| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07854591B2 |
Airfoil for a turbine of a gas turbine engine
An airfoil for a turbine of a gas turbine engine is provided. The airfoil comprises a main body comprising a wall structure defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a cooling air. The wall structure includes a first diffusion region and at least one first metering opening extending from the inner cavity to the first diffusion region. The wall structure further comprises at least one cooling circuit comprising a second diffusion region and at least one second metering opening extending from the first diffusion region to the second diffusion region. The at least one cooling circuit may further comprise at least one third metering opening, at least one third diffusion region and a fourth diffusion region. |
| US07854590B2 |
Rotor blade visual lights
A rotorcraft, such a helicopter or a tiltrotor aircraft, includes a light emitting device configured to provide light at a tip of a rotor blade. The light emitting device includes a light emitting diode arranged on the rotor blade, and a power source, wherein the power source is configured to power the light emitting diode due to a movement of the rotor blade. The power source may include a piezo-electric material configured to create a voltage due to movements of the rotor blade or an electrical generator including a stationary magnet assembly and a moveable coil assembly arranged on a shaft that rotates the rotor blade. |
| US07854589B2 |
Wind turbine, a method for damping edgewise oscillations in one or more blades of a wind turbine by changing the blade pitch and use hereof
The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor including one or more pitchable blades, and detection means for detecting edgewise oscillations in one or more of said blades. The wind turbine is characterized in that the wind turbine comprises control means for changing the pitch angle of one or more of the blades if the detection means detects edgewise oscillations in one or more of the blades, hereby damping or eliminating the edgewise oscillations. The invention further relates to a method for damping edgewise oscillations in one or more blades of a wind turbine and use hereof. |
| US07854584B2 |
Barrier sealing system for centrifugal compressors
A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a bearing coupled to the machine rotor, a machine stator, and a sealing device disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The sealing device includes a dry gas seal and first and second seals disposed between the dry gas seal and the bearing. One or both of the first and second seals includes a brush seal or more specifically a brush seal including a plurality of non-metallic fibers. |
| US07854582B2 |
Operation of an aircraft engine after emergency shutdown
A method of emergency operation of an aircraft turbofan engine during an aircraft flight is provided. The engine includes a fan shaft with a fan, and an electric motor/generator mounted for rotation therewith. The method includes shutting down the engine while allowing the engine to windmill, operating the electric motor/generator to rotate the shaft at a determined windmilling speed which is desired for the fan shaft, and operating the engine at the desired windmilling speed for substantially a remainder of the aircraft flight. |
| US07854581B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding system, and bookbinding method
A bookbinding apparatus provided with an accumulating portion, which accumulates sheets into a sheet bundle, a bundle position correcting device, which corrects an adhesive application position of the sheet bundle, an adhesive applying portion, which applies an adhesive to the sheet bundle, and a bookbinding device, which cases the sheet bundle having the adhesive applied thereto in a cover for casing—in a book. |
| US07854570B2 |
Pontoonless tension leg platform
A pontoonless tension leg platform (TLP) has a plurality of buoyant columns connected by an above-water deck support structure. The design eliminates the need for subsea pontoons extending between the surface-piercing columns. In certain embodiments, the buoyancy of the columns is increased by the addition of subsea sections of increased diameter (and/or cross-sectional area) to provide the buoyancy furnished by the pontoons of the TLPs of the prior art. A pontoonless TLP has a smaller subsea projected area in both the horizontal and vertical planes than a conventional multi-column TLP of equivalent load-bearing capacity having pontoons between the columns. This reduction in surface area produces a corresponding reduction in the platform's response to ocean currents and wave action and consequently allows the use of smaller and/or less costly mooring systems. Moreover, the smaller vertical projected area results in a shorter natural period which enables a pontoonless TLP according to the invention to be used in water depths where conventional TLPs cannot be used due to their longer natural periods. The absence of pontoons in a multi-column TLP also has the added benefit of providing an unobstructed path for risers to connect with the deck of the platform. |
| US07854569B1 |
Underwater unmanned vehicle recovery system and method
In various embodiments, an apparatus for use in the recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles includes a recovery vehicle configured to be coupled to a winch via a tether. The recovery vehicle includes one or more sensors for locating the unmanned underwater vehicle, a first mechanical linking device for coupling the recovery vehicle to the unmanned underwater vehicle, and a plurality of steering mechanisms for actively guiding the unmanned underwater vehicle in such a way as to allow the first mechanical linking device to capture the unmanned underwater vehicle by locking onto a second mechanical linking device of the unmanned underwater vehicle. |
| US07854565B2 |
Method of establishing a desired grade of an uncured concrete surface
A method of establishing a desired grade of an uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface includes providing a wheeled apparatus having a wheeled support and a plow assembly, which may include a plow member for establishing the desired grade and/or a vibrating member for vibrating and smoothing the concrete. The down pressure of the plow assembly may be adjusted when the wheeled support is moved in a rearward direction. The elevation of the plow member may be controlled when a direction signal is indicative of the wheeled support stopping and/or moving in the forward direction. The rearward speed of the wheeled support may be reduced in response to a detection of a surface irregularity of the subgrade, and the frame portion and/or the plow assembly may be controlled to substantially maintain the plow assembly at a desired orientation when the wheel engages the detected surface irregularity. |
| US07854561B1 |
Two piece drip containing lid
Removable two piece drip containing lids for sealing one or more liquid holding container having a neck and a neck opening are provided. The removable two piece drip containing lid can include a wiper lid portion having a central opening and a cap portion. The wiper lid portion can include a wiper housing for engaging the outside of the neck; an extension secured to an inner portion of the wiper housing; a wiper connected to at least a portion of the extension. The cap portion can be connected to the wiper lid portion. The cap portion can include an applicator cap; a stem connected to the applicator cap and an applicator connected to the stem. |
| US07854549B2 |
Systems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical measurement
Systems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical function are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods can be used for dissipating heat generated during low impedance measurement on a multimeter. In some embodiments, the multimeter can include a first thermistor coupled in series with a resistor in a measurement path, a second thermistor, and a switch coupled to the measurement path and the second thermistor for selectively including the second thermistor in the measurement path during a low impedance measurement. |
| US07854548B2 |
Integrated total air temperature probe and electronics
A total air temperature sensor includes a probe secured to a first side of a vehicle surface. The probe includes an air inlet and a temperature sensing element. Air flows into the air inlet and passes by the temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element produces a temperature sensing element electrical signal as a function of a temperature of the air. The total air temperature sensor also includes an electronics package secured to a second side of the vehicle surface. Electronics in the electronics package receive the temperature sensing element electrical signal from the temperature sensing element and determine a total air temperature as a function of the temperature sensing element electrical signal. |
| US07854543B2 |
Motorized bone cement mixing and delivery system that automatically transfers bone cement between the mixer and the delivery device and that automatically terminates the mixing and transfer processes
A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided in which separate components of bone cement are mixed together in a mixer to form a bone cement mixture. The mixer includes a paddle for mixing the components in a mixing chamber and a piston that pushes the mixing cement into an attached delivery device. The system further includes a switch that disconnects the drive assembly that actuates the paddle and piston from its power source. The switch is automatically tripped by a follower that moves upon actuation of the drive assembly. Once the cement is mixed and transferred to the delivery device, the follower trips the switch to automatically deactivate the drive assembly. |
| US07854541B2 |
Backlight unit with socket connector, and liquid crystal display module using the same
A backlight unit with socket connecter includes: a bottom frame having a topside and a backside; at least one lamp on the topside of the bottom frame; a socket connector disposed on a backside of the bottom frame, the socket connector being connected to the lamp; and a backlight circuit board having a plug connector connected to the socket connector. |
| US07854539B2 |
Illumination device comprising a light source and a light-guide
Proposed is an illumination device (1), comprising a semiconductor light source (10) for generating light, a primary optical system (20) for feeding the light to a secondary optical system (30), which is provided for radiating the light and for achieving a desired radiation pattern. The semiconductor light source may comprise LEDs and/or Laser-Diodes. The primary optical system comprises a light-guide with a mirrored end-face (24) and an out-coupling structure (25) for directing light into the secondary optical system. The mirrored end-face optically folds the light-guide, effectively extending the length over which the light is advantageously homogenized inside the light guide. Furthermore, optically folding the light-guide makes more economical use of the space inside the secondary optical system. This is especially advantageous when designing an LED based retrofit for existing form factors of halogen based illumination devices. |
| US07854537B2 |
Recessed lighting fixture
A recessed lighting fixture includes a housing having one or more side walls, one or more of which including at least one elongate slot formation, the slot formation including a pair of oppositely extending lateral edge formations, each lateral edge formation having a first dimension, a retaining clip to be located in the slot formation for movement therealong. The retaining clip has a first portion to extend through the slot formation and to travel along an inner surface of the corresponding side wall on opposite sides of the slot formation, a second portion having a second dimension exceeding the first dimension and to travel along an outer surface of a corresponding side wall on opposite sides of the slot formation. The second portion is arranged to be biased outwardly from the housing relative to the first portion, the second portion joined to a third portion, the third portion being arranged to extend through the slot formation in a retained position, in which the third portion is retained against an inner surface of the corresponding lateral edge formation with the second portion in a spring-loaded orientation. The third portion is movable from the retained position to a released position when separated from the lateral edge formation, thereby causing the second portion to be transferred from its spring-loaded orientation to an outwardly extended orientation relative to the housing. |
| US07854532B2 |
Fixture and a method for servicing or cleaning an ornamental fixture
An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure. |
| US07854531B1 |
Bridge seal for a warning light assembly
The disclosed bridge seal includes a substantially rigid bridge component and flexible gutter seal arranged to span the openings between adjacent housing modules of a modular warning light assembly such as a lightbar. The bridge seal physically connects the adjacent ends of base and dome components to each other and defines a fluid flow channel to guide water away from the area between housing modules. The disclosed bridge seal integrates discrete housing modules into a connected weather resistant enclosure having a longitudinal path for control and power distribution conductors extending the length of the lightbar. |
| US07854520B2 |
Projector device
The present invention discloses a projector device comprising: a housing body having a first insertion slot formed in a wall portion thereof; a control substrate; a metal-made shield frame arranged and fixed within the housing body and fixed to the housing body for allowing the control substrate; a reinforcing bracket for reinforcing the first insertion slot; the reinforcing bracket including a reinforcing surface and an extension surface extending to be perpendicular to the reinforcing surface; the reinforcing surface having a second insertion slot; a positioning section provided on an inner surface of the wall portion of the housing body for causing the reinforcing bracket to be positioned with respect to the housing body with the second insertion slot of the reinforcing bracket being aligned with the first insertion slot; and a screw for causing the extension surface positioned by the positioning section to be coupled to the shield frame. |
| US07854517B2 |
Projector system having cooling fan
A projector includes a light source unit, a light source side optical system, a display device for producing a projected image to be projected, a projection side optical system for projecting the projected image produced by the display device, a blower acting as a cooling fan for cooling the light source unit, an exhaust air temperature reducing unit for reducing the temperature of highly heated air which results from the cooling of the light source unit by the cooling fan, and exhaust vents for expelling exhaust air from the exhaust air temperature reducing unit to the outside. The exhaust air temperature reducing unit is made up of a heat pipe and fins. |
| US07854512B2 |
Apparatus for mounting motion picture camera equipment
A positioning device for motion picture camera equipment. The positioning device includes a plurality of modular longitudinal rails, a camera mounting plate, means for slidably positioning said plate along said rails, means for joining said rails to form a suitable platform for positioning said plate. |
| US07854507B1 |
Eyeglass device with a detachable lens unit
An eyeglass device with a detachable lens unit has a frame and a lens unit. The frame has a first end and a second end in width each connecting to a foot, and has an intermediate between the first and second ends extending out a connecting base with a recess. The lens unit comprises two lenses and a connecting piece between the two lenses to snugly engage with the recess of the frame. Thereby, the lens unit and the frame are combined together and positioned and thus the attachment or detachment of the eyeglass device is convenient. |
| US07854494B2 |
Nozzle plate, method of manufacturing nozzle plate, and image forming apparatus
The nozzle plate has a nozzle hole formed therethrough, the nozzle hole being defined in the nozzle plate with an inner surface including a first liquid-philic portion, a liquid-phobic portion and a second liquid-philic portion that are arranged in this order from a side near the nozzle mouth, the first and second liquid-philic portions having liquid-philicity, the liquid-phobic portion having liquid-phoblicity. |
| US07854484B2 |
Television receiving set
A recess made up of a rear bushing part receiving part and a front cord guiding part is formed as a space between a pair of rib walls opposed to each other in the left and right direction at a vicinity of an edge rim of a front cabinet on a side to be connected to a rear cabinet. First and second groove parts are formed on inner wall faces of the rib walls opposed to each other sandwiching the bushing part receiving part so as to engage respectively with the first and the second flange parts of the bushing part. The second groove part of the rib walls has no wall at the front side and is open to the cord guiding part. |
| US07854482B2 |
Safety guard mounting/dismounting device for a baby seat
A safety guard mounting/dismounting device for a baby seat is provided. The safety guard mounting/dismounting device comprises a mounting seat fixed to leg tubes of the baby seat, a connecting member whose one end being fixed to the safety guard and the other end being inserted into the leg tube of the baby seat, and an engaging assembly disposed in the connecting member which includes an engaging device and a restoring spring, wherein the engaging device includes a hook like portion which is movable between an engaging position where it may engage with the leg tube and a disengaging position, and the restoring spring is arranged such that it may bias the hook like portion of the engaging device toward the engaging position. |
| US07854481B2 |
Methods and apparatus for assembling a wheel chair
A wheelchair back assembly mounts to a pair of spaced apart laterally-aligned support posts of a wheelchair back frame. The back assembly includes a relatively rigid shell member, and a mounting system for coupling the shell member to the wheelchair back frame. The mounting system includes at least a first mounting bracket assembly, a second mounting bracket assembly, and a lateral member that is configured to be coupled to the first and second mounting bracket assemblies. The first mounting bracket assembly is configured to couple to a first of the wheelchair back frame support posts, and the second mounting bracket assembly is configured to couple to the second of the wheelchair back frame support posts. The lateral member is selectively operable to uncouple the shell member from the wheelchair back frame. |
| US07854476B1 |
Baby seat
A baby seat includes a seat shell equipped with a folding stand and straps for fastening to an adult chair, a seat back shell having two smoothly arched top protrusions at the top side to show the configuration of the head of an animal, two armrests connected between the seat back shell and the seat shell and a soft seat cushion configured to exhibit the configuration of an animal and divided into a seat back portion that carries a design and a seat portion, the seat cushion having a sleeve extended from the top side thereof for sleeving onto the seat back shell and two flexible tie cords respectively affixed to two opposite lateral sides thereof with stitches for insertion through insertion slots on the seat shell to tie the seat cushion to the seat shell, the sleeve having two curved portions fitting the smoothly arched top protrusions of the seat back shell to enhance positioning stability of the seat cushion on the seat back shell. |
| US07854471B2 |
Construction machine
Handrail mounts are provided in a bottom portion of a cast upper frame, and lower ends of side supports of a handrail are attached to the above handrail mounts. A base plate for attaching a floor plate is hanged and fixed between the side supports at a higher position than the attachment position, and a front end part of the floor plate is attached to the above base plate. |
| US07854470B2 |
Load transmission body for vehicle
A load transmission body for a vehicle, transmitting an impact load to a floor of the vehicle body, the load transmission body includes: a pair of side walls fixed to the floor of the vehicle body and extending in a vehicle front-back direction; a front reinforcing wall having a closed cross-sectional structure, extending in a vehicle width direction, and reciprocally coupling with the pair of side walls; a rear reinforcing wall disposed at a vehicle rear side of the front reinforcing wall, having a closed cross-sectional structure, extending in the vehicle width direction, and reciprocally coupling with the pair of side walls; and a side reinforcing member disposed at each of the front reinforcing wall and the rear reinforcing wall, extending in the vehicle front-back direction, and coupling the front reinforcing wall with the rear reinforcing wall. |
| US07854469B2 |
System for reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicles
An apparatus is provided for reducing aerodynamic drag experienced by an over-the-road vehicle while underway. A frame assembly including a fastening fixture couples the apparatus to the vehicle, and a first airfoil including a first outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a first tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the first tire. A second airfoil including a second outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a second tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the second tire. The first and second airfoils are spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway. |
| US07854463B1 |
Vehicle operator enclosure
A garden tractor is equipped with an enclosure for protecting the tractor's operator from the weather, dust, dirt, insects and sunlight. A frame assembly mounted on the tractor supports an enclosure having panels with transparent windows and a door to allow the tractor's operator to enter and exit the enclosure. |
| US07854458B2 |
Tonneau cover
A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel having a perimeter conforming to a perimeter of the bed and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls. |
| US07854454B2 |
Head lamp low speed collision protector
A system for protecting a head lamp of a motor vehicle includes at least one headlamp protector device. The at least one headlamp protector device is adapted to be coupled to a bumper beam and adapted to be coupled to a crush can. The at least one headlamp protector device extends beyond the end of the bumper beam to protect the head lamp during an impact event. |
| US07854451B2 |
Anchor pile coupling system
Disclosed is an anchor pile coupling system, consisting of a male and female pile coupling which can be attached to opposite ends of a piling, as well as a top drive which is used to apply rotational force to the piling string in order to guide it into the anchoring surface. |
| US07854448B2 |
Airbag arrangement
An airbag arrangement for restraining an occupant of a motor vehicle. The vehicle roof is bounded by lateral roof edge regions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and also bounded by a front window cross member extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first section of the folded-up airbag can be arranged along a lateral roof edge region. A second section can be angled away from the first section transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein the second section of the airbag is arranged along a longitudinal side of the front window cross member. The airbag can be disconnected from the vehicle body in the region of the second section or be connected releasably thereto when the airbag is deployed. Therefore, when the airbag is deployed, the entire second section can be deployed freely. |
| US07854431B1 |
Table bingo game
A table bingo game. The table bingo game is played by one to n players and makes use of a table having a table surface and a table grid marked out on the table surface. The table grid comprises m rows and n columns to provide an m by n matrix defining a rectangular array of preselected numbers therein. Each number in the m by n matrix has an integer value between 1 and y. A deck of bingo cards is provided having integer numbers printed thereon. A set of n player cards is provided each having a player grid printed thereon with four corner numbers. For each set of four corner numbers there is a column in the table grid having four matching numbers. The winner is the player with a player card that matches a column on the grid four matching bingo cards laid out thereon. |
| US07854427B2 |
Paper feed tray unit for a printer
A paper feed tray unit for a printer comprises: a paper sensor for detecting a paper on a support; a guide position sensor formed of a reflection photosensor for detecting the position of slide guides; and a paper width detection sheet with marker lines having reflectances corresponding to paper sizes. A controller detects a paper on the support using the paper sensor. If no paper is present, the controller recognizes the position of the slide guides based on a signal from the guide position sensor detected from the paper width detection sheet, and controls a drive mechanism to move the slide guides to a position corresponding to a paper size input by a user before placing a paper on the support. This enables easy paper setting on the support, and prevents the slide guides from moving if a paper is present on the support, preventing the paper from being crushed. |
| US07854425B2 |
Belleville spring guide system
Apparatus and method are provided for decreasing frictional effects in stacks of Belleville springs and limiting deflection of the springs. In one embodiment, carriers for springs overlap and minimize the effects of lateral forces that are developed as springs in a stack are loaded. Carriers may be used on mandrel guides, in cylindrical guides or without a guide. In other embodiments, maximum load and defection of springs may be provided by the spring carriers. |
| US07854419B2 |
Adjustable mounting bracket for roller blind
The present invention is an adjustable mounting bracket for mounting a roller blind to a surface such that the roller blind can be quickly leveled. The bracket includes first and second plates, the first plate having apertures to permit the first plate to be mounted to the surface. The second plate has a mounting fixture formed thereon for mounting to the roller blind. To permit the second plate to move relative to the first plate, the second plate is provided with an elongated groove formed thereon, the second plate being movably mounted to the first member by a mounting element fixed to the first plate and passing through the groove. The mounting element and groove are dimensioned and configured to permit the second plate to slide between a first and a second position. The position of the second plate relative to the first plate is adjusted by an adjustable moving mechanism which is configured to precisely position the second plate between its first and second positions. The bracket further includes a visual indicator for visually indicating the relative position of the second plate relative to the first plate. |
| US07854418B2 |
Image forming apparatus including supporting legs
An apparatus or an image forming apparatus including a main body having a first supporting leg configured to be connectable to the main body, a second supporting leg fixed to the main body, and the position of the main body to connect the first supporting leg is selectable. The apparatus may be stable on the installation surface if the center of gravity of the apparatus is transformed. |
| US07854416B2 |
Display panel and elevation adjusting base of the same
A display including a body and an elevation adjusting base is provided. The elevation adjusting base is secured to the body. The elevation adjusting base includes a base, an elevation adjusting mechanism, an outer bushing, an inner bushing and a friction ring. The elevation adjusting mechanism is connected to the base. The outer bushing is connected to the base and mounted on the elevation adjusting mechanism. The inner bushing is embedded inside the outer bushing. The friction ring is disposed between the outer bushing and the inner bushing. After the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism is adjusted, the friction ring provides a friction force between the outer bushing and the inner bushing to fix the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism. Users can accurately adjust the elevation of the display panel according to the view-angle and personal preferences. |
| US07854409B2 |
Canarded deltoid main wing aircraft
Canarded deltoid main wing aircraft idea allows for design of large supersonic civil and military aircraft with cruising speeds of up to Mach 3 at the altitude of over 25,000 meters. The fuel consumption per unit of payload of such aircraft would be at least twice lower with a longer range of over 50% when compared to existing supersonic aircraft of the same size. Simultaneously, the flight safety and ride quality during takeoff and landing at low speeds would be similar to the existing subsonic passenger aircraft. A low fuel consumption, long range, high ride quality, and high flight safety of these aircraft are widely opening a door for design of supersonic long range continental and intercontinental passenger aircraft that would be highly competitive with existing long range high subsonic passenger aircraft. |
| US07854406B2 |
Air separator for comminuted materials
An air separator is provided with a rotor positioned above three concentric vessels. The rotor and a plurality of entry ports segregate comminuted material into the three vessels. An exit port from each vessel directs the separated comminuted material for further comminution processes, such as to a ball mill or a roll press, or for use as a final product. |
| US07854398B2 |
Hand held pressure washer
A portable pressure washer includes a housing having a front end and a rear end defining a longitudinal axis. A handle has a first end extending from a rear portion of the housing and a second end terminating in a barrel. A first nozzle and a second aperture extend from the barrel. A fluid pump and a motor disposed are disposed within the housing, which includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the first nozzle and the second aperture. |
| US07854379B2 |
Coded record sensing apparatus for sheets including magnetic indicia
A system for sensing coded records and structures for sensing coded records are used to sense sheets including notes and checks. The system includes at least one movable sheet supporting plate member in an automated banking machine. An angular reflective piece operatively connected with the plate member enables sensing sheets using radiation from transversely positioned sensors. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine. |
| US07854376B2 |
System and method for managing item interchange and identification in an extended enterprise
A system and method are provided for automatically managing item record interchange in a business enterprise, where an item may be a product, component part, partially assembled or manufactured part, a process, or other item that requires indicia used to identify it within a business enterprise, whether it is a single company enterprise, or a widespread business that receives items from other sources such as manufacturers, suppliers, purchasers, shippers, or other entities. The system provides a universal solution that allows the intake of item records, such as records for manufacturer component parts shipped to a product manufacturer, and integrating the part records from disparate sources into a standard and useable format. |
| US07854369B2 |
Integrated envelope and repositionable note
An envelope includes a front wall and an overlying back wall. The front wall and the back wall are connected around mutual edges to form an enclosed pouch. One of the front wall and the back wall includes a message portion separable from remaining portions of the one of the front wall and the back wall. A release sheet is secured to an inside surface of the one of the front wall and the back wall overlying the message portion. The message portion comprises areas of removable adhesive or multiple reuse adhesive and is secured to the release sheet by the multiple reuse adhesive to form a repositionable note once removed from the one of the front wall and the back wall. |
| US07854363B2 |
Structural assemblies and preforms therefor formed by friction welding
A preform and method for forming a structural assembly are provided. The preform can be formed by friction welding structural members to a base member and subsequently providing a connection material to join the structural members. The resulting preform can be formed with dimensions and a configuration that approximate the dimensions and configuration of the structural assembly. Thus, the structural assembly can be formed by joining multiple members that are generally smaller than the finished assembly. |
| US07854362B2 |
Advanced multi-shouldered fixed bobbin tools for simultaneous friction stir welding of multiple parallel walls between parts
A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool comprises an integral shank-pin unit having a plurality of pin portions for driving into a plurality of joints. A shank portion of the shank-pin unit is for attachment to an optional axial tension rod. A plurality of friction stir welding modules comprise a pair of shoulders that is connected to the shank-pin unit. The proximal end of each shoulder faces the pin portion of the shank-pin unit, whereby the shoulder and pin(s) rotate in unison. A pair of split collars or a pair of nuts is connected to the shank-pin unit and faces the distal end of each shoulder. The plurality of friction stir welding modules are connected to each other and rotate in unison to simultaneously make a plurality of parallel welds. |
| US07854358B2 |
Carrier for at least one bicycle
A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The support holder is movably connected to the base holder to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the support holder extends out from the base holder. A tail light is movably connected to the support holder to be movable between a stored position in which the tail light is stowed in the support holder when the support holder is in the neutral position and a functional position in which the tail light extends out from the support holder and is orientated transversely to the longitudinal vehicle direction when the support holder is in the operating position. |
| US07854350B2 |
Distribution assembly intended for contemporaneous distribution of two products
A distribution assembly includes at least two containers or receptacles, each containing a product, and being fitted with a valve having an actuator rod. A distribution device is mounted on top of the containers and includes a distribution nozzle fitted with at least one distribution orifice. The distribution device further includes a movable actuator element to provoke the simultaneous distribution of two products in a mixed or separate state. Further, an intermediate body is separate from the actuator element and includes two skirts. The intermediate body is able to engage respectively on the two actuator rods of the containers, and at least one inner channel allows the flow of products towards the distribution nozzle. The actuator element and the intermediate body are arranged to co-operate on operation of the actuator element so as to allow the passage of products from the recipients to the distribution nozzle via the inner channel. The actuator rods can be actuated by tilting in the disclosed example, and the actuator element is designed to tilt the intermediate body so as to cause the actuator rods to tilt. |
| US07854348B2 |
Device for dispensing a viscid material
A device for dispensing a viscid material includes a supporting body constructed by a carriage. A ball screw is installed within the supporting body. A rod piston is mounted on one end of the ball screw. A transmission module is mounted on a nut of the ball screw. The transmission module is engaged with an actuator controlled by a control circuit device. The control circuit device, which includes a switch and a circuit board, etc, controls the positive and negative rotations and the stop operation of the actuator. A trigger is set up on one side of the supporting body. When the trigger is pressed, the actuator is driven to rotate in the positive direction to drive the ball screw to move forwardly in a stable way. While the trigger is released, a sensor is activated to drive the actuator to rotate in the negative direction. |
| US07854347B2 |
Manual gas inflator
A manual gas inflator incorporating a cylinder status indication mechanism that is independent from the cylinder piercer. Prior to detonation, an indicator post abuts a sensor protrusion which positions a green surface of the indicator within the inflator window to indicate that the attached cartridge is ready for use. The jerking of a lanyard assembly causes the piercer to break the cylinder seal to allow gas to escape out of the cylinder and into a manifold secured to the inflator and also causes the indicator post to break the sensor protrusion from the cylinder. As the protrusion is broken, a second red surface of the indicator is viewable through the inflator window to indicate that the cylinder has been used and unavailable for inflation purposes. |
| US07854346B2 |
Container for dispensing wipes
The present invention relates to a container for dispensing vertically configured wipes, which provides improved sequential dispensing of the contained wipes while permitting enhanced accessibility to the wipes within the container. |
| US07854343B2 |
Fluid containers with reservoirs in their closures and methods of use
Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid. |
| US07854334B2 |
Product display with front barrier
A standardized or basic product display device is provided with a standard front barrier for identifying and restraining a spring-urged column of displayed products in conjunction with a plurality of secondary barrier elements which can be easily and securely mounted onto the primary barrier to accommodate reconfiguration and enlargement of the display device. The secondary elements have lower portions of inverted U-shaped configuration which can be selectively applied over external edge margins of the primary barrier and secured thereto by locking detents. The secondary barrier element enables the front barrier of the display device to be enlarged, both in width and height to accommodate larger product packages than contemplated for the standard display device in its minimum configuration. In one form, the secondary barrier element has a vertical extension of narrow width, providing effective restraint of tall packages while maximizing visibility of the front of the package. |
| US07854330B2 |
Contaminant-reactive geocomposite mat and method of manufacture and use
Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in sediment, soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, that is needlepunched to an outer geotextile sheet layer to provide a high loft, structurally secured, pre-formed geotextile having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g., by vacuum or vibrating the high loft mat while in contact with the contaminant-reactive material to allow the powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material to flow by gravity into the pores of the previously formed, needlepunched geotextile. A liquid-permeable outer geotextile sheet then is secured to the filled geotextile, preferably by heating upwardly extending fibers of the pre-formed geotextile mat to prevent the powdered or granular material from escaping from the geotextile during transportation and installation. |
| US07854329B2 |
Hollow element for the support of a filter medium including support means in the form of spiral portions with a substantially constant slope, and a corresponding filter assembly
This invention relates to a hollow element designed to cooperate with a filter cartridge of a filter assembly for fluid circulating in an engine or a hydraulic equipment, of the type with support means for a filter medium included in the said cartridge, the said support means extending from connection means and designed with recesses between them through which the said fluid is free to flow, characterized in that the said support means extend from one of the said connection means to another following a path defining a spiral portion with a substantially constant slope. |
| US07854324B2 |
Shipping carrier
A shipping carrier having a frame with an elongated tube and an elongated retainer attached to the tube. Dunnage made of a compressible material is attached to the retainer and that dunnage has a plurality of space for recesses, each of which has spaced-apart sides and are dimensioned to receive an edge of a component. A guard is attached to the dunnage so that the guard overlies at least a portion of one side of the dunnage recess. Additionally, a subcomponent may be attached to the dunnage with a screw anchor. |
| US07854321B2 |
Rolling container assembly
A tool container assembly includes a base container, a cover, rollers, a removable tool tray, and an extendable handle. The base container includes a storage space, and an upwardly facing opening into the storage space. The cover is movable between a closed position in which it substantially covers the upwardly facing opening and an open position in which it exposes the upwardly facing opening. The rollers are connected with the base container to enable transport of the tool container assembly. The removable tool tray is constructed and arranged to be removably carried by the base container and the tool tray is configured to store articles or tools therein. The extendable handle is operatively connected to the base container to facilitate tilted rolling transport of the tool container assembly. The removable tool tray is constructed to securely engage with the handle when the handle is in an extended position. |
| US07854316B2 |
Dental implant package
A dental implant package includes a main body having a partition portion that is formed therein and separates a fixture accommodation space accommodating a fixture of a dental implant from an auxiliary accommodation space accommodating any of a healing abutment and a cover screw, wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed at both ends of the main body, a leveler accommodated in at least a part of the fixture accommodation space and supporting the fixture accommodated in the fixture accommodation space at a predetermined height, a first cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the first opening, and a second cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the second opening. The fixture and any of the healing abutment and the cover screw can be stored with a simple structure. Also, the fixture and the healing abutment or the cover screw can be easily pulled out during an implant operation. |
| US07854303B2 |
Friction lining
A method for producing a friction lining. The friction lining is wound in three layers with different winding ratios. |
| US07854301B2 |
Fixing and combining device for the brake disc of a remote-controlled model car
A fixing and combining device for the brake disc of a remote-controlled model car includes a connecting cup and a brake disc. The connecting cup has one side provided with a cup-shaped transmission member having two opposite sides of its circumferential wall respectively cut with an engage notch for receiving transmission rod therein. The brake disc is bored with a center hole matching with the transmission member and having the opposite sides of its inner annular edge formed with at least two combining projections to be respectively combined with the inner sides of the two engage notches of the connecting cup after the transmission member is inserted through the center hole of the brake disc. Thus, the brake disc can be tightly fixed between the engage notches of the connecting cup and the transmission rod by the combining projections. |
| US07854297B2 |
Muffler and related systems
Mufflers are provided for a vehicle exhaust system having a combustion chamber and an exhaust pipe. The vehicle exhaust system is configured to reduce the noise of combustion gasses generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary muffler includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the muffler to the exhaust pipe leading to the engine, the distal end being configured to allow the combustion gasses to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gasses expelled from the combustion chamber during high-pressure pulsations created by the operation of a vehicle engine. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gasses from the pipe such that acoustic energy associated with the expulsion of the combustion gasses is dissipated. |
| US07854291B2 |
Work machine
In a work machine equipped with a switchover means enabling selective operation of traveling devices and a work device by means of common operating levers, switchover can easily be performed and also easily recognized. In a work machine having traveling devices and a work device, operating levers that are capable of operating the traveling devices and the work device are respectively disposed at the sides of an operating seat. A foot switch connected to a controller is disposed in the proximity of and operable with a foot of an operator seated at the operating seat. While the foot switch is being operated with the foot, the traveling devices are operated by the operating levers through the controller. While the foot switch is not being operated, the work device is operated by means of the operating levers through the controller. |
| US07854284B2 |
Upper rotating body and construction machine therewith
The present invention is provided with a pair of vertical plates disposed on a rotating frame, a fuel tank and a working oil tank aligned on the rotating frame in the front-back direction, hydraulic pipes for coupling a control valve provided in the working oil tank and a working actuator, and a retaining tool for retaining the hydraulic pipes between the control valve and the actuator, and the hydraulic pipes are arranged from the control valve to the retaining tool through a clearance formed between the fuel tank and the working oil tank. |
| US07854279B2 |
Driving force control device
A driving force control device for an electric vehicle in which a left wheel is driven by a left in-wheel motor and a right wheel is driven by a right in-wheel motor includes a driving force difference setting section. The driving force difference setting section is configured to set a driving force difference between a driving force outputted from the left in-wheel motor and a driving force outputted from the right in-wheel motor when a lateral acceleration is detected acting on the vehicle, the driving force difference being set to generate a restoring moment against the vehicle corresponding to the lateral acceleration. |
| US07854278B2 |
Motor vehicle energy converter
An energy conversion apparatus using recovered energy sources including motor vehicle kinetic energy and wind resistance, supplemented by liquefied air transferred to the vehicle and by solar radiation thereto. The energy sources are combined, as available, to drive a compressor for supplying intake working fluid of a motor vehicle prime mover. |
| US07854275B2 |
Spring-operated anti-stall tool
An anti-stall tool in an oil well drilling assembly that controls reciprocation of the drill bit by a controller that alters weight-on-bit (WOB) depending upon measured downhole pressure or torque. The downhole controller keeps the drill bit rotating by maintaining WOB during normal drilling operations, increasing WOB if sensed working pressure indicates that drill bit loading or torque is undesirably low, and reversing WOB by applying a spring force for retracting the drill bit if excessive working pressure or torque is sensed. |
| US07854272B2 |
Agricultural implement having forward folding wing booms
An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position. |
| US07854264B2 |
Volumetric compensating annular bellows
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a volumetric compensating annular bellows used to compensate two fluid volumes by an annular displacement. This is achieved using a bellows welded on to a tube with a varying shape radius. A bellows is arranged within the annulus and is deformable in an annular direction in response to fluid volume expansion. The bellows can be used in several oilfield applications for fluid compensation. |
| US07854263B2 |
Surfactant package for well treatment and method for using same
A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant. |
| US07854258B2 |
Self-anchoring device with force amplification
A downhole tool is provided that includes a grip assembly for contacting a well formation. The grip assembly includes a gripper body; and a centralizer that is attached to and radially expandable with respect to the gripper body and that has a geometry which is lockable by a locking device. The grip assembly also includes a force amplifier in force transmitting relation with the centralizer, wherein the force amplifier transfers a force in a first direction to a much larger force in a second direction when the centralizer is locked by the locking device. |
| US07854232B2 |
Transcranial magnetic stimulation induction coil device with attachment portion for receiving tracking device
A transcranial magnetic stimulation (“TMS”) induction coil device includes an attachment portion for attachment to a tracking device and providing that the tracking device, when attached to the TMS coil device, is at a predetermined location and orientation in relation to a casing of the TMS coil device. The casing of the TMS coil device also includes a reference point for confirming the accuracy of the attachment of the tracking device to the TMS coil device at the predetermined location and orientation in relation to the casing. |
| US07854222B2 |
Pyrocatalytic coatings for heating devices
Heating devices such as self-cleaning ovens include at least one surface comprising metal oxide crystalline catalytic material disposed thereon. The metal oxide crystalline material includes perovskite and perovskite-like materials, pyrochlores, rare earth metal oxides, spinels, and combinations of the foregoing. Also disclosed herein are processes for process for forming a pyrocatalytic coating on a substrate. |
| US07854221B1 |
Air gun vibration damper and method
A gas spring having an internal vibration damper for an air gun charging system. The gas spring including a relatively thin liner which is received within and abuts the elongated inner and/or outer wall of the tubular gas spring. The liner(s) absorbs vibration in the air gun to improve firing performance. A guide sleeve mounted to the outer surface of the gas spring abuts an air gun's tubular compression piston to transfer any vibrations in the compression piston to the liner. A tubular counter-weight is slidably mounted about the outer wall of the gas spring and strikes a forward end of the charging system after the air gun is fired to counter the post-firing recoil. |
| US07854218B2 |
Method to recognize and avoid premature combustion events
A method for recognizing and avoiding premature combustion events includes the steps of: providing at least one sensor and/or an electronic evaluation circuit for recognizing premature combustion; directly recognizing premature combustion; and performing at least one measure for avoiding premature combustion when premature combustion is recognized. |
| US07854213B2 |
Modulated gap segmented antenna for inductively-coupled plasma processing system
An inductively coupled plasma source is provided with a peripheral ionization source for producing a high-density plasma in a vacuum chamber for semiconductor wafer coating or etching. The source has a segmented configuration with high and low radiation segments and produces a generally ring-shaped array of energy concentrations in the plasma around the periphery of the chamber. Energy is coupled from a segmented low inductance antenna through a dielectric window or array of windows and through a segmented shield or baffle. The antenna for the source is a planer coil having at least two windings with the gap between the windings variable or modulated to control the antenna inductance around the antenna. The antenna has a plurality of, for example three, high inductance segments as a result of the conductor windings being closely spaced alternating with low inductance segments as a result of the conductor windings being widely spaced. The antenna and a shield are part of a plasma source. The shield has a plurality of high transparency segments aligning with the high inductance segments of the antenna. The shield may also have one or more additional high transparency segments along the low inductance portions of the antenna enhance formation of a plasma ring in the chamber. |
| US07854209B2 |
Workpiece cloth positioning guide device for sewing machine
A workpiece cloth positioning guide device for a sewing machine includes a projector which projects a sewing reference mark onto an upper side of workpiece cloth placed on a sewing bed of the sewing machine. The projector includes a telescopic cylindrical body having an upper end provided with the light source and a lower end, a transmission part provided in a lengthwise middle portion of the cylindrical body and formed with a mark forming pattern for forming the sewing reference mark, a projector lens provided in the lower end of the cylindrical body, and a projector lens elevating unit which raises and lowers the projector lens, and a mark size setting unit which sets a size of the circle of the sewing reference mark to a desired size. |
| US07854202B2 |
Overhead transport service vehicle and method
A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device. |
| US07854198B2 |
Direct drive
A direct drive for a printing press with lateral register adjustment includes a rotor and a stator, and a connection for mechanically connecting the drive with a stationary support bearing, wherein the rotor is connectable with shaft of a printing press cylinder with the connection being a torsionally stiff spacer installed directly or indirectly on the outer jacket of drive, which is designed to be elastic in the direction of the motor axis to compensate axial motions of the attachable printing press cylinder shaft. |
| US07854196B2 |
Apparatus for the coating or flocking of articles, especially of textile materials and flocking machine
The invention relates to an apparatus for the coating or flocking of articles, especially of textile material, mats, ceramic, plastic, paper, wood, metal or the like, with a container (12) for receiving a flock or coating material, and with a setting device (16) which is arranged on the container (12) and which has a stencil frame (23) having at least one printing motif (27), the setting device (16) receiving at least one adjusting element (32) which acts in the X- and Y-direction and engages on the stencil frame (23), and the setting device (16) comprising arranged fixing elements (34) which are provided outside the stencil frame (23) at least for arranging an aligning device (38) for the stencil frame (23), in order to align the coating or printing motif (27) of the stencil frame (23) in the X- and Y-direction with respect to the fixing elements (34) by means of the aligning device (38). |
| US07854187B2 |
Rotary worktable positioning structure for miter saw
A rotary worktable positioning structure used in a miter saw is disclosed to include a first positioning unit controllable by biasing a handle to lock the worktable to the machine base or to unlock the worktable for free rotation, and a second positioning unit controllable by rotating a switching wheel to move a lock pin into one of a number of locating holes on the periphery of the machine base and to further lock the worktable in one of a number of predetermined cutting angles. |
| US07854184B1 |
Quick-release device for umbilical
The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to enagage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms. |
| US07854175B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the velocity of a fluid flow
An apparatus for measuring the velocity of a fluid flow provides electrical charge carriers that are emitted into the fluid flow from an emitter electrode, and wherein an electrical signal caused by this is measured at a sensor electrode. The projection of the envelope of the cross-sectional area of that part of the sensor electrode which projects into the fluid flow into the cross-sectional plane of the fluid flow is small in comparison with the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow at this point, if present at all. The measured current of the sensor electrode is used to serve as a characterizing feature of the velocity of the fluid flow in accordance with a defined allocation function. The measurement method has virtually no delay and can be used in a high temperature and velocity range. |
| US07854173B2 |
Strain sensor
A strain sensor (10) for measuring strain greater than 10%, the sensor (10) comprising: an upper polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate (20) having measurement electrodes (90) extending therethrough; a lower PDMS substrate (30) bonded to a lower surface of the upper PDMS substrate (20), and an upper surface of the lower PDMS substrate (30) having a patterned portion (50); and a conductive fluid (70) contained within the patterned portion (50) in contact with the measurement electrodes (90). |
| US07854154B2 |
Process and computer program for controlling a rolling process
The invention relates to a method for controlling a rolling process, in which a metal strip is rolled flat by use of at least one roller. It is known from the prior art that the relative position of a neutral point represents a measure of the instantaneous stability of a rolling process. However, traditional methods for calculating the position of the neutral point do not accurately represent the actual properties of metal and therefore have only limited usefulness for predicting the stability of a rolling process. In order to allow better control of a rolling process for rolling a metal strip with regard to the actual behavior of the metal strip, the invention proposes a new method for calculating the relative position of the neutral point, in which in particular the flat yield stress ke and the hydrostatic pressure pNH at the neutral point are incorporated. |
| US07854147B2 |
Method for producing a semifinished product for an optical component of high homogeneity
Known methods for producing a semifinished product for an optical component of synthetic quartz glass of high homogeneity require a great number of forming or shaping steps for homogenization, which is troublesome in terms of energy and time and entails the risk that impurities might be introduced. To avoid these drawbacks, a method modification is suggested that comprises the following method steps: (a) feeding a silicon-containing start compound, which can be converted by oxidation or hydrolysis into SiO2, to a deposition burner, and forming amorphous SiO2 particles in a burner flame assigned to the deposition burner, (b) forming a substantially solid-cylinder SiO2 blank by depositing the SiO2 particles onto a support with a longitudinal axis by way of successive layers, of which most extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support and which extend in the direction of the outer surface of the blank, (c) homogenizing the SiO2 blank, including twisting along an axis of rotation extending coaxially to or in parallel with the longitudinal cylinder axis while forming the semifinished product. A blank suited for performing the method of the invention and shaped in the form of a substantially solid-cylinder SiO2 soot body from successive SiO2 layers is characterized in that most of the layers extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the soot body and in the direction of the outer surface of the soot body. |
| US07854143B2 |
Optical fiber preform with improved air/glass interface structure
An optical fiber preform comprising a plurality of longitudinal air holes is subjected to a thermal treatment (i.e., heating), coupled with the application of a compressive force on either end of the heated preform to compress the entire preform structure a predetermined amount. The thermal compression treatment has been found to smooth any roughened glass surfaces and heal microcracks that may have formed during the preform fabrication process, essentially “knitting” the glass material back together and forming a preform of improved quality over the prior art microstructured preforms. |
| US07854141B1 |
Energy conservation in a self-contained air-conditioning unit
A self-contained air-conditioning unit is modified to effect conservation of energy during operation of the unit. Refrigerant is moved along a refrigerant circuit for circulation through a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator within a housing which includes a base. The evaporator is raised above the base a distance sufficient to enable collection of condensate from the evaporator and transfer of the collected condensate by gravity to a condensate reservoir tray located adjacent the base. A heat exchange conduit is inserted into the refrigerant circuit, between the compressor and the condenser, and is placed in the condensate reservoir tray so as to be immersed in the condensate transferred to the condensate reservoir tray for enabling transfer of heat from the heat exchange conduit to condensate in the condensate reservoir tray during operation of the air-conditioning unit, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to operate the unit. |
| US07854133B2 |
Air conditioning service station with electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges
An apparatus and method for displaying pressure on electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges. A diagnostic service equipment for a vehicle having a refrigerant system, the refrigerant system having a plumbing circuit for transferring a refrigerant between the diagnostic service equipment and the refrigerant system of the vehicle; a high side refrigerant conduit having a first connection, a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the plumbing circuit and the second connection is connected to the refrigerant system; a low side refrigerant conduit having a first connection, a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the plumbing circuit and the second connection is connected to the refrigerant system; and pressure transducers attached to each of the third connection of the high side refrigerant conduit and the low side refrigerant conduit, wherein the pressure transducers measure pressure of the high side and low side refrigerant conduits and convert the pressure into electrical signals to drive an analog-display pressure gauge. |
| US07854120B2 |
Fuel manifold with reduced losses
A fuel conveying member of a gas turbine engine fuel system conducting pressurized fluid flow is provided. The fuel conveying member comprises a body defining an L-shaped fuel flow passage therein, the L-shaped passage including an elbow. The elbow portion provides a substantially smooth fluid-dynamic transition between portions of the passage upstream and downstream thereof. |
| US07854116B2 |
Hydraulic pump flow shut-off valve
A load sense valve assembly includes a first valve in flow communication with a pump discharge line, a second valve in flow communication with the first valve, and a third valve in flow communication with the first valve. The first valve can be a solenoid actuated directional control valve. The second and third valves can be hydraulic pilot actuated directional control valves. |
| US07854107B2 |
Substantially closed system for safely disposing potentially hazardous material
The present invention discloses a solution for disposing waste having potentially hazardous airborne emissions. The solution can include a step of receiving waste through an aperture of a disposal unit exhibiting a closed environment. The received waste can be placed within an air tight disposal container. An opening of the disposal container can be sealed to separate the disposal container from the remainder of the substantially closed environment. Air included in the remainder of the substantially closed environment can be captured and placed in a holding unit. The captured air can be ejected from the holding unit into the air tight disposal container. The disposal container containing the received waste and the ejected air can be sealed. The disposal unit can be thereafter opened so that the sealed disposal container is able to be discarded. |
| US07854103B2 |
Automated clippers
Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism. |
| US07854098B2 |
Softwood-ceiling / hardwood-floor structure comprised of a single set of bonded boards
A structure comprising a softwood-ceiling/hardwood-floor formed of a single set of adjacent boards. Each of the boards including a hardwood layer bonded to a softwood layer, the board having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge having a tongue, the second edge having a groove, the first edge having a first chamfer on the softwood layer, the second edge having a second chamfer on the softwood layer. All boards securely attached to carrying beams that span the walls between two levels within a building. |
| US07854090B2 |
Method of hormesis for seaweed through irradiation
Through a low-dose irradiation, a seaweed's growth becomes fast and its production is improved as well. By doing so, a material for biomass energy is provided. |
| US07854085B1 |
Gun barrel attachment
A tubular or cylindrical member attached to the discharge end of a gun barrel or to any item attached to the discharge end of a gun barrel, e.g. a muzzle brake, silencer, etc., and typically includes a leading edge having a series of distinct, sharp, knife-like edges and a corresponding series of recesses oriented along the axis of the attachment, the recesses typically being between the sharp edges. |
| US07854062B2 |
Method for manufacturing circuit device
A method for manufacturing a circuit device, which is suitable for connecting a plurality of laminated wiring layers to each other through an insulating layer, is provided. In a method for manufacturing a hybrid integrated circuit device of the present invention, a first wring layer is formed by laminating a first conductive film on a first insulating layer, and patterning the first conductive film. In the first wiring layer, a first connection part which is protruded in a thickness direction is formed. Moreover, the first wiring layer including the first connection part is covered with a second insulating layer. The second insulating layer is formed of a first resin film and a second resin film. The second resin film contains fewer inorganic fillers than the first resin film. Thus, there is an advantage that a through-hole can be easily formed. |
| US07854060B2 |
Magnetic head substructure for use for manufacturing a magnetic head
A substructure in which a plurality of pre-head portions are aligned in rows is to be cut later so that the pre-head portions are separated from one another. A surface formed by cutting the substructure is lapped to form medium facing surfaces. The substructure includes a plurality of sensors that respectively show individual sensor values corresponding to values of a plurality of different parameters each of which has an influence on characteristics relating to the pole layer and each of which depends on the position of the medium facing surface. The individual sensor values are resistance values each of which varies according to the position of the medium facing surface. The plurality of sensors are electrically connected to each other to form a composite sensor that shows a composite sensor value, which is a resistance value that depends on the resistance values of the plurality of sensors. |
| US07854059B2 |
Apparatus for assembling rotor of permanent magnet motor
Apparatus for assembling a permanent magnet rotor comprising a rotor fixture configured to slide over a smaller diameter bearing section of the rotor and abutting one end of a center axial section of the rotor and a split compression ring having an inner diameter that is sized to ride over the outer diameter of magnets in magnet carriers assembled on the rotor fixture. |
| US07854055B2 |
Method for producing a commutator
A commutator includes a conductive part that has a cylindrical body and a plurality of coil latching portions at intervals circumferentially on one axial end; and an insulating part formed inside the conductive part. The conductive part includes segments that are insulated for each latching portion by cutting axially the conductive part, and latching claws that are provided in a projecting state on an inner peripheral surface of the segments and embedded in the insulating part, wherein the latching claws include axial latching claws that are long in an axial direction and project inward, and circumferential latching claws that project circumferentially. |
| US07854053B2 |
Method of attaching a ball lock pin
A method of attaching a ball lock pin. A bushing assembly is inserted in a first object such that an outer surface of the bushing assembly is received within the first object. A plurality of locking balls disposed on a shaft of the ball lock pin is inserted into the bushing assembly. The plurality of locking balls is outwardly urged to engage a first engagement portion of an inner surface of the bushing assembly. |
| US07854049B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric thin film device
In a piezoelectric thin film device of the present invention, the degree of flexibility is enhanced in selection of a piezoelectric material constituting a piezoelectric thin film and the crystal orientation in the piezoelectric thin film. A piezoelectric thin film filter, including four film bulk acoustic resonators, has a configuration where a filter section for providing a filter function of the piezoelectric thin film filter is bonded with a flat base substrate mechanically supporting the filter section via an adhesive layer. In manufacturing of the piezoelectric thin film filter, a piezoelectric thin film is obtained by performing removal processing on a piezoelectric substrate, but the piezoelectric thin film obtained by removal processing cannot independently stand up under its own weight. For this reason, a prescribed member including the piezoelectric substrate is previously bonded to the base substrate as a support prior to the removal processing. |
| US07854046B2 |
Microcreping traveling sheet material
A stationary working surface of a one roll microcreper member is of plastic resin having low wear and friction properties. As a primary pressing member subject to concentrated force it is 0.040 inch thick. One or both opposed retarder members of a bladed microcreper are of the plastic. Thermoplastics meeting wear and friction limits, e.g. ultra high density polyethylene, are employed. Primary extensions, some having openings, slots or holes serve as flexible retarders to engage treated material. By a load-spreading surface, the thermoplastic primary member is restrained without distortion. By this surface being linear it slideably inserts into a mounting. By this surface being parallel to the roll axis the primary member is free for cross-machine thermal expansion. A primary member shown is sheet form, mounted between sheet metal members, one with a restraint surface. Sheet materials of polyolefins, wood pulp, etc. are dry microcreped at improved rates and materials not heretofore capable of being processed can now be processed. |
| US07854041B2 |
Hinge mechanism for electronic device
A hinge for an electronic device, such as mobile radio terminal, is a two-part hinge with a top tube on a top half of the device, a bottom tube on a bottom half of the device, and a hinge assembly in the top tube and the bottom tube. The top tube and the bottom tube together extend across substantially all of a hinge connection width, and may extend across substantially all of a device width of the electronic device. The hinge assembly extends across at least most of the hinge connection width, such as extending across at least 90% of the hinge connection width. The hinge assembly includes a flexible film ribbon connector for making electrical connections between the top part and the bottom part of the electronic device. The flexible film is wrapped around a shaft of the hinge assembly. |
| US07854040B1 |
Portable germ barrier
A portable, compact germ barrier for protecting a person from direct contact with an unsanitary surface, such as a doorknob, a toilet handle, or the like, is disclosed. A flexible fabric web is fixed to a plurality of stiffening rods that are each pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to an actuating mechanism fixed through a central aperture of the web. The actuating mechanism includes an actuator for moving the ribs between a closed and an open position. In use, the person manually actuates the actuator, causing the actuating mechanism to pivot each of the ribs from the closed position into the open position. When in the open position, the germ barrier may be used to grasp the surface through the web, preventing direct contact between the person and the surface. The germ barrier is portable, compact, easy to use and it may be kept close-by, such as on a keychain. |
| US07854039B2 |
Handle assembly rotatable in all directions and cleaner having the same
A cleaner having a handle assembly rotatable in all directions is disclosed, the handle assembly including a housing; a handle which is capable of being gripped by a user; a connection unit which connects the handle with the housing to rotate in all directions; and an elastic unit which elastically biases the handle to a neutral position. As the handle is capable of rotating in all directions, a user can clean a surface without feeling strain in his or her joints. |
| US07854035B2 |
Dual-sided flip mop
The present invention features a cleaning implement, such as a mop, that may be used for cleaning a floor. The mop of the invention typically includes a mop head and a handle pivotally connected to the mop head. The mop head also includes means for securing a mop media, typically a flexible disposable cleaning sheet, to the mop head. The mop may be passed over the floor with one side of the cleaning sheet presented for cleaning the floor. The mop head may then be inverted with the other side of the cleaning sheet presented for further cleaning of the floor. |
| US07854034B2 |
Brush
A brush includes a head section having a scrubbing area and a handle section coupled to and extending from the head section. The handle section includes a proximal segment, a distal segment coupled to the head section, and a recess segment positioned between the proximal segment and the distal segment. The recess segment includes a recess having a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall. The recess includes a center point between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The proximal segment extends from a free end of the handle section to the center point and the distal segment extends from the center point to the head section. The weight of the proximal segment of the handle section balances the combined weight of the distal segment of the handle section and head section when the recess is placed on a dividing wall of a double sink. |
| US07854031B2 |
Foam spring mattress
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. |
| US07854029B2 |
Water drain assembly
A water drain assembly includes an embedding ring and a seal washer, such that when a force is applied to press onto a water drain body, the deformation of hooks disposed at a lower edge of the embedding ring latches the edge of a drain through hole to abut the water drain body and fix the water drain body in position, and a rubber seal ring and a pressing member are installed into an internal hole of the water drain body, and a jam-on member is pressed into the internal hole of the water drain body, so as to press the pressing member down to a predetermined position to deform the seal ring, and achieve a tight pressing relation with a drainage pipe inserted therein to achieve a seal waterproof relation between the drainage pipe and the water drain body, and complete the overall installation of the water drain. |
| US07856654B2 |
System and method for network permissions evaluation
The invention is a system and method for delegating security permission evaluation from a client computer to remote network service (e.g., a security server). The centralization of permission evaluation allows performance enhancements using rules compilation and better manageability. An application on a client machine may request a permission to access a resource at runtime and provide evidence data to a security server. The permission evaluation (the decision) is executed by the network service and enforced locally on the client machine. When the application runs on top of a virtual machine, its security manager may be used to hide all of the client-side processes, and thus providing the extra information to the network service in order to locally enforce the results. |
| US07856653B2 |
Method and apparatus to protect policy state information during the life-time of virtual machines
A scheme for protecting policy state information during the lifetime of a virtual machine is presented. In order to protect and preserve the policy state information of the virtual machine, a process creates a source policy, a mapping policy, and a binary policy. These policies are all different representations of a security policy. The different policy representations are chained together via cryptographic hashes. |
| US07856652B2 |
Access control management method, access control management system and terminal device with access control management function
An environment information distribution unit transmits a policy ID for specifying an access policy to be applied to a terminal device. An environment information reception unit notifies an access policy application management unit of a policy ID specified based on information received from the environment information distribution unit. The access policy application management unit specifies a relevant access policy from an access policy storage region which stores at least one access policy based on a notified policy ID to notify an access control management unit in an OS of information designating the access policy. The access control management unit determines whether to allow or not to allow a request from a subject to access an object based on a specified access policy. |
| US07856646B1 |
Preparation and utilization of customer profile data in a cable services network
Methods and systems for preparing, updating and maintaining customer profile data that may be utilized in an interactive television system for providing tailored customer-specific interactive services, and product offerings and helpful information content. The customer's set-top box queries an application server for profile data corresponding to the customer. A web services system queries each of a number of data services associated with the interactive television services provider to obtain profile data for the customer. Available customer data is passed to the application server. The application server prepares a customer profile from the customer data and formats the customer profile for use by the client-side set-top box. After the customer profile is stored at the set-top box, customer-specific services and product offerings may be presented to the customer in the form of targeted advertising, and customer-specific information content may be presented to the customer. |
| US07856644B2 |
System and method of selective advertising on a TV channel
A method and system for providing selective advertising on a television channel is accomplished by downloading appropriate advertisements from an advertising server to a subscriber's set top box over an out-of-band channel. The set top box monitors for download triggers to provide advertisements to the subscriber's set top box and advertising triggers to insert advertisements when an advertising opportunity occurs. The advertisements can be downloaded in advance of any advertising triggers to a local storage means associated with the set top box, if available. |
| US07856638B2 |
Electric device having a status notification feature of notifying status information to a registered external device and control method of the device
In correspondence with a registration request from an external device, notification setting to notify an external device of status information in an electric device is registered and a period in which the notification setting is valid is decided. In accordance with occurrence of event, the status information is notified to the external device for which the notification setting is registered. Upon expiration of the decided period, the notification setting is invalidated. |
| US07856637B1 |
Runtime emulating static thread local storage of portable executable software code
A Windows™ process loader is emulated for dynamic TLS data allocation during respective application runtime. A total required TLS data block size is initially calculated and corresponding data block duplicates are created preferably after initializing of the application. An event notification system such as a hooking system intercepts DLL loading and freeing activity as well as thread creation and exiting and provides event notifications for dynamic allocation of corresponding TLS data block duplicates. |
| US07856632B2 |
iMEM ASCII architecture for executing system operators and processing data operators
A computing system that includes a number of processing elements, a memory and a multi-task controller is disclosed. The computing system operates on ASCII instructions which includes a set of ASCII operators. The operators include both ASCII data operators and ASCII system operators. The system operators include characters for specifying a request to obtain resources, to perform a task switch, to perform a task suspension, to execute a branch, to transfer results of an operation into a task data register, to transfer data into a processing element, to record the current location of instruction execution in the task code space, to treat a sequence of symbols as a group, and to perform an output function. Data operators include characters for specifying a request to perform arithmetic and logical operations on data. |
| US07856616B2 |
Action-based in-process software defect prediction software defect prediction techniques based on software development activities
An action-based in-process software defect prediction (ABDP) applies classifying records of a performed action to predict whether subsequent actions cause defects in a project. A performed action is previously defined herein as an operation performed based on tasks in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) of the project. Rather than focusing on the reported defects, ABDP discovers the patterns of the performed action that may cause defects composing a historic data set, and uses analytical results to predict whether the subsequent actions are likely to generate defects composing another historic data set. Once actions with high probability of causing the defects are identified, stakeholders review these actions carefully and take appropriate corrective actions to create a fresh performed action. The fresh performed action is continually appended to the historic data sets of amending the defects to construct a new prediction model for further subsequent actions. |
| US07856615B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for managing software configurations using change flow hierarchies
Computer method and apparatus for managing configurations of programming models is disclosed. A software development workspace respective to a user holds a programming model configuration specified by the user. The configuration is formed of one or more model elements. For each user workspace, one or more change-flow hierarchies define flow of changes to model elements. |
| US07856611B2 |
Reconfigurable interconnect for use in software-defined radio systems
A method of fabricating an interconnect circuit for coupling a plurality of reconfigurable component blocks that implement a defined function. The method comprises the steps of: 1) determining P possible configurations for implementing the defined function; 2) for each of the P possible configuration, determining a list of required interconnections between the plurality of reconfigurable component blocks; 3) determining from the P lists of required interconnections a minimum number, B, of data buses required to implement the P possible configurations for the defined function; 4) for each of the P possible configurations, determining the interconnections of each of the plurality of reconfigurable component blocks to each of the B buses; and 5) implementing programmable switches capable of coupling a first reconfigurable component block to a first bus only if required to implement at least one of the P possible configurations. |
| US07856606B2 |
Apparatus, method and program product for suppressing waviness of features to be printed using photolithographic systems
A method for minimizing rippling of features when imaged on a surface of a substrate using a mask. The method includes the steps of determining a deviation between a first representation of the design and a second representation of an image of the design at each of a plurality of evaluation points for each section of a plurality of sections of the design; determining an amount of modification of the design at each section based on an evaluation of the plurality of evaluation points; and modifying the design at each section by the amount determined in the previous step. |
| US07856600B2 |
System and method for user driven interactive application integration
A system and method is provided for integrating portlets. When viewing portlets within a portal container, a user is presented with a choice of one or more sources of data and, for each source, one or more actions that the user can take regarding the source. When an action is selected, it causes the source data to be transferred to one or more “target” portlets that have also been activated by the user. The set of actions available from a given source is automatically provided given the available target portlets. As each portlet is initialized, it informs a “broker” of the actions that the portlet supports along with the type of data that is used by the action. When a portal page is being constructed, each portlet identifies to the broker the sources of data within the portlet along with the values and data types corresponding to the sources. |
| US07856594B2 |
Related web contents synchronization and presentation system and method
A system including a site specifying portion for receiving an identifier of a base site that becomes the basis of a displayed presentation and receives an identifier of a compared site displayed in a language different from that of the base site, a base page specifying portion that specifies a base page from the base site, a language converting portion that consolidates words of different languages into a single language, an aggregated word information producing portion that produces information for comparing the base page, a related page specifying portion that specifies a related page similar to the base page from among each compared page based on the word information of the base page and the word information of each compared page, and a display controlling portion that presents the related page together with the base page on the same display screen. |
| US07856593B2 |
Low complexity decoding of low density parity check codes
An improved decoder and decoding method for low density parity check (LDPC) codes is provided. Decoding proceeds by repetitive message passing from a set of variable nodes to a set of check nodes, and from the check nodes back to the variable nodes. The variable node output messages include a “best guess” as to the relevant bit value, along with a weight giving the confidence in the guess. The check node output messages have magnitudes selected from a predetermined set including neutral, weak, medium and strong magnitudes. The check node output messages tend to reinforce the status quo of the input variable nodes if the check node parity check is satisfied, and tend to flip bits in the input variable nodes if the check node parity check is not satisfied. The variable node message weights are used to determine the check node message magnitudes. |
| US07856592B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving signal in a communication system
A signal transmission/reception apparatus of a communication system. The signal transmission apparatus receives an information vector, encodes the information vector into a structured Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codeword using a structured LDPC coding scheme, and transmits the generated structured LDPC code to the signal reception apparatus. Then the signal reception apparatus receives a signal, and detects an information vector by decoding the received signal using a decoding scheme corresponding to the structured LDPC coding scheme used in the signal transmission apparatus. |
| US07856591B2 |
Decoding method for tail-biting convolutional codes using a search depth viterbi algorithm
A method for decoding tail-biting convolutional codes. The method includes initializing a correction depth, selecting a first starting state from a set of encoding states, and initializing a metric value for the selected starting state as zero and the other states as infinity. The input bit stream is read and a Search Depth Viterbi algorithm (SDVA) is performed to determine path metrics and identify a minimum-metric path. The ending state for the minimum-metric path is determined and the output for this ending state is identified as “previous output.” A second starting state is set to the ending state of the minimum-metric path, and symbols equal to the correction depth from the previous output are read. The SDVA is performed on the second set of read symbols to generate a corrected output. A decoded output is generated by replacing symbols at the beginning of the previous output with the corrected output. |
| US07856588B2 |
Data allocation in memory chips
In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a first partition to divide the memory device into a first segment to hold a first data block and a second segment to hold a second data block, and a codeword in a single internal word of the memory device. |
| US07856579B2 |
Network for permutation or de-permutation utilized by channel coding algorithm
A network for channel coding permutation and de-permutation comprises: a first side and a second side, each of which has at least one terminal. The network further comprises: two or more columns of nodes located between the first and second sides. A first column of the columns interfaces the first side, and a second column of the columns interfaces the second side. Each of the columns comprises at least one node. Each node of the columns is connected to a first number of nodes of each of adjacent columns next to the columns. The first number is identical for all the nodes in the network. The nodes which are selected as switches are concurrently controlled to perform switching operations. A method of operating said network comprises the following steps: determining a direction that a data flow flowing from the first side to the second side; determining control elements of control signals; associating each of the control elements to one of the switching operations of the nodes which are selected as switches; providing a control sequence composed of the control signals; providing a data flow to be manipulated; reading at least one control element of the control signals; performing a switching operation of the switching operations for the nodes depending on the at least one control element of the control signals which is read; and transmitting at least one part of the data flow through paths established by the switching operations of the nodes. |
| US07856571B2 |
Method and system for communication employing dual slew rates
A bus for implementation with a computer system, as well as a computer processing device capable of interacting with such a bus, and a method of communicating signals over a bus, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the bus is a processor bus that includes a first processor bus portion that communicates first signals, and a second processor bus portion that communicates second signals at times determined independently of the first signals. The first and second signals respectively have first and second slew rates, the first and second slew rates being different from one another. |
| US07856570B1 |
Method and apparatus for shaping electronic pulses
A method and system for shaping an electronic pulse with a two-pulse response. An input node receives an initial electronic pulse and splits the electronic pulse into a first path and a second path. An output node combines together the first path and the second path into an output path, and transmits a shaped electronic pulse, matched to an output impedance. An Ethernet chip generates two pulses and transmits the pulses along a first path and a second path respectively. A power combiner/splitter combines together the pulses along the first path and the second path into an output path, and transmits a shaped electronic pulse, matched to an output impedance. |
| US07856556B2 |
Codeword-enhanced peer-to-peer authentication
Peer-to-peer authentication may be accomplished by sending a digital certificate to a responder, receiving a randomized codeword in response to the sending, creating a secure fingerprint based at least in part on the digital certificate and randomized codeword, creating a first bit sequence based at least in part on a first portion of the secure fingerprint and a second portion of the randomized codeword and indicating the first digital certificate is authenticated based upon whether the first bit sequence matches a second bit sequence received from the responder via an out-of-band communication in response to the sending. The size of the first bit sequence is less than the size of the secure fingerprint. According to another aspect, the first bit sequence is compared with a rendering of the second bit sequence, using an out-of-band communication, by associating the first bit sequence with one or more indices into an array of representations. |
| US07856553B2 |
System and method for platform activation
A platform discrimination indication register is stored in a wireless network card. This register holds a platform discrimination indication that indicates whether the wireless network card can be used to transfer data with notebook computers or whether the wireless network card is restricted to transferring data from a personal digital assistant or defined set of restricted devices. The platform discrimination indication can be upgraded using a key value obtained from at Internet site. This key value is limited to a specific wireless network card because of the use of a unique electronic I.D. An Internet site encrypts the electronic I.D. to produce the first key, such as a platform activation key (PAK). This first key is then decrypted at the personal data device in order to obtain a unique calculated I.D. value. If the calculated I.D. value matches the electronic I.D. value on the wireless network card, then the platform discrimination indication is altered (upgraded), allowing the operation of the wireless network card with notebook computers. |
| US07856545B2 |
FPGA co-processor for accelerated computation
A co-processor module for accelerating computational performance includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”) and a Programmable Logic Device (“PLD”) coupled to the FPGA and configured to control start-up configuration of the FPGA. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the PLD and configured to store a start-up bitstream for the start-up configuration of the FPGA. A mechanical and electrical interface is for being plugged into a microprocessor socket of a motherboard for direct communication with at least one microprocessor capable of being coupled to the motherboard. After completion of a start-up cycle, the FPGA is configured for direct communication with the at least one microprocessor via a microprocessor bus to which the microprocessor socket is coupled. |
| US07856537B2 |
Hybrid hardware and software implementation of transactional memory access
Embodiments of the invention relate a hybrid hardware and software implementation of transactional memory accesses in a computer system. A processor including a transactional cache and a regular cache is utilized in a computer system that includes a policy manager to select one of a first mode (a hardware mode) or a second mode (a software mode) to implement transactional memory accesses. In the hardware mode the transactional cache is utilized to perform read and write memory operations and in the software mode the regular cache is utilized to perform read and write memory operations. |
| US07856534B2 |
Transaction references for requests in a multi-processor network
One disclosed embodiment may comprise a system that includes a home node that provides a transaction reference to a requester in response to a request from the requester. The requester provides an acknowledgement message to the home node in response to the transaction reference, the transaction reference enabling the requester to determine an order of requests at the home node relative to the request from the requester. |
| US07856521B2 |
Apparatus and method to control access to stored information
A method is disclosed to control access to stored information. The method supplies a control unit in communication with a computing device and in communication with stored information. If the computing device requests access to that stored information, the method determines if access to the stored information is available. When access to the stored information becomes available, then the method reserves a communication pathway interconnecting the control unit and the requesting computing device, thereby disallowing the sending of non-MPLF unsolicited status via that reserved communication pathway, and provides a message to the computing device, using that reserved communication pathway, granting access to the stored information. |
| US07856515B2 |
Display apparatus to detect a connecting state of a cable
A display apparatus connected with an external video source through a video cable having a first cable connector and a second connector connected to the external video source includes a display connector having a plurality of signal pins to which the first cable connector is connected, a connecting sensor connected at least two or more of the plurality of signal pins to output a first connecting sense signal to inform a connecting state between the first cable connector and the display connector, and a second connecting sense signal to inform the connecting state between the second cable connector and the external video source, and a controller to output information about the connecting state between the first cable connector and the second cable connector based on the first and the second connecting sense signals from the connecting sensor. Thus, the display apparatus can supply the information about a connecting state of a first cable connector and a second cable connector, respectively, in the display apparatus connected with the external video source by the video cable having the first cable connector and the second cable connector. |
| US07856501B2 |
Network traffic prioritization
Prioritizing network traffic among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application in a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network is disclosed. For a particular time quantum, a bandwidth quantum may be distributed amongst two or more communication channels according to priorities associated with those channels. |
| US07856495B2 |
Identification of equipment location in data center
Techniques are disclosed for identifying the locations of equipment in computing environments such as data centers. For example, a method of identifying a plurality of computing devices in a computing environment includes the following steps. A first temperature-indicative map of the plurality of computing devices is generated while the plurality of computing device is in a first mode. The first temperature-indicative map is overlaid with a facility map associated with the computing environment. A first one of the plurality of computing devices is placed into a second mode. The second temperature-indicative map of the plurality of computing devices is generated while the first one of the plurality of computing devices is in the second mode and the remainder of the plurality of computing devices is in the first mode. The second temperature-indicative map is overlaid with the facility map associated with the computing environment. The first temperature-indicative map is compared with the second temperature-indicative map to determine a location of the first one of the plurality of computing devices. |
| US07856493B1 |
Method and apparatus providing device-initiated network management
A method is disclosed for managing a network entity that is initiated by the network entity, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps performed at the network entity of monitoring the network entity; periodically evaluating one or more specified conditions at the managed network entity; when one or more of the specified conditions are satisfied, then gathering specified information from the managed network entity, preparing a message that includes the specified information and the specified conditions that were satisfied, and sending the message to a management point. |
| US07856479B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtering email
A method and apparatus for filtering messages comprising determining a first semantic anchor corresponding to a first group of messages, for example, legitimate messages and a second semantic anchor corresponding to a second group of messages, for example, unsolicited messages. Determining a vector corresponding to an incoming message; comparing the vector corresponding to the incoming message with at least one of the first semantic anchor and the second semantic anchor to obtain a first comparison value and a second comparison value; and filtering the incoming message based on the first comparison value and the second comparison value. |
| US07856475B1 |
Method and system for facilitating communication between users
The invention relates to a method for facilitating communication between users. The method involves capturing a dialogue between the users; analyzing the dialogue to determine a usage pattern; selecting a communication tool, based on the usage pattern, that is suitable for a communication subsequent to the dialogue; informing the plurality of users of the communication tool suitable for the communication subsequent to the dialogue; and generating a summary of the communication subsequent to the dialogue. |
| US07856468B2 |
Server reservation method, reservation control apparatus and program storage medium
To allow many users to efficiently use the functions of a processing server that performs predetermined processing, via a network and also to prevent interference by illegal users. In a content supply system, in order to use a streaming server to perform a live distribution, a user PC to be used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center. When the reservation is accepted, the user PC sends a reconfirmation (reconfirmation of the reservation) to the server reservation control center by six hours before the distribution start time according to the reservation. If the reconfirmation is not made by six hours before, the server reservation control center cancels the reservation. On the other hand, if the reconfirmation is made by six hours before, the server reservation control center confirms the reservation and carries out billing processing. |
| US07856465B2 |
Combined fast fourier transforms and matrix operations
Embodiments of a hardware accelerator having a circuit configurable to perform a plurality of matrix operations and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) are presented herein. |
| US07856464B2 |
Decimation filter
A system and method for decimating a digital signal is disclosed. The system includes an input to receive digital data, a control input to receive a desired decimation rate, and an integrator stage responsive to the input. The system also includes a variable rate down sampling module responsive to the integrator stage and a differentiator stage responsive to the variable rate down sampling module. The down sampling module has a decimation rate that is dynamically adjustable based on the desired decimation rate. |
| US07856463B2 |
Probability density function separating apparatus, probability density function separating method, testing apparatus, bit error rate measuring apparatus, electronic device, and program
There is provided a probability density function separating apparatus that separates a predetermined component from a given probability density function. The apparatus includes: a domain transforming section that is supplied with the probability density function and transforms the probability density function into a spectrum in a frequency domain; and a deterministic component computing section that multiplies a multiplier coefficient according to a type of distribution of a deterministic component included in the given probability density function by a first null frequency of the spectrum in the frequency domain and computes a peak to peak value of the probability density function with the deterministic component. |
| US07856462B2 |
System and computer program product for performing an inexact query transformation in a heterogeneous environment
An inexact query transformation system selects a query element from a query statement. If an inexact transformation improves the query performance, the system prioritizes the candidate transformation rules applicable to the selected query element. The system applies the candidate transformation rules to the selected query element to generate a transformed query element that includes a transformed remote query element. If the transformed remote query element is pushdownable, the system adds the transformed remote query element to a transformed inexact query output. Otherwise, the system applies additional candidate transformation rules to the selected query element to generate the transformed inexact query output. The system applies the transformed inexact query output to a heterogeneous datastore to provide an output query result. |
| US07856459B2 |
Recording apparatus, recording method, and disc shaped record medium
A digital recording apparatus using a disc shaped record medium is disclosed, that comprises a means for extracting outlined information of each of a plurality of files recorded on the disc shaped record medium, a means for correlating the extracted outlined information and the plurality of files and generating an index file, and a means for recording the index file to a predetermined position of the disc shaped record medium, wherein when a predetermined operation mode is performed, a plurality of types of data of the plurality of files are output in a predetermined format. |
| US07856450B2 |
Apparatus and method for distributing information between business intelligence systems
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to define a first information object, where the first information object is operative to perform a first function when associated with a first system, and a second function when associated with a second system. A set of properties for the first information object is defined. The set of properties are divided into a first set of properties for when the first information object is in the first system, and a second set of properties when the first information object is in the second system. |
| US07856447B2 |
Method for authorising users to perform a search
A method of authorizing users to perform a search using a computer system. The method includes providing a user with a search request form having coded data indicative of an authorization parameter. The computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device which is indicative of the authorization parameter, movement of the sensing device and an identifier. The computer system determines the authorization parameter and movement of the sensing device using the indicating data, and then authorizes the user using the determined movement, the authorization parameter and the identifier, before performing a search in response to a successful authorization. |
| US07856436B2 |
Dynamic holds of record dispositions during record management
Dynamically withholding certain records from a disposition during record management. Search criterion that identifies records that should be withheld from the disposition may be received. The content of the records and/or information about that record content may be compared to the search criterion to determine which of the records should be withheld from the disposition. The comparison may take place in accordance with a pre-determined schedule, when hold status information for a record is accessed, or at any other time. |
| US07856434B2 |
System and method for filtering rules for manipulating search results in a hierarchical search and navigation system
A method is disclosed for modifying the results of a search performed in a collection of items by a search and navigation system. The method includes receiving a query from a user interface and determining a navigation state, defined by expressions of attribute-value pairs, based on the received query. The user interface accepts both selecting and deselecting of any of the attribute-value pairs in an expression corresponding to a navigation state to obtain an expression corresponding to a different navigation state, and each selection and deselection forms a new query. The method further includes retrieving, from the collection, items associated with the navigation state to form a set of unmodified search results, the set of unmodified search results having an arrangement for presentation to the user. A rule filter that includes a metadata expression is applied to a set of rules, each rule having a trigger, an action, and metadata. The application of the rule filter to the set of rules includes evaluating the metadata expression of the rule filter based on the metadata of each rule and passing rules for which the metadata expression of the rule filter evaluates as logical true. The trigger of each rule passed by the rule filter is evaluated, and the action of each rule for which the trigger of the rule evaluates as logical true is executed to modify the unmodified search results to form modified search results. |
| US07856430B1 |
Method for generating increased numbers of leads via the internet
A method for generating increased numbers of leads, such as sales leads for data items such as part numbers, ISBN numbers, automotive part numbers, electronic part numbers, phone numbers, zip codes, drivers license numbers, document numbers, keywords, etc., via the Internet. The method includes receiving data items, such as part numbers, from two or more subscribers and/or authorized users; generating an index of non-duplicative data items, such as part numbers, from the received data items or part numbers; listing each of the non-duplicative data items or part numbers as a data item hyperlink or a part number hyperlink on Web page; and generating a Web page for any activated data item hyperlink or activated part number hyperlink, wherein the generated Web page includes one or more components each of which incorporates the part number from the activated data item hyperlink or activated part number hyperlink and is selected from the group consisting of a title, a URL, a meta-tag and a text entry. Each generated Web page also preferably has a URL that has been rewritten as a static URL. The preferred method may also include including a prompt for issuing a request for quotation or an order relating to the data item or part number in each generated Web page; and sending an issued request for quotation or order relating to a particular part number to each of the plurality of subscribers and/or authorized users from whom that part number was received. |
| US07856428B2 |
Method, computer program product and device for importing a plurality of data sets into a system
A method for importing a plurality of data sets into a system, each data set comprising data segments separated by a separator, the method comprising the steps of: providing data sets to be imported on a data storage medium, reading the data sets from the data storage medium, storing the data sets in a first table in the system, substantially without processing the data sets, reading the stored data sets from the first table, and writing one or more data segments of each data set into sub-tables, each sub-table comprising at least one data field. Furthermore, it is disclosed a computer program product and a device for importing a plurality of data sets into a system. |
| US07856421B2 |
Maintaining memory checkpoints across a cluster of computing nodes
A method and system for increasing reliability and availability of a multi-processor network. A system includes a network with at least two nodes, with each node comprising a multi-processor unit (mpu) and memory. The mpu includes one or more processors and a wiretap unit. The wiretap unit and the memory included in the node are coupled to the processors in the node. The wiretap unit is configured to monitor memory accesses of the processors and convey data indicative of such accesses to a second node. The second node maintains a replica of memory in the first node, and is configured to undo modifications to the memory if needed. In the event of a hardware or software fault, the nodes are configured to restart the application on another node. |
| US07856415B2 |
System and method for mapping events into a data structure
Translating asynchronous system events into a data structure involves translating the conditional text elements and the dynamic data fields of an event into the predetermined format of a data structure. The conditional text elements and dynamic data fields of the event are parsed until a leaf node is reached for each element or field of the event. The format of the data structure may be maintained in a file that is stored separately from the resulting data structure. |
| US07856407B2 |
Community awareness management systems and methods
A system and method links one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM) datasets for a community awareness program (CAP) with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets. One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layer are identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and the spatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset then may be queried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer and features from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generated for display. In one embodiment, a system and method manage CAP assets, transactions, interest areas for the CAP, and buffer areas for the CAP. An audience utility enables entering and maintaining audience data for the CAP. A journal utility enables making journal entries for one or more audience members, CAP assets, transactions, and/or other CAM data. A link document utility enables linking one or more documents to CAM data. |
| US07856403B2 |
Check processing and categorizing system
A method for processing checks includes capturing check data from a check with a capture device of a check processing system, where the check data includes payee information. A category of the check is identified based at least in part on the payee information. A user account is updated with the category and at least a portion of the check data. A first edit to the check data is received from a user. A handwriting profile of the user is updated based on the first received edit. The handwriting profile is used to improve the accuracy of subsequently captured check data. |
| US07856400B2 |
Billing based on the type of printed document
Techniques are provided for billing a customer for printing services based on the type of document printed. Types of documents may include business cards, books, postcards, photographs, marketing materials, word processing documents, etc. Thus, for example, each photograph is billed at a different rate than each business card. |
| US07856399B2 |
Linking a merchant account with a financial card
Systems and methods for linking a merchant card with a merchant account. A financial institution that issues the merchant card to a merchant acts as both issuer and acquirer for the merchant. The merchant uses the merchant card to accept other financial cards as payment. Funds due the merchant are added to an available balance of the merchant card rather than depositing the funds in a settlement account. The funds can be added to the available balance before the transactions settle and can be accessed by the merchant. The financial institution also authorizes transactions when the merchant uses the merchant card as a regular cardholder to make payment. The merchant name can be changed on a per transaction basis if desired. |
| US07856396B2 |
System and method for assigning responsibility for trade order execution
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for a sponsoring organization to: (1) utilize a rules-based computer system to capture trade orders from sub-advisors (money management firms) in order to implement a pre trade compliance review process, thereby enabling the sponsoring organization to prevent the execution of trade orders by a sub advisor that violates securities laws and/or account restrictions; and (2) determine and assign, based on expected market impact of a trade order to buy or sell securities, whether responsibility (discretion over the decisions related to how, when and with whom a trade order is executed) for executing the trade order is assigned to the money management firm for an investment portfolio or to the sponsoring organization of that portfolio. Trade orders are categorized in real-time as “high touch” (significant effort and market impact) or “low touch” (insignificant effort and market impact). |
| US07856385B2 |
System and method for management and processing of bankruptcy claims and payments
A system and method provides electronic management and processing of bankruptcy-related claims and payments. The method includes receiving loan servicer data from a loan servicer portfolio. The method also includes receiving trustee data from a repository of trustee information. The method includes comparing one or more data fields related to the claims from the service provider data to corresponding one or more data fields related to the claims from the trustee data and assigning a score to the comparison results for the data fields related to the claims based on one or more business rules. The method includes calculating the total score for the comparison results for the claims, designating the claim as being valid if the total score for the claim is greater or equal to a predetermined value, and designating the claim as being invalid if the total score for the claim is less than a predetermined value. |
| US07856380B1 |
Method, medium, and system for creating a filtered image set of a product
Systems and methods for collecting, selecting, and displaying an image or image set in a network based environment are described. The systems and methods can collect multiple images for any given item from multiple sources, select a desired image (or set of images) that best depicts that item, and then display that selected image (or image set) in the network based environment. The desired image (or image set) that best depicts the item can be selected using any number or combination of pre-selected criteria. By using the pre-selected criteria, the process needs no manual intervention, and can therefore be automated or semi-automated to save both time and cost. |
| US07856370B2 |
Method and system for displaying predictions on a spatial map
A method and system for displaying predictions on a spatial map includes using a data analyzer for analyzing heterogeneous data having a spatial component to find utilizable data and using machine learning to automatically extract relationships from the utilizable data. The extracted relationships are used to make a prediction about at least one location on the spatial map and present that prediction in an oblique or perspective view. An interface presents the prediction on the spatial map in the form of a heat map overlying a 3-D topographical map. Although the 3-D map can be shown as any form of graphical projection including an oblique projection or orthographic projection, preferably a perspective view is used. It is also preferred that the graphical projection be interactive. The heat map may be 2-D or 3-D and be selectively displayed depending on the preference of a user. |
| US07856366B2 |
Multiple accounts for health record bank
A health record databank configured to associate electronic health records with multiple-accounts is provided. A network-accessible storage repository is used to store a plurality of electronic medical records for a plurality of individuals. In turn, individuals are provided with an electronic health records account (EHR account), wherein the EHR account is available to store electronic health records associated with the individual, in the storage repository. The individual may authorize access to the electronic records in a given sub-accounts. Requests for access may include both requests to deposit records into the sub-account, and requests to retrieve and view the records in a given sub-account. |
| US07856360B2 |
System for providing a service to venues where people aggregate
A system and method for providing a service to promoters, including venues and advertising sponsors, who wish to provide promotions. The service includes making promoter promotions accessible by the mobile phones of members associated with an organization. Typically a promotion and member are matched based on the member's geographical position, which may be reported by the member or determined automatically by a position sensor in their mobile phone, and optionally by the member's traits and behaviors. By accepting a promotion, a member may receive reward points which can be used to obtain goods and services. In addition to accessing promotions, members have mobile access to real-time information about the venues, such as the demographics of venue attendees and media posted by attendees concerning venue characteristics. Using the system, members can determine before going to a venue, such as a nightclub or bar, which venue has their preferred attendee demographic, atmosphere, music, cover charge, drink specials, friends, etc. |
| US07856354B2 |
Voice/music determining apparatus, voice/music determination method, and voice/music determination program
According to one embodiment, various characteristic parameters for determining whether an input audio signal is a voice signal or a music signal are calculated and the calculated characteristic parameters are compared with a threshold value for voice determination and a threshold value for music determination. A voice characteristic score is provided to a characteristic parameter indicating voice and a music characteristic score is provided to a characteristic parameter indicating music. Then, based on a difference between a sum total of voice characteristic scores and a sum total of music characteristic scores, it is determined whether the input audio signal is a voice signal or a music signal. |
| US07856352B2 |
Method and system of presenting a document to a user
A method and system for presenting a document to a user. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of documents having one or more language translations; specifying a preferred order of languages for the user; and when the user requests a search term, searching the plurality of documents for those that contain the search term. The method comprises the further steps of matching the language translations of the documents containing the search term with the preferred order of languages for the user; and delivering, for each of the documents containing the search term, a best match language translation to the user. With the preferred embodiment of the invention, the following functionalities are enabled: (1) Present to the user his preferred translation or a default translation if the preferred has not yet been made available to the system; (2) Present to the user the “best available” translation, given an order of preference, or a default translation if none of the “better” translations are available; and (3) Present to the user the “best available” translation using a user's specified preference, or, if none of those translations are available, the “best available” according to a system level specified preference. |
| US07856347B2 |
Facilitating simulation of a model within a distributed environment
Simulation of models within a distributed environment is facilitated. A model is partitioned based on clock domains, and communication between partitions on different processors is performed on synchronous clock boundaries. Further, data is exchanged across the network on latch boundaries. Thus, management aspects of the simulation, such as management associated with the global simulation time, are simplified. |
| US07856341B2 |
Heat sink
Sensors are located on first and second regions of a heat sink, with a portion of the heat sink interposed between the first and second region sensors. The heat sink is connected to a component by an attachment that conducts heat from the component to the heat sink, and a third sensor is located on the component or the attachment with a portion of the attachment disposed between the third sensor and the first and second heat sink region sensors. Temperature readings from the sensors are compared to identify a failing one of the heat sink, the attachment portion, and the component with respect to heat conduction, which includes identifying the interposed heat sink portion as failing in response to a divergence between temperature inputs from the first and second heat sink region sensors. Rate-of-rise temperature readings may also be observed and compared, including to historical values. |
| US07856338B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting a reversion of direction of a relative movement
An apparatus for detecting a reversion of direction of a relative movement between a periodic scale for defining a periodic field and a field sensor. The field sensor outputs first and second sensor signals. The first sensor signal is advanced from the second sensor signal if the periodic field moves in a first direction. The second sensor signal is advanced from the first sensor signal if the periodic field moves in a second direction. A determiner determines the difference between the first sensor signal and a signal corresponding to a temporal change of the second sensor signal or between the second sensor signal and a signal corresponding to a temporal change of the first sensor signal. |
| US07856330B2 |
Measuring apparatus, testing apparatus, and electronic device
A measuring apparatus measures a signal-under-test having a signal level that changes at predetermined bit time intervals. A strobe timing generator sequentially generates strobes at even time intervals. A level comparator detects a level of the signal at a timing at which each strobe is sequentially provided. A capture memory stores a signal level output from the comparator. A signal processor calculates a measurement of the signal based on a data series including data taken at even time intervals, each larger than a bit time interval of the signal. |
| US07856329B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing an under-sampled chirped sinusoidal waveform using a complex-heterodyne
A method of processing data acquired by under-sampling a chirped, sinusoidal waveform comprises complex-heterodyning the under-sampled data with a chirped signal having characteristics similar to the sinusoidal waveform to generate a demodulated signal and analyzing the demodulated signal to determine characteristics of the sinusoidal waveform. |
| US07856324B2 |
Automatic threshold setting for quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying and quantitating the presence of one or more DNA species in a sample population through PCR amplification. DNA species quantitation includes a determination of a threshold fluorescence value used in the assessment of the PCR amplification reaction. Various embodiments of the present invention incorporate an enhancement function useful in selecting appropriate threshold fluorescence values and facilitate the determination of DNA concentrations by quantitative PCR based methodologies. |
| US07856323B2 |
Method for analyzing blood for lipoprotein components
A new lipoprotein analysis procedure based on the CDC gold standard, analytical ultra centrifugation, having dramatically reduced the time and cost to obtain a result with a self generating continuous gradient. The method allows quantification of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease based on particle numbers of the particles of various groups and subgroups of lipoproteins. |
| US07856322B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining specificity of a candidate probe
Provided are a method and apparatus for determining specificity of a candidate probe. |
| US07856312B2 |
System, apparatus and method for mapping
The present invention provides a novel apparatus and method for mapping of urban regions. An apparatus includes the remote sensing equipment that is connected to a computer processor. The remote sensing equipment gathers imaging data about an urban region. The computer processor interprets the imaging data to generate a map of the urban region comprising representations that identify a first set of indicia representing physiographic characteristics, a second set of indicia representing different types of built forms, and a third set of indicia representing patterns of human activity associated with both the physiographic characteristics and the built forms. The map can also include a fourth set of indicia representing an intensity level that at least one of the other types of indicia occurs. |
| US07856310B2 |
Method of developing traffic messages
A method is disclosed for developing traffic messages. The method obtains traffic data indicating collected traffic speeds at various locations on a road network. Traffic messages are developed from the traffic data. The method obtains ground truth data indicating ground truth speeds at a subset of the locations on the road network. The ground truth speed represents average speed of vehicles at one of the locations. For those locations for which ground truth speed has been obtained, the method computes a traffic quality value comparing the collected traffic speed to the ground truth speed for the location. The traffic messages and traffic quality data representative of the traffic quality values are transmitted. |
| US07856309B2 |
Cold start emission reduction strategy for coordinated torque control systems
A cold-start control system for an internal combustion engine includes a heat estimation module, a torque request module and a propulsion torque determination module. The heat estimation module determines an exhaust system temperature and estimates heat required to heat an exhaust system to a predetermined temperature. The torque request module generates a torque request based on the estimated heat. The propulsion torque determination module determines a desired engine torque based on the torque request. |
| US07856298B2 |
Adaptive diagnostic cable
An apparatus and method are provided that allow a scan tool to communicate with a data link connector in a vehicle. A cable that can automatically multiplex its connections in order to make the appropriate connections between the scan tool and a data link connector based on a communication protocol of the vehicle under test. This allows the scan tool to communicate with the data link connector regardless of the pins being used by the communication protocol of the vehicle. |
| US07856296B2 |
Model train control system
A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad. |
| US07856293B2 |
Method and device for measuring the orientation of an aircraft nose landing gear
A device including an inertial reference station for measuring an aircraft heading. An inertial reference unit which is mountable on a wheel of a nose landing gear by a fixing system, and is used for measuring the heading of said landing gear in a non-steering position. A data processing unit includes a comparison unit for carrying out a comparison between the measured heading of the nose landing gear and the measured aircraft heading in such a way that the orientation of the nose landing gear is calculated with respect to the aircraft body. |
| US07856283B2 |
Digital microphone interface, audio codec and methods for use therewith
A digital microphone interface includes a phase generator for generating a phase signal. A clock generator produces a digital microphone clock at a selected frequency based on the frequency select signal, and supplying the digital microphone clock to a digital microphone. A first data latch, operably coupled to the phase generator, produces a stream of first data from a first channel of the digital microphone, based on a phase select signal and the phase signal. |
| US07856276B2 |
Remote support system for programming active implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, cardiovertors or multisite devices
A remote support system for programming active implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, cardioverters or multisite devices. A station is equipped with a programmer that is able to read, by telemetry, information stored in an implantable device, and transmit over a telephone line the information thus read, namely patient data and/or internal parameters for operating the programmer or programming parameters of the implant. A remote analysis station is configured to receive the information sent on the telephone line and display and/or analyze the transmitted information. The programmer includes an input to collect a voice signal and a multiplexor so that the data and/or parameters and the voice signal collected, are simultaneously delivered at the multiplexor output in real-time as a multiplexed signal that, in turn, is applied to a tele-transmission circuit (e.g., a modem). The analysis station includes a circuit to restore the audio and a demultiplexor to both receive the signal on the telephone line and deliver to the separate output channels the data and/or parameters and the aforementioned voice signal. The data and/or parameters delivered by the multiplexor are applied to a display and/or an analysis circuit to analyze the patient data, and the voice signal is applied to a restitution circuit to provide an audio signal, enabling bidirectional real-time voice communications over the same transmission line carrying the patient data. |
| US07856272B2 |
Implantable interface for a medical device system
An implantable interface system for a medical device system providing selective interconnectivity between conduits and therapy elements. The interface system contains connecting elements that each provide a robust connection between a selected conduit and a selected therapy element. The interface system enables the use of a surplus of therapy elements so that treatment to the same site (in the case of electrode migration or failure), or to different sites but within the spatial domain of the interface's elements may be delivered through the spare/excess therapy elements without the need for additional major surgical procedures. |
| US07856269B2 |
System and method for determining phsyiologic events during pacing mode operation
An implantable medical device operates according to a ventricular pacing protocol (VPP) that precludes ventricular pacing in any cardiac cycle where a sensed ventricular event has occurred in the preceding cycle. Improved ventricular sensing, detection and classification is provided. |
| US07856259B2 |
In-built FM antenna
A portable communication device including a casing having a front section and a back section is provided. The back section may at least partly made of an electrically conducting material. The casing also may enclose a ground plane and a radio circuit that is connected to a radiation receiving antenna element and the ground plane. The radiation receiving antenna element is provided in an area of electrically conducting material of the back section of the casing. |
| US07856250B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing SOHO BTS interference using antenna beam coverage based on pilot strength measurement messages
A small office/home office base transceiver station (SOHO BTS) server capable of managing interference by correlating pilot strength measurements sent by mobile devices and directing the attenuation settings for each transmit path. An array of antennas coupled to an array of transmit paths are selectively activated one at a time. When a transmit path is activated, the SOHO BTS server sets the associated variable attenuator to its maximum level. The SOHO BTS server detects whether a radio environment report or and a pilot strength measurement message (PSMM) containing information about a mobile station's pilot strength is present. When the pilot strength is greater than a predetermined value, the SOHO BTS server increases the setting on the attenuator. Otherwise, the SOHO BTS server decreases the attenuator setting until such pilot strength information is available or if the lowest attenuator setting has been set. The other transmit paths are also tested accordingly. |
| US07856247B2 |
RFID reader integrated with wireless communication device
An integrated RFID reader and wireless communication device is realized by a radio frequency (RF) front end operable, in a first mode, to generate a radio frequency identification system (RFID) outbound radio frequency (RF) signal, to receive an RFID inbound RF signal responsive to the RFID outbound RF signal and to convert the RFID inbound RF signal to an RFID near baseband signal, and operable in a second mode, to generate a transceiver outbound radio frequency (RF) signal, to receive a transceiver inbound RF signal and to convert the transceiver inbound RF signal to a transceiver near baseband signal. The integrated device further includes a digitization module operable, in the first mode, to convert the RFID near baseband signal to an RFID digital baseband signal, and operable, in a second mode, to convert the transceiver near baseband signal to a transceiver digital baseband signal, and a baseband processing module operably coupled, in the first mode, to convert the RFID digital baseband signal into inbound RFID digital data, and operably coupled, in the second mode, to convert the transceiver digital baseband signal into inbound transceiver digital data. |
| US07856241B2 |
Mobile communication system, radio base station, scheduling apparatus, scheduling method employed in the same, and program thereof
The invention provides a radio base station which can achieve high throughput while attaining the target quality for each mobile station and fairly assigning a transmission opportunity. In the radio base station, when a mobile station selection unit is notified at a fixed period of time by a data flow control unit with respect to a mobile station which has data to be transmitted, the unit selects a plurality of mobile stations which don't achieve the service quality. The plurality of mobile stations selected by the mobile station selection unit are input into a PF scheduler. From these mobile stations, a mobile station to which a transmission opportunity is assigned, is determined. A mobile station notification unit assigns a transmission opportunity to the mobile station determined by the PF scheduler. Upon completion of the transmission opportunity assignment, the mobile station notification unit notifies the data flow control unit of the mobile stations to which a transmission opportunity has been assigned. |
| US07856232B2 |
Telemetry tracking and command satellite link
The invention relates to a telemetry, control, and ranging link of a satellite; it proposes using spread spectrum transmission for the up link, i.e. for commanding the satellite and for the ranging up signal. It proposes using subcarrier modulation for the down link, i.e. for telemetry and for the ranging down signal. This makes it possible for the up link to withstand interference and to provide co-localization; on the down link, the use of subcarrier modulation makes it possible to continue using existing equipment and known solutions. |
| US07856222B2 |
Integrated balun and coupler transformer
Integrated balun and coupler is described. In one example, a radio frequency (RF) device includes a balun and coupler. The balun includes a first winding and a second winding arranged on a magnetic core. Respective inputs of the first winding and the second winding are configured to receive a balanced RF input and respective outputs of the first winding and the second winding are configured to provide a first unbalanced RF output. The coupler includes a third winding arranged on the magnetic core. The third winding is configured to provide a second unbalanced RF output, where the second unbalanced RF output is a fraction of the first unbalanced RF output. |
| US07856214B2 |
Motion activated cell phone lighting
A cell phone includes at least one motion switch and circuitry to control cell phone functions when the cell phone is moved. In one embodiment, the motion switch activates keyboard backlighting. A single motion switch may be used or two motion switches may be positioned approximately orthogonally, for example, a first motion switch to activate on motion along the cell phone's length, and a second motion switch to activate on motion along the cell phone's width. One simple and inexpensive motion switch is a cantilevered spring, another is to monitor current produced by a vibrator motor already present in a cell phone. The cell phone according to the present invention with lighting activated by cell phone motion is particularly useful for locating a dropped cell phone, and even more useful for a vehicle operator searching for a dropped cell phone. |
| US07856210B2 |
Power step control for high-speed downlink shared channel packet access
A radio access network node comprises a transport format selector (44) which uses plural input parameters for determining a transport format for a high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH). The transport format selector is arranged to protect radio quality (e.g., the signal to noise ratio (SIR)) of the high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) against a radio quality fluctuation due to one or more of fast fading, power variations, or interference variations. The radio quality fluctuation may be a downlink power variation caused by or accompanying transmission on the high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) itself (or any other channel such as a DPCH). The radio quality fluctuation may jeopardize reliability of or render inaccurate (e.g., stale) a reported value for a first input parameter ascribed to a radio condition and utilized to determine the transport format. The transport format selector promotes radio quality of the high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) by compensating, in the determining of the transport format, for any inaccurate representation by the reported input value of a radio condition which may have changed at the time of transmission of the high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH). The first input parameter (for which the transport format selector anticipates a difference) can be, for example, a channel quality indicator (CQI) which represents the radio condition of radio channel quality. |
| US07856204B2 |
Method of using a telephone device to view content stored therein on a nearby display screen which is not physically connected to the telephone device
A telephone device is used to establish two-way communication with a remotely located entity, or to transfer content from a display screen of the telephone device to a nearby display screen for full viewing of the content. The two-way communication is initiated by an object emitting a signal containing a telephone number to the telephone device, which, in turn, automatically dials the telephone number. |
| US07856203B2 |
System for inhibiting texting and similar distractions while driving moving vehicles
A system is disclosed for preventing moving vehicle drivers from cell phone texting while that vehicle is moving. This system comprises a motion detector and a moving vehicle's contiguous interior compartment containing at least four courtesy signal transmitters and at least one conventional cell phone having a text keyboard, a microphone, and a courtesy signal receiver disposed in the microphone which is in the keyboard. This compartment may also have devices in it which control the speed and direction the moving vehicle will go, and if so, it may have a moving vehicle driver, who may also be the aforementioned cell phone user, located to operate these devices. The cell phone may enable or disable the keyboard based on courtesy signal transit times and the motion indicator, but this determination may be overridden by the cell phone service provider, or person of authority located in the vehicle's contiguous interior compartment. |
| US07856196B2 |
Developing housing and conveying device and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing device includes a developer holding member that carries a developer; an upper developer housing section that houses the developer; a lower developer housing section that has a bottom surface lower than a bottom surface of the upper developer housing section and houses the developer; a toner supply section that includes an upper toner supply part, a lower toner supply part, and a toner transport section; an upper conveying section that includes a rotation shaft, a first conveying member, a second conveying member, and a diameter direction conveying part; and a lower conveying section that conveys at least one of the developer and the toner in a direction opposite to the conveying direction by the first conveying member. |
| US07856195B2 |
Image forming apparatus whose image bearing member is rotated by a pulley
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material is constituted by an image bearing member, a driving source, a first pulley rotatable by actuation of the driving source, a second pulley, connected to a rotatable member, for transmitting rotation of the driving source to the image bearing member, a belt supported by the first pulley and the second pulley, a first pressing member which is disposed upstream from the first pulley with respect to a rotational direction of the drum and located closer to the second pulley than a rotation axis of the first pulley so as to press the first pulley through the belt, and a second pressing member disposed at a position substantially symmetrically opposite from the first pressing member with respect to a line connecting the rotation axis of the first pulley and a rotation axis of the second pulley so as to press the first pulley through the belt. |
| US07856194B2 |
Intermediate transfer unit-mounting and dismounting mechanism and intermediate transfer unit-mounting and dismounting method
An intermediate transfer unit mounting and dismounting mechanism for an image forming apparatus including a transfer belt unit that is provided as a separate structure from the apparatus body and can be mounted to and dismounted from the apparatus body, includes: a coupling/decoupling manipulator disposed at the coupling portion between the intermediate transfer unit and the apparatus body for coupling/decoupling. The coupling/decoupling manipulator includes a threaded portion to fasten the intermediate transfer unit and the apparatus body and a drive gear for transferring driving force for conveying the intermediate transfer belt. While the threaded portion is rotated to release the fastening between the transfer belt unit and the housing, the transfer belt is conveyed by the drive gear that rotates in linkage with the rotation of the threaded portion. |
| US07856189B2 |
Image forming apparatus and a method of effectively detecting toner state in the same
An image forming apparatus includes an optical sensor configured to optically detect a density of a reference pattern image, a toner density sensor configured to detect a density of toner in a developing unit, a storing unit configured to store an image area coverage of an output image, a determining unit configured to determine whether a state of toner accommodated in a toner supplying unit is an almost empty state and an empty state or neither based on detection results obtained by the sensors, a controlling unit configured to continuously perform a toner state check when the image area coverage of the output image is greater than a predetermined image area coverage value and the density of the reference pattern image is greater than a predetermined density level after the determination of the state of toner is the almost empty state or the empty state or neither. |
| US07856188B2 |
Developing method in imaging-forming device
A developing method in an image-forming device is provided. The developing method includes the steps of charging a photoreceptor; exposing the photoreceptor to form a first latent image on the photoreceptor; developing the first latent image by a first developing unit having a first potential to form a first toner image; and discharging the photoreceptor having the first toner image, such that when the photoreceptor is charged again, the first toner image on the photoreceptor has a second potential, and the second potential is approximately the same as the first potential of the first developing unit. |
| US07856183B2 |
Circuit for transmitting signals in a network node, particularly for a channel card for an optical wavelength division multiplex (WDM) signal trasmitting device
A circuit for transmitting signals in a network node, particularly for a channel card for an optical WDM signal transmission device, with a first holding device assigned to the local side of the network node, which can be freely equipped by means of a local-side transceiver unit and which has an internal transmitting port connection and an internal receiving port connection which, in case first holding device is equipped with local-side transceiver unit, are connected to the respective transmitting or receiving ports of local-side transceiver unit, with two additional holding devices assigned to the remote side of the network node having similar ports. A controllable signal switching unit is provided with novel construction to configure connections between the respective internal ports. |
| US07856181B2 |
Stereoscopic imaging device
A compound-eye camera comprises: a camera body substantially shaped like a rectangular solid having a front side and a back side larger than other sides and including a display device on the back side; and substantially L-shaped first and second lens barrels, each storing a refractive optical system including two reflective optical elements for refracting a photographing optical axis twice, the lens barrels guiding subject images incident on a pair of right and left objective lenses to image sensors. In the camera, the substantially L-shaped first and second lens barrels are each disposed along two adjacent inner surfaces of the camera body. Thereby, a compound-eye camera which has excellent portability and enables the installation of a large display device is achieved. |
| US07856173B2 |
Shooting device for electrical image stabilizing using relationship between stabilization information and shooting condition
A shooting device includes a image sensor for capturing an image of a subject, a detection unit detecting stabilization information from the image, a stabilization information recording unit associating a shooting condition during shooting with the detected stabilization information and recording the shooting condition and the stabilization information, and an electronic image stabilization unit. The electronic image stabilization unit extracts the stabilization information corresponding to the shooting condition having a predetermined relationship with the shooting condition by referring to the stabilization information recording unit using the shooting condition, and stabilizes the shooting device shake based on the extracted stabilization information. |
| US07856169B2 |
Reproduction device, program, and reproduction method
A BD-ROM playback apparatus for selecting and playing back one among text subtitle streams together with a moving picture. PSR 48-61 store Decode Capability flags whose set values indicate, for each language, whether or not a decode capability is present. Procedure executing unit 20 judges whether each text subtitle stream can be displayed, by referring to each set value of flags. Stream selection unit 17 selects a text subtitle stream judged as being able to be decoded. Here, the decode capability for a language being present indicates presence of rendering capability for converting character codes of the language into bitmaps, and support capability for supporting properties of the language. The b16 to b23 in PSR 30 includes a permission flag indicating whether stream selection unit 17 is permitted to select an unsupported language for which rendering capability is present but not support capability. |
| US07856162B2 |
Large mode area fiber amplifiers with reduced stimulated brillouin scattering
A large mode area fiber amplifier suitable for high power applications includes a core region specifically configured to allow for high power operation while also limiting the amount of SBS that is generated. The composition of the core region is selected to include a dopant (such as aluminum) in selected areas to reduce the acoustic refractive index of the core and limit the spatial overlap between the acoustic and optical fields. The acoustic refractive index is also structured so that the acoustic field is refracted away from the central core area. In one embodiment, the core may comprise a depressed index center portion and surrounding ring core area, with the center portion including the aluminum doping and the ring formed to have a diameter less that the phonon decay length for the operating wavelength(s). |
| US07856160B2 |
Illumination device, image display device, and projector
An image display device includes: a first face; a laser light source device emitting laser light; and a diffractive optical element on which the laser light emitted from the laser light source device is incident, generating diffracted light from the incident laser light, and illuminating the first face with the diffracted light, the first face is provided at a position on which zero-order light emitted from the diffractive optical element is not incident, and an image is displayed by light via the first face. |
| US07856159B2 |
Optical element, optical module holder including optical element, optical module, and optical connector
An optical element including a transmitting surface section and at least one reflective surface section integrally formed on a main body of the optical element. The transmitting surface section refracts incident light emitted from a predetermined light-emitting position and transmits the light. The reflective surface section reflects the incident light emitted from the light-emitting position such that the light returns to a position differing from the light-emitting position. An optical axis of the transmitting surface section and an optical axis of the reflective surface section are out of alignment such as to be mutually parallel or mutually tilted. |
| US07856158B2 |
Virtual electronic switch system
A virtual electronic switch system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a switch assembly, a switch interface, and a computer. The switch assembly provides actuators that interface with non-contact sensors in the switch interface. The computer is coupled to the switch interface and assigns functions to each of the actuators. The non-contact sensors detect movement of the actuators and signal the computer, which manipulates an electrical system in the vehicle based on the assigned function. |
| US07856149B2 |
Digital image encoding
An apparatus and method for limiting bit rate of compressed data is disclosed. The apparatus and method allows the generation of parameters for encoding digital image data based on the data bit rate resulting from the use of different parameters. In one embodiment, a statistical analysis is performed to determine the different parameters. The use of parameters results in a bit rate that would prevent a decoder to stall during decompression while allowing the encoder compress without affecting the quality. Therefore, a more efficient encoding and decoding can be achieved. |
| US07856148B2 |
Processing multiview video
Decoding a video signal comprises receiving a bitstream comprising the multiview video signal encoded according to dependency relationships between respective views, and view-dependency data representing the dependency relationships; extracting the view-dependency data and determining the dependency relationships from the extracted data; and decoding the multiview video signal according to the determined dependency relationships using illumination compensation between segments of pictures in respective views, where the multiview video signal includes multiple views each comprising multiple pictures segmented into multiple segments. |
| US07856145B2 |
Image processing system and method therefor, image processing apparatus and method, image capturing apparatus and method, program recording medium, and program
An image processing system includes an image capturing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus is configured to capture an image including an object, to obtain status information of the object, and to record the image and the status information of the object. The image processing apparatus is configured to specify details of a modification to be applied to the image according to the recorded image and status information of the object, to set setting information for modifying the image on the basis of the details of the modification, to extract a feature value from the image, and to record the setting information in a setting-information recording medium in association with the extracted feature value of the image. |
| US07856139B2 |
Signal correcting method
A signal correcting method includes: obtaining multiple types of signals at each of a plurality of points; extracting a point with signal values corresponding to the multiple types of signals, which have a predetermined relationship to signal values of the multiple types of signals at a target point; and correcting the multiple types of signals at the target point based upon the signal values corresponding to the multiple types of signals at the target point and the signal values corresponding to the multiple types of signals at the extracted point. |
| US07856138B2 |
System, method and computer software product for inspecting charged particle responsive resist
A system software product and a method for evaluating a mask, the method including the stages of: defining multiple CD measurement target windows; defining multiple pattern recognition windows such that the multiple CD measurements windows do not overlap the multiple pattern recognition windows, wherein each CD measurement target window and an associated pattern recognition window are positioned within a measurement area that is scannable without introducing a substantial mechanical movement; performing multiple critical dimension measurements of multiple patterns of an object being manufactured by exposing the mask to radiation, wherein the performing comprises using at least one CD measurement target window and at least one pattern recognition window; and evaluating the mask. |
| US07856123B2 |
Method for recognising faces by means of a two-dimensional linear discriminant analysis
The invention relates to a method for recognizing faces in digital images consisting in providing for a knowledge base which contains face images and is hierarchical into several classes each of which comprises different images of the same person. The invention relates to pre-processing said knowledge base in such a way that a minimization of variance in each class and a maximization of variance between different classes are simultaneously obtainable, thereby making it possible to form a vectorial base comprising the discriminant component of said knowledge base. The comparison of a recognizable face with a pre-processed reference face such as the knowledge base and an eventual reconstruction of a recognized face are also disclosed. |
| US07856117B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An apparatus that embeds data in an image includes a mark embedding unit that embeds a feature that forms a predetermined pattern in the image, as a mark to be used to specify an area in which the data is embedded, and a data embedding unit that embeds the data in the image of the area specified by the mark. |
| US07856112B2 |
Desktop terminal foot and desktop system
The present invention discloses an inventive microphone assembly for desktop communication systems. It utilises the advantages of placing the microphone in a desktop conferencing system as close as possible to the tabletop surface, without exposing the microphone for unfavourable mechanical or acoustic influence. This is achieved by building it into the footing in front of system, in a mechanically controlled and robust way. In this way, the high frequency response can be controlled to optimise sound quality, and at the same time the microphone assembly can be configured as a flexible unit that easily can be re-used in other systems. |
| US07856103B2 |
Microcontroller and authentication method between the controllers
A microcontroller includes a program memory configured to store a program group and a first encryption key; a CPU; and an identification (ID) storage section configured to store an identification data peculiar to a user of the microcontroller. The CPU executes the program group to generate a second encryption key based on the identification data and the first encryption key and to encrypt a random number with the second encryption key. |
| US07856102B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a message authentication code using a pipeline
Methods and apparatus provide for: dividing a quantity of data values into a plurality of blocks; dividing the plurality of blocks into respective sub-sets of blocks; computing an intermediate message authentication code block for each sub-set of blocks by performing a first cipher block chaining algorithm on the blocks of each sub-set of blocks; and computing a message authentication code block for the plurality of blocks by performing a second cipher block chaining algorithm on the intermediate message authentication code blocks. |
| US07856095B2 |
System and method for providing a baseline for quality metrics in a contact center
A computer-implemented system and method for assisting managers of a contact center is provided. The monitoring of agent communications is performed automatically and the communications are assigned to a group of supervisors for scoring. The scores assigned to the communications are then received and programmatically evaluated against predetermined criteria to determine the quality of the supervisors' performance. If the quality of performance is below an acceptable threshold, then the need for supervisor performance improvement is indicated. In one embodiment, the system automatically schedules a session for establishing/reinforcing a set of scoring guidelines in response to the indication. |
| US07856093B2 |
Interactive communication apparatus and connecting method
An interactive communication apparatus has a video signal, obtained by an image pickup device performing an image pickup activity, and which has the obtained video signal sent to another apparatus through a communication device while causing a display device to display an image based on a video signal received from the other apparatus through the communication device. The apparatus includes a storage device storing communicating party information about a communicating party at the other apparatus, the communicating party information including geographical location information and access point information about the communicating party. The apparatus also includes a graphic user interface generating a graphic user interface screen in order to have the display device display the generated screen by mapping an identification image identifying the communicating party onto a map based on the communicating party information in such a manner as to indicate a local time applicable to the communicating party. |
| US07856088B2 |
System and method for integrating heterogeneous telephone mailboxes
A system and method for integrating heterogeneous phone message mailboxes in a common interface. A message record is created in a data structure of a local telephone device when a phone message received over a first telephone line is stored in a local answering device is completed. A message alert is received when a remote phone message is stored in a remote mailbox associated with a second telephone line linked to the local telephone device. The remote phone message is sent to the local telephone device for silent playback. The remote message is marked as old at the remote mailbox. A message record is created in the data structure corresponding to the remote message. A program operates to produce an ordered message record list in the data structure that includes, for example, an interleaved chronological list of all phone messages stored in the local and remote mailboxes. |
| US07856084B2 |
Method for activation of an emitter of a computed tomography scanner
In a computed tomography scanner having an emitter for emitting a beam of given radiation through an object to be analysed, a detector for receiving said beam after the beam itself has traversed the object, and a rotating arm, which supports the emitter and the detector and rotates the emitter and the detector about the object along a series of angular positions, there is generated a succession of first pulses, each of which activates the detector in one respective angular position, and a succession of second pulses for activating the emitter so that it will emit a dose of radiation in each angular position, associated to which is a respective dose of radiation in such a way as to pre-define a distribution of doses of radiation along the series of angular positions. |
| US07856082B2 |
System and method for optimization of a radiation therapy plan in the presence of motion
A computer-implemented method for optimizing a radiation treatment plan for a radiotherapy machine providing independently controlled radiation along a plurality of rays j directed toward a patient and configured to account for the effects of patient motion. The method includes generating a probability distribution function quantitatively expressing patient motion, identifying a prescribed total dose Dip at the voxels i in a treatment area, assigning a fluence value wj for each ray j based on an iterative function, calculating an actual total dose Did produced each voxel i within the assigned fluence values and calculating an expectation value of the dose per energy fluence, dij based on the actual total dose Did and the probability distribution function. |
| US07856080B2 |
Method for determining a defined position of a patient couch in a C-arm computed tomography system, and C-arm computed tomography system
For facilitating the optimal positioning of a patient resting on the couch of a C-arm computed tomography system, an input is received, via individual pixels or areas of pixels selected in a predetermined image data set, thus enabling the area of interest to be highlighted. Image data of the patient resting on the couch is acquired. These two processes together make it possible to calculate the position, relative to the couch, of a marked-out point that is to coincide with the isocenter for the rotation of the C-arm, and from this at least one coordinate that serves to define the position of the couch can be derived. If this coordinate is displayed, a doctor performing the treatment can move the couch to the appropriate position by hand. The couch can also be designed to be automatically movable by electric motors after determining the coordinate. |
| US07856077B2 |
CT scanner and method for helical scanning of an examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion
At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a CT scanner and/or a method for helical scanning of an examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion. In at least one embodiment, the CT scanner includes at least one bearing apparatus, arranged along a system axis of the CT scanner, for bearing the examination object, two scanning systems which can rotate around the system axis and which are arranged coaxially, respectively having a focus from which a beam can be emitted and a flat-design detector array, arranged opposite the respective focus, including a multiplicity of distributed detector elements which can detect the rays of the beam, wherein projection data can be generated by the scanning systems which represents the attenuation of the rays while traversing the examination object, and wherein the bearing apparatus and/or the scanning systems can be displaced along the system axis, a first device/module, preferably an EKG, which can detect and store rest and movement phases of the examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion in the form of measurement data, and a second device/module which can, based on the measurement data and/or data derived therefrom, trigger and/or control a displacement of the scanning systems and/or the bearing apparatus along the system axis. |
| US07856074B2 |
Signal processing system
A data processing circuit includes: a first circuit part having a first synchronization signal; a second circuit part having a second synchronization signal, and receiving a data signal and the first synchronization signal from the first circuit part; a phase comparing part carrying out phase comparison between the second synchronization signal and the first synchronization signal in the second circuit part; and a control part controlling a phase of the first synchronization signal based on a comparison result of the phase comparing part. |
| US07856071B2 |
Multi-path acquisition in the presence of very high data rate users
A method of multi-path acquisition may include estimating a contribution of acquired users of a first type to a received signal, canceling the estimated contribution from the received signal to generate a resultant signal, and performing multi-path acquisition for users of the first type and users of a second type based on the resultant signal. |
| US07856067B2 |
Unequal hierarchical communications modulation method
Hierarchical modulation preferably uses a 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulator with a convolutional encoder that combine to effectively provide unequal protection to two different segments of streaming input data, with improved power efficiency with the same bandwidth efficiency, by encoding the first segment as coded data as LSBs as the second segment remains uncoded as uncoded MSBs, with the MSBs used for QAM constellation modest reliability interquadrant demodulation and detection, and with the LSBs used for low reliability intraquadrant detection, but with the LSBs subject to convolutional encoding and decoding rendering the LSBs with high reliability detection, such that, the two segments have unequal coding and modulation for providing unequal levels of reliability detection. |
| US07856063B2 |
Narrowband interference suppression for OFDM systems
A method for suppressing narrowband interference in OFDM receivers is provided including the steps of acquiring a sample of received data, estimating parameters of each of a number of narrowband interferers from the acquired sample of data, forming an excision filter using the estimated parameters and inserting the excision filter into an OFDM receiver. |
| US07856055B2 |
Systems and methods for digitally re-mastering or otherwise modifying motion pictures or other image sequences data
A process and methods of digital enhancement of motion pictures and other moving image sequences for the purpose of being exhibited in an alternative display format including a large format cinema are disclosed. The invention efficiently enhances image resolution and quality through a temporal filtering process and achieves high performance using automated or interactive statistical quality evaluation methods. A system specially designed for efficient temporal computing with a parallel and distributed computing configuration equipped with a variety of optimization schemes is also disclosed. The performance of the process and the system is optimized through an intelligent controller and is scalable to support any throughput requirements demanded for concurrent motion picture releases in the original format as well as in any alternative format. |
| US07856050B1 |
Receiver and transmitter calibration to compensate for frequency dependent I/Q imbalance
A receiver, which is adapted for demodulating signal carriers at variable frequencies to provide received signals at a plurality of different received frequencies, is calibrated to compensate for a frequency-dependent imbalance in the amplitude and/or the quadrature phase of analog in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) received-signal components that have passed through receiver circuit paths that may cause such imbalance. I-channel and Q-channel Rx-correction coefficients for each of a plurality of different calibration frequencies are estimated and stored in a lookup table. Rx-correction coefficients for a calibration frequency or frequencies that are the same as or closest to the received frequency or frequencies are accessed from the lookup table and combined with digital I and Q components of received signals that have been provided by analog-to-digital conversion of analog I and Q components of received signals that have passed through the imbalance-causing receiver circuit paths upon demodulation at the received frequency. |
| US07856048B1 |
On-chip IQ imbalance and LO leakage calibration for transceivers
The disclosure can provide methods and systems for autocalibrating a transceiver. The method can include upconverting a bandpass input signal by mixing the bandpass input signal with a first local oscillator signal to form an initial transmitter signal. The initial transmitter signal can be looped back to a receiver and downconverted with a second local oscillator signal having a frequency that is different from the first local oscillator to form an intermediate frequency signal. At least one of a gain and a phase of the transmitter can be adjusted based on a transmitter image sideband of the intermediate frequency signal to generate a calibrated transmitter signal having minimized transmitter image sideband. |
| US07856045B2 |
Surface emitting semiconductor component
A surface emitting semiconductor component (1) with an emission direction which comprises a semiconductor body (2). The semiconductor body comprises a plurality of active regions (4a, 4b) which are suitable for the generation of radiation and are arranged in a manner spaced apart from one another, a frequency-selective element (6) being formed in the semiconductor body. |
| US07856041B2 |
Semiconductor having enhanced carbon doping
A VCSEL with undoped top mirror. The VCSEL is formed from an epitaxial structure deposited on a substrate. A doped bottom mirror is formed on the substrate. An active layer that includes quantum wells is formed on the bottom mirror. A periodically doped conduction layer is formed on the active layer. The periodically doped conduction layer is heavily doped at locations where the optical energy is at a minimum when the VCSEL is in operation. A current aperture is used between the conduction layer and the active region. An undoped top mirror is formed on the heavily doped conduction layer. |
| US07856031B2 |
Method and apparatus for guaranteeing fairness regarding access to medium among stations in WLAN
A method and apparatus for guaranteeing fairness regarding access to a medium among a plurality of stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) where a plurality of high throughput (HT) stations and a plurality of 802.11 legacy stations coexist are provided. In the WLAN, information that allows a plurality of hearing legacy stations and a plurality of hearing HT stations which receive a data frame having an HT format transmitted by a transmitting HT station to fairly contend for use of a medium is transmitted as a frame having a format that can be interpreted by all the legacy HT stations. Therefore, the legacy stations can contend for a medium under the same conditions as the HT stations. |
| US07856030B2 |
Dynamic time division multiplexing circuit without a shadow table
In a telecommunication system adapted to exchange n-bit frames according to a dynamic time division multiplexing access method for a maximum of N accessible channels, the use of a shadow time slot assignment table is eliminated by use of a circuit that includes (a) an n×p memory block to store a time slot assignment table which describes the different time slot assignments by specifying which logical channel each bit position of an n-bit frame belongs to, (b) a register having N fields with a granularity of one bit, each bit indicates the status of the corresponding logical channel associated thereto, and (c) a logic circuit connected to the memory block and register that enables or disables the transmission of the logical channel identifier to a time slot assignor depending on the status bit value. |
| US07856028B2 |
Power dissipation management for wired transceivers
A system, method and apparatus for reducing a power consumed by a physical layer device (PHY). A length of a cable connecting the PHY to a link partner is determined. Based on the length, power provided to one or more components of the PHY, or any portion thereof, is reduced. The power provided is reduced while maintaining a level of reliability specified by a protocol governing operation of the PHY. The length can be determined using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) techniques. Any portion of an echo cancellation filter, a crosstalk filter, an equalizer, a precoder, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a forward error correction (FEC) decoder and/or an FEC coder can be powered-down or power-optimized to reduce the overall power consumed by the PHY. The protocol governing operation of the PHY can be IEEE 802.3. |
| US07856025B2 |
Method and system for intercommunicating between private network user and network with QoS guarantee
A method and a system for intercommunicating between a private network user and a network with QoS guarantee are provided. The bearer control layer entity and the application layer entity obtain the address (port) translation information in the network with independent bearer control layer, and then allocate the resources for the private network user based on the address (port) translation information. According to the present invention, the various function entities may process transmission and translation of the private addresses correctly and hence accomplish a correct addressing and resource allocation. Thus, the problems that the end-to-end QoS resource allocation cannot be accomplished and the end-to-end QoS cannot be guaranteed when the user uses a private address are solved. |
| US07856021B2 |
Packet transfer method and apparatus
When a partial rate guaranteed service is applied to a communication line connecting predetermined routers, a TCP tunnel (TCP connection) is established between the routers, a packet whose destination is a router connected to the communication line is passed through the TCP tunnel, and other packets of an application using a UDP of a VoIP or the like are forwarded by a normal routing control without being passed through the TCP tunnel. |
| US07856020B2 |
TCP receiver acceleration
A transport protocol receiver for receiving a packet from a network, the packet having a header, payload, and connection context. The receiver includes an analysis engine, coupled to receive the packet from the network and adapted to parse and validate the header, locate the connection context, and generate a classification of the header. The receiver further includes a context processing engine, coupled to the analysis engine, and adapted to evaluate and update the connection context, responsive to the classification; and a data dispatch engine, coupled to the analysis engine and the context processing engine, and adapted to convey the payload to a destination, responsive to the connection context, such that the analysis engine, the context processing engine, and the data dispatch engine operate substantially asynchronously. |
| US07856015B2 |
Network switch having port blocking capability
A switch is configured to block packets from being transmitted through designated ports. The switch has port bitmap generator configured to obtain a port bitmap and a table is configured to store a block mask indicating which port the packet should not be transmitted. A block mask lookup is configured to determine the block mask for the packet from the table, and a transmit port bitmap generator is configured to determine which ports the packet should be transmitted using the port bitmap and the block mask. |
| US07856009B2 |
VoIP gateway apparatus
To allow a call received from an accommodated device to arrive at the other party by diverting the call from an IP network to a detour network even with different numbering systems between communications over the IP network and over the detour network. A VoIP gateway apparatus 1 includes an ISDN terminal side IF portion 101, an IP network side IF portion 102, an ISDN network side IF portion 103, a condition storage portion 109, a detour determining portion 108, and a number editing portion 106. The detour determining portion 108 determines whether a call arriving at the ISDN terminal side IF portion 101 satisfies a detour condition stored in the condition storage portion 109 or not. If so, the number editing portion 106 edits the called party number of the call under a number editing condition stored in the condition storage portion 109 and then transmits it from the ISDN network side IF portion 103. If not, the call is transmitted from the IP network side IF portion 102 without editing the called party number. |
| US07856000B2 |
Apparatus and method capable of improved coexistence of multiple wireless communication techniques
Techniques involving wireless communications are disclosed. For instance, an embodiment provides an apparatus having a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The first transceiver engages in wireless communication using a first technique that employs control packets. The second transceiver engages in wireless communication using a second technique. The second technique may establish a transmission priority over the first technique. Also, the first transceiver may refrain from transmitting the control packets at predetermined times to prevent collisions with prioritized transmissions received by the second transceiver. |
| US07855994B2 |
Radio transceiver and radio transmitting method
In a mobile communication system, multiple transceivers perform radio communications in the same frequency band. A transceiver (700) comprises a first sync timing detection part (706) configured to detect sync timing for a desired signal transmitted from a counterpart transceiver; a second sync timing detection part (708, 710) configured to detect sync timings for one or more undesired signals from non-counterpart transceiver(s); an error information determination part (712) configured to determine error information based on the sync timings for the desired and undesired signals; a signal generating part (714) configured to generate a feedback signal containing the error information; a transmission timing determination part (722) configured to update transmission timing for a transmission signal including the feedback signal according to a control signal received from the counterpart transceiver; and a transmission part (736) configured to transmit the transmission signal to the counterpart transceiver according to the updated transmission timing. |
| US07855987B2 |
Packet communication system and packet communication method
User communication apparatus 110 in packet communication system 100 has internal network 111, base station apparatus 112, internal server 113, radio network control apparatus 114 and mobile communication terminal apparatus 151. Radio network control apparatus 114 receives an IP packet from mobile communication terminal apparatus 115 via base station apparatus 112 and internal network 111, and directly transfers the IP packet to internal server 113 via internal network 111. |
| US07855982B2 |
Providing services to packet flows in a network
A system and method for providing services to packet flows in a communication network. The services include enhanced charging, stateful firewalls, traffic performance optimization (TPO) and advanced services such as content differentiated charging, per-subscriber stateful firewalls, and VPNs, for example. A gateway can be used to route each packet flow through the services on a per-subscriber basis by inspecting accounting messages and checking subscriber profiles prior to setting up a new packet flow session. By directing the packet flow through the services requested latency can be reduced as well as the need to have equipment for each session regardless of whether the service is provided to the packet flow. The services can be provided in-line as well. |
| US07855979B2 |
Separability control device, tree-type delivery system, node device separation control method, memory medium memorizing separability control program, memory medium memorizing information process program
A separability control device formed by connecting plural node devices in a tree-like shape while forming plural hierarchy levels placing a delivery device at a top to enable content data from the delivery device to be sequentially transferred from the node device on an upper hierarchy level to the node device on an lower hierarchy level, including: a simultaneous separation process upper limit number determination means for determining a simultaneous separation process upper limit number being an upper limit number of the node devices capable of separating simultaneously based on the number of the participating node devices; a separation request information receiving means; and a separation permission notification means for sending a separation permission notification of permitting the node device being a separation request information sending source when the number of the node devices currently under the separation process does not reach the simultaneous separation process upper limit number. |
| US07855978B2 |
Method of displaying nodes and links
The present invention relates to an improved method of displaying nodes, and links between nodes. Instead of the conventional method of displaying nodes and links as points and lines respectively, in accordance with the present invention, the nodes are each represented by parallel node lines. The links are then represented by link lines drawn perpendicular to the node lines, each of said link lines terminating at the node lines representing the nodes connected by the link represented by the link line. A graphical user interface incorporating this improved method of displaying nodes and links is also contemplated. |
| US07855973B2 |
Apparatus, methods and computer program products for transmission of data over an adjustable synchronous radio channel
A data link, e.g., an audio and/or video data link, is established from a data source, such as an audio and/or video encoder, to a data recipient via an adjustable synchronous radio channel, such as an extended Synchronous Connection-Oriented (eSCO) channel between first and second Bluetooth™ devices. A quality of the data link is determined. A transmission interval and a retransmission criterion of the adjustable synchronous radio channel and an error correction coding of the data link are adjusted responsive to the determined quality of the data link to, for example, maintain a fixed information transfer rate over the data link. The transmission interval and retransmission criterion of the adjustable synchronous radio channel and an error correction coding of the data link may be adjusted by communicating channel parameters between the first and second devices over the radio channel to adjust the transmission interval and the retransmission criterion of the adjustable synchronous radio channel. |
| US07855971B2 |
Interface device and topology formation method
When a loop connection associated with a port is detected while the port is in an Untested state ST3, a state machine corresponding to the port shifts from the state ST3 to a Loop_disabled state ST4. The state machine then shifts from state ST4 to a Sleep1 state ST5 while maintaining a Loop_disabled value set at 1. When the state machine in state ST5 detects a bus reset, the state machine shifts from state ST5 to state ST4. Subsequently, the bus reset detection further shifts the state machine from state ST4 to state ST3. |
| US07855967B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing line rate netflow statistics gathering
An apparatus and method for using a direct memory access (“DMA”) to facilitate netflow statistics are disclosed. A network device such as a router or a switch, in one embodiment, includes a statistic component, a local memory, and a memory access controller. The statistic component is configured to gather information relating to net usage from packet flows or netflows in response to corresponding index values or tags. While the local memory such as a cache provides the index values or tags assignable to packet flows, the memory access controller such as a DMA transfers at least a portion of the index values or tags between the local memory and a main memory for enhancing capacity of the local memory. |
| US07855964B2 |
Communication method and apparatus and base station
The invention relates to a method, apparatus and base station for a code division multiple access communication system transmitting a transport channel composite including data of transport channels between a base station and a communication terminal via a physical channel, the physical channel having a maximum physical rate and rate matching is performed on data of each of the transport channels to change a transmission rate. |
| US07855957B2 |
Method and system of transmit load balancing across multiple physical ports
A method and system of transmit load balancing across multiple physical ports. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising teaming a first and second communication ports to create a teamed communication port, creating a plurality of virtual ports which abstract the first and second communication ports (and wherein a number of virtual ports utilizing each communication port is based on parameters associated with the communication ports), selecting one of the plurality of virtual ports out which to send a message packet thus designating a select virtual port (the selecting implements transmit load balancing across plurality of virtual ports) and sending the message packets out the first or second communication port utilized by the selected virtual port. |
| US07855956B2 |
Method and system for controlling the multicast source
The invention provides a method on the source of the multicast control, including: establish the source of the multicast authentication message; the source of the multicast authentication message controlling terminal updates the said the source of the multicast authentication message dynamic according to the limit of the multicast source; control the multicast message transmitted by the multicast source according to the said multicast source authentication message; the invention also provides a system on the source of the multicast control, including: master multicast source authentication server, a group of slave multicast source authentication server preset point; by this invention, the preset point request the multicast source authentication application so as to control managing the multicast source at the first time; manage different multicast addresser by setting the multicast source authentication server layer distribution, saving the resource of the net terminal; without human operation, master and slave multicast source authentication server interactive authentication message periodically and in time, so as to manage the multicast source automatically and in time; thereby realize the purpose which reduce managing and maintenance cost of the multicast internet, improve the administrating and the running ability. |
| US07855943B2 |
Optical disk device and method for processing optical disk
According to one embodiment, the invention provides an optical disk device having a drive and a control section. The drive applies recording processing and reproduction processing to an optical disk. When the optical disk is an unformatted blank medium, if the drive detects a medium ID and a medium key block region from the optical disk, the control section judges that there is copyright protection information and outputs display information which is used for the recording processing with respect to the optical disk together with display information showing the presence or absence of the copyright protection information. |
| US07855940B2 |
Pickup lens with phase compensator and optical pickup apparatus using the same
A pickup lens with a phase compensator is composed of a condenser lens and a phase compensator. At least one surface of the condenser lens has a step-like annular zone structure to compensate wavefront aberration generated when recording and reproducing data on an information recording medium having a substrate thickness of t1 with a laser beam having a wavelength λ1 and wavefront aberration generated when recording and reproducing data on an information recording medium having a substrate thickness of t2 with a laser beam having a wavelength λ2. The phase compensator compensates wavefront aberration generated when recording and reproducing data on an information recording medium having a substrate thickness of t3 with a laser beam having a wavelength λ3. |
| US07855938B2 |
Expandable data storage system and method with cartridge pass-through between cartridge handling units
An apparatus and method for expanding capacity of a data cartridge storage and handling apparatus includes a modification to permit a second data cartridge storage and handling apparatus to be added to the system at a position to permit exchange of data cartridges via a pass-through opening. A pass-through box is added in one of the storage and handling units, the pass-through box having a portion shaped like a cartridge so that it is gripped by a gripper of a cartridge shuttle. A second part of the pass-through box holds a cartridge so that the shuttle can hold the pass-through box in a position to extend the cartridge it is holding into the other storage and handling apparatus. A marking system is provided to ensure proper spacing of the units from one another. A connection and control coordinates the operation thereof. The pass-through box is installed by being inserted in a replacement storage magazine. The housings of the storage and handling apparatus have a removable cover to permit opening of the pass-through opening. |
| US07855931B2 |
Memory system and method using stacked memory device dice, and system using the memory system
A memory system and method uses stacked memory device dice coupled to each other and to a logic die. The logic die may include a timing correction system that is operable to control the timing at which the logic die receives signals, such as read data signals, from each of the memory device dice. The timing correction controls the timing of the read data or other signals by adjusting the timing of respective strobe signals, such as read strobe signals, that are applied to each of the memory device dice. The memory device dice may transmit read data to the memory device at a time determined by when it receives the respective strobe signals. The timing of each of the strobe signals is adjusted so that the read data or other signals from all of the memory device dice are received at the same time. |
| US07855926B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having local sense amplifier with on/off control
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell array blocks, a bit line sense amplifier, a local sense amplifier that can be controlled to be turned on or off, a data sense amplifier, and a controller. The controller activates a local sense control signal for a predetermined duration in response to first and second signals. The first signal is a bit line sense enable signal that activates the bit line sense amplifier, and the local sense amplifier is activated for a predetermined duration after the bit line sense enable signal is activated. The second signal is activated or deactivated in phase with a column selection line signal that connects a pair of bit lines and a pair of local input/output lines. Accordingly, it is possible to turn on or off the local sense amplifier according to operating conditions, thereby increasing a tRCD parameter and reducing the consumption of current. The operating speed of the semiconductor memory device can be improved by combining the local sense amplifier with a current type data sense amplifier that does not require precharging and equalization during a read operation. |
| US07855925B2 |
Inter-transmission multi memory chip, system including the same and associated method
A multi memory chip stacked on a multi core CPU includes a plurality of memories, each memory corresponding to a CPU core from among the CPU cores and being configured to directly transmit data between the other memories of the multi memory chip. |
| US07855920B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having a floating storage bulk region capable of holding/emitting excessive majority carriers
A semiconductor memory device includes: a semiconductor layer formed on an insulating layer; a plurality of transistors formed on the semiconductor layer and arranged in a matrix form, each of the transistors having a gate electrode, a source region and a drain region, the electrodes in one direction constituting word lines; source contact plugs connected to the source regions of the transistors; drain contact plugs connected to the drain regions of the transistors; source wirings each of which commonly connects the source contact plugs, the source wirings being parallel to the word lines; and bit lines formed so as to cross the word lines and connected to the drain regions of the transistors via the drain contact plugs. Each of the transistors has a first data state having a first threshold voltage and a second data state having a second threshold voltage. |
| US07855918B2 |
Method for programming a memory structure
A memory structure includes a first memory cell and a second memory cell located at an identical bit line and adjacent to the first memory cell. Each memory cell includes a substrate, a source, a drain, a charge storage device, and a gate. A method for programming the memory structure includes respectively providing a first gate biasing voltage and a second gate biasing voltage to the first memory cell and the second memory cell, boosting the absolute value of a channel voltage of the first memory cell to generate electron and hole pairs at the drain of the second memory cell through gate-induced drain leakage or band-to-band tunneling, and injecting the electron of the generated electron and hole pairs into the charge storage device of the first memory cell to program the first memory cell. |
| US07855912B2 |
Circuit and method for multiple-level programming, reading, and erasing dual-sided nonvolatile memory cell
A control apparatus programs, reads, and erases trapped charges representing multiple data bits from a charge trapping region of a NMOS dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cell includes a programming circuit, an erasing circuit, and a reading circuit. The programming circuit provides a negative medium large program voltage to cell's gate along with positive drain and source voltage to inject hot carriers of holes to two charge trapping regions, one of a plurality of threshold adjustment voltages representing a portion of the multiple data bits to the drain and source regions to set the hot carrier charge levels to the two charge trapping regions. The erasing circuit provides a very large positive erase voltage to tunnel the electrons from cell's channel to whole trapping layer including the two charge trapping regions. The reading circuit generates one of a plurality of threshold detection voltages to detect one of a plurality of programmed threshold voltages representative of multiple data bits, generates a drain voltage level to activate the charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cell. |
| US07855908B2 |
Information storage devices using magnetic domain wall motion and methods of operating the same
An information storage device using magnetic domain wall motion and a method of operating the same are provided. The information storage device includes a magnetic track having a plurality of magnetic domains and magnetic domain walls arranged alternately. A current supply unit is configured to apply current to the magnetic track, and a plurality of reading/writing units are arranged on the magnetic track. The information storage device further includes a plurality of storage units. Each of the plurality of storage units is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of reading/writing units for storing data temporarily. |
| US07855884B2 |
Cover latch mechanism, latch, and portable electronic device using same
A latch mechanism used in a portable electronic device includes a housing member, a cover member, and a latching assembly. The cover member forms a claw, and the housing member defines a positioning hole. The latching assembly can be slidably mounted in the housing member and slides between a latched position and a released position. In the latched position, the cover member latches to the housing member. The latched position is maintained by entry of the claw into the positioning hole. In the released position, the cover member releases from the housing member, and the claw is released out of the positioning hole. During the sliding process, the latching assembly abuts and directly raises the cover member relative to the housing member from the latched position to the released position. |
| US07855881B2 |
Mounting apparatus for back panel
A mounting apparatus comprises two drive brackets (11) for receiving disk drives, a back panel (13), and a securing member (20). The back panel has a securing opening (134) defined therein. The securing member is pivotably mounted between the two brackets for rotating to engage with the securing opening of the back panel to secure the back panel on the drive brackets during the process that the back panel is mounted to the drive brackets. |
| US07855874B2 |
Battery unit
According to one embodiment, a battery unit comprises a plurality of battery cells; and a casing having an upper and lower walls. The casing comprises a first portion that stores at least one battery cell; a second portion that stores at least one battery cell; and a third portion that connects the first portion and the second portion to each other. The third portion is at least partially formed to be thinner than the first and second portions. The third portion has therein a rib extending between the upper wall and lower walls. |
| US07855870B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor
A solid electrolytic capacitor (1) is prepared by carbonizing a wound element (21) formed by winding an anode foil (22) and a cathode foil (23) together with a separator paper (4) sandwiched therebetween, and forming a solid electrolyte layer, including said separator (4), including a conductive polymer between the anode foil (22) and the cathode foil (23). The separator paper (4) is paper prepared by mixing fibers having low heat resistance and carbonized by said carbonizing, and fibers having high heat resistance not carbonized by said carbonizing, and fibrillated fibers having narrow spaces between fibers are used as said fibers having high heat resistance. The solid electrolytic capacitor has an excellent ESR characteristic, in which a dense solid electrolyte layer can be formed by a chemical polymerization method. |
| US07855860B2 |
Magnetoresistance element magnetic random access memory, magnetic head and magnetic storage device
A magnetoresistance element includes an antiferromagnetic layer, a fixed ferromagnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic layer and a free ferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer is formed on the upper surface side of a substrate. The fixed ferromagnetic layer is formed on the antiferromagnetic layer. The first nonmagnetic layer is formed on the fixed ferromagnetic layer. The free ferromagnetic layer is formed on the first nonmagnetic layer. The fixed ferromagnetic layer is provided with an amorphous layer. The amorphous layer contains amorphous material having a composition expressed by a chemical formula of X—Y—N. X is an element selected from Co, Fe and Ni. Y is an element selected from AI, Si, Mg, Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf, W, Mo, Ti and V. N represents nitrogen. |
| US07855850B2 |
Method and apparatus for head positioning using spiral servo patterns in a disk drive
According to one embodiment, a disk drive having a disk, a read head, a servo controller, and a CPU. In the disk, a multi-spiral servo pattern is recorded. The read head reproduces a hexagon-shaped detection signal from the multi-spiral servo pattern. The servo controller generates amplitudes values for respective frames, from the multi-spiral servo pattern. The CPU performs positional-error calculation by using the amplitude values for the frames. Upon detecting a positional change of the head is detected, the CPU performs the positional-error calculation by using the amplitude values generated at the time of replacing the frames with other frames, and corrects the positional error by adding an offset determined from the positional change of the head, to the result of the positional-error calculation. |
| US07855843B2 |
Optical finger navigation device with a folded air lens
A fingerprint navigation system with a folded air lens structure and a folded air lens. The system includes a light source, a folded air lens structure, a light reflector, and a navigation sensor. The folded air lens structure is aligned to direct light from the light source to an object surface. The folded air lens structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The light reflector is aligned to direct the light from the first portion of the folded air lens structure to the second portion of the folded air lens structure. The navigation sensor is calibrated to produce a navigation image corresponding to the light directed through the folded air lens structure and the folded air lens. |
| US07855842B2 |
Zoom lens unit, imaging apparatus and portable information terminal device
A zoom lens unit including, in order from an object side to an image surface side: a first lens group having a positive refracting power; a second lens group having a negative refracting power; a third lens group having a positive refracting power; and a fourth lens group having a positive refracting power, wherein when changing magnification from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, an interval between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, an interval between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases, and an interval between the third lens group and the fourth lens group increases, wherein when performing focusing on a close range object at least at the telephoto end, with reference to a focused state on an infinite object, the first lens group and the second lens group are fixed, the third lens group is capable of being moved to the image surface side, and the fourth lens group is capable of being moved to the object side. |
| US07855840B2 |
Projection zoom lens and projection type image display device
A projection zoom lens includes in order from an enlargement side: a first lens group with negative power; a second lens group with positive power; a third lens group with positive power; a fourth lens group with positive power; and a fifth lens group with positive power, wherein the first and fifth lens groups are fixed and the second, third, and fourth lens groups move when zooming from a wide angle side to a telescopic side, the second lens group includes only a positive lens which is convex toward the enlargement side, and assuming that the focal length at a wide angle end of a whole system including the first to fifth lens groups is F and the focal length of the second lens group is F2, the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.05 |
| US07855839B2 |
Artificial eye and measuring instrument for measuring the accommodation of an eye
A liquid lens system comprises a liquid drop 10 whose shape can be influenced by electrical fields. A plurality of electrodes are arranged annularly around the liquid drop. The liquid lens system may be employed in an artificial eye, an accommodation measuring instrument and a dioptric telescope. |
| US07855833B2 |
Transmission screen
A transmission screen through which an observer can see the side of the screen opposite to the observer side, and which has a sufficient viewing angle is provided. The transmission screen is a transmission screen 1 having a light diffusing layer 2 comprising a transparent binder and light diffusing elements contained in the binder, and the transmission screen is constituted so that the light diffusing elements should have a relative refractive index n of 0.75 or smaller or 1.25 or larger relative to refractive index of the transparent binder, both surfaces of the transmission screen 1 should be substantially smooth, and the transmission screen should have a total haze (JIS K7136:2000) of 10 to 85%. |
| US07855832B2 |
Optical instrument comprising an entrance cavity in which a mirror is placed
The invention relates to an optical instrument (1) comprising at least one mirror called the primary mirror (3), placed in a cavity (2) and comprising an active face capable of being subjected to instantaneous variations of the incident radiative flux. According to the invention, the cavity (2) comprises a rigid internal casing (20) around the mirror consisting of a material having a thermal inertia so as to damp the instantaneous variations of the incident radiative flux thereby making it possible to limit the temperature fluctuations of this cavity and, consequently, the temperature fluctuations of the mirror. The invention applies to the space field. |
| US07855827B2 |
Internal optical isolation structure for integrated front or back lighting
An optical isolation structure is incorporated into a display between the display elements and the transparent substrate for the display elements. The optical isolation structure reflects light rays within the substrate that impact the structure at high angles relative to normal to the structure, thereby permitting the substrate to be used as an integrated light guide for distributing light over the display from a light source on the edge of the substrate. The optical isolation structure may include a single layer having an index of refraction less than the substrate or a plurality of thin-film interference layers. |
| US07855824B2 |
Method and system for color optimization in a display
Disclosed herein are iMoD displays optimized by utilizing different materials for one or more different color subpixels. Such optimized displays have improved color gamut over displays where all subpixels are constructed with the same material. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing such displays and methods for optimizing iMoD displays. |
| US07855823B2 |
Acoustooptic device and optical imaging apparatus using the same
The present invention provides an acoustooptic device usable even with light in the ultraviolet region, free from laser damage and optical damage, and excellent in acoustooptic performance and an optical imaging apparatus using the same. The acoustooptic device according to the present invention includes a high-frequency signal input part (65), a transducer part (64), and an acoustooptic medium (6). A high-frequency signal input from the high-frequency signal input part (65) is converted into a mechanical vibration by the transducer part (64), and an optical characteristic of the acoustooptic medium (6) varies depending on the mechanical vibration. The acoustooptic medium is formed of a Group III nitride crystal. The optical imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source, an acoustooptic device, a driving circuit, and an image plane. Light from the light source is diffracted by the acoustooptic device in accordance with a signal from the driving circuit and the resultant diffracted light forms an image on the image plane. An acoustooptic medium of the acoustooptic device is formed of a Group III nitride crystal. |
| US07855821B2 |
Electrochromic compounds and associated media and devices
An electrochromic device having an electrochromic medium which includes a compound represented by the following formula: wherein R1-R10 are the same or different and comprise H, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, and/or alkynyl group containing approximately 1 to approximately 50 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; with the proviso that R2 and R7 each comprise at least two carbon atoms, at least one of R2 and R7 comprises less than 2 β hydrogen atoms and is void of a benzyl group. |
| US07855819B2 |
Swing member device, and optical deflector and image-forming apparatus employing the swing member device
A swing member device comprises a swingable part supported by a supporting part to be swingable around a torsional axis on a supporting base in at least one intrinsic oscillation mode: the swing member device having a temperature-raising unit for raising the temperature of ambient atmosphere in the region of swing motion of the swingable part, the temperature-raising unit raising the temperature of the ambient atmosphere to enable decrease of an influence of an unsteady dragging force caused by the ambient atmosphere. |
| US07855813B2 |
Support stand, scanner device, and image recording apparatus
A support stand includes: scanner attachment portions to which one end portion and the other end portion of a scanner along a scanning direction are attached; a scanner fixing structure that fixes the one end portion of the scanner to the scanner attachment portions; and a scanner attachment structure that attaches the other end portion of the scanner to the scanner attachment portions such that the other end portion of the scanner is movable along the scanning direction. |
| US07855812B2 |
Cellular phone with scanning capability
A cellular phone is provided with a media scanning capability. Scanner optics, an optional light source and related scanning circuitry is integrated within a cellular phone to enable image or text scanning, facsimile, text-to-speech conversion, and language translation. Position sensors provide position data as the scanner is manually moved, in one or more passes across the scanned media, to enable a bit-mapped image of the strip to be created in a data buffer. Image data from the strips is processed to remove redundant overlap data and skew position errors, to give a bit-mapped final image of the entire scanned item. Image compression is provided to compress the image into standard JPEG format for storage or transmission, or into facsimile format for transmission of the document to any fax machine. Optical character recognition (OCR) is provided to convert image data to text which may be sent as email, locally displayed, stored for later use, or further processed. Further processing of text data includes language translation and text to speech conversion of either the original or translated text. The resulting speech audio can be heard locally or transmitted over the cellular network. |
| US07855796B2 |
Print job distributing and holding system, printing system, print job holding apparatus, printer, print job holding apparatus control program, printer control program, print job holding apparatus control method, and printer control method
A print job distributing and holding system. The system is capable of distributing and holding plural print jobs where several printers are connected via a network. |
| US07855795B2 |
Transmission apparatus and transmission method
The present invention provides a transmission apparatus and method which realize a redial function and prevents the leakage of transmission information to the outside by inhibiting the display of the information including a destination to which retransmission is made, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, whereby security can be enhanced.When the transmission of image data is not completed, a control section performs a retransmission process for transmitting again the image data to the same destination with the use of the redial function, and counts the number of times of the transmission. The control section determines whether the number of times of the transmission is greater than a predetermined value or not. When the number of times of the transmission is greater than the predetermined value, the control section reports a transmission error and deletes the information including the destination. |
| US07855793B2 |
Printing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving a control command including first identification information; an identification information obtaining unit for obtaining the first identification information from the control command thus received; a storage unit for storing second identification information related to a specific user; an identification information comparing unit for comparing the first identification information with the second identification information; and a control command processing unit for performing a first process when the first identification information matches to the second identification information and performing a second process when the first identification information does not match to the second identification information. |
| US07855787B2 |
Method of determining the pretilt angle in a liquid-crystal cell
To determine the tilt angle in a twisted nematic liquid-crystal cell, the transmission of the cell is calculated as a function of the angle of incidence of a light beam of given wavelength λ using apparent values of the thickness of the cell cavity, of the extraordinary index and of the twist angle, in order to obtain a plurality of simulation curves, one per given pretilt angle, the transmission curve is measured as a function of the angle of incidence of the cell along the axis passing through the top and bottom positions of the cell, for the light beam of wavelength λ, using a contrast meter, and the coincidence between this measurement curve and a curve from among the plurality of simulation curves gives the pretilt angle of this cell. |
| US07855786B2 |
Single camera multi-spectral imager
An imaging system has a single focal plane array that does not require the precise alignment of multiple cameras relative to one another. It incorporates a multi-band, band pass filter that includes filter elements corresponding to pixel regions of a detector within a camera. The imaging system may further incorporate a detector that vertically discriminates among radiation in different spectral bands incident on an image plane of the detector. In this manner, spectral content may be determined in each spatial region without the need for beam splitting or multiple cameras. The filter itself may further comprise different filter elements, for example, filter elements A and B arranged in a checkerboard pattern, where filter element A passes different spectral bands than filter element B. In this manner, multi-spectral, high resolution images may be generated using a single camera that significantly improves upon image discrimination as compared to, for example, the Bayer color filter array pattern. The single camera implementation is well suited for incorporation into marine, land and air vehicles. |
| US07855774B2 |
LCD panel having a broad-gap region including a dent within sealed substrates at the non-diplay region in which an electrical transfer section for the susbstrates is located at a wider line-width area of the sealing portion along longer sides of the panel
The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (A) providing a first substrate, and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate includes a first light shielding layer provided within a non-display region, the first light shielding layer including a light-transmitting portion provided near an outer boundary of the first light shielding layer, the light-transmitting portion comprising a recess or an opening; (B) drawing a seal pattern with a sealant, the seal pattern being drawn outside the first light shielding layer so as to surround the display region, comprising the substeps of: (B1) beginning application of the sealant near the light-transmitting portion, (B2) applying the sealant along an outer periphery of the first light shielding layer, and (B3) forming a junction with the sealant having been applied near the light-transmitting portion; (C) applying a liquid crystal material within the display region surrounded by the sealant; (D) attaching the first substrate and the second substrate; and (E) performing light irradiation from the first substrate side to cure the sealant. |
| US07855773B2 |
Liquid crystal panel having low-resistance common electrode layer
An exemplary liquid crystal panel (20) includes a first substrate (22), a second substrate (24) facing toward the first substrate (22), a liquid crystal layer (23) sandwiched between the two substrates, and a plurality of the conductive adhesive blocks (225) in the non-displaying region. The first substrate includes a non-displaying region (222). A transparent conductive layer (226) is disposed at a surface of the first substrate and capable of transmitting a common voltage signal to the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate at the non-displaying region includes protrusions (253) defining a plurality of gaps (254) therebetween. The transparent conductive layer covers the protrusions including parts of the protrusions defining the gaps. The conductive adhesive blocks contact the transparent conductive layer at the non-displaying region. |
| US07855770B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having a pair of electrodes over an inner side of a substrate of a liquid crystal element in which a stack of polarizers on the outer side of a substrate are provided and arranged between a pair of protective layers such that no protective layer is located between the stacked polarizers
To provide a display device having a high contrast ratio by a simple and easy method and to manufacture a high-performance display device at low cost, in a display device having a display element between a pair of light-transmitting substrates, layers each including a polarizer having different wavelength distribution of extinction coefficient from each other with respect to the absorption axes are stacked and provided on an outer side of the light-transmitting substrates. Further, a retardation plate may be provided between the stacked polarizers. |
| US07855768B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display using separate transmissive and reflective liquid crystal cells and materials with single cell gap
A transflective liquid crystal display (TLCD) using separate transmissive (T) and reflective (R) cells in which two liquid crystal materials with different birefringence changes are used. The birefringence change of the R region is half of the birefringence change of the T region. In this case, a single cell gap is possible and identical transmittance and reflectance for R and T is obtained. It is applicable to various reflective LC modes, and the fabrication methods are simple. |
| US07855765B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a backlight which arranges light emitting diodes on a side surface of a light guide plate, even when the light emitting diodes having a thickness larger than a thickness of the light guide plate are used, it is possible to manufacture the light guide plate with high accuracy by injection molding. In a liquid crystal display device having a backlight which radiates light to a liquid crystal panel, LEDs are mounted on the light guide plate formed on the backlight as a light emitting element, and an S-shaped inclined portion whose thickness is not changed is formed on the light guide plate from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Since the thickness of the inclined portion is not changed, it is possible to make the pressure of resin flow at the time of performing injection molding uniform thus manufacturing the light guide plate with high accuracy. |
| US07855749B2 |
Digital camera having multiple power off modes
Either of two power off modes can be selected in a digital camera that reads out images from an image-capturing element, temporarily stores them in a buffer memory and then transfers and records the images from the buffer memory into a recording medium. In a first power off mode, the supply of stabilized power is stopped in response to a main switch off operation only after unrecorded images present in the buffer memory are all recorded into the recording medium. In a second power off mode, the supply of the stabilized power is stopped immediately in response to a main switch off operation regardless of whether or not there are yet-to-be recorded images present in the buffer memory. The power is cut off in conformance to the current power off mode setting when the main switch is turned off. |
| US07855747B2 |
Portable integrated device and a method of controlling power thereof
A portable integrated device and a method of controlling power thereof. The method of controlling power to a digital integrated device which includes a first body and a second body slidingly attached to each other and a first mode and a second mode including sliding the first body relative to the second body from an open position to a closed position, turning off power of the digital integrated device in the first mode, and maintaining the power of the digital integrated device in the second mode. Accordingly, power control may be performed differently according to whether the sliding part is open or closed and whether the preset function mode of the portable integrated device is a camera mode or a non-camera mode, so that functions of the non-camera modes can be maintained even when the sliding part is closed. |
| US07855729B2 |
Video recording control system
A video recording control system includes monitor cameras and video recording apparatuses. The monitor cameras are assigned to the video recording apparatuses in a manner such that each of the video recording apparatuses corresponds to at least one assigned monitor camera. Each of the monitor cameras sends its video signal to the assigned one of the video recording apparatus. The video recording apparatuses record the video signals sent from the monitor cameras. A first device operates for detecting a failure of each of the video recording apparatuses. When the first device detects a failure of at least one of the video recording apparatuses, a second device changes the assignment of the monitor cameras to the video recording apparatuses so that at least one of the monitor cameras which has been assigned to the failed video recording apparatus will be newly assigned to normal one of the video recording apparatuses. |
| US07855726B2 |
Apparatus and method for presenting audio in a video teleconference
An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a video of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience. |
| US07855719B2 |
Touch input method and portable terminal apparatus
A touch input method applied to a portable terminal apparatus includes the following steps. First, a touch command is received. Then, a pressing area is derived by conducting a range computation according to the touch command. After that, a cursor is produced according to the touch command. Finally, the cursor is optionally disposed inside a predetermined range around the pressing area according to a present location of the pressing area. A portable terminal apparatus applying the touch input method is also disclosed. |
| US07855718B2 |
Multi-touch input discrimination
Techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps. |
| US07855716B2 |
Infrared touchframe system
A touchframe system includes a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of light receiving elements positioned around the perimeter of the display area. Each of the light receiving elements in combination with a plurality of the light emitting elements form a zone of light beam paths. The number and positioning of receivers is sufficient to form a plurality of partially overlapping zone pairs. These zone pairs are arranged relative to the display area such that any touch event lies within at least two zone pairs. A processor monitors each of the zone pairs for blockage of at least one light beam path. Upon such blockage, the processor calculates the location of the touch event associated with the blockage based on the slopes and end points of at least two intersecting blocked light beam paths from a first zone pair and two intersecting blocked light beam paths from a second zone pair. |
| US07855700B2 |
Organic light emitting display
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display that reduces the number of output lines and adjusts a white balance. A scan driver supplies scan signals to a plurality of scan lines. A data driver supplies data signals to a plurality of output lines. Demultiplexers are installed at the respective output lines, and supply the data signals to the plurality of data lines. Data capacitors are coupled with the data lines, and charge a voltage corresponding to the data signals. An image display device is coupled with the scan lines and the data lines, and includes red pixels having a red organic light emitting diode, green pixels having a green organic light emitting diode, and blue pixels having a blue organic light emitting diode. A first initialization power supply supplies a first voltage to the red pixels. A second initialization power supply supplies a second voltage to the green pixels. A third initialization power supply supplies a third voltage to the blue pixels. Voltages of the first, second, and third initialization power supplies are differently set, respectively. |
| US07855697B2 |
Antenna systems for passive RFID tags
Antenna systems for passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. The antenna systems have a very small form factor with good power harvesting and good performance in proximity to other antennas. The antenna system includes at least one, and preferably two, parallel serpentine antenna elements formed on, or otherwise supported by, an antenna substrate so that a RFID-tag integrated circuit (IC) can be electrically contacted to the antenna system at one end of the antenna substrate. A conducting wire that runs in the same direction as the at least one serpentine antenna element is used to match impedance and enhance antenna performance and power flow between the antenna and the IC. An impedance-matching circuit may be employed in place of the conducting wire to facilitate impedance matching between the antenna and the IC. |
| US07855687B2 |
Printed circuit board, display device having the same and a method thereof
A display device including a display panel and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes an insulating layer, a circuit wire portion, an antenna arranged on the insulating layer and a connection wire portion. The insulating layer includes a base portion and a protruding portion protruded from a side of the base portion. The circuit wire portion is arranged on the base portion. The antenna is arranged on the protruding portion and insulated from the circuit wire portion. The connection wire portion is arranged on the base portion and electrically connected to the antenna. The antenna is exposed outside of the display panel. |
| US07855686B2 |
Compact antennas for ultra-wideband applications
The antenna (100) has a radiating element (104) for transmitting and receiving signals. The radiating element (104) comprises a first portion (110), a second portion (112) and a notch (114). The notch (114) extends from a portion o the periphery of the radiating element into the radiating element and is for substantially segregating the radiating element into the first portion (110) and the second portion (112). The radiating element (104) also has an interconnecting portion (108) for structurally interconnecting the first portion and the second portion. The interconnecting portion is formed substantially distal to the portion of the periphery of the radiating element. In addition, the antenna (100) has a first arm (116) that extends from the first portion of the radiating element for modifying the operating frequency range of the antenna. |
| US07855684B2 |
Method and system for locating sensor node in sensor network using distance determining algorithm
For a sensor network having reference nodes and sensor nodes, A method and apparatus using a distance determining algorithm for a sensor network having reference nodes and sensor nodes. A distance determining algorithm is executed to determine an adequate distance between reference nodes within a preset error range, and a position location table is created. A sensor node sends a location information request to reference nodes, receives the position location table and location information from the reference nodes, and computes the coordinates of its position. Alternatively, without requesting transmission of the position location table, the sensor node may receive calculated coordinates of its position directly from a reference node. |
| US07855681B2 |
Systems and methods for determining element phase center locations for an array of antenna elements
A method for operating a communications system is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals at a plurality of antenna elements, the plurality of signals arriving at the array of antenna elements at a plurality of angles of arrival (AOAs) with respect to a reference location. The method also includes calculating a plurality of differential distance vectors between the plurality of antenna elements and the reference location, each of the plurality of differential distance vectors associated with one of the plurality of AOAs and at least one of the pluralities of signals. The method further includes obtaining a plurality of actual phase center locations for the plurality of antenna elements based on the plurality of differential distance vectors and the plurality of AOAs and providing a correction to configuration data for the array of antenna elements based at least on the plurality of actual phase center locations. |
| US07855679B1 |
GPS system for tracking an object of interest and method for using the same
An assisted global positioning system (AGPS) for tracking a movable object of interest is disclosed. The system comprises a service center for calculating a tag location, a plurality of ground base stations, a plurality of beacons adapted to transmit individual ID data, and at least one GPS-based smart tag releasably affixed to the movable object. The system components are interconnected by means of one or more communication links. The service center is adapted for inquiring the tag and receiving a response from the tag constituting pseudo-ranges according to a predetermined protocol. |
| US07855674B2 |
Method and radar system for coherent detection of moving objects
The present invention provides a coherent radar system based on a modification of standard non-coherent radar without Moving Target Indication. Typical radars in this class are Navigation radars which are mass produced with low cost components. These radars utilize a magnetron in the transmitter which is a random phase device. In the present invention, the received signal is extracted just prior to amplitude detection process (where phase information is lost), and digitized using an analogue to digital converter providing coherent detection based on correlation between the transmitted pulse and the received signal. |
| US07855667B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor device is described which includes a first comparator judging the level of an input signal based on a first judgment value, a second comparator judging the level of the input signal based on a second judgment value, and a calibrator outputting a control signal for starting the calibration of the second judgment value in the case that the calibration of the first judgment value is ended. |
| US07855651B2 |
System for monitoring and recording hand hygiene performance
A hand hygiene behavior management system capable of monitoring and recording information generated by the operation of dispensers as a method of assessing behavior of a group as an indication of overall hygiene performance. The system generally includes a plurality of wireless communication devices with a first number of the wireless communication devices being disposed within or adjacent dispensers and operatively configured for sensing, monitoring and reporting information about the status and operation of the dispensers. A hierarchal communication network for access to a central host database; a data processor and hygiene management application software operatively configured to create hygiene management reports based upon the monitored dispenser data and a method to provide user interface. |
| US07855650B2 |
System and method for monitoring the cognitive ability of a person
A system and method for monitoring the health of a remotely located person is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one electronic device. The electronic device includes a first sensor a processor and a transmitter. The system also includes a remote monitoring station that receives data from at least one electronic device and produces an evaluation of the person's health. |
| US07855641B1 |
Window fan security system
A window fan security system comprises a window fan housing, fan assembly, motion detector, audible alarm, light, and control panel, whereby the system is placed in a window, and when motion is detected proximate to the exterior of the window an alarm and/or light is triggered, whereby a would-be intruder is detected and deterred. |
| US07855637B2 |
Device and method for identifying a container
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a method for identifying a container for containing contents such as solid, liquid, or gaseous materials. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. A valve assembly is positioned over an opening in the container for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The wireless communication device is mounted within the valve assembly, and preferably within the ball. The wireless communication device communicates information to an interrogation reader. The temperature associated with the container and/or its contents may be determined by various techniques including thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the container, measuring the discharge rate in a discharge capacitor associated with the wireless communication device, and determining the maximum energy absorption frequency of the wireless communication device. The liquid level of the container may be determined by employing liquid level sensor techniques. |
| US07855631B2 |
Composite device
A first terminal electrode is provided directly on one longitudinal end surface of a chip thermistor element, a third terminal electrode is provided directly on the other end surface, a second terminal electrode is provided on a top surface via an insulating layer, a resistor layer is provided adjacent to the second terminal electrode, the second terminal electrode is electrically connected to the resistor layer, and the resistor is electrically connected to the first terminal electrode. Voltage is applied between the input terminal electrode and the ground terminal electrode, the voltage between the output terminal electrode and the ground terminal electrode is measured, and the output voltage is converted to a temperature to detect a change in the temperature. |
| US07855626B2 |
Inductor and electric power supply using it
An inductor embedded in a printed wiring board includes a conductor extending in the thickness direction of a printed circuit board and a magnetic body that is in contact with the conductor with no gap therebetween. For example, the magnetic body is composed of ferrite having a cylindrical tubular shape. The conductor is composed of a copper film formed by plating on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular ferrite. The inductor is inserted in the thickness direction of the printed wiring board. |
| US07855625B2 |
Lamp transformer
Disclosed is a lamp transformer and method of assembling a lamp transformer within an igniter module or housing. The lamp transformer comprises a potted bar core transformer; and a carrier attached to the potted bar core transformer, the carrier adapted to position the potted bar core transformer on a pc board and/or within a housing at a predetermined location. In addition, disclosed is a transformer winding and potting method utilizing a transformer carrier. |
| US07855622B2 |
Reflection-type bandpass filter
A reflection-type bandpass filter for ultra-wideband wireless data communication is provided. The filter comprises two conductors extending in a first direction on the surface of a dielectric substrate at a first distance from each other, the surface of the dielectric substrate between the conductors defining a non-conducting portion, wherein the width of the two conductors or the first distance, or both, varies in a length direction of the two conductors. Furthermore, a reflection-type bandpass filter comprising a dielectric substrate; a first conductor provided on the surface of the dielectric substrate; and a side conductor provided next to the first conductor at a first distance from the first conductor, with a non-conducting portion intervening a portion between the first and side conductors, wherein the first conductor width or the distance between the first and side conductors, or both, varies along the length direction of the first conductor, is provided. |
| US07855619B2 |
Electronic part and electronic equipment with electronic part
An electronic part, an object of which is to improve temperature characteristics and electrical properties, includes a substrate (1), a comb-type electrode (2) that is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate (1), and a protective film (4) that covers the comb-type electrode (2) and has an uneven shape at its top surface. If the pitch width of one pitch in the uneven shape of the protective film (4) is L, the width of one pitch of a convex portion (4a) of the unevenness in the uneven shape of the protective film (4) is L1, the width of one pitch of a concave portion (4b) thereof is L2, the pitch width of one pitch of the comb-type electrode (2) is p, the width of one of electrode fingers which form the comb-type electrode (2) is p1 and the width between the electrode fingers is p2, then each parameter is set so that the following expressions are satisfied, L1≦p1 and L2≧p2 (herein, the correlations of L≈p, p1+p2=p and L1+L2=L are satisfied). |
| US07855615B1 |
Frequency adaptive temperature variable attenuator
A temperature-dependent attenuator including one or more temperature-dependent resistors disposed in series with a transmission line and an inductive element shunting at least one of the temperature-dependent resistors. |
| US07855609B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer driving circuit and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
With the aim of suppressing power consumption and reducing circuit size, a positive FET is turned on in accordance with a positive pulse signal and turned off when a return voltage rises up to a positive threshold. An active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. A negative FET is turned on in accordance with a negative pulse signal and turned off when the return voltage falls down to a negative threshold. The active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. |
| US07855599B2 |
Power amplifier
A power amplifier is provided with a signal generating circuit, a plurality of control signal amplifiers and an RF amplifier. The signal generating circuit outputs the amplitude modulation components of an input signal by dividing the components into a plurality of control signals, and outputs a modulation wave signal or the phase modulation components of the modulation wave signal. The control signal amplifier is provided with a pulse modulator, which performs pulse modulation of a control signal; a switching amplifier, which performs current amplification of a rectangular wave signal outputted from the pulse modulator; and a low-pass filter, which removes spurious components from the signal outputted from the switching amplifier. The RF amplifier amplifies the inputted signal, performs amplitude modulation with the signal outputted from the low-pass filter and outputs the amplitude-modulated signal. |
| US07855584B2 |
Low lock time delay locked loops using time cycle suppressor
A delay locked loop (DLL) architecture includes a time cycle suppressor circuit suitable for use with synchronous integrated circuits containing a clock generator. Utilization of the improved delay locked loop architecture with a time cycle suppressor circuit disclosed herein enables reduction in the lock time of the synchronous circuit. |
| US07855577B1 |
Using a single buffer for multiple I/O standards
A buffer circuit for using one buffer for multiple differential I/O standards is disclosed. The buffer circuit includes a differential input buffer. The first input of the differential input buffer may receive an input and the second input is coupled to a switch. The switch may be a one-time-programmable switch. The switch has a coupling to transmit a signal to the second input of the differential input buffer. The switch may be programmed to selectively transmit different signals to the differential input buffer. The first input terminal of the switch may receive an inverted version of the input signal and the second input terminal of the switch may receive a reference voltage. The buffer may transmit an LVDS signal or an SSTL signal or an HSTL signal. Using one differential buffer for multiple I/O standards may reduce the overall die size and may save space on the die. |
| US07855565B2 |
Substrate characterization device and method for characterizing a substrate
A substrate characterization device is provided which includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module has at least one contact surface configured to contact the substrate, the sensor module configured to measure a variance of capacitance in at least two dimensions of the substrate, the sensor module further configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured variance. The processor is in operative communication with a memory module and configured to execute a series of programmable instructions for making a comparison of the signal generated by the sensor module with at least one reference signal. The processor is further configured to generate at least one characterization signal based on the comparison. |
| US07855564B2 |
Acoustic wave device physical parameter sensor
An acoustic wave sensor employs an electromagnetic device (EMD) to transduce and amplify the response of an impedance element to a physical measurand. A measurand is defined as a physical parameter being quantified by measurement. One embodiment uses a magnetic field sensor employing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) capacitor to affect a change in the response of a SAW filter. |
| US07855558B2 |
Magnetic resonance device and method
MRI device arranged to a) generate a series of MR echo signals from a nuclear spin series having two or more spectral lines by subjecting at least part of a body (7) to an MR imaging pulse sequence using multiple time-encoding echo time values, b) acquire the MR echo signals for reconstructing a series of time-encoded MR images therefrom, each time-encoded MR image being associated with one of the time-encoding echo time values, c) transform the series of time-encoded MR images into a series of spectral domain MR images on a pixel-by-pixel or voxel-by-voxel basis, d) and superimpose the MR images for obtaining a final image the device being further arranged to apply a time-encoding scheme in step a) such that each spectral line of the nuclear spin species is uniquely mapped to one MR image from the series of spectral domain MR images. |
| US07855546B2 |
Current sensor having core with magnetic gap
In a current sensor having a magnetic gap, a main body is divided into a first case segment having a terminal and a second case segment. An opening is formed in the main body. A magnetic sensor element is mounted on an element mounting portion arranged on a surface of the first case segment, the surface attaching to the second case segment. The sensor element is electrically coupled with the terminal. A core holding portion is formed in the main body that surrounds the opening and the element mounting portion. A core having the magnetic gap is inserted in the core holding portion. The sensor element is arranged in the magnetic gap of the core on the element mounting portion. The sensor element can thereby be disposed accurately in the magnetic gap of the core, and detection accuracy of the current sensor can be increased. |
| US07855543B2 |
Force invariant touch sensitive actuator
A load control device, such as a dimmer switch, has a touch sensitive actuator, such as a three-wire touch sensitive screen, that produces an output voltage representing the position of a manual pressure touch along a longitudinal axis of the actuator. A stabilizing circuit receives the output voltage of the actuator and comprises, for example, a capacitor. The stabilizing circuit operates to prevent the detection of transient touches and touches having less than a certain actuation force, such that the output voltage is responsive only to the position of the touch. In addition, a usage detection circuit may also be coupled to the output voltage of the actuator for determining whether the touch is presently occurring. Alternatively, the actuator may comprise a four-wire touch sensitive screen that produces a first output voltage received by the stabilizing circuit and a second output voltage received by the usage detection circuit. |
| US07855540B2 |
Method and apparatus for a high voltage power supply circuit
A high voltage power supply method and apparatus is disclosed. An example power supply circuit includes a rectifier circuit coupled to receive an AC input voltage. A switchmode power converter circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit to receive a rectified input voltage to generate a regulated output voltage. A switch is coupled between the rectifier circuit and the switchmode power converter circuit. A sense circuit is coupled to detect the AC input voltage. The sense circuit is coupled to turn off the switch when an absolute value of the AC input voltage exceeds a first threshold value. The sense circuit is coupled to turn on the switch when the absolute value of the AC input voltage is below a second threshold value. |
| US07855539B1 |
Circuit and method for adaptive current limit control in a power converter
A circuit includes a power converter configured to receive an input voltage and generate a regulated output voltage. The power converter includes an inductor. The circuit also includes a control loop configured to dynamically adjust a valley current limit of the power converter. The valley current limit identifies a minimum current through the inductor during a current-limited mode of operation. The regulated output voltage could be provided to a load configured to operate using the regulated output voltage. The control loop could be configured to dynamically adjust the valley current limit based on an average current through the inductor. The control loop could also be configured to dynamically adjust the valley current limit so that an output current reaches a desired average value during the current-limited mode of operation. The power converter could represent a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, or a hysteretic control power converter. |
| US07855536B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device minimizing the total power of both the power supply and the load
Source voltage and substrate voltage are supplied to a semiconductor integrated circuit 1E from the regulator circuits 11C and 21C of a power supply circuit 1C via a power detection compensating circuit 1D. The power efficiency value of a regulator is stored in the resistor file 13D, various detection information and power values are input to an operator 14D, the power values and the power efficiency values of the regulator circuits 11C and 21C are accumulated, and the power sum of a semiconductor integrated circuit 1E and a power supply circuit 1C are output. Minimum power implementation information corresponding to the various detection information of the semiconductor integrated circuit 1E is stored in an LUT 15D. Variable resistances R1a and R2a are controlled for determining the reference voltage values of the regulator circuits 11C and 21C so that the power sum is the minimum power value by comparing the minimum power implementation information with the output 14D. |
| US07855523B2 |
Motor driving circuit and disc apparatus using the same
A back electromotive detection comparator compares back electromotive voltages Vu to Vw with a common voltage Vn of coils, and generates first rectangular wave signals Pu to Pw. A masking circuit performs masking of the first rectangular wave signals Pu to Pw, and outputs the resultant signals as second rectangular wave signals Mu to Mw. An output circuit supplies a drive current to coils on the basis of the second rectangular wave signals Mu to Mw. A frequency generating circuit generates a frequency generation signal SigFG whose level switches at every edge of the second rectangular wave signals Mu to Mw. A mask signal generating circuit generates a mask signal MSK which is at a high level during an interval multiplied by a coefficient to a pulse width Tp of the frequency generation signal SigFG after level transition of the frequency generation signal SigFG. The masking circuit nullifies level fluctuation of the first rectangular wave signals Pu to Pw during an interval when a mask signal MSK is at the high level. |
| US07855522B2 |
Motor control method and motor control apparatus
A motor control method includes the steps of: measuring a time period from an output of a drive detection signal to a next output of a drive detection signal; storing the measurement result at each time of output of a drive detection signal as a measured cycle; calculating a driven velocity of the driven object based on the stored measured cycle; calculating an operation amount of the motor such that the calculated driven velocity is equal to a predetermined target velocity. In the motor control method, it is determined, at each calculation timing, whether or not the driven object is in a low velocity state where an actual velocity is lower than the target velocity. When determined affirmative, calculation of the driven velocity of the driven object is performed based on a measured value being currently measured at the calculation timing in place of the stored measured cycle. |
| US07855512B2 |
Device for lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp by supplying alternating current
The high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device of the invention includes a lighting circuit for supplying an alternating current to a high-pressure discharge lamp to cause lighting, the high-pressure discharge lamp having an arc tube in which a halogen material is enclosed and a pair of electrodes is disposed, and each electrode having a protuberance at a tip thereof. A frequency of the alternating current varies without dependency on operating data that varies as a lighting time of the high-pressure discharge lamp elapses. |
| US07855507B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and fabricating method of the same having organic light emitting diodes stacked in a double layer
An organic light emitting display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting display device includes a first organic light emitting diode and a second organic light emitting diode. The first organic light emitting diode has a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first organic emission layer positioned between the first and second electrodes. The second organic light emitting diode has the second electrode, a third electrode, and a second organic emission layer positioned between the second and third electrodes. A first driver thin film transistor is connected to the first electrode. A second driver thin film transistor is connected to the second electrode. |
| US07855506B2 |
Electric field light emitting element
An organic EL element that is an electroluminescence element has at least an organic layer held between a pair of electrodes. At least an electrode made of material having a higher volume resistivity, of the pair of electrodes, is formed in a flat form. The organic layer is provided with a plurality of non-light emitting portions. The non-light emitting portions are provided so that a larger number of non-light emitting portions exist per unit area at a position physically closer to the position of a terminal portion at which the electrode made of material having the higher volume resistivity is connected to an external connection terminal. As a result, the level of current passing per unit area is substantially uniform at each position on the element. |
| US07855499B2 |
Back light unit using an electron emission device and display including the same
A back light unit may include an electron emitter substrate adapted to emit electrons from a front surface and a rear surface thereof, a first anode substrate arranged opposite to the front surface of the electron emitter substrate, the first anode substrate adapted to receive electrons emitted from the electron emitter substrate, to emit light in response to the electrons, and to output the light from a front surface of the first anode substrate, and a second anode substrate arranged opposite to the rear surface of the electron emitter substrate, the second anode substrate adapted to receive electrons emitted from the electron emitter substrate, to emit light in response to the electrons, and to reflect light to the first anode substrate. |
| US07855498B2 |
Light-emitting device with a sealing integrated driver circuit
The invention relates to light-emitting diodes (O-LED). In particular, it relates to the driver electronics needed for these devices. An organic electroluminescent device is provided, which has a hermetically closed very flat housing. To improve the functionality of an O-LED, considerably reduce the height of an O-LED module and allow a cost-effective mass production, the driver circuit and the electronic driver elements or the printed circuit board (PCH) with the electronic driver elements are incorporated into the cover plate of the device. |
| US07855488B2 |
Piezoceramic device
The present invention relates to a piezoelectrical device whose electrode layers contain copper. The usage of copper in electrode layers is enabled by a debindering process, which is carried out by steam. |
| US07855477B2 |
Apparatus for preventing displacement of retainer
There is provided an apparatus for preventing displacement of a retainer in a rolling guide by making use of the property of the retainer of moving half the distance of a moving object, such as a table. The apparatus for preventing displacement of a retainer in a guide apparatus having a plurality of finite rollers held by retainers and including a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of a moving object of a machine tool along guide surfaces of a bed or a saddle, and a linear motor feed mechanism for feeding the moving object, includes: a displacement regulator having a stopper for regulating the position of each retainer, the regulator being movable in conjunction of the movement of the moving object; a line of magnet plates of a linear motor for driving of the moving object, the line of magnetic plates being a constituent of a linear motor feed mechanism for the moving object and being arranged parallel to the guide surfaces; a linear motor mechanism for moving the displacement regulator in the same direction as the moving direction of the moving body; and a linear motor control means for moving the displacement regulator in synchronization with the movement of the moving object at a velocity which is one-half of the velocity of the moving object. |
| US07855472B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power
Methods and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power are provided by aspects of the invention. One aspect is more particularly directed to an uninterruptible power supply for providing power to a load. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input to receive input power, an output to provide output power, a plurality of battery modules that provide backup power, a power circuit coupled to the input, coupled to the plurality of battery modules and coupled to the output to provide power derived from at least one of the input power and the backup power to the output, a controller, a return line coupled to the controller and coupled to each of the battery modules, and a first sense line coupled to the controller and coupled to the plurality of battery modules. The controller and each of the battery modules are configured and arranged such that at least one characteristic of the battery modules is determined by the controller based on signals detected by the controller on the first sense line. |
| US07855468B2 |
Hinged blade device to convert the natural flow or ocean or river current or ocean waves to rotational mechanical motion for power generation
A device and method for producing rotational mechanical power is disclosed which has a plurality of hinged blades attached to a central circular hub. The device may be used to convert the kinetic energy from the movement of the wind, ocean or river currents, or tidal flows into useful rotational mechanical power. The rotational mechanical power may be converted into electrical energy. Each of the plurality of blades are attached to the central circular hub via a hinge. Each blade is also fitted with a blade limiter to restrict its motion to no more than 90° relative range from the tangent line to the central hub at the point where the blade attaches to the hub. The hinges and blade limiters allow the blades to both present a surface automatically to the motive natural fluid and to generate the maximum torque in one side and minimum resistance torque positions in the opposite side relative to the motion of the motive stream. The resultant blades relative position creates a torque differential from one side of the central hub to the other causing the hub to rotate. The central hub will rotate in the same direction regardless of the direction of flow of the natural motive stream. |
| US07855467B2 |
Hybrid power generation of wind-power generator and battery energy storage system
A hybrid system using a wind-power generator and a battery energy storage system includes a unit to set a system constant output value, a unit to control power generated from the wind-power generator, a unit to gradually change an output target value between an output constant operation and a regulation control operation, and a control unit to secure a charged ampere-hour of a battery in the output constant operation. |
| US07855453B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device in which a high concentration n type impurity region to be a conductive path and a drain electrode are disposed in an outer circumferential end of the chip to be an inactive region as a device region. Thereby, an up-drain structure is obtained without reducing the device region or without increasing the size of a semiconductor chip. The provided n type impurity region and drain electrode causes a depletion layer of a substrate to be terminated without needing an additional conventional annular region or shield metal. This is because the n type impurity region and the drain electrode also function as the annular region and the shield metal, respectively. With this configuration, a MOSFET with the up-drain structure having necessary components is obtained, while avoiding a reduction of the device region or an increase of the chip area. |
| US07855449B2 |
Cooling device for a light-emitting semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing such a cooling device
A cooling device for cooling a light-emitting semiconductor device, such as a LED device (20), comprises a ceramic plate (15) having coolant-conveying channels (12) incorporated therein. The ceramic plate (15) is adapted for forming an integral part of the optical system of the light-emitting semiconductor device (20) and to cool a light-emitting portion (26) of the light-emitting semiconductor device (20). A method of forming a cooling device comprises the steps of forming a charge of ceramic particles, embossing the charge with a stamp to form coolant-conveying channels in the charge, hardening the charge, and providing a cover on top of the channels to seal them. |
| US07855432B2 |
Integrated thermal characterization and trim of polysilicon resistive elements
Devices, systems, and methods for providing an on-chip, temperature-stable resistance network for generating a precision current or precision resistance are disclosed. The resistance network includes a first resistance material having a linear, negative temperature coefficient of resistance and a second resistance material having a linear, positive temperature resistance. The first and second resistance materials are arrayed in segments proximate to a local, pulsed thermal gradient and are combined or mixed, i.e., trimmed, to provide a zero or near zero thermal coefficient. |
| US07855431B2 |
Capacitor unit and method of forming the same
A capacitor unit includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor includes a first lower electrode, a first dielectric layer pattern and a first upper electrode sequentially stacked. The first capacitor includes a first control layer pattern for controlling a voltage coefficient of capacitance (VCC) of the first capacitor between the first lower electrode and the first dielectric layer pattern. The second capacitor includes a second lower electrode, a second dielectric layer pattern and a second upper electrode sequentially stacked. The second lower electrode is electrically connected to the first upper electrode, and the second upper electrode is electrically connected to the second lower electrode. The second capacitor includes a second control layer pattern for controlling a VCC of the second capacitor between the second lower electrode and the second dielectric layer pattern. |
| US07855426B2 |
Optical sensor assemblage and corresponding manufacturing method
An optical sensor assemblage, in particular a thermopile sensor assemblage, comprising a sensor chip assemblage having an optically transparent irradiation region, a mounting region surrounding the latter, and a wire-bond region; an optically isolating mounting frame having a chip receiving region and a plurality of connector elements; and an optically isolating packaging device; the sensor chip assemblage being joined in the mounting region to the chip receiving region, and in the wire-bond region to one or more of the connector elements, the chip receiving region having a window disposed in such a way that at least a portion of the optical irradiation region is not covered by the chip receiving region; and the packaging device surrounding the sensor chip assemblage and the mounting frame in such a way that optical radiation can enter the sensor chip assemblage substantially only through the window. |
| US07855420B2 |
Structure for a latchup robust array I/O using through wafer via
A design structure including: an I/O cell and an ESD protection circuit in a region of an integrated circuit chip containing logic circuits; an electrically conductive through via extending from a bottom surface of the substrate toward a top surface of the substrate between the I/O cell and an ESD protection circuit and at least one of the logic circuits. |
| US07855419B2 |
ESD device layout for effectively reducing internal circuit area and avoiding ESD and breakdown damage and effectively protecting high voltage IC
An improved layout pattern for electrostatic discharge protection is disclosed. A first heavily doped region of a first type is formed in a well of said first type. A second heavily doped region of a second type is formed in a well of said second type. A battlement layout pattern of said first heavily doped region is formed along the boundary of said first heavily doped region and said second heavily doped region. A battlement layout pattern of said second heavily doped region is formed along the boundary of said first heavily doped region and said second heavily doped region. By adjusting a distance between the battlement layout pattern of a heavily doped region and a edge of well of said second type, i.e. n-well, a first distance will be shorter than what is typically required by the layout rules of internal circuit; and a second distance will be longer than the first distance to ensure that the I/O device have a better ESD protection capability. Accordingly, by properly adjusting the breakdown voltage of ESD device within I/O circuit, i.e. adjusting the distance between the edge of n-well and the battlement layout pattern of heavily doped regions, it will help to reduce the chip area and improve the ESD reliability. |
| US07855416B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
Channel doping is an effective method for controlling Vth, but if Vth shifts to the order of −4 to −3 V when forming circuits such as a CMOS circuit formed from both an n-channel TFT and a P-channel TFT on the same substrate, then it is difficult to control the Vth of both TFTs with one channel dope. In order to solve the above problem, the present invention forms a blocking layer on the back channel side, which is a laminate of a silicon oxynitride film (A) manufactured from SiH4, NH3, and N2O, and a silicon oxynitride film (B) manufactured from SiH4 and N2O. By making this silicon oxynitride film laminate structure, contamination by alkaline metallic elements from the substrate can be prevented, and influence by stresses, caused by internal stress, imparted to the TFT can be relieved. |
| US07855412B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An SiC semiconductor device includes a substrate, a drift layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a base region disposed above the drift layer, a source region disposed above the base region, a trench penetrating the source region and the base region to the drift layer, a gate insulating layer disposed on a surface of the trench, a gate electrode disposed on a surface of the gate insulating layer, a first electrode electrically coupled with the source region and the base region, a second electrode disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and a second conductivity-type layer disposed at a portion of the base region located under the source region. The second conductivity-type layer has the second conductivity type and has an impurity concentration higher than the base region. |
| US07855409B2 |
Flash memory device and method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to flash memory devices and a method of fabricating the same. In an aspect of the present invention, the flash memory device includes trenches formed in a semiconductor substrate and having a step at their lower portion, a tunnel insulating layer formed in an active region of the semiconductor substrate, first conductive layers formed on the tunnel insulating layer, an isolation layer gap-filling between the trenches and the first conductive layers, and a second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer and having one side partially overlapping with the isolation layers. |
| US07855400B2 |
Semiconductor light detecting element and method for manufacturing the semiconductor light detecting element
A semiconductor light detecting element having a mesa structure comprises: a first semiconductor layer having n-type conductivity located on a semiconductor substrate, a light absorbing layer located on the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer located on the light absorbing layer; a burying layer burying peripheries of the light absorbing layer and the second semiconductor layer. The burying layer has a band gap larger than the band gap of the light absorbing layer. The second semiconductor layer has a first region having p-type conductivity, and a second region having i-type or n-type conductivity and located between the first region and the burying layer. |
| US07855393B2 |
Light emitting device with a non-activated luminescent material
The invention relates to a light emitting device having a radiation emitting element, for example a light emitting diode, and a luminescent material which is able to absorb a part of the radiation sent out by the radiation emitting element and to send out light with a wavelength which is different from the wavelength of the absorbed radiation. The device further has diffusing particles which are able to scatter a part of the radiation sent out by the radiation emitting element, and/or to scatter a part of the light sent out by the luminescent material. The diffusing particles are of non-activated luminescent material, through which production is simplified. |
| US07855392B2 |
Optoelectronic semiconductor component capable of centralizing emitted light
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a light-emitting chip for emitting light, and a reflective substrate. A plurality of linear indent structures is formed on the reflective substrate. The light-emitting chip is installed on the reflective substrate and located on a side of the plurality of linear indent structures. The plurality of linear indent structures is capable of reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting chip. |
| US07855389B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a first LED chip whose emitted light is wavelength-converted by a fluorescent substance layer formed by applying and curing a fluorescent substance material, and a second LED chip whose emitted light is not wavelength-converted by the fluorescent substance layer, wherein the first LED chip and the second LED chip are arranged on a substrate in such a way that a level of an emission layer of the second LED chip is higher than that of a top face of the first LED chip above the substrate. |
| US07855385B2 |
SiC crystal and semiconductor device
The present invention discloses a SiC crystal, comprising: acceptor impurities that are in a concentration greater than 5×1017 cm−3; donor impurities that are in a concentration less than 1×1019 cm−3 and greater than the concentration of the acceptor impurities. The present invention discloses a semiconductor device, comprising: a SiC fluorescent layer having acceptor impurities that are in a concentration greater than 5×1017 cm−3 and donor impurities that are in a concentration less than 1×1019 cm−3 and greater than the concentration of the acceptor impurities; and a light emission layer that is layered on the SiC fluorescent layer and emits excitation light for the SiC fluorescent layer. |
| US07855384B2 |
SIC semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A SiC semiconductor device includes: a SiC substrate having a drain layer, a drift layer and a source layer stacked in this order; multiple trenches penetrating the source layer and reaching the drift layer; a gate layer on a sidewall of each trench; an insulation film on the sidewall of each trench covering the gate layer; a source electrode on the source layer; and a diode portion in or under the trench contacting the drift layer to provide a diode. The drift layer between the gate layer on the sidewalls of adjacent two trenches provides a channel region. The diode portion is coupled with the source electrode, and insulated from the gate layer with the insulation film. |
| US07855383B2 |
Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method
A semiconductor device and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The nitrogen flow is gradually changed to form a semiconductor device with a gate or a source/drain having a nitrified gradient layer structure. Different extents of nitrification inside the nitrified gradient layer structure provide protection and buffering to prevent the undercut after etching due to different materials in the multilayer structure or the interface effect. |
| US07855382B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure including a gate, a gate dielectric layer, a patterned semiconductor layer having a channel area disposed above the gate, a patterned dielectric layer having an etching-stop layer disposed above the gate and a number of bumps, a patterned metal layer having a reflective pixel electrode, a source and a drain, an overcoat dielectric layer, and a transparent pixel electrode sequentially disposed on a substrate is provided. The source and the drain respectively cover portions of the channel area. The reflective pixel electrode connects the drain and covers the bumps to form an uneven surface. The overcoat dielectric layer disposed on a transistor constituted by the gate, the gate dielectric layer, the patterned semiconductor layer, the source and the drain has a contact opening exposing a portion of the reflective pixel electrode. The transparent pixel electrode is electrically connected to the reflective pixel electrode through the contact opening. |
| US07855377B2 |
Alignment structures for an optical assembly
An optical assembly is provided that includes a substrate. The substrate has one or more optical waveguides. A component is coupled to and spaced apart from the substrate. The component has one or more photodetectors. One or more flexible optical pillars is disposed between the optical waveguides and the photodetectors. The flexible optical pillars are aligned by one or more alignment structures. The flexible optical pillars are optically transmissive and configured to transmit light from the optical waveguides to the photodetectors. |
| US07855376B2 |
Lighting system and method for illuminating and detecting object
An object-detecting lighting system comprises a light source emitting visible light. A source controller is connected to the light source to drive the light source into emitting the visible light in a predetermined mode. An optical detector is positioned with respect to the light source and is adapted to detect the visible light as reflected/backscattered by an object. A data/signal processor is connected to the source controller and the optical detector to receive detection data from the optical detector. The data/signal processor produces a data output associated to the object as a function of the predetermined mode and the detection data. |
| US07855374B2 |
Gas cluster ion beam emitting apparatus and method for ionization of gas cluster
An emitting apparatus 50 has a gas cluster generation chamber 2 and a nozzle 3 as means for generating a gas cluster and emitting the gas cluster to a processing object 10. A group of gas clusters jetted from the nozzle 3 is shaped into a gas cluster stream 8 in a beam form when passing through a skimmer 4. Electrons are emitted from an electron gun 12 to the gas cluster stream 8, whereby the gas cluster in the gas cluster stream is ionized. |
| US07855369B2 |
Radiation imaging element
A radiation imaging element that includes radiation sensors disposed in a matrix so as to output signal charges corresponding to radiation transmitted through a subject, and TFTs for readout of signals from the radiation sensors, wherein the TFT has at least a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, the active layer has at least a first region and a second region which has an electric conductivity larger than an electric conductivity of the first region, the second region is in contact with the gate insulating layer, and the first region is disposed so as to be electrically connected between the second region and at least one of the source electrode or the drain electrode. A radiation imaging element that effectively suppresses noise and also achieves a high quality image is provided. |
| US07855363B2 |
Inspection method and apparatus using an electron beam
An inspection method and apparatus irradiates a sample on which a pattern is formed with an electron beam, so that an inspection image and a reference image can be generated on the basis of a secondary electron or a reflected electron emitted by the sample. An abnormal pattern is determined based on a difference in halftone values of each pixel between the inspection image and the reference image. A plurality of feature quantities of the abnormal pattern are obtained from an image of the abnormal pattern, and, based on the distribution of the plurality of feature quantities of the abnormal pattern, a range for classifying the type of the abnormal pattern is designated. Thus, a desired defect can be extracted from many defects extracted by inspection. |
| US07855360B2 |
Method and apparatus to accurately discriminate gas phase ions with several filtering devices in tandem
A method for fast and accurate recognition of species contained in trace amounts in complex mixtures such as ambient air or biological fluids is taught based on the use in tandem of one or several differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) and possibly also a mass spectrometer (MS), all arranged in series. The two DMAs operate in different regions of the ion drag versus drift velocity curve (for instance, linear versus nonlinear regions), hence separating according to more than one independently discriminating parameters of the ion. Very high discrimination can be achieved even with a single stage of mass spectrometric separation by selecting a narrow range of ions with the DMA, and analyzing them in the MS, first without fragmentation, and then with fragmentation. This process does not require necessarily a tandem MS when fragmentation takes place in the inlet region of the MS. Fast and accurate discrimination is possible in single ion monitoring mode (SIM) for a large number of targeted species, even with relatively inexpensive and light single quadrupole MS systems, where the various filters placed in series would open pre-configured narrow windows suitable for passage of each ion in a list. |
| US07855351B2 |
Microwave expandable product
A system for preparing, cooking, and treating expandable products in a microwave oven. Under pressure of the microwaves, pressure of one or more components acts to break one or more seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages and meals and create other products. Creating or decreasing pressure on the components causes expansion of a plastic or other material located between the non-shrinkable member and the shrinkable member. Expansion of the components under microwaves acts to aid the forcing of liquid through the divider. |
| US07855344B2 |
Reversing switch
A reversing switch for use in a multi-phase electrical system, and in particular a three phase electrical system has a conductor for linking the input and output of one of the three phases. The reversing switch has two phase switches for reversing polarity. Each phase switch has a pair of stationary contacts and a moveable contact for reversing phase by switching between the stationary contacts. The moveable contacts of each phase switch are moveable in unison by a motor and associated transmission during switching of the reversing switch between first and second modes of operation of opposite polarity. |
| US07855337B2 |
Electrical systems, facilities, and methods with power pedestals having EUFER grounding
Power pedestals are provided with an electrical ground connection to rebar encased in a foundation slab of a facility to thereby establish a EUFER ground for the power pedestal. Many pieces of rebar may be present within the foundation slab and may be interconnected to form a rebar network. In addition to the EUFER ground provided by the rebar, other grounding techniques may also be included such as a ground ring formed by ground rods spaced around the foundation slab and interconnected by a buried conductor that encircles the foundation slab. The rebar may be electrically connected to the ground ring to establish the conductivity to the earth. The power pedestal and EUFER ground may be present at various facilities, such as those including outdoor electronics equipment closures such as remote terminals and base stations. |
| US07855333B2 |
Music edit device and music edit method
A remix processing section performs a remix process based on both meta data that are pre-generated corresponding to song data and that contain at least a time-based beat position and a file for deciding a remix pattern. A synchronous reproduction controlling section generates a master beat, sends the master beat to the remix processing section, and reproduces a plurality of songs based on individual entries of the meta data according to the remix process which the remix processing section has designated corresponding to the remix pattern and the meta data. A mixing section mixes songs reproduced by the synchronous reproduction controlling section. A music editing apparatus that can accomplish editing of overlaying or connecting whole or part of each of many songs recorded in a record medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory with their beats matched is provided. |
| US07855327B2 |
Defensin polynucleotides and methods of use
Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided. |
| US07855322B2 |
Self processing plants and plant parts
The invention provides polynucleotides, preferably synthetic polynucleotides, which encode processing enzymes that are optimized for expression in plants. The polynucleotides encode mesophilic, thermophilic, or hyperthermophilic processing enzymes, which are activated under suitable activating conditions to act upon the desired substrate. Also provided are “self-processing” transgenic plants, and plant parts, e.g., grain, which express one or more of these enzymes and have an altered composition that facilitates plant and grain processing. Methods for making and using these plants, e.g., to produce food products having improved taste and to produce fermentable substrates for the production of ethanol and fermented beverages are also provided. |
| US07855321B2 |
Plant acyltransferases specific for long-chained, multiply unsaturated fatty acids
The present invention relates to a process for the production of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in an organism by introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids which code for polypeptides with acyl transferase activity. These nucleic acid sequences, if appropriate together with further nucleic acid sequences which code for polypeptides of the fatty acid or lipid metabolism biosynthesis, can advantageously be expressed in the organism. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of oils and/or triacylglycerides with an elevated content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.The invention furthermore relates to the nucleic acid sequences, nucleic acid constructs, vectors and organisms comprising the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention, vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequences and/or the nucleic acid constructs and to transgenic organisms comprising the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences, nucleic acid constructs and/or vectors.A further part of the invention relates to oils, lipids and/or fatty acids produced by the process according to the invention and to their use. |
| US07855318B2 |
Cloning of cytochrome P450 genes from Nicotiana
The present invention relates to p450 enzymes and nucleic acid sequences encoding p450 enzymes in Nicotiana, and methods of using those enzymes and nucleic acid sequences to alter plant phenotypes. |
| US07855313B2 |
Low-temperature solidification of radioactive and hazardous wastes
Treatment of a radioactive waste stream is provided by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) together with a rapidly dissolving form of silica, e.g., fumed silica or fly ash. Alternatively, the fumed silica can be first dissolved in a NaOH/KOH solution, which is then combined with the waste solution. Adding a binder that can be a mixture of metakaolin (Al2O3.2SiO2), ground blast furnace slag, fly ash, or other additives. Adding an “enhancer” that can be composed of a group of additives that are used to further enhance the immobilization of heavy metals and key radionuclides such as 99Tc and 129I. An additional step can involve simple mixing of the binder with the activator and enhancer, which can occur in the final waste form container, or in a mixing vessel prior to pumping into the final waste form container, depending on the particular application. |
| US07855311B2 |
Formation of hydroxycarbonyl compounds
Aldehyde and ketone reactants are converted to hydroxyaldehydes, polyhydroxyaldehydes, hydroxyketones and/or polyhydroxyketones in liquid phase by an aldol condensation process where a selected product carbon chain length is produced using specific concentrations of soluble inorganic base at sub-ambient temperature. |
| US07855310B2 |
AH receptor antagonists
The invention relates to the field of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor; AhR) antagonists and their uses. |
| US07855308B2 |
Inhibitors of the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme
The present invention relates to compounds which are inhibitors of the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme. The present invention further relates to the use of inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme for the treatment of non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome and other diseases and conditions that are mediated by excessive glucocorticoid action. |
| US07855304B1 |
Inorganic oxide extrudates
An extrudate comprising an inorganic oxide and a comb-branched polymer is disclosed. The calcined extrudates are useful catalysts or catalyst supports. A palladium-gold catalyst prepared with a calcined titania extrudate of the invention is useful in making vinyl acetate from ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen or oxygen-containing gas. A calcined transition metal zeolite extrudate of the invention is used as a catalyst in oxidizing organic compounds with hydrogen peroxide. Incorporation of a comb-branched polymer improves the mechanical properties of inorganic oxide extrudates. |
| US07855283B2 |
Antisense antiviral compound and method for treating arenavirus infection
The invention provides antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Arenaviridae family and in the treatment of a viral infection. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of Arenavirus infection in a mammal. The antisense antiviral compounds are substantially uncharged morpholino oligonucleotides have a sequence of 12-40 subunits, including at least 12 subunits having a targeting sequence that is complementary to a region associated with viral RNA sequences within a 19 nucleotide region of the 5′-terminal regions of the viral RNA, viral complementary RNA and/or mRNA identified by SEQ ID NO:1. |
| US07855278B2 |
Antibodies to Stra6 polypeptides
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence similarity to Stra6, a murine retinoic acid responsive protein, and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. |
| US07855277B2 |
Picornaviruses, vaccines and diagnostic kits
A new group of picornaviruses is disclosed. The picornaviruses of the invention comprise in the non-coding region of their viral genome a nucleotide sequence which corresponds to cDNA sequence (I) or homologous sequences having at least 75% homology to the SEQ ID NO:1, and they cause mammalian disease. Further aspects of the invention comprise a protein corresponding to a protein of the picornaviruses, antiserum or antibody directed against a protein of the picornaviruses, antigen comprising a protein of the picornaviruses, diagnostic kits, vaccines, use of the picornaviruses in medicaments, particularly for the treatment or prevention of Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathia, Guillain Barré Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Spontaneous Abortion, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and methods of treatment of diseases caused by the picornaviruses. SEQ ID NO: 1 (Ljungan 87-012)(I) AGTCTAGTCT TATCTTGTAT GTGTCCTGCA CTGAACTTGT TTCTGTCTCT 50 GGAGTGCTCT ACACTTCAGT AGGGGCTGTA CCCGGGCGGT CCCACTCTTC 100 ACAGGAATCT GCACAGGTGG CTTTCACCTC TGGACAGTGC ATTCCACACC 150 CGCTCCACGG TAGAAGATGA TGTGTGTCTT TGCTTOTGAA AAGCTTGTGA 200 AAATCGTGTG TAGGCGTAGC GGCTACTTGA GTGCCAGCGO ATTACCCCTA 250 GTGGTAACAC TAGC |
| US07855266B2 |
Method for multilayer coatings with self-crosslinking graft polyurethane copolymers, self-crosslinking polyurethanes and graft copolymers thereof
The invention relates to a method for producing chromophore and/or effect giving multilayer lacquers according to the wet-on-wet method. A water base lacquer is applied which contains at least one graft copolymer containing (A) at least one (meth)acrylate copolymer and (B) at least one polyurethane. The graft copolymer can be produced by (1) dispersing at least one hydrophilic or hydrophobic self cross-linking polyurethane (B) with a statistical average of at least one terminal and/or at least one lateral olefinically unsaturated group and at least one blocked isocyanate group per molecule in an aqueous medium. (2) A mixture of a at least one monomer (a1) with at least one isocyanate reactive functional group at last one monomer (a2) that can be copolymerised therewith is subsequently radically copolymerised in an emulsion in the presence of the polyurethane (B) or the polyurethanes (B). A powder slurry transparent lacquer layer is added to the resulting base lacquer layer. The base lacquer layer and the transparent lacquer layer are hardened together. The invention also relates to novel hydrophilic or hydrophobic self cross-linking polyurethanes (B) with at least one lateral and/or at least one terminal olefinically unsaturated group and at least one lateral blocked isocyanate group per molecule and graft copolymers on the basis of said polyurethanes (B) as well as the use thereof. |
| US07855264B2 |
Polymeric products useful as oil repellents
Polymeric products are disclosed that are suitable for application to fibrous substrates such as textiles, leather and paper, to impart oil (oleophobicity) and water repellent (hydrophobicity) properties to the treated material. The polymeric products comprise an amino-functional polysiloxane bonded through its amino groups to an addition copolymer of a fluoro-substituted alkyl ester of an olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid and an olefinically unsaturated monomer having a functional group capable of reacting with the amino groups of polysiloxane and optionally one or more olefinically unsaturated comonomers. |
| US07855262B2 |
Size selective catalysis with ion exchange resins
A method of preparing oligomeric compounds from polyfunctional reactants in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts that exhibit size selective characteristics, such that further reaction between first generation products or first generation products and reactants is less favored than between the starting reactants is disclosed. Preparation of oligomeric polyacrylate compounds in a liquid solution using these catalysts is also disclosed comprising reacting X—H acidic Michael donor compounds with unsaturated Michael acceptor compounds containing more than one unsaturated group. |
| US07855255B2 |
Preparation of multimodal polyethylene
Disclosed is a polyethylene composition. The composition comprises single-site multimodal resin A and single-site multimodal resin B, wherein resin A differs from resin B in molecular weight, in monomeric composition, in density, in long chain branch concentration or distribution, or in combinations thereof. Disclosed is also a method for making the polyethylene composition. The method comprises polymerizing, in the presence of two or more single-site catalysts, ethylene or its mixture with a C3-C10 α-olefin to form a first multimodal resin and continuing the polymerization in the presence of the same catalysts but in a different hydrogen concentration, in a different monomer composition, or at a different temperature to form a second multimodal resin. |
| US07855252B2 |
End capping additive for polycondensate polymer resins
A polymeric composition including a mono-functional, low molecular weight, low epoxy content end-cap which includes the polymerization product of at least one epoxy-functional monomer and at least one styrenic and/or (meth)acrylic monomer, with a polyfunctional chain extender; and at least one condensation polymer. |
| US07855249B2 |
Carbon black pigment for electronic paper, dispersion of the pigment, and process for production of the pigment
A surface-modified carbon black pigment suitable as electronic paper black particles, a silicone oil dispersion of the carbon black pigment, and a process for producing the carbon black pigment are disclosed. The carbon black pigment includes surface-modified carbon black, a diphenylmethane group that is bonded to the carbon black via a urethane bond through a functional group on the surface of the carbon black being bonded to a polysiloxane group. The carbon black dispersion includes a silicone oil and the carbon black pigment, the carbon black pigment being dispersed in the silicone oil at a concentration of 1 to 20 wt %. The process for producing a carbon black pigment for electronic paper includes reacting a functional group on the surface of carbon black with a diphenyl compound having isocyanate groups on both ends in a non-reactive organic solvent so that a diphenylmethane group is bonded to the surface of the carbon black via a urethane bond, and causing the diphenylmethane group to be bonded to a polysiloxane in a silicone oil. |
| US07855247B2 |
Particle dispersed resin composition and process for producing the same
A particle dispersed resin composition (19) is a composition in which a particle dispersed solvent (17) with and in which functional particulate powder is mixed and dispersed is mixed with a heated and melted resin (16). The amount of the resin (16) is set at a capable amount thereof which the resin (16) impregnates. |
| US07855227B2 |
2-phenylethylamino derivatives as calcium and/or sodium channel modulators
2-Phenylethylamino substituted carboxamide derivatives of formula (I); wherein J, W, R0, R1, R2, R3, and R4 have the meanings as defined in the specification and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient and their use as sodium and/or calcium channel modulators useful in preventing alleviating and curing a wide range of pathologies, including neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, inflammatory, ophthalmic, urology, and gastrointestinal diseases where the above mechanisms have been described as playing a pathological role, are described. |
| US07855225B2 |
17βHSD type 5 inhibitor
To provide a novel and excellent method for treating and/or preventing prostatic cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, baldness, alopecia, precocious puberty, adrenal hypertrophy, polycystic ovary syndrome, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometriosis, leiomyoma and the like based on selective inhibitory activity against 17βHSD type 5.It was found that an N-sulfonylindole derivative, where the indole ring is substituted by a carboxy group, a carboxy-substituted lower alkyl group or a carboxy-substituted lower alkenyl group at its carbon atom, has potent selective inhibitory activity against 17βHSD type 5 and may become a therapeutic agent and/or preventive agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer and the like without accompanying adverse drug reactions due to a decrease in testosterone, and the present invention has thus been completed. |
| US07855223B2 |
Method of treating inflammatory arthritis
The present invention is directed to a method for treating inflammatory arthritis in a mammal. The method typically comprises administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from indigo, isoindigo, indirubin or derivatives thereof, such as NATURA-α or NATURA. The present invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions that include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of the invention, an anti-inflammatory arthritis agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US07855219B2 |
Substituted 2-oxy-3,5-dicyano-4aryl-6-aminopyridines and use thereof
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I) in which the variable groups are as defined in the text and claims. A pharmaceutical composition and methods of using these materials in treatment of various conditions are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US07855217B2 |
Polymorphic forms of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3 dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione
Polymorphic forms of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3 dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione are disclosed. Compositions comprising the polymorphic forms, methods of making the polymorphic forms and methods of their use are also disclosed. |
| US07855205B2 |
Pyrimidinyl substituted fused-pyrrolyl compounds useful in treating kinase disorders
The present invention provides pyrimidinyl substituted fused-pyrrolyl compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of synthesis and use thereof. The compounds are kinase inhibitors useful in treating or ameliorating a kinase mediated, angiogenesis-mediated or hyperproliferative disorder. The invention thus also provides a therapeutic or prophylactic method of use for the compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions to treat such disorders. |
| US07855199B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and anti-malignant-tumor agent containing the same as active ingredient
Heterocyclic compounds represented by the formula I and anti-malignant-tumor agents containing the heterocyclic compounds as effective components: wherein X represents nitrogen atom or CH; Y represents C1-C6 alkyl; R1 represents morpholino (which may be substituted with one to four C1-C6 alkyl); and R2 and R3 each represent hydrogen atom or C1-C6 alkyl. |
| US07855198B2 |
Benzamide derivative or salt thereof
There is provided a compound having a capsaicin receptor VR1 inhibitory activity and useful as a therapeutic agent for various pains including inflammatory pain and neurogenic pain, migraine, cluster headache, bladder diseases including overactive bladder, and the like.A benzamide derivative or a salt thereof wherein a benzene ring is attached to a D ring (a monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon ring or a monocyclic or bicyclic heteroaromatic ring) through an amide bond, the benzene ring is directly bonded to an E ring (a monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon ring or a monocyclic or bicyclic heteroaromatic ring), and the benzene ring is further bonded to A (an amino moiety, a monocyclic or bicyclic heterocycle) through L (a lower alkylene). |
| US07855189B2 |
N-phenylphosphoric acid triamides, method for the production thereof and their use as agents for regulating or inhibiting enzymatic urea hydrolysis
The invention relates to N-phenylphosphoric acid triamides of general formula (I) to a method for the production thereof and to their use as agents for regulating or inhibiting enzymatic urea hydrolysis. In formula (I), X represents oxygen or sulfur; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, independent of one another, represent hydrogen C1-C8 alkyl/heteroalkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl/heteroalkenyl, C2-C8—alkynyl/heteroalkynyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl/heterocycloalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkenyl/heterocycloalkenyl, C6-C10 aryl/C5-C10 heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroarylalkyl, alkaryl, alkheteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, hetaryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, hetarylthio, acyl, aroyl, hetaroyl, acyloxy, aroyloxy, hetaroyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, hetaryloxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, nitro, sulfo, carbonyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, with the provision that: at least one radical R is not hydrogen; in the event R1, R2, R4, R5 represent H, R3 is not nitro or cyano, and; in the event R1 represents Cl or R1 and R3 represent Cl, at least one of the remaining radicals is not hydrogen. |
| US07855186B2 |
siRNA targeting TIE-2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed. |
| US07855185B2 |
MN gene and protein
Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter or a MN gene promoter fragment comprising the HIF-1 consensus binding sequence, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine. The MN gene promoter is characterized, and the binding site for a repressor of MN transcription is disclosed. Further, the hypoxia inducibility of the MN gene and the uses of such inducibility are disclosed. |
| US07855184B2 |
Antisense oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting the formation of capillary tubes by endothelial cells and methods of treating ophthalmic and dermatological diseases
A pharmaceutical composition blocks angiogenesis and contains as an active agent at least one nucleotide sequence from nucleic acid molecule SEQ ID NO. 3, fragments thereof containing at least twelve contiguous nucleotides and derivatives thereof; and nucleic acid sequences containing at least twelve contiguous nucleotides of the nucleic acid molecule SEQ ID NO 30 and derivatives thereof. |
| US07855179B2 |
Template-fixed peptidomimetics with antimicrobial activity
Template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I), wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 α-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly or Pro, or of certain types, at least one of these residues being of the type of N-substituted glycines, which types, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy. |
| US07855169B2 |
Use of fluorocarbon surfactants to improve the productivity of gas and gas condensate wells
The present invention includes composition having a nonionic, fluorinated polymeric surfactant, water and solvent. Embodiments of compositions according to the present invention are useful, for example, for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean clastic formations. |
| US07855166B2 |
Sulfonylamino(thio)carbonyl compounds
Sulfonylamino(thio)carbonyl compounds are used to control unwanted plants or to regulate growth in plants. Sulfonylamino(thio)carbonyl compounds are applied to plants, the seed or the area on which the plants are growing to control the growth of such plants. |
| US07855165B2 |
Herbicide composition for paddy field
A herbicide composition for paddy field characterized by containing (a) a herbicidal difluoromethanesulfonamide derivative represented by the formula (I) and (b) at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of pretilachlor, butachlor, alachlor, metolachlor, acetochlor, clomeprop, bromobutide, benfuresate, indanofan, pyrazolate, benzofenap, pyrazoxyfen, pyraclonil, oxaziclomefone, bensulfuron-methyl, azimsulfuron, imazosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, cyclosulfamuron, ethoxysulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, orthosulfamuron, cinosulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, penoxsulam, thiobencarb, pyributycarb, molinate, dimethametryn, simetryn, cafenstrole, quinclorac, anilofos, mefenacet, fentrazamide, pentoxazone, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, benzobicyclon, mesotrione, AVH301 (code no.), cyhalofop-butyl, metamifop, bispyribac-sodium, pyriftalid, pyrimisulfan, pyrimenobac-methyl, chlormethoxynil, oxyfluorfen, dithiopyr, MCPA, MCPB, 2,4-D, dymron, cumyluron, quinoclamine and clomazone, and/or (c) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of safeners dymron, isoxadifen(-ethyl), flurazole, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, cloquintocet-mexyl, oxabetrinil, fluxofenim, mefenpyr-diethyl, furilazole, R-29148 (code no.), benoxacor, dichlormid and dicyclonone as effective components. |
| US07855160B2 |
Catalyst ink
A catalyst ink is provided, comprising: 25-95% by weight water; 1-50% by weight of at least one solid catalyst, typically a highly dispersed platinum catalyst; 1-50% by weight of at least one polymer electrolyte in acid (H+) form; and 1-50% by weight of at least one polar aprotic organic solvent. The catalyst ink typically has a viscosity at 1 sec−1 of 10 Pa·sec or less. The catalyst ink typically does not ignite spontaneously when dried to completion in air at a temperature of 80° C. or greater. The catalyst ink may be used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells. |
| US07855156B2 |
Method of and apparatus for inline deposition of materials on a non-planar surface
In manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first chamber is provided. An opening couples the first chamber to a first environment through which at least one substrate can pass. A first seal environmentally isolates the first chamber from the first environment. A process chamber is coupled to the first chamber. Another seal environmental isolates the first and the process chambers. The substrate is placed within the first chamber, and the first chamber and the outside environment are isolated. The second opening is opened, and the substrate moves into the semiconductor process chamber. The first chamber is again environmentally isolated from the second volume. A semiconductor processing step is performed on the substrate within the processing chamber. While the substrate is processed, the substrate is rotated and translated through the processing chamber. |
| US07855152B2 |
Method of producing active matrix substrate
The invention provides a production method for an active matrix substrate in which a plurality of contact holes are formed by a one-mask process so as to reach metal films which are present at different depth positions in an insulating layer and are not evaporated by dry etching using a fluorine-containing gas. The method includes a step of performing dry etching using mixed gas of CHF3, CF4 and O2 to form the plurality of contact hole, a step of subjecting the plurality of contact holes to oxygen ashing, and a step of forming a transparent conductive film in the plurality of contact holes. |
| US07855151B2 |
Formation of a slot in a silicon substrate
A slot is formed that reaches through a first side of a silicon substrate to a second side of the silicon substrate. A trench is laser patterned. The trench has a mouth at the first side of the silicon substrate. The trench does not reach the second side of the silicon substrate. The trench is dry etched until a depth of at least a portion of the trench is extended approximately to the second side of the silicon substrate (12). A wet etch is performed to complete formation of the slot. The wet etch etches silicon from all surfaces of the trench. |
| US07855147B1 |
Methods and apparatus for engineering an interface between a diffusion barrier layer and a seed layer
Copper seed layers are formed on diffusion barrier layers (e.g., on Ta, and TaNx layers) without significant agglomeration of copper, with the use of an engineered barrier layer/seed layer interface. The engineered interface includes an adhesion layer, in which copper atoms are physically trapped and are prevented from migrating and agglomerating. The adhesion layer can include between about 20-80% atomic of copper. The copper atoms of the adhesion layer are exposed during deposition of a copper seed layer and serve as the nucleation sites for the deposited copper. Thin, continuous, and conformal seed layers can be deposited on top of the adhesion layer. The trapping of copper within the adhesion layer is achieved by intermixing diffusion barrier and seed layer materials using PVD and/or ALD. |
| US07855123B2 |
Method of integrating an air gap structure with a substrate
A method for forming an air gap structure on a substrate is described. The method comprises depositing a sacrificial layer on a substrate, forming an adhesion-promoting layer between the sacrificial layer and the substrate, and depositing a capping layer over the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer and the capping layer are patterned and metalized. Thereafter, the sacrificial layer is decomposed and removed through the capping layer. |
| US07855116B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which has a nonvolatile memory cell portion, a low-voltage operating circuit portion of a peripheral circuit region and a high-voltage operating circuit portion of the peripheral circuit region formed on a substrate and in which elements of the above portions are isolated from one another by filling insulating films, the upper surface of the filling insulating films in the high-voltage operating circuit portion lies above the surface of the substrate and the upper surface of at least part of the filling insulating films in the low-voltage operating circuit portion is pulled back to a portion lower than the surface of the substrate. |
| US07855113B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor memory device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor memory device includes: forming a lower conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming an insulation layer over the lower conductive layer; etching the insulation layer to form a contact hole that exposes a portion of the lower conductive layer; forming a contact plug in the contact hole; doping the contact plug by performing a plasma doping process while varying a temperature of regions the semiconductor substrate; and forming an upper conductive layer connected with the lower conductive layer through the contact plug. |
| US07855102B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for a secure bus on a printed circuit board
A method, apparatus, and system, the apparatus including, in some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB), an integrated circuit (IC) positioned over and electrically connected to the PCB, a chip positioned between the PCB and the IC, and a closed boundary barrier between and contacting the PCB and the IC to define an inner containment area that completely contains the chip within the inner containment area. |
| US07855099B2 |
Manufacturing method for a secure-digital (SD) flash card with slanted asymmetric circuit board
A flash-memory device has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a PCB with a flash-memory chip and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an input/output interface circuit to an external computer over a Secure-Digital (SD) interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with SD contact pads on the PCB that fit through contact openings in the upper case. Supporting end ribs under each of the SD contact pads and middle ribs support the PCB at a slanted angle to the centerline of the device. The PCB slants upward at the far end to allow more thickness for the chips mounted to the bottom surface of the PCB, and slants downward at the insertion end to position the SD contact pads near the centerline. |
| US07855095B2 |
Method of fabricating an ultra-small condenser microphone
In the present invention, a semiconductor substrate wherein a plurality of MEMS microphones is formed is disposed opposed to a discharge electrode in a state of being stuck on a sheet. Electretization of a dielectric film provided in the MEMS microphone is performed by irradiating the dielectric film between a fixed electrode and a vibration film provided in the MEMS microphone with ions resulting from a corona discharge of the discharge electrode in a state that a predetermined potential difference is applied to the fixed electrode and the vibration film and fixing charges based on the ions to the dielectric film. The electretization is successively performed to each MEMS microphone on the semiconductor substrate by relatively moving the semiconductor substrate and the discharge electrode. Therefore, electretization of the dielectric film in the MEMS microphone chip is realized using a low-cost and simple fabricating equipment and productivity can be enhanced. |
| US07855084B2 |
Chemistry system for clinical analyzer
A clinical analyzer for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample includes at least one reagent supply and at least one reaction containment device for containing a volume of sample and a volume of said at least one reagent from said at least one reagent supply. A wash-free delivery system introduces reagent into at least one reaction containment device without requiring washing of delivery components. |
| US07855081B2 |
Methods of detecting RF interference in breath ethanol testing
Interference detector and methods for detecting interference in a signal are described. More specifically, in one aspect, a method for detecting interference in a signal is provided. The method comprises determining whether the signal has at least one of a time and a frequency characteristic that is outside a predefined range, and determining that an interference event has been detected if the signal has at least one of such characteristics. |
| US07855080B2 |
Fingerprint analysis for a plurality of oligonucleotides
The invention provides a method for evaluating the accuracy of an oligonucleotide sample, specifically a sample containing a variety of oligonucleotides of potentially varying size and sequence. The method provides a fingerprint that can be used to evaluate the accuracy of a multi-oligonucleotide sample whether or not the sample contains differing oligonucleotides that have the same or about the same molecular weight. |
| US07855078B2 |
High resolution flow cytometer
High resolution particle differentiation process and separation system that provides enhanced resolution of particles based upon selected particle characteristics. In particular, the system may include an enhanced resolution flow cytometer. In an embodiment, the invention can include at least one fluid source conduit (24) that introduces 0 fluid source stream (24) into an enhanced resolution nozzle (25) at an angle that enhances particle resolution by the cell sensing system (13). |
| US07855077B2 |
Method and device for test sample loading
An automated analyzer is configured to receive and analyze samples provided to the automated analyzer in primary sample containers. The automated analyzer comprises a sample retention unit, at least one transport device, and at least one aspiration device. The sample retention unit is configured to receive and retain a plurality of sample retention vessels. The sample retention unit may comprise a sample storage unit, an analytic unit, or other processing unit within the automated analyzer that retains a sample for some purpose. The transport device is configured to receive a first primary sample container containing a first sample and deliver the first primary sample container to the sample retention unit as one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. The aspiration device is configured to receive a second sample from a second primary sample container and deliver the second sample into one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. |
| US07855075B2 |
Methods of controlling proliferation and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells
A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells. The method comprises ex-vivo providing the stem cells with conditions for cell proliferation and with at least one copper chelator in an amount and for a time period for permitting the stem cells to proliferate and, at the same time, for reducing a capacity of the stem cells to differentiate |
| US07855074B2 |
Artificial immune system: methods for making and use
The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interaction with the immune system. |
| US07855064B2 |
Antibiotic resistance free vaccines and methods for constructing and using same
The present invention provides Listeria strains that express a heterologous antigen and a metabolic enzyme, and methods of generating same. |
| US07855061B2 |
Fuel farm process for producing butanol
A process for producing butanol comprising the following three phases: (1) growing algae, (2) fermenting algae and (3) separating butanol. |
| US07855059B2 |
Fermentation with cyclic pulse-pause feeding
A process for the production of a valuable compound, comprising the steps of a) fermentation of a filamentous bacterial or fungal strain (e.g. a Streptomyces strain or an Aspergillus strain) in a fermentation medium wherein a carbohydrate during fermentation is added in a cyclic pulse dosing/pause way, wherein the pulse dosing time is shorter than the pause time and b) recovery of the valuable compound from the fermentation broth. |
| US07855056B2 |
Antibody against tumor specific antigen as target
The present invention relates to a method of detecting cancer by use of an oncogene, a method of screening for an active compound useful to treat and/or prevent cancer, and a pharmaceutical composition for treatment and/or prevention of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of detecting cancer based on the expression of the human oculospanin gene as a marker and a pharmaceutical composition containing an antibody capable of specifically recognizing human oculospanin and having cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. |
| US07855047B2 |
Reticle set, method for designing a reticle set, exposure monitoring method, inspection method for reticle set and manufacturing method for a semiconductor device
A reticle set, includes a first photomask having a circuit pattern provided with first and second openings provided adjacent to each other sandwiching a first opaque portion, and a monitor mark provided adjacent to the circuit pattern; and a second photomask having a trim pattern provided with a second opaque portion covering the first opaque portion in an area occupied by the circuit pattern and an extending portion connected to one end of the first opaque portion and extending outside the area when the second photomask is aligned with a pattern delineated on a substrate by the first photomask. |
| US07855045B2 |
Immersion topcoat materials with improved performance
A topcoat material for applying on top of a photoresist material is disclosed. The topcoat material comprises at least one solvent and a polymer which has a dissolution rate of at least 3000 Å/second in aqueous alkaline developer. The polymer contains a hexafluoroalcohol monomer unit comprising one of the following two structures: wherein n is an integer. The topcoat material may be used in lithography processes, wherein the topcoat material is applied on a photoresist layer. The topcoat material is preferably insoluble in water, and is therefore particularly useful in immersion lithography techniques using water as the imaging medium. |
| US07855037B2 |
Photomask having a test pattern that includes separate features for different printed critical dimensions to correlate magnitude and direction of defocus
A photomask having a test pattern is provided for detecting focus variation in a lithographic process. A photomask having a test pattern is adapted to print test features with critical dimensions that can be measured and analyzed to determine magnitude and direction of defocus from a best focus position of an exposure tool during the lithographic process. |
| US07855030B2 |
Inhibitor for prevention of braze migration in solid oxide fuel cells
During manufacture of an SOFC assembly, an inhibitor is included to prevent migration of silver braze during subsequent use of the SOFC assembly. The inhibitor may take any of several forms, either individually or in combination. Inhibitors comprehended by the present invention include, but are not limited to: a) a mechanical barrier that can be printed or dispensed onto one or more SOFC stack elements around the braze areas to prevent mechanically-driven migration; b) an electrically insulating feature in the electrolyte or interlayer over the electrolyte layer in the seal margins to prevent electrical potential-driven migration; and 3) chemical modification of the braze itself as by addition of an alloying metal such as palladium. |
| US07855023B2 |
Fuel cell, method and apparatus for manufacturing fuel cell
A fuel cell (stack or a single cell) includes a cell module to which an aging process that progresses initial creep has been applied such that creep during use is reduced compared with a cell module to which the aging process has not been applied. A manufacturing method of a fuel cell (stack or a single cell) includes an aging step for progressing through initial creep by applying at least a compression load to a cell module. |
| US07855022B2 |
Fuel system with improved fuel cell shutdown
A fuel cell system having a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode wherein both the cathode and anode each have a flow path with an inflow and outflow. A gaseous source containing oxygen is connected to the inflow of the cathode flow path while a gaseous fuel source is connected to the inflow of the anode flow path. Upon shutdown of the fuel cell, a control system reduces the stoichiometric ratio at the anode to less than or equal to one to thereby deplete the oxygen from the gas at the cathode. A normally closed valve is fluidly connected between the cathode outflow and the anode inflow. The control system opens the valve upon shutdown of the fuel cell to thereby purge the fuel from the anode flow path with the oxygen depleted outflow from the cathode flow path. |
| US07855018B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical systems phosphoric acid fuel cell
A phosphoric acid fuel cell system comprising a porous electrolyte support, a phosphoric acid electrolyte in the porous electrolyte support, a cathode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte, and an anode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte. |
| US07855017B1 |
Structural batteries and components thereof
A structural battery includes an anode, cathode and electrolyte which, taken collectively, have sufficient mechanical strength to allow the battery to be used as a structural component of an article of manufacture. The combined anode, cathode and electrolyte have a stiffness between 10 MPa-1000 GPa, and in certain instances have a stiffness between 50 MPa-100 GPa. Also disclosed are solid electrolytes which may be used in structural batteries. The electrolytes are comprised of salts dissolved in a solvent such as a body of polymeric material. The electrolyte has good ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties. The solid electrolyte may be comprised of a body of uncrosslinked polymer or an at least partially crosslinked polymer such as a multifunctional polymer having segments comprised of linear resins and segments comprised of crosslinking resins. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the structural batteries. |
| US07855016B2 |
Electrochemical cell
An electrochemical cell comprises as an anode, a lithium transition metal oxide or sulphide compound which has a [B2]X4n− spinel-type framework structure of an A[B2]X4 spinel wherein A and B are metal cations selected from Li, Ti, V, Mn, Fe and Co, X is oxygen or sulphur, and n− refers to the overall charge of the structural unit [B2]X4 of the framework structure. The transition metal cation in the fully discharged state has a mean oxidation state greater than +3 for Ti, +3 for V, +3,5 for Mn, +2 for Fe and +2 for Co. The cell includes as a cathode, a lithium metal oxide or sulphide compound. An electrically insulative lithium containing liquid or polymeric electronically conductive electrolyte is provided between the anode and the cathode. |
| US07855015B1 |
Aluminum and solid alkali peroxide galvanic cell
The present invention provides a galvanic cell having an aluminum anode and a cathode compartment design suitable for carrying out the aqueous electrochemical reaction between solid aluminum metal and aqueous peroxide ions. The galvanic cell is activated when water, aqueous hydroxide solution, or an aqueous salt solution is added to the cell. This reaction releases a significant amount of electrochemical energy from a small size (mass or volume) cell. This cell reaction and design leads to an improvement in energy released over state-of-the-art aluminum/hydrogen peroxide galvanic cells. |
| US07855012B2 |
Secondary battery
A secondary battery for electronic appliance to be installed in an electronic appliance, thereby feeding an electric power to the electronic appliance, is disclosed, which includes: a battery cell in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte are accommodated in a pack, and a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal from the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively are lead out from the same side face of the pack; a metallic battery can in which one opening from which the battery cell is inserted is formed and which accommodates the battery cell therein such that the side face from which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are lead out is faced towards the opening side; and a lid made of a synthetic resin in which a positive electrode terminal part and a negative electrode terminal part to be connected to the electrodes of the electronic appliance upon being connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal and being faced outwardly are provided and which plugs the opening of the battery can. |
| US07854996B2 |
Sliding material and a method for its manufacture
A conventional Bi-containing sliding material sometimes underwent seizing in a sliding part operating at a high rotational speed. The present invention provides a sliding material which does not undergo seizing in a sliding part operating at a high rotational speed and a method for its manufacture. A low melting point alloy containing at least 20 mass % of Bi and having a liquidus temperature of at most 200° C. is made to penetrate into a porous portion comprising a Cu—Sn based alloy. A Bi—Sn based alloy or a Bi—In based alloy is suitable as the low melting point alloy. After a low melting point alloy paste is applied to a porous portion, the low melting point alloy is melted and made to penetrate into the porous portion. |
| US07854995B1 |
High density dual helical gear
The present invention relates to a low cost technique for manufacturing dual helical gears, such as herringbone gears, from powder metals. The dual helical gears made by this technique are of high density (greater than 92% of theoretical density) and offer superior strength. The present invention more specifically discloses a forged metal herringbone gear which is comprised of a body and a plurality of teeth wherein the metal has a density of greater than 92% of theoretical and wherein the grain in the teeth is one range higher on the ASTM E 112 grain size chart than the grain in the body of the gear. |
| US07854991B2 |
Single-walled carbon nanotube and aligned single-walled carbon nanotube bulk structure, and their production process, production apparatus and application use
This invention provides an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotube and has a height of not less than 10 μm, and an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotubes and has been patterned in a predetermined form. This structure is produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reaction atmosphere with an oxidizing agent, preferably water, added thereto. An aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which has realized high purify and significantly large scaled length or height, its production process and apparatus, and its applied products are provided. |
| US07854987B2 |
Extrusion coated biaxially oriented polypropylene film
The present invention relates to a thermal laminating film comprising: a base layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film and a thermal laminating layer disposed on the outer surface of the base layer, wherein the said thermal laminating layer comprises 100% by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer containing from 10% to 30% by weight of vinyl acetate units and having melt flow index of 18 to 30 or polyethylene or EAA or a blend of all these. |
| US07854974B2 |
Tube formed of bonded silicon staves
Tubular silicon members advantageously formed by extrusion from a silicon melt or by fixing together silicon staves in a barrel shape. A silicon-based wafer support tower is particularly useful for batch-mode thermal chemical vapor deposition and other high-temperature processes, especially reflow of silicate glass at above 1200° C. The surfaces of the silicon tower are bead blasted to introduce sub-surface damage, which produces pits and cracks in the surface, which anchor subsequently deposited layer of, for example, silicon nitride, thereby inhibiting peeling of the nitride film. Wafer support portions of the tower are preferably composed of virgin polysilicon. The invention can be applied to other silicon parts in a deposition or other substrate processing reactor, such as tubular sleeves and reactor walls. The tower parts are preferably pre-coated with silicon nitride or polysilicon prior to chemical vapor deposition of these materials, or with silicon nitride prior to reflow of silica. |
| US07854963B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling composition profile of copper indium gallium chalcogenide layers
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preparing thin films of semiconductor films for radiation detector and photovoltaic applications. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of forming a Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 layer with substantially uniform Ga distribution. In a particular aspect, the method includes depositing a precursor film on the base, the precursor film including Cu, In and Ga, sulfurizing the precursor film thus forming a sulfurized precursor layer with a substantially uniform Ga distribution, and selenizing the sulfurized precursor layer to reduce the sulfur concentration therein and obtain the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 layer with substantially uniform Ga distribution. In a further aspect, the method also includes the step of selenizing the precursor film. |
| US07854960B2 |
Method of manufacturing an optical device, a method of manufacturing a color filter and a method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device
In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical device is manufactured by printing a pixel, wherein said method includes deciding plural discharging positions inside each pixel of the optical device, arranging these plural discharging positions on different positions in lateral direction of the pixel respectively, specifying each of the plural nozzles by a natural number n counted sequentially from the end of the ink jet head, defining a surplus as b when dividing the natural number n with the repetitive number a (b is an integer satisfying: 0≦b≦a−1), corresponding the surplus b to each of the plural nozzles, repeating a unit step of discharging an ink from nozzles corresponding to the surplus b, finding “discharge coefficient” by measuring unevenness of ink discharging and changing the number of times of ink discharging. |
| US07854959B2 |
Controlled surface chemical gradients
A simple and reproducible preparative method for the fabrication of surface-chemical gradients is described herein. Surface-chemical gradient films are prepared by using a liquid front in relative motion to the substrate (e.g. immersion by a linear-motion drive or the use of a spreading droplet) to gradually expose substrate samples to very dilute solutions of adsorbates. As demonstrated by XPS, the self-assembled monolayer gradients produced in this way display a high packing density. This method can be used in the preparation of other gradients of various chemical or biochemical functionalities in one or two dimensions. Such gradients can be used in a wide variety of applications in such diverse areas as cell motility studies, nanotribology research, and high-throughput screening. |
| US07854950B2 |
Pressure treating food to reduce spoilage
The present invention broadly describes a method of pressure treating foods containing cultures, wherein the pressure treatments are performed under such conditions such that cultures survive while the growth of spoilage microflora is reduced, delayed, prevented or eliminated. Foods treated according to the invention include cultural dairy foods (such as yoghurts), fruit and vegetable juices and other dairy foods (such as cheese). |
| US07854949B2 |
Waffle sheet
Disclosed is a waffle sheet as a long-life baked product, comprising one respective rib structure on opposite surfaces of a support layer. Said support layer has the shape of a corrugated plate (1, 10, 11, 12), e.g. with a sinusoidal or angular, trapezoidal undulation, the walls of said corrugated plate having the same thickness. Ribs (5, 5′, 6) which penetrate or bridge the wave troughs (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) extend transversal to said undulation. The wave troughs (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) of both surfaces or the top face and bottom face touch or penetrate an imaginary center line (4) of the cross-section of the waffle. The average wall thickness of the ribs (5, 5, 6) corresponds to the wall thickness of the corrugated plate (1, 10, 11, 12). The ribs (5, 5′, 6) extend at an angle from or perpendicular to the apex line of the waves. The ribs (6) in the wave troughs (3, 3′) located on the top face are offset by half a separation relative to the ribs (5, 5′) of the wave troughs (3, 3′″) located on the bottom face. The angles (a, a ′) of the zigzag-type undulation (14) or the radii of curvature (r, r′) can be varied according to the amount of dough used per spatial unit. Also disclosed is a baking mold (13) comprising vapor bars (15) at the periphery thereof, said vapor bars (15) being provided with vapor slots on the undulation (14) which tapers as a slot. |
| US07854948B2 |
Use of tropical root crops in dietary intervention strategies
This invention relates to an effective dietary intervention plan. In one aspect all food is withheld for a period of at least 5 days, except for tropical root crops. In another aspect the invention relates to the treatment of various symptoms, conditions or diseases such as Diarrhea, constipation, congestion, eczema, asthma, fatigue, muscle weakness, tension, and spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, swelling, anxiety, multiple chemical sensitivities, moderate to extensive and moderate to severe symptoms due to food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, bloating, pain, headaches, leaky gut, hyperactivity, sleeping difficulties, severe underweight, eating disorders, obsessive, compulsive disorders, panic attacks, sensory sensitivities, Alzheimer's disease, acid reflux, irritability, delayed motor skills, delayed social skills, autism, PDD, infantile spasms, seizures by withholding from the patient for a period of at least 5 days all food except for concentrated forms of concentrated tropical root crops. Preferably the patient is also removed from external environmental sources of allergens. After the initial withholding period new foods may be introduced according to a particular selection and schedule. |
| US07854946B1 |
Anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV compositions and methods of use
The metabolic fingerprint and anti-inflammatory activity and anti-HIV activity of H. gentianoides is disclosed. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis shows that H. gentianoides contains a family of compounds, including some not previously observed in other Hypericum species. H. gentianoides extracts and fractions from these extracts reduce prostaglandin E2 synthesis in mammalian macrophages and inhibit HIV in infected HeLa cells. The present invention provides extracts and fractions thereof from H. gentianoides for use in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment or inhibition of inflammation, prostaglandin E-mediated disease, disorder or condition, a cyclooxygenase-mediated disease, disorder or condition, or an HIV infection. |
| US07854940B2 |
Broad spectrum preservation blends
A composition having effective broad spectrum preservation activity comprising a mixture of caprylyl glycol or one or more analogs thereof, or mixtures thereof with a preservative selected from the group consisting of: (1) chloroxylenol and 2-phenoxyethanol, (2) chloroxylenol and chlorphenesin, (3) chlorphenesin and 2-phenoxyethanol, and (4) chloroxylenol, chlorphenesin and 2-phenoxyethanol. |
| US07854939B2 |
Gel useful for the delivery of cosmetic active ingredients
A gel, for cosmetic use, composed of a mixture of a polymer which forms a gel, a surfactant, and propionyl L-carnitine glycinate hydrochloride, useful for treating disturbances of the skin such as cellulite and wrinkles is described. |
| US07854932B2 |
Immunogenic compositions comprising progastrin and uses thereof
The present invention is drawn to immunotherapeutic methods to treat tumors/cancers that produce progastrin ectopically or are dependent on progastrin for their growth. Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions comprising agents that target progastrin, agents that target the progastrin receptor, annexin II, or both. Such a composition may be administered in combination with chemotherapy or to an individual who had been previously subjected to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The cancers that may be treated using such a composition may include but are not limited to colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer. |
| US07854925B2 |
Use of solubilized, anionic polyurethanes in skin care compositions
This patent pertains to the use of anionic polyurethanes in a solubilized state which contribute to enhanced aesthetics to skin care compositions. The polyurethanes may be used alone or in combination with another polymer, particularly acrylate and methacrylate polymers. |
| US07854913B2 |
Mesoporous carbon, method of preparing the same, and fuel cell using the carbon
A mesoporous carbon is prepared by mixing a carbon precursor, an acid, and a solvent to obtain a carbon precursor mixture; impregnating an ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) with the carbon precursor mixture; carbonizing the impregnated OMS at 800 to 1300° C. by irradiating microwave energy with a power of 100 to 2000 W thereon to form an OMS-carbon composite; and removing the mesoporous silica from the OMS-carbon composite. The method of preparing a mesoporous carbon can significantly reduce a carbonization time by carbonizing a carbon precursor using microwave energy in a silica template compared to a conventional method using a heat treatment. A supported catalyst and a fuel cell include the mesoporous carbon. |
| US07854911B2 |
Method of removing sulfur dioxide from a flue gas stream
A method of removing SOx from a flue gas stream including SOx includes providing a source of trona and injecting the trona as a dry sorbent into the flue gas stream. The temperature of the flue gas is at an elevated temperature greater than 400° F., preferably between about 600° F. and about 900° F. The trona is maintained in contact with the flue gas for a time sufficient to react a portion of the trona with a portion of the SOx to reduce the concentration of the SO2 and/or SO3 in the flue gas stream. |
| US07854908B2 |
Method and apparatus for the recovery of molybdenum from spent catalysts
This invention relates to an apparatus and process that utilizes high-temperature oxidation and sublimation techniques for the recovery of molybdenum from spent catalysts or other feedstocks that contain molybdenum. A preferred embodiment uses a counter-rotating vortex reactor and a cyclonic entrained-flow reactor to rapidly heat and oxidize the spent catalyst feedstock, such as carbon, sulfur, and molybdenum compounds, at temperatures in the range of about 2100° F. to 2900° F., resulting in a gas-solid stream containing molybdenum trioxide vapor. A high-temperature cyclone separator is utilized to separate the residue from this stream before this stream is rapidly quenched to a temperature sufficient to effect the condensation of solid molybdenum trioxide without condensing arsenic or phosphoric oxides. The condensed molybdenum trioxide material is separated from this stream by passing through a high-temperature filtration system. The remaining gaseous stream is then ducted to suitable unit operations for possible further material reclamation and entailed pollution control prior to its final discharge to the atmosphere. |
| US07854903B2 |
Reaction chamber system for processing samples
The invention relates to a reaction chamber system (10, 70) for processing samples, comprising a reaction chamber (12), a sample carrier (26) arranged at least in the reaction chamber (12). When in operation, said sample carrier can be displaced in relation to the reaction chamber (12) by means of a drive device (30) which is coupled to the sample carrier (26). The reaction chamber system also comprises heating means (50) for warming the samples. The invention is characterized in that the heating means (50, 54) are arranged on the sample carrier (26) and can be displaced with the sample carrier (26) when in operation. |
| US07854902B2 |
Modular and reconfigurable multi-stage high temperature microreactor cartridge apparatus and system for using same
A microfluidic reactor cartridge having glass capillary tubing wound in a coil and surrounded by a ceramic housing capable use in high temperatures and method for using same. In another embodiment, the microfluidic cartridge is a serpentine reactor cartridge with a serpentine microreactor channel formed in a ceramic housing. The serpentine reactor cartridge has an inlet tube attached to its inlet port and an outlet tube attached to its outlet port. The inlet port is a macro/micro interface and the outlet port is a micro/macro interface useful in gas phase reactions where solids must be used to produce a reactant. The method for using a microfluidic reactor cartridge includes two phases, the first phase for producing a radioactive labeled gas such as methyl iodide and the second phase is a methylation reaction. |
| US07854896B2 |
Closed system storage plates
The present invention is a closed system storage plate that includes a specimen collection plate having a plurality of wells for storing specimens and a cover that is sealably secured to the specimen collection plate. The cover has a thermoplastic elastomer membrane that provides pierceable access by a probe to each well interior and self-seals upon removal of the probe. |
| US07854895B2 |
Fluid sample collection system and method
A fluid sample collection system includes a vial, a plunger and a fluid sample collection device having an absorbent for absorbing and retaining a fluid sample therein. The plunger includes an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion detachably connected to the handle portion. The plunger also includes a splash guard supported on the handle portion. During the sample collection process, the saturated absorbent from the sample collection device is placed into the vial and the plunger is then advanced toward a closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent. The plunger head portion is retained within the vial with the absorbent in a generally compressed state and the handle portion is detached and removed from the vial. |
| US07854891B2 |
Method of specimen analysis and specimen analyzer
A novel method of specimen analysis in which prior to specimen analysis, any interfering substance can be measured. There is provided a method of specimen analysis, comprising the steps of irradiating a specimen with light to thereby obtain an optical information on the specimen from the specimen; mixing the specimen with a reagent to thereby obtain an analytical sample; and irradiating the analytical sample with light to thereby obtain an optical information on the sample from the analytical sample and processing the optical information on the sample to thereby accomplish analysis of the analytical sample. In the step of the analysis of the analytical sample, analytical conditions commensurate with the analytical sample are set on the basis of the optical information on the specimen. |
| US07854882B2 |
Moldable and low-temperature cure high-temperature composites
A method for preparing a high-temperature heat-resistant composite material by combining a mixture of submicron alumina powder and submicron silica powder, wherein the ratio of alumina to silica is from about 4:1 to about 5:1, submicron Group II metal oxide powder, and a Group I metal silicate solution to form a slurry, wherein the weight of the Group II metal oxide powder is an amount corresponding to about 5% to about 10% of the weight of the silicate solution; contacting reinforcing high-temperature resistant fibers with the slurry to form a composite precursor composition; and curing the composition at a temperature sufficient to produce the high-temperature heat-resistant composite material capable of resisting temperatures up to about 1400° C. Composite materials prepared according to the method and articles incorporating the material are also presented. |
| US07854878B2 |
Method for forming and aligning chemically mediated dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in a polymer
A method including providing Au-doped Co nanoparticles. The nanoparticles include a combination of non-ferromagnetic nanoparticles and weakly ferromagnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles each have an exterior surface. The surfaces of the nanoparticles are functionalized with 7-(5-uracil-ylcarbamoyl)heptanoic acid. A polymer is provided having a general formula including a uracil group. A dispersion is formed by agitating a solution of the nanoparticles. The solution is spin cast into a film. The film is heated under vacuum at a first temperature, TFM, resulting in inducing ferromagnetism in the non-ferromagnetic nanoparticles and converting the non-ferromagnetic nanoparticles to ferromagnetic nanoparticles, and resulting in enhancing ferromagnetism in the weakly ferromagnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are aligned such that magnetic easy axes of the nanoparticles are oriented by applying a magnetic field to the dispersion while at a second temperature less than TFM. The axes align in a plane parallel to a plane of the film. |
| US07854873B2 |
Imprint stamp comprising cyclic olefin copolymer
A method is provided for transferring a pattern from a template (1) to an object (12) in an imprint process, using a two-step process. The first step includes contacting a pattern of the template surface with a polymer material comprising one or more Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COCs), to produce a flexible polymer replica having a structured surface with an inverse of the pattern of the template surface. In a second step, after releasing the flexible polymer replica from the template, the inverse pattern of the flexible polymer replica is pressed into a resist layer on a substrate, to imprint a replica of the pattern of the template surface in therein. |
| US07854870B2 |
Method and apparatus for the production of high tenacity polyolefin sheet
A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calendar rolls initially set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced: and c) once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip lowering the temperature in the nip to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and increasing the gap to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle. Apparatus for the performance of such a process is also described. |
| US07854862B2 |
Multifunctional materials consisting of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s covalently attached on carbon nanotubes for photovoltaic applications
Facile ways towards the integration of the regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s onto carbon nanotubes, providing multifunctional materials that combine the extraordinary properties of the carbon nanotubes with those of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s, are presented. |
| US07854861B2 |
Well formation
Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet deposition processes or others. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells formed in a cathode structure. The inks include carbon nanotubes, binding materials, and possibly other nanoparticles. Such binding materials may include epoxies and silicate materials. |
| US07854853B2 |
Nano fabrication method for glass
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a nano fabrication method for a glass, the method including forming a molecule substituting layer on a glass substrate, patterning the molecule substituting layer correspondent to shapes to be patterned on the glass substrate, substituting crystal atoms of the glass substrate with atoms of the molecule substituting layer, removing the patterned molecule substituting layer from the glass substrate, and etching the molecule substituted portion of the glass substrate. |
| US07854848B2 |
Portable water treatment apparatus and methods
Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods that can be used to receive a volume of potable water from a source and to treat the volume of water so as to improve the perceived or actual aesthetic quality of the water, and to thereafter contain the treated water such that it can be used or consumed. In general, the apparatus comprises a container capable of receiving a volume of water, and a capture element within the container that is capable of removing at least a portion of such substances in the water as may be perceived as impacting water quality. The capture element comprises sorbent media that is capable of removing at least some portion of such undesirable substances, and that may comprise, for example, activated carbon and the like. |
| US07854847B2 |
Process of purifying wood pulp with caustic-borate solution and recovering the purifying chemical
Systems and methods for purifying wood pulp by caustic-borate extraction. The systems and method include a method for recovering both the caustic and borate compounds from the resultant hemicaustic effluent, so that they may be recycled and re-used. Efficient recovery of these components is enabled by a nanofiltration system that has one or more alkali-resistant nanofiltration membranes. |
| US07854843B2 |
Wastewater treatment method
A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater. |
| US07854841B2 |
Combined anaerobic process apparatus for treating organic wastes
The present invention relates to a combined anaerobic process apparatus for treating organic wastes, comprising: a first solid-liquid separator to separate organic wastes into liquid wastes and solid wastes; an acid-forming tank to decompose the liquid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator using acid-forming microorganisms; a USAB reactor to decompose the liquid wastes discharged from the acid-forming tank using anaerobic microorganisms; a crushing tank to crush the solid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator finely; a mixing tank to mix solid wastes crushed through the crushing tank with microorganisms; and a dry-anaerobic tank to dry solid wastes mixed with microorganisms through the mixing tank, in an anaerobic manner. |
| US07854840B2 |
Method for decomposing biogenic material
The invention relates to a method for decomposing biogenic material, wherein a percolator is charged with biogenic material, a percolation liquid is separated by sieving and re-sprayed again onto the biogenic material, excess percolation liquid is pumped into a buffer from where it is transported into a biogas reactor and fermented to form biogas. The method is characterized in that the purified percolation liquid is transferred as waste water to a storage buffer container from where it can be retransferred to the percolator. |
| US07854839B2 |
Fuel filter assembly with flow restriction valve
A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that an appropriate filter cartridge is installed. A flow control valve is provided on a standpipe to control the flow of fuel into the standpipe. The valve has a component that has a first position at which any flow through the flow passage past the valve is insufficient to permit engine operation, and a second position at which a greater amount of flow through the flow passage is permitted by the valve in an amount sufficient to permit engine operation, and the component rotates about the longitudinal axis when it moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. |
| US07854833B2 |
Systems and methods of producing a crude product
The present invention is directed to a method for producing a crude product from a crude feed. A crude feed is contacted with a hydrogen source and a catalyst comprising a transition metal sulfide under conditions controlled such that the crude product has a residue content of at most the 30% of the residue content of the crude feed. |
| US07854832B2 |
Signal processing device and control unit
An input terminal is electrically connected to a contact point. An anti-corrosion current supplying section is operable to supply an anti-corrosion current to the contact point through the input terminal so as to remove corrosion in the contact point. A series resistor is electrically interposed between the input terminal of the signal processing circuit and the contact point. The anti-corrosion current is supplied to the contact point through the series resistor. |
| US07854831B2 |
Method for the manufacture of sanitary fittings with a stainless steel finish
In order to provide sanitary fittings, in particular, water supply fittings and sanitary shut-off devices, in general, which visually and haptically are very similar to or scarcely distinguishable (stainless steel finish) from the stainless steel surface of stainless steel sinks, using starting materials which can be processed more cost-effectively, it is proposed that a fitting or fitting parts be manufactured from brass; the fittings or fitting parts be ground and polished; the visible surface of the fittings or fitting parts be nickel-plated; the nickel-plated surface of the fittings or fitting parts be ground and/or brushed; and the ground and/or brushed nickel-plated surface of the fittings or fitting parts be chromium-plated. |
| US07854828B2 |
Method and apparatus for electroplating including remotely positioned second cathode
An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal on the surface of a wafer includes a second cathode located remotely with respect to the wafer. The remotely positioned second cathode allows modulation of current density at the wafer surface during an entire electroplating process. The second cathode diverts a portion of current flow from the near-edge region of the wafer and improves the uniformity of plated layers. The remote position of second cathode allows the insulating shields disposed in the plating bath to shape the current profile experienced by the wafer, and therefore act as a “virtual second cathode”. The second cathode may be positioned outside of the plating vessel and separated from it by a membrane. |
| US07854801B2 |
Uses of high mullite index calcined kaolin
Disclosed are methods of making calcined kaolin having a high mullite content involving heating to certain temperatures. Also disclosed are systems for making the calcined kaolin having a high mullite content and polymer composites containing the calcined kaolin having a high mullite content. The present calcined kaolin having a high mullite content is particularly useful in making polymer composites. The polymer composites may be used in electrical cable. |
| US07854786B2 |
Reduction process and plant
Reduction process and relative plant for the production of metallic iron by means of the direct reduction of iron ore, in which a reduction shaft is connected to a source of reducing gas obtained from the gasification of coal. The process advantageously comprises a step in which a portion or all of the synthesis gas entering the plant circuit is processed to separate the methane from the rest of the components of said synthesis gas. The advantageous management of the extracted methane enables the entire reduction process to be optimized, making the efficiency of the process independent of the methane content in the original synthesis gas and making it possible to control the carbon content of the product more accurately and more easily. |
| US07854780B2 |
Velocity-stack air-filter assembly
An air-filter assembly is adapted to be used with a velocity stack of a carburetor of an internal-combustion engine of an automobile. The air-filter assembly includes a generally hollow air-filter member defining an open face, a closed face, and a side connected to and extending between the open and closed faces of the air-filter member. The closed face and side define an air-inlet end, an air-discharge end disposed opposite the air-inlet end, and an air filter arranged between the air-inlet and air-discharge ends. The air-inlet end is adapted to permit air to flow therethrough from exterior the air-filter assembly. The air filter is adapted to remove impurities entrained in the airflow and permit the filtered air to flow therethrough. The air-discharge end is adapted to permit the filtered air to flow therethrough into the velocity stack. A retaining ring member is mounted about the open face and at least a portion of the side of the air-filter member and adapted to be manually mounted about a lip of an outer open end of the velocity stack to lock the air-filter assembly to the velocity stack. |
| US07854778B2 |
Intake duct
An intake duct for a compressor comprises an inlet and an outlet means. The duct has a serpentine path. The outlet means comprises a first outlet and a second outlet. The duct further comprises at least one grille member configured to prevent the passage of objects over a predetermined size which is positioned in the duct out of the line of sight when viewed through the inlet. The duct is shaped such that in operation objects passing through the at least one grille member greater than a predetermined mass are directed towards the first outlet and the remainder of the objects are directed towards the second outlet. The first outlet leads overboard and/or to a trap and the second outlet leads to a compressor. |
| US07854774B2 |
Fuel components, fuel compositions and methods of making and using same
A fuel composition comprises at least a C5 isoprenoid compound or its derivative and a conventional fuel additive. The C5 isoprenoid compound or its derivative can be used as a fuel component or as a fuel additive in the fuel composition. The fuel composition may further comprise a conventional fuel component selected from a diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene or gasoline. Methods of making and using the fuel composition are also disclosed. |
| US07854772B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor and manufacturing method therefor
A solid electrolytic capacitor of the present invention includes a capacitor element having an anode member, a dielectric member, and a cathode member; an anode terminal attached to the anode member; a cathode terminal attached to the cathode member; and a housing for covering an outer periphery of the capacitor element, the anode terminal and the cathode terminal being each at least partly exposed from an undersurface of the solid electrolytic capacitor, the anode terminal having a projection formed by rolling using a roll having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and being connected to the anode member at the projection. |
| US07854764B2 |
Accommodating lens assembly
An intraocular lens system for implantation in the human eye, haptic system and method include an intraocular lens formed of a transparent biocompatible material for replacing the natural lens of the eye. The lens includes an outer periphery and an optical axis. There is a haptic system for securely anchoring the intraocular lens in the posterior chamber of the eye. The haptic system includes at least two haptic portions formed of a rigid biocompatible material that are connected to and extend outwardly from the outer periphery the lens in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens for holding the lens in the eye. Each haptic portion has an outer edge that is sized and shaped to extend from the lens to the scleral wall of the posterior chamber of the eye. The outer edge of each haptic portion has an anchor that includes teeth that are configured with pointed ends that can be forcibly moved into the scleral wall between the ciliary body and iris for anchoring the lens in place in the eye. |
| US07854758B2 |
Exclusion of ascending/descending aorta and/or aortic arch aneurysm
A system and method for exclusion of an aneurysm of an aortic arch region using a graft delivery system capable of maneuvering around an aortic arch, an aortic arch graft, and an occluder system for isolating an aneurysm while occluding one or more corresponding arteries, and with bypass of those arteries being performed using one or more selected bypass grafts. The graft may be branched or branchless. The graft delivery system has a flexible sheath that is manipulated manually with the aid of a guidance system. A hoist delivery system may also be provided. The occluder system may comprise independent occluders with one or more anchor members adjacent to one end. Alternatively, the occluders can be provided as part of the aortic arch graft, either as a built-in singular self-deploying occluder or as built-in multiple occluders. A kit is also provided containing a graft, stents, occluders, and optional delivery system. |
| US07854757B2 |
Biodegradable intralumenal device
A biodegradable intralumenal device that is capable of drug delivery. The device has circular hoops connected by one or more flexible links defining a substantially cylindrical configuration capable of having a closed configuration and an open configuration. Each hoop mateably connects with or interlocks with an adjacent hoop in the open configuration in order to retain this configuration subsequent to delivery of the device. |
| US07854756B2 |
Medical devices
Medical devices including one or more ceramic fibers are disclosed. In some embodiments, each dimension of the ceramic fiber(s) is equal to or greater than one micron. |
| US07854754B2 |
Cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells
A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a support having a first portion and a second portion. A first cooling element having a first heat exchanging surface is located at the first portion of the support. A second cooling element having a second heat exchanging surface is located at the second portion of the support. At least one of the first and second cooling elements is movable along the support and is configured to rotate for adjusting an angle between the first and second heat exchanging surfaces. |
| US07854750B2 |
Apparatus and method for securing a suture
The present invention provides a method of securing a suture. The method includes providing a retainer having first and second sections. The first section has a central post, and the second section has a central bore dimensioned to receive the central post. The method also includes moving a suture through a passage in the first section, wrapping the suture around the central post, and moving the suture through a channel of the second section. The method further includes interconnecting the first and second sections with the central post positioned in the central bore and with the suture disposed between the first and second sections. Moreover, the method includes bonding the first and second sections together to secure the suture relative to the retainer. |
| US07854742B2 |
System and method for making incisions for scleral eye implants
A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. |
| US07854739B2 |
Clip apparatus for ligaturing living tissue
A clip apparatus for ligaturing a living tissue includes a clip unit provided removably at a distal end of an insertion part inserted into a forceps channel of an endoscope, and an operating part for the unit, extending in an passage of the insertion part. The unit has a clip holder in an opening of the passage and a passage for elastically opening/closing of a clip, an engaging portion to be opened elastically around the passage when the holder projects from the passage, and longitudinally engaged with the distal end of the insertion part, and a structure preventing excessive opening of the engaging portion when a member connected to the clip and the operating part and moving in the passage is broken at a breakable portion by a pulling force from the operating part. |
| US07854733B2 |
Phased-array for tissue treatment
Apparatus is provided for ablating tissue of a patient by applying ultrasound energy to the tissue. The apparatus is typically delivered to the targeted tissue via a catheter and includes an ultrasound array, which is adapted to be driven as a phased array to concentrate the ultrasound energy on the targeted tissue while avoiding surrounding tissue. |
| US07854730B2 |
Catheter for uniform delivery of medication
A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is compromised of an elongated, proximal tube defining a lumen and an elongated, distal tube having a closed end. The distal tube is constructed from a bio-absorbable material and also defines a lumen, which communicates with the lumen of the proximal tube. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the distal tube defines a porous side wall that permits fluid within the lumen to pass through the portion of the distal tube. In another embodiment, the proximal tube and the distal tube overlap one another and are secured to one another at the overlapping surfaces. |