste product such as either bottom ash or economizer ash. The mixture is preferably 15-35% weight class C fly ash based on the total weight of the mixture. The mixture excludes Portland cement, or other similar cement products. The dry mixture is placed in a desired location or form. Water is then added to the mixture when desired in order to harden the mixture in place. The cementitious mixture is particularly useful for securing fence posts, or the like, in the earth as the workability of the mixture is maintained by adding the water to the mixture only after the position has been properly plumbed and placed in the hole. The cementitious mixture thus provides an inexpensive alternative to standard blended cement products, and provides a convenient and effective way of securing fence posts to the earth.
US07658793B2 Pigment composition and process for preparation of the same
The invention relates to a pigment preparation based on at least one inorganic pigment and at least one organic pigment, and to a method for producing one such pigment preparation. Said pigment preparation contains particles wherein fine organic pigment particles are combined with inorganic pigment particles, said particles also being provided with an organic macromolecular coating. The inventive pigment preparation is produced by wet-grinding the inorganic and organic pigments, optionally adding other constituents, in the presence of a surface-active substance in the form of a macromolecular organic compound.
US07658792B2 Gallium naphthalocyanine salts for use as improved infrared dyes
There is provided an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): wherein M is Ga(A1); A1 is an axial ligand selected from —OH, halogen, —OR3, —OC(O)R4 or —O(CH2CH2O)eRe wherein e is an integer from 2 to 10 and Re is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from hydrogen or C1-12 alkoxy; R3 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl or Si(Rx)(Ry)(Rz); R4 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl or C5-12 arylalkyl; Rx, Ry and Rz may be the same or different and are selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C5-12 aryloxy or C5-12 arylalkoxy; and each B is independently selected from a base, wherein BH+ has a pKa of between 4 and 9. The dye is suitable for use in IR-absorbing inkjet inks, providing compatibility with known CMYK inks together with an optimally red-shifted λmax.
US07658762B2 Nonstented temporary valve for cardiovascular therapy
A method of treating a patient utilizes a temporary valve. In one embodiment, an inflatable structure of a temporary valve is inflated at a cardiovascular site in fluid communication with a native valve. At least a portion of the native valve is removed translumenally. A prosthetic valve is deployed to compliment or replace a native valve. The temporary valve is removed.
US07658752B2 Posterior dynamic stabilization x-device
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07658750B2 Suture anchoring system and method
A suture anchoring system and method includes a plurality of anchor members interconnected to form an anchor assembly with a suture extending therefrom. The anchor assembly has an insertion configuration wherein the anchor members are aligned in a substantially linear arrangement for delivery through an aperture in bodily tissue and an expanded configuration wherein the anchor members are transitioned to a non-linear arrangement to prevent passage of the anchor assembly back through the aperture.
US07658748B2 Right retrieval mechanism
An occlusion device for the closure of physical apertures, such as vascular or septal apertures, that can be retrieved, reloaded, and redeployed in situ. A plurality of puller arms and a floating center post allow the device to collapse for loading when a physician pulls on a delivery device, which is attached to the floating center post. This also allows for easy loading of the device into a catheter for delivery to the heart.
US07658747B2 Medical device for manipulation of a medical implant
This invention relates to medical devices for manipulating medical implants such as, for example, stents, distal protection filters, and septal occluders in a patient's body, and the methods of use thereof. Generally, a medical device of the invention includes a sleeve and an expandable component joined to the sleeve which transitions between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration for capturing a medical implant in a patient's body.
US07658737B2 Method and apparatus to sense temperature in an implantable pump
An implantable drug infusion pump for delivering drug therapy is made more reliable and its performance improved by monitoring drug pump temperature. Monitoring pump temperature can also provide for temperature-related drug therapy modification.A pump temperature sensor is read by the infusion pump's microprocessor. Pump temperature data is stored in pump memory for later access by a remote controller. A simple thermistor or semiconductor temperature sensor can provide fast and reliable temperature monitoring of the pump and/or of a patient by reading the temperature sensor's value and calculating a temperature therefrom.
US07658736B2 Internal drug dispenser capsule medical device
The present invention provides a swallowable internal drug medical device. The device includes a swallowable capsule. A sensing module is disposed in the capsule. A bioactive substance dispenser is disposed in the capsule. A memory and logic component is disposed in the capsule and in communication with the sensing module and the dispenser.
US07658729B2 Attachment device and system for corneal irrigating cannula and method thereof
A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.
US07658725B2 Enclosed needle device with duckbill release mechanism
An enclosed needle catheter insertion device (10) includes a catheter (12) and a needle insertion device (14) which are held together by cooperating arms (52, 53) with one or more detents (56) cooperating with a radially projecting surface (26) of the catheter hub (16). Insertion device (14) includes a guard housing (30) to enclose a needle (34) in a shielded position and a support housing (32) supporting the needle (34) for movement between a ready position, with the tip (36) of the needle (34) exposed, to the shielded position. Cooperating lock elements (47, 78) are provided for the housings (30, 32) which are positioned to define a lock actuation stage between the ready and shielded positions, whereat the needle is still within a passageway (54) defined by the cooperating arms (52, 53).
US07658722B2 Adapter for power injectors
A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
US07658717B2 Pulmonary evaluation device
Pulmonary evaluation device has sensor means adapted to sense fluctuations in a user's lung operation and feedback means, driven by said sensor means, for determining successive values representative of the user's lung fluctuations and adapted to translate said values into appropriate lung-evaluating information. Optionally, the sensor means comprises or forms part of an item suitable to be worn by or carried adjacent the user so as to follow body movements caused by the user's lung operation to evaluate the user's lung operation.
US07658716B2 Vital signs monitor using an optical ear-based module
The invention provides a system for measuring blood pressure from a patient that includes: 1) an optical module configured to be worn on the patient's ear and comprising at least one optical source and a photodetector; 2) a calibration source configured to make a blood pressure measurement; and, 3) a processing module configured to: i) receive a first signal from the optical module; ii) receive a second signal from the calibration source; iii) process the first and second signals to generate a calibration table; and iv) receive a third signal from the optical module and compare it to the calibration table to determine the patient's blood pressure.
US07658707B2 Clitoris friction stimulator and method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition
The invention relates to medical engineering, in particular to exiting and attaining a woman orgasm. The invention consists of a stimulating element in the form of a strip having a relief surface, a connecting ring wearable on a coronal sulcus of a glans penis, a tension device and a method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition. One end of the stimulating element is fixed to the coronal sulcus of a glans penis and the other end is connected to the tension device. During frictions, the stimulating element envelops a woman's pubic bone, reciprocatively moves and continuously touches the woman erogenic zones in the clitoris area, thereby exiting and additionally stimulating the clitoris. The aim of said invention is to amplify the sex sensation of a woman and to facilitate the orgasm.
US07658704B2 Apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation.
US07658701B2 Dual axis abdominal exercise apparatus
An abdominal exercise apparatus is provided that includes at least a lower carriage, an upper carriage, and a frame supporting the lower and upper carriages. A linkage mechanism operably associates the upper and lower carriages together to allow coordinated movement relative to one another. The upper carriage includes an upper pivot axis relative to the frame, and an upper carriage pivot axis relative to the upper carriage, and the lower carriage includes a lower pivot axis relative to the frame.
US07658700B2 Training device for exercising muscle groups of the entire body
A training and/or exercise device and method for exercising muscle groups of the entire body is disclosed herein that is portable, easy to use, can work the muscles of the entire body, and does not have complicated integrating parts when in use. The device and method allows a free range of motion about a vertical axis without substantial resistance. The device allows a wide variety of movement using a single device, and particularly allows for balancing movements that are advantageous for strengthening the core. Further, the training device is particularly advantageous for use in a home gym and may be stored under a bed or within the overhead compartment of an airplane.
US07658697B1 Trampoline frame welding configuration
The present invention is in the field of sports equipment, more specifically, relating to a trampoline frame connection structure. The trampoline frame has a main pipe and a support pipe. The main pipe has a straight line weld seam. The support pipe supports the main pipe. The main pipe junction with the support pipe has a concave connection. The main tube weld seam is on the bottom facing the concave portion. This practical new design features an improved welding configuration that has a low budget and high-efficiency connection. The weld seam on the bottom decreases shock to the weld seam and also prevents interference between the connecting hole on the main pipe and weld seam. Finally, this invention uses a weld seam strengthening plate device.
US07658695B1 Position monitoring displays
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring movement of a user performing an exercise includes displaying a position cursor and displaying a target path. The target path describes an exercise goal associated with an exercise performed by a user. The method also includes moving the position cursor based on positional information received from a position monitor affixed to the user. The positional information describes a movement associated with the exercise.
US07658690B2 Plate-link chain, particularly for a motor vehicle drive system
A plate link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. A number of link plates are hingedly connected by pairs of rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Curved contact surfaces are located on each of the rocker members and link plates, along which contact surfaces the rocker members and link plates contact each other to transmit power. The rocker members also include curved pitch surfaces along which rocker member pairs roll against each other to transmit power. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction and about a cross section plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Contact surfaces are provided on each of the upper and lower contact surface areas in the height direction of the rocker members.
US07658687B2 Wood-type golf club head
A hollow wood-type golf club head with improved directional stability having, in head periphery region Ao including head contour line OL defined by crown portion 4 when viewed from above as a plane view of the head in the standard state, thick wall portion 9 extending along the contour line and expanding toward the hollow portion side to have an increased thickness, wherein the thick wall portion 9 comprises crown thick wall portion 9c which forms a part of crown portion 4 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 2.0 mm, and side thick wall portion 9s which is continuous with the crown thick wall portion 9c and forms a part of side portion 6 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 3.0 mm, and wherein the thick wall portion 9 has a width along the head outer surface of 6 to 16 mm in a vertical section passing through the head center of gravity G in the standard state.
US07658680B2 Cue ball aiming and billiard training device
This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.
US07658677B2 Force limiting assembly
An apparatus is shown which comprises first and second mating components with a force limiter located between them. The force limiter includes a band of resilient material, with protrusions therealong, and a slip element. The band and the slip element are secured to the first mating component with the band arranged to apply a radial force against the slip element so as to press it against the second mating component.The frictional force between slip element and the second mating component is insufficient to separate the slip element and the band from the first mating component, so any slipping that occurs between the mating components happens at the boundary of the slip element and the second mating component.A desired slip force can be obtained by choosing a slip element with an appropriate coefficient of friction, rather than by varying the dimensions of the components.
US07658676B2 Game apparatus and storage medium having game program stored thereon
A game apparatus obtains acceleration data representing an acceleration vector in at least two predetermined axial directions of the input device repeatedly, then calculates a change amount of each of the acceleration vectors represented by acceleration data obtained during a predetermined swing period, and then calculates an accumulated value obtained by accumulating the calculated change amounts. A swing strength of the input device is calculated based on the accumulated value. The game processing is executed using the calculated swing strength.
US07658666B2 Superhard cutters and associated methods
A cutting device comprises a plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements secured in a solidified organic material layer. Each of the plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements has a substantially matching geometric configuration.
US07658663B2 Low cost electronic toys and toy components manufactured from conductive loaded resin-based materials
Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
US07658653B2 Terminal block with plug-in module
A connector arrangement includes a universal terminal block having a body containing a chamber in which is removably mounted one of a plurality of function control modules as used in commercial, industrial and residential installations, wherein a pair of module contacts on the module are brought into electrical engagement with a pair of stationary contacts mounted in the chamber, thereby to connect the module to a pair of external insulated conductors via bus bars and terminals contained in the terminal block body. Various types of function control modules may be used with a single universal terminal block. The modules may include locking devices for locking the module to the universal terminal block. The terminal block includes mounting feet on the side thereof remote from the chamber, whereby selective modules may be substituted for one another when the terminal block is mounted on a support rail.
US07658647B2 Cable arrangement with shielded cables
Connector apparatus electrically connects together a plurality of shielded cables, including a housing containing a chamber including a first opening for receiving one end of a first shielded cable, and at least two second openings receiving the one ends of at least two second shielded cables, respectively. A conductive shield associated with the housing connects together the shielding layers of all of the cables, and a printed circuit board arranged in the housing connects at least one conductor of at least two of the second cables with a corresponding conductor of the first cable.
US07658634B2 Zero insertion force connector with an improved driver member
An electrical connector (1) for connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises an insulating base (10) arranged a plurality of terminals therein, a cover (11) moveable assembly on the base and a driver mechanism disposed on the insulating base and driving the cover to slide relatively to the insulating base. The driver at least comprises a hollow driver member (12) and the driver member (12) is rotated by an exterior force.
US07658633B1 Socket having clip with attaching portion
A socket adapted for electrically connecting an IC package and a PCB, comprising: a body mounted on the PCB for electrically connecting the IC package, two bolts mounted on the PCB and beside the body and a clip for retaining the IC package in the body. The bolt has a header portion on the top with biggest size, a middle portion and a screw portion engaging with the PCB. The clip has two attaching portions, each defining a hatch at a free end thereof, the clip links with the bolt by inserting the attaching portion toward the bolt to make the middle portion be received in the hatch and the header portion be upon the hatch to prevent the attaching portion from upward movement.
US07658625B2 AC Power adapter with swiveling plug having folding prongs
An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.
US07658621B2 Connector assembly having connecting device
A connector assembly (100) includes a mother board (12), a mother receptacle (11), a daughter board (22), a daughter receptacle (21), and a connecting device (30) mounted between said two boards. The connecting device includes a shroud (31), a pair of standoffs (32) mounted at opposite sides of the shroud and engageable with the two boards, and an extender (33) positioned alongside the shroud and between the pair of standoffs. The extender defines a lower interface (332) mating with the mother receptacle and an upper interface (331) mating with the daughter receptacle.
US07658619B2 Processor and power converter assembly with rigidly connected power connector
A processor assembly includes a computer processor, a voltage converter, and a converter-power connector. A carrier structure holds these components in rigid relationship with each other.
US07658612B2 Body conformable electrical network
An entirely wearable electrical connector for power/data connectivity. The principal element of a modular network is the wearable electrical connector, which is integrated into a personal area network with USB compatibility.
US07658611B2 Interactive patient education system
Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding.
US07658610B2 Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template with a 3-D object placement
A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined three-dimensional positions on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object at the predetermined 3D position on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.
US07658607B2 Cross-over nozzle system for stack molds
A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The crossover nozzle system relies on molten plastic pressure within the system to actuate the primary sprue shut-off valve, and thus to open and close the flow of molten plastic to the molds. Therefore, a drool-free valve mechanism is created without needing an external actuation of the shut-off valve like, for instance, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder.
US07658600B2 Scroll compressor with thrustplate peeling prevention
There is provided a scroll compressor in which reliability and durability is increased by preventing peeling of a coating layer applied to a thrust plate, to maintain a desired level of lubrication for a long period of time. The scroll compressor has a thrust plate, a coating which is applied to a surface of the thrust plate, a housing having a thrust bearing face to which the thrust plate is attached, an orbiting scroll member having a slide face which is supported by the thrust plate and which orbits while sliding, and a peeling prevention part which reduces a sliding pressure acting on an edge portion of the thrust plate from the slide face.
US07658584B2 Bookbinding apparatus
There are provided bookbinding apparatuses that wrap a bundle of sheets with a cover and form back corners, and have a detecting unit for detecting a wave amount of a bundle of sheets. A type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a time period to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit. Another type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a pressure applied to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit. Still another type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a time period and pressure applied to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit.
US07658582B2 Precise linear fastener system and method for use
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a shank member. The fastener system is secured by linearly traversing a compression member in an overlapping fashion over the collet member thereby utilizing ribbed surfaces to compress the collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
US07658576B1 Hole saw having efficient slug removal
A hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. A cutting surface is formed on an open end of the saw cup. An inside surface of the saw cup is given a low friction treatment and preferably an outside surface thereof. The shank portion is retained on a closed end of the saw cup. The pilot cutting device is preferably a drill, but other cutting devices may also be used. A second embodiment of a hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. The saw cup includes a prior art saw cup, at least two side openings and a cutting surface. The at least two side openings are formed through the prior art saw cup to remove a substantial portion of a side wall.
US07658570B2 Manhole system
A remotely actuated manhole system is disclosed having a cover that is pivotable relative to a frame secured with a collar on a bulk carrier, the cover being pivotable around a substantially vertical axis between and to open and closed positions. In the closed position covering an opening to a compartment in the bulk carrier, the cover is shiftable vertically between and to locked and unlocked positions by an inflatable seal member below the cover. The manhole system includes catches that prevent over-rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the catches engage in the locked position by the vertical upward movement of the cover. The inflation of the seal member and the pivoting of the cover are remotely actuated.
US07658567B2 Automatic pencil
Au automatic pencil comprising an outer pencil tube, a pencil head, a clipping device, a guiding tube and a pencil lead cylinder, characterized in that a resilient element is mounted between the guiding tube and the clipping device allowing the guiding tube to reciprocate upward and downward within the stopper. The resilient element urges the guiding tube to rise upward if the pencil lead cylinder is not depressed, and to keep a distance from the pencil lead, and to allow another pencil lead to be inserted. The pencil lead cylinder can adapt a plurality of pencil lead.
US07658563B2 Image forming apparatus having unit housing permitting mechanism
An image forming apparatus including: an apparatus body; a first unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the body along a first direction and which includes at least a part of an image forming section for forming an image and/or of a sheet transporting section for transporting a sheet onto which the formed image is transferred, and; a second unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the first unit along a second direction in a state where the first unit is pulled from the body, the second direction being different from the first direction; and a housing permitting mechanism for permitting the first unit to be pushed into the body by a predetermined operation, the housing permitting mechanism being provided for at least one of the body and the first unit.
US07658556B2 Panoramic camera mount
A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.
US07658550B2 Optical fiber, optical fiber connecting method, and optical connector
An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.
US07658538B2 Method for evaluating solder joint portion
A method for evaluating a solder joint portion by means of which a part and a substrate are joined to each other includes a preparation process for preparing the substrate including the solder joint portion, a thermal shock process for applying thermal shock to the solder joint portion multiple times, and an evaluation process for obtaining a change of a crystal grain size in the solder joint portion caused by the application of the thermal shock so as to evaluate a lifespan of the solder joint portion based on the change of the crystal grain size obtained.
US07658519B2 Display device
A display device includes a first light source for emitting first light in blue, a second light source for emitting second light, and a color filter. The filter has a translucent sheet, a first printed area part for passing the first light to provide a first display excluding an overlapped portion of the first display and a second display and preventing the second light from passing therethrough, a second printed area part for passing the second light to provide the second display excluding the overlapped portion and preventing the first light from passing therethrough, a third printed area part for dimming and passing the first and second lights to provide the overlapped portion, a background printed area part for preventing the first and second lights from passing therethrough, and a white light converting part for the first light passing therethrough into white light.
US07658510B2 System and method for power control in a LED luminaire
The present invention is directed to an LED lighting source comprising a housing adapted for coupling to an AC power source; a rectifier circuit for converting the AC power to a DC supply; a power control circuit disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the DC supply; a string of LED's electrically connected between a control node of the power control circuit and the DC supply, the LEDs in the string being connected in series and being of a number selected to produce a voltage difference across the power control circuit sufficient to power active components of said power control circuit when powered from the DC supply and the power control circuit for limiting a forward current through the string to a nominal forward current of a single LED.
US07658500B2 Shutter opening and closing apparatus for beam projector
A shutter opening and closing apparatus for protecting a projection lens of a beam projector, wherein a shutter member is provided at an exterior case for selectively opening and closing an opening for exposing the light output surface of the projection lens and a driving unit mounted separately from the shutter member for driving the shutter member whereby the apparatus can be used as a wall hanging slim beam projector or a stand-up type slim beam projector capable of operating with a reduced consumption of electricity because of its compact, light-weight construction.
US07658495B2 Eye examination device by means of tomography with a sighting device
A sighting device for an examination by in vivo tomography of an eye of a subject including a viewer controlled by a control system for displaying at least one moving target where the at least one moving target has at least one of a programmable shape and a programmable trajectory, and is visible by the eye of the subject during the examination period to allow the subject to fixate and follow the target with their eye.
US07658494B2 Fundus camera
A fundus camera having a function of measuring a retinal function, capable of picking up (obtaining) a sharp color image of a fundus suitable for a fundus examination and measuring a retinal function with high accuracy comprises an illumination optical system comprising a visible light source, an image-pickup optical system comprising an image-pickup element, a mode selection switch for performing switching between a fundus photographing mode and a retinal function measurement mode based on variance of an intrinsic signal of a retina made by retinal stimulation, and a control unit which controls the optical systems, wherein the unit lowers, when the retinal function measurement mode is selected, illumination intensity of the illumination optical system per unit time in illuminating the fundus than that in picking up the color fundus image, and controls the element to pick up first and second visible fundus images at different points in time.
US07658490B2 Imaging apparatus with stowable media tray
An imaging apparatus has an interior cavity therein. A carriage is disposed within the interior cavity and is movable through a length of travel within the interior cavity. A cartridge is carried by the carriage. A swept volume includes the profile of the carriage and cartridge extended along the length of the carriage rod a distance equal to the length of travel of the carriage. A media tray is at least partially disposed within the cavity.
US07658489B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
The image forming apparatus comprises: a print head including a plurality of nozzles which eject droplets of a radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; a conveyance device which causes the print head and the recording medium to relatively move to each other in a relative conveyance direction of the recording medium by conveying at least one of the print head and the recording medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to a width direction of the recording medium; an irradiation device which irradiates a radiation to the droplets of the ink, the droplets having landed on the recording medium; and a control device which controls the irradiation device so that the radiation is irradiated to a first ink droplet while a second ink droplet is in flight, the first ink droplet having been previously ejected from one of the nozzles in the print head and having landed on the recording medium, the second ink droplet being ejected from the same one of the nozzles so as to overlap with or make contact with the first ink droplet on the recording medium.
US07658487B2 Liquid drop ejecting device, controller therefor, liquid drop ejecting method, and storage medium storing a program
A controller for a liquid drop ejecting device including a first head with plural first liquid drop ejectors, and a second head with plural second liquid drop ejectors, is provided. The controller includes: a scanning controlling section scanning at least the first head plural times a same region of a recording medium; and an ejection controlling section controlling the first and second head such that a proportion of an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the second liquid drops with respect to an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the first liquid drops in a first scan, is within a range of 0 to a first value, and the proportion in scans from a second scan on is within a range of a second value to 1, and the proportion in the first scan is smaller than the proportion in the scans from the second scan on.
US07658468B2 Ink jet recording head and method of manufacturing the same
An ink jet recording head is formed by laminating a nozzle plate, ink pool plates, a through plate, an ink supply path plate, a pressure chamber plate and a vibrating plate in order. These members of the head are bonded to each other with an adhesive. An inner wall of an ink channel is covered with a channel film for continuously covering the entire inner wall.
US07658465B2 Inkjet deposition apparatus
An inkjet deposition apparatus includes a position encoder 128 in a translation stage 116. The position encoder provides encoder signals which are used as a clock signal for a pattern memory 136. Ejection of droplets of a material to be printed can therefore be synchronised with the speed of movement of the translation, providing improved accuracy and speed of deposition.
US07658463B2 Printhead maintenance assembly comprising first and second rollers
A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) a first roller having an outer surface for receiving ink from the face; (c) a second roller engaged with said first roller, the second roller being configured for receiving ink from the first roller; (d) a cleaning pad in contact with the second roller; and (e) a mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers.
US07658454B2 Vehicle motion control apparatus
A proportional pressure difference valve is disclosed between a master cylinder and normally open valves for supplying hydraulic pressure discharged from the master cylinder into wheel brake cylinders, which are connected to normally closed valves for reducing pressure. The normally open valve connected to one of the wheel brake cylinders in one hydraulic circuit is placed in its closed position, and the normally open valve connected to the other one of the wheel brake cylinders is placed in its open position and then the pressure difference valve is controlled on the basis of a monitored vehicle state variable to regulate a pressure difference between the pressure at the side of the master cylinder and the pressure at the side of the normally open valves.
US07658446B2 Infant carrier and receiving base
An infant carrier and car seat combination is illustrated which provides releasable lockability between the carrier and its base, infant seat belt tensioning and height adjustment, improved handle movement which resists twisting and carrier base adjustment through a movable base within the carrier base.
US07658430B2 Seat striker mechanism
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor and a structural pillar is provided, the seat assembly including a seat bottom frame attached to the floor and a seat back frame pivotally attached to the seat bottom frame. The seat back frame is capable of pivoting between a stowed position where the seat back frame is generally parallel to the seat bottom frame and an upright position where the seat back frame is generally perpendicular to the seat bottom frame. A striker mechanism is positioned on the seat back frame and is capable of assuming a normal position arranged to engage a latch located in the structural pillar of the vehicle when the seat assembly is in an upright position, and a refracted position where the striker mechanism is retracted towards the seat back frame as the seat assembly Is pivoted from the upright position to the stowed position.
US07658420B2 Quick-connect fitting with unlocking ring
A quick-connect coupling having a rotatable release member that is movable between a locked position whereat the plug-to-connect coupling is locked in a coupled state, and a release position whereat the quick-connect coupling can be decoupled. The coupling can be operated with one hand as the release member can remain in an unlocked position (e.g., the release position) when moved to such position and released.
US07658410B2 Passenger restraining harness
A passenger restraining harness has a web (30) which during ready position stored within the backrest of a seat (10) and there is also a headrest (31) rested on top of the backrest covering the exit opening of the web, during the course of an accident, the propelling device (50) will receive commend from the sensor to propel carrying cams (80) (801)(802)(803) with the web and headrest along the looped channels (40) to the engaged positions at the anchor brackets (60) effectively restraining a person (11), the cable guides (20) with the tightening cable (32) function together to tighten up middle section of the web (30). Showing is the inside section of a vehicle (9).
US07658409B2 Driver side air bag
An air bag usable to protect the driver of the vehicle comprising: a face panel; a rear panel of generally the same shape as the face panel and secured to the face panel along its periphery; the rear panel including a centrally located opening configured to receive an air bag inflator that introduces gas into the space formed by the face and rear panels; a tether of elongated shape having first and second ends and a center region, the center region is positioned into a Z-shaped configuration and secured to the face panel proximate a geometric center of the face panel.
US07658399B2 Stroller
A stroller includes at least one adapter, by which a first child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the stroller. The stroller further includes at least one connecting piece, by which a second child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the stroller. The at least one adapter is movable from at least a first position, in which the first child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the adapter, to at least a second position connected to the stroller, in which the second child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the connecting piece.
US07658398B2 Rotating connection system with braking means
A connection system for connecting a board 1 to a boot comprises a plate 5 which is connectable to the board 1, a button 3 having a bottom face and a top face, the top face being connectable to a boot or binding 2, and a collar 4, wherein a part of the button 3 is sandwiched between the collar 4 and the plate 5 with its bottom face adjoining the plate 5, and its top face exposed through the collar 4, such that it can rotate about an axis passing through the connection system and wherein the bottom face of the button 3 has a curved surface, which has rotational symmetry with and which adjoins a complimentary curved surface on the plate 5, such that button 3 can roll to move its axis of rotation A away from an axis P perpendicular to the plate 5, and in that the connection system comprises braking means 8, which restricts movement of the button 3.
US07658384B2 Die-rolling device and game
A method of playing a game. A face of a die may be selected, and a marker may be moved to a position on a game board according to the face selected. A request for a player response may be selected from a set of text-based requests, and an interval associated with the player response may be timed.
US07658376B2 Method and apparatus for depositing sheet of paper onto a stack using intermediate transport member
Depositing a sheet of paper onto a stack of sheets of paper, preferably for use in a printing press, where the sheet to be deposited is grasped by at least one rotationally drivable sheet conveyor member with the front edge of the sheet fed into a receptacle, and the sheet's front edge is released from the receptacle of the rotating sheet conveyor member prior to depositing of the sheet onto the stack of sheets, and instead, it is deposited into a receptacle of an intermediate transport member where it is further released for depositing the sheet onto the stack of sheets.
US07658369B2 Post pulling device
A post pulling device includes a tower having first and second side members, each side member having a plurality of receiving slots. Each receiving slot of the first side member corresponds to a respective receiving slot of the second side member. The post pulling device includes a rigid bar having opposed first and second ends, opposed first and second sides, and first and second pivoting members extending from the first and second sides, respectively. The first and second pivoting members are respectively receivable in corresponding receiving slots of the first and second side members. An end plate and a lanyard are included for coupling a post to the first end of the rigid bar. A hitch element may be coupled to the tower for selectively coupling the tower to a vehicle hitch. The rigid bar may be telescopic with structures for maintaining the rigid bar at a selected length.
US07658367B2 Valve essentially gastight closing of a flow path
The invention relates to a valve, in particular a pendulum or slide gate valve, for essentially gastight closing of a flow path (F). The valve includes a valve housing (1; 1a) having a first wall (2) which has a first opening (3) and a first valve seat (4), a valve disk (5) having a closing side (6) with a sealing ring (7) and at least one drive (8). Through drive (8), the valve disk (5) is pivotable or displaceable from an opened position (A) essentially parallel to the first valve seat (4), and the perpendicular distance between the valve disk (5), and the first valve seat (4) can be reduced so that, in the closed position (C), the flow path (F) is closed essentially gastight by an axially sealing contact between the sealing ring (7) and the first valve seat (4). The valve disk (5) includes an outer disk section (9), which is connected to the drive (8) and fixes the sealing ring (7) in the perpendicular direction to the first valve seat (4), and an inner disk section (10) which has an outer circumferential area (11) and which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the outer disk section (9) in a direction (Z) essentially perpendicular to the first valve seat (4). The outer circumferential area (11) is enclosed essentially gastight with an inner seal by the sealing ring (7). Thus, in the closed position (C), a pressure difference at the valve disk (5) acts essentially on the inner disk section (10) so that the inner disk section (10), decoupled from the outer disk section (9), is supported perpendicularly on a section of the valve housing (1), in particular the first valve seat (4) or a lateral groove (27).
US07658355B2 Support arm
The invention provides a support arm for an apparatus, preferably for a display screen, comprising a first fastening part for attachment to a frame or a wall, a first member, at one end coupled to the first fastening part and at another end coupled to a first pivot joint which allows rotation about a first axis of rotation, a second member which, at a first end, is coupled to the first pivot joint, and, at a second end, is provided with a second pivot joint which allows rotation about a second axis of rotation, a second fastening part for attaching the apparatus to the support arm, coupled to the second pivot joint, the first and second axes of rotation essentially being parallel to one another. The second fastening part is connected to a substantially L-shaped third member via a third pivot coupled to the second pivot joint.
US07658353B2 Adjustable supports for mounting a planar object between opposed surfaces
The present invention is an adjustable support for installing a planar sheet of material between opposed surfaces for protection from events such as storms. The supports secure the planar sheet to an opening such as a door and window, thereby holding it in place during storms, etc. The supports are easily removed and include a substantially L-shaped base and a clamp. The clamp is removably and adjustably attached to the first side of the L-shaped base, thereby forming an aperture between the second side of the L-shaped base and the bottom surface of the clamp. The aperture is adaptable to accept various thicknesses of substantially planar objects. A device is provided for engaging the adjustable support with a support structure, passing through the clamp and passing through a hole in the first side of the L-shaped base and interfacing with support surfaces to hold the substantially planar object between the first support surface and a substantially opposed second support surface.
US07658348B1 Enhancement and extension of structural integrity of aircraft structure
A method and apparatus for modifying aircraft having a fuselage and center fuselage carry through structure that support wing structures, comprising placing a load transferring member to extend through the center fuselage carry through structure, and transferring the tension loads from the wing structures to the center fuselage carry through structure so as to provide a redundant load path that is resistant to the hazards of single point failures modes.
US07658340B2 System and method for nanoparticle and nanoagglomerate fluidization
With the coupling of an external field and aeration (or a flow of another gas), nanoparticles can be smoothly and vigorously fluidized. A magnetic force and/or pre-treatment may be employed with the fluidizing gas and, when coupled with a fluidizing medium, provide excellent means for achieving homogenous nanofluidization. The magnetic force interacts with non-fluidizing magnetic particles and helps to break channels as well as provide enough energy to disrupt the strong interparticle forces, thereby establishing an advantageous agglomerate size distribution. Enhanced fluidization is reflected by improved performance-related attributes. The fluidized nanoparticles may be coated, surface-treated and/or surface-modified in the fluidized state. In addition, the fluidized nanoparticles may participate in a reaction, either as a reactant or a catalyst, while in the fluidized state.
US07658339B2 Modular fuel nozzle air swirler
A modular fuel nozzle air swirler for a gas turbine engine has a body defining a fuel passage extending between an inlet end and a discharge end of the body. An annular cap is removably secured to the discharge end of the body via cooperating interlocking members.
US07658328B2 Authorization verification method and devices suited therefor
The invention relates to an authorization verification method and devices suited therefor, which play back authorization data via a user interface (11) of an electronic playback device (1). During the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of a first playback device (1), the playback attributes are modified. The playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) is compared with the playback of reference data via a user interface (21) of a second electronic playback device (2). Authorization is granted in the event the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) matches the playback of reference data via the user interface (21) of the second playback device (2), and modifications of the playback attributes are, in essence, time-synchronized. The dynamic modification of the playback attributes during the playback of authorization data and playback of the reference data render practically impossible the unauthorized copying of image contents or audio contents for falsifying an authorization. In addition, a simultaneous playback of authorization data and reference data render unnecessary inquiries made to an authorization center (3).
US07658323B2 Point-of-service (POS) and POS application compatability
A system for using compatible point-of-service (POS) applications to access and control devices of a POS unit. A server runs a POS application and a set of peripheral drivers (or device controls). A networked POS unit communicates with the host server via a communication network, and the networked POS unit includes peripherals connected locally to its I/O ports. The POS unit further includes a device communications management module processing output received from the host server that is generated by the POS application and is targeted at one of the connected peripheral ports. The device communications management module transfers POS device input from the peripherals over the communication network to the host server for processing by the POS application. The POS application interfaces with the peripheral drivers, and the output is provided by one of the peripheral drivers that corresponds to the target peripheral of the networked POS unit.
US07658319B2 Methods and devices for assigning RFID device personality
Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network with “personalities” that are appropriate for the roles of the RFID devices. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.
US07658311B2 Surgical stapling instrument with a geared return mechanism
A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. The firing drive can include a pawl which can be selectively engaged with the firing member in order to advance the firing member, wherein the pawl can be disengaged from the firing member when the reversing drive is engaged with the firing member. The reversing drive can include a gear train having a first gear operably engaged with the firing member and, in addition, a second gear operably engaged with the first gear, wherein the second gear can be selectively operable with the trigger such that an actuation of the trigger can retract the firing member and/or cutting element via the first and second gears.