最新美国发明专利
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US07859736B2 Method for manufacturing electro-optic device and electro-optic device
A method for manufacturing an electro-optic device including: a display surface; a plurality of pixels including at least a first pixel for forming a first image and a second pixel for forming a second image and emitting light toward the display surface; a filter that allows, of the light, light emitted from the first pixel to a first range through the display surface to pass through, and light emitted from the second pixel to a second range through the display surface to pass through; and a substrate between the plurality of pixels and the filter. The method includes: providing the filter on the substrate, with the distance between the substrate and the filter kept at a distance set according to the thickness of the substrate.
US07859735B2 Systems and methods for minimizing scattered light in multi-SLM maskless lithography
A lithography method is provided. The method includes generating a beam of radiation, patterning portions of the beam of radiation, projecting the patterned beam of radiation towards a substrate, and blocking scattered light from the beam of radiation from the substrate.
US07859734B2 Light scanning device and image forming apparatus
A light scanning device includes: a light source which emits a light beam; an oscillating mirror which oscillates rotationally to reflect the light beam; an optical system which is configured to convert the light beam reflected by the oscillating mirror to be scanned over a scanning line on a target at a constant speed when an oscillation amplitude of the light beam by the oscillating mirror is a reference value; a detection unit which detects the light beam at least one position; a modulation controller which controls modulation of the light beam based on external data; and a timing correction unit which corrects a modulation timing based on two consecutive detection times of the light beam detected by the detection unit and detection times of the light beam detected by the detection unit when the oscillation amplitude is the reference value.
US07859731B2 Illumination apparatus for display device using hologram-based light guide plate (LGP)
An illumination apparatus and method for a display device designed such that light is incident on a hologram or hologram pattern at an angle for which diffraction efficiency is the highest. The illumination apparatus includes at least one point light source which emits light and a light guide plate (LGP) which has the at least one point light source disposed on a side thereof and a hologram pattern on a top surface which permits the light incident from the point light source to exit from the top surface. The side of the LGP facing the point light source is inclined such that the light is incident obliquely on the hologram pattern at an altitude angle which provides high diffraction efficiency.
US07859726B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes: a transporting unit that transports an irradiated member having a light transmissive portion including irregularities; a light source that emits light, which irradiates the irradiated member, and the light source is placed on a one side with respect to the irradiated member and inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the irradiated member; a lens that is placed on an another side with respect to the irradiated member and converges scattered light that is scattered by the irregularities; and a sensor that receives the scattered light converged by the lens.
US07859721B2 Smoothly changing gray levels in color transforms
Systems and methods, including computer software products, for processing gray colors in a conversion between color spaces involve identifying a non-pure gray color value in a color space that represents a substantially gray color. The methods further include converting the non-pure gray color value to a corresponding pure gray color value in the color space. The methods also include determining a first difference vector between the non-pure gray color value and the corresponding pure gray color value. The methods further include determining a distance between the corresponding pure gray color value and a selected color value. The corresponding pure gray color value represents a nearest pure gray color value to the selected color value. The methods also includes determining a correction factor based on the first difference vector and the distance and applying the correction factor to the selected color value to produce a corrected color value.
US07859702B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus is provided capable of preventing that an operator collects a print result object of which the print job he or she has not sent, and that a user's own print result object is taken by others away from the record medium holding section. The image forming apparatus is used for forming an image onto a record medium which has an identification information section to provide identification information, and includes a print job management information storing section for storing print management information sent from a information processing apparatus per print job to correspond to the identification information; a record medium holding section for keeping print result objects. In the apparatus, the identification information read out from a print result object and print job management information of a print job, are collated.
US07859681B2 Pressure transmitter for detection of a variable relative to a process fluid
A pressure transmitter for detection of a physical variable relative to a process fluid, comprising: a first and a second pressure-sensitive membrane suitable for interfacing with said process fluid; a pressure sensor having a supporting body provided with a cavity inside which a third pressure-sensitive membrane is positioned; an analysis and conditioning unit operationally coupled to at least one light source; a first and a second optical fiber having a first end operationally coupled to said power source; said first and second optical fibers transmitting the light signals emitted by said source to said third membrane and the signals reflected by the third membrane to said analysis and conditioning unit which generates signals indicating said physical variable.
US07859663B2 Polychrometer and method for correcting stray lights of the same
In a polychrometer and a method for correcting stray light of the polychrometer, relative spectral (inter-pixel) distribution of stray light independent of a spectral distribution of an incident light is obtained, intensity coefficient of the stray light is calculated according to spectral (inter-pixel) distribution of the incident light, spectral (inter-pixel) distribution of the stray light included in a spectral (inter-pixel) distribution of an incident light is estimated and corrected. Thus, the stray light can be more accurately corrected as compared with a conventional case where stray light distribution is directly estimated from an incident light.
US07859662B2 On-vehicle fuel property detection device
The detection device provides with an optical fiber composed of a core, a clad and a fiber jacket. A grating is applied to the core, and the fiber jacket located at the portion to which the grating is applied is removed so that the clad is in contact with a fuel fed to an injector of a vehicle. The detection device also provides with a light source for incidence of a light in a range of clad mode wavelength to the optical fiber, and a light-sensitive part for detecting an intensity of the light transmitting through the region to which the grating is applied. The optical fiber, light source and light-sensitive part are held in a conduit disposed in a fuel tank or between a fuel pump and the injector of the vehicle.
US07859659B2 Spectroscopic scatterometer system
Before the diffraction from a diffracting structure on a semiconductor wafer is measured, where necessary, the film thickness and index of refraction of the films underneath the structure are first measured using spectroscopic reflectometry or spectroscopic ellipsometry. A rigorous model is then used to calculate intensity or ellipsometric signatures of the diffracting structure. The diffracting structure is then measured using a spectroscopic scatterometer using polarized and broadband radiation to obtain an intensity or ellipsometric signature of the diffracting structure. Such signature is then matched with the signatures in the database to determine the grating shape parameters of the structure.
US07859657B2 Methods of making and using an apparatus and devices for placing light and sample in photo-emitting or absorbing devices
The present invention relates to apparatus and devices (11) for placing light with samples for analysis and method of making and using such apparatus and device.
US07859651B2 Optical range finder
The invention relates to an optical range finder comprising a light transmitter for the transmission of measurement light into a monitored space, a light receiver for the reception of measurement light reflected or remitted by an object in the monitored space, and an evaluation circuit to determine the time of flight of the measurement light from the output signal and to determine the distance of the object therefrom. In accordance with the invention, a PIN diode circuit is provided between the light receiver and the evaluation circuit and is electrically connected to them, with the PIN diode circuit damping the current output signal of the light receiver. The invention furthermore relates to an optical range finding method which can be carried out with the optical range finder in accordance with the invention.
US07859649B2 Laser range sensor system optics adapter and method
An adapter and method for through the lens (TTL) laser range sensor probes enables use of a TTL probe of a given exit pupil size to be used with a shared objective lens requiring a entrance pupil size, as entered from the laser range sensor, that is different from the TTL probe exit pupil size. Embodiments of the adapter include optics, such as a first lens and a resolving second lens that expand or contract the TTL laser radiation depending on whether the first lens is a diverging, a negative focal length lens, or a converging, positive focal length lens, and the second lens is converging or diverging, respectively, in a Galilean arrangement. Embodiments also provide a Keplerian arrangement, can function with non-collimated radiation, and can include mirrors to yield a more compact adapter. Additional embodiments include at least one adjustable lens element between the first and second lenses, the at least one adjustable lens element being connected to an actuator for movement along the optical path. The adapter can be arranged in a folded configuration in which mirrors are used to form a more compact adapter.
US07859645B2 Masks and methods of manufacture thereof
Lithography masks and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a method of generating an assist feature of a lithography mask. The method includes providing a layout for a material layer of a semiconductor device, the layout including a pattern for at least one feature of the semiconductor device. The method includes forming an assist feature in the pattern for the at least one feature, wherein the assist feature extends completely through the pattern for the at least one feature.
US07859623B2 Liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof
A liquid crystal display device comprises a color filter substrate that includes a color filter array and a first substrate. The color filter array is disposed on the first substrate. The liquid crystal display device comprises a thin film transistor substrate that includes a thin film transistor array and a second substrate. The thin film transistor array is disposed on the second substrate. The second substrate is bonded with the first substrate with liquid crystal cells therebetween. The color filter substrate further includes an optical compensation layer that is formed of a reactive mesogen in the color filter array.
US07859622B2 Retardation layer and liquid crystal display apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a retardation layer capable of effectively restraining the display quality deterioration without generating a bright and dark pattern in the display image even when a retardation layer is disposed in between a liquid crystal cell and a polarizing plate.The retardation layer comprises a plurality of minute units (domains) having molecular structure of cholesteric structure. Moreover, in the retardation layer, the helical pitch of the molecular structure is adjusted such that the selective reflected wavelength of the selected reflected light deriving from the molecular structure is shorter than the wavelength of the incident light on the retardation layer.
US07859616B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The array substrate includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of switching devices, a data line, a gate line and a light blocking pattern. The light blocking pattern is disposed on the transparent substrate. The light blocking pattern overlaps with at least a portion of the pixel electrodes neighboring each other and at least a portion of the data line. The light blocking pattern is disposed between the data line and the transparent substrate.
US07859612B2 Light concentrating sheet, backlight unit including the light concentrating sheet and liquid crystal display module including the backlight unit
A light concentrating sheet for a liquid crystal display module includes a first base film having flat inner and outer surfaces; a first light concentrating film on the first base film and having a first thermal expansion coefficient; a second light concentrating film on the first light concentrating film and having a second thermal expansion coefficient; and a second base film on the second light concentrating film and having flat inner and outer surfaces.
US07859610B2 Planar lighting and LCD device with a laser light source emitting a linearly-polarized laser beam, optical member to parallelize the beam and a plate-shaped light guide for emitting part of the beam
The present invention provides a planar lighting device (1) including: a laser light source (12) which emits a linearly-polarized laser beam; an optical member (13) which receives the laser beam, then parallelize the laser beam, and emits the parallelized laser beam; and a first plate-shaped light guide (20) which receives the parallelized laser beam from an end face portion (20d) and emits the parallelized laser beam from a first major surface (20b). The first light guide includes an optical element (20a) which receives the linearly-polarized parallelized laser beam propagated through the first light guide and emits at least a part of the linearly-polarized parallelized laser beam in a direction substantially vertical to the first major surface. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display device (3) using the planar lighting device (1) as a backlight lighting device.
US07859608B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus comprising a first frame made of resin, a second frame made of metal, and a backboard member made of metal
On both sides of a resin-made frame, a metallic edge frame member that surrounds a liquid crystal panel and a metallic backboard member equipped with a circuit board are disposed, and these are screw-fitted to the frame. Screw-fitting points are provided as four points in corner portions, and by screws of these respective screw-fitting points, earth circuits that make the edge frame member electrically conductive to the backboard member are formed.
US07859605B2 Thin film transistor substrate and fabricating method thereof, liquid crystal display panel using the same and fabricating method thereof
A thin film transistor substrate and a fabricating method thereof; and a liquid crystal display panel employing the same and a fabricating method thereof for simplifying a process are disclosed. A thin film transistor substrate, including: a gate line on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line having a gate insulating film therebetween to define a pixel area; a pixel hole in the pixel area; a pixel electrode made of a transparent conductive film on the gate insulating film in the pixel hole in the pixel area; and a thin film transistor including a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and a semiconductor layer defining a channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode, wherein the semiconductor layer overlaps with a source/drain metal pattern including the data line, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; wherein the drain electrode protrudes from the semiconductor layer toward an upper portion of the pixel electrode, and the drain electrode connects to the pixel electrode; and wherein the semiconductor layer is removed from where it overlaps the transparent conductive film.
US07859583B2 Solid-state image capture device, analog/digital conversion method for solid state image capture device, and image capture device
A solid state image capture device includes a pixel array unit having unit pixels including a photoelectric conversion element disposed in a matrix shape and analog/digital conversion means for converting an analog pixel signal read from the unit pixel of the pixel array unit into digital data. The analog/digital conversion means includes a comparator unit for converting a magnitude of the pixel signal into information in a time axis direction, a counter unit for performing a count process during a time period from a start time of a comparison process at the comparator unit to an end time of the comparison process, a multi-phase clock generate unit for generating multi-phase clocks having a constant phase difference, a latch unit for latching logic states of the multi-phase clocks, and a decode unit for decoding latch data of the latch unit to obtain a value lower than a count value.
US07859581B2 Image sensor with charge binning and dual channel readout
An image sensor includes: (a) a plurality of light measuring elements arranged in an array and at least a portion of the elements have a color filter mated with the light receiving elements which permits selective color reception by the light measuring elements; (b) a plurality of floating diffusions respectively mated with the plurality of light receiving elements; and c) an output structure electrically connected to two or more of the floating diffusions; wherein the at least two light receiving elements receiving the same color are transferred to the output structure substantially simultaneously.
US07859576B2 Image pickup apparatus, control method therefor, and control program for implementing the control method
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of interrupting a data searching process quickly without detecting a user pressing a search interruption button. A system controller circuit carries out a searching process for searching least one desired data from a plurality of data stored in a nonvolatile memory or a memory card. When a change-of-status of the image pickup apparatus is detected, for example, when a shutter button has been pressed halfway, the system controller circuit interrupts the searching process and executes an interruption process.
US07859556B2 Thermal head and thermal printer using the same
A thermal head has a heat storage layer provided on an insulating substrate and a heat generating resistance layer provided on the heat storage layer. An individual electrode and a common electrode are formed on the heat generating resistance layer, and a protective film layer covers the electrodes and the heat generating resistance layer. A resin covering layer is formed on the surface of the protective film layer by applying and drying fluorine-based resin particles dissolved in a solvent on the surface.
US07859554B2 Apparatus, methods, and systems for multi-primary display or projection
An apparatus, methods, and systems for multi-color projection or display for video or lighting applications. One aspect of the present invention comprises an algorithm for utilizing at least four primary light sources to represent a projected pixel color. The algorithm and associated system can be applied to both a natively monochromatic light source or traditional light sources filtered for their colored components. The algorithm can be used for either color sequential or parallel modes of operation. The algorithm takes input pixel data represented in a universal color coordinate system, performs a color transform, and disperses the results among parallel display devices or sequentially to a single device such that each pixel is presented by the combination of four or more primaries.
US07859553B2 Image navigation in a mobile station
An image navigation apparatus in a mobile station comprises a tilt sensor unit adapted to sense a tilt of the mobile station based on information related to a distance between a reference point and a target point on a displayed image. The image navigation apparatus also comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to the tilt sensor, adapted to move the displayed image according to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensor. The image navigation apparatus may further comprise a display unit operatively coupled to the processing unit, adapted to show movement of the displayed image according to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensor. The tilt of the mobile station may comprise at least one of a tilt degree and a tilt direction.
US07859551B2 Object customization and presentation system
A method for generating a personalized presentation, comprising providing an Internet browser user interface for selecting an image and a surrounding context; receiving the selected image and surrounding context by an Internet web server; accounting for the user activity in a financial accounting system; and delivering the selected image and surrounding context to the user. The surrounding context may comprise a physical frame for a picture, with a printed version of the selected image framed therein. The accounting step may provide consideration to a rights holder of the selected image, or provide for receipt of consideration from a commercial advertiser. A plurality of images may be selected, wherein the context defines a sequence of display of the plurality of images.
US07859547B2 Display parameter adjusting method and apparatus for scene change compensation
A method and an apparatus for adjusting a display parameter are provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) calculating a scene change value between a current frame and a previous frame; (b) setting a first weight according to the scene change value; (c) calculating an original parameter of the current frame; (d) providing a display parameter of the previous frame; (e) calculating a display parameter of the current frame according to the first weight, the original parameter, and the display parameter of the previous frame.
US07859545B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Conventionally, a user interface used to change the color of a digital image has a configuration in which three elements, i.e., hue, chroma, and brightness are independent from each other, and the relationship among the three elements are difficult to be recognized, resulting in poor usability. This invention provides a user interface which movably displays a color object that represents an original color on a chromaticity diagram that expresses an arbitrary color system. The user can designate a destination color by moving the color object on the chromaticity diagram. For this reason, the user can easily select and designate a practical color.
US07859536B2 Generalization of features in a digital map
Generalization of features in a digital map is enabled by performing a simplification of polylines. A set of chords between points on a polyline is selected such that each chord does not violate specified rules such as maximum distance from the original polyline. If a chord is acceptable, a node representing the chord is created, described by the start and end points of the chord. For pairs of nodes created, a transition from the first node to the second node is evaluated to determine whether it is acceptable. In one embodiment, a transition is acceptable if the absolute value of the angle formed by the chords is within a threshold angle from the angle formed by the original polyline at that point. If the transition is acceptable, a link between the two nodes is established. A least-cost path through the graph is chosen, and a simplified polyline is then generated.
US07859526B2 Active matrix emissive display and optical scanner system, methods and applications
An active matrix emissive display (ED) is disclosed that also includes optical scanning capability. Each display pixel is independently addressable and independently internally driven for light generation. Each display pixel is also given the ability to be coupled to detection circuitry in order to sense currents or voltages that are optically generated or leaked by its internal LED when exposed to light (and thus acting in a photodiode capacity). Since the intensity of the light illuminating the diode determines the magnitude of generated currents and/or voltages or leakage current through the diode (when reverse biased), these sensed currents or voltages give an indication of the intensity of the light striking the pixel. In this manner, active matrix ED pixels are configured to serve the dual purpose of being able to generate and detect light.
US07859524B2 Liquid crystal display and driving device thereof
The present invention discloses a data driver and a liquid crystal display including the same capable of solving the problems on the liquid crystal display and of decreasing the number of input pins of an external side by generating gamma reference voltages at internal or external side.According to the present invention, a digital gamma storage is provided with digital gamma data for each of R, G and B through predetermined data bus from an external device on the basis of a predetermined gamma load signal, and a gamma reference voltage generator generates gamma reference voltages for gray display, which are used in converting display data into analog data, for each of R, G and B independently, on the basis of the stored digital gamma data for each of R, G and B. A digital-to-analog converter converts image data for each of R, G and B into analog voltages to output them on the basis of the generated gamma reference voltages.As a result, it is possible to solve the problems on image quality of the liquid crystal display as well as to decrease the number of input pins of the external side by generating the gamma reference voltages for each of R, G and B without receiving them from an external device to control so that each of the R, G and B has an independent gamma curve.
US07859513B2 Image display device that can suppress a reduction in display density due to changes in the charge amount of charged particles
An image display device is provided. The image display device has: an image display medium where charged particle groups are sealed between a pair of substrates at least one of which has translucency and which are opposed to each other with a space therebetween, and display density is changed by transfer of the charged particle groups between the pair of substrates according to an electric field formed by a voltage applied between the substrates; a temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of the image display medium; a voltage applying unit that applies, between the substrates, a driving voltage according to the temperature of the image display medium measured by the temperature measuring unit, based on a predetermined voltage applying condition corresponding to the temperature of the image display medium, in order to display an image with predetermined display density on the image display medium.
US07859511B2 DC-DC converter with temperature compensation circuit
A DC-DC converter includes a temperature compensation circuit arranged between a feedback differential amplification circuit and an output voltage detection circuit to compensate the variation of the voltage level of the DC output voltage of the converter caused by ambient temperature changes. The temperature compensation circuit includes a temperature detection circuit that detects the ambient temperature and, in response thereto, generates a temperature signal; and a current source circuit that is connected between a feedback signal input terminal of the feedback differential amplification circuit and the output voltage detection circuit. The current source circuit, based on the temperature signal, generates an electrical current and a compensation voltage proportional to the electrical current. The compensation voltage is applied to the DC output voltage to thereby regulate the voltage level of the DC output voltage. The temperature signal is a temperature signal of positive temperature characteristics and/or a temperature signal of negative temperature characteristics.
US07859509B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device used in data line driver of plane type display apparatus
In a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a shift register includes a plurality of cascaded flip-flops adapted to generate shift pulse signals in response to a start signal. A logic circuit receives a pulse signal at its input end and supplies the pulse signal from its plurality of output ends to the flip-flops. The pulse signal at each of the plurality of output ends is allowed and prohibited by a corresponding one of the shift pulse signals.
US07859508B2 Liquid crystal driving circuit and liquid crystal display device including multiple shift registers and an enable switch to allow partial driving
A liquid crystal drive circuit in which the degradation of the element is minimized in partial drive even for the GOG circuit configured by amorphous silicon, and a liquid crystal display device including the same are provided. The liquid crystal driving circuit includes a first shift register and a driving means. The first shift register advances through the line address of a pixel array to display an image, and outputs an enable signal only to drive the display target line. The driving means outputs a line drive signal corresponding to the enable signal to drive the line enabled by the first shift register.
US07859506B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for displaying a landscape mode image
A mobile LCD device controls a common voltage signal VCOM to effectively display a landscape mode image instead of using a separate integrated chip (IC). The LCD device utilizes a method of displaying a landscape mode image including selecting a video frame from M video frames received from an external source where M is greater than or equal to 2. The selected video frame is stored in a video memory. The selected video frame is masked so as not to display the selected video frame while the selected video frame is stored. The stored video frame is displayed a predetermined number of times while the selected video frame is not stored thereby effectively displaying the landscape mode image.
US07859497B2 Apparatus and method for driving liquid crystal display device
An apparatus and method for driving an LCD device is provided. The apparatus for driving an LCD device comprises an image display unit that includes liquid crystal cells formed in each region defined by a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines. A data driver supplies analog video signals to the respective data lines. A gate driver supplies scan pulses to the respective gate lines. A data converter detects motion vectors from input data and generating modulated data by filtering the input data in accordance with the motion vectors to generate overshoot or undershoot in a boundary along a motion direction. A timing controller aligns the modulated data to supply the aligned data to the data driver and operates the data driver and the gate driver.
US07859493B2 Method and device for driving an active matrix display panel
An active matrix display panel comprises a substrate, array of pixel circuits being arranged in a matrix of at least one column and a plurality of rows on the substrate, each pixel circuit comprising a light-emitting element, capable of emitting light of an intensity determined by the value of a current passed through it, and at least one column line, each column line arranged to conduct a reference current, provided by a current driving circuit, when connected to the panel. The pixel circuits in a column are divided into a plurality of groups of at least one pixel circuit. The active matrix display panel comprises at least one current mirror circuit associated with a first group, comprising a first current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through a column line to a first current mirror output. Each pixel circuit in the first group comprises at least a first current-memory stage, having an output terminal connected to the light-emitting element, wherein the first current-memory stage is capable of drawing a current determined at least partly by the current mirrored to the first current mirror output through the output terminal. Each current mirror circuit comprises at least one additional current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through an associated column line to an additional current mirror output, wherein each additional current mirror output is connected in parallel to the first current mirror output.
US07859492B2 Assuring uniformity in the output of an OLED
A display area of a display panel is divided into a plurality of areas, and a current detector detects a driving current (i.e. CV current) that flows when light is emitted from an area or a block including a plurality of areas. Such current detection is repeated while sequentially changing the target area or block and a CPU detects an area that has a current value different from that of other areas (i.e. an area that requires correction) based on results of the results of current detection. A similar process is performed on smaller areas obtained by subdividing the area to find a smaller area that requires correction. Thus, a correction value is obtained for each pixel and the correction values are efficiently calculated.
US07859489B2 Current drive circuit for supplying driving current to display panel
A current driver circuit includes a DA conversion part for generating a display current whose magnitude corresponds to a value of a displayed data, a timing control part for generating a write controlling signal, and a plurality of electric current latching parts, each of which generates a driving current. Each of the electric current latching parts having a capacitor generates a display current whose magnitude corresponds to a magnitude of a voltage to which the capacitor is charged. Each of the elective current latching parts performs a reset operation that once discharges the capacitor in response to a reset signal generated by the timing control part. The current driver circuit can generate the driving current with high accuracy and improve the speed of response to the display device.
US07859486B2 Ambient light sensing circuit and flat panel display including ambient light sensing circuit
An ambient light sensing circuit includes a transistor, a first storage capacitor coupled to the transistor and adapted to compensate for a threshold voltage of the transistor, a second storage capacitor coupled to the first storage capacitor, a photodiode coupled to the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor and adapted to change a coupling voltage of the first and second storage capacitors based on ambient light incident thereon, a first switch adapted to selectively apply the first power supply voltage to the output load coupled to the transistor, and a second switch coupled to a first electrode of the transistor and the output load, and adapted to allow a charge stored in the storage capacitor to be discharged through the transistor based on the coupling voltage of the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor.
US07859481B2 Antenna pattern and electromagnetic-wave energy processing device having the same
An antenna pattern having a broad band characteristic as to frequencies and having a wide directivity, and an electromagnetic wave energy processing device having the antenna pattern, particularly a sheet-like antenna or electromagnetic wave shielding filter. A conductor wire forming the antenna pattern comprises an aggregated wire consisting of mesh or continuously polygonal micro-image element lines or parallel element lines. The element lines are 5-300 μm in line width and 5-1,000 μm in line pitch interval, or the most preferably 5-30 μm in line width and 5-150 μm in line pitch interval. The element lines are printed with printing ink or paste material mixed with conductive powder. In accordance with necessity, pressure treatment or polishing treatment and/or conductive plating with aid of eletroless plating or directly without aid of eletroless plating are performed on the printed surface.
US07859480B2 Antenna and portable electronic device
A portable electronic device having an RFID function has an RFID antenna having a planar coil formed by winding a conductor. The RFID antenna is a loop antenna having a loop diameter corresponding to RFID with a strong electromagnetic field characteristic, and has an antenna pattern where a part of its coil turn which is other than an innermost coil turn is placed inward of the innermost coil turn. The antenna pattern can be provided by bending or branching a part of a coil turn of the conductor which is other than the innermost coil turn in such a way that the part of the coil turn is laced inward of the innermost coil turn, thereby ensuring compensation for the magnetic field strength at the center portion of the antenna and achieving excellent communications without a non-communicatable area even with the RFID having a slight electromagnetic field characteristic.
US07859478B2 Dipole antenna with improved performance in the low frequency range
A dipole antenna is provided herein with improved performance at a lower end of the antenna's operating frequency range. According to one embodiment, the dipole antenna may include a plurality of antenna elements coupled to impedance transformer via a pair of cones and a pair of ears. The dipole antenna may also include a high-pass matching network specifically configured to improve antenna performance at the lower end of the operating frequency range. For example, a first stage of the matching network (i.e., closest to the antenna elements) may include two series capacitors, while a second stage of the matching network (i.e., furthest from the antenna elements) includes an inductor coupled in shunt between the two capacitors.
US07859475B2 Antenna positioning system
An apparatus for positioning and controlling a spherical, inflatable antenna includes a driven rotating table disposed in the horizontal plane which supports and drives a horizontal arm member to which is hingedly connected first and second upright support members at either end. The upright support members include journal bearings attachable to the surface of an inflatable antenna.
US07859472B2 Glass antenna for vehicle
A glass antenna for a vehicle has exceptional impedance matching characteristics and makes it possible to obtain good reception sensitivity even when the area of the vehicle window glass is small. The glass antenna includes an antenna element formed on the window glass and a feeder terminal and ground terminals connected to the antenna element. The antenna element comprises parallel rectilinear conductor elements extending from the respective terminals and connecting conductor elements for connecting these conductor elements. The feeder terminal is connected to a coaxial cable, and the ground terminals are respectively connected to the vehicle body via feeder lines.
US07859456B2 Method of mixed data assisted and non data assisted navigation signal acquisition, tracking and reacquisition
The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling a navigation signal receiver to perform both data assisted and non-data assisted integration to provide better integration during signal acquisition, reacquisition and tracking. In data assisted integration mode, a receiver uses known or predicted data bits to remove the modulated data bits of a received signal prior to integration. In non data assisted integration mode, when the data bits are not known or predictable, the receiver uses an optimal estimation or maximum likelihood algorithm to determine the polarities of the modulated data bits of the received signal. This may be done by determining which of various possible bit pattern yields the maximum integrated power. When the modulated data bits are not known or predictable over a limited range, the receiver carries out data assisted integration over the known or predictable data bits and additional non data assisted integration.
US07859455B2 Local clock frequency calibration using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites
Various techniques are provided for calibrating a frequency of a local clock using a satellite signal. In one example, a method of transferring frequency stability from a satellite to a device includes receiving a signal from the satellite. The method also includes determining a code phase from the satellite signal. The method further includes receiving aiding information. In addition, the method includes calibrating a frequency of a local clock of the device using the code phase and the aiding information to substantially synchronize the local clock frequency with a satellite clock frequency.
US07859450B2 Detection and ranging appartus and detection and ranging method
In a detection and ranging apparatus that performs direction-of-arrival estimation using a sensor array and that enlarges an effective aperture using a plurality of transmitting sensors, adverse effects associated with time division switching are eliminated, achieving high-accuracy measurement. A transmitter wave is spread in modulators by using mutually orthogonal codes, and the resulting transmitter waves are radiated from two transmitting sensors. Signals received by receiving sensors are each split by a splitter into two parts, which are then respectively despread in a demodulator by using the same codes as those used in the transmitter.
US07859447B2 Image processing method, semiconductor device for detecting physical quantity distribution, and electronic apparatus
An image processing method for obtaining digital data comprising the steps of obtaining a plurality of image signals under a condition of different accumulation periods as an initial value for a counting operation, comparing, by using digital data for a first image signal of the plurality of image signals, an electric signal corresponding to a second image signal of the plurality of image signals with a reference signal, obtaining digital data for the second image signal, performing a counting operation in a mode having the same sign as the sign of digital data for the first image signal between a down-counting mode and an up-counting mode while the comparing step is being performed, and storing a count value.
US07859445B1 Digital to analog converter
An embodiment of a digital to analog converter (DAC) with two outputs is provided. The DAC is controlled by an n-bits input signal and comprises a reference voltage circuit generating (2n+1) reference voltages, a first switch array and a second switch array. The first switch array receives and outputs 2n selected reference voltages among the (2n+1) reference voltages to the second switch array. The second switch array outputs a first voltage via a first output terminal and a second voltage via a second output terminal according to the input signal, wherein the (2i+1)th reference voltages are directly transmitted to the second switch array, and when the first bit of the input signal is at a first voltage level, the first voltage is transmitted to the second output terminal, and the second voltage is transmitted to the first output terminal.
US07859441B2 Data readout system having non-uniform ADC resolution and method thereof
A data readout system with non-uniform resolution has a pick up head for reading data stored in an optical disc and generating an analog signal, a reference voltage unit for producing a plurality of reference voltage levels, wherein voltage differences between two adjacent reference voltage levels are not all the same, a plurality of comparators for comparing the reference voltage levels with the analog signal and generating comparison results, and an encoder for encoding the comparison results into a digital signal.
US07859439B2 Processing apparatus for calibrating analog filter according to frequency-related characteristic of analog filter, processing apparatus for generating compensation parameter used to calibrate analog filter, related communication device, and methods thereof
A processing apparatus for calibrating an analog filter of a communication device in a digital domain is disclosed, wherein the analog filter is arranged to perform a filtering operation upon a communication signal in an analog domain. The processing apparatus includes a signal processing circuit and a digital filter. The signal processing circuit is used for transforming the communication signal between the digital domain and the analog domain. The digital filter is coupled to the signal processing circuit, and used for performing a filtering operation upon the communication signal in the digital domain, wherein a frequency response of the digital filter is arranged to compensate a frequency response of the analog filter according to at least a compensation parameter generated with reference to a frequency-related characteristic of the analog filter.
US07859437B2 Scrambled block encoder
A block encoder flexibly encodes K codes to produce an encoded data block. The block encoder receives an unformatted block of 10 Gigabit Media Independent Interface (XGMII) data. The unformatted block of data includes data and/or K characters, both of which can be located in any position of the unformatted block. The block encoder inserts data characters into a first set of slots of the encoded data block. The block encoder encodes K characters to produce corresponding encoded K characters. Each encoded K character includes a link field, a position field and a recoded value field. The encoded K characters are inserted into a second set of slots of the encoded data block. A synchronization header is attached to the encoded data block to distinguish control blocks from pure data blocks. The header and encoded data block are subsequently scrambled in preparation for transmission.
US07859434B2 Navigation device
The present invention provides a navigation device in which the accuracy of placement of a displayed vehicle position mark is improved at an intersection with a small angle. The navigation device weights coefficients of road candidates for consistent matching, in determining the optimal road from a plurality of matching road candidates. Accordingly, a fluctuating display of the vehicle position mark on an incorrect road at an intersection with a small angle is prevented.
US07859428B2 System and method for electronic road signs with in-car display capabilities
The present invention is method and system for delivering road sign content information to a mobile computing device for display to the driver of a vehicle. The system consists of a wireless communication network in communication with a mobile computing device operationally coupled to a dashboard display device or a vehicle head's up display device. The wireless communication network further comprises a plurality of meshed network sign transmitting devices placed along predetermined intervals along the highway. Each sign-transmitting device is capable of transmitting road sign content information to the mobile computing device for display to the driver.
US07859426B2 Electromagnetic wellbore telemetry system for tubular strings
A coaxial transmission line for an electromagnetic wellbore telemetry system is disclosed. An inner conductive pipe is disposed inside an axial bore of the outer conductive pipe. An insulator is positioned between the outer conductive pipe and the inner conductive pipe. In a specific embodiment, the inner conductive pipe is perforated or slotted.
US07859425B2 Light signal, in particular maritime emergency light signal, and luminous unit for a light signal
The invention provides for exchanging a complete luminous unit (24) instead of exchanging the individual components such as a battery (64). For this purpose, at least one energy-saving light-emitting diode (56) as luminous means, a battery (64) and a magnetically actuable reed contact (66) serving as switching element are combined as luminous unit (24). The use of a cost-effective light-emitting diode (56) and a battery (64) formed in space-saving fashion in accordance with the low power demand of the light-emitting diode (56) permits a compact configuration of the luminous unit (24). The fact that the luminous unit (24) can be inserted into the floating body (22) as a unit and can be exchanged as a unit obviates a complicated battery change or change of luminous means entailing the risk of leaks.
US07859423B2 Film-type electrostatic capacitance sensor for detecting seat occupancy
A film-type electrostatic capacitance sensor is provided for detecting seat occupancy and for reducing discomfort to a seat occupant and which is easy to produce. The mat of the film-type electrostatic capacitance sensor can be located in a seat portion of a vehicle seat and can include electrodes formed on both sides of a resin film and of a resin coating layer covering the electrodes. The coating layer can be a flexible resin to decrease discomfort for an occupant.
US07859419B2 Smoke detecting method and device
A smoke detecting method and device are provided. The smoke detecting method and device capture a plurality of images; determine one of the plurality of images as an analyzable image when the one of the plurality of images is identified to have a moving object; analyze a chrominance variation of the analyzable image; analyze at least one of an edge blur and a flickering frequency of the analyzable image; compare at least one of analyzed results from the analyzing steps with a corresponding predetermined feature; and determine the moving object is a smoke when at least one of the analyzed results conforms to the corresponding predetermined feature.
US07859415B2 RFID based identification device
A RFID-based identification device comprising a first RFID antenna; and a second RFID antenna, wherein the first and second RFID antennas are in a first arrangement, the resonant frequencies of the antennas are away from an interrogation frequency such that no identification information is transferred, and wherein when the first and second RFID antennas are in a second arrangement, the resonant frequency of the identification device shifts such that identification information is transferred.
US07859411B2 RFID tagged item trajectory and location estimation system and method
A system for predicting a trajectory of an item tagged with an RFID tag. The system includes a network of communicatively coupled RFID readers, each having tag cache memory, and a search engine communicatively coupled with the tag caches in each of the readers. When a tag is within operating range of one of the readers, the tag is interrogated for its data and path information comprising timestamps of reader-tag interactions and related event data, and updated path information is stored in the tag cache memory. The search engine performs a search the tag cache memory in one of one of the readers to locate information corresponding to search criteria including characteristics of the tagged item sought. When the information corresponding to the search criteria is found, the path information is retrieved, and the trajectory of the item is extrapolated using a transit time of the item and average velocity of the item, determined from the timestamps and known distances between locations of each of the reader-tag interactions, along an expected path of the item.
US07859410B2 Universal tracking assembly
A universal tracking assembly that is capable of supporting more than one protocol used in electronic article surveillance (EAS) labels. The universal tracking assembly includes an acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS label with a Radio Frequency (RF) EAS label. The intrinsic characteristics and properties of the components of the individual labels are utilized to enhance the overall performance and utility of the combined EAS universal tracking assembly.
US07859408B2 Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with RFID tags
Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising making a first reading of a RFID tag coupled to an object (an electromagnetic signal received from the RFID tag having a first received signal strength indication (RSSI)), making a second reading of the RFID tag (an electromagnetic signal received from the RFID tag having a second RSSI), and a determining whether the object is moving using (at least in part) the first and second RSSI. Other illustrative embodiments, may determine (in addition to or in place of determining movement) orientation of the object based, at least in part, on the electromagnetic signals.
US07859403B2 Monitoring and alarming system and method
A system and method for selectively communicating data from a remote facility to a central computing device via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. Measurement data for a particular operation is collected and stored by a field device at the remote facility. The field device compares the collected measurement data to stored threshold data to detect an alarm event or transfer event. If an alarm event is detected, the RTU transfers an alarm message to a user via a first communication network. If a transfer event is detected, the RTU transfers a transfer message to the user via a different communication network. If a no-event is detected, the field device continues to collect and store measurement data for the particular operation.
US07859402B2 Computer-implemented method to perform location-based searching
A computer implemented method that facilitates conveyance of content is provided. A search query and physical location information are received from a cellular telephone. The query is executed. Search results are filtered as a function of the physical location information. The filtered search results are transmitted to the cellular telephone.
US07859397B2 Systems and methods for direct current system digital carried message conveyance
The systems and methods of the present invention provide for conductive emissions communication without requiring dedicated communications wires. The systems and methods have the capability to send digital messages over the same wires that are used to power DC, systems. Hardware filter circuits are combined with advanced algorithms in a communications control chip to permit the elimination of the dedicated wires, thereby needing zero additional wires to accomplish the task of digital control.
US07859396B2 Multimedia network appliances for security and surveillance applications
Network appliances for use in combination with a network based full service, multi-media surveillance system provide a wide range of monitoring techniques utilizing digital network architecture. The appliances may be connected to the surveillance system for transmitting event data, video and/or image monitoring information, audio signals and other data over significant distances using digital data transmission over networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network such as the Internet for other networks, permitting remote manual and/or automatic assessment and response. The wireless LAN connectivity permits local distribution of audio, video and image data with relatively high bandwidth without requirement of a license and without relying on a common carrier and the fees associated therewith. The surveillance system may be interfaced with a WAN (wide area network) such as frame relay or the Internet for providing a worldwide, low cost surveillance system with virtually unlimited geographic application. Multiple sensors and appliances may be accommodated, as required. The topology of the network will be established by the geographic situation of the specific installation. Appropriate firewalls may be set up as desired to protect unauthorized access to the system or collected data. The server based system permits a security provider to have access to the appliance, related sensor and surveillance data or to configure or reconfigure the system from any station on the Intranet or Internet.
US07859395B2 Intelligent duct smoke detector
A control unit can be in communication with a plurality of displaced duct sensors. Sensors can be placed in supply and return ducts of an HVAC-type fluid delivery system. The unit can communicate status information as well as sensor sensitivity or other parameter values, on a per sensor basis, to a remote accessory unit via a communication protocol. The units can communicate via a wired or wireless medium.
US07859383B2 Spiral inductor with multi-trace structure
A spiral inductor with a multi-trace structure having an insulating layer disposed on a substrate. A first spiral conductive trace with multiple turns is disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the outermost turn and the innermost turn of the first spiral conductive trace have a first end and a second end, respectively, and one of the first and second ends is connected to ground. A second spiral conductive trace with a single turn is disposed on the insulating layer and adjacent to the first spiral conductive trace, wherein the second spiral conductive trace is electrically connected to the turn that is connected to the ground and belongs to the first spiral conductive trace. The first spiral conductive trace has a relative outside and a relative inside, wherein the end of the first spiral conductive trace connected to ground and the second spiral conductive trace are located at different sides respectively.
US07859380B2 Bobbin assembly
A bobbin assembly is disclosed that includes a first bobbin and a second bobbin. The second bobbin is configured substantially similar to the first bobbin. The first and second bobbins include a first flange and a second flange disposed at opposite ends of a central core. The first flanges include terminal receiving cavities and wire posts for terminate a wire wound around the central core. The bobbin assembly may be formed by mating either the first flanges or the second flanges together.
US07859373B2 Contact device
A contact device including a pair of fixed terminals 2 with a fixed contact 2a each, a movable armature 3 with movable contacts 3a which contact to or separate from the fixed contacts 2a, a movable shaft 4 connected to the movable armature 3 at its one end, a movable core 8 secured to the opposite end 4b side of the movable shaft 4, a movable core receiver 7 slid onto the movable shaft 4 so that it faces a surface 8b on the movable armature side of the movable core 3 to receive the movable core 8 driven by an electromagnetic mechanism, an impact absorber 17 disposed on a surface 7a on the movable armature side of the movable core receiver 7 to absorb an impact generated when the movable core 3 hit the movable core receiver 7, and a stopper 16 (a movement restriction member) disposed on a surface on the movable armature side of the impact absorber 17 to restrict a movement of the impact absorber 17.
US07859367B2 Non-coplanar high-speed interconnects
In one example embodiment, a high-speed package includes first and second layers and a multi-channel non-coplanar interconnect. The first layer includes first and second sets of coplanar transmission lines. The second layer includes third and fourth sets of coplanar transmission lines. The multi-channel non-coplanar interconnect includes first and second channels. The first channel connects the first set of transmission lines to the third set of transmission lines. The second channel connects the second set of transmission lines to the fourth set of transmission lines.
US07859362B2 Branching filter package
A branching filter package has a SAW filter chip housing area which houses a piezo electric base, on which a transmitting SAW filter and a receiving SAW filter having a different frequency passing band with each other, are formed, and an impedance matching circuit and a branching circuit for the transmitting SAW filter and the receiving SAW filter.
US07859361B2 Directional coupler
In a directional coupler with two coupled lines arranged in a flat chamber of an enclosed metal housing within the coupling region side-by-side in the longitudinal direction and at a spacing distance from one another, of which the ends are connected to connecting ports attached at the sides of the metal housing, these coupled lines include flat, sheet-metal strip conductors, which are arranged within the coupling region with their broad sides facing towards one another side-by-side at a spacing distance and held by several support elements made of insulating material in a cantilever manner at a spacing distance from the opposing internal walls of the flat metal-housing chamber within the latter. In this context, at least one strip conductor is curved relative to the opposing strip conductor in such a manner that the spacing distance of the strip conductors in coupling region increases starting from the beginning of the coupling region approximately exponentially up to the end of the coupling region. The width of the two strip conductors increases within the coupling region.
US07859360B2 Method and system for controlling MEMS switches in an integrated circuit package
Methods and systems for controlling MEMS switches in an integrated circuit package are disclosed and may include controlling one or more arrays of MEMS switches utilizing a control chip. The arrays of MEMS switches and one or more circuit components may be integrated in and/or on a multi-layer package. The control chip may be bonded to the multi-layer package. The circuit components may be coupled to the arrays of MEMS switches via electrical traces embedded in and/or deposited on the multi-layer package. The control chip may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package. The MEMS switches may be actuated electrostatically or magnetically. The circuit components may include integrated circuits, inductors, capacitors, surface mount devices, and/or transformers.
US07859356B2 Transmission line system having high common mode impedance
Systems having three coupled transmission lines designed in such a way that any two of which taken together can be used as a differential transmission line with a roughly equal differential mode characteristic impedance while achieving high level of common mode characteristic impedance. The high level of common mode characteristic impedance is achieved by arrangement of the three transmission lines in distinct planes along a transmission axis.
US07859353B2 Oscillator and driving circuit and oscillation method thereof
An oscillator, a driving circuit and an oscillation method are provided. The driving circuit and a crystal are coupled in parallel to generate a clock signal. The driving circuit includes a buffer unit and a control unit. The buffer unit is coupled in parallel to the crystal, and used to amplify an oscillation signal outputted from the crystal to generate the clock signal. The control unit is coupled to the buffer unit, and used to generate a control signal to the buffer unit. The control unit determines a voltage level of the control signal by detecting whether the clock signal or the oscillation signal satisfies an oscillation condition of the crystal, so as to control a gain value of the buffer unit. Therefore, noise of different frequency bands loaded into the clock signal can be avoided.
US07859345B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
The semiconductor integrated circuit incorporates a PLL circuit including a phase-frequency comparator 1, first and second charge pumps 2 and 3, a loop filter 4, a voltage-control oscillator 5 and a divider 6. The operation mode of the PLL circuit includes a standby state where locking is stopped, a lock response operation where locking is started and a steady lock operation where the locking started by the lock response operation is continued. In the steady lock operation, setting is made so that the second charge pump 3 is smaller in charge/discharge current than the first charge pump 2. The first and second charge pumps 2 and 3 charge and discharge the loop filter 4 in response to outputs of the phase-frequency comparator 1 in reverse to each other in phase. In the lock response operation where locking is started, the second charge pump 3 is stopped from charging and discharging in reverse in phase.
US07859342B2 Differential amplifier circuit, operational amplifier circuit, light-receiving amplifier circuit using the same, function selection circuit, and light-receiving circuit using the same
A differential amplifier circuit, an operational amplifier circuit, and a light-receiving amplifier circuit using the same are provided, by which the influence of an on resistance of an analog switch is reduced during the switching of gain resistances. An NPN transistor Q2 having an emitted connected in common is connected to an NPN transistor Q1 of a differential amplifier circuit including the NPN transistors Q1 and Q3, PNP transistors Q4 and Q5, and a constant-current source I1, and analog switches ASW-1c and ASW-2c are inserted and connected to the collectors of the NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 and connected to the base and collector of the PNP transistor Q4 and the base of the PNP transistor Q5. Further, analog switches ASW-1b and ASW-2b are connected to the bases of the NPN transistors Q1 and Q2, respectively.
US07859340B2 Metal-oxide-semiconductor circuit designs and methods for operating same
Complimentary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits made with core transistors are capable of reliable operation from an IO power supply with voltage that exceeds the reliability limit of the transistors. In embodiments, biasing of an operational amplifier is changed in part to a fixed voltage corresponding to the reliability limit. In embodiments, switched capacitor networks are made with one or more amplifiers and switches including core transistors, but without exposing the core transistors to voltages in excess of their reliability limit. In embodiments, operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) include core transistors and operate from IO power supplies. Level shifters for shifting the levels of a power down signal may be used to avoid excessive voltage stress of the OTAs' core transistors during turn-off. Non-level shifting means may be used to clamp output voltages and selected internal voltages of the OTAs, also avoiding excessive voltage stress of the core transistors during turn-off.
US07859335B2 Method and system for polar modulating QAM signals with discontinuous phase
Aspects of a method and system for polar modulating QAM signals with discontinuous phase may include amplifying a signal via a plurality of amplifiers such that a combined gain of the plurality of amplifiers comprises a coarse amplitude gain and an amplitude offset gain. A gain of one or more of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the coarse amplitude gain, and a gain of one or more remaining ones of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the amplitude offset gain. The setting of the coarse amplitude gain and/or said amplitude offset gain may be adjusted dynamically and/or adaptively. The signal may be generated by phase-modulation of a radio-frequency carrier. The combined gain of the plurality of amplifiers may be controlled based on a desired amplitude modulation. The plurality of amplifiers may be integrated within an integrated circuit (IC) or chip.
US07859334B2 Hybrid power control for a power amplifier
A hybrid power control system (102) that selectively applies voltage-based gain control and current-based gain control and method (300) of controlling a power amplifier (104) gain are presented. A voltage-based gain control signal (120) is applied to control the gain of the power amplifier when a level output power is indicated by a power contour signal (132). Whether the power amplifier is saturated is identified. A current-based gain control signal (122) is applied to control the gain of the power amplifier when the power amplifier is saturated and a decrease in output power is indicated by the power contour signal.
US07859331B2 Predictive feedback compensation for PWM switching amplifiers
Methods and systems are disclosed for predictive feedback compensation (PFC) circuitry for suppressing distortions caused by supply voltage variations and output amplitude switching non-idealities in pulse width modulated (PWM) switching amplifiers by pre-compensating the PWM input based upon the supply voltage or output pulse amplitude. Output amplitude errors associated with previous PWM output signals are used to predict output amplitude errors expected for future PWM output signals. These predicted output amplitude errors are then used to adjust the pulse widths for the future PWM output signals. Traditional feedback techniques can also be used in conjunction with the predictive feedback compensation (PFC) circuitry.
US07859330B2 Optimized uplink efficiencies for transmission of satellite data
Systems and methods for characterizing amplifiers. A system for characterizing an amplifier in accordance with the present invention comprises a Gaussian signal source for generating a signal in the frequency domain, a notch filter, coupled to the Gaussian Noise source, wherein the notch filter has a notch at a specified frequency and a frequency bandwidth, the frequency bandwidth encompassing the specified frequency, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform device, coupled to an output of the notch filter, a normalization device, coupled to the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform device, an amplifier under test, coupled to the normalization device, for amplifying the signal generated by the Gaussian signal source, and a measurement device, coupled to an output of the amplifier, for measuring a power output of the amplifier in the frequency bandwidth and a noise output at the specified notch frequency, and for calculating the ratio between the power output and the noise output.
US07859317B1 Low power high slew non-linear amplifier for use in clock generation circuitry for noisy environments
Clock generation circuitry is arranged in stages so as to convert a slow slew rate input signal into a high slew rate clock signal in a low power environment. Each stage includes a capacitor and an inverter, both fed by respective current mirrors. The capacitor is trickle-charged through its current mirror, and charge of the capacitor is dumped onto an output of the stage at a controlled timing. Two or more such stages may be provided, so as to improve the slew rate of both of the leading and trailing edges of the clock signal, and also so as to provide a convenient source of timing for dumping charge of each capacitor. Each stage might also include a diode switchably connected across the capacitor, so as to discharge the capacitor at appropriate timings, to reduce interference on succeeding stages that might otherwise be caused by residual charge on the capacitor.
US07859292B1 Methods and circuitry for reconfigurable SEU/SET tolerance
A device is disclosed in one embodiment that has multiple identical sets of programmable functional elements, programmable routing resources, and majority voters that correct errors. The voters accept a mode input for a redundancy mode and a split mode. In the redundancy mode, the programmable functional elements are identical and are programmed identically so the voters produce an output corresponding to the majority of inputs that agree. In a split mode, each voter selects a particular programmable functional element output as the output of the voter. Therefore, in the split mode, the programmable functional elements can perform different functions, operate independently, and/or be connected together to process different parts of the same problem.
US07859291B2 Method of measuring on-resistance in backside drain wafer
A method of measuring on-resistance in a backside drain wafer includes providing a wafer having a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor each having a source and also sharing a drain provided at a backside of the wafer, and then forming a current flow path passing through the first and second MOS transistors, and then measuring a resistance between the sources of the first and second MOS transistors. Accordingly, an on-resistance in a backside drain wafer can be measured without using a chuck.
US07859289B2 Method for measuring interface traps in thin gate oxide MOSFETS
A method for measuring interface traps in a MOSFET, includes measuring charge pumping current of a pulse wave form for various frequencies over a predetermined frequency range, creating plotted points of the measured charge pumping current versus the predetermined frequency range, determining the total number of interface traps participating in the charge pumping current by calculating the slope of a best fit line through the plotted points.
US07859285B2 Device under test array for identifying defects
A device under test (DUT) array provides defect information rapidly and systematically. The DUT array includes a plurality of test units arranged in a matrix, a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines. Each test unit has a first terminal and a second terminal. Each second terminal of the test unit is electrically connected to a ground point. The first terminals of the test units are electrically connected to the bit lines. The word lines are coupled to the test units. Defects in the each test unit can be identified by providing voltages to the bit lines and the word lines. Accordingly, defects in various devices of an integrated circuit can be detected rapidly and systematically by applying signals to the DUT array.
US07859284B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor device module
To provide a semiconductor module and a semiconductor device enabling more accurate testing of the connection state of the internal wiring between the semiconductor devices. The semiconductor device has switches SW11 through SW13 that connect a test terminal TT to one end side of wires to be tested, and transistors M21 through M23 that supply a ground potential VSS to the other end side of the wires to be tested. When a power source potential VDD is supplied to one end of the wires to be tested and a ground potential VSS is supplied to the other end of the wires to be tested, a current path can be formed including the wires to be tested. If a power source potential VDD is supplied to the wires to be tested and a ground potential VSS is supplied to the wires which are not to be tested, a difference in potential can be generated between the wires to be tested and the rest of the wires, which makes it possible to detect a short circuit failure.
US07859280B2 Probe card for testing semiconductor devices
A probe card is disclosed that is easily assembled and maintained and configured to prevent the controlled level of a space transformer from changing due to various causes such as a thermal deformation during a test process. The probe card includes an installation member where probe tips are provided and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the installation member. A reinforcement member is fixed to a top surface of the PCB, and a contact member is disposed between the PCB and the reinforcement member. The contact member and the installation member are fixed by a connect member inserted into an insert hole formed at the PCB, and a control bolt provided for controlling the level of the installation member is inserted into control holes formed at the installation member, the PCB, and the reinforcement member sequentially in a bottom-to-top direction. Due to a convex-up top surface of the contact member, the contact member continues to contact the reinforcement member even though the installation member and the contact member are inclined while controlling the level of the installation member.
US07859273B2 Sensor for detecting organic liquids
A sensor for detecting the presence of an organic liquid. The sensor includes an a elongate substrate having a first and second opposed surface, and a first sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate and a second sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bridging electrode electrically coupling the first and second sensor surfaces, a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the first sensor surface, and a second electrode disposed the second surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the second sensor surface.
US07859266B2 Method of detecting soil structure using voltage slope and measuring earth resistance
A method of accurately measuring earth resistance even when the composition state of soil that affects the installation of a metering device for measuring earth resistance is unknown. The method comprises measuring a potential at a first potential electrode point, measuring a potential at a second potential electrode point, calculating a voltage slope corresponding to a change rate of potential difference, using a potential difference between the first and second potential electrode points, and setting a potential point according to voltage slope characteristics and measuring earth resistance. A measurement approximating an accurate value of earth resistance can be performed even when soil composition characteristics are unknown at a site.
US07859262B2 Method and device for magnetic resonance imaging on the basis of a partially parallel acquisition (PPA)
In a method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for magnetic resonance imaging of a contiguous region of a human body on the basis of partially parallel acquisition (PPA) by excitation of nuclear spins and measurement of radio-frequency signals representing the excited spins, are implemented. A k-space single channel reference image [R_kal] is calculated from the previously measured reference lines of a sub-coil series of N sub-coils with a phase-sensitive combination method. A GRAPPA coefficient matrix [W] is calculated by solving the equation system [R_kal]=[W]×[I_kal] wherein [I_kal] represents one block from the sub-coil series. A k-space single channel image [R] is successively completed by applying [W] to successive blocks [I_z] shifted relative to one another, the blocks [I_z] being of a previously measured, under-sampled sub-coil series of the N sub-coils, and [R] is transformed into image space.
US07859256B1 Defect discriminator for in-line inspection tool
An in-line inspection tool comprising primary and secondary sensor suites is disclosed. The primary sensor suite may detect both interior and exterior defects. The secondary sensor suite may comprise a plurality of housings distributed in the circumferential direction around the body of the tool. Each housing may contain at least one flux sensor and at least one flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may increase the flux delivered to the flux sensor, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the secondary sensor suite while reducing the number of flux sensors required. The secondary sensor suite may detect substantially exclusively interior defects. By comparing the outputs of the primary and secondary sensor suites, a user may determine whether a defect is located on the interior or exterior of a pipeline being inspected.
US07859241B2 Photovoltaic power generation controller and power evaluation method in photovoltaic power generation control
A photovoltaic power generation controller, in which minute power change is detected even with a low-resolution AD converter, thereby being capable of performing maximum power point tracking control with high accuracy, is provided. In the photovoltaic power generation controller of the invention, a control circuit 44 shifts switches 41 to respective output A sides of a voltage detector 8 and a current detector 9; gives a low-frequency ripple component to an operating voltage of a solar cell 1 while increasing modulation factor D by predetermined variation width d, to start maximum power point search from an open circuit voltage side; confirms a maximum power point passage when: an operating point oscillates in the vicinity of the maximum power point; and a power value, which is output by a power detector 43, after update of the modulation factor becomes smaller than a power value before update of the modulation factor; and switches the switches 41 to respective output sides of amplifiers 23 and 24 to continue the maximum power point tracking control.
US07859236B2 Voltage regulation system
A voltage regulation system is provided including detecting a feedback voltage less than a reference voltage; asserting a current source gate output by the feedback voltage less than the reference voltage; activating a gated current source by the current source gate output; and waiting a delay interval before negating the current source gate output for turning off the gated current source.
US07859222B2 Case battery system
A case battery system is provided. The case battery system comprises the case battery, the connector adaptor and the dock. The case battery configured to enclose and hold at least part of a personal electronic device. The personal electronic device may be connected to the connector adaptor, or installed on the dock to be charged or communicate among themselves and with other electronic devices. The top holding portion is configured to hold the top and partial lateral part of the personal electronic device with holes. The rear plate portion comprises the charging portion and the first circuit portion, or the rear plate portion can be a regular plate without the charging portion and the first circuit portion. The top holding portion, the rear plate portion and the bottom holding portion can be assembled sliding the longitudinal rails to the longitudinal rail recesses to enclose a personal electronic device.
US07859221B2 Wireless scanner system, head and method
A scanning system includes a scanner head that scans along a scan path back and forth across a web. The scanner head is wireless and gets its operating power from an on-board electrical energy storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor. The scanner head docks to a charging station that provides electrical energy to the scanner head for charging the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy is transferred by an energy coupling relationship that is magnetic field, electric field or direct electrical connection. The magnetic field relationship uses a charging circuit coil and core that mates with scanner head coil and core when the scanner head is docked. The electric field relationship uses a charging side electrically conductive plate that mates with a scanner head electrically conductive plate when the scanner head is docked.
US07859218B2 Power source system
A power source system to be mounted in electrical devices is provided. The power source system includes a fuel cell which supplies electric power generated by consuming fuel, a fuel storage portion which stores the fuel and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, a container which contains the fuel cell and the fuel storage portion, and a case which is provided so as to surround the container. A space for allowing air used for the reaction in the fuel cell to circulate therethrough is provided between the container and the case.
US07859204B2 Closure panel control apparatus
A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.
US07859203B2 Delay unit for door with a door closer, door closer with a delay unit, and door with a door closer having a delay unit
The Objective of the present invention is to provide a delay unit for door with a door closer, which is capable of automatically closing the door after the elapse of a certain time since the door was opened and can be installed in case that the door closer is embedded inside the building and thereby being not exposed.The objective is solved by providing a delay unit 5 for door with a door closer comprising: a first sensor for detecting the door 2 opened to the first angle A, a lock unit 7 for electrically lock/unlock of the rotation of the rotation axis 3 of the door 2, a timer, a first sensor, and a control means, with which the first sensor, lock unit 7, and timer is connected, for controlling the lock unit 7 based on the signals from the first sensor and timer.
US07859201B2 Charge control apparatus, electrically powered vehicle and electric storage charge control method
When it is determined that an electric storage is to be charged from a commercial power source, a controller sets a control target of a voltage of a power line to be controlled by a boost converter, based on a voltage of the commercial power source. Specifically, the controller sets the control target of the voltage to a level approximately equal to the crest value of voltage. Then, the controller outputs an input permission command to a relay circuit, and controls inverters to execute charging of the electric storage.
US07859199B1 Magnetic chicane for terahertz management
The introduction of a magnetic electron beam orbit chicane between the wiggler and the downstream initial bending dipole in an energy recovering Linac alleviates the effects of radiation propagated from the downstream bending dipole that tend to distort the proximate downstream mirror of the optical cavity resonator.
US07859198B2 Backlight module having detecting circuit and direct current voltage compensation circuit
An exemplary backlight module includes lamps (21), a power supply circuit (20), a detecting circuit (22), and a direct current voltage compensation circuit (23). The power supply circuit is configured for supplying a driving voltage to the lamps. The first detecting circuit is configured for detecting a direct current voltage component of the driving voltage at one end of one of the lamps. The first direct current voltage compensation circuit is configured for providing a compensation direct current voltage to an opposite end of all the lamps according to the detected direct current voltage component.
US07859195B2 Apparatus for controlling lamp driving and light unit having the same
Provided are an apparatus for controlling a lamp driving, and a light unit. The apparatus comprises a trans-portion, a plurality of lamps, a first cable, and a current attenuator. The trans-portion outputs a first AC power and a second AC power. The plurality of lamps are lighted-on by the first and second AC powers. The first cable and a second cable transfer an output power from the transformer to both ends of the lamps. The current attenuator removes a deviation in currents input to both ends of the lamps.
US07859194B2 Short arc lamp driver and applications
A short arc lamp driving circuit includes a trigger boosting circuit, a flash current control circuit, and a closed loop exposure control and calibration circuits that, when combined, can produce short pulses of light with short time separation, quasi-continuous illumination light, and meanwhile, an extremely large dynamic range of delivered and/or calibrated light power or energy.
US07859193B2 Illumination apparatus
The present invention relates to an illumination apparatus comprising an LED light source which includes an LED chip and a sealing member containing a fluorescent material therein and sealing the LED chip and is configured to illuminate an object, and a light-transmitting member provided in front of the LED light source, the LED chip being configured to make standby emission of light by application of a standby current during standby illumination of the object, the LED chip being controlled so that a color of the sealing member containing the fluorescent material is less visible from outside, and a current value of the standby current being controlled according to brightness of external light detected by an external light sensor to reduce power consumption.
US07859190B2 Phosphor layer arrangement for use with light emitting diodes
Phosphor layer arrangement for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, the lens positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, wherein the lens is positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation.
US07859186B2 White organic light emitting device
A white organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode, a charge generation layer arranged between the anode and the cathode and an organic layer arrangement arranged between the anode and the cathode, the organic layer arrangement including a green light emitting layer, a blue light emitting layer, and a red light emitting layer, one of the green light emitting layer, the blue light emitting layer, and the red light emitting layer includes a first light emitting layer and second light emitting layer, the charge generation layer being arranged between the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer.
US07859185B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device comprising a solid-state light source (3), at least one conversion element (4) and a light-scattering element (6), wherein the solid-state light source (3) is provided to emit a first part (511) of a primary radiation for entry into the light-scattering element (6) and a second part (512) of a primary radiation for entry into the conversion element (4) for at least partial conversion into at least one secondary radiation (521, 522), the light-scattering element (6) is provided to generate a mixed radiation (5) having a Lambertian light distribution pattern from the first part (511) of the primary radiation, the secondary radiation (521, 522) and a portion of the second part (512) of the primary radiation that has not been converted in the conversion element (4), and the first part (511) of the primary radiation leaves the light-emitting device without having passed the conversion element (4).
US07859180B2 Electrode arrangement
Disclosure of an electrode arrangement (1) as high voltage electrode for continual plasma treatment or plasma coating of web material with several knife electrodes (3) arranged at a right angle to any transport direction of the web material and essentially located parallely to each other which is characterized by the fact that the distances (a−e) of adjacent knife electrodes (3) vary. In tests it has turned out that a more uniform coating result or, respectively, treatment result can be achieved with such an electrode arrangement than with comparable arrangements in which the knife electrodes are arranged equidistant. Preferably, the distances (a) between adjacent knife electrodes (3) are larger at the edges of the electrode arrangement (1) than the distances (e) between adjacent knife electrodes (3) in its center.
US07859179B2 Electromagnetic wave shielding material and display using the same
An electromagnetic wave shielding material 1 comprises a light-shielding electrical conductor layer 11 having, on its observer-side external surface, a blackening layer 12. The electrical conductor layer 11 comprises a mesh portion 2 that has a large number of openings adjoining one another and faces the center portion 5b of the image-luminescent part 5a of a display device 5, and a frame portion 3 that surrounds the mesh portion 2 and faces the outer edge portion 5c of the image-luminescent part 5a of the display device 5. When trimming the screen of a display D with a black-colored light-shielding layer, since the electromagnetic wave shielding material 1 is used, it is not necessary to perform9 an additional printing step or the like, so that the total number of steps and material cost are not increased. Moreover, such electromagnetic wave shielding material does not cause non-uniformity in light-shielding properties compared with a light-shielding layer formed by printing. The frame portion 3 includes a light-transmitting pattern part 9 having patterned openings 4a.
US07859175B2 Illuminating device, display device and optical film
A display device has a light source that radiates light from a light-emitting portion. A light guide body receives an incident light from the light-emitting portion of the light source and emits light. A display element is illuminated by light emitted from the light guide body and has a color filter having a coloring layer of RGB. A filter layer reflects components of light having a wavelength in a preselected region of 570 nm to 590 nm among the light radiated from the light source and emitted from the light guide body. A phosphor is excited by the components of light in the preselected region reflected by the filter layer and emits red light that passes through the filter layer and through the color filter of the display element.
US07859174B2 Metal vapor discharge lamp
A metal vapor discharge lamp comprising an arc tube, an airtight tube housing the arc tube, and a base bonded to one end of the airtight tube with use of an adhesive, wherein the airtight tube is covered by a protective tube to improve safety as compared to a case where the protective tube is simply bonded to the base with an adhesive. The protective tube is fixed to the base with a double fall-off prevention structure, and latched to the base when a force including gravity and inertia acts on the protective tube toward the closed end of the protective tube in the axial direction thereof. The above-described structure eliminates the need of arranging the protective wall for securing the safety on the side of a lighting device on which the metal vapor discharge lamp is to be fixed, thereby preventing the lighting device from becoming large in size.
US07859168B2 Actuator pump system
An actuator housing unit for a system of layered surfaces, comprising an activated primary surface having a physical shape capable of change when activated by an electrical, chemical, or light stimulus, to expand and exert force or pressure or contract and remove force or pressure, upon activation or deactivation, to move or keep matter within the housing by direct or indirect contact.
US07859163B2 Laminar article for electrical use and a method and machine for producing said article
The laminar article for electrical use comprises a plurality of superposed first metal laminations fixed together. Each of the first laminations is provided with at least one fastener projecting from a first surface thereof and defining a recess in its opposite side. Each fastener of one lamination is arranged to fit into a recess of an adjacent lamination. The article presents second laminations interposed between at least two adjacent first laminations fixed together. The second laminations are provided with through apertures which are traversed by the fasteners which fix the adjacent first laminations together. The method consists of die-cutting a plurality of laminations from a metal sheet, rotating the die-cut laminations and superposing them, to then fix them together in predetermined manner. The laminations can be die-cut with a reference axis thereof rotated through a predetermined angle about a reference axis of the sheet metal, to limit the rotations to be imposed on the laminations during their mutual fixing.
US07859159B2 Electric motor
An electric motor having a stator and a mover is disclosed. The stator has excitation coils of three phases, and the mover is movable relative to the stator. The mover has an opposed surface facing the excitation coils. Field poles or protrusions are provided on the opposite surface. The field poles or the protrusions extend helically about the axis of the mover. Each excitation coil extends helically in the same direction as the field pole or the protrusion about the axis of the mover so as to face the field pole or the protrusion.
US07859146B2 End winding cooling
A rotary cooling system is provided that includes a stator having at least one tooth and a plurality of wires coiled around the tooth and a passage extending between the plurality of wires.
US07859141B2 Electrical machine and use thereof
The invention relates to an electrical machine of the transversal-flux type. The machine comprises a stator and a movable element. The stator has a plurality of stator elements with magnetic flux conductors and an electric winding extending in a closed winding path through each magnetic flux conductor. The movable element comprises a number of permanent-magnet members and is movable in relation to the stator along a movement path. The winding path comprises a first current-carrying section extending along the movement path. Each magnetic flux conductor forms, together with one of the permanent-magnet members, a closed magnetic flux circuit around said current-carrying section. Each permanent-magnet member comprises a primary magnet with a magnetic direction across the movement path. Adjacently located permanent-magnet members are separated from each other by an intermediate member comprising at least one secondary magnet that has a magnetic direction essentially across the magnetic direction of the primary magnet.
US07859137B2 Scalable switch device and system
A scalable switch system and method for connecting a plurality of output devices to a plurality of media source includes an array of input connectors and a first array of first jumper connectors electrically connected to the array of input connectors such that at least one input connector of the array of input connectors electrically connects to a first jumper connector. The input connector connected to the first jumper connector is electrically connected to a termination resistance when the first jumper connector for the input connector is in a first jumper configuration. A second array of the second jumper connectors is configured to make available to electrically connect one of at least two input connections to an output connector of the array of output connectors. Multiple switch devices may be interconnected to fit a variety of media systems.
US07859132B2 Apparatus, system, and method for safely connecting a device to a power source
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for safely connecting a device to a power source. The invention includes a power bus switch that operates to selectively allow operational power to flow from a power supply to a load. The operational power is independent of auxiliary power which may be separately provided to the load. A detection module determines whether an input impedance of the load is greater than a minimum impedance threshold in response to the load being connected to the power supply. A switch module causes the power bus switch to allow operational power to flow to the load in response to the detection module determining that the input impedance is greater than the minimum impedance threshold. Thus, if the load has an acceptable input impedance level, then operational power may be provided to the load without risk of failure to the power system.
US07859126B2 Systems and methods for tethered wind turbines
According to some embodiments, an airborne body extends horizontally along an axis between a first point and a second point. The body may be, for example, at least partially filled with a gas. Two or more vanes may be provided airborne with the body such that the vanes, when acted upon by a wind force perpendicular to the axis, are operable to cause rotation about the axis. Moreover, one or more tethers may be coupled to anchor the body to a third point, and one or more electrical generators may be airborne with the body to convert rotational energy produced by the rotation about the axis into electrical energy. According to some embodiments, each vane comprises a horizontal blade panel attached to and extending along the body.
US07859122B2 Final via structures for bond pad-solder ball interconnections
A structure and a method for forming the same. The structure includes a first dielectric layer, an electrically conductive bond pad on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer on top of the first dielectric layer and the electrically conductive bond pad. The electrically conductive bond pad is sandwiched between the first and second dielectric layers. The second dielectric layer includes N separate final via openings such that a top surface of the electrically conductive bond pad is exposed to a surrounding ambient through each final via opening of the N separate final via openings. N is a positive integer greater than 1.
US07859121B2 Wiring board and method of manufacturing the same, and electronic component device using the wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A wiring board is provided with an external connection terminal to which an electrode terminal of an electronic component is to be connected. The external connection terminal is formed so that a portion thereof is electrically connected to a pad portion exposed from an outermost insulating layer on an electronic component mounting surface of a wiring board body and so that an air gap is kept between a portion of the external connection terminal, to which the electrode terminal of the electronic component is to be connected, and the insulating layer.
US07859117B2 Clocking architecture in stacked and bonded dice
A method and apparatus for distributing clock signals throughout an integrated circuit is provided. An embodiment comprises a distribution die which contains either the clock signal distribution network by itself, or the clock signal distribution network in tandem with a clock signal generator. The distribution die is electrically connected through an interface technology, such as microbumps, to route the clock signals to the functional circuits on a separate functional die. Alternatively, the distribution die could be electrically connected to more than one die at a time, using vias through the distribution die to route the clock signals to the different die. This separate distribution die reduces the coupling between lines and also helps to prevent signal skew as the signal moves through the distribution network.
US07859111B2 Computer implemented method for designing a semiconductor device, an automated design system and a semiconductor device
A computer implemented method for designing a semiconductor device, comprising: creating a double cut via including: placing a first line pattern on a chip area, placing a second line pattern on an upper layer of the first line pattern, allocating a first via pattern on an intersection of the first and second line patterns, creating a protrusion line pattern; and allocating a second via pattern on an end of the protrusion line pattern; storing the double cut via; and extracting a single cut via provided on the chip area and replacing the single cut via with the double cut via.
US07859110B2 Solder resist material, wiring board using the solder resist material, and semiconductor package
The present invention provides a solder resist material, which can suppress the warpage of a semiconductor package upon exposure to heat or impact even when used in a thin wiring board and meets a demand for size reduction in electronic devices and a higher level of integration, and a wiring board comprising the solder resist material and a semiconductor package. The solder resist material of the present invention can effectively suppress the warpage of a semiconductor package through a fiber base material-containing layer interposed between resin layers. The fiber base material-containing layer is preferably unevenly distributed in the thickness direction of the solder resist material.
US07859108B2 Flip chip package and method for manufacturing the same
A flip chip package includes a substrate and a semiconductor chip. The substrate includes a substrate body, a metal wiring having a terminal part some of which is disposed in the substrate body, a solder resist pattern formed on the substrate body with an opening for exposing the terminal part, and an organic anti-oxidation layer for covering the terminal part. The semiconductor chip has a bump formed through (e.g., penetrates) the organic anti-oxidation layer and is electrically connected to the terminal part. The present invention prevents oxidation of the terminal part and allows easy coupling of a bump of a semiconductor chip and the terminal part of the substrate, since an anti-oxidation layer including an organic matter is formed over a surface of a terminal part including copper which is easily oxidized.
US07859105B2 Power converter, power system provided with same, and mobile body
To provide a power converter equipped with a current detector which is small and can carry out highly accurate current detection, in the power converter equipped with a power module 16 having a power controlling semiconductor element 7 disposed on the power module base 27 with a ceramic substrate 28 interposed, and a control unit 26 for controlling the operation of the power controlling semiconductor element 7, a current detector 40 having a magnetic detecting unit 47 which is disposed in the detection conductor 11, electrically connected to the power controlling semiconductor element 7 and disposed on the power module base 27 with the ceramic substrate 28 interposed, and has a magnetic detecting semiconductor element 43 electrically connected to the control unit 26 is provided in the power module 16; and relative distance between the detection conductor 11 and the power module base 27 is larger than the relative distance between the current detection electrode 42 and the power module base 27.
US07859103B2 Semiconductor module and inverter device
A semiconductor module includes a base plate; a plurality of substrates placed on one surface of the base plate, with each substrate of the plurality of substrates including a switching element, a diode element, and a connection terminal area; and a parallel flow forming device that forms parallel coolant flow paths that are provided so as to be in contact with the other surface of the base plate.
US07859100B2 Thermal barrier coating material, thermal barrier member, and member coated with thermal barrier and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are a thermal barrier coating material and a member coated with thermal barrier that can suppress the separation when used at a high temperature, and have a high thermal barrier effect; a method for manufacturing the member coated with thermal barrier; a turbine member coated with the thermal barrier coating material; and a gas turbine. More specifically provided are a shield coating member comprising a heat-resistant substrate, a bond coat layer formed on the heat-resistant substrate, and a ceramic layer formed on the bond coat layer, wherein the ceramic layer comprises a ceramic represented by a general formula A2Zr2O7, wherein A denotes a rare earth element, and the ceramic layer has (a) a porosity of 1 to 30%, (b) cracks in a thickness direction in pitches of 5 to 100% the total thickness of layers other than the bond coat layer on the heat-resistant substrate, or (c) columnar crystals.
US07859092B2 Package structures
A package structure includes a substrate, a first die and at least one second die. The substrate includes a first pair of parallel edges and a second pair of parallel edges. The first die is mounted over the substrate. The first die includes a third pair of parallel edges and a fourth pair of parallel edges, wherein the third pair of parallel edges and the fourth pair of parallel edges are not parallel to the first pair of parallel edges and the second pair of parallel edges, respectively. The at least one second die is mounted over the first die.
US07859084B2 Semiconductor substrate
A semiconductor substrate (1) includes a plurality of semiconductor elements (2) in which functional elements are constructed and which is formed in a grid pattern, wherein continuous linear grooves (3) are formed on longitudinal and lateral separating lines (4) that individually separate the plurality of semiconductor elements (2) with the exception of intersections of the separating lines (4) and portions corresponding to corners of each semiconductor element (2).
US07859081B2 Capacitor, method of increasing a capacitance area of same, and system containing same
A capacitor includes a substrate (110, 210), a first electrically insulating layer (120, 220) over the substrate, and a fin (130, 231) including a semiconducting material (135) over the first electrically insulating layer. A first electrically conducting layer (140, 810) is located over the first electrically insulating layer and adjacent to the fin. A second electrically insulating layer (150, 910) is located adjacent to the first electrically conducting layer, and a second electrically conducting layer (160, 1010) is located adjacent to the second electrically insulating layer. The first and second electrically conducting layers together with the second electrically insulating layer form a metal-insulator-metal stack that greatly increases the capacitance area of the capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is formed using what may be referred to as a removable metal gate (RMG) approach.
US07859076B2 Edge termination for semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has active region (30) and edge termination region (32) which includes a plurality of floating field regions (46). Field plates (54) extend in the edge termination region (32) inwards from contact holes (56) towards the active region (30) over a plurality of floating field regions (46). Pillars (40) may be provided.
US07859075B2 Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
An image sensor for minimizing a dark level defect is disclosed. The image sensor includes an isolation layer formed on a substrate. A field region and an active region are defined on the substrate by the isolation layer. A photodiode is formed in the image sensor in such a structure that a first region is formed below a surface of the substrate in the active region and a second region is formed under the first region. A first conductive type impurity is implanted into the first region and a second conductive type impurity is implanted into the second region. A dark current suppressor is formed on side and bottom surfaces of the isolation layer adjacent to the first region, and the dark current suppressor is doped with the second conductive type impurity. The dark current suppressor suppresses the dark current to minimize the dark level defect caused by the dark current.
US07859074B2 Sensor die structure
A sensor is implemented in an integrated circuit. The sensor includes one or more sensor pads that are provided at or near a surface of the integrated circuit. One or more integrated circuit components such as a sense amplifier are provided in the integrated circuit die adjacent the sensor pads. One or more other components are provided in the integrated circuit die adjacent the sensor pads.
US07859071B2 Power and communication interface for sensors using a single tethered fiber
A sensing system tethered to an optical fiber for delivering optical power. A sensing system has a semiconductor device that includes photodiodes and a laser. The optical signal delivered through the optical fiber generates a current in the photodiodes that can be used to at least recharge the sensing system's power supply or bias the laser. The optical signal can be modulated to deliver data to the sensing system. The laser can be modulated to transmit data from the sensing system over the optical fiber. Because the power source can be recharged, the sensing system can also transmit and receive using an RF module.
US07859070B2 Airtight apparatus having a lid with an optical window for passage of optical signals
An airtight apparatus includes a package and a lid. The lid is bonded to the package and defines an airtight space, together with the package. The lid includes an optical window which allows the passage of optical signals, a holding part which holds the optical window, and a deformable part which is formed on an outer circumferential edge of the holding part and which is able to deform when applied with a load smaller than a load that deforms the holding part.
US07859067B2 Microelectromechanical device including an encapsulation layer of which a portion is removed to expose a substantially planar surface having a portion that is disposed outside and above a chamber and including a field region on which integrated circuits are formed and methods for fabricating same
There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a MEMS device, and technique of fabricating or manufacturing a MEMS device, having mechanical structures encapsulated in a chamber prior to final packaging. The material that encapsulates the mechanical structures, when deposited, includes one or more of the following attributes: low tensile stress, good step coverage, maintains its integrity when subjected to subsequent processing, does not significantly and/or adversely impact the performance characteristics of the mechanical structures in the chamber (if coated with the material during deposition), and/or facilitates integration with high-performance integrated circuits. In one embodiment, the material that encapsulates the mechanical structures is, for example, silicon (polycrystalline, amorphous or porous, whether doped or undoped), silicon carbide, silicon-germanium, germanium, or gallium-arsenide.
US07859066B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device has a plurality of memory strings each including a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells serially connected. The memory string includes a columnar semiconductor portion extending in the vertical direction from a substrate, a first charge storage layer formed adjacent to the columnar semiconductor portion and configured to accumulate charge, a first block insulator formed adjacent to the first charge storage layer, and a first conductor formed adjacent to the first block insulator.
US07859049B2 Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device. A well region (2) formed on a semiconductor substrate (1) includes a plurality of trench regions (12), and a source electrode (10) is connected to a source region (6) formed on a substrate surface between the trench regions (12). Adjacently to the source region (6), a high concentration region (11) is formed, which is brought into butting contact with the source electrode (10) together with the source region (6), whereby a substrate potential is fixed. A drain region (5) is formed at a bottom portion of the trench region (12), whose potential is taken to the substrate surface by a drain electrode (9) buried inside the trench region (12). An arbitrary voltage is applied to a gate electrode (4a, 4b), and the drain electrode (9), whereby carriers flow from the source region (6) to the drain region (5) and the semiconductor device is in an on-state.
US07859046B2 Ballistic direct injection NROM cell on strained silicon structures
A nitride read only memory cell comprising a silicon-germanium layer with a pair of source/drain regions. A strained silicon layer is formed overlying the silicon-germanium layer such that the pair of source/drain regions is linked by a channel that is generated in the strained silicon layer during operation of the cell. A nitride layer is formed overlying the substrate. The nitride layer has at least one charge storage region. The nitride layer may be a planar layer, a planar split gate nitride layer, or a vertical split nitride layer. A control gate is formed overlying the nitride layer. Ballistic direct injection is used to program the memory cell. A first charge storage region of the nitride layer establishes a virtual source/drain region in the channel. The virtual source/drain region has a lower threshold voltage than the remaining portion of the channel.
US07859044B2 Partially gated FINFET with gate dielectric on only one sidewall
A gate dielectric and a gate conductor layer are formed on sidewalls of at least one semiconductor fin. The gate conductor layer is patterned so that a gate electrode is formed on a first sidewall of a portion of the semiconductor fin, while a second sidewall on the opposite side of the first sidewall is not controlled by the gate electrode. A partially gated finFET, that is, a finFET with a gate electrode on the first sidewall and without a gate electrode on the second sidewall is thus formed. Conventional dual gate finFETs may be formed with the inventive partially gated finFETs on the same substrate to provide multiple finFETs having different on-current in the same circuit such as an SRAM circuit.
US07859043B2 Three-terminal single poly NMOS non-volatile memory cell
A three terminal non-volatile memory (NVM) cell for a CMOS IC is formed by a standard CMOS process flow. The NVM cell includes two transistors that share a common floating gate. The floating gate includes a first portion disposed over the channel region of the first (NMOS) transistor, a second portion disposed over the channel region of the second (NMOS or PMOS) transistor, and a third portion extending into an enlarged drain diffusion area away from the channel regions, whereby the gate-to-drain capacitance is higher than the gate-to-source capacitances. A pocket implant or CMOS standard LV N-LDD is formed under the second transistor to enhance CHE programming. Both HV LDD and LV LDD implants are introduced together enabling LDD implant merging under the floating gate extension. The floating gate is formed using substantially T-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, Y-shaped or O-shaped polysilicon structures. Various array addressing schemes are disclosed.
US07859041B2 Gate structure of semiconductor device
A gate structure of a semiconductor device comprising a silicon substrate having a field oxide film, a plurality of gates formed by sequentially stacking a first gate dielectric film, a first gate conductive film, and a gate silicide film on the silicon substrate. a thermal oxide film formed on a side of the first gate conductive film, a plurality of trenches formed between the gates, a second gate oxide film formed on an interior wall of each trench; and a second conductive film formed in a spacer shape on a predetermined region of the second gate oxide film, and on a side of the first gate conductive film, the gate silicide film and the thermal oxide film.
US07859038B2 Semiconductor device
A dummy transistor and a field effect transistor are arranged in a second direction. The dummy transistor is located at least at one end in a second direction.
US07859037B2 Checkerboarded high-voltage vertical transistor layout
In one embodiment, a transistor fabricated on a semiconductor die is arranged into sections of elongated transistor segments. The sections are arranged in rows and columns substantially across the semiconductor die. Adjacent sections in a row or a column are oriented such that the length of the transistor segments in a first one of the adjacent sections extends in a first direction, and the length of the transistor segments in a second one of the adjacent sections extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially orthogonal to the second direction. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
US07859036B2 Memory devices having electrodes comprising nanowires, systems including same and methods of forming same
Memory devices having memory cells comprising variable resistance material include an electrode comprising a single nanowire. Various methods may be used to form such memory devices, and such methods may comprise establishing contact between one end of a single nanowire and a volume of variable resistance material in a memory cell. Electronic systems include such memory devices.
US07859035B2 Storage node having a metal-insulator-metal structure, non-volatile memory device including a storage node having a metal-insulator-metal structure and method of operating the same
A storage node having a metal-insulator-metal structure, a non-volatile memory device including a storage node having a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure and a method of operating the same are provided. The memory device may include a switching element and a storage node connected to the switching element. The storage node may include a first metal layer, a first insulating layer and a second metal layer, sequentially stacked, and a nano-structure layer. The storage node may further include a second insulating layer and a third metal layer. The nano-structure layer, which is used as a carbon nano-structure layer, may include at least one fullerene layer.
US07859033B2 Wafer level processing for backside illuminated sensors
A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a sensor layer having a plurality of photosensitive elements of a pixel array, an oxide layer adjacent a backside surface of the sensor layer, and at least one dielectric layer adjacent a frontside surface of the sensor layer. A color filter array is formed on a backside surface of the oxide layer, and a transparent cover is attached to the backside surface of the oxide layer overlying the color filter array. Redistribution metal conductors are in electrical contact with respective bond pad conductors through respective openings in the dielectric layer. A redistribution passivation layer is formed over the redistribution metal conductors, and contact metallizations are in electrical contact with respective ones of the respective redistribution metal conductors through respective openings in the redistribution passivation layer. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.
US07859031B2 Light modulating sensing MOSFET transistor and process for manufacturing the same
A Light Modulating sensing MOSFET transistor includes: a substrate receiving light radiation, the substrate having two source and drain areas separated by a channel extending along a first direction; a gate conductive beam extending along a second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the beam being fixed at each of its two opposite ends on at least one supporting area and being located above the channel area, the gate beam being substantially opaque and flexible so as to perform progressive modulation of the light reaching the channel in accordance with its bending controlled by the difference of voltage between the gate and the bulk and causing the beam to bend and to come closer to the surface of the channel. A process for manufacturing a light Modulating sensing MOSFET transistor is also provided.
US07859026B2 Vertical semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and methods for its fabrication are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and bounded by a trench wall extending from the semiconductor surface to a trench bottom. A drain region and a source region, spaced apart along the length of the trench, are formed along the trench wall, each extending from the surface toward the bottom. A channel region is formed in the substrate along the trench wall between the drain region and the source region and extending along the length of the trench parallel to the substrate surface. A gate insulator and a gate electrode are formed overlying the channel.
US07859021B2 Field-effect semiconductor device
A HEMT-type field-effect semiconductor device has a main semiconductor region comprising two layers of dissimilar materials such that a two-dimensional electron gas layer is generated along the heterojunction between the two layers. A source and a drain electrode are placed in spaced positions on a major surface of the main semiconductor region. Between these electrodes, a gate electrode is received in a recess in the major surface of the main semiconductor region via a p-type metal oxide semiconductor film whereby a depletion zone is normally created in the electron gas layer, with a minimum of turn-on resistance and gate leak current.
US07859019B2 Normally-off field-effect semiconductor device
A HEMT-type field-effect semiconductor device has a main semiconductor region formed on a silicon substrate. The main semiconductor region is a lamination of a buffer layer on the substrate, an electron transit layer on the buffer layer, and an electron supply layer on the electron transit layer. A source and a drain overlie the electron supply layer. A carrier storage layer overlies the electron supply layer via an insulator, and a gate overlies the carrier storage layer via another insulator. Upon application of an initialiser voltage to the gate, the carrier storage layer has stored therein a sufficient amount of carriers to hold the device off even without voltage application to the gate. An initialiser circuit is also disclosed whereby the device is initialized automatically for normally-off operation.
US07859012B1 Thyristor-based semiconductor memory device with back-gate bias
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor memory device includes an array of thyristor-based memory formed in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) supporting substrate. A portion of the supporting structure of the SOI substrate has a density of dopants sufficient to assist delivery of a bias to the backside of an insulating layer beneath a thyristor of the thyristor-based semiconductor memory. By enabling biasing of the substrate at the backside of the insulating layer beneath the thyristor, a back-gate control is available for controlling or compensating the gain of a component bipolar device of the thyristor with respect to temperature.
US07859005B2 Method for the production of a semiconductor component comprising a planar contact, and semiconductor component
In a method for producing a semiconductor component, in particular a semiconductor structure having a surface structure or topography which is produced by means of electronic components (2) on a substrate (1), at least one electronic component (2) is applied to a substrate (1), and an isolation layer (3) is applied to the topography which is produced by means of the at least one component (2) on the substrate (1). Contact-making openings (5) are then produced in the isolation layer (3) at contact points (8, 9) for the at least one electronic component, the isolation layer (3) and the contact points (8, 9) in the contact-making openings (5) are planar-metallized, and the metallization is structured in order to produce electrical connections (4), with the isolation layer (3) having a glass coating.
US07858995B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, and a light emitting portion that is disposed on the substrate, and includes an active layer formed of a group III nitride semiconductor using a nonpolar plane or a semipolar plane as a growth principal surface, in which side end surfaces of the active layer are specular surfaces.
US07858988B2 Dual gate layout for thin film transistor
A dual gate layout of a thin film transistor of liquid crystal display to alleviate dark current leakage is disclosed. The layout comprises (1) a polysilicon on a substrate having a L-shaped or a snake shaped from top-view, which has a heavily doped source region, a first lightly doped region, a first gate channel, a second lightly doped region, a second gate channel, a third lightly doped region and a heavily doped drain region formed in order therein; (2) a gate oxide layer formed on the polysilicon layer and the substrate, (3) a gate metal layer then formed on the gate oxide layer having a scanning line and an extension portion with a L-shaped or an I-shaped. The gate metal intersects with the polysilicon layer thereto define the forgoing gate channels. Among of gate channels, at least one is along the signal line, which is connected to the source region through a source contact.
US07858987B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having high operating performance and reliability, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided.An LDD region 207 provided in an n-channel TFT 302 forming a driving circuit enhances the tolerance for hot carrier injection. LDD regions 217-220 provided in an n-channel TFT (pixel TFT) 304 forming a pixel portion greatly contribute to the decrease in the OFF current value. Here, the LDD region of the n-channel TFT of the driving circuit is formed such that the concentration of the n-type impurity element becomes higher as the distance from an adjoining drain region decreases.
US07858980B2 Reduced active area in a phase change memory structure
A phase change memory structure and method for forming the same, the method including providing a substrate comprising a conductive area; forming a spacer having a partially exposed sidewall region at an upper portion of the spacer defining a phase change memory element contact area; and, wherein the spacer bottom portion partially overlaps the conductive area. Both these two methods can reduce active area of a phase change memory element, therefore, reducing a required phase changing electrical current.
US07858967B2 Doped semiconductor material and process for production thereof
The invention relates to a doped organic semiconductor material with increased charge carrier density and more effective charge carrier mobility, which may be obtained by doping an organic semiconductor material with a chemical compound comprising one or several organic molecular groups (A) and at least one further compound partner (B). The desired doping effect is achieved after cleavage of at least one organic molecular group (A) from the chemical compound by means of at least one organic molecular group (A) or by means of the product of a reaction of at least one molecular group (A) with another atom or molecule.
US07858952B2 Coatings and a method of optically detecting corrosion in coatings
A method for optically detecting hot corrosion of a thermal barrier coating (TBC), comprising: providing a TBC which includes an indicator material which has an optical emission which is altered by corrosion of the coating; irradiating the TBC with an excitation beam of light; receiving an optical emission from the TBC; obtaining a detection signal for the optical emission; and analysing the detection signal to identify one or more predeterminable spectral characteristics and evaluate the amount of corrosion of the TBC. Detection apparatus for optically detecting the corrosion of a thermal barrier coating with the mentioned method, and coating to be inspected by said apparatus and method.
US07858951B1 Skew chicane based betatron eigenmode exchange module
A skewed chicane eigenmode exchange module (SCEEM) that combines in a single beamline segment the separate functionalities of a skew quad eigenmode exchange module and a magnetic chicane. This module allows the exchange of independent betatron eigenmodes, alters electron beam orbit geometry, and provides longitudinal parameter control with dispersion management in a single beamline segment with stable betatron behavior. It thus reduces the spatial requirements for multiple beam dynamic functions, reduces required component counts and thus reduces costs, and allows the use of more compact accelerator configurations than prior art design methods.
US07858939B2 FPA combining SAL and imaging
A multi-mode detector and detection method that utilize shared optical components to detect multiple different incoming wavelengths of energy. Partial de-focusing of incoming light enables imaging and non-imaging outputs from the same detector. Analog and digital pixels enable mixed-mode output. Selective filtering at the detector enables the simultaneous detection of two or more wavelengths of light. Signal processing hardware and algorithms enable the system to simultaneously provide integrated and multi-channel analog outputs to guidance and display systems.
US07858936B2 Slice and view with decoration
Imprecisely located defects are imaged by milling a series of slices and performing a light, preferential etch to provide a topographical interface between materials having similar secondary electron emission characteristics. The slices are sufficiently small to capture small defects, but are sufficiently large to overcome problems with redeposition.
US07858933B2 Mass spectrometer
A filament 3 for generating thermions is remotely located from an ionization chamber 2 so that a thermion-accelerating electric field created by a potential difference between the filament 3 and the ionization chamber 2 is prevented from penetrating through an electron injection port 5 into the ionization chamber 2. This design eliminates the disturbance of an ion-extracting electric field created within the ionization chamber 2 by a voltage applied to lens electrodes 13, thus enabling ions produced within the ionization chamber 2 to be efficiently extracted and transported to a mass analyzer located at the subsequent stage. As a result, the level of detection signals of a detector is increased, so that the mass analysis can be performed with high sensitivity.
US07858926B1 Mass spectrometry with segmented RF multiple ion guides in various pressure regions
A mass spectrometer includes an ion source and at least one vacuum stage, a means for delivering ions from the ion source to the vacuum stage, a collision cell, a detector, at least two multipole ion guide segments, and independent RF frequency and DC voltage sources applied to the multipole ion guide segments, the RF frequency and DC voltage sources being controlled independently of each other.
US07858923B2 Light beam scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A light beam scanning apparatus capable of forming a high contrast electrostatic latent image. A polygon mirror scans a light flux emitted from a light source in a main scanning direction. An electrostatic latent image in an irradiation position irradiated by the scanned light flux is formed onto a photosensitive drum. An electro-optic crystal structure disposed in a light path between the light source and the polygon mirror deflects a course of the light flux emitted from the light source to the main scanning direction by applying a voltage. A controller maintains the irradiation position on the photosensitive drum irradiated by the light flux, by controlling a voltage to be applied to the electro-optic crystal structure according to the scanning information during the time period in which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to one dot is formed on the photosensitive drum.
US07858914B2 Method and apparatus for reducing dark current and hot pixels in CMOS image sensors
Methods and apparatuses for reducing dark current and hot pixels in CMOS image sensors. A pixel apparatus includes a photosensor capable of generating dark current, a floating diffusion region coupled to the photosensor by way of a charge transfer transistor, a rest transistor connected between the floating diffusion region and an array pixel supply voltage. The array supply voltage varies between first and second voltages when sampling pixel signals from the pixel.
US07858913B2 Light surface display for rendering a three-dimensional image
A light surface display for providing a three-dimensional image including a plurality of particles suspended within a volumetric display. A first projection system projects sequential slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more wavelengths along the length and width of the volumetric display energizing particles to form a two-dimensional image. A second projection system projects translational slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more wavelengths that intersect with the energized particles across the depth of the volumetric display. A control system synchronizes the projection of the image source and the activation source such that the two-dimensional image and the translational slices energize the particles for a pre-determined length of time so that the particles illuminate to form an illuminated three-dimensional image.
US07858910B2 Zero blind zone doppler beam sharpening
A method and apparatus for remotely sensing the content in a field of view are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a coherent optical signal into a field of view; receiving and detecting a reflection of the optical signal from a portion of the field of view bounded by the platform's boresight; correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the platform's boresight. The apparatus comprises a radome; an optical signal generator; an optical transmission channel; an optical receiver channel; and a plurality of electronics capable of receiving the representative signal and: correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the boresight from the corrected first instance of the reflection.
US07858904B2 System and method of controlling auxiliary/weld power outputs of a welding-type apparatus
A system and method of controlling available power of an auxiliary output of a welding-type power source is disclosed. The welding-type power source is configured to supply power to a variable combination of a welding-type output and the auxiliary output and includes a controller configured to detect a load on the auxiliary output. The controller is configured to monitor an engine operating parameter of the welding-type power source and to limit the amount of power provided to the auxiliary output to an amount of power capable of being generated by the engine at a current engine condition.
US07858901B2 Focusing an optical beam to two foci
A Plate polarising beam splitter 22 splits an incident laser beam 21 to form a first laser beam 24 and a second laser beam 25. The first laser beam is optically modified using an arcuate reflector 23 so that the first laser beam has a different divergence or convergence from that of the second laser beam. The first laser beam 24 is focussed at a first focus 27 on an optical axis of a focussing lens 26 and the second laser beam is focussed at a second focus 28 on the optical axis for machining a workpiece. The apparatus is suitable for machining with the laser beams steered by a galvanometer scanner.
US07858897B2 Insert weld repair
The invention is a method of repairing an aperture and adjacent defect in a part which is started by removing one or more defects adjacent an aperture in a base material. The material is removed to create a weld seam that extends past an area of high stress concentration on the aperture. An insert of material containing a profile that corresponds to the profile of the base material removed adjacent the aperture and a combination top and runoff plate that encompasses the insert of material are provided. A backing plate is inserted underneath the combination top and runoff plate and insert such that there remains an air space between the backing plate and the combination plate which prevents the combination plate from becoming fused to the backing plate during a welding process. The insert is welded to the base material, and the backing plate is removed. Excess material is removed from the insert to obtain an aperture containing a profile essentially the same as the profile of the aperture prior to initiating the repair.
US07858892B2 Ball holding, latching and locking applications using radial and axial springs by incorporating electrical conductivity and electrical switchings
A latching and electrical switch mechanism includes an insulated housing having a cavity therein with an opening thereto along with an electrically conductive ball disposed therein. The ball includes a stem with a smaller diameter than the ball and extends therefrom with a ball being sized for rotational and translational movement within the housing cavity. At least one groove is provided in the housing cavity and a coil spring is disposed in a groove for making electrical contact with the ball and retaining the ball for rotation within the cavity with the stem at selected conical angles with respect to the housing centerline. At least one electrical contact is disposed in the cavity at a spaced apart relationship with the coil spring for providing electrical connection with the ball upon translational movement of the ball within the cavity, which also produces an audible sound.
US07858873B2 Photovoltaic cell and photovoltaic module employing the same
There is provided a photovoltaic cell, which comprises: a photo-electric conversion layer having a front surface and a rear surface, and a reflection layer provided on the rear surface of the photo-electric conversion layer, wherein the reflection layer includes plural types of transparent layers having different refractive indices and alternately stacked and, when light is incident from the front surface of the photo-electric conversion layer, reflects a part of the incident light having a predetermined wavelength back into the photo-electric conversion layer.
US07858870B2 System and methods for the creation and performance of sensory stimulating content
Systems and methods for creating and presenting sensory stimulating content. One aspect of the invention allows a composer to associate content with one or more triggers, and to define behavior characteristics which control the functioning of each trigger. Another aspect of the invention provides a variety of user interfaces through which a performer can cause content to be presented to an audience.
US07858868B2 Method for classifying music using Gish distance values
A method for classifying music includes providing music classification data, providing an unclassified piece of music to be classified, and deriving for each music class within the music classification data a respective Gish distance value. A finite set of a finite number of Gish distance values is descriptive for the relation of the unclassified piece of music to be classified with respect to a discrete and finite set of a finite number of music classes. Alternatively, for a given piece of music to be classified, music classification data of a n-tuple of at least three numbers are obtained, which are representative for the mood of the piece of music. From the n-tuple of numbers of the music classification data a pair of two dimensional coordinate values are determined, which are representative for the mood of the piece of music.
US07858864B2 Key actuating apparatus
In order to improve a touch of a key of a keyboard musical instrument by using a key actuating apparatus which actuates the key supported so as to be rotationally movable with regard to a frame of the keyboard musical apparatus, a key actuating apparatus (1) includes: a plunger (15) which is moved on an arc or curved line in correspondence with a rotational motion of a key (3); and a solenoid (7) including electro magnets (17 and 19) which are fixed to the frame and which are substantially in a cylindrical shape into which the plunger is inserted. The plunger (15) is formed in an arc or curved shape extended in a direction of a rotational motion of the plunger (15). A head end (15b) arranged on the plunger (15) in a lengthwise direction is made from a magnetic body.
US07858863B2 Electronic musical instrument keyboard apparatus
Mass body unit includes a base section, an elongated member, and a mass concentrating section. The elongated member is formed by a thin sheet metal plate being bent, along its length, into a hollow cross-sectional shape such that an opening portion is defined between left and right longitudinal edges. In a section of the elongated member near a rear end of the member, the left and right longitudinal edges extend in parallel to define an outer wall portion of a U cross-sectional shape. In a section of the elongated member near a boundary position adjacent to the rear end of the member, the opening portion between the left and right longitudinal edges gradually decreases in width. Further, in a section from the boundary position to a front end, the elongated member has a hollow circular cross-sectional shape with the opening portion closed.
US07858858B2 Upright piano
An upright piano which is capable of providing a soft pedal effect in a first playing mode for performing acoustic playing, and an excellent performance in a second playing mode, without being affected by step-on of a soft pedal, while properly detecting the rotational position of each hammer, is disclosed. The upright piano includes sensors for detecting the rotational position of a hammer in the second playing mode, a hammer rest rail with which the hammer is in contact in a key-off state of a key, a soft pedal, a pedal rod for pushing up the hammer rest rail as the soft pedal is stepped on, a stopper movable between a permitting position and a blocking position, and a stopper drive mechanism for driving the stopper to the permitting position in the first playing mode and to the blocking position in the second playing mode.
US07858857B2 Guzmania hybrid named ‘glossita’
A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘GLOSSITA’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 21.5 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, relatively narrow, green color foliage, measuring about 20 cm to 25 cm in length and about 1.8 cm to 2.8 cm in width; superior floral bract production; bracts have a unique pink color (closest to RHS 39A and RHS 39B of the Red Group) which distinguishes this cultivar from typical Guzmania; round, spike-like inflorescence, measuring about 5 cm in height and about 11 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.
US07858855B1 Inbred maize variety PHCJM
A novel maize variety designated PHCJM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHCJM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHCJM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHCJM or a trait conversion of PHCJM with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHCJM, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHCJM and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07858853B2 Inbred corn line CC1
An inbred corn line, designated CC1, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CC1, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CC1 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CC1 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from the inbred CC1.
US07858850B1 Soybean cultivar S07-04JR000474
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar S07-04JR000474 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar S07-04JR000474 and its progeny, and methods of making S07-04JR000474.
US07858849B2 Bacillus thuringiensis crystal polypeptides, polynucleotides, and compositions thereof
The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.
US07858847B2 Protein kinase stress-related proteins and methods of use in plants
A transgenic plant transformed by a Protein Kinase Stress-Related Protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.
US07858828B2 Process for synthesis of (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein and its stereoisomers
(3R,3′R,6′R)-Lutein and (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US. These carotenoids accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. In the past decade, numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and Western World. The invention provides a process for the synthesis of (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein and its stereoisomers from commercially available (rac)-α-ionone by a C15+C10+C15 coupling strategy. In addition, the present invention also provides access to the precursors of optically active carotenoids with 3-hydroxy-ε-end group that are otherwise difficult to synthesize. The process developed for the synthesis of lutein and its stereoisomers is straightforward and has potential for commercialization.
US07858824B2 Aralkyltetrahydropyridines, their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (IIIo): in which n is an integer from 1 to 5; Ao represents a partially saturated carbonaceous bi- or tricycle; it also relates to their salts, solvates, N-oxides, the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, a method for their preparation and synthesis intermediates in this method.
US07858815B2 Systems and methods for forming tantalum oxide layers and tantalum precursor compounds
A method of forming (and apparatus for forming) a tantalum oxide layer on a substrate, particularly a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, using a vapor deposition process and a tantalum precursor compound that includes alkoxide ligands, for example.
US07858814B2 Ru-containing polyoxotungstates and process for their preparation
The invention relates to polyoxometalates represented by the formula (An)m+ [Ru2L2(XW11O39)2WO2]m− or solvates thereof, wherein A is a cation, n is the number of the cations, m is the charge of the polyanion, L is a ligand bound to ruthenium and is independently selected from group consisting of water, unsubstituted or substituted arenes, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarenes, unsaturated hydrocarbons, ethers, unsubstituted or substituted allyl, unsubstituted or substituted alkanes, nitriles, carboxylates, peroxides, peracids, phosphines, phosphanes, CO, OH−, peroxo, carbonate, NO3−, NO2−, NO−, NH3, amines, F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, SCN−, NCS−, NCO− and mixtures thereof and X is a heteroatom selected from Si, Ge, B and mixtures thereof, a process for their preparation and their use for the catalytic oxidation of organic molecules.
US07858808B2 Multi-substituted imidazolines and method of use thereof
A new class of imidazolines as 4-position acids or esters with very potent anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial activity is described. The synthesis of these imidazolines includes a multicomponent reaction applicable to a combinatorial synthetic approach. The combination of these two key characteristics provides an effective therapeutic drug in the treatment of septic shock as well as many other inflammatory (arthritis and asthma) and infectious disorders. The use of this novel class of non-steroidal agents as anti-inflammatory agents (for the treatment of asthma etc.), antibacterial agents and antiseptic agents is described. The compounds are also useful in the treatment of tumors (such as cancers). The imidazolines are potent inhibitors of the transcription factor NF-κB as well as potent activity against the Gram (+) bacterium B. subtillus and B. cereus with MIC values in the range of 50 μm/mL.
US07858805B2 Substituted thien-3-yl-sulphonylamino(thio)carbonyl-triazolin(ethi)ones
The invention relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) and salts thereof: in which Q1 represents O, Q2 represents O, R1 represents —CH3, R2 represents —CH3, R3 represents —OCH3, and R4 represents —CH3.
US07858799B2 Ionic organic compound
An ionic organic compound having a repeating unit of formula (I) can be synthesized easily from a readily available organic compound through a small number of reaction steps, can be produced without any purification technique such as chromatography, and can be used in a quite small amount for gelation of water or an ionic liquid without any other auxiliary solvent: [-(A-B-C)n-]•m(X)  (I) wherein A represents a group having a quaternary ammonium cation which is formed from a heterocyclic compound having at least one nitrogen atom; B represents a functional group, which may have a substituent, selected from amide, urea, urethane and peptide groups; C represents a divalent hydrocarbon group, which may have a substituent, capable of linking between A and B; X represents an anion; n represents the number of repeating units; m represents the total number of anions; and n and m are the same integer. A hydrogel using the compound is stable under acidic conditions, capable of setting a large amount of water with a small amount thereof, and capable of quickly recovering the original elastic modulus against structural disruption caused by mechanical distortion. The hydrogel is capable of directly gelling an ionic liquid without other solvent such as water when causing gelation. Further, the hydrogel is capable of easily dispersing carbon nanotubes in water whose load on the environment is low.
US07858794B2 Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
The present invention relates to tetrahydroquinoline derivatives having gene formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are H or Me; R3 is H, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkoxy, (di)(1-4C)alkylamino(2-4C)alkoxy or (2-6)heterocycloakl(2-4C)alkoxy; R4 is H, OH, (1-4C)alkoxy or R7; R5 is H, OH, (1-4C)alkoxy or R7, with the proviso that if R4 is H, R5 is not H, OH or (1-4C)alkoxy and that if R5 is H, R4 is not H, OH or (1-4C)alkoxy; R6 is (2-5C)heteroaryl, (6C)aryl, (3-8C)cycloalkyl, (2 6C)heterocycloalkyl or (1-6C)alkyl; R7 is amino, (di)(1-4C)alkylamino, (6C)arylcarbonylamino, (6C)arylcarbonyloxy, (2-5C) heteroarylcarbonylamino, (2-5C)heteroarylcarbonyloxy, R8-(2-4C)alkylamino, R8-(2-4C)alkoxy, R9-methylamino or R9-methoxy; R8 is hydroxy, amino, (-14C)alkoxy, (di)(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl, (2-6C) heterocycloalkylcarbonylamino, (di)(1-4C)alkylaminocarbonylamino, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonylamino and R9 is aminocarbonyl, (di)(1-4C)alkylaminocarbonyl, (2-5C)heteroaryl or (6C)aryl. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said derivatives and the use of these derivatives to regulate fertility.
US07858781B2 Chemokine receptor antagonists
A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug ester thereof, wherein the variants R, R9, Z, X, Q and Y are defined in the specification.
US07858778B2 Process for the preparation of 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-5H-dibenz[B,F]azepine-5-carboxyamide
A process for the preparation of 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxyamide by hydrolysis of 5-cyano-10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine with peroxy compounds in alkali medium and in the presence of solvents.
US07858771B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of muscarinic colinergic receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression of genes associated with respiratory and pulmonary disease, such as cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, or other genes involved in pathways of cholinergic muscarinic receptor gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor or cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3).
US07858760B2 Antibodies to protein expressed in prostate cancer
A novel prostate tumor associated gene (designated 24P4C12) and its encoded protein is described. 24P4C12 is highly expressed in prostate tissue xenografts, providing evidence that it is turned on in at least some prostate cancers. 24P4C12 provides a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for prostate and other cancers.
US07858754B2 Nel-related protein type 1 antibody
The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.
US07858749B2 Polymer-factor VIII moiety conjugates
Conjugates of a Factor VIII moiety and one or more water-soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the water-soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of making the conjugates, and methods of administering compositions comprising the conjugates to a patient.
US07858748B2 Method for purifying marine collagen and the processing thereof into porous sponges
Methods are provided for purifying marine collagen and for processing the collagen into porous sponges. Products produced with these methods and the use of the products are also provided.
US07858744B2 Compositions, reagents and kits for and methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating hormonal imbalance
The present invention concerns ten novel variants of alternative splicing of the hormonal imbalance related genes.
US07858742B2 Lymphoma associated molecules and uses therefor
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated BAL nucleic acid molecules, which are differentially expressed in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing BAL nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a BAL gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated BAL proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-BAL antibodies. Diagnostic methods using compositions of the invention are also provided.
US07858730B2 Multi-level tubular reactor with dual headers
A multi-level tubular reactor operable to facilitate a chemical reaction in a reaction medium flowing therethrough. The tubular reactor can include a plurality of horizontally elongated and vertically spaced tubular members coupled to and extending between a pair of horizontally spaced and vertically elongated headers.
US07858728B2 Polycarbonate resins method of manufacture, and articles formed therefrom
Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate comprising a terminal olefin group of the formula wherein R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon that can be unsubstituted or substituted with a halogen, olefin, ether, ketone, or C4-C30 polyoxyalkylene functionality in which the alkylene groups contain 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R2 to R4 are each independently a hydrogen or a C1-C40 hydrocarbon that can be unsubstituted or substituted with a halogen, olefin, ether, ketone, or a C4-C30 polyoxyalkylene functionality in which the alkylene groups contain 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and optionally wherein any two of R1 to R4 together form a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring system optionally substituted with a heteroatom in each ring.
US07858724B2 Polymeric, phosphorescent, organically semi-conductive emitter materials based on perarylated boranes, method for their production and use thereof
The invention relates to luminescent compounds with semi-conducting properties, as well as their production and their use in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The compounds are copolymers comprising a metal complex with a central atom from subgroup 8 of the periodic table of elements.
US07858723B2 Ethylene-based resin and molded object obtained therefrom
Ethylene-based resin, which exhibits a satisfactorily high melt tension and can provide a molded object excellent in mechanical strength, the ethylene-based resin characterized in simultaneously satisfying the requirements [1] to [5] described below: [1] melt flow rate (MFR) under a loading of 2.16 kg at 190° C. is in the range of 0.1 to 100 g/10 minutes; [2] density (d) is in the range of 875 to 970 kg/m3; [3] ratio [MT/η*(g/P)] of melt tension [MT(g)] at 190° C. to shearing viscosity [η*(P)] at 200° C. at an angular velocity of 1.0 rad/sec. is in the range of 1.50×10−4 to 9.00×10−4; [4] sum [(A+B)(/1000C)] of the number of methyl branches [A(/1000C)] and the number of ethyl branches [B(/1000C)] per 1000 carbon atoms measured by 13C-NMR is 1.8 or less; and [5] zero shear viscosity [η0(P)] at 200° C. and weight-average molecular weight (Mw) measured by GPC-viscosity detector method (GPC-VISCO) satisfy the following relational expression (Eq-1): 0.01×10−13×Mw3.4≦η0≦4.5×10−13×Mw3.4  (Eq-1).
US07858718B1 Catalysts based on 2-aryl-8-anilinoquinoline ligands
Catalysts useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise an activator and a Group 4 metal complex that incorporates a dianionic, tridentate 2-aryl-8-anilinoquinoline ligand. In one aspect, supported catalysts are prepared by first combining a boron compound having Lewis acidity with excess alumoxane to produce an activator mixture, followed by combining the activator mixture with a support and the tridentate, dianionic Group 4 metal complex. The catalysts are easy to synthesize, support, and activate, and they enable facile production of high-molecular-weight polyolefins.
US07858717B2 Metallocene compounds
A bridged metallocene compound of formula (I) wherein: M is an atom of a transition metal selected from those belonging to group 3, 4, or to the lanthanide or actinide groups in the Periodic Table of the Elements; X, equal to or different from each other, is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2 group; L is a divalent bridging group; R1 and R2, equal to each other, are C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical; R3 is hydrogen or a are C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical and W is an aromatic 5 or 6 membered ring.
US07858716B2 Propylene-based polymer and production method therefor, propylene-based polymer composition and molded body made thereof
Disclosed is a production method of polypropylene having high MFR value and excellent product qualities with high productivity. The method enables to produce a propylene polymer by a gas phase process where the reaction heat is removed mainly by the heat of vaporization of liquefied propylene. The method is characterized by using a solid catalyst component (A) which is prepared by contacting components (A1), (A2) and (A3) shown below. Further disclosed are: a propylene polymer produced by the method; a propylene polymer composition; and a molded body of the composition. Component (A1): a solid component containing titanium, magnesium and a halogen as essential components. Component (A2): a vinyl silane compound. Component (A3): an organosilicon compound having an alkoxy group (A3a) and/or a compound having at least two ether bonds (A3b).
US07858713B2 Accelerator systems for low-temperature curing
Composition comprising as component A) a 1-imidazoly[mothyl-substituted 2-naphthol compound of the general formula (I) where R1, R2 and R3 each independently of one another are H; C1-17alkyl; C3-12cycloalkyl, optionally substituted by c1-4alkyl groups; C4-20cycloalkyl-alkyl, optionally substituted by C1-4alkyl groups; C6-10aryl, optionally substituted by 1-3 C1-4-alkyl groups; C7-15,phonylalkyl, optionally substituted by 1-3 C1-4alkyl groups; C3-17alkenyl; C3-12alkynyl; or aromatic or aliphatic C3-12acyf; R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 each independently of one another are H; C1-12alkyl; C3-12cycloalkyl, optionally substituted by C1-4alkyl groups; C4-20cycloalkyl-alkyl, optionally substituted by C1-4alkyf groups; C6-10aryl, optionally substituted by 1-3 C1-4alkyl groups; C7-15phenylalkyl, optionally substituted by 1-3 C1-4alkyl groups; C3-17alkenyl; C3-12alkynyl; C1-12alkoxy; or OH; and as component B) a phenol which is liquid at room temperature, the weight ratio of component A) to component B) being from 10:90 to 80:20 as accelerator for curable epoxy resin compositions which are used as a compression moulding compound, sinter powder, encapsulating system, casting resin, or for producing prepregs and laminates having very good interlaminar shear strength values using impregnating methods or injection methods, for producing components, especially components of large surface area.
US07858710B2 Highly organized polyolefin structures
A method of preparing periodic, semi-periodic, or semi-random polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid involves polymerizing 1-alkoxyalkyl ester substituted α,Ω-dienes, and/or 1-alkoxyalkyl ester substituted cycloalkenes via olefin metathesis reactions followed by hydrogenation of the alkylene units and subsequently hydrolyzed to the desired polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid. The polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid can then be converted to ionomers by exchange with a monomeric carboxylate salt.
US07858708B2 Propylene-ethylene-butene block copolymer and molded article thereof
A propylene-ethylene-butene block copolymer is provided which includes from 60 to 85% by weight of a polypropylene portion and from 15 to 40% by weight of a propylene-ethylene-butene random copolymer portion, wherein the copolymer satisfies the requirements (1) and (2) given below. In addition, a molded article including such a propylene-ethylene-butene block copolymer is provided.(1) The random copolymer portion includes a propylene-ethylene random copolymer component (EP) and a propylene-ethylene-butene random copolymer component (EPB) and the copolymer component (EP) has an intrinsic viscosity of from 1.5 to 8 dl/g and an ethylene unit content of from 20 to 50% by weight, and the copolymer component (EPB) has an intrinsic viscosity of from 0.5 to 8 dl/g, an ethylene unit content of from 47 to 77% by weight and a butene unit component of from 3 to 33% by weight and the total of the ethylene unit content and the butene unit content is from 50 to 80% by weight.(2): The propylene-ethylene-butene block copolymer has a melt flow rate of from 5 to 120 g/10 min.
US07858705B2 Functionalised polyolefins, moisture curable polyolefin resins and processes of manufacturer thereof
A process for preparing a functionalised polyolefin is described. The process comprises the step of reacting: (i) a polyolefin, (ii) a compound containing a functional group, and (iii) a coagent compound having Formula I: Xn—Y—Zm  (I) wherein: Y is a core moiety; Z is a moiety containing a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon triple bond; X is a moiety different than Z and the bond between X and Y may be a single bond or a double bond; n is a whole number greater than or equal to 0; m is a whole number greater than or equal to 2; and m+n equals a number up to the valence of Y; wherein: (a) when m is 2 and n is 0, the process comprises initially reacting the polyolefin and the coagent to form a product that is then reacted with the compound containing the functional group, and (b) the compound containing a functional group is substantially inert in free radical-mediated polymerization reactions and in free radical-mediated grafting reactions. The invention also relates to a functionalized polyolefin produced by such a process. The polyolefins, particularly high molecular weight polyolefins (Mn>10,000), can be extensively modified with functional groups (e.g., thiols, epoxides, anhydrides, carboxylic acids, amines, amides, boron-containing compounds, silicon-containing compounds, cyano-containing compounds, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfites, esters, thioesters, dithioesters, ether, halides, phosphates, phosphonates, phosphines, phosphites and other compounds containing polar moieties) without altering molecular weight thereby rendering the functionalised polyolefins useful in a wide range of applications.
US07858695B2 Aqueous polymer dispersion
The invention provides a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of water insoluble heteropolymeric particles comprising polymerising in an aqueous reaction medium ethylenically unsaturated monomers, said ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomers and non-ionisable hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated monomers, to form said heteropolymeric particles dispersed in said aqueous reaction medium, wherein the monomers in said reaction medium at any point in time comprise less than 5 weight % of ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein for at least a part of the polymerisation the monomers in said reaction medium have a composition which is maintained with an ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of from 0.5 to less than 5 weight % throughout polymerisation of at least 30 weight % of the total amount of monomers polymerised to form the heteropolymeric particles, and wherein the total amount of non-ionisable hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomers polymerised constitutes at least 75 weight % of the total amount of monomers polymerised to form the heteropolymeric particles, a method of preparing a paint comprising conventional paint additives and the aqueous dispersion of water insoluble heteropolymeric particles of the invention, and a novel aqueous dispersion of water insoluble heteropolymeric particles.
US07858693B2 Unhydrogenated block copolymer compositions
The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising (a) anionic block copolymers having at least two blocks of a mono alkenyl arene and at least one block of a conjugated diene and mono alkenyl arene having a specific arrangement of the monomers in the copolymer block, and (b) tailored softening modifiers have a particular structure that results in a surprising improvement in properties for the composition. Also included are processes for the manufacturing such novel compositions and various end-uses and applications for such compositions.
US07858691B2 Functionalization of carbon nanoshperes by severe oxidative treatment
Carbon nanostructures are formed from a carbon precursor and catalytic templating nanoparticles and are treated with a severe oxidative agent to introduce oxygen-containing functional groups to the surface of the graphitic material. Methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures generally include (1) forming a precursor mixture that includes a carbon precursor and a plurality of catalytic templating particles, (2) carbonizing the precursor mixture to form an intermediate carbon material including carbon nanostructures, amorphous carbon, and catalytic metal, (3) purifying the intermediate carbon material by removing at least a portion of the amorphous carbon and optionally at least a portion of the catalytic metal, and (4) treating the intermediate carbon material with a severe oxidative treatment to increase surface functionalization. Examples of oxidative treatments include (i) a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, (ii) a solution of hydrogen peroxide, or (iii) a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
US07858684B2 Solid composite material and production method thereof
An object of the invention is to provide a solid composite material easily molded into a desirable shape and superior both in hardness and toughness, and a method of producing the same. A solid composite material 1 having an organic matrix of fibrous organic polymers of nonionic polymer and fine particles of a crystalline metal carbonate having an average diameter of 30 nm or less dispersed therein and a production method thereof. The production method includes mixing, gelation, and reactive precipitation steps. In the mixing step, a liquid mixture is prepared by mixing a hydrophilic nonionic polymers with a metal ion source in water. In the gelation step, the nonionic polymer in the liquid mixture is allowed to gel, to give a gel solvent. In the reactive precipitation step, a metal carbonate is precipitated by adding a carbonic acid source to the gel solvent.
US07858682B2 Aqueous coating composition with low VOC content
The present invention aqueous coating compositions comprising (a) an acrylate-based binder comprising 1% to 10% by weight of at least one hydroxy-functional comonomer of the general formula (I) A-[B]n-C where A is a polymerizable group, B is a spacer, C is a hydroxy-functional radical, and n is 0 or 1, (b) at least one pigment, (c) water, (d) less than 3% by weight of antifrost agent, and if appropriate, further, customary auxiliaries.
US07858681B2 Product comprising ionomer and plasticizer
A product comprises or is produced from a substrate and optionally a thermal insulation wherein the substrate comprises or is produced from polyvinyl chloride and a liquid plasticizer; the substrate, the insulation material, or both is coated, laminated, coextruded, or applied with a barrier layer comprising an ionomer; and the substrate is in close proximity to the insulation material. Also disclosed is a process that can be used to prevent liquid plasticizer from migrating out of polyvinyl chloride product wherein the product is optionally in close proximity to a thermal insulation; the process comprises coating, laminating, coextruding, or applying a barrier layer disclosed above onto the surface, or a portion thereof, of the product or onto the insulation.
US07858675B2 Composition with polymer and an oxidation-catalyst
The invention relates to a process for increasing the rate of oxo-biodegradation of a carbon-containing polymer which process at least comprises the step of adding a component containing at least one 1,2-oxo-hydroxy-moiety as an oxidation catalyst to the carbon-containing polymer. The invention further relates to a composition with an increased rate of oxo-biodegradability that is obtained by the process of the invention and to the product with increased rate of oxo-biodegradability made from the composition.
US07858666B2 IRE-1α inhibitors
Compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1α activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.
US07858665B2 Drugs for chronic pain
The present invention relates to nitrooxyderivatives or salts thereof having the following general formula (I): R—NR1c—(K)k0—(B)b0—(C)c0—NO2  (I) wherein c0, b0 and k0 are 0 or 1; R is the radical of an analgesic drug for chronic pain, for instance neurophatic pain; R1c is H or alkyl with from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; B is such that its precursor is selected from amino acids, hydroxy acids, polyalcohol, compounds; C is a bivalent radical containing an aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic radical.
US07858656B2 Controlled release formulations containing an active ingredient, preferably melatonin and the method of preparation
A controlled release melatonin tablet having a slow release nucleus of melatonin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a lubricant, a volume excipient and a glidant, wherein 95% of the melatonin is released within 5 hours in an oscillating tray containing gastric/intestinal juice at 37° C. and a fast release cortex coating on said nucleus of melatonin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a volume excipient, wherein at least 95% of the melatonin is released within 10 minutes in an oscillating tray containing gastric/intestinal juice at 37° C.
US07858655B2 Drug preparation comprising α-lipoic acid, ambroxol and/or inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and its use for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention concerns the use of Provided is a drug composition and a method for using the composition for the prevention and the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. The combination comprises at least two of the following substances: α-lipoic acid; ambroxol and one or several inhibitor(s) of the angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE).
US07858654B2 Imidazole-substituted arylamides as P2X3 and P2X2/3 antagonists
Compounds of the formula I: wherein R1 is optionally substituted imidazolyl, and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined herein. Also provided are methods of using the compounds for treating diseases mediated by a P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonist and methods of making the subject compounds.
US07858650B2 Medicinal composition for inhalation
A medicinal composition for inhalation containing a continuous-release type prodrug of an EP2 agonist topically exhibits a prolonged bronchodilating and antiinflammatory effects. Namely, the medicinal composition for inhalation containing a continuous-release type prodrug of an EP2 agonist is useful as a safe preventive and/or a remedy for respiratory diseases (for example, asthma, pulmonary injury, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension or the like) without causing any systemic effect such as lowering blood pressure. Thus, a safe and useful remedy for respiratory diseases is provided.
US07858643B2 Enantiomerically pure aminoheteroaryl compounds as protein kinase inhibitors
Enantiomerically pure compound of formula 1 are provided, as well as methods for their synthesis and use. Preferred compounds are potent inhibitors of the c-Met protein kinase, and are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth disorders, such as cancers.
US07858641B2 Substituted dihydroisoquinolinone compounds
A variety of low molecular weight, guanidino-containing dihydroisoquinolinoines capable of acting as MC4-R agonists are provided. The compounds are useful in treating MC4-R mediated diseases. The compounds have the structure ID where the values of the variable are defined herein.
US07858639B2 Bicyclic heterocycles as cannabinoid-1 receptor modulators
The present application describes compounds according to Formula I, pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound according to Formula I and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents and methods of treatment using the compounds according to Formula I both alone and in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents. The compounds have the following general formula: including all prodrugs, solvates, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers, wherein A, B, R1, R2, R3 and R8 are described herein.
US07858638B2 Methods and compositions for alleviating stuttering
Methods of treating stuttering include treating people with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor modulators, including cyclopyrrolones. A second active agent may be used with GABA receptor modulators. Active enantiomers, active metabolites, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor modulators, including cyclopyrrolones, are acceptable components of the compositions. The cyclopyrrolone class of modulators includes pagoclone, suriclone, zopiclone, 2-(7-chloro-2-naphthyridin-1,8-yl)-3-(5-methyl-2-oxohexyl)isoindolin-1-one, 2-(7-chloro-2-naphthyridin-1,8-yl)isoindolin-1-yl-4-acetamidobutyrate, and 2-(7-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2yl)-3-(5-methyl-5-hydroxy-2-oxohexyl)-1-isoindolinone.
US07858635B2 Spiro compounds as modulators of muscarinic receptors
The present invention relates to spiro compounds of formula XX as modulators of muscarinic receptors, wherein R1, R2, R3, Z1, Z2, L, G, n, m, t and p are defined herein. The present invention also provides compositions comprising such modulators, and methods therewith for treating muscarinic receptor mediated diseases.
US07858628B2 Use of fused nicotinamides to promote neurogenesis
The present invention provides a group of compounds found to increase the number of neurons derived from stem cells for use as a therapeutic agent in neurological conditions or diseases. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compounds are used to detect the mechanism by which the number of neurons is increased.
US07858625B2 Conjugates and compositions for cellular delivery
This invention features conjugates, compositions, methods of synthesis, and applications thereof, including folate derived conjugates of nucleosides, nucleotides, non-nucleosides, and nucleic acids including enzymatic nucleic acids and antisense nucleic acid molecules.
US07858624B2 Piperidine and morpholine renin inhibitors
Described are compounds which are orally active and bind to renin to inhibit its activity. They are useful in the treatment or amelioration of diseases associated with renin activity. Also described are methods of use of these compounds for treating or ameliorating a renin mediated disorder in a subject.
US07858623B2 Substituted amide derivatives and methods of use
Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as HGF mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
US07858619B2 Substituted tetrahydroisochinolines as MMP inhibitors, related production method and use as medicine
The present invention is directed to a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, A, L and n are as defined herein, its pharmaceutical composition, preparation and uses as a MMP inhibitor.
US07858618B2 Compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I wherein A, B, D, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined as in the specification, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with organic or inorganic acids or bases, which have valuable properties, the preparation thereof, the pharmaceutical compositions containing the pharmacologically effective compounds, the preparation thereof and the use thereof.
US07858615B2 (S)-(-)-1-(4-fluoroisoquinolin-5-Yl)Sulfonyl-2-methyl-1,4-homopiperazine hydrochloride dihydrate
The present invention is directed to (S)-(−)-1-(4-fluoroisoquinolin-5-yl)sulfonyl-2-methyl-1,4-homopiperazine hydrochloride dihydrate, to a method producing the dihydrate, and to a drug composition containing the dihydrate. The compound of the present invention has less hygroscopicity as compared with (S)-(−)-1-(4-fluoroisoquinolin-5-yl)sulfonyl-2-methyl-1,4-homopiperazine hydrochloride anhydrous crystals and thus, exhibits excellent chemical stability.
US07858613B2 Substituted benzo-condensed cycloheptanone derivatives and their use for producing drugs
The invention relates to substituted benzo-condensed cycloheptanone derivatives, to methods for producing them, to drugs containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds for producing drugs.
US07858612B2 Therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel diseases
The present invention relates to a method for maintaining the remission of or treating inflammatory bowel diseases, which comprises administering a maintenance therapeutically effective amount or a therapeutically effective amount of 7,8-dimethoxy-4(5H),10-dioxo-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-c][1]benzoazepine, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a mammal, wherein the prodrug is 2-(1-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-2-methylpropyl)-7,8-dimethoxy-4(5H),10-dioxo-2H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-c][1]benzoazepine. The method according to the present invention is effective in the maintenance therapy and therapy of the inflammatory bowel diseases and has few side effects. Particularly, the method according to the present invention may exhibit strong maintenance therapeutic and therapeutic effects, even on severe cases having resistance to the conventional therapeutics.
US07858602B2 Therapeutic and prophylactic uses of cell specific carbonic anhydrase enzymes in treating aging disorders due to oxidative stress and as growth factors of stem cells
A method for the treatment and prophylaxis of conditions of aging due oxidative stress and as growth factors of stem cells. Such conditions due to oxidative stress are associated with a decreased presence of one or more cell-specific carbonic anhydrase enzymes in the tissue of a subject. Such conditions include but are not limited to alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, lou gehrig's disease, huntington's disease, diabetes mellitus, amyloid diseases, atherosclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis. The method comprises administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective, non-toxic amount of one or more compounds that increases the presence of one or more Carbonic Anhydrase Isozymes whose levels have been reduced in the subject. Such compound maybe the Cell Specific Carbonic Anhydrase Enzymes, a compound that when absorbed reacts or dissociates to form cell specific carbonic enzymes or a compound that when administered promotes the natural generation of the cell specific carbonic anhydrase enzymes within the subject.This method also uses one or more cells specific carbonic anhydrase as growth factors of stem cells for replacing tissues due to injuries or diseases in humans.These methods includes the administering of these compounds over an extended period of time ranging from 6 months until the subject dies.
US07858599B2 Enhancement of urogenital function
An exemplary method of treating a urologic symptom includes administering a daily dose of creatine to an individual wherein the daily dose of creatine lies in a range from about 0.35 mg to about 3.5 mg per kilogram body weight. Such an exemplary method may further include administering a dose of a compound that inhibits phosphodiesterase (e.g., at a time less than approximately 4 hours prior to sexual activity). Other exemplary methods, compounds, compositions, etc., are also disclosed.
US07858597B2 Preparation of formulations of angiotensin II AT1 receptors antagonists for the treatment of arterial hypertension, other cardiovascular illnesses and its complications
Preparation of AT1 receptors antagonists formulations using the cyclodextrins, their derivatives and/or biodegradable polymers for the treatment of arterial hypertension, other cardiovascular disease and their complications. Until now, no applications using the AT11 receptor antagonists and cyclodextrins or derivatives and/or biodegradable polymers for the treatment of arterial hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases and their complications, was found in the technical state of art. The present invention is characterized by the combination of two different technologies: one is the molecular encapsulation of AT11 receptor antagonists in cyclodextrins and the other is the microencapsulation in biodegradable polymers. It also comprises the increase of the effectiveness of the AT11 receptor antagonists as well as an increase in their bio-availability. The present invention comprises a new more effective alternative for the treatment of arterial hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases and their complications.
US07858585B2 Hydrogels and uses thereof
The present invention provides novel hydrogels and methods of making and using such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly of peptides in solution. Such self-assembly may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. Characteristics of the solution that may be changed include pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. In addition, hydrogels of the invention may be disassembled by changing one or more characteristic of the hydrogel such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions.
US07858584B2 Angiogenically effective unit dose of FGF and method of administering
The present invention has multiple aspects. In particular, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose comprising 0.2 μg/kg to 36 μg/kg of a recombinant FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an angiogenically effective dose of an FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Typically, the angiogenically effective dose comprises 0.2 μg/kg to 36 μg/kg of an FGF of any one of SEQ ID NOS:1-3, 5, 8-10, or 12-14 or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of a human patient in need of treatment for coronary artery disease a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF of any one of SEQ ID NOS:1-3, 5, 8-10, or 12-14, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof.
US07858583B2 Process for purifying glycopeptide phosphonate derivatives
Disclosed are methods of purifying glycopeptides that are substituted with one or more substituents each comprising one or more phosphono groups that are useful as antibacterial agents. The methods include contacting a solution of the glycopeptide derivatives with a polystyrene-containing resin, eluting the resin with an aqueous solution, and isolating the purified glycopeptide derivative.
US07858579B2 Thermoprotective compositions of pkg pathway inhibitors and method of use thereof
Neural thermoprotective compositions comprising a pharmacological inhibitor of the PKG pathway are described, as are methods of treating patients and providing neural thermoprotection with the same.
US07858578B2 Methods of inducing neuronal growth by a Fucose-α(1-2) galactose (fuc-α(1-2) gal) moiety and a lectin
Fucose galactose carbohydrates have been shown to induce neuronal outgrowth. The invention includes methods of inducing neuronal outgrowth using carbohydrates, assemblies, and polymers bearing fucose-galactose moieties, as well as associated proteins. Cell growth can be stimulated in cells in culture or in cells within an animal or patient. Growth stimulation has application to understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including, for example, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis and conditions such as stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury. Such compounds, polymers, and assemblies also can be used to increase neural stem or progenitor cells in culture or in an animal, and to enervate engineered tissue.
US07858571B2 Extruded artisan soap having inner vein
An extruded and stamped personal washing bar comprising an artisan crafted appearance having top and bottom stamped faces bounded by a parting line or edge band and a horizontal plane intersecting the parting line or edge band, said bar further comprising an outer surfactant phase and a substantially contiguous inner vein comprising a thermoplastic mass, wherein said inner vein is located between the top and bottom stamped faces of the bar and wherein a projection of the inner vein onto the horizontal plane intersecting the parting line or edge band has a maximum width that is at least 20% of a maximum width of the bar in said horizontal plane.
US07858569B2 Antibacterial compositions and method of using same
Antibacterial solution useful as a cleaning agent suitable for cutaneous use by humans or otherwise which is aqueous based, free of alcohol and surfactants and having a quaternary ammonium compound as its principal antimicrobial agent, a number of moisturizing agents and DMDM Hydantoin serving at least as a preservative.
US07858555B2 Latent image systems, developers, and blockers therefor
A latent image developing system, methods for imaging and developing images, and systems and methods for blocking or erasing latent images. The latent image developing system includes a substrate containing a colorless image deposited thereon. A developer instrument is used to provide a visible image. The developer instrument includes a developer composition reactive with the colorless image. An image blocking instrument is provided for concealing at least a portion of the visible image. The image blocking instrument is provided by a blocking composition applicator and an aqueous mixture of blocking composition and water.
US07858549B2 Method for regeneration of iron-loaded denox catalysts
The invention relates to a method for regenerating denox catalysts having an increased SO2/SO3 conversion rate as a result of the cumulation of iron compounds, and is characterized in that the catalysts are treated with an essentially aqueous acid solution, preferably having a pH between 0.5 and 4, and with an addition of antioxidants.
US07858544B2 Hydroengorged spunmelt nonwovens
A hydroengorged spunmelt nonwoven formed of thermoplastic continuous fibers and a pattern of fusion bonds. The nonwoven has either a percentage bond area of less than 10 percent, or a percentage bond area of at least 10% wherein the pattern of fusion bonds is anisotropic.
US07858543B2 Resin joined body
In a resin joined body including at least one member made of a resin material that forms a first resin layer and a second resin layer, the at least one of the first and second resin layers having the rear side from which the laser beam has been irradiated has an absorption constant of 50 to 5000 m−1 for the wavelength of the laser beam, and the fuse bonded portion is formed to have a relationship of X>Y, wherein a light transmittance of light passing from the first resin layer to the second resin layer via the fused portion is designated as X(%), and a light transmittance of light passing continuously from the first resin layer to the second resin layer via a portion other than the fused portion is designated as Y(%).
US07858529B2 Treatment method of semiconductor, method for manufacturing MOS, and MOS structure
The method of the present invention includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a recess; performing a pre-cleaning step on the semiconductor substrate; and performing a first reduction step, a lateral etching step and a second reduction step on the semiconductor substrate. The MOS structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure on the semiconductor substrate, a pair of recesses with beak sections extending to and under the gate structure, and a strain material filling the recess. The recess inside the semiconductor substrate processed by the method including the lateral etching step forms a beak section.
US07858526B2 Method of patterning gate electrodes by reducing sidewall angles of a mask layer
By performing an anisotropic resist modification prior to the actual resist trimming process, the profile of the end portions of the resist features may be significantly enhanced, for instance by providing substantially vertical sidewall portions. Consequently, an overlap of gate electrodes with the respective isolation structures may be obtained, while nevertheless the probability for a short circuit between opposing end portions of the gate electrodes may be significantly reduced, thereby providing the potential for further scaling down device dimensions.
US07858525B2 Fluorine-free precursors and methods for the deposition of conformal conductive films for nanointerconnect seed and fill
A method including introducing a fluorine-free organometallic precursor in the presence of a substrate; and forming a conductive layer including a moiety of the organometallic precursor on the substrate according to an atomic layer or chemical vapor deposition process. A method including forming an opening through a dielectric layer to a contact point; introducing a fluorine-free copper film precursor and a co-reactant; and forming a copper-containing seed layer in the opening. A system including a computer including a microprocessor electrically coupled to a printed circuit board, the microprocessor including conductive interconnect structures formed from fluorine-free organometallic precursor.
US07858522B2 Method for reducing carbon monoxide poisoning in a thin film deposition system
A method for introducing a precursor vapor to a process chamber configured for forming a thin film on a substrate is described. The method includes transporting a process gas containing metal precursor vapor and a CO delivery gas to a process chamber, and introducing a CO saturation gas to the precursor vapor in the process chamber and optionally adjusting the spatial distribution of the CO saturation gas addition in order to affect improvements to the properties of the deposited film.
US07858512B2 Semiconductor with bottom-side wrap-around flange contact
A packaging technique for electronic devices includes wafer fabrication of flexible contacts on the bottom surface of the substrate underneath the active circuit. Inherently reliable contacts suitable for a variety of devices can be formed via a simple fabrication process with good wafer packing density. For one embodiment, a trench is formed from the back of the substrate, exposing an upper conductive layer on the top surface. A standoff is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate. A lower conductive layer is formed that runs from and electrically connects with the exposed portion of the upper conductive layer onto the substrate standoff. The standoff is removed, releasing the formed conductors, resulting in a flexible contact.
US07858496B2 Wafer processing method
Disclosed herein is a wafer processing method for dividing a wafer along a plurality of streets. The wafer processing method includes a back grinding step of grinding the back side of the wafer in an area corresponding to a device area to thereby reduce the thickness of the device area to a predetermined finished thickness and to simultaneously form an annular reinforcing portion on the back side of the wafer in an area corresponding to a peripheral marginal area, a wafer supporting step of attaching the back side of the wafer to a dicing tape, a kerf forming step of cutting the front side of the wafer along each street to thereby form a kerf having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the device area along each street, thereby dividing the device area into individual devices, and a peripheral marginal area removing step of peeling off the peripheral marginal area from the dicing tape.
US07858495B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate
A method for manufacturing an SOI substrate is provided in which adhesiveness between a single crystal semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor substrate is improved; bonding defects are reduced; and sufficient bonding strength is provided in a bonding step and also in a process of manufacturing a semiconductor device. An insulating film including halogen is formed on a single crystal semiconductor substrate side in which an embrittlement layer is formed. The insulating film including halogen undergoes a plasma treatment. The insulating film including halogen and a face of a semiconductor substrate are bonded so as to face each other. A thermal treatment is performed to split the single crystal semiconductor substrate along the embrittlement layer, thereby separating the single crystal semiconductor substrate into a single crystal semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor substrate to which a single crystal semiconductor layer is bonded. The single crystal semiconductor layer bonded to the semiconductor substrate undergoes a planarization treatment.
US07858490B2 Semiconductor device having dual-STI and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a memory cell area and a peripheral circuit area includes a silicon substrate and an isolation structure implemented by a silicon oxide film formed on a surface of the silicon substrate. A depth of the isolation structure in the memory cell area is smaller than a depth of the isolation structure in the peripheral circuit area, and an isolation height of the isolation structure in the memory cell area is substantially the same as an isolation height of the isolation structure in the peripheral circuit area. Reliability of the semiconductor device can thus be improved.
US07858487B2 Method and apparatus for indicating directionality in integrated circuit manufacturing
An integrated circuit includes a visually discernable indicator formed as part of the integrated circuit to indicate a directionality of a non-visually discernable characteristic of the integrated circuit.
US07858485B2 Structure and method for manufacturing trench capacitance
A deep trench (DT) capacitor comprises a trench in a silicon layer, a buried plate surrounding the trench, a dielectric layer lining the trench, and a node conductor in the trench. The top surface of the poly node is higher than the surface of the silicon layer, so that it is high enough to ensure that a nitride liner used as a CMP etch stop for STI oxide surrounding a top portion of the poly node will be higher than the STI oxide, so that the nitride liner can be removed prior to forming a silicide contact on top of the poly node.
US07858483B2 Method for fabricating capacitor of semiconductor device
A method for forming a capacitor of a semiconductor device includes forming a first insulation layer having a storage node plug on a semiconductor substrate; forming an etch stop layer and a second insulation layer sequentially on the substrate having the first insulation layer; forming a hole exposing a portion of the storage node plug by selectively etching the second insulation layer by using the etch stop layer; recessing a portion of the storage node plug exposed by the hole; forming a barrier metal layer on a surface of the recessed storage node plug; forming a storage node electrode connected to the storage node plug through the barrier metal layer in the hole; and forming a dielectric layer and a metal layer for a plate electrode sequentially on the storage node electrode.
US07858482B2 Method of forming a semiconductor device using stress memorization
A stress memorization technique (SMT) film is deposited over a semiconductor device. The SMT film is annealed with a low thermal budget anneal that is sufficient to create and transfer the stress of the SMT film to the semiconductor device. The SMT film is then removed. After the SMT film is removed, a second anneal is applied to the semiconductor device sufficiently long and at a sufficiently high temperature to activate dopants implanted for forming device source/drains. The result of this approach is that there is minimal gate dielectric growth in the channel along the border of the channel.
US07858480B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate comprising an element isolation region; two gate electrodes formed in substantially parallel on the semiconductor substrate via respective gate insulating films; two channel regions each formed in regions of the semiconductor substrate under the two gate electrodes; a source/drain region formed in a region of the semiconductor substrate sandwiching the two channel regions; a first stress film formed so as to cover the semiconductor substrate and the two gate electrodes; and a second stress film formed in at least a portion of a void, the void being formed in a region between the two gate electrodes.
US07858475B2 Method for manufacturing a vertical transistor that includes a super junction structure
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes: forming multiple trenches on a semiconductor substrate; forming a second conductive type semiconductor film in each trench to provide a first column with the substrate between two trenches and a second column with the second conductive type semiconductor film in the trench, the first and second columns alternately repeated along with a predetermined direction; thinning a second side of the substrate; and increasing an impurity concentration in a thinned second side so that a first conductive type layer is provided. The impurity concentration of the first conductive type layer is higher than the first column. The first column provides a drift layer so that a vertical type first-conductive-type channel transistor is formed.
US07858469B1 Method for forming a trigger device for ESD protection circuit
The present invention is a trigger device useful, for example, in triggering an SCR in an ESD protection circuit. Illustratively, an NMOS trigger device comprises a gate and heavily doped P and N regions in a P-well on opposite sides of the gate. A first N type source/drain extension and a first P-type pocket region extend from the P region toward the N region with the pocket region located under the source/drain extension and extending under the gate. A second N-type source/drain extension and a second P-type pocket region extend from the N region toward the P region with the pocket region located under the source/drain extension and extending under the gate. Preferably, the gate itself is heavily doped so that one half of the gate on the side adjacent the heavily doped P region is also heavily doped with dopants of P-type conductivity and the other half of the gate on the side adjacent the heavily doped N region is also heavily doped with dopants of N-type conductivity. Doping the gate increases the threshold voltage by about one Volt due to an increase in the work function on the source side of the gate.
US07858465B2 Semiconductor device comprising transistor and capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a transistor including, a gate insulator formed of an insulating layer deposited on a substrate, and a gate electrode formed of an electrode layer deposited on the insulating layer; a capacitor including, a first capacitor electrode formed of the electrode layer, a first capacitor insulator formed on the first capacitor electrode, a second capacitor electrode formed on the first capacitor insulator, a second capacitor insulator formed on the second capacitor electrode, and a third capacitor electrode formed on the second capacitor insulator; and line patterns which are in contact with a contact plug for the transistor, a contact plug for the first capacitor electrode, a contact plug for the second capacitor electrode, and the third capacitor electrode.
US07858460B2 Passivation of wide band-gap based semiconductor devices with hydrogen-free sputtered nitrides
A passivated semiconductor structure and associated method are disclosed. The structure includes a silicon carbide substrate or layer; an oxidation layer on the silicon carbide substrate for lowering the interface density between the silicon carbide substrate and the thermal oxidation layer; a first sputtered non-stoichiometric silicon nitride layer on the thermal oxidation layer for reducing parasitic capacitance and minimizing device trapping; a second sputtered non-stoichiometric silicon nitride layer on the first layer for positioning subsequent passivation layers further from the substrate without encapsulating the structure; a sputtered stoichiometric silicon nitride layer on the second sputtered layer for encapsulating the structure and for enhancing the hydrogen barrier properties of the passivation layers; and a chemical vapor deposited environmental barrier layer of stoichiometric silicon nitride for step coverage and crack prevention on the encapsulant layer.
US07858459B2 Work function adjustment with the implant of lanthanides
Semiconductor devices and fabrication methods are provided, in which fully silicided transistor gates are provided for MOS transistors. A lanthanide series metal is implanted into the gate electrode layer prior to silicidation and diffuses into the gate dielectric during an activation anneal. This process and resultant structure provides adjustment of the gate electrode work function, thereby tuning the threshold voltage of the resulting transistor.
US07858442B2 Leaded stacked packages having elevated die paddle
A semiconductor package includes a leadframe, an elevated die paddle disposed above the leadframe, a first die attached to a lower surface of the elevated die paddle to support the first die within the semiconductor package, and a second die attached to the first die. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes providing a leadframe having a lower lead and an elevated die paddle structure, attaching a first die to the elevated die paddle structure with a die adhesive (DA) for supporting the first die within the semiconductor package, and wire bonding the first die to the lower lead.
US07858441B2 Semiconductor package with semiconductor core structure and method of forming same
A semiconductor device is made by providing a temporary carrier for supporting the semiconductor device. An integrated passive device (IPD) structure is formed over the temporary carrier. The IPD structure includes an inductor, resistor, and capacitor. Conductive posts are mounted to the IPD structure, and first semiconductor die is mounted to the IPD structure. A wafer molding compound is deposited over the conductive posts and the first semiconductor die. A core structure is mounted to the conductive posts over the first semiconductor die. The core structure includes a semiconductor material. Conductive through silicon vias (TSVs) are formed in the core structure. A redistribution layer (RDL) is formed over the core structure. A second semiconductor die is mounted over the semiconductor device. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core structure.
US07858439B2 Stacked semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a stacked semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing a stacked semiconductor package includes preparing a substrate formed with a seed metal layer; laminating semiconductor chips having via holes aligned with one another on the seed metal layer to form a semiconductor chip module; and growing a conductive layer inside of the via holes using the seed metal layer to form a conductive growth layer inside of the via holes.
US07858436B2 Semiconductor device, its manufacture method and template substrate
The semiconductor device has: a ZnO-containing substrate containing Li; a zinc silicate layer formed above the ZnO-containing substrate; and a semiconductor layer epitaxially grown relative to the ZnO-containing substrate via the zinc silicate layer.
US07858434B2 Organic thin film transistor substrate and method of manufacturing the same
An organic thin film transistor substrate includes a substrate, a gate line on a surface of the substrate, a gate insulating layer insulating on the gate line, a data line on the gate insulating layer, an organic thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, the organic thin film transistor including an organic semiconductor layer, a bank-insulating layer positioned at least in part on the data line, the bank-insulating layer including a wall portion which defines a pixel area, and a pixel electrode formed in the pixel area.
US07858430B2 Method for making a photovoltaic cell comprising contact regions doped through a lamina
In aspects of the present invention, a method is disclosed to form a lamina having opposing first and second surfaces. Heavily doped contact regions extend from the first surface to the second surface. Generally the lamina is formed by affixing a semiconductor donor body to a receiver element, then cleaving the lamina from the semiconductor donor body wherein the lamina remains affixed to the receiver element. In the present invention, the heavily doped contact regions are formed by doping the semiconductor donor body before cleaving of the lamina. A photovoltaic cell comprising the lamina is then fabricated. By forming the heavily doped contact regions before bonding to the receiver element and cleaving, post-bonding high-temperature steps can be avoided, which may be advantageous.
US07858429B2 Packaged microelectronic imagers and methods of packaging microelectronic imagers
Microelectronic imagers, methods for packaging microelectronic imagers, and methods for forming electrically conductive through-wafer interconnects in microelectronic imagers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a microelectronic imaging die can include a microelectronic substrate, an integrated circuit, and an image sensor electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. A bond-pad is carried by the substrate and electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. An electrically conductive through-wafer interconnect extends through the substrate and is in contact with the bond-pad. The interconnect can include a passage extending completely through the substrate and the bond-pad, a dielectric liner deposited into the passage and in contact with the substrate, first and second conductive layers deposited onto at least a portion of the dielectric liner, and a conductive fill material deposited into the passage over at least a portion of the second conductive layer and electrically coupled to the bond-pad.
US07858422B1 MEMS coupler and method to form the same
A MEMS coupler and a method to form a MEMS structure having such a coupler are described. In an embodiment, a MEMS structure comprises a member and a substrate. A coupler extends through a portion of the member and connects the member with the substrate. The member is comprised of a first material and the coupler is comprised of a second material. In one embodiment, the first and second materials are substantially the same. In one embodiment, the second material is conductive and is different than the first material. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a MEMS structure comprises first forming a member above a substrate. A coupler comprised of a conductive material is then formed to connect the member with the substrate.
US07858421B2 Method of forming metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor
A method of forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor device is disclosed. A semiconductor substrate is prepared first, and the semiconductor substrate has agate structure, a source region and a drain region. Subsequently, a stress buffer layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and covers the gate structure, the source region and the drain region. Thereafter, a stressed cap layer is formed on the stress buffer layer, and a tensile stress value of the stressed cap layer is higher than a tensile stress value of the stress buffer layer. Since the stress buffer layer can prevent the stressed cap layer from breaking, the MOS transistor device can be covered by a stressed cap layer having an extremely high tensile stress value in the present invention.
US07858407B2 Microresonator
A microresonator comprising a single-crystal silicon resonant element and at least one activation electrode placed close to the resonant element, in which the resonant element is placed in an opening of a semiconductor layer covering a substrate, the activation electrode being formed in the semiconductor layer and being level at the opening.
US07858396B2 Lateral flow assay device with multiple equidistant capture zones
A lateral flow test strip for the analysis of a sample featuring numerous capture zones arranged in an array such that each capture zone is substantially equidistant from the sample containing area. The sample does not pass through another capture zone to reach any one of the other capture zones. The capture zones are preferably arranged in a linear array perpendicular to the flow of the sample through the lateral flow test strip. The lateral flow test strip allows for an increased number of simultaneous analyses of numerous analytes from one sample to occur on one lateral flow test strip.
US07858392B2 Method and apparatus for processing of biological samples for mass spectrometry analysis
A system and corresponding method for processing of biological samples prior to spectroscopy analysis. The system includes a support for an organic sample, a solution applicator configured to apply a solution for extraction of at least one biomarker protein from the organic sample. The system includes a digester-medium applicator configured to apply to the organic sample a digesting medium capable of at least partial digestion of the biomarker proteins into peptides. The system includes a heating device configured to heat at least one of the organic sample, the solution, the digesting medium, and the biomarker proteins to a temperature above room temperature.
US07858388B2 MS based peptide and protein sequencing via reactions of lysine residues with peroxycarbonate compounds
A method of modifying protein samples that comprises combining the sample with a peroxycarbonate solution and inserting the sample into a mass spectrometer. The present invention also includes methods of N-terminus characterization.
US07858387B2 Method of scanning a sample plate surface mask in an area adjacent to a conductive area using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry
A method of scanning a sample plate surface mask in an area adjacent to a conductive area using mass spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a sample plate including a mask applied with a rough surface to the electrically conductive surface to produce a sample site comprising a central portion formed from the electrically conductive surface and a marginal portion of the mask, preparing an analyte comprising mixing a biomolecule with an organic solvent, an aqueous solution, and a matrix selected from the group of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid; applying the analyte to the sample site; forming at least one crystal of the analyte in an area on the mask adjacent to the conductive area, and scanning the area on the mask adjacent to the conductive area with a laser beam.
US07858385B2 Method for detecting binding events using micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Method for detecting binding events using micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Receptors are exposed to at least one potential binder and arrayed on a substrate support. Each member of the array is exposed to X-ray radiation. The magnitude of a detectable X-ray fluorescence signal for at least one element can be used to determine whether a binding event between a binder and a receptor has occurred, and can provide information related to the extent of binding between the binder and receptor.
US07858383B2 Chromoionophore and method of determining sodium ions
The invention relates to methods of determining sodium ions in a sample, wherein the ions are contacted with a compound having chromophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, where the ionophoric moiety interacts with the sodium ions present in the sample, resulting in the chromophoric moiety changing its radiation absorption properties in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. For example, a change in an intensity of an absorption maximum is measured and the ion concentration is determined accordingly.
US07858381B2 Process for preparing high-purity, halogen-free o-phthaladehyde
Improved process for preparing high-purity, halogen-free o-phthalaldehyde, in which a) tetrahalo-o-xylene is hydrolyzed at a temperature of 155-160° C. and a pressure of from 2 to 5 bar, where appropriate in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst, to o-phthalaldehyde, which b) is converted in an acidic alcoholic solution at a temperature of from 0 to the reflux temperature into the corresponding dialkoxyphthalane and, subsequently, c) an acetal cleavage is effected by acid hydrolysis at a pH >1.5 to pH 7, resulting in high-purity, halogen-free o-phthalaldehyde.
US07858377B2 Method for preparing a quality control mixture for glycine tablets
A method is described for preparing a mixture for quality control of 0.1 g glycine tablets for sublingual application. The mixture for quality control includes a 100:1 ratio of water to porphyrized tablets, each tablet containing 0.101 g microcapsules of non-agglomerated crystals of amino-acetic acid covered with polymeric film of water-soluble methylcellulose, each tablet further comprising 0.001 g magnesium stearate. The process of dissolution takes 20 minutes and is carried out at a temperature of 37° C. in an apparatus using a paddle rotation speed of 150 revolutions per minute. After the mixture is dissolved, it is allowed to stand for 10 minutes, then a light transmission coefficient is measured at 700±2 nm for a 10 mm thick layer of the mixture. A transmission value within the range of 50% to 70% compared to purified water corresponds to the proper quality.
US07858366B2 Integrated airborne substance collection and detection system
An integrated collection and detection system is configured to monitor the ambient air for specific particles, such as toxins and pathogens. An air collector captures airborne particles and outputs a fluid sample including the captured particles in a fluid solution. The collection and detection system includes a control module configured to control the processing of the fluid sample such that detection of one or more types of particles is fully automated within the integrated system. The types of particles to be processed and detected include, but are not limited to, cells, bacteria, viruses, nucleic acids, toxins, and other pathogens. If one or more specific types of particles are detected, a system alarm is triggered. The system alarm triggers a local audio/visual alarm and/or is transmitted over a communications network to either a local or central monitoring location. More than one collection and detection system can be coupled to the network and monitored by the central monitoring location.
US07858359B2 Method for tapping the immunological repertoire
The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated.
US07858358B2 Rapid growing microorganisms for biotechnology applications
The present invention provides novel rapidly growing microorganisms and methods for their use in cloning or subcloning nucleic acid molecules. The rapid growing microorganisms of the present invention form colonies more rapidly than microorganisms typically used in molecular biology and thus provide a significant improvement in in vitro cloning methods used extensively in molecular biology. The invention also relates to kits and compositions used in the methods of the invention.
US07858355B2 Dimeric glycerol dehydratases
The invention concerns a method for preparing 1,3-propanediol from a carbon-containing substance, said method comprising a step which consists in culturing a recombinant micro-organism not producing coenzyme B12 in the absence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors. The invention also concerns a nucleic acid coding for a glycerol dehydratase whereof the catalytic activity is independent of the presence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors and a nucleic acid coding for a 1,3-propanol dehydrogenase intervening in the synthesis of 1,3-propanediol. The invention further concerns recombinant vectors and host cells comprising said nucleic acids and the polypeptides coded by the latter.
US07858352B2 Polypeptide
We disclose a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide, the parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, which PS4 variant polypeptide comprises one or more of the following substitutions: G69P, A141P, G223A, A268P, G313P, S399P and G400P, with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. Such PS4 variant polypeptides may be used as exo-amylases, particularly as non-maltogenic exoamylases. Combinations of such PS4 variant polypeptides together with Novamyl are disclosed.
US07858351B2 S-adenosylmethionine synthetase mutants, the DNAs encoding the same and uses of the mutants
The invention discloses a series of Methanococcus jannaschii S-adenosylmethionine synthetase mutants with improved thermostability and high catalytic activity obtained by using gene mutation technique, characterized in that these mutants refer to an enzyme using Sequence 2 in the Sequence Listing as the reference sequence and contains at least one mutation at position 102, position 93, position 230, and position 357 and has a catalytic activity at least 70% higher than that of the wild-type S-adenosylmethionine synthetase using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and methionine as substrates. These S-adenosylmethionine synthetase mutants can be used in the production of S-adenosylmethionine.
US07858330B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of tumor of hematopoietic origin
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the treatment of hematopoietic tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US07858325B2 Method of diagnosing, monitoring, staging, imaging and treating prostate cancer
The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating prostate cancer.
US07858323B2 Phage microarray profiling of the humoral response to disease
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for phage microarray profiling of cancer (e.g., prostate, lung, or breast cancer). The present invention further provides novel markers useful for the diagnosis, characterization, and treatment of cancers.
US07858315B2 Probe, probe set, probe carrier, and testing method
A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.
US07858306B2 HSD3B1 sequence variants
Isolated HSD3B1 nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as are HSD3B1 allozymes. Methods for determining whether a subject contains an HSD3B1 sequence variant also are provided.
US07858290B2 Information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
An information recording medium includes a substrate and an information layer formed on the substrate. The information layer includes a recording layer whose phase can be changed between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase by irradiation with a laser beam or application of electric energy; a Cr-containing layer including at least Cr and O, arranged in contact with a first surface of the recording layer; and a Ga-containing layer including at least Ga and O, arranged in contact with a second surface of the recording layer.
US07858285B2 Emulsion aggregation polyester toners
An emulsion aggregation toner including an amorphous resin and a crystalline resin, wherein the toner has an acid value of from about 16 mg/eq. KOH to about 40 mg/eq. KOH and a relative humidity sensitivity ratio of from about 1 to about 2, and wherein the crystalline resin has a melting point of at least about 60° C. The process for forming particles including generating an emulsion of a polyester resin having an acid value of from about 16 mg/eq. KOH to about 40 mg/eq. KOH and generating aggregate particles from the emulsion. Increased charge maintainability and resistivity of the toner result, thereby generating high print quality and high gloss, and provide stable xerographic charging in all ambient environments.
US07858284B2 Liquid developer and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer includes an insulation liquid, toner particles dispersed in the insulation liquid, which at least a part of the surface of each of the toner particles contains a rosin resin and a dispersant improving dispersibility of the toner particles in the insulation liquid, which the dispersant is consisted of a material having a predetermined amine value. The liquid developer described above has superior positive charge property of toner particles and which has superior dispersibility of the toner particles for a long period of time. Further, an image forming apparatus that can suitably use such a liquid developer is also provided.
US07858283B2 Magnetic carrier and two-component developer
A magnetic carrier which has magnetic carrier particles each having at least porous magnetic core particles and a resin, in which, in a backscattered electron image of the magnetic carrier particles, photographed with a scanning electron microscope as taken at an accelerating voltage of 2.0 kV, magnetic carrier particles having area proportion S1 found from a specific expression (1) of from 0.5 area % or more to 8.0 area % or less are in a proportion of 8.0% by number or more in the magnetic carrier, an average proportion Av1 of the total area of portions having a high luminance which come from a metal oxide on the magnetic carrier particles to the total projected area of the magnetic carrier particles is from 0.5 area % or more to 8.0 area % or less, and an average proportion Av2 found from a specific expression (2) is 10.0 area % or less.
US07858282B2 Toner
Provided is a toner including toner particles each containing a binder resin, a colorant, and a wax, and inorganic fine particles, the toner having such a characteristic that a temperature-storage elastic modulus curve at a high frequency shows a characteristic change in its behavior in a specific temperature region with respect to a temperature-storage elastic modulus curve at a low frequency.
US07858271B2 Method of measuring dimension of pattern and method of forming pattern
A method of measuring dimension of a first pattern with a narrow first width, and a second pattern with a second width wider than the first width of the first pattern and formed in a symmetrical appearance with respect to a center of the second pattern, the second pattern having edges opposed to each other defining the second width, includes a step of forming a pair of first dummy patterns each having a narrow width, the pair of first dummy patterns being spaced from the edges of the second pattern respectively by a distance approximate to the first width of the first pattern, a first measurement step of measuring, using a dimension measuring device, a spaced distance of one of the first dummy patterns from the edge of the second pattern and a width of the one of the first dummy patterns within the same field of view of the dimension measuring device, a second measurement step of measuring, using the dimension measuring device, a width of the first pattern under the same measurement condition as that of the first measurement step, and a calculation step of calculating a width of the second pattern from WB=2DA+WD+DC, where WB is the calculated width of the second pattern, DC is a design value of a distance between the centers of the pair of first dummy patterns, DA is a measured spaced distance of the one of the first dummy patterns from the edge of the second pattern, and WD is a measured width of the one of the first dummy patterns.
US07858266B2 Structural reinforcement of membrane electrodes
A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes a plurality of electrically conductive support particles; a catalyst formed from a finely divided precious metal, the catalyst supported by the conductive support particles; an ionomer; at least one solvent; and a reinforcing material configured to bridge and distribute stresses across the electrically conductive support particles of the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided.
US07858262B2 Fuel cell comprising a plurality of individual cells connected in series by current collectors
Adjacent individual cells of a fuel cell are connected in series by intermediate connecting parts. Each connecting part is formed by a branch made from an electrically conducting material and extending the first current collector of a cell perpendicularly and connected to the second current collector of the adjacent cell. Each first current collector is moreover formed by an electrically insulating porous matrix incorporating said electrically conducting material, and the first current collectors of two adjacent cells are separated by an area of electrically insulating porous material, said electrically insulating porous material being identical to that forming the porous matrix of said first current collectors. Series connection between the individual cells of such a fuel cell is thereby easy and quick to implement.
US07858248B2 Fuel cell and fuel cell system
A fuel cell system has a fuel cell stack, a controller, and a cooling water channel. The controller executes the control for the temperature of cooling water flowing through the cooling water channel in the fuel cell stack. When judging the necessity to increase an oxygen concentration of air at an area near an air outlet of the air channel, the controller instructs to change a temperature of the cooling water to a condense available temperature at which water vapor involved in the air at the area near the air outlet can be condensed in order to increase the oxygen concentration in the air at the area near the air outlet. As a result, the magnitude of the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack is increased efficiently.
US07858245B2 Methods of using integrated fuel processor apparatus and enclosure
An integrated fuel processor apparatus and enclosure for converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas. The integrated apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate that contains water and a combustible gas component. The fuel processor is enclosed in a gas impermeable enclosure that has a collection vessel for receiving water separated from the reformate stream. Methods for manufacturing an apparatus for separating water from a reformate stream for safe disposal and methods for separating water from a reformate stream for safe disposal are disclosed.
US07858242B2 Electrolytic solution for an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical capacitor using the same
There is provided an electrolytic solution which may significantly improve performance deterioration with time of an electrochemical capacitor. There is provided an electrolytic solution, comprising an electrolyte salt (A) shown as the following formula (1). In the formula, “R1,” “R2,” and “R3” independently represent an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, “R4” and “R5” independently represent hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and “X−” represents a counterpart anion.
US07858239B2 Negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, process for producing the same, negative electrode, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, which is best suited for large current I/O non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries represented by those for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are unlikely to be influenced by the deterioration of battery characteristics due to water, and a production process thereof are provided.The negative electrode material having at least one exothermic peak in the range of not lower than 650° C. and lower than 700° C., and at least one exothermic peak in the range of not lower than 700° C. and lower than 760° C., in differential thermal analysis measured under an air flow. The production process of the negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries is characterized by carbonizing a negative electrode material precursor having an oxygen content of not less than 5% by weight and less than 10% by weight, under an inert gas flow at a rate of not more than 120 ml/g·h, under a pressure of normal pressure to 10 kPa, at a temperature higher than 1100° C. and lower than 1500° C.
US07858236B2 Lithium-ion battery
A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode that includes a positive current collector, a first active material, and a second active material. The lithium-ion battery also includes a negative electrode comprising a negative current collector, a third active material, and a quantity of lithium in electrical contact with the negative current collector. The first active material, second active material, and third active materials are configured to allow doping and undoping of lithium ions, and the second active material exhibits charging and discharging capacity below a corrosion potential of the negative current collector and above a decomposition potential of the first active material.
US07858230B2 Battery cathodes
Batteries and related compositions and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include heating at least one cathode including a cathode material in an atmosphere including oxygen, heating the cathode in a vacuum, adding the cathode into a housing, adding a separator into the housing, and adding an anode into the housing.
US07858227B2 Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery having an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. A case receives the electrode assembly and a cap assembly is coupled to the case to seal the case. The cap assembly includes a cap plate adapted to permit the insertion of electrolyte into the case, the cap plate including at least one recess. An insulation case located between the electrode assembly and the cap assembly is formed with at least one protrusion on an exterior-facing surface. The protrusion is adapted to be coupled to the recess to integrate the insulation case and the cap plate.
US07858225B2 Cylindrical lithium secondary battery and method of fabricating the same
A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly formed by stacking a first electrode plate having a first electrode tap, a second electrode plate having a second electrode tap, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates. The first electrode plate, the second electrode plate and the separator are wound to form the electrode assembly. The secondary battery also includes a case for storing the electrode assembly and a cap assembly combined with an upper portion of the case to sealing the case. The radius of curvature of the second electrode tap is greater than the radius of curvature of the first electrode tap.
US07858218B2 Cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery having functional center pin
A lithium ion secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a center pin positioned within the electrode assembly, a variable-length member coupled to the center pin, the variable-length member adapted to increase in length when an interior temperature of the center pin reaches a critical temperature, a can containing the electrode assembly, the center pin, and the variable-length member, and a cap assembly coupled to the can, the cap assembly having safety means fracturable in response to the variable-length member being increased in length.
US07858210B2 Electroluminescence device
A layer is spaced between an anode and a cathode and is composed of an organic compound represented by the following general formula [1]. wherein R1 to R10 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted amino group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group; and X represents (a) an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein in the alkylene group, one or separate two methylene groups may be substituted by —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —S—, or —NRa1—, and a hydrogen atom may be substituted by a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, (b) an aryl group which may be substituted, or (c) a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, or (d) a fluorine atom.
US07858209B2 Fluorene-based compound and organo-electroluminescent device using the same
Provided herein are fluorene-based compounds including a fluorene or a spirofluorene structure at both terminals and a spacer including one or more atoms between the both terminals. The invention further provides an organo-electroluminescent device having an organic layer in which the fluorene-based compound is introduced. The fluorene-based compound can be readily manufactured using dry and wet processes, and the organo-electroluminescent device using the same has excellent properties in color purity, internal and external efficiency, and thermal, optical and electric stability.
US07858196B2 Water-based heat-radiation-preventive coating matrial for glass, heat-radiation-preventive glass, and method of preventing heat radiation
The heat radiation from a glass to the space inside can be prevented by adding 0.001 to 10% by weight of a silane coupling agent represented by the following general formula (I) (wherein X is a group reactive or compatible with organic materials. R1, R2, and R3 are, each independently, OH or a group capable of generating a silanol upon hydrolysis and they may be same or different each other) to deionized water having a total anion content of 700 mgCaCO3/L or lower to prepare a water-based heat-radiation-preventive coating material for glasses, by applying said coating material on one side of a glass substrate to form a heat-radiation-preventive coating film and by disposing the coated glass substrate so that the coating film side faces the space inside. Therefore, the present invention provides a water-based heat-radiation-preventive coating material for glasses which enables a heat-radiation-preventive coating film excellent in adhesion to glasses and in durability to be evenly and easily formed, a heat-radiation-preventive glass having such coating film and a method of preventing heat radiation from a glass.
US07858187B2 Bonding of carbon-carbon composites using titanium carbide
Method of joining carbon-carbon composite pieces together, e.g. in the refurbishment of aircraft brake discs. The method includes the steps of: providing a first carbon-carbon composite piece and a second carbon-carbon composite piece, wherein the second carbon-carbon composite piece has a surface that is complementary to a surface of said first carbon-carbon composite piece; providing a layer of a mixture of titanium powder and carbon powder on the first complementary mating surface; arranging the second carbon-carbon composite piece on the powder layer such that the second complementary mating surface is matched to the first complementary mating surface, thereby forming a construct of the first carbon-carbon composite piece, the powder layer, and the second carbon-carbon composite piece; placing the construct into a press and applying pressure to the construct to press together the two pieces joined at their complementary surfaces; and applying an electrical current to the powder in the construct to initiate an oxidation-reduction reaction, thereby bonding the carbon-carbon composite pieces together.
US07858183B2 Particles
A particle with a diameter of at most about 3,000 microns has an internal pressure of at least about 1.1 atmospheres at a temperature of less than about 25° C.
US07858181B2 Growth of single crystal nanowires
The present invention provides nanowires which are substantially straight and substantially free of nanoparticles and methods for making the same The nanowires can be made by seeded approaches, wherein nanocrystals bound to a substrate are used to promote growth of the nanowire. Nanocrystals in solution may also be used to make the nanowires of the present invention. Supercritical fluid reaction conditions can be used in a continuous or semi-batch process.
US07858177B2 Microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays
The present invention provides: a microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays; a production process for the microcapsule composition for the electrophoretic displays; a production process for a sheet for the electrophoretic displays; and a handling method for microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays; wherein the microcapsule composition contains microcapsules and, when used for the electrophoretic displays, can make them as excellent as conventional in various performances (e.g. longtime stability of displaying, respondability of displaying, contrast, and number of times of display rewritability) and, particularly above all, can make the electrophoretic displays exhibit a very high performance as to the contrast. The present invention composition is a composition used for preparation of a coating liquid and comprises an aqueous medium and microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays, wherein the microcapsules include a shell and a dispersion that is capsuled in the shell, wherein the dispersion includes a solvent and electrophoretic fine particles that are dispersed in the solvent; with the composition being characterized by: being a product as obtained without involving the step of drying the microcapsules; and having a microcapsule content of 30 to 80 weight %.
US07858175B2 Faux photobase
An exemplary method for forming a high gloss base includes providing a paper base stock, coating the base stock with a vacuolated particulate plastic pigment, and calendering the coated base stock with a calendering apparatus applying over 1000 pounds per lineal inch (pli) and substantially no thermal energy.
US07858172B2 Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article
Provided is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article, which contains reinforcing fibers having a given flattened cross-sectional profile, in which the fiber length distribution of the reinforcing fibers is shifted on the side of long fibers, and which is excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance, dimensional accuracy such as warpage resistance, and surface appearance.
US07858170B2 Variable texture floor coverings
A floor covering has an exposed surface with substantially the same gloss level and at least two portions having different tactile surface characteristics. The difference in the tactile surface characteristics between the two portions is at least an average RPc of 4. The floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance coating overlying the substrate. The high performance coating comprises texture particles, which may be organic polymer particles. The floor covering is made by forming a high performance coating including the texture particles on a substrate, at least partially curing the high performance coating, and then while controlling the temperature of the high performance coating below the melting point temperature or softening point temperature of the texture particles and above the temperature at which the texture particles deform under the applied mechanical embossing pressure, subjecting the first and second portions to different mechanical embossing conditions.
US07858164B2 End fray solution for textile structure
An apparatus comprising a textile extending a length between a first end and a second end. The textile also extends a dimension transverse to the length. The dimension can be a width or a circumference. The apparatus also includes a first bonded portion adjacent to the first end to limit fraying at the first end. The apparatus also includes a second bonded portion spaced from the first bonded portion along the length to limit fraying at the first end.
US07858162B2 Food cans coated with a composition comprising an acrylic polymer
Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising an acrylic polymer and a crosslinker are disclosed. The composition is substantially epoxy-free and substantially polyester-free. The acrylic polymer has a weight average molecular weight of greater than or equal to 41,000 and an acid value of <30 mg KOH/g. Food cans coated at lease in part on the interior with a composition having a tensile strength of greater than 11 MPa are also disclosed.
US07858161B2 Fusible porous polymer particles for inkjet receivers
The present invention is an inkjet recording element including a support having thereon an image-receiving layer having porous fusible polymeric particles including a continuous phase binder polymer and a second phase including hydrocolloid, wherein the particles have a porosity of from 10 to 80 volume percent and a film forming binder.
US07858160B2 Inkjet recording element
The present invention relates to an inkjet recording element having very good dye keeping properties in time. Said inkjet recording element comprises a support and at least one ink-receiving layer, said ink-receiving layer comprising at least one hydrosoluble binder and at least one aluminosilicate polymer obtainable by a preparation method consisting in treating an aluminum halide with a mixture of at least one silicon alkoxide only having hydrolyzable substituents and at least one silicon alkoxide having a non-hydrolyzable substituent, with an aqueous alkali in the presence of silanol groups, the aluminum concentration being maintained less than 0.3 mol/l, the Al/Si molar ratio being maintained between 1 and 3.6 and the alkali/Al molar ratio being maintained between 2.3 and 3; and then stirring the resulting mixture at ambient temperature in the presence of silanol groups for long enough to form the hybrid aluminosilicate polymer. The ink-receiving layer also comprises inorganic particles.
US07858159B2 Photocurable composition for sealant, liquid crystal sealant, and liquid crystal panel
The photocurable composition for a sealant of the present invention includes a compound represented by general formula (1): A1-Y1—B1—Y2-A2  (1) (wherein A1 and A2 each represents, independently, a monovalent group having a cyclic π-electron conjugated structure;Y1 and Y2 each represents, independently, a divalent group represented by general formula (4); and B1 represents (i) a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, (ii) a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group, (iii) a divalent heterocyclic group, (iv) a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or (v) a divalent group in which two or more group selected from the group consisting of a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group, a divalent heterocyclic group, a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a carbonyl group, an ether group, a thioether group, and a SO2 group are linked).
US07858157B2 Absorbent articles comprising hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics
A process for treating fibers to render the fibers more hydrophilic. The process includes contacting the fibers with a solution of hydrophilic monomers and radical polymerization initiators and exposing the fibers to UV radiation.
US07858156B2 Surface buckling method and articles formed thereby
A method for generating spontaneously aligned surface wrinkles utilizes control of local moduli-mismatch and osmotic pressure. The method includes modifying the surface of an elastomeric layer to form a superlayer that is stiffer and/or less absorbent than the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is then swollen with a polymerizable monomer, which causes buckling of the superlayer. The monomer is then polymerized, dimensionally stabilizing the surface buckling. The budded surfaces generated by the method are useful in a wide variety of end-use applications, including microlenses, microlens arrays, compound microlenses, diffraction gratings, photonic crystals, smart adhesives, mechanical strain sensors, microfluidic devices, and cell culture surfaces.
US07858150B2 Method of making heat treatable coated article with protective layer
A method of making a coated article includes forming a layer including carbon on a glass substrate; and forming a layer (e.g., including tungsten disulfide) on the glass substrate over the carbon to prevent the layer comprising carbon from burning off upon exposure to air if taken to high temperatures. In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp3 carbon-carbon bonds, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds.
US07858148B2 Filler for artificial turf system
Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼″ to 4″ in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.
US07858135B2 Infusion brewing device and method for controlling same
The infusion brewing device has a steeping area configured and adapted to receive a filter, particulate steeping material and hot liquid water for steeping the particulate steeping material into an infusion. A vacuum chamber is positioned below the steeping area. The vacuum chamber has a hermetic wall, a closable lower outlet, and an upper opening leading to the steeping area. An inlet of a vacuum conduit is positioned in the vacuum chamber, above a maximum liquid level of the vacuum chamber and whereas an outlet thereof is connected to a vacuum source. The inlet is spaced from the wall by an inlet spacing distance. The vacuum source is operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening.
US07858134B2 Tankless pulse brewer
A system that allows for hot water on demand and once the water is heated, it is delivered to flavor containing solid material in a pressurized pulse. By heating the water on demand, a more uniform temperature can be achieved and by delivering the heated water in a pressurized pulse, the extraction of flavor from the flavor containing solid material is greatly improved. In addition, to determine the volume of water used in the system, the number of pressurized pulses are counted and that gives a more uniform consistent measurement of the volume of water used instead of the timed delivery of water.
US07858122B2 Extended release formulation of levetiracetam
An extended release pharmaceutical composition of Levetiracetam with once a day dosage regime and the process of preparing it. The extended release tablet of Levetiracetam is with the core comprising of Levetiracetam and water dispersible rate controlling polymer, and the tablet core is optionally functional coated comprising a combination of water non-dispersible and/or water dispersible polymer. It provides extended therapeutically effective plasma levels over a twenty four hour period with diminished incidences of neuropsychiatric adverse events by eliminating the troughs and peaks of drug concentration in a patients blood plasma, which comprises administering orally to a patient in need thereof, an extended release tablet that provides a peak blood plasma level of Levetiracetam in from about eight to about Sixteen hours. The core is prepared by Wet granulation, Dry granulation or Direct compression and optionally the tablet core is coated either in an coating pan or in and Fluidized bed system.
US07858106B2 Antimicrobial fiber and its production method, and antimicrobial fiber product comprising the antimicrobial fiber, its production method and regeneration method
An antimicrobial fiber bearing an anionic functional group, and a method of producing it wherein at least a part of the anionic functional group forms a quaternary ammonium salt and at least another part thereof forms an antimicrobial metal salt. The quaternary ammonium salt is preferably a cetylpyridinium salt, and the antimicrobial metal salt is preferably a zinc salt. The fiber is preferably a carboxyalkylated cellulose fiber. An antimicrobial fiber product comprising the antimicrobial fiber.
US07858104B2 Water-in-oil emulsion foundation
A foundation composition in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a fatty phase; an aqueous phase; at least one silicone surfacant chosen from C8-C22 alkyl dimethicone copolyols; and at least 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of hydrophobic coated pigments; provided that the composition is free of polyglyceryl-4 isostearate or comprises polyglyceryl-4 isostearate in a quantity such that the weight ratio of the C8-C22 alkyl dimethicone copolyol to the polyglyceryl-4 isostearate is greater than or equal to 2:1, wherein the foundation composition can exhibit good stability at room temperature and can be easy to apply to the skin.
US07858095B2 Method for treating or preventing sclerotic disorders using CD-2 binding agents
Methods and compositions for treating or preventing fibrotic disorders, e.g., sclerotic disorders, for example scleroderma, using CD2-binding agents, e.g., LFA-3/IgG fusion polypeptides or LFA-3-binding agents, are provided.
US07858094B2 TREM-1 splice variant for use in modifying immune responses
The present invention relates to a soluble receptor variant of TREM-1. More particularly, present invention relates to methods of modulating an immune response by administering variants of TREM-1.
US07858091B2 Antibodies to insulin-like growth factor binding protein and uses thereof
Using the proteins of the present invention, DNAs encoding the proteins, and antibodies recognizing the proteins, detection methods for diseases relating to the novel insulin-like growth factor binding proteins of the present invention, as well as diagnostic agents, preventive agents, and therapeutic agents for diseases relating to the proteins of the present invention can be provided.
US07858089B2 Antibodies binding to the A2 domain of FVIII and inhibiting coagulation activity
The present invention relates to new antibodies and fragments and derivatives thereof. These antibodies bind to the A2 domain of Factor VIII (FVIII) of the coagulation pathway and inhibit the coagulation activity of FVIII. The antibodies are particularly suited for the characterization of the structure and function of FVIII, for the design of therapeutic strategies for eradication of FVIII inhibitors and for the use as a medicament. The invention also relates to cell lines producing the specific antibodies. The present invention furthermore relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, fragments and/or derivatives of the invention and to methods of preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders by using the antibodies or fragments and derivatives thereof or pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US07858087B2 Enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies by supplementing with complement
The present invention is directed to a composition and method for enhancing the complement-mediated cytotoxicity of therapeutic antibodies for their target cells (i.e. those cells displaying the target epitope). More particularly the present invention enhances the efficacy of such therapies by providing a supplemental source of complement.
US07858081B2 IL-15 mutants having agonists/antagonists activity
The present invention relates to the identification of an epitope in human Interleukin-15 (IL-15) that is responsible for binding to the interleukin-15 receptor α-chain. Two IL-15 regions are involved in the formation of this epitope: the first region (44LLELQVISL52, peptide 1) corresponds to a sequence located in the B helix and the second (64ENLIL68, peptide 2 or 64ENLIIL69, peptide 2a) to a sequence located in helix C. Muteins displaying agonist or antagonist properties are described, and may be useful as therapeutic agents.
US07858080B2 Aldehyde conjugated flavonoid preparations
There is provided a method of conjugating a polymer containing a free aldehyde group with a flavonoid in the presence of an acid catalyst, such that the polymer is conjugated to the C6 or C8 position of the flavonoid A ring. The resulting conjugates may be used to form delivery vehicles to deliver high doses of flavonoids, and may also be used as delivery vehicles to deliver an additional bioactive agent.
US07858078B2 Bioabsorbable surgical composition
Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a diisocyanate-functional bioabsorbable polymer. In some embodiments, the diisocyanate-functional bioabsorbable polymer can be combined with a functionalized polyol. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.
US07858076B2 Copolymers based on tert-butyl(meth) acrylate and use thereof
Copolymers which contain tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, at least one α,β-ethylenically unsaturated amido-containing compound and acrylic acid incorporated in the form of polymerized units, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions which contain at least one such copolymer and the use of these copolymers are described.
US07858071B2 Biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.
US07858070B2 Multivalent immunoglobulin-based bioactive assemblies
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Preferred embodiments concern hexameric stably tethered structures comprising one or more IgG antibody fragments and which may be monospecific or bispecific. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain stably tethered structures of virtually any functionality and/or binding specificity. The stably tethered structures may be administered to subjects for diagnostic and/or therapeutic use, for example for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease. The stably tethered structures may bind to and/or be conjugated to a variety of known effectors, such as drugs, enzymes, radionuclides, therapeutic agents and/or diagnostic agents.
US07858067B2 Method for producing alpha-alumina particle
The present invention provides a method of producing an α-alumina particle. The method of producing an α-alumina particle comprises steps of: (1) heating a mixture containing an amorphous alumina and a pyrolyzable salt at temperature of not less than the temperature at which the pyrolyzable salt is decomposed, and less than the temperature at which the amorphous alumina transforms to α-alumina; and (2) calcining the resultant under a partial pressure of water vapor of about 600 Pa or less.
US07858059B2 Molecular sieves for improved hydrocarbon traps
Molecular sieves and the use of such materials as hydrocarbon traps, particularly for reducing the emissions associated with the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels are described. Specifically, the use of molecular sieves such as zeolites as adsorbents for hydrocarbon gases, especially exhaust gases such as are formed during the combustion of hydrocarbons, and more particularly to the adsorption of hydrocarbon gases formed during the cold start operation of an internal combustion engine is described. In one embodiment, a method of treating exhaust gas that comprises a hydrocarbon combustion product is provided, the method comprising contacting the exhaust gas with a CON topology molecular sieve for a time period effective to facilitate adsorption of the hydrocarbon combustion product by the molecular sieve; passing a purge gas through the molecular sieve to remove adsorbed hydrocarbon combustion product; and contacting the purge gas containing the removed hydrocarbon combustion product with a hydrocarbon conversion catalyst.
US07858057B2 Production of lithium compounds directly from lithium containing brines
Methods and apparatus for the production of low sodium lithium carbonate and lithium chloride from a brine concentrated to about 6.0 wt % lithium are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for direct recovery of technical grade lithium chloride from the concentrated brine are also disclosed.
US07858054B2 Device for reforming gas vapor of an internal combustion engine
A device for reforming gas vapors of an internal combustion engine comprising a voltage multiplier unit, a gas vapor treatment means and a gas vapor reforming means disposed within the gas vapor treatment means and in communication with said voltage multiplier unit, said gas vapor treatment means having a treatment chamber in communication with a gas vapor intake port and gas vapor discharge port, gas vapor intake port being capable of communicating with air passages of the internal combustion engine and said gas vapor discharge port being capable of communicating with said air induction system, said gas vapor reforming means is preferably an electronic emitter disposed within the treatment chamber being capable of introducing electrons for dissociating ions of gas vapor being introduced therein, characterized in that a current regulating means being in communication with said voltage multiplier unit and gas vapor reforming means, said current regulating means is being made such that it is capable of automatically controlling the flow of current from the voltage multiplier unit to the gas vapor reforming means.
US07858051B2 Pollution control element mounting system and pollution control device
A pollution control element mounting system comprising a mat of a fiber material and fine particles of an abrasive material provided on an inner peripheral surface of the mat at least on the side intended to contact the pollution control element. A pollution control device comprising a casing, a pollution control element and the mounting system disposed between the casing and the pollution control element.
US07858050B2 Catalytic converter unit and apparatus
A catalytic converter unit includes walls defining a treatment zone, first and second transfer zones and at least one through-flow zone, which zones are adjacent each other. The walls include a partition wall that divides the treatment zone into first and second segments. The first transfer zone is plugged upstream of the partition wall and the second transfer zone is plugged downstream of the partition wall. A catalytic converter element is disposed in the first segment of the treatment zone, spaced from the partition wall. The first segment of the treatment zone is in flow communication with the first transfer zone and the second segment of the treatment zone is in flow communication with the second transfer zone.
US07858048B2 Microfluidic system
A microfluidic system comprising a microchannel (2), a pressurized reservoir (3-5) of fluid and a positive displacement pump (7-9) downstream of the reservoir for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the microchannel.
US07858044B2 Multi-well plate providing a high-density storage and assay platform
A dual-use, high density plate for storage and assays includes a frame including a matrix of wells. The matrix includes preferably 3456 wells with top portions being arranged preferably approximately flush with a plane of the frame. A solvent-resistant material such as cyclo-olefin polymer forms at least the bottom portions of the wells, and preferably the same solvent resistant material forms the frame, although varying from the bottoms of the wells by being rendered opaque. Evaporation control wells are preferably included at the periphery of the matrix for reducing effects of evaporation on edge wells.
US07858043B2 Cofinger and device
The present invention is a multiport cofinger as well as a device that includes a multiport cofinger stopper and a microreactor. The stopper includes a main housing with a central orifice and a plurality of outer orifices located about the central orifice, and a sealing mechanism on the sidewall of the main housing. The cofinger is a concentric set of two tubes, but not necessarily symmetrically concentric. The cofinger has at least one inside tube and an outside tube; and each of the tubes has an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of which may be closed or open. The sealing mechanism maybe a tapering of the sidewall of the main housing to permit force fitting thereof into an opening of the microreactor or it may be designed for external stopper connection. Alternatively, there is at least one O-ring located about the sidewall of the main housing. In some embodiments, the main housing has an upper section and a lower section, with the lower section of smaller diameter than the upper section.
US07858042B2 Microfluidic chip and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a microfluidic chip and a method of fabricating the same. The microfluidic chip includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate formed of a silicone resin, wherein the lower substrate and the upper substrate, bonded together, provide a channel through which a fluid can flow and a chamber to receive the fluid; and an organic thin film formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate except for portions on which the lower substrate and the upper substrate are attached to each other.
US07858037B2 Adaptor for sample vial
The invention relates generally to a sample vial adaptor for interfacing a sample vial with the sample port of a diagnostic instrument, in particular a sample vial containing a patient body fluid sample with the sample port and sample pathway of a multi-use diagnostic instrument. Embodiments of the sample vial adaptor according to the invention generally include a short exterior vent tube having one end in communication with a chamber having a vent, an interior collection tube that is longer than the short exterior vent tube, axially positioned in the lumen of the short exterior vent tube and extending to a capillary outlet that is located on the portion of the inner collection tube that is outside of the short exterior vent tube and outside the vented chamber.
US07858034B2 Circuits for the control of output current in an electronic device for performing active biological operations
A circuit for control of an output current in a multiple unit cell array includes an array of unit cells arranged in rows and columns. Each unit cell includes a column select transistor being adapted for control by a column selector and a row select transistor being adapted for control by a row selector. The column select transistor and the row select transistor are connected together in series to each other and between an output node and a first supply. A return electrode is provided to complete the circuit.
US07858015B2 Beverage container insulators and methods for making the same
Methods for making a molded beverage container insulator from a slurry including water and a polysaccharide by presenting at least one male mold, which may have an elliptical cross section, therein and causing a portion of the slurry to temporarily adhere to the at least one mold. After a suitable period of time, removing the mold from the slurry and then removing the insulator. At such time, and particularly if the mold is not characterized as elliptical in cross section, the insulator is subject to bidirectional compression in order to collapse the same. Opposing hinge elements may be formed in the insulator, either at the time of molding or subsequently, to localize stresses resulting from the collapsing of the insulator. The resulting insulator is fully recyclable/compostable and possesses a constricting bias to mitigate container slip issues.
US07858011B2 Method and apparatus for producing a rim
A method of producing a bicycle rim including, positioning a first quantity of woven fiber strips having a first width and a first length and a second quantity of strips of said woven fibers having a shape different from the first shape to form a first laminated band from the first quantity and the second quantity of strips. A second narrower laminated band is produced. The first band is re-shaped to a V-shaped band before the first band is inserted along the periphery of a mold interior. A core is positioned on the first band and the second band is positioned on the first band. Rim well rings are positioned from outside on the second band, to abut the sides of the second band. A spreader ring is inserted between the rings to join the material near the upper rim flanks and the rim flanges.
US07858005B2 Method for the production of fire-resistant wood fiber moldings
The invention relates to a method for the production of fire-resistant dense moulded pieces made from wood fibers, mixed with water glass as a binding flame-protection agent at a temperature above ambient temperature. A non-woven fiber formed from the above mixture is compressed to a density of <350 kg/m3 and then the hardening of the binding flame protection agent carried out in a closed press in the compressed state at temperatures above 80° C.
US07858000B2 Method of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses
The invention provides a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens which has a good wettable coating with a good durability.
US07857997B2 Conductive ink formulations
A conductive ink formulation comprising silver, at least one first solvent, and a cross link wherein the cross link agent is present in an amount of about 1.5 wt % to about 6 wt % based on total weight of the formulation. The conductive ink formulation is suitable for printing on polymer film substrates, in particular with a gravure printing method. The polymer film substrates may be then applied to other substrates, for example glass substrates, by any suitable process such as lamination.
US07857992B2 White light-emitting lamp, backlight using same, display and illuminating device
A white light-emitting lamp (1) includes a semiconductor light-emitting device such as a LED chip (2) which has an emission wavelength of 360 nm or more and 440 nm or less, and a light-emitting part including a blue light-emitting phosphor, a green light-emitting phosphor and a red light-emitting phosphor, which emits white light when excited by light from the LED chip (2). At least one phosphor selected from Eu activated halophosphate phosphors and Eu activated aluminate phosphors is used as the blue light-emitting phosphor, Au and Al activated zinc sulfide phosphor is used as the green light-emitting phosphor, and at least one phosphor selected from Eu and Sm activated lanthanum sulfide phosphors and Cu and Mn activated zinc sulfide phosphors is used as the red light-emitting phosphor.
US07857990B2 Calcium hypochlorite composition
Describes a composition comprising a mixture of (1) a major amount of calcium hypochlorite, e.g., hydrated calcium hypochlorite, and (2) a minor amount of calcium hypochlorite-compatible hydrophobic additive (other than discrete particulate Group IIA or IIIA metal stearates) in amounts sufficient to provide the composition with reduced hydrophilic properties. The composition has a solution rate in water at standard conditions that is less than the calcium hypochlorite used to prepare the composition, but sufficient for the intended application. Describes also calcium hypochlorite compositions in which the hydrophobic additive is an organo-silicon material, or a metal oxide, e.g., amorphous precipitated silica, treated with a hydrophobizing agent, such as an organo-silicon material, e.g., an organo-silane and/or organo-siloxane material.
US07857987B2 Implant surface preparation
The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen.
US07857982B2 Methods of etching features into substrates
The invention includes methods of etching features into substrates. A plurality of hard mask layers is formed over material of a substrate to be etched. A feature pattern is formed in such layers. A feature is etched only partially into the substrate material using the hard mask layers with the feature pattern therein as a mask. After the partial etching, at least one of the hard mask layers is etched selectively relative to the substrate material and remaining of the hard mask layers. After etching at least one of the hard mask layers, the feature is further etched into the substrate material using at least an innermost of the hard mask layers as a mask. After the further etching, the innermost hard mask layer and any hard mask layers remaining thereover are removed from the substrate, and at least a portion of the feature is incorporated into an integrated circuit.
US07857963B2 Electrode plate for electrochemical measurements
To provide an electrode plate for electrochemical measurements that enables detecting and quantifying the concentration of a target substance contained in a sample solution with rapidity and favorable sensitivity using an apparatus for electrochemical measurements is objected to.Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method of the determination using an electrode plate for electrochemical measurements 1 including a substrate 31, an upper layer 40 provided on the upper face of the substrate, a lower layer 11 provided on the lower face of the substrate, a first electrode body 32 sandwiched between the upper face of the substrate and the upper layer, and a second electrode body 12 sandwiched between the lower face of the substrate and the lower layer, wherein: the upper layer has a plurality of upper layer through-holes 41a and 41b; the first electrode body has a plurality of first electrodes 32d including a portion exposed from the upper face of the upper layer via the upper layer through-hole 41b; the substrate has a plurality of substrate through-holes 33; and the second electrode body has a plurality of second electrodes 12d including a portion exposed from the upper face of the upper layer via the upper layer through-hole 41a and the substrate through-hole in the second electrode body.
US07857955B2 Coated capillary electrophoresis tubes and system
The invention is directed to a capillary tube for electrophoresis that has a positively charged coating on the capillary inner surface that prevents positively charged analytes from adsorbing to the inner capillary surface. The capillary tube has an inner surface that is coated with a first polymer layer having a plurality of polymer groups comprising polyethylene imine, designated herein as (CH2CH2NH)x. The inner surface of the capillary typically has a second polymer layer covalently bonded to the first polymer layer. The invention includes a capillary tube where two or more than two polymer groups are covalently bonded to each other by a cross-linker. Also provided are an electrophoresis system the uses the coated capillary tubes, a method of performing electrophoresis that utilizes the coated capillary tubes, and a process for preparing the coated capillary tubes.
US07857951B2 Water purification apparatus
The present invention intends to provide a water purification apparatus that is small and easy-to-use, yet being capable of efficiently creating flocs of impurities and removing the impurities from the wastewater in a single pass. To achieve this objective, an inner tubular anode 12 made of stainless steel or carbon is inserted into an outer tubular cathode 11 made of aluminum, leaving a predetermined intermediate space 13 between them, and electrolysis is carried out to produce aluminum hydroxide. The aluminum hydroxide thus produced serves as the medium for flocculating the impurities in the wastewater ascending the intermediate space 13. The wastewater containing the flocs of impurities is filtrated with a filter 18 within a filtering and settling tank 17. As a result, the impurities are completely removed from the wastewater.
US07857937B2 Thermosetting hot-melt polyurethane adhesive for labeling a structure
A process for affixing an insulating label to a container involves applying a thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive to a first edge of the label and applying a thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive and a thermosetting adhesive to a second edge of the label. The insulating label is applied to a container, and provides improved heat resistance, thereby reducing occurrences of delamination during subsequent heating of the container.
US07857934B2 Method of manufacture of a structural polymer core assembly
A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.
US07857932B1 Cured in place liner with everted outer impermeable layer and method of manufacture
A resin impregnated cured in place liner having an everted outer impermeable coating is provided. A roll of a continuous length of resin impregnable material is formed into a tube. An impermeable film or wrapping is formed into a tube about a tubular former, sealed and continuously everted about the inner tubular member travelling in an opposite direction so that the everted wrapping envelopes the inner tubular member. Alternatively, the inner tubular member may be passed into a stuffer tube having an impermeable tube thereon that is everted onto the moving tubular member to encapsulate the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member may be passed through an open resin impregnation tank to impregnate the impregnable material prior to everting the outer layer thereon. The inner tubular member may have an inner layer of impermeable material bonded thereto. It may be formed into a tube with the impermeable layer on the outside and continuously everted to place the impermeable layer on the inside of the tube.
US07857931B2 Plastic substrate having multi-layer structure and method for preparing the same
The present invention relates to a plastic substrate having a multi-layer structure and a method for preparing the same. The plastic substrate of the present invention comprises plastic films attached to each other, and a first buffering layer of an organic-inorganic hybrid, a layer of gas barrier, and a second buffering layer of an organic-inorganic hybrid which are stacked on both sides of the plastic films in an orderly manner, each layer forming a symmetrical arrangement centering around the plastic films.Because the plastic substrate of the present invention has a small coefficient of thermal expansion, excellent dimensional stability, and superior gas barrier properties, it can replace the brittle and heavy glass substrate in display devices. Also, it can be used for a variety of packaging or container materials in applications requiring superior gas barrier properties.
US07857930B2 Flexible barrier film structure
A flexible barrier film, including a polyester layer, and a vapor barrier film having a base layer and an inorganic layer disposed on the base layer, and a heat sealable layer having polyethylene. In addition, the flexible barrier film includes a first adhesive layer having a polyurethane component, interposed between the polyester layer and the vapor barrier film, and further includes a second adhesive layer having a polyurethane component that is interposed between the vapor barrier film and the heat sealable film forming the flexible barrier film.
US07857924B2 Method for production of a multi-layer analysis element
The invention relates to a method for production of a multi-layer analysis element for liquid samples, with at least one test field for the analysis of the liquid samples, in which method an analysis element blank composed of at least two superposed material layers is made available. The multi-layer analysis element or a constituent part of the multi-layer analysis element is cut out from the analysis element blank by means of laser radiation. The laser radiation cuts through different material layers in at least two areas and has a laser power which is effective for the cutting and which is varied as a function of the thickness and the material of the different material layers to be cut in the areas.
US07857923B2 Reinforced fibrous insulation product and method of reinforcing same
An insulation product and method of making the same are provided. The insulation product includes a mat containing randomly oriented fibers bonded by a binder, the mat having first and second major surfaces and a pair of side portions, and at least one flexible reinforcing layer bonded to the mat between the first and second major surfaces and extending along a length of said mat.
US07857919B2 Process for producing steel product and production facility therefor
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a steel product, comprising the step of heat treating a steel product having been subjected to quenching or accelerated cooling on a hot rolling line after hot rolling to pass the steel product through a plurality of induction heating apparatuses, which are installed on the hot rolling line, three times or more. The method of the present invention makes it possible to uniformly heat treat the steel product with high productivity.
US07857917B2 Method of production of steel for welded structures excellent in low temperature toughness of weld heat affected zone
The present invention provides a high strength thick steel plate for marine structures superior in weldability and low temperature toughness of the HAZ, which is able to be produced at a low cost without use of a complicated method of production, and a method of production of the same, that is, steel for welded structures excellent in low temperature toughness of the weld heat affected zone and a method of production of the same characterized by casting molten steel containing, by mass %, C: 0.03 to 0.12%, Si: 0.05 to 0.30%, Mn: 1.2 to 3.0%, P: 0.015% or less, S: 0.001 to 0.015%, Cu+Ni: 0.10% or less, Al: 0.001 to 0.050%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.030%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.10%, and N: 0.0025 to 0.0060% by the continuous casting method, making the cooling rate from near the solidification point to 800° C. in the secondary cooling at that time 0.06 to 0.6° C./s, hot rolling the obtained slab, and cooling it from a temperature of 800° C. or more.
US07857915B2 Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet extremely excellent in magnetic properties and method of production of same
Reheating a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet slab comprising predetermined components to 1280° C. or more and a solid solution temperature of inhibitor substances or more, hot rolling, annealing, and cold rolling it, decarburization annealing it, nitriding it in a strip running state, coating an annealing separator, and finish annealing it during which making a precipitation ratio of N as AlN after hot rolling 20% or less, making a mean grain size of primary recrystallization 7 μm to less than 20 μm, and making a nitrogen increase ΔN in the nitridation within a range of Equation (1) and making nitrogen contents σN1 and σN2 (front and back, mass %) of a 20% thickness portion of one surface of the steel strip (sheet) within a range of Equation (2): 0.007−([N]−14/48×[Ti])≦ΔN≦[solAl]×14/27−([N]−14/48×[Ti])+0.0025  Equation (1) |σN1−σN2|/ΔN≦0.35  Equation (2).
US07857910B2 Food product dispenser with cleansing mechanism
The invention relates to a food product dispenser that includes a food delivery mechanism and a cleansing mechanism. The food delivery mechanism includes a food source, a food conduit associated with the food source for receiving a food component therefrom, and a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense servings of the food component from the conduit. The cleansing mechanism includes a cleansing conduit associated with the food delivery mechanism to direct a cleansing fluid along a fluid path in cleansing association with the food delivery mechanism under conditions for performing a cleansing operation on the food delivery mechanism. A controller can be provided for automatically conducting cleansing operations based on predetermined conditions. The controller, delivery mechanism and cleansing mechanism can be configured to switch between the dispensing of the servings and the cleansing operation at a plurality of intervals during a day without substantial intervention from an operator.
US07857909B2 Cleaning device including a flood chamber
In order to produce a cleaning device comprising a flood chamber for accommodating a workpiece requiring cleaning and a flooding device for flooding the flood chamber with a liquid cleaning agent which is of simple construction and the flood chamber of which can be rapidly filled and emptied again, it is proposed that the flood chamber be connectable to a cleaning agent reservoir and that the flooding device comprise a blower for reducing the pressure in the flood chamber so that cleaning agent is sucked into the flood chamber from the cleaning agent reservoir due to the reduced pressure in the flood chamber.
US07857906B2 Fiber reinforced cement composite materials using chemically treated fibers with improved dispersibility
A fiber-reinforced building material in one embodiment incorporates cellulose fibers that are chemically treated with a dispersant to impart improved dispersibility to the fibers. The fibers are treated with a dispersant which deactivates the hydroxyl sites of the fiber surfaces and in some cases, making the fiber surface more hydrophobic. The dispersant inhibits the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose fiber surface from bonding with hydroxyl groups of other fibers and from bonding with hydroxyl groups of the same fiber, thereby significantly reducing inter-fiber and intra-fiber hydrogen bonding. The treated fibers can be readily dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout a mixture without re-clustering or reclumping once the mechanical mixing action stops. The chemically treated fibers with improved dispersibility improve the fiber distribution and reinforcing efficiency, which in turn improves key physical and mechanical properties of the material such as the modulus of rupture, z-direction tensile strength, and toughness, and surface finishes. With improved fiber reinforcing efficiency, less dosage of fiber is needed to achieve the required physical and mechanical properties.
US07857905B2 Flexible thermal cure silicone hardcoats
The present invention relates to thermal cure silicone hardcoat compositions that are prepared with an aqueous/organic solvent silicone dispersion, partial organoalkoxysilane condensate and silylating agent. The novel heat curable silicone hardcoats are useful on various substrates with improved flexibility.
US07857898B2 Flare stack adapted to heat incoming fuel
A flare stack that preferably comprises a burner assembly, an exhaust stack, an housing, and a fuel line. The burner assembly burns a fuel to generate thermal energy and combustion byproducts. The exhaust stack is cooperatively associated with the burner assembly to direct the thermal energy and combustion byproducts away from the burner assembly. The housing at least partially defines a fluid-receiving chamber in thermal communication with the exhaust stack. The fluid-receiving chamber has a heat-transfer fluid disposed therein. The fuel line is in fluid communication with the burner assembly to deliver fuel to the burner assembly. At least a portion of the fuel line is in thermal communication with at least one of the exhaust stack, housing, or heat-transfer fluid to permit fuel in the fuel line to absorb thermal energy before reaching the burner assembly. In one embodiment, the burner assembly includes a pressure-variable burner to increase the rate of fuel consumption of the burner in relation to the pressure in the fuel line. In the preferred embodiment, the housing has an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber. The inlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow into the fluid-receiving chamber to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust stack, and the outlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow out of the fluid-receiving chamber.
US07857897B2 Air filtering apparatus
An air filtering apparatus including a housing having an air suction port through which air is sucked and an air blow-out port through which air is blown out, an air blower for forming in the housing an air flowing passage through which the air sucked from the air suction port flows to the air blow-out port, an air filtering unit that is disposed on the air flowing passage and brings the air supplied along the air flowing passage into contact with electrolytic water containing active oxygen species to filter the air, an electrolytic water supply unit for electrolyzing prescribed water to generate the electrolytic water and supplying the electrolytic water to the air filtering unit, and a water supply unit having a water stock unit for stocking the prescribed water supplied through a water distributing pipe from an external water supply source, the water stocked in the water stock unit being supplied to the electrolytic water supply unit, wherein the air filtered by the air filtering unit is blown out from the air blow-out port to a room.
US07857896B2 Moisture absorbing product for use in containers
A moisture absorbing product, particularly for use in containers or railcars, includes a desiccant container including a plurality of separate desiccant holding compartments, each containing a quantity of desiccant material, a support over which the desiccant material is placed, a sheeting material, which substantially covers the desiccant container and which is permeable to gaseous water vapor but substantially impermeable to liquid water, and a strap with hook, secured to or within the support or desiccant container, which strap and hook are useful for hanging the moisture absorbing product within the container or railcar.
US07857892B2 Air pollution sensor system
The disclosure relates to an air pollution sensor system incorporated in an enclosure, the enclosure including an air handling system inside an air duct, the air duct enabling a communication between air inside the enclosure and air outside the enclosure. The air duct including an air inlet for receiving air and an air outlet for releasing handled air inside the enclosure. The air pollution sensor system includes at least one ultra fine particle sensor capable of sensing particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 5-2500 nm, preferably in a range of approximately 5-1000 nm and more preferably in a range of approximately 5-500 nm inside the enclosure and providing a pollution information signal in response to the sensing of the particles. The disclosure further relates to various types of ultra fine particle sensors and air handling systems.
US07857880B2 Semiconductor manufacturing facility utilizing exhaust recirculation
A semiconductor manufacturing process facility requiring use therein of air exhaust for its operation, such facility including clean room and gray room components, with the clean room having at least one semiconductor manufacturing tool therein, and wherein air exhaust is flowed through a region of the clean room. The facility includes an air exhaust treatment apparatus arranged to (i) receive air exhaust after flow thereof through said region of said clean room, (ii) produce a treated air exhaust, and (iii) recirculate the treated air exhaust to an ambient air environment in the facility, e.g., to the gray room of the facility.
US07857879B2 Droplet separator
The droplet separator includes a vortex generating apparatus in a flow passage for directing a droplet-carrying gas in the direction of at least one separator element arranged concentrically about the flow passage. The separator element includes multiple grid-like structures for separating the droplets from the gas flow.
US07857878B2 Dust collection unit for vacuum cleaner
A dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner includes a first dust collection part for filtering foreign objects in air, a second dust collection part for filtering foreign objects in the air that has passed through the first dust collection part, and a dust collection container having first and second dust collection chambers that correspond to the first and second dust collection parts, respectively. The first and second dust collection chambers store the foreign objects filtered by the respectively first and second dust collection parts in a state where parts of the respective first and second dust collection parts are received in the respective first and second dust collection chambers and the first and second dust collection chambers are provided in a line.
US07857874B2 Micro-reactor and method of manufacturing the same
A structure of a microreactor includes a joined body having a pair of substrates joined together, a flow path formed by a microchannel portion formed on a joining surface of at least one of the substrates, and a catalyst carrying member disposed in the flow path. In the production of such a microreactor, the catalyst carrying member is produced separately from formation of the joined body and the catalyst carrying member is disposed in the flow path at the time of forming the joined body.
US07857869B2 Process for producing diesel fuel oil from fat
A process for producing diesel fuel oil from fat and oil comprises producing fatty acid methyl ester for diesel fuel in accordance with transesterification of the fat and oil with methanol, wherein the process further comprises a step of converting glycerol formed as a by-product into methanol, and the obtained methanol is used as a material for the transesterification. In the step of converting glycerol formed as a by-product into methanol, water in an equimolar amount or more to the amount of glycerol is added to glycerol, the obtained mixture is gasified under a pressure of 2 MPa or greater at a temperature of 700° C. or higher to convert the mixture into a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and carbon monoxide and hydrogen are then converted into methanol in accordance with a methanol synthesis process.
US07857861B2 Hydrophilizing agent and hydrophilized fiber treated therewith
The hydrophilizing agent contains (a) a cationized compound of a (poly) amine, (b) an ester, (c) a dialkyl sulfosuccinate salt, (d) an alkylphosphate salt, (e) at least one glycine derivative selected from the group consisting of trialkyl glycine derivatives and (alkylamide alkyl) dialkyl glycine derivatives, and (f) a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone; wherein the ratio of the component (a) ranges from 10 to 40 wt. %, the ratio of the component (b) ranges from 10 to 40 wt. %, the ratio of the component (c) ranges from 1 to 40 wt. %, the ratio of the component (d) ranges from 10 to 60 wt. %, the ratio of the component (e) ranges from 10 to 40 wt. %, and the ratio of the component (f) ranges from 1 to 20 wt. % of the hydrophilizing agent.
US07857860B2 Bone void filler and method of manufacture
Bone void filler pieces that are conducive to packing or nesting when a plurality of pieces are located in a cavity in random orientation. The bone void filler of the present invention includes a higher bulk packing density and a porosity of less than 80% to provide a better match native bone ingrowth rate. Further, the bone void filler includes a bi-modal pore distribution with a high frequency of smaller pores to enhance the density characteristic of the bone void filler pieces. A method of manufacturing the bone void filler pieces includes a precursor powder composition suitable to form a ceramic matrix; the preform is converted by chemical reaction to a final composition. The preform further includes the use of a porogen that decomposes to gaseous decomposition products upon heating.
US07857855B2 Devices used to treat disc herniation and attachment mechanisms therefore
A method for retaining an intra-discal material within an annulus fibrosis is described. The annulus fibrosis has a posterior annulus, an inside surface, and an opening with a lateral and a vertical dimension. A single wire and a band is provided. The single wire is made of shape-memory material and has a first compressed configuration and a second expanded configuration. The band and the single wire, which is in the first compressed configuration, is inserted through the opening in the annulus fibrosis. After insertion through the opening, the single wire expands to the second expanded configuration. The single wire and the band are positioned near the posterior annulus to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening on the inside surface of the annulus fibrosis, such that the band is positioned to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening, thereby preventing escape of intra-discal material through the opening.
US07857854B2 Expandable spinal stabilization device
The invention relates to an expandable spinal stabilization device that may be inserted into the space between two vertebrae, normally occupied by a disc, in order to stabilize the spine during and after spinal fusion procedures. The invention also relates to a method for using the device. One embodiment of the device includes a stack of plates connected by a connecting rod in a manner that allows the plates to adopt a helical configuration about the connecting rod when the plates are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the rod.
US07857846B2 Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ
An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.
US07857844B2 Atraumatic stent with reduced deployment force, method for making the same and method and apparatus for deploying and positioning the stent
An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic ends of the stent are desirably free of any loose wire ends. The wires include composite wires to enhance visibility of the wires to provide improved external imaging of the wires in the body. The elongate composite wires of the stent may be metallic wires having an outer metallic portion including a first metal, such as nitinol, and an inner metallic core portion including a second metal, which is a radiopaque material, such as gold, barium sulfate, ferritic particles, platinum, platinum-tungsten, palladium, platinum-iridium, rhodium, tantalum or combinations thereof.
US07857843B2 Differentially expanded vascular graft
A differentially expanded vascular graft for implantation within a body includes a PTFE tube formed of a homogeneous material. The PTFE tube has a longitudinal first portion which has been longitudinally expanded, and a longitudinal second portion which has been longitudinally expanded. The first and second portions have respective microstructures which are different from one another. A method and apparatus for making the differentially expanded vascular graft of the present invention facilitates the formation of the various expanded portions of the PTFE tube.
US07857831B2 Lip closing tool
A lip closing tool can be configured to encourage an infant or the like to close his/her mouth unconsciously and keep his/her mouth closed, thereby encouraging formation of a habit of nasal respiration. The lip closing tool can include a lip contact portion that is contacted by the outer surface of the lips during use, and a main body that is configured to be disposed inside the oral cavity during use. The main body can include a teeth contact portion that is disposed on the outer surface of the teeth during use and extends in a left-right direction. A thin lip contacting portion can connect the lip contact portion to the teeth contact portion and can be contacted by the upper and lower lips during use. The teeth contact portion can be formed entirely and integrally from a flexible material. Stimulation portions can be provided by enlarging the volume of the teeth contact portion near the end of right and left paths thereof.
US07857828B2 Clip applier and methods of use
An apparatus for delivering a closure element into an opening formed in a blood vessel or other body lumen and methods for manufacturing and using same. The apparatus is configured to retain the closure element such that the closure element is disposed substantially within the apparatus. The apparatus also can engage, and position the closure element substantially adjacent to, the blood vessel wall adjacent to the opening. During deployment of the closure element, the apparatus expands the closure element beyond a natural cross-section of the closure element such that the closure element, when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall and/or tissue. Engaging the blood vessel wall and/or tissue, the closure element is further configured to return to the natural cross-section, thereby drawing the engaged blood vessel wall and/or tissue substantially closed and/or sealed, such that hemostasis within the opening is enhanced.
US07857827B2 Endoscopic device
A surgical instrument including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis has a pair of spaced arms. The instrument includes a pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis, and a pair of end effectors. Each of the end effectors has a pivot hole adapted for receiving the pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis for pivotal movement relative to the clevis and a control arm for pivoting the respective end effector about the pin. The control arm includes an actuation hole and a tang adjacent the actuation hole. The instrument includes an actuator wire extending longitudinally to a laterally extending end received within the actuation hole. A portion of the longitudinally extending wire adjacent the laterally extending end and actuation hole is engaged by the tang to maintain the wire in the actuation hole.
US07857815B2 System and method for strengthening a spinous process
A system and method for repairing or reinforcing the spinous process. The system and method provide a procedure and surgical tools for injecting a flowable bone repair material into and optionally around the spinous process. The system and method include location of the guide over the spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of a flowable material into the spinous process. The system and method reinforce the spinous process, increasing the strength of the spinous process and enhancing the applicability and outcome of other surgical spinal interventions.
US07857792B2 Cassette for irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy
A cassette insertable into an irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy includes an irrigation or an aspiration tube and a support provided with one or two inlet plugs and one or two outlet plugs where two tubes form an elbow to be connectable to the inlet or outlet plugs in an input and output direction of motion, respectively and to form an irrigation or aspiration pumping area in the input and output direction of motion. The support includes a T-shaped guide according to the head of the T for protecting the elbow of each tube and according to the length of the T body in a slot guiding the tube in the output direction. The T-shaped guide extends between one or two inlet plugs to form the irrigation or aspiration pumping area on both sides of the slot between each inlet plug and the head of the T.
US07857789B2 Port fixation using expandable threads
The present disclosure describes a surgical access apparatus including an access member with a longitudinal opening defining an internal dimension suitable for removable receipt of a surgical instrument. The access member has a thread mounted thereon that is movable between a first condition and a second condition. When the thread is in the first condition, the access member defines a first outer dimension that allows for positioning of the access member within a tissue tract, and when the thread is in the second condition, the access member defines a second, larger outer dimension to facilitate anchoring of the access member within the tissue tract. As the thread moves between the first and second conditions, the internal dimension of the longitudinal opening extending through the access member remains substantially constant.
US07857783B2 Micro-burst ultrasonic power delivery
Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating said needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude. The control system provides a pulsed electrical power of less than 20 millisecond pulse duration.
US07857781B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US07857774B2 Wearing-type motion assistance device and program for control
A motion assistance device has a biological signal detection means for detecting a biological signal from the wearer of the device; a motion assistance device installation member having a drive source for applying torque acting to the wearer by use of each joint of the wearer as a rotating shaft; a control means for controlling the drive source to generate torque corresponding to the biological signal detected by the biological signal detection mean; a drive torque estimation means for estimating the drive torque generated by the drive source; a joint angle detection means for detecting angular displacement of a joint; and a parameter identification means for substituting the drive torque estimated by the drive torque estimation means and the angular displacement detected by the joint angle detection means into an equation of motion to specify the wearer-specific dynamics parameter, the equation relating to the entire system and including wearer-specific dynamics parameter. The control means controls the drive source according to a predetermined control method, based on the equation of motion into which the dynamics parameter identified by the parameter identification means is substituted.
US07857771B2 Method and system for the derivation of human gait characteristics and detecting falls passively from floor vibrations
The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information.
US07857770B2 Guide wire advancer assembly
A guide wire advancer (102) for advancing a guide wire (107) into a patient and including a body having a longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion (110) adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using a finger and a thumb, and a second portion (108) connected to the first portion. The second portion (108) is adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire (107) along the longitudinal axis using only one finger or the thumb to bias the guide wire against a platform (164) of the second portion when advancing the guide wire (107). Multiple methods of advancing a guide wire using the advancer are also disclosed.
US07857767B2 Lumen-traveling device
Lumen-traveling devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, as well as additional components such as a sensor, an active portion, and/or control circuitry. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect a local condition, and an action may be performed within the body lumen. Actions that may be performed include, but are not limited to, transmitting information, releasing a material within the lumen, performing a surgical step, or collecting a sample, among others.
US07857764B2 Medical image diagnostic apparatus and method of perusing medical images
An ultrasound diagnostic system 200 is provided with operation input device 6 configured to set up examination information of examinee P, operation acknowledgement device 110 configured to acknowledge operation signals received from operation input device 6, operation log discriminator configured to issue time when an operation log ID is acceptable, image information memory 130 configured to store examination image data, index generator configured to read examination image data from image information memory 130 and monitor 5 configured to display the examination image data. Image information memory 130 further stores search information at a predetermined period of time after the time issued by operation log ID discriminator 120 together with examination image data at such a predetermined period of time after the time while index generator 140 reads first examination image data from image information memory 130 and makes monitor 5 display the same.
US07857761B2 Acoustic blood analyzer for assessing blood properties
An acoustic blood analyzer with a transducer section of acoustic biosensors for measurement of blood properties including, but not limited to blood coagulation, platelet function and various blood disorders in a blood sample is provided. Methods for use of the blood analyzer in measurement of blood properties are also provided.
US07857753B2 Endoscope shape detection device
A source coil drive circuit section of an endoscope shape detection device includes, an oscillator that generates a sine wave and an amplifier that amplifies the sine wave and generates (drives) an alternating magnetic field to source coils through a switch section. The switch section is configured to switch a direct current to an output of the amplifier and supply to the source coils. In the source coil drive circuit section, a direct current resistance value detection section for measuring a direct current resistance value of the source coils by voltage drop when the switch section is supplying the direct current to the source coils is provided.
US07857751B2 Electronic endoscope system including image synthesizing processor
An electronic endoscope system has a video-scope, an illumination apparatus, an imaging device, and an image synthesizing processor. The illumination apparatus illuminates a normal light and an excitation-light from the video-scope onto an object. The normal light is reflected off the object, and the excitation-light causes the object to emit fluorescence. The imaging device on the video-scope captures a normal image that is formed by the reflected normal light and a fluorescent image that is formed by the fluorescence. The image synthesizing processor synthesizes the normal image and the fluorescent image into a synthesized image. A color signal of the synthesized image is the same as a color signal of the normal image. A luminance signal or the synthesized image is obtained by mixing a luminance signal of the normal image and a luminance signal of the fluorescent image in a predetermined proportion.
US07857738B2 Hip flexor
A hip flexor is a resistance training device used for training or rehabilitating the muscles and other body structures of the hip and thigh. The hip flexor comprises a frame with a hip actuator having an actuator arm which rotates about a pivot. One or more springs or other resistance devices provide resistance against a user's motion to train or rehabilitate the user's hip and thigh muscles. The position of the hip actuator and the amount of resistance, the variability of the resistance, or both may be adjusted as desired. During training, a user engages the actuator arm with his or her thigh and actuates the actuator arm against the resistance provided by the one or more springs. Training may be focused on various muscles of the thigh.
US07857737B1 Oscillating exercise device for shoulder and core strengthening
The disclosed device is an oscillating exercise device for strengthening of the muscles comprising the shoulder and the torso. The device is held in the user's hand and moved in an oscillating manner to simulate a sports specific movement or for muscle strengthening. The device is composed of a tube with internally threaded ends, detachable, threaded end caps, hinged clamshell handle, weight mass and elastic resistance bands. The end caps house springs that extend into the tube when screwed to the ends of the tube. The weight is of a diameter such that it may travel freely along the inner length of the tube, yet closely matched to the inner diameter of the tube such that significant air compression occurs in front of the moving weight. The generated air compression slows the velocity of the traveling weight and reduces the shock of the weight when it impacts the springs at the tube ends. An attachable handle allow for improved simulation of sports specific throwing motions. The elastic resistance bands attach to the tube by way of the clamping handle unit and provide directional resistance during sports related training exercises.
US07857733B2 Calf stretcher
A device for stretching or flexing the calf muscles and tendons of the lower leg, the device in one embodiment having a base member formed with a 90 degree angle for positioning at the intersection of two walls and a floor, the base member having elevated non-skid planar surfaces emanating from the 90 degree angle to the edge of the base plate allowing a user to stand on the elevated non-skid surfaces with both feet and use one's body weight to stretch the calf muscles by lowering or raising ones heels below or above the plane of the elevated non-skid surface. In another embodiment, the device consists of a base member having a straight wall engaging edge with an upstanding wall, terminating in a flat planar surface and an angled ramp surface communicating between the flat upper surface and the base member, the calf stretcher allowing the user to stand on the base member and place selective right or left foot onto the ramp section for the respective stretching of the calf. Either embodiment may be used cooperatively with a wall or as a stand alone apparatus and may incorporate a stable hand rail.
US07857714B2 Negative hardness gradient inner core for dual core golf ball
A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 90 Shore C; an intermediate layer disposed about the inner core and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber-based composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of about 20 Shore D to about 80 Shore D; and a cover layer disposed about the intermediate layer. A hardness of the first outer surface is 61 Shore C to 83 Shore C and is lower than a hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient having a magnitude of up to −10.
US07857712B2 Golf club head
An iron-type golf club head has a face which has a face surface of a flat shape, and a hosel which is continuous with the face on its heel side. A shaft insertion hole is disposed in the hosel. A protrusion protruding rearward is disposed in the vicinity of the center in a toe-heel direction. A material of the golf club head is pure iron having a high purity of at least 99.8%, for instance, pure iron having a purity within a range of 99.995 to 99.9999%. The golf club head is subjected to carburizing so that carbon diffuses up to about 0.2 to 0.5 mm from the surface. A region within 0.2 mm from the face surface has a hardness of HV 300 to 600, and a region where a distance from the face surface is 0.7 mm or more has a hardness of HV 100 or lower.
US07857698B2 Multiple primary games for a gaming device
A system and method for providing multiple randomly selectable primary games in a gaming device are disclosed. In one embodiment a gaming machine comprises a player input means and a central processing unit for receiving a trigger to activate game play. Additionally, the gaming machine comprises a selection means for selecting a primary game for game play. Also included are a first primary game presented on a first primary game display and a second primary game presented on a second primary game display.
US07857696B2 System and method of pausing and restarting wagering games
A system and method permit pausing/saving a game and restarting/restoring a game. In one embodiment, a player may pause a wagering game and then restart or restore that game at a later time and at the same or a different gaming machine. Game state information may be stored on a machine readable medium and then later read from that medium. Alternatively, game state information may be stored remotely from a gaming machine, such as at a remote server. The remotely stored information may be identified by information associated with a machine readable medium issued to the player or other information provided by the player.
US07857695B2 Gaming device including a game having a wild symbol related award
A gaming device including a plurality of reels having several symbols with at least one wild symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device spins the reels for at one spin. If a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels and no winning symbol combinations are indicated on the payline, the gaming device holds the reel including the wild symbol, stationary. The gaming device then re-spins the other reels for a designated number of spins, not including the reel having the wild symbol, in the game. The gaming device provides an award associated with any winning symbol combinations on the payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device holds one of the reels stationary when a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels the award amounts associated with any indicated winning symbol combinations on the payline are less than a designated award value.
US07857694B2 Gaming machine, method and computer program for controlling the same, and computer-readable storage medium having the program stored therein
A display includes a plurality of display areas connected with each other, each operable to variably and stationarily display one kind of plural hexagonal indicium. A controller determines a win occurrence, in a case where an identical kind of indicium are stationarily displayed on at least two of the display areas which are adjacently arranged on the display.
US07857693B1 Multi-spin poker gaming system with predetermined game outcomes
A gaming system which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. The gaming device a plurality of playing cards in a plurality of playing card positions to form an initial primary poker hand. The gaming device enables the player to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards in the primary poker hand to hold or to discard, wherein the held playing cards in the primary hand are also held in one, more or each of a plurality of simultaneously played poker hands. The gaming device evaluates the set of held playing cards and determines, possibly utilizing at least one stored table of solutions, the appropriate playing cards to generate in the appropriate playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a total combined payout equal to the selected predetermined game outcome value.
US07857685B2 Apparatus and method for preparing food
An apparatus and method for selectively or contemporaneously tenderizing and marinating meats or other desired food items, wherein implementation of the present method entails application of a sealable apparatus having a mechanical tenderizing assembly incorporated therein, thus permitting the sequestration and containment of raw meat juices, meat particulate, and/or marinade therewithin during the tenderizing process, thereby eliminating leakage and/or splatter of same, and reducing or eliminating associated bacterial proliferation and contamination of surrounding surfaces or food items.
US07857682B2 Process of and device for machining ball hubs
A process machining inner joint parts (11) of constant velocity universal ball joints, which inner joint parts (11) comprise a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one guiding face by which the inner joint part (11) is continuously angularly movably guided in a ball cage, and which comprise a plurality of ball tracks (12) which are distributed around the circumference of the guiding face and which divide the guiding face into a corresponding plurality of guiding webs (13) and in which torque transmitting balls can be held so as to be longitudinally displaceable. One ball track (12) and at least one guiding web (13) are machined simultaneously.
US07857679B2 Toy track set and relay segments
A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
US07857677B2 Infant apparatus actuated by sucking
An apparatus for sensing onset, offset, duration, frequency, and intensity of infant sucking and creating electrical signals which actuate a stimulus producing device in direct response to the infant sucking.
US07857673B2 Display device, apparatus for producing display device, and method for producing display device
A display device free from a deterioration in luminescence efficiency is provided. In the display device of the present invention, since an inorganic film is formed after concave parts in which luminescence portions are positioned are filled with a filling film, no crack is formed in the inorganic film. Since the inorganic film is made of a material having high gas tightness and heat conductivity (such as, diamond-like carbon or AlN), water and oxygen will hardly penetrate the luminescence portions, and heat of the luminescence portions will be conducted to the inorganic film, so that the luminescence portions do not reach high temperatures. Further, since a gap between first and second panels is filled with a resin film, the atmosphere does not enter from the outside. Because the luminescence portions are free from damage from water, oxygen and heat, the display device of the present invention has a prolonged life.
US07857667B1 Spring assembly with spring members biasing and capacitively coupling jack contacts
A spring assembly for a communications jack configured to receive a communications plug having a plurality of plug contacts. The jack includes first, second, third, and fourth jack contacts. The first and second jack contacts are configured to carry a first differential signal. The third and fourth jack contacts are configured to carry a second differential signal. Each jack contact is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plug contacts when the plug is received by the jack. The spring assembly has a conductive spring member for each jack contact. Each spring member is electrically connected to a corresponding jack contact and biases that jack contact against a corresponding plug contact. To reduce crosstalk, the spring member connected to the first jack contact is capacitively coupled to the third jack contact and the spring member connected to the fourth jack contact is capacitively coupled to the second jack contact.
US07857665B2 Electrical connector with improved contact arrangement
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a set of first contacts retained in the insulative housing and a metal shell. The insulative housing includes a tongue plate with a plurality of first passageways defined thereon. The first contacts include first contacting sections received in the first passageways, first bending sections and first tail sections. The first bending sections include a plurality of first offset sections and at least one second offset section. A first slope of each first offset section is of negative number while a second slope of the second offset section is of positive number so that a space between each adjacent two first tail sections is much larger than that of the corresponding first contacting sections for easily soldering of the first tail sections.
US07857654B2 Plug retention device
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for retaining a plug in an outlet. The apparatus includes a pair of arms and a body slidably connected to the arms. The arms are connected to the outlet. The body slides along the arms to retain the plug in the outlet.
US07857648B2 Electrical connector having locking mechanism
An electrical connector (1) adapted for electrically connecting an electronic package includes a housing (2), a cover (3) and a locking mechanism. The housing has a bottom wall (21), a number of rising walls (22-24) and a receiving space (27) defined therebetween. The cover is attached to a top portion of the housing and has a pair of downwardly extending side walls (32). The locking mechanism includes a locking groove (220) defined on the rising wall of the housing, and a locking post (35) formed on a corresponding side wall of the cover and slidable in the locking groove between a locked position and a released position.
US07857645B2 Connector arrangement for a medium-conducting, electrically-heatable hose
A connector arrangement connects an electrically-heatable hose to a piece of equipment. The connector arrangement is configured as a plug connection wherein the hose has a first plug connector which can be plugged into a mating second plug connector mounted on the piece of equipment. The hose has at least one heater lead embedded in the hose and the heater lead has an end segment brought out of the hose for fitting with the first plug connector. The first plug connector includes a body having an annular housing region defining an end. A connector stub is arranged on the end for receiving an end portion of the hose thereon. An annular receptacle is pushed onto the annular housing region and has a surface and a helical slot formed in the surface. The end segment of the heater lead is helically placed in the helical slot so as to spirally cover over the annular housing region.
US07857640B1 Electric connector equipped with multiple layers of safety structure
An electric connector equipped with multiple layers of safety structure includes an insulation case, an electric connection terminal set and a safety mechanism. The insulation case has a front panel with a plurality of slots. The safety mechanism has a safety gate set and a blocking plate latching element. The safety gate set is pushed by a plug and to open the slots to allow the plug to pass through and to establish electric connection with the electric connection terminal set. The blocking plate has a brake portion. The blocking plate latching element has a stirring portion exposed outside the surface of the insulation case and a stop portion corresponding to each blocking plate. The stop portion is movable with the stirring portion to the brake portion to stop the blocking plate from moving. Thereby the blocking plate latching element can control opening of the safety gate set.
US07857638B2 Electrical connector with latching members
An electrical connector (100) for mounting onto a printed circuit board (5), includes a longitudinal insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2, 3) received in the housing and a pair of latching members (4) retained to the housing. The housing defines a mating face (104) and a pair of supporting portions (15) disposed at two opposite ends of the housing in an elongated direction, and each supporting portion defines a supporting face (150) and a receiving slot (17) running through the supporting face. Each latching member is retained to a corresponding receiving slot and defines a locking portion (42) extending perpendicularly to the printed circuit board and projecting out of the receiving slot to expose to the supporting face at a free end thereof.
US07857634B2 Socket connector having positioning members severing as poisoning members for electronic device
A socket connector for receiving an electronic device includes an insulative housing having a base and a pair of sidewalls located at opposite sides of the base, a plurality of contacts retained in the base, and at least one positioning member attached to the sidewall. The base and the sidewalls jointly define a receiving space for the electronic device. The positioning member includes a soldering section capable of being soldered onto a printed circuit board on which the insulative housing is mounted, and a positioning section protruding into the receiving space and capable of positioning the electronic device.
US07857629B2 Dual in-line connector
A connector having a number of SMT pads and a number of in-line package pins is provided. The connector can be applied to both a peripheral component interconnection (PCI) card and a peripheral component interconnection express (PCIE) card. The number of the connectors can be reduced when the connectors are applied to the circuit board, and more space on the circuit board are then available for other electrical elements to be disposed.
US07857624B2 Child testing apparatus, information system and method of use
An apparatus for testing aspects of how a child learns includes a toy-like base having upstanding pegs. The child is encouraged to place donut shaped hand pieces onto the pegs. The hand pieces test the ability of the child to discriminate between different colors, and separately between different textures and different shapes and also tests the child's abilities in perception and creativity. The base also is able to test the child's ability to discern and copy tones and rhythms. Information of the child's performance is automatically collected within the apparatus and then compared with a normative baseline. Remediation focuses on activities related to the learning channels where the child is least astute and periodic retesting measures the ability of the child to improve in those channels to enable improvement of remediation approaches.
US07857620B2 Toothbrush with an electric circuit
A toothbrush having a circuit for improving oral cavity health, displaying innovative light performance, allowing easy operation and reduced production cost. The toothbrush includes an electronic circuit disposed within a handle of the toothbrush, a power source, a light source, and a device to release ions. Ions are automatically generated within an oral cavity when a user holds the handle and wets the toothbrush with water, thus helping to maintain oral hygiene and providing a dazzling light performance emitted from the handle.
US07857619B2 LED curing light having fresnel lenses
Disclosed is a LED curing light device for curing of photo-polymerization materials. The device has a plurality of LED sources and a plurality of Fresnel lenses. The LED source is powered and controlled by a drive board and batteries providing high power curing light in the range of 300 to 500 nm and optical power in the range of 100 to 800 mW. The Fresnel lenses couple the curing light efficiently to a focused spot on a curing object
US07857617B2 Burner
A gas burner including a burner body having a lower housing, an inlet conduit and a combustion surface element attached to the lower housing. A diffuser/reflector positioned within the body encourages even distribution and mixing of a combustible gas/air mixture. The diffuser/reflector is preferably of a sheet metal construction and includes a plurality of stamped openings with each of these openings having an overhanging guide plate. The combustion surface element includes a plurality of integrally formed rigidizing ribs and is made from a high temperature steel alloy wire cloth. The inlet conduit is secured directly or indirectly to an access door/bulkhead that is used to close off an access opening formed in a water heater wall through which the burner is installed. In one construction, an air scoop shrouds the inlet conduit and at least partially defines a flow path of primary air, substantially isolated from the combustion chamber.
US07857612B2 Molding-system platen having anti-tilt structure
Disclosed are: (i) a platen of a molding-system having anti-tilt structure, (ii) a molding system having a platen including an anti-tilt structure, (iii) a component of a platen of a molding system having a frame, the component including an anti-tilt structure, (iv) a clamp of a molding system, the clamp having platens each including an anti-tilt structure, (v) a molded article manufactured by usage of a platen of a molding system having an anti-tilt structure, (vi) a molded article manufactured by usage of a molding system having a platen including an anti-tilt structure, (vii) a molded article manufactured by usage of a component of a platen of a molding system having a frame, the component including an anti-tilt structure, and (viii) a molded article manufactured by usage of a clamp of a molding system, the clamp having platens each including an anti-tilt structure.
US07857600B2 Pump controller system and method
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.
US07857598B2 Variable-twist rotor blade controlled by hub pitch angle and rotational speed
The twist distribution of torsionally-flexible rotor blades is adjusted by exploiting centrifugal effect on inertial torquers affixed at one or more stations along the blade span. Twist is thereby made to vary passively as a function of rotor speed and hub incidence angle. With inertias of appropriate size and location, the twist variation is such that high rotor efficiency is maintained over a wide range of operating conditions. Satisfactory dynamic behavior of the blade, including cyclic-pitch response and flutter resistance, is simultaneously achieved.
US07857596B2 Vane or rotor blade
An unmixed plastic sheet, which is made of a thermoplastic material and which is composed of a number of body segments that are adjacent to one another in a plane, interconnected and made of a closed-cell foam material. The body segments are thermoplastically welded to one another at their abutting lateral faces while forming flat weld seams. The flat weld seams form a plastic intermediate layer, which has few pores, and which is provided in the form of a web structure that, when viewed from above, is reticular and reinforces the plastic sheet. The inventive plastic sheet is preferably used as a core layer in sandwich composites.
US07857589B1 Turbine airfoil with near-wall cooling
A turbine airfoil having a mini-serpentine flow cooling circuit on the leading edge portion to provide both convective and film cooling for the leading edge portion. The mini-serpentine flow cooling circuits are formed as separate modules, each module including a three-pass or a five-pass serpentine flow circuit with the first leg on one side of the leading edge and the last leg on the other side of the leading edge such that the middle leg of the serpentine flow circuit for each module is located along the stagnation line of the airfoil. Film cooling holes discharge cooling air from each leg onto the airfoil surface. Each module includes a metering and impingement hole located on the bottom of the first leg to individually meter cooling air from the cooling supply cavity.
US07857579B2 Sealing element for use in a fluid-flow machine
A sealing element for sealing a component gap with respect to a flow, in particular for use in a fluid-flow machine, specifically in a turbomachine is provided. In addition a fluid-flow machine is provided including such a sealing element for sealing a component gap. The sealing element includes a hollow profile enclosing a cavity. Arranged in the hollow profile are a first opening and a second opening, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the hollow profile. The first opening is formed as an inlet opening for a cooling fluid into the cavity of the hollow profile, the second opening is formed as an outlet opening for the cooling fluid from the cavity of the hollow profile. With the sealing element arranged in a fluid-flow machine, the sealing element can consequently be internally cooled by means of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, the sealing element uses the pressure gradient occurring in the flow in the direction of flow to form a stable cooling fluid flow.
US07857574B2 Media processor
A media stacker is adapted to accommodate plate-shaped media in a stacked manner. A sensor with which the media stacker is provided is operable to detect a height of the stacked media accommodated in the media stacker.
US07857569B2 Semiconductor processing system
A supporting mechanism (12A) is used for transfer-ring a target substrate (W) in cooperation with a transfer arm (32), in a semiconductor processing system. The supporting mechanism includes first and second holding portions (38A to 38C, 40A to 40C) each configured to be moved up and down and transfer a substrate to and from the transfer arm. The first and second holding portions are configured to be moved relative to each other in a vertical direction without spatially interfering with each other, and support substrates at substantially the same horizontal coordinate position. The supporting mechanism further includes first and second drives (46, 48) configured to move the first and second holding portions up and down, and a controller (68) configured to control the first and second drives. The controller is arranged to control the first and second drives to alternatively support a substrate by the first and second holding portions.
US07857564B2 Expansion dowel
An expansion dowel includes an anchor bolt (12) having a load application element (16) at a first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion part (17) at a second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion sleeve (21) having an inner profile (22) with a region (23) having a surface roughness increasing in the direction of the first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), with the expansion part (17) having a conical section (18) widening toward the second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12) for expanding the expansion sleeve (18).
US07857561B2 Seat fixing device
A seat fixing device for fixing a seat to a floor includes a device body. At least one vertical fixing member extends from the device body, and at least one horizontal fixing member is slidable along the device body and includes at least one actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a lock having a locking function that is dependent upon an operating parameter of the horizontal fixing member.
US07857553B2 Transfer pipe of dried concentrate and breakage detecting method of transfer pipe
A transfer pipe of dried concentrate for transferring dried concentrate, having a double pipe structure, comprising an inner pipe 2 through which the dried concentrate is transferred by compressed air, an outer pipe 3 arranged around the outer periphery of the inner pipe 2, and a joint flange 5 forming an annular space 4 sealed between the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3, arranged at both ends of the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3, and integrally fixing the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3; wherein the inner pipe 2 is positioned inside the outer pipe 3 and is formed of a metal pipe 2a forming the annular space 4, a ceramic sleeve 2c forming an innermost layer of the metal pipe, and a filler 2b for fixing the ceramic sleeve 2c provided between the metal pipe 2a and the ceramic sleeve 2c.
US07857551B2 Connection element for connecting sheet piles to carrier elements as well as a combination sheet pile wall with such connection elements
A connection element for connecting a sheet pile to a carrier element, with a base strip (16) to be fastened to a carrier element (14), is provided with an interlock profile (20) for engaging the sheet pile (14). The interlock profile (20) exhibits a lock chamber (28) that is defined by the base strip (16), a support strip (24) that protrudes from the base strip (16) and a hook strip (26) that protrudes from the base strip (16), whereby the hook strip (16) exhibits a straight extending transition section (32) protruding from the base strip (16) and a hook section (34) that follows said transition section and points in the direction of the support strip (34). The hook section exhibits a first support surface (26) that faces an inner surface (30) of the support strip (24), whereby the first support surface (36) and at least that section of the inner surface (30) of the support strip (24) that directly faces the first support surface (26) are located in parallel converging planes (E1, E2) and together define the jaw (42) of the lock chamber (28). The first support surface (36) transitions under an acute angle (α) into a second support surface (38) that defines the lock chamber (28).
US07857550B2 Profiled connecting element and combination sheet pile wall with a profiled connecting element of this type
The invention relates to a connection profile (10) with a constant cross-sectional shape for joining bulkheads to beam elements. The connection profile (10) comprises a center strip (12), on which a receiving profile (16) for connecting to the beam element (102) as well as a joining profile (14) for joining a lock element of the sheet pile are formed. The joining profile (14), when viewing its cross-section, comprises a straight transition section (18), which protrudes from the center strip (12) at least approximately at a right angle and which transitions into a semicircular hook section (20) pointing in the direction of the flat side. An end section (22) follows the hook section so that the transition section (18), the hook section (20) and the end section (22), together with the flat side of the center strip (12), form a receiving channel (24), which is open toward one side, for receiving the lock element of the sheet pile. The invention also relates to a combined bulkhead in which the inventive connecting profile is used.
US07857548B2 Barrier panel system and method of installing
A barrier panel system and a method of installing the barrier panel system is provided. The barrier panel system includes a barrier panel having a top and a bottom. The panel includes at least one channel extending from the top to the bottom of the barrier panel. A removable jet assembly unit can be connected to the panel within the channel. The removable jet assembly unit includes at least one cutter tool pipe which is connected to a jet head and at least one vacuum manifold. The jet head at the bottom of the cutter tool pipe delivers and directs the pressurized stream to transform the ground material into a form which is easily removable by a vacuum connected to the vacuum manifold. As the vacuum removes the ground matter, an opening is formed in the ground allowing the panel to sink. The barrier panel also includes interlocking features on the sides allowing them to be easily attached to one another horizontally to form an interconnected barrier wall system.
US07857546B2 Method and apparatus for controlling drainage and irrigation of fields
A method of and apparatus for controlling drainage/irrigation of a field includes laying out a network of spaced, interconnected water level-responsive valves coupled to drainage tiles, which typically may include a main line and a number of lateral lines, extending from higher elevations to lower elevations and exiting through a manually controlled main valve to a drainage ditch. When the water level adjacent a valve is below a predetermined level, the valve is open allowing water to flow down to the lowest level. As the ambient water level in the soil rises, the valve's float also rises, causing the valve to close when the water reaches a predetermined level and producing a “terracing” effect wherein the rising water is sequentially stored at increasingly higher elevations for irrigating these elevated areas. Overflow conduits associated with each valve allow water to discharge into the drainage ditch when the sub-surface water level is too high.
US07857538B2 Filler extruding container for coating
The outer face of a distal end part having a discharge opening 1c at the distal end of an applicator 100 is a sloped face 1a, so that skin or another surface to be coated can be coated favorably, and when a moving body 6 advances as far as it can, an elastic body 9 provided to the distal end of the moving body 6 hits a sloped face 1b that is the inner face of the distal end part having the discharge opening 1c at the distal end of the applicator 100, and elastically deforms along said sloped face 1b, and an application material L that could not be pushed out with a conventional piston and would remain in a substantially hoof-shaped (sloped cylindrical) space (a space including the sloped face 1b within the applicator distal end) can be completely pushed out by the elastic body 9, leaving almost none behind, so that all of it can be consumed.
US07857533B2 Method of judgement of ink ribbon jamming
Magnetic force lines 51 are generated in the direction from a first limited portion 52 of an inside peripheral face 50a of a ribbon-delivering cylindrical core 50 toward an opposing second limited portion 54. A first magnet is fixed at the first limited portion: a second magnet is fixed at the opposing second limited portion. With the ink ribbon cassette 40 set in a main body of a printer 10, a magnetic sensor 24 takes the position in the middle of the inside of the ribbon-delivery core 50, and detects the magnetic force line 51.
US07857521B2 Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus with a back-to-back double row tapered roller bearing has an outer member integrally with a body mounting flange and double row outer raceway surfaces tapered open respectively axially inward and outward. An inner member include a wheel hub and an inner ring or an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has a wheel mounting flange and one inner raceway surface arranged oppositely to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces and a cylindrical portion. The inner ring or the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint are press fit onto the cylindrical portion and include the other inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the other raceway surface of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row tapered rollers are freely rollably held between the outer and inner raceway surfaces by cages. Seals are arranged in annular openings formed by the outer and inner members. The cages are formed of synthetic resin. Posts between pockets of the cages are arranged to be positioned radially inward of the pitch circle diameter of the tapered rollers. The width of an opening radially inward of each pocket is set so that each tapered roller is held within the pocket. The contacting tapered surfaces of the posts open radially outward so that the rollers do not fall out radially inward.
US07857517B1 Connecting rod bearing housing
A connecting rod bearing housing includes an attaching portion and a retaining portion releasably joined together. The attaching portion and the retaining portion are each provided with a pair of alignment bores respectively located on opposite sides of the transverse passageway. The alignment bores are registered with one another and partially intersect the transverse passageway. An alignment washer is held within each pair of registered, alignment bores and projects into the transverse passageway. A sleeve-like bearing is positioned within the transverse passageway and has notches for snugly receiving the alignment washers. The washers prevent the rotation of the bearing within the housing.
US07857508B2 Method for monitoring the functionality of a temperature sensor
In a method for monitoring the functionality of a temperature sensor that can deliver an electrical signal as a function of the measured temperature and is disposed, in particular, in the cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, the persistence of the temperature sensor in the high signal range is made possible by a method encompassing the following steps: Characterizing the sensor as possibly faulty if the sensor indicates, upon engine shutdown, at least a maximum value of the cooling fluid temperature; determining a first gradient of the cooling fluid temperature, measured by the possibly faulty sensor, up to a first point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the gradient exceeds a minimum value; determining a second gradient of the cooling fluid temperature, measured by the possibly faulty sensor, between the point in time and a point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the second gradient exceeds a minimum value; determining the cooling fluid temperature measured by the possibly faulty sensor at a point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the cooling fluid temperature falls below a maximum value.
US07857502B2 Self-winding watch including an indicator of the power reserve
The present invention relates to a self-winding watch including an oscillating mass (8), the movements of which are transmitted to a spring barrel of the watch, this watch likewise including a device for indicating the power reserve comprising means (2) for displaying the power reserve, characterised in that the means (2) for displaying the power reserve are mounted on the oscillating mass (8).
US07857501B2 Oblique tourbillon
A tourbillon is provided that includes a platform rotatable about a platform axis. In one implementation, the platform carries an escapement including an escape-wheel and pallets, wherein the escape-wheel is rotatable about an escape-wheel staff, the pallets are rotatable about a pallet-staff, and the escape-wheel staff and the pallet-staff are disposed so as to be essentially parallel to the platform axis. The platform also carries a balance-wheel rotatable about a balance-staff, wherein the balance-staff is arranged at an angle of inclination ∝ with respect to the platform axis.
US07857497B2 LED lighting fixture
An LED lighting fixture is provided which achieves effective use of light, uniformly illuminates a large area and, has a high degree of freedom in designing light distribution characteristics. Three types of LED optical modules are used each having different light distribution characteristics. Each LED optical module includes an LED light source and a light distribution controlling lens of a different shape which constitute an optical system. Three types of LED optical units having different light distribution characteristics can be used. Each LED optical unit includes a set of LED optical modules having the same light distribution characteristics. The LED lighting fixture is configured to have a combination of the LED optical units having different light distribution characteristics.
US07857496B2 Lamp
A lamp (10) comprising at least one base (11) which is joined to a light, and a dome-shaped, in particular dish-shaped, essentially rotationally symmetrical reflector (13), wherein a light source is arranged in the focal point (32) or focal point area thereof in order to produce an oriented, e.g. narrowly emitting, light distribution from said lamp (10). The reflector is provided with an opening (15) which comprises a light exit plane (E) for the lamp (10). The light source is formed by at least one LED (20,20a,20b,20c) and is arranged at a distance from the inner side (14) of the reflector. At least one functional element of the LED, in particular at least one voltage supply line (21a,21b,21c,21d) of the LED and/or at least one cooling body (29,30a,30b,30c,30d) for the LED, extends at least partially essentially along the light exit plane (E) or is arranged at least partially on the side of the light exit plane (E) which is oriented away from the reflector (13).
US07857491B2 Cooling system for a projector
A cooling system for a projector for dissipating the heat output by a light source and/or optical components or electric and electronic components through which current flows in a projector housing with a lamp housing and a base tray is provided. The cooling system comprising a first cooling device in which a first convection flow is guided through the interior space of the base tray and the lamp housing and around which a second convection flow circulates which circulates around the lamp housing at least partially in the circumferential direction, and a second cooling device for a cooling air flow which is directed substantially perpendicularly to the second convection flow and runs parallel to the optical axis of the projector.
US07857486B2 LED lamp assembly having heat pipes and finned heat sinks
An LED lamp assembly includes a first heat sink, a plurality of second heat sinks secured to a periphery of the first heat sink, a plurality of LED modules respectively attached to the second heat sinks and a plurality of heat pipes interconnecting the first heat sink and the second heat sinks. The first heat sink comprises a heat conducting body defining a through hole therein and a plurality of first fins around the heat conducting body. The second heat sinks each comprise a plurality of second fins facing the first fins of the first heat sink. The heat pipes each comprise an evaporating section attached to a corresponding second heat sink and a condensing section extending into the through hole of the heat conducting body of the first heat sink and attached to the heat conducting body.
US07857481B2 Multi-functional traffic signal stick
Disclosed herein is a multi-functional traffic signal stick, which has a red signal LED part for providing a signal stick function and a white signal LED part for providing a flash light function, and which a police officer carries on the road. The multi-functional traffic signal stick can be carried conveniently as a flash light by telescoping each joint of a length-adjustable flashing tube manufactured in an antenna type into a larger tube, and used as a signal stick, which is well seen from a far distance, by stretching each joint of the length-adjustable flashing tube like an antenna. In addition, the present invention can serve to inform danger or accidents when being mounted uprightly on the road or a proper place such that three supporting rods mounted on a grip part at regular intervals are unfolded to support the signal stick.
US07857480B2 Flashlight system and method of using same
A multi-function flashlight device in one preferred embodiment comprising a housing assembly having a tubular member for gripping the device in a user's hand, a control housing coupled to the tubular member, and a lamp housing coupled to the control housing and having a light source mounted therein. The light source has an optical axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Batteries are housed in the tubular member. A control panel having a keypad overlay is mounted in the control housing. The keypad overlay includes a plurality of control buttons. A driver board in the control housing receives signals from the control panel and control the operation of the light source. The plurality of control buttons are manipulable by a single digit of the user's hand while gripping the tubular member.
US07857479B1 Lighted helmet apparatus
The lighted helmet apparatus provides several features that aid both the wearer and those behind the wearer. The turn signals of the helmet are importantly arrow-shaped to be easily identified by following traffic, and appropriately located on left and right sides of the helmet. The running lights of the helmet importantly provide the elevated identification of operation to following motorists. The brake lights of the helmet importantly provide easily and centrally recognized braking of the wearer. The helmet wearer is reminded of turn signal functions by the front mounted signal reminders so that turn signals are not inadvertently left on, which is often the case in motorcycle and other such vehicular operation. Flush mounting of the individual lights within the helmet are an especially attractive feature and also one that prevents damage to the lights. The Bluetooth™ inclusion in the apparatus is a further advantage.
US07857473B2 Open showcase with light emitting diodes
There is disclosed an open showcase provided with a light device capable of simplifying a maintenance operation and improving a cooling efficiency in a display chamber. In an open showcase 1 of the present invention, a display chamber 11 is formed in an insulating wall 2 to display commodities in the display chamber 11 while cooling the commodities, the showcase includes a reflective plate 45 which extends externally from a front surface opening 12 of the display chamber 11, and LED lights 40 attached to the reflective plate 45, and the inside of the display chamber 11 is illuminated with light emitted from the LED lights 40.
US07857470B2 Light reflecting plate and method of manufacturing the same, and light reflecting device
Provided is a light reflecting plate capable of reducing glare of reflected light while maintaining high light reflectance by regular reflection. The light reflecting plate includes a base, a light reflecting layer that is formed on the base and made of silver or silver alloy, or aluminum or aluminum alloy, in which arithmetic average roughness (Ra) is 0.10 to 0.30 μm and arithmetic average waviness (Wa) is 0.30 to 2.50 μm on a surface of the light reflecting layer.
US07857469B2 Exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirror casing is secured to the bracket. The mirror casing defines a primary opening. A primary mirror is disposed within the primary opening and provides a view rearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field of view. A spotting mirror is disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a secondary field of view rearward of the motor vehicle.
US07857468B2 Antiglare film and method of forming the same
The present invention provides an antiglare film, which includes a transparent resin layer, a plurality of transparent hollow particles and a plurality of transparent solid particles. The hollow particles and the solid particles are distributed in the transparent resin layer, while the hollow particles are partially exposed thereon. The refraction index of the hollow particles and the refraction index of the solid particles are different from the refraction index of the transparent resin layer. Applying both the solid particles and the hollow particles mixed together can lead the antiglare film to have an excellent antiglare property, a high contrast and a great clarity.
US07857462B2 Projection optical unit, projection-type image displaying apparatus and projection-type image displaying system
A projection optical unit for a projection display apparatus, which displays an image upon a projection surface, obliquely, includes a front lens group disposed in a direction from an image display element to a projection surface, a rear lens group, and a reflection mirror formed so that a curvature of a portion for reflecting a light beam incident upon a lower end portion of the projection surface is larger than a curvature of a portion for reflecting a light beam incident upon an upper end of the projection surface. An optical axis of the front lens group and the rear lens group is more inclined with respect to a direction of the portion of the reflection mirror for reflecting the light beam incident upon the lower end portion of the projection surface than a normal line direction of the image display element.
US07857454B2 Image Projecting device
An image projection system includes an image projection device for projecting a light image onto a wall, ceiling or other designated surface. The image projection device includes a housing within which is disposed separately located light sources. The housing further includes a slot for receiving several image slides. Each image slide has multiple, separated, slide image patterns thereon and each slide image pattern is in a different location on the image slide. Each of the light sources is disposed in a light chamber such that light from one of the light sources projects through only one of the separated image patterns on the image slide. Light from light sources passing through respective slide image patterns can then intersect to project multiple superimposed images on an image viewing surface. Furthermore, an electronic controller controls the light intensity and light timing of each individual light source.
US07857453B2 Method and apparatus for the transport of a movie film
A method for the transport of a movie film along a film transport path, having a friction-locking connection of at least one section of the movie film to a film transport means, which is moved continuously or intermittently over a part of the film transport path, and having a pressing device which presses the movie film against the film transport means, between which and the film transport means the movie film is routed, is provided. The movie film is transported by means of feed and take-up devices, which each contain a film transport means and a pressing device and are arranged on both sides of a picture window.
US07857450B1 Hand-held device for contrast and multifunction vision testing
A vision testing device for measuring single or multiple visual functions consisting of an internally illuminated hand-held instrument, vision charts, vision correcting and occluding elements, a testing frame for holding combined vision correcting and blocking elements, and modular accessories.
US07857447B2 Interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel contact lenses
The present invention provides interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels that have high oxygen permeability, strength, water content, and resistance to protein adsorption. The hydrogels include two interpenetrating polymer networks. The first polymer network is based on a hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer. The second polymer network is based on a hydrophilic monomer. The hydrophilic monomer is polymerized and cross-linked to form the second polymer network in the presence of the first polymer network. The telechelic macromonomer preferably has a molecular weight of between about 575 Da and about 20,000 Da. Mixtures of molecular weights may also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer is PEG-diacrylate or PEG-dimethacrylate and the hydrophilic monomer is an acrylic-based monomer. The material is designed to serve as a contact lens.
US07857445B2 Eyewear holder
An eyewear holder for holding magnetically attachable eyewear, said eyewear holder comprising: a substantially rigid holder body; and two magnetic elements mounted to the holder body in a spaced apart relationship relative to each other. The eyewear is removably magnetically attachable to the two magnetic elements.
US07857444B2 Ophthalmic lens incorporating an optical insert for projecting information
The invention provides an eyesight correcting lens having a front face and a rear face, and into which light beams emitted by a light beam generator system are introduced via an inlet surface and directed towards the eye of an ametropic wearer of said lens to enable information content to be viewed, an optical insert being included in the lens, said lens being arranged so as to enable the wearer of said lens to provide an accommodation effort that is less than or equal to 2D when viewing the information content.
US07857429B2 Ink jet recording head and manufacturing method of ink jet recording head
An ink jet recording head includes a substrate provided with an energy generating element to generate energy used for discharging ink, a discharge port through which the ink is discharged, a supply port for supplying the ink, and an ink path formed on the substrate for making the discharge port and the supply port communicate with each other, wherein wall members forming the ink path are made of an inorganic material, and a space between adjacent ink paths is filled up by a metal layer.