Document Document Title
US07944958B2 Pulsed laser light source based on frequency conversion
A light emitting device including a waveguide having an electrically pumped gain region, a saturable absorber, a nonlinear crystal, an inclined mirror, and a light-concentrating structure. Light pulses emitted from the gain region are reflected by the inclined mirror and focused by the light-concentrating structure into the nonlinear crystal in order to generate frequency-converted light pulses. The gain region, the saturable absorber, the light-concentrating structure and the inclined mirror are implemented on or in a common substrate. The resulting structure is stable and compact, and allows on-wafer testing of produced emitters. The folded structure allows easy alignment of the nonlinear crystal.
US07944954B2 Laser apparatus with all optical-fiber
A laser apparatus with all optical-fiber includes a plurality of pumping light sources in different wave bands and an optical-fiber laser system. The optical-fiber laser system includes an optical fiber at least doped with erbium (Er) element and doped with or not doped with ytterbium (Yb) element according to a need. The optical-fiber laser system outputs a laser light through the pumping light source.
US07944950B2 Mobile communication system, communication control method, and base station and mobile station to be employed in the same
In the communication system performing transmission with generating the vacant period in the slotted mode during data transmission in order to perform various process, such as different frequency carrier quality measurement or so forth, the control signal for maintaining a communication quality is inserted even in the vacant period. Therefor, a link quality may not be degraded even if the vacant period is long. Namely, when the pilot signal is used as the control signal, even in the vacant period, measurement of the link quality of the forward link with the pilot signal is performed in the mobile station to report the result of measurement to the base station. Therefore, transmission power control of the forward link can be performed according to the report in the base station. Therefore, degradation of the forward link can be eliminated.
US07944947B2 Providing address information for reaching a wireless terminal
The invention relates to a method of providing address information for reaching a wireless terminal, the wireless terminal being connected to a first wireless communication network, a varying public address being dynamically allocated to the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal being reachable from outside of the first wireless communication network by means of the varying public address. The method comprises dynamically notifying substantially directly at least one other communicating party of a current public address of the wireless terminal.
US07944936B2 Stream-oriented interconnect for networked computer storage
An apparatus and method for connecting a plurality of computing devices, e.g. web servers, database servers, etc., to a plurality of storage devices, such as disks, disk arrays, tapes, etc., by using a stream-oriented (circuit oriented) switch that has high throughput, but that requires non-negligible time for reconfiguration is disclosed. An example of such stream-oriented switch is an optical switch. The system decodes the requests from the computing devices and uses this information to create circuits, e.g. optical paths in embodiments where the stream-oriented switch is an optical switch, through the stream-oriented switch. The system uses these circuits to route traffic between the computing devices and the storage devices. Buffering of data and control in the device memory is used to improve overall throughput and reduce the time spent on reconfigurations.
US07944929B2 Secure integrated mobile internet protocol transit case
A self-contained wireless internet protocol system includes a power supply converter for receiving input power of any type and converting the input power to a system power. A wireless local area network (WLAN) bridge and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) bridge contained within a case receives the system power. A mobile access router also receives the system power and facilitates data communications between the WLAN bridge and the WWAN bridge.
US07944927B2 Efficient use of persistent scheduling with OFDMA wireless communications
Various embodiments of the invention may take advantage of persistent scheduling in a wireless network to achieve efficiencies of operation. One embodiment dynamically adjusts the duration of persistent scheduling based on changing channel conditions. When mobile stations are grouped together for persistent scheduling, another embodiment uses a bitmap to indicate which mobile stations in the group have data in the current frame. Still another embodiment eliminates the Connection Identifier from a packet header when bitmaps are being used.
US07944925B2 System and method for grouping multiple VLANs into a single 802.11 IP multicast domain
A system and method for identifying and grouping multiple virtual local area networks into a single multicast domain is provided. The system and method may be configured to designate a virtual local area network within as a multicast virtual local area network to streamline the delivery of multicast messages via a network. A station may be configured with multiple group keys so that it can receive messages from multiple broadcast or multicast domains.
US07944916B2 Host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing broadcast data
A host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and method of processing broadcasting data are disclosed. An IP physical interface unit receives a frame including an internet protocol (IP) packet carrying broadcast data through a network modem. A routing engine routs the frame based on a destination information included in the frame. An IP to TS Decapsulator extracts a MPEG-2 TS packet from the IP packet included in the routed frame. And a multiplexer augments the extracted MPEG-2 TS packet with Packet Header carrying an identification information, multiplexes the augmented MPEG-2 TS packet and forwards the multiplexed MPEG-2 TS to the POD.
US07944913B2 Node, communication method, and program for node
The present invention provides a node capable of preventing the problems caused by switching between traffic communication paths when a link failure occurs. According to an embodiment of the invention, among ports of a node 10, ports P1 and P2 connected to a link between the node 10 and a node 20 are registered in a virtual port VP1, and ports P3 and P4 connected to a link between the node 10 and the node 30 are registered in a virtual port VP2. The virtual ports VP1 and VP2 are registered in a virtual port VP3 allocated to a virtual LAG group. When one link between the node 10 and the node 20 is disconnected, the node 10 transmits frames, which have been transmitted from a physical port connected to the link, from the virtual port including the physical port, among the virtual ports belonging to the virtual port VP3 allocated to the virtual LAG group.
US07944906B2 Method and system for operating a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) wireless communications system
A technique for operating a wireless communications system that supports multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) communications between a base station and multiple mobile stations involves generating inter-cell interference information at the mobile stations and providing the inter-cell interference information to the base station. The base station uses the inter-cell interference information to calculate channel quality indicators (CQIs) and then makes scheduling decisions in response to the CQIs. Data is transmitted from the base station to the mobile stations according to the scheduling decisions.
US07944887B1 Method and system for forcing mobile IP home agent handoff
When a mobile node hands off to a new network access server/foreign agent (NAS/FA) and establishes a data link layer connection with the new NAS/FA, the NAS/FA will determine whether the mobile node is registered with a preferred home agent. If not, the NAS/FA will force the mobile node to hand off to the preferred home agent, while maintaining the data link layer connection with the mobile node.
US07944882B2 Channel access apparatus, systems, and methods
An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to reserve access to one or more overlapping channels having a resource allocation (e.g., a frequency range) overlapping a resource allocation of at least two overlapped channels by reserving access to the overlapped channels. Reservation of the overlapped channels may occur in a substantially simultaneous, serial, or semi-serial fashion.
US07944862B2 Accelerated session establishment in a multimedia gateway
In one aspect, a method of establishing a reduced setup time session through a gateway is provided which includes: receiving a first capability message transmitted from the first terminal to the gateway; receiving a second capability message transmitted from the second terminal to the gateway; transmitting first and second capability response messages from the terminal to the first and second terminals, respectively; receiving a media stream transmitted from the second terminal to the gateway; processing the media stream, including identifying a temporal feature in the media stream that enables a decoder to establish a decoder refresh point; receiving an acknowledgment message transmitted from the first terminal to the gateway; and, thereafter transmitting the processed media from the gateway to the first terminal.
US07944861B2 System and process for mass telephony conference call
A method of providing conference call connections includes initiating a conference call between multiple conferees using a conferencing controller, placing each of the multiple conferees in a half-duplex listen only mode using the conferencing controller, and receiving a signal at the conferencing controller from at least one of the multiple conferees to actively participate in the conference call. Active participation can be in the form of asking questions, giving comments, or providing a keypress to vote or provide other information. The conference call can also be broadcast to increase participants. Also, after the conference call is initiated, additional potential conferees can be added.
US07944858B2 Method for protecting a network configuration set up by a spanning tree protocol
A method for protecting a network configuration set up by a spanning tree protocol, STP, by selecting one of a plurality of bridges (2 to 11) of a computer network (1) as a root bridge (2) and by selecting one of a plurality of bridge ports (2a to 11a, 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, 9b, 10b) of each of the plurality of bridges (2 to 11) as a root port (2a to 11a), the method comprising the steps of: setting a sub-state of at least one bridge port (2a to 11a, 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, 9b, 10b) of at least one of the bridges (2 to 11) to an active sub-state in case that bidirectional traffic passes through the bridge port (2a to 11a, 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, 9b, 10b), receiving an STP message, in particular a Bridge Protocol Data Unit, BPDU, in one of the bridge ports (2a to 11a, 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, 9b, 10b) being in the active sub-state, and protecting the network configuration by discarding the STP message and/or by sending an alarm message to a network management unit (27) in case that the STP message indicates a change of the root bridge (2) of the network configuration.
US07944853B2 Virtual root bridge
A network includes a plurality of network clusters. Each network cluster includes a plurality of nodes. At least one of the plurality of nodes includes a portal node. A portal node is a node with at least one link that crosses a boundary of the network cluster. Each portal node is configured to communicate detection packets for detecting the existence of other portal nodes within the network cluster. Each portal node is configured to communicate with nodes within the network cluster associated with the respective portal node to indicate that the respective portal node is a predetermined number of hops away from a virtual root bridge associated with the network cluster.
US07944851B2 Method for packet communication using training packets
Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception.
US07944822B1 System and method for identifying network applications
Embodiments of the invention provide a framework for traffic classification that bridges the gap between the packet content inspection and the flow-based behavioral analysis techniques. In particular, IP packets and/or IP flows are used as an input, network nodes are associated to specific network applications by leveraging information gathered from the web, and packet-level and/or flow-level signatures are extracted in an off-line fashion using clustering and signature extraction algorithms. The signatures learned are systematically exported to a traffic classifier that uses the newly available signatures to classify applications on-the-fly.
US07944821B2 Flow control buffering
A method and system for improved buffering during a flow control event, the system comprising: a mobile station having a mobile timer; a radio network communicating wirelessly with the mobile station and including: a base station; and a packet control function (PCF) capable of interrupting the flow of data to the wireless device during the flow control event; a packet data serving node (PDSN) communicating with the PCF and having a buffer to store data received for the mobile station during the flow control event, the buffer having a buffer timer; and a push function communicating with the PDSN and having a retry timer to indicate when to resend an unacknowledged packet; wherein the system coordinates the buffer timer with either the mobile timer or the retry timer to eliminate redundant messages.
US07944820B2 Methods and devices for maximizing the throughput of TCP/IP data along wireless links
The amount of TCP/IP packets which can be sent from an Internet network to a wireless network is maximized by modifying a receive window value of an acknowledgment (ACK) before the ACK is sent on to a source of data packets within the Internet network. The receive window value is modified to take into consideration delay and rate variations which occur in the wireless network.
US07944810B2 Receiving apparatus and method for single carrier frequency division access system
A receiver and a receiving method for a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) system are provided. The receiver includes a matrix selector for selecting a constant channel matrix according to a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) reception scheme, a channel equalizer for equalizing a multi-path channel to a specific path channel in a frequency domain by using the constant channel matrix, and a MIMO detector for detecting a Euclidean distance of transmittable symbols from a time-domain Transmit (Tx) signal by using the channel equalized in the frequency domain and then for selecting a symbol having a minimum distance.
US07944809B2 Method of controlling data transmission mode in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing wireless relay system and apparatus using the method
A method of controlling data transmission mode in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) wireless relay system and an apparatus using the method are provided. The method of controlling data transmission mode includes: dividing all frequency bands of an OFDM signal into a frequency band group including at least one subcarrier band; estimating a plurality of channels of wireless links which respectively link a base station (BS), at least one relay station (RS), and a mobile station (MS) with respect to the at least one subcarrier band; selecting any one of a plurality of data transmission modes based on a feature of the estimated plurality of channels of wireless links with respect to the frequency band group; and applying the selected data transmission mode to all of the at least one subcarrier bands in the frequency band group to transmit data.
US07944797B2 Recording and reproducing method, recording medium, and recording and reproducing apparatus
A recording method which optically records two-dimensional data including a positioning mark and data area in a recording medium. In this method, the state of the positioning mark is changed from a first state to at least one second state different from the first state every given number of recording times of such two-dimensional data.
US07944790B2 Optical disc apparatus and data recording method thereof
In order to ensure recording quality while suppressing the adverse effects due to performance variations among apparatuses and disc radial positions on an optical disc, an optical disc apparatus according to the present invention performs, at the time of data recording, the steps of: acquiring a jitter value and β value from a reproduced signal based on laser light reflected from the optical disc in relation to a disc radial position; learning a β value when the acquired jitter value is a minimum as a target β value; and, if a jitter value acquired thereafter is larger than the minimum jitter value by a preset reference value or above, correcting recording power based on the magnitude relation and the difference between the β value associated with the acquired jitter value and the target β value or performing trial record processing.
US07944785B2 Optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus and focus-servo method thereof
A focus-servo control method of an optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus, for recording or reproducing information onto/from an optical disc having a track with a land and a groove, which are formed in a spiral manner on an information recording surface thereof, the optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus including an objective lens, the method comprising steps of: moving an optical spot from the land to the groove or from the groove to the land through a L/G exchange portion therebetween and moving a position of the objective lens from a land position to a groove position by gradually changing a focus offset value for the land to a focus offset value for the groove from a position located before the L/G exchange portion, when the optical spot moves from the land to the groove.
US07944782B2 90°-bent metallic waveguide having tapered c-shaped aperture, method of fabricating the waveguide, light delivery module including the waveguide, and heat assisted magnetic recording head having the waveguide
A metallic wave guide and a light delivery module are provided. The metallic waveguide includes a metal body formed of a conductive metal and having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture having input and output ends. The aperture has a bent portion for changing a light traveling direction between the input and output ends, and a tapered portion between the bent portion and the output end. The tapered portion has a width that is gradually reduced toward the output end, and the aperture is formed in a C-shape by a ridge formed on an inner surface of the metal body.
US07944781B2 Flexible waveguide with adjustable index of refraction
A flexible waveguide with an adjustable index of refraction. The core layer and/or the cladding layer of a flexible waveguide may include a plurality of nanoparticles having a different index of refraction than the core layer and/or cladding layer. The plurality of nanoparticles may have an index of refraction that is greater than or less than an index of refraction of either the core layer or the cladding layer in order that the overall effective index of refraction of either the core layer or the cladding layer can be adjusted.
US07944768B2 Software refreshed memory device and method
A software refreshed memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells that must be periodically refreshed to avoid losing data. Preferably, the memory cells can avoid losing data even though the time interval between successive memory refresh operations is relatively long, as compared to the time interval between successive memory refresh operations in a conventional volatile memory device, such as a DRAM. A processor can perform periodic memory refresh operations by executing a set of memory refresh instructions implemented in software, rather than in hardware. Accordingly, the memory device can advantageously be simplified, because the need for memory refresh circuitry and for a unique refresh control signal are advantageously eliminated. Moreover, the processor executing the memory refresh instructions can typically perform more sophisticated algorithms, as compared to memory refresh circuitry implemented in hardware, for determining when to perform a memory refresh operation. For example, the processor can determine whether each individual memory cell needs to be refreshed, thereby advantageously avoiding performing unnecessary refresh operations on memory cells that do not need to be refreshed.
US07944766B2 Sense amplifier and semiconductor memory device having sense amplifier
A sense amplifier comprises: a differential amplifier circuit configured to generate an amplified signal depending on a difference in voltage between bit lines; an output circuit receiving the amplified signal; and a load. The differential amplifier circuit comprises: a first output node supplying the amplified signal to the output circuit; and a second output node symmetrically placed with respect to the first output node and connected to the load. The output circuit comprises an output terminal for outputting an output signal generated based on the amplified signal. In response to a control signal, the load switches between a first capacitance value with which an offset voltage at the output terminal becomes a first voltage and a second capacitance value with which the offset voltage becomes a second voltage.
US07944765B1 Programmable logic device with built in self test
In one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit such as a programmable logic device includes volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and a data shift register for reading data from the nonvolatile memory and for reading data from and writing data to the volatile memory. A built in self test (BIST) circuit is operable to test the nonvolatile memory without the data shift register reading data from the nonvolatile memory. The BIST circuit may include a finite state machine for performing at least one of the following tests on the nonvolatile memory: bulk erase, bulk program; margin bulk program; and/or margin bulk erase. A memory controller responsive to the finite state machine is operable to write data to and read data from the nonvolatile memory during testing of the nonvolatile memory.
US07944759B2 Semiconductor memory device including floating body transistor
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells having a transistor with a floating body, a source line driver configured to control the source lines to select the memory cells in response to an address signal, a source line voltage generation unit configured to generate a source line target voltage, receive an source line output voltage from the source line driver, compare the level of the source line output voltage with the level of the source line target voltage, generate a source line voltage of which the level is adaptively varied according to a temperature, and a sense amplifier configured to sense a difference in current flowing through the bit lines in response to data read from a selected memory cell, amplify the difference to a level having high output driving capability and output the amplified current.
US07944756B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
When data is written to a memory cell transistor, a write controller controls in such a manner that a verification operation subsequent to a program operation is carried out while a program voltage is increased stepwise for each program operation. The write controller controls in such a manner that a verification operation subsequent to a program operation by which a threshold voltage of a memory cell transistor to be written has become equal to or higher than a verification level for the first time is carried out twice or more at the same verification level, verification operations of the second and subsequent times are carried out after a second program operation which is carried out with the memory cell transistor set in an unselected state.
US07944755B2 Erase verify in memory devices
In one or more embodiments, methods for erasing memory devices, and a memory system are disclosed, one such method comprising determining which cells of a sample are not erased, either directly or indirectly. The number of unerased cells in the sample can be compared to a threshold. An erase operation can be performed on the memory block responsive to the comparison until the number of unerased cells is less than the threshold.
US07944754B2 Non-volatile memory and method with continuous scanning time-domain sensing
A page of non-volatile multi-level memory cells on a word line is sensed in parallel by sense amps via bit lines. A predetermined input sensing voltage as an increasing function of time applied to the word line allows scanning of the entire range of thresholds of the memory cell in one sweep. Sensing of the thresholds of individual cells is then reduced to a time-domain sensing by noting the times the individual cells become conducting. Each conducting time, adjusted for delays in the word line and the bit line, can be used to derive the sensing voltage level that developed at the word line local to the cell when the cell became conducting. The locally developed sensing voltage level yields the threshold of the cell. This time-domain sensing is relative insensitive to the number of levels of a multi-level memory and therefore resolve many levels rapidly in one sweep.
US07944748B2 Erase block data splitting
A Flash memory device, system, and data handling routine is detailed with a distributed erase block sector user/overhead data scheme that splits the user data and overhead data and stores them in differing associated erase blocks. The erase blocks of the Flash memory are arranged into associated erase block pairs in “super blocks” such that when user data is written to/read from the user data area of a sector of an erase block of the super block pair, the overhead data is written to/read from the overhead data area of a sector of the other associated erase block. This data splitting enhances fault tolerance and reliability of the Flash memory device.
US07944747B2 Flash memory device and method for programming flash memory device having leakage bit lines
Provided is a method for programming a flash memory device. The method includes receiving writing data, detecting leakage bit lines of the flash memory device, and updating the received writing data in order for data corresponding to the leakage bit lines to be modified as program-inhibit data. A programming operation is performed on the flash memory device after updating the writing data.
US07944740B2 Multi-level cell programming of PCM by varying the reset amplitude
A phase change memory device and a method for programming the same. The method includes determining a characterized lowest SET current and corresponding SET resistance for the phase change memory device. The method includes determining a characterized RESET current slope for the phase change memory device. The method also includes calculating a first current amplitude for a RESET pulse based on the characterized lowest SET current and the characterized RESET current slope. The method includes applying the RESET pulse to a target memory cell in the phase change memory device and measuring the resistance of the target memory cell. If the measured resistance is substantially less than a target resistance, the method further includes applying one or more additional RESET pulses. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more additional RESET pulses have current amplitudes greater than a previously applied RESET pulse.
US07944739B2 Phase change memory device with bit line discharge path
A phase change memory device includes a cell array. The cell array includes a phase change resistance cell formed at an intersection of a word line and a bit line and a dummy cell configured to discharge the bit line in response to a bit line discharge signal in a precharge mode. A column switching unit is configured to selectively control a connection between the bit line and a global bit line in response to a column selecting signal.
US07944729B2 Simultaneously writing multiple addressable blocks of user data to a resistive sense memory cell array
Method and apparatus are disclosed for storing data to non-volatile resistive sense memory (RSM) memory cells of a semiconductor memory array, including but not limited to resistive random access memory (RRAM) and spin-torque transfer random access memory (STTRAM or STRAM) cells. In accordance with various embodiments, a plurality of addressable data blocks from a host device are stored in a buffer. At least a portion of each of the addressable data blocks are serially transferred to a separate register of a plurality of registers. The transferred portions of said addressable data blocks are thereafter simultaneously transferred from the registers to selected RSM cells of the array.
US07944725B2 Semiconductor memory and method for operating a semiconductor memory
A semiconductor memory has a plurality of read amplifiers to which a pair each of two complementary bit lines is connected, wherein the semiconductor memory includes at least one switching element each for each bit line, by which at least a partial section of the bit line may be electrically decoupled from the read amplifier, and wherein the semiconductor memory controls the first switching element so that the first switching element, when reading out and/or refreshing any memory cell connected to the bit line, temporarily electrically decouples at least the partial section of the bit line from the read amplifier.
US07944711B2 Discrete electronic component and related assembling method
The present invention relates to a substantially package-like discrete electronic component of the type comprising a power electronic circuit, a body or casing, substantially parallelepiped, and electric connecting pins connected inside the body with said circuit and projecting from said body for an electric connection on the electronic printed circuit board. The body has a heat dissipating header having at least one surface emerging from the body and laying on a plane whereas the pins project from the body for a first section initially extended parallel to the plane. Advantageously a pair of pins has a substantially U-shaped bending, after the first section parallel to the plane for allowing a more stable bearing of the component during the step of welding to a heat dissipating intermediate die.
US07944708B2 Structured light-emitting module for lighting apparatus
A light-emitting module for a lighting apparatus comprises at least two substrates, each provided with a printed circuit having an LED, and plural matching terminal blocks and buckles so that the substrates can be structured into a planar light-emitting module having a relatively large area by assembly of the terminal blocks and the buckles. The light-emitting module is adaptive to be used in a billboard, a traffic sign, a three-dimensional lighting apparatus or a lighting display screen.
US07944706B2 Electrical unit for boat and outboard motor
An electrical unit includes one of a large current relay, a circuit protection fuse, and an operation time display section fixed on a circuit board having an external connector. The electrical unit is incorporated in a case having an opening, and the electrical unit is sealed by a sealing resin which fills the case. An operation time display section sealed in the case extends from the sealing resin at the opening of the case.
US07944705B2 Compatible circuit for integrated circuits and layout method for the same
A compatible circuit for integrated circuits (ICs) includes three input terminals coupled to corresponding pins of an IC, and three function terminals corresponding to the three input terminals. Each input terminal coupled to the three function terminals via three transmission lines, each transmission line has an open segment, and each input terminal is electrically coupled to a corresponding function terminal by selectively mounting a connection component on the open segment of the corresponding transmission line according to a specification of the IC.
US07944701B2 Housing for a power semiconductor module
A housing for a power semiconductor module in which load-connecting elements having contact devices are arranged. The contact devices are arranged in housing troughs on the exterior of the housing. The housing troughs are formed at an associated lateral wall of the housing. The housing is closed off by a cover. The housing is preferably formed as a unitary piece of material having a circumferential sealing frame and the cover includes an outer rim that extends over the circumferential sealing frame, to prevent the penetration of fluid or moisture into the power semiconductor module when the cover is closed. On its inner rim, each housing trough includes a sealing rib formed of a section of the sealing frame. The associated load-connecting element is crimped about the sealing rib, so that the contact device is disposed within the trough.
US07944692B2 Method and apparatus for installation and removal of overhead cooling equipment
Disclosed is a data center comprising a first row of equipment racks, a second row of equipment racks, a hot aisle defined by a space between the first row of equipment racks and the second row of equipment racks, and a track system above the hot aisle of the data center upon which cooling units may be mounted. Cooling units may be moved along the track system. The track system may include portions of track secured to the top sides of one or more cooling units. Also disclosed is a method for installing a cooling unit above a hot aisle of a data center including a plurality of equipment racks.
US07944682B2 Gasket, screen spacer, and display device with gasket and screen spacer
A gasket includes an elastic member absorbing an external shock, a conductive member surrounding the elastic member, and a reinforcing member disposed within the conductive member and extending along a bottom surface and a side surface of the conductive member. A screen spacer includes an elastic member absorbing an external shock, and a reinforcing member disposed on one side of the elastic member. A display device includes a driving circuit substrate supplying a driving signal to a display panel, a chassis receiving the display panel and the gasket attached to the driving circuit substrate and contacting the chassis, the gasket grounding the driving circuit and the chassis.
US07944680B2 High-voltage switchgear
A metal-encapsulated, gas-insulated high-voltage switchgear assembly includes a three-phase encapsulated busbar housing, at least one busbar disposed in the housing, and at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers disposed horizontally. The assembly further includes a busbar splitting module having at least one three-phase connecting flange configured to connect to the busbar housing and at least three single-phase connecting flanges pointing downward configured to connect to the at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers and an outgoer splitting module having at least one three-phase flange and at least three single-phase flanges pointing downward and configured to connect the at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers to a three-phase-encapsulated outgoer housing.
US07944677B2 Electrostatic chuck
An electrostatic chuck includes a dielectric board having an upper surface on which a plurality of projections for supporting a substrate on top surfaces and recesses surrounding the projections are formed, an electrode formed inside the dielectric board, and an external power supply which applies a voltage to the electrode. The dielectric board includes a conductor film formed on at least the top surface of each projection, and has a three-dimensional structure which causes the conductor film to generate a Johnson-Rahbeck force between the substrate and conductor film when a voltage is applied to the electrode.
US07944675B2 Negative ion generating device for water
A negative ion generating device includes a housing having a number of water flowing passages, a number of electrically conductive boards engaged with sockets of the housing and electrically coupled to negative and conductive electricity respectively and disposed alternatively with each other for generating an electromagnetic field in the water, a copper plate is disposed in the housing and disposed above the electrically conductive boards for attracting and removing positive ions and for generating negative ions, and a processor device coupled to the conductive boards for receiving signals and for controlling the conductive boards.
US07944666B2 Hot plug electronic device with high using safety and over-thermal protection device thereof
A hot plug electronic device with high using safety is provided. The hot plug electronic device includes an operation circuit, a voltage regulator and an over-thermal protection device. The operation circuit is used for communicating with an external host. The voltage regulator is coupled to the operation circuit for supplying power to the operation circuit. The over-thermal protection device is coupled to the voltage regulator for sensing the present temperature of the hot plug electronic device, and accordingly controlling the voltage regulator to normally supply/stop supplying the power to the operation circuit.
US07944665B2 Control and protection system for an output of automation equipment
An electric control and protection system for an output channel of automation equipment, the output channel being capable of controlling an electrical load as a function of a control signal from the automation equipment, the control and protection system including: a device that switches the electrical load including an MOS switching transistor, a source of the MOS switching transistor being connected to a positive voltage terminal via a resistor and a drain of the MOS switching transistor being connected to the electrical load, the MOS switching transistor being switchable between an on-state in which the electrical load is connected to the resistor and an off-state.
US07944661B2 Protection circuit, flat display device using the same, and method for driving flat display device using the same
A protection circuit which is capable of preventing a faulty operation resulting from an abnormal control signal a method for operating the same, a flat display device using the same, and a method for driving the flat display device using the same are disclosed. The protection circuit includes a reference voltage output circuit for outputting a first reference voltage corresponding to a minimum allowable voltage of a control signal and a second reference voltage corresponding to a maximum allowable voltage of the control signal, and a comparison circuit, comparing a level of the control signal with the first reference voltage and second reference voltage and supplying a output control voltage corresponding to the control signal representing the a high-logic state to the controller when the level of the control signal has a value between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage.
US07944645B2 Lubricated limiter for fluid dynamic bearing motor
A component for restricting relative movement of a rotor and a shaft is disclosed. A motor may include a shaft and a rotor, where the rotor is disposed for relative rotation with respect to said shaft. A component is operable to restrict relative movement of the rotor and the shaft, where the component includes a first surface operable to receive a fluid.
US07944644B2 Rotating disk storage device having a spoiler
Embodiments of the present invention effectively control utilizing a spoiler, the windage vibration of a magnetic head caused by the airflow generated in accordance with rotation of a magnetic disk, while reducing the dust flowing in on the downstream side of the spoiler. According to one embodiment, a spoiler is provided with wings facing a plurality of magnetic disks and a supporting section for the wings is disposed on the upstream side of a head stack assembly in the airflow direction in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic disks. Further, the wings each extend in a direction from the outer circumferences of the magnetic disks towards the spindle shaft while reducing the width of the wing, and is formed to have the width of the wing in a range of 2.7% through 2.9% of the circumferential length of the magnetic disks in a range of two thirds of the length of the wing in a direction towards the spindle shaft from a region located at the outer circumferences of the magnetic disks.
US07944639B1 Disk drive adapting equalizer relative to bit error rate of sequence detector
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk and a head actuated radially over the disk, wherein the head generates a read signal. A sampling device samples the read signal to generate a sequence of read signal samples, and an equalizer comprising a plurality of coefficients, equalizes the read signal samples to generate a sequence of equalized samples. A sequence detector detects an estimated data sequence from the equalized samples, wherein the sequence detector operates according to a target response comprising a plurality of target values. Control circuitry adapts the equalizer coefficients by computing error values in response to a difference between expected samples and the equalized samples, computing a gradient in response to a correlation of the read signal samples with the error values, and adjusting at least one of the equalizer coefficients in response to the gradient.
US07944638B1 Method and apparatus for scheduling spiral interrupts for self-servo write
A method for dynamic spiral ISR scheduling determines a dynamic delay with spiral to spiral spacing information of a disk, so as to ensure that the sum of a primary ISR time and a secondary ISR time does not exceed the wedge to wedge time. The ISR time may be scheduled to start after a delay for the sum of a static delay and the dynamic delay from an edge. A system for dynamic spiral ISR scheduling uses a dynamic delay determining unit to determine a dynamic delay, and an ISR scheduling unit to schedule the start of a secondary spiral set ISR based on a sum of the dynamic delay and a static delay.
US07944637B2 Polarizing resin lens and process for producing same
A UV adhesive is applied on the rear surface of a polarizing film molding 4 to form a UV adhesive layer 3. The front surface of a lens base 2 is laid on the UV adhesive layer 3 and is glued by UV irradiation to form a laminated lens substrate 5. On the polarizing film molding 4 of the laminated lens substrate 5 is formed a curing resin monomer layer 6, which is cured to integrate the curing resin monomer layer 6 with the laminated lens substrate 5.
US07944626B2 Wide angle lens module and vehicle vision system
A wide angle lens module includes a first lens and a second lens with negative refracting power, a third lens and a fourth lens with positive refracting power, a fifth lens with negative refracting power, a sixth lens with positive refracting power, and a seventh lens with negative refracting power. The first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, the fifth lens, the sixth lens, and the seventh lens are assembled in order from an object side to an image side.
US07944625B2 Optical system and image pickup apparatus having the same
An optical system includes a first lens unit, an aperture stop, and a second lens unit having a positive refractive power. In the optical system, the first lens unit includes at least one positive lens made of a material whose Abbe number (νdGP) and relative partial dispersion (θgFGP) satisfy a predetermined condition.
US07944614B2 Light converging sheet unit
A light converging sheet unit includes first and second light converging sheets stacked one on top of the other. The first light converging sheet has first light converging micro-prism structures with a first average peak-to-peak distance between adjacent ones of the first light converging micro-prism structures. The second light converging sheet has second light converging micro-prism structures with a second average peak-to-peak distance between adjacent ones of the second light converging micro-prism structures. At least one of the first and second average peak-to-peak distances is not larger than 35 μm.
US07944613B2 Optical module having three or more optically transparent layers
A light dispersion filter is composed of three or more optically transparent layers each having a value equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layer and transmitted light, and a plurality of partially reflective layers arranged alternately with the optically transparent layers and having predetermined reflectivities. Alternatively, a light dispersion filter has a plurality of etalon resonators which are arranged in series such that the value of the product of the refractive index of air and the interval of the etalon resonators is equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layers.
US07944611B1 High zoom ratio optical sighting device
An optical sighting device having a compound zoom system preferably includes two or more lens erector assemblies that are each adjustable to modify the optical power of the optical sighting device. A prism erector assembly may also be included. An odd number of erector assemblies preferably creates a viewable image that has the same orientation as the real object being viewed through the optical sighting device.
US07944602B2 Systems and methods using interferometric optical modulators and diffusers
Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the interferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability.
US07944600B2 Mirror device with an anti-stiction layer
A micromirror device includes an elastic hinge for supporting a mirror on a substrate, and an address electrode for deflecting the mirror. The device further includes a protective layer and an oriented monolayer laid to cover a stopper also functioning as an address electrode provided below the mirror and between the mirror and the substrate.
US07944590B2 Box for image reading apparatus, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
A box for an image reading apparatus, the box comprising a box body and a reinforcing member, the box body comprising a rectangular frame and a base plate fixed to the rectangular frame, and the reinforcing member being attached to the box body. The reinforcing member has a downwardly drawn area, upwardly drawn areas which are adjacent to the downwardly drawn area on front side and rear side for placing a reading block without interfering with the movement of an original document scanning unit and a cutout portion for disposing at least an image processing unit formed from the downwardly drawn area to end-of-scan side in the subscanning direction of the box body. An image reading apparatus having reduced thickness is provided by employing this box. An image forming apparatus in which height position of the image reading apparatus is set to such a height position that allows easy operation is provided.
US07944576B2 Printer formatter in a removable card
A method and system for integrating a printer controller with a PC card. This system includes an office machine and a removable PC card that can be operationally coupled with the office machine. The office machine has a rendering engine for rendering images and a PC card slot for operationally coupling to a removable PC card and for receiving print engine ready data (PERD). The PC card slot is coupled to the print engine for providing the PERD thereto. The PC card has a printer formatter for receiving printer formatter ready data and for converting it into PERD and providing printer formatter functions. When the PC card is operationally coupled to the PC card slot, the print engine ready data can be selectively transferred from the PC card to the office machine.
US07944569B2 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor.
US07944561B2 Measuring an appearance property of a surface using a bidirectional reflectance distribution function
An apparatus for measuring a spatially under-sampled Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of a surface. The apparatus may comprise a first light source directed to illuminate the surface from a first illumination direction, and a plurality of sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface. The plurality of sensors may comprise first, second and third sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface in first, second and third non-coplanar directions. In various embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise a computer in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computer is configured to convert light sensed by the plurality of sensors into a first appearance property of the surface considering the first, second, and third reflectance directions.
US07944548B2 Increasing measurement rate in time of flight measurement apparatuses
An apparatus for measuring distance to a surface is disclosed. The apparatus transmits at least one subsequent pulse of light prior to receiving a reflection of a previously sent pulse of light. Thus, multiple pulses of light are in-flight at a given time. The embodiments are applicable to terrain mapping, bathymetry, seismology, detecting faults, biomass measurement, wind speed measurement, temperature calculation, traffic speed measurement, military target identification, surface to air rangefinding, high definition survey, close range photogrammetry, atmospheric composition, meteorology, distance measurement, as well as many other applications. Examples of such apparatuses include laser ranging systems, such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, and laser scanners. Data received from the apparatus by a data processing unit can be used to create a data model, such as a point cloud, digital surface model or digital terrain model describing the surface, terrain, and/or objects.
US07944546B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus comprises a component configured to project a pattern of an original onto a substrate, a structure configured to support the component, a support configured to support the structure, a gas spring which is located between the structure and the support and configured to support the structure, and a stopper accommodated in an internal space of the gas spring so as to prevent the structure from moving relative to the support in excess of an allowable level.
US07944534B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device used as a display part of an electronic apparatus which exhibits high brightness and favorable display quality. The liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates which are arranged to face each other in an opposed manner; vertical-alignment type liquid crystal which is sealed between the pair of substrates; a plurality of pixel regions, each pixel region including a sub pixel having a pixel electrode on one substrate and a sub pixel having a pixel electrode on one substrate, a slit formed between the pixel electrodes; and a singular point control part which includes projecting portions which are formed on end portions of the pixel electrodes on the slit-side and controls singular points of the liquid crystal.
US07944529B2 Transflective liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display device with improved display quality in which the liquid initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer is in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of a clearance between the counter electrode of a transmission portion and a counter electrode of a reflection portion or in a direction within a range of ±2° in the clockwise direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the clearance in a case where the liquid crystal layer comprises positive type liquid crystals, or the liquid crystal initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer is in a direction parallel with the extending direction of a clearance, or a direction within a range of ±2° in the clockwise direction relative to the extending direction of the clearance in a case where the liquid crystal layer comprises negative type liquid crystals.
US07944522B2 Computer having liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel having a display area, a light source joined with the liquid crystal panel, a first frame coupled to a surface of the light unit and sides of the liquid crystal panel, a second frame coupled to edges of the liquid crystal panel and sides of the first support frame, an outer casing, and a fastening part joining together the first support frame, the second support frame, and the outer casing through the sides of the first support frame, the second support frame, and the outer casing.
US07944520B2 Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus provided with same
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight system, a driving circuit board for driving the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight system, and a housing for housing the foregoing members. A metal plate is provided between the backlight system and the driving circuit board, which metal plate has a plane surface on a front and back surface which is broader than the backlight system and the driving circuit board. On at least a pair of opposed edges of the metal plate, at least one of a falling portion and a rising portion is provided along the edges of the metal plate. Further, a bezel is provided between the housing and at least one of the falling portion and rising portion, which bezel is arranged so as to integrally support the metal plate and at least the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight system. Hence, a liquid crystal display apparatus and an electronic apparatus including same are provided, which liquid crystal display apparatus is capable of reducing a possibility of breakage due to load placed on a display surface of the liquid crystal display panel or an impact when dropped.
US07944514B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention allows decreasing the uneven image quality in a liquid crystal display device. The display device in accordance with the present invention includes plural scan signal lines, plural video signal lines, plural TFTs placed in a matrix structure, and plural pixel electrodes, when the width of the scan signal line in a region to place one TFT is different from the width of the scan signal line in a region to place another TFT which is different from the one TFT, the channel width and the channel length of the one TFT is almost equal to the channel width and the channel length of the another TFT, and the surface area of the region overlapping the source electrode with the scan signal line of the one TFT when viewing in plan view is almost equal to the surface area of the region overlapping the source electrode with the scan signal line of the another TFT when viewing in plan view.
US07944508B1 Method and system for automatic detection and suppression of cross-luma and cross-color in a component video signal
A method for automatically detecting and suppressing cross-color and cross-luma present in a baseband component video signal includes receiving component pixel data of a current pixel, a first previous pixel and a second previous pixel. First, second and third differences are calculated based on the component pixel data of the current, first previous and second previous pixels, and the presence of cross-luma and/or cross-color is determined for the current pixel based on an absolute value of at least one of the first, the second and the third differences. A per pixel count associated with the component pixel data of the current pixel is determined based on the determined presence of at least one of cross-luma and cross-color, and the component pixel data of the current pixel is modified based on the per pixel count. The modified component pixel data of the current pixel is outputted as a corrected output color video signal, where the corrected output color video signal is substantially without visual artifacts caused by the at least one of cross-luma and cross-color.
US07944506B2 Caption presentation method and apparatus using same
A caption presentation method and an apparatus using the method, by which caption and information related to the caption can be provided together in a broadcast receiver or in an image reproducer that displays the caption in a closed caption method. The method includes detecting subject information from a caption signal; obtaining visual information with respect to the caption, based on the detected caption subject information; and displaying the visual information and the caption signal together.
US07944505B2 Image processing apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
An information processing apparatus includes storage means for storing an adjusted value previously set by a user for an output state of information and prediction means for predicting a prediction value for adjustment of the output state in accordance with the stored adjusted value.
US07944501B2 Image sensing apparatus and image sensing apparatus control method
An image sensing apparatus has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix-like layout and containing photoelectric conversion devices reads signals in units of one line or a plurality of lines and is provide with an image sensing device 14 adapted to read a signal from a given block area. The apparatus has a flash read mode that, during flash operation, adjusts parameters relating to the readout of the image sensing device 14 so as to produce the same exposure period for all the plurality of lines that comprise a predetermined block area of the image sensing device 14, thus enabling accurate quantity of light detection even when performing strobe photography at high shutter speeds.
US07944498B2 Multi-focal camera apparatus and methods and mediums for generating focus-free image and autofocus image using the multi-focal camera apparatus
A multi-focal camera apparatus and methods and mediums for generating a focus-free image and an autofocus image using the multi-focal camera apparatus are provided. The multi-focal camera apparatus includes a lens module which comprises a plurality of lenses that concentrate light incident thereupon, and an image-sensor module which comprises a plurality of sensing zones respectively corresponding to the lenses, and obtains a plurality of images by converting beams of light that transmit through the lenses into electrical signals using the sensing zones, wherein the lenses have the same optical properties and are different distances apart from the respective sensing zones.
US07944494B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus driven at a frequency adaptive to photographic sensitivity
A digital camera feeds information input on an operation panel to a system controller. The system controller generates a control signal in accordance with optical sensitivity selected and feeds it to a timing signal generator. The timing signal generator includes a signal generator, which generates a timing signal whose frequency matches with the control signal. While a solid-image image sensor is driven by the timing signal, the frequency of a horizontal transfer signal is made lower than the usual frequency in accordance with the sensitivity selected. This prevents the number of electrons from noticeably decreasing during horizontal transfer to thereby enhance transfer efficiency for a single stage of transfer.
US07944493B2 Solid-state imaging device with specific contact arrangement
In each photosensitive cell, a photodiode 101, a transfer gate 102, a floating diffusion layer section 103, an amplifier transistor 104, and a reset transistor 105 are formed in one active region surrounded by a device isolation region. The floating diffusion layer section 103 included in one photosensitive cell is connected not to the amplifier transistor 104 included in that cell but to the gate of the amplifier transistor 104 included in another photosensitive cell adjacent to the one photosensitive cell in the column direction. A polysilicon wire 111 connects the transfer gates 102 arranged in the same row, and a polysilicon wire 112 connects the reset transistors 105 arranged in the same row. For connection in the row direction, only polysilicon wires are used.
US07944492B2 Solid-state image pickup device and camera system
A solid-state image pickup device, including: a pixel section including at least one pixel circuit including a mechanism for converting an optical signal into an electric signal and accumulating the electric signal in response to exposure time; a pixel driving section configured to drive the pixel section to carry out signal accumulation and signal outputting; at least one different circuit section configured to carry out a process relating to accessing to the pixel section through the pixel driving section; and a control section configured to control, at least upon the signal accumulation of the pixel circuit, the pixel driving section so as to maintain the pixel circuit in a state wherein the pixel circuit accumulates the electric signal and control supply of a power supply voltage to the different circuit section.
US07944491B2 Solid-state image-pickup device including unit pixels having a 3-transistor design and wherein a vertical selection pulse provides a reset potential
Since the great number of elements constituting a unit pixel having an amplification function would hinder reduction of pixel size, unit pixel n,m arranged in a matrix form is comprised of a photodiode, a transfer switch for transferring charges stored in the photodiode, a floating diffusion for storing charges transferred by the transfer switch, a reset switch for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for outputting a signal in accordance with the potential of the floating diffusion to a vertical signal line, and by affording vertical selection pulse φVn to the drain of the reset switch to control a reset potential thereof, pixels are selected in units of rows.
US07944486B2 Signal readout method of solid-state imaging device and image signal processing method
The present invention provides a signal readout method of solid-state imaging device which can simultaneously readouts the signals having different properties that can generate multiple images obtained by capturing the same subject under different capturing conditions from one solid-state imaging device.A signal readout method of solid-state imaging device that is applied to a solid-state imaging device with a color filter array (CFA) and multiple pixels, the method characterized in that a pixel mixture of a different number of pixels is performed for every readout signal in the solid-state imaging device, and a signal after the pixel mixture is readout. The signal after the pixel mixture means a first signal after the pixel mixture that is obtained by performing the pixel mixture of predetermined L pixels (L≦n×m) within (n×m) pixels (n and m are natural numbers) consisting of n pixels in a vertical direction and m pixels in a horizontal direction of the solid-state imaging device, and a second signal after the pixel mixture that is obtained by down sampling pixel signals of (n×m) pixels without performing pixel mixture of (n×m) pixels.
US07944482B2 Pixel information readout method and image pickup apparatus
When successively reading out pixel information from an image region, where image pickup devices are arranged two-dimensionally, which is divided into a plurality of sub-regions, a readout unit inserts pixel information on pixels of interest in the respective sub-regions successively at predetermined intervals and reads them out. A control unit generates a frame from the pixel information, on pixels of interest inserted at the predetermined intervals, which has been read out from the readout unit. The control unit grasps a tendency of a picked-up image from the generated frame and performs a predetermined adaptive control according to the grasped tendency.
US07944478B2 Medical image photographing system and medical image managing method
A medical image photographing system comprising a control apparatus for corresponding a photographing order information related to medical photography and a medical image and managing them, and a portable terminal for obtaining the photographing order information from the control apparatus; wherein the control apparatus has a first communication unit for communicating with the portable terminal, and a first control unit for transmitting the photographing order information through the first communication unit to the portable terminal; and the portable terminal has a second communication unit for communicating with the control apparatus, a display unit for displaying a display information, and a second control unit for receiving the photographing order information from the control apparatus through the second communication unit, extracting the photographing order information corresponding to a predetermined extract condition from a received photographing order information, and displaying a extracted photographing order information on the display unit.
US07944475B2 Image processing system using motion vectors and predetermined ratio
An image processing apparatus and method is disclosed that is applied for image stabilization. The method comprises the following steps of: At least two images are captured by the image capture module. A sharpest image and a sharper image are selected from the at least two images. At least a motion vector is generated between the sharpest image and the sharper image. The sharpest image is combined with the sharper image based on the motion vector and a combination ratio so as to generate a combined image.
US07944470B2 Wireless integrated security controller
A system and method are disclosed for improved video transmission, particularly in security settings. An improved security controller combines the interfaces and functionality for high quality video delivery over often less-than-perfect wireless networks, multi-camera analog/digital video controllers and encoders, multi-frequency wireless camera support, connectivity for serial controllers, network switching, and distributed digital video recording with optional object and motion detection. The video transmission is enhanced using wireless adaptive video encoding, mobile viewing optimization, and wireless bandwidth improvement.
US07944467B2 Task-based imaging systems
A task-based imaging system for obtaining data regarding a scene for use in a task includes an image data capturing arrangement for (a) imaging a wavefront of electromagnetic energy from the scene to an intermediate image over a range of spatial frequencies, (b) modifying phase of the wavefront, (c) detecting the intermediate image, and (d) generating image data over the range of spatial frequencies. The task-based imaging system also includes an image data processing arrangement for processing the image data and performing the task. The image data capturing and image data processing arrangements cooperate so that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the task-based imaging system is greater than SNR of the task-based imaging system without phase modification of the wavefront over the range of spatial frequencies.
US07944464B2 Three-dimensional image display device, three-dimensional image display method, and computer program product for three-dimensional image display
A three-dimensional image display device includes a two-dimensional image display screen having color filters in which each color is disposed on sub-pixels obtained by dividing one pixel in a vertical direction and same color is disposed on each column of sub-pixels; an optical plate having an exit pupil, the exit pupil being provided for making a viewing zone different for each pixel and having a longitudinal axis disposed as to be inclined from a vertical direction of the two-dimensional image display screen at a degree (θ) (θ≠0, −45°<θ<45°), the viewing zone being a region in which parallax information displayed on the two-dimensional image display screen is observed; and a viewing zone adjusting unit that adjusts the viewing zone by shifting the viewing zone in a horizontal direction of the two-dimensional image display screen by shifting the parallax information disposed on each pixel of the two-dimensional image display screen in the vertical direction by pixel.
US07944462B2 Exposure head, image forming unit, and image forming apparatus
An exposure head includes a light emitting substrate having a transparent substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements that is disposed on one face of the transparent substrate, and one or a plurality of light detecting units that is disposed on the transparent substrate and can detect light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements and propagating inside the transparent substrate. The light that is emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements and is transmitted through the transparent substrate is projected on an image carrier that faces the plurality of light emitting elements with the transparent substrate interposed therebetween so as to form a predetermined pattern on the image carrier. Inside the transparent substrate, a plurality of reformation points that diffusely reflects light propagating inside the transparent substrate is formed.
US07944455B1 Controlling a display device to display portions of an entire image in a display area
A computer-implemented method is for controlling display of an image, in a display area, by a display device. A plurality of elements of a sequence is determined based on operation of an input device. A position in the entire image is determined, associated with the determined one of the plurality of elements in the sequence. Based on the determined position in the entire image, a corresponding portion of the entire image is caused to be displayed in the display area.
US07944435B2 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
US07944431B2 Transmissive display device
Each of image data sorted so as to correspond to divided areas respectively is stored in an in-area image memory. A maximum luminance extracting section extracts the maximum luminance value therefrom and records it onto the maximum luminance storage section. In accordance with the maximum luminance value that is thus stored in the maximum luminance storage section and that each of the areas has, a BL candidate value calculating section and a BL luminance difference adjusting section determine an emitted-light luminance in a target area such that a difference between the backlight luminance in the target area and the backlight luminance in its adjacent area is not more than a tolerance value.
US07944428B2 Scanning backlight for flat-panel display
An illuminator for a flat-panel display comprises a tapered slab waveguide 1 co-extensive with the display, a light source 2-4 arranged to inject light into an edge of the waveguide so that it emerges over the face of the waveguide, and means for scanning the light injected into the wedge so that different areas of the panel are illuminated in turn. Preferably the light source is a set of rows of LEDs, each row injecting light at a different range of angles so that it emerges over different areas of the waveguide 1.
US07944426B2 Display device and driving circuit for capacitance load thereof
A driving circuit and display device reducing waste of a bias current of an amplifier and conserving power. The driving circuit includes a driving signal supply mechanism, an amplifier mechanism and a control mechanism. The supply mechanism supplies a driving signal having a target voltage represented during periodic update. The amplifier mechanism has an amplifier part, a current-adjustable constant current source and a switch part. The driving signal is input to the amplifier part, which generates an output to a capacitance load according to the driving signal. The current source supplies and regulates a passing rate of the bias current to the amplifier part. The switch part performs ON/OFF control to the current output to the current source. The control mechanism detects a difference between the previous and present values of the target voltage to change a current value of the current source.
US07944421B2 Image display system, image display method, image display device, image data processor, program, storage medium, and image processing program distribution server
An image display system includes an image data processor that processes image data, an image display device that displays an image based on the image data processed by the image data processor, and a transmission path that allows bi-directional data communication between the image data processor and the image display device. The image display device includes an image processing program storing unit that stores an image processing program including characteristics correction data corresponding to the image display device, an image processing program transmitting unit responsive to a transmission request for an image processing program received from the image data processor through the transmission path for transmitting the image processing program stored in the image processing program storing unit through the transmission path, and an image display unit that displays an image based on the processed image data received from the image data processor through the transmission path. The image data processor includes an image processing program transmission request unit that requests the image display device to transmit an image processing program, an image processing program executing unit that executes the image processing program transmitted from the image display device in response to the request by the image processing program transmission request unit, thereby executing image data processing including characteristics correction processing for the image display device based on the characteristics correction data, and an image data transmitting unit that transmits the image data processed by the image processing program executing unit to the image display device through the transmission path.
US07944411B2 Current-drive circuit and apparatus for display panel
To equalize the intensity of light emitted by display elements on a display device, a plurality of current-drive circuits are connected in cascade through two terminals of each of the current-drive circuits, each comprising a reference current generation section including a reference resistor and a plurality of current drive sections. Reference current sunk by an external reference current source causes a voltage drop across the reference resistor, and the voltage drop is applied across a current adjustment resistor In response to an image signal, the current-drive circuit outputs current, determined by multiplying each of a plurality of internal reference currents by an optional factor and summing the resulting currents to the display elements. Since the magnitude of the internal reference current flowing inside the current-drive circuit can be varied by varying the value of the current adjustment resistor, gamma correction can be applied to drive current with high accuracy.
US07944407B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus, that can prevent thermal destruction and burning with a simple structure, has been disclosed. In the apparatus it is judged that there is possibility of a pattern, whose area with high brightness is small, being displayed frequently, when a state in which the total light emission pulse number remains large occurs with high frequency, and if such a state is detected, the total light emission pulse number (sustain frequency) is reduced to prevent the thermal destruction and burning.
US07944402B2 Dipole antenna capable of supporting multi-band communications
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dipole antenna capable of supporting multi-band communications, includes a first portion of the antenna in a folded structure, a second portion of the antenna that includes a first coupling pad and a second coupling pad physically separated by a distance, and a current path along the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna, wherein a first portion of the current path that includes the first coupling pad and the second coupling pad is configured to introduce a slow wave effect if electric current flows through the first portion of the current path.
US07944401B2 Radiating element for a signal emitting apparatus
A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products.
US07944391B2 Correction for near field radar imaging
A near field radar imaging system looks at the distance between the several points under evaluation, and corrects image strength based upon varying distances such that a more accurate image of the object under evaluation is provided.
US07944390B2 High-resolution synthetic aperture side view radar system used by means of digital beamforming
The transmission antenna (10) of the high-resolution synthetic aperture side view radar system comprises a plurality of sub-apertures (7, 8, 9). In each individual transmission pulse, said sub-apertures are controlled in such a manner that a spatiotemporally non-separable multi-dimensional high-frequency waveform is produced as an transmission signal pulse form, such that the modulation of each transmission pulse has a spatiotemporal diversity which is not described by the product having functions which are independent from each other and which are dependent on, respectively, only one spatial dimension. The thus produced transmission pulse form is combined to a capture-sided spatial filtering by means of digital beamforming adapted to said transmission signal pulse form.
US07944386B2 Apparatus for and method of performing an analog to digital conversion
An analog to digital converter, comprising a first converter adapted to perform a first, more significant, part of a conversion as a successive approximation conversion, a pipeline conversion or a flash conversion to generate a first conversion result and a residue. The ADC also comprising a second converter adapted to perform a second, least significant, part of the conversion as a sigma-delta conversion by sampling the residue to generate a second conversion result, and a processor adapted to combine the first conversion result and the second conversion result to generate a final conversion result.
US07944380B2 Wireless local area network device supporting enhanced call functions
A wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiving integrated circuit services voice communications in a WLAN with at least one other wireless device and includes a WLAN interface, a transcoder, and a switch box. The WLAN interface wirelessly communicates with at least one wireless device to receive inbound packetized audio data from the at least one wireless device and to transmit outbound packetized audio data to the at least one wireless device. The transcoder receives the inbound packetized audio data and converts the inbound packetized audio data to inbound Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) WLAN audio data. The WLAN interface also receives outbound PCM WLAN audio data and converts the outbound PCM WLAN audio data to the outbound packetized audio data. The switch box operably couples between the transcoder and a PCM bus, to which an audio COder/DECoder (CODEC) couples. A speaker and a microphone coupled to the audio CODEC. The switch box enables the wireless transceiving integrated circuit to perform call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and call waiting operations.
US07944374B1 Pseudo-orthogonal code generator
A pseudo-orthogonal code generator is provided. The pseudo-orthogonal code generator simplifies overall configuration and provides a more efficient operating speed by implementing a pseudo-orthogonal code generator using combined circuits instead of using a read only memory (ROM) circuit. The pseudo-orthogonal code generator reduces its overall size by reducing gate area.
US07944372B2 Aircraft tip alarm system
A tip alarm system for an aircraft having a nose landing gear (NLG) includes a sensor having first and second parts respectively disposed on first and second portions of the NLG that are respectively fixed to the aircraft and moveable relative to the fixed portion and operable to detect the position of the first and second portions relative to each other and to produce a tip alarm signal when the first and second NLG portions are disposed at a selected position relative to each other corresponding to an imminent aircraft tipping condition and thereby prevent the aircraft from tipping back onto the ground due to improper loading of the aircraft.
US07944367B2 Phase signal triggering hold off
A system includes a comparator that triggers a signal indicating an event occurrence of a moving element of a machine that is sensed by a sensor. The signal is triggered in response to a raw signal from the sensor exceeding a trigger level. Logic calculates a hold off time for re-triggering of the signal, and a timer monitors expiration of the hold off time. A trigger screener monitors amplitude of the raw signal and accepts a triggering of the signal from the comparator in response to expiration of the hold off time and the raw signal exceeding a re-trigger level.
US07944359B2 Method and apparatus for a wireless tether system
Users are located to determine if the user is within, or has departed from, at least one bounded area established about a geographic location. The bounded area may be defined by setting one or more distance boundaries from the geographic location. A base station may monitor the location of a mobile device in proximity of the user. If the mobile device departs from a bounded area, a message containing information configured to be understandable and convey meaning to the user and/or a third-party is sent to the mobile device and/or the third-party. For example, the message may be configured to communicate to the user and/or third-party information pertaining to the departure from the bounded area, location information, navigation directions, instructions, etc. The message sent may include text and/or other symbols.
US07944357B2 Method and system for a grass roots intelligence program
A system for gathering and assessing intelligence information comprises a credibility filter configured to assign a credibility value to intelligence information sent from a user. A data warehouse is coupled to the credibility filter and the data warehouse is configured to store intelligence information from the user. A predictive query engine is coupled to the data warehouse. The predictive query engine is configured to query the data warehouse to determine potential threat data. The predictive query engine is also configured to store the potential threat data in the data warehouse. An alert poller is also coupled to the data warehouse. The alert poller is configured to receive the potential threat data and compare the potential threat data to one or more comparison factors pre-selected by the user.
US07944355B2 Security techniques in the RFID framework
The subject invention provides a system and/or a method that facilitates employing a security technique to an RFID network. An interface can receive role-based authorization data related to an operating system. A security component can enhance security to at least one of a manipulation of a process and a utilization of a device within the RFID network based at least in part upon role-based authorization data.
US07944349B2 Vehicle deceleration warning apparatus
A vehicle deceleration warning apparatus is activated immediately when a driver of the vehicle intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning apparatus includes an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, a second microprocessor module, and a display driving module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and delivers it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by adopting the ignition signal to generate a control signal. Then, the control signal is transmitted to the second microprocessor module wireless transmission. Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display driving module to generate a display driving signal to a display device, such as a brake light and a warning lamp, so as to generate a warning light representing deceleration of the vehicle.
US07944347B2 Apparatus for accelerating sensor reading upon start-up
Apparatus for monitoring one or more motor vehicle tire conditions includes a receiver for intercepting signals from sensors mounted on the tires, a processor for identifying, converting, evaluating and storing said sensor signals, a keypad for selecting sensor data, an alarm for indicating an undesirable tire condition, and a display for providing sensor data. An unswitched circuit is connected to the vehicle battery and to the receiver and the processor in the monitoring apparatus. A switched circuit is connected via an ignition switch to the battery and to the monitoring apparatus as a whole. Sensor information obtained by the processor while the ignition switch is off is available to the user as soon as the ignition switch is turned on.
US07944340B1 System and method for two-way remote activation with adaptive protocol
A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, receiving a signal indicative of a range from the device, comparing the range to a threshold, selecting a first transmission protocol when the range exceeds the threshold, selecting a second transmission protocol when the range fails to exceed the threshold, and transmitting a command signal according to the selected first or second transmission protocol.
US07944336B2 Laminated coil component and method for manufacturing the same
A laminated coil component includes a spiral coil including laminated ceramic films and coil conductors. Pad portions provided at ends of the coil conductors are connected to one another using via-hole conductors to provide an interlayer connection among the pad portions. Thus, a spiral coil is provided. The pad portions are thinner than the coil conductors, and accordingly, a concentration of stress on portions at which the pad portions and the via-hole conductors overlap one another is reduced.
US07944333B2 Sealed contactor
A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
US07944331B2 Circuit interrupting device with reverse wiring protection
Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
US07944330B2 Resonant element and high frequency filter, and wireless communication apparatus equipped with the resonant element or the high frequency filter
A resonant element that causes a signal input from an input terminal to resonate at a predetermined resonance frequency and outputs it to an output terminal is provided. The element has a transmission line series including a plurality of transmission lines connected in series with each other and intersecting with a hotline connecting the input terminal and the output terminal and a plurality of switches. At least one of one end and the other end of the transmission line series is a grounded end. The resonant element having first and second end side, each end side having a first transmission line and a second transmission line connected to a switch having a grounded end. The resonance frequency is switched by turning on/off the switch to change the sum of the lengths of the transmission lines through which the signal passes.
US07944325B2 Electrical module with specified ground-side connection of filter circuit shunt arms
An electrical module with a first substrate, and a component mounted on the first substrate is specified. The component includes a second substrate and a chip arranged on the second substrate. In the module, a filter circuit is realized that includes shunt arms connected to ground each with at least one parallel resonator. The parallel resonators are arranged on the chip. The ground-side connection of at least two of the shunt arms to each other is realized outside the chip and the second substrate. The ground-side connection of the shunt arms is advantageously realized in the first substrate or on a circuit board on which the first substrate is arranged.
US07944324B2 Compact orthomode transduction device optimized in the mesh plane, for an antenna
An orthomode transducer device (D), for an antenna, comprises (i) a main guide (GP) designed for the propagation along a main axis of first and second modes having polarizations orthogonal to each other and provided with a first end coupled to a circular port (AC) and a second end, (ii) a first auxiliary guide (GA1) designed for the propagation of the first mode along a first auxiliary axis and provided with a first end coupled in series to the second end of the main guide via a series window (FSP) and with a second end coupled to a series port (AS), and (iii) a second auxiliary guide (GA2) designed for the propagation of the second mode along a second auxiliary axis, coupled to the main guide via a parallel window (FPL) and provided with a first end coupled to a parallel port (AP). The first (GA1) and second (GA2) auxiliary guides are superposed. The parallel window (FPL) is defined between an upper wall (PS) of the main guide (GP) and a lower wall (PI) of the second auxiliary guide (GA2) and oriented in relation to the main axis so as to enable coupling of the main guide to the second auxiliary guide for the selective transfer of the second mode from one to the other, and so as to make the first mode propagate between the main guide and the first auxiliary guide.
US07944318B2 Voltage controlled oscillator, and PLL circuit and radio communication device each including the same
A voltage controlled oscillator includes an inductor circuit, C-coupling type variable capacitance circuits, a direct-coupling type variable capacitance circuit, and a negative resistance circuit, which are connected in parallel, and a reference voltage generating section that generates two reference voltages. A control voltage for feedback control of an oscillation frequency is applied to back gate terminals of variable capacitance elements of the variable capacitance circuits. The reference voltages are applied to gate terminals of the variable capacitance elements of the C-coupling type variable capacitance circuits, respectively.
US07944317B2 Cold atom micro primary standard
An atomic clock having a physics package that includes a vacuum chamber cavity that holds atoms of Rb-87 under high vacuum conditions, an optical bench having a single laser light source, a local oscillator, a plurality of magnetic field coils, an antenna, at least one photo-detector and integrated control electronics. The single laser light source has a fold-retro-reflected design to create three retro-reflected optical beams that cross at 90° angles relative to one another in the vacuum chamber cavity. This design allows the single laser light source to make the required six trapping beams needed to trap and cool the atoms of Rb-87. The foregoing design makes possible atomic clocks having reduced size and power consumption and capable of maintaining an ultra-high vacuum without active pumping.
US07944316B2 Multi-phase oscillator
A multi-phase oscillator includes a plurality of ring oscillators (21) each having a plurality of output ports and each formed by connecting an odd number of inverters (20) in a ring, and a plurality of resistance elements (30) coupling the output ports between the plurality of ring oscillators (21) so that all of the plurality of ring oscillators (21) operate at an identical frequency while keeping a desired phase relationship. The number of the ring oscillators (21) is not limited to an odd number but may be an even number. The multi-phase oscillator changes the state of a succeeding node of a phase coupling to accord with the state of a preceding node of the phase coupling by using the resistance elements (30) as phase coupling devices. If resistors are used as the resistance elements (30), the phase output accuracy greatly improves and high frequency oscillation is possible.
US07944308B2 Amplifier circuit and the controlling method thereof
An amplifier circuit includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has a first amplifying unit, wherein the first amplifying unit provides a first main circuit unit and a first assistant circuit unit, and the first assistant circuit unit is configured for assisting the linearity of the first main circuit unit. The second unit includes a second amplifying unit, wherein the second amplifying unit has a second main circuit unit and a second assistant circuit unit, and the second assistant circuit unit is configured for assisting the linearity of the second main circuit unit. The first amplifying unit is configured for conducting in one half cycle of an input signal, and the second amplifying unit is configured for conducting in the other half cycle of the input signal.
US07944299B2 Method for adjusting threshold voltage and circuit therefor
A method and circuit for changing a threshold voltage of a transistor. The circuit includes a sense circuit coupled to a switching transistor, a circuit transistor and to one terminal of a resistor. The other terminal of the resistor is connected to a body contact. The switching transistor directs current along one of two different paths in response to an input voltage sensed by the sense circuit. When the switching transistor directs a first current along one path, the first current is steered towards the resistor and flows through the resistor in one direction and when the switching transistor directs a second current along the other path, the second current is directed towards the resistor and flows through the resistor in the opposite direction from the first current. Steering the currents varies the potential of a body with respect to the potential at the source of the circuit transistor.
US07944294B2 Signal amplification
An apparatus for amplifying a signal. The apparatus includes an amplifier powered by a power supply, a monitor that monitors an output signal of the amplifier and a controller operative to adjust the power supply if distortion is detected in the output signal of the amplifier by the monitor.
US07944291B2 Power amplifier having parallel amplification stages and associated impedance matching networks
An amplification device includes a series combination of a driver stage, an output terminal matching network, and a secondary amplification stage. The driver stage includes a driver amplifier and an output matching network. The secondary amplification stage includes a parallel combination of an impedance transformation network and a main amplification stage. The main amplification stage includes a plurality of main amplification branches in parallel with each other, and an input matching network in series with the parallel combination. Each main amplification branch includes a main amplifier, and input and output impedance matching networks. A control circuit supplies activation signals to the main amplification branches to selectively turn them on and off. The device has no switches in the path of the signal that is amplified. In at least one operating mode, the control circuit turns on at least two of the main amplification branches at the same time.
US07944288B2 Switched-capacitor amplifier arrangement having a low input current
An SC amplifier arrangement and a method for measuring an input voltage are described.
US07944285B1 Method and apparatus to detect manufacturing faults in power switches
An integrated circuit is provided that comprises a power switch that includes a control terminal and that is coupled between a power source node and a power sink node; first data storage circuit includes a data storage input and a data storage output, wherein the data storage output is coupled to the power switch control terminal; and a second data storage circuit includes a data storage input and a data storage output, wherein the data storage input is coupled to the power sink node.
US07944284B2 System and circuit for a virtual power grid
A system and circuit for virtual power grid is disclosed. In one embodiment, a switch system for a virtual power grid includes a first transistor for connecting a power supply to a node of a virtual power grid for an isolated region of circuitry via the first transistor upon a receipt of a first control signal to turn on the first transistor. The switch system further includes a second transistor for connecting the power supply to the isolated region of circuitry via the second transistor upon a receipt of a second control signal to turn on the second transistor. In addition, the switch system includes a self-timed enable module for generating and forwarding the second control signal when a voltage level at the node of the virtual power grid which is charged by the power supply via the first transistor reaches a threshold voltage.
US07944277B1 Circuit and methods of adaptive charge-pump regulation
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a circuit for suppressing noise with adaptive charge-pump regulation. The circuit comprises an oscillator circuit, a charge pump, an amplifier, a current mirror, and a filter. The charge-pump receives an oscillating signal and provides an output voltage. The amplifier is responsive to the output voltage and a reference voltage and provides a control signal. The control signal alters a frequency of the oscillator and the output voltage is responsive to this frequency. The current mirror and filter suppress a noise component of the output voltage. The current mirror provides a supply current to a regulator loop. The regulator loop is operable to generate a consistent regulator voltage. In this manner, the adaptive charge-pump allows for a more consistent, noise free, regulator voltage.
US07944270B2 Arrangement and method for temperature compensation for resistance
An arrangement and a method for temperature compensation for a resistance (1). A resistance (1) with a controllable resistance value is compared with a reference resistance (2) which is in the form of a switched capacitor. A comparator (3) compares the two resistance values with one another. The comparator (3) takes an error signal as a basis for actuating the controllable resistance (1). This produces a thermally stable resistance. The principle can preferably be applied in transimpedance amplifiers.
US07944269B2 Power transistor and method for controlling a power transistor
Embodiments of the invention are related to a power transistor and a method for controlling a power transistor. In one embodiment a power transistor comprises a power semiconductor body with a plurality of power transistor cells each having a control electrode and a current path. The power transistor furthermore comprises a temperature sensor formed by at least one transistor cell in the power semiconductor body whose control electrode is coupled to one electrode of the current path forming a reversed biased pn-junction.
US07944266B2 Low-voltage down converter
A low-voltage level converter provides level conversion for multiple-supply voltages for very large scale integration (VLSI) systems. Low voltage-level down conversion is achieved at very low voltage operation for on-chip test circuitry for multiple-supply voltage systems. The converter includes an output driver PMOS FET (positive metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) with its well grounded. An output NMOS FET (negative MOS FET) and an extra input pulldown NMOS FET are connected in parallel to the input of the converter. The extra input pulldown NMOS FET provides a negative gate voltage at its drain to the output driver PMOS FET gate. The negative gate voltage and grounded well significantly decrease rise time of the output signal noise pulse of the converter and virtually eliminate a negative spike voltage at the initial transition of the output pulse produced by coupling effect between the input pulse and output pulse due to Miller capacitance effect.
US07944260B2 Clock control circuit and a semiconductor memory apparatus having the same
A clock control circuit includes a clock delay device, an edge detection device, a phase determination device and a delay control device. The clock delay device generates a delayed rising clock and a delayed falling clock by delaying a rising clock and a falling clock, which are transferred from a clock generation circuit, in response to a control signal, and to transfer the delayed rising clock and the delayed falling clock to a data output buffer. The edge detection device detects a difference between an edge timing of the delayed rising clock and an edge timing of the delayed falling clock to generate edge detection signals. The phase determination device detects a duty ratio of each of the edge detection signals to generate phase determination signals. The delay control device generates the control signal in response to the phase determination signals.
US07944257B2 Method and system of optimizing a control system using low voltage and high-speed switching
A phase-locked loop charge pump driven by low voltage input is disclosed. In one aspect, a charge pump for a phase-locked loop circuit includes a sourcing current source providing a sourcing current, wherein the sourcing current source is coupled to a high-voltage operating voltage supply. A sourcing control circuit uses low-voltage sourcing control signals to selectively cause the charge pump to source the sourcing current to an output of the charge pump. A sinking control circuit uses low-voltage sinking control signals at a low voltage and utilizes a low-swing current mechanism to sink the sinking current from the output of the charge pump. In another aspect, the sourcing control circuit is cascode and the sinking circuit is non-cascode. In another aspect the sourcing current source and the sinking current source are both cascode. In another aspect, the sourcing current source is non-cascode and the sinking current source is cascode. In another aspect, the sourcing current source and the sinking current source are both non-cascode.
US07944251B2 Reduced line driver output dependency on process, voltage, and temperature variations
According to one exemplary embodiment, a transmitter module includes a line drive including a current digital-to-analog converter, where the line driver provides an analog output waveform. The current digital-to-analog converter receives a digitally filtered input waveform including at least two voltage steps. The at least two voltage steps of the digitally filtered input waveform cause a rise time of the analog output waveform to have a reduced dependency on process, voltage, and temperature variations in the line driver, while meeting stringent rise time requirements. The digitally filtered input waveform has an initial voltage level and a final voltage level, where the final voltage level is substantially equal to a sum of the at least two voltage steps of the digitally filtered input waveform.
US07944246B2 Signal detecting circuit
A full-wave rectifier circuit receives complementary signals and produces a current corresponding to an added value of differential signals at different levels. A voltage comparator performs a comparison between output signals produced and subjected to current addition and voltage conversion by the full-wave rectifier circuit. A timer detects whether an output signal of the voltage comparator is kept in the same state for a predetermined time or more, and produces a signal indicating a result of the detection. A signal detecting circuit that can accurately identify a state of digital signals of a minute amplitude transferred through a pair of complementary signal lines is achieved without complicating manufacturing steps.
US07944242B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit having insulated gate field effect transistors
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a multiplexer, a signal generating circuit, a control circuit, m inverters, n two-input NOR circuits, and cascade connected n two-shift registers. The control circuit generates a control signal in the disable state in a normal operation in which the clock signal is supplied. The control circuit generates a control signal in an enable state in the other-than-normal operation in which a higher voltage source voltage is supplied while the clock signal is not supplied. The multiplexer receives the clock signal and a low-frequency signal outputted from the signal generating circuit. The multiplexer supplies the clock signal to the sequence of the inverters upon receipt of the control signal in the disable state, and supplies the low-frequency signal to the sequence of the inverters upon receipt of the control signal in the enable state.
US07944238B2 (N+1) input flip-flop packing with logic in FPGA architectures
A logic module and flip-flop includes input multiplexers having data inputs coupled to routing resources. A clock multiplexer has inputs coupled to clock resources, and an output. An input-select multiplexer has a first input coupled to the output of an input multiplexer. A flip-flop has a clock input coupled to the output of the clock multiplexer, and a data output coupled to an input of the input-select multiplexer. A logic module has data inputs coupled to the output of the input select multiplexers. A flip-flop multiplexer is coupled to the data input of the flip-flop, and has inputs input coupled to the output of the first input multiplexer, the data output of the logic module, and a third input coupled to routing resources.
US07944237B2 Adjustable hold flip flop and method for adjusting hold requirements
A method and apparatus are provided for storing a value in a process register of an electrical circuit, which indicates a strength of a process in which the circuit was fabricated, and adjusting an input delay applied to data signals received by a synchronous storage element of the electrical circuit based on the stored value.
US07944231B2 Electronic device for the transport of numerical information
An electronic device designed to transport digital information (“0”, “1”) over long distances, including a transmitter generating current pulses and at least one assembly of receivers converting the received current pulses into logic pulses which are compatible with the operation of standard electronic logic circuits. Each receiver includes a pair of magnetoresistive stacks containing at least one hard ferromagnetic layer and one soft ferromagnetic layer separated by a non-ferromagnetic interlayer, the hard layer of each of the magnetoresistive stacks being pinned in a magnetic orientation perpendicular to an easy-magnetization axis which is used as a reference for the soft layer of the same stack. The soft layer of each magnetoresistive stack has a magnetic orientation which can be modulated by the magnetic field generated by current pulses delivered by the transmitter so as to cause modification of the transverse resistance of the stack sufficient to trigger an electrical signal.
US07944226B2 Test apparatus and transmission apparatus
A test apparatus for testing a device under test includes a test signal generating section that generates a test signal to be supplied to the device under test, a main driving section that outputs an output voltage determined in accordance with the test signal, to an input/output pin connected to a signal input/output terminal of the device under test, a replica driving section that outputs a comparison voltage determined in accordance with the test signal, a resistance voltage dividing section that generates a divided voltage by resistance-dividing the comparison voltage, a comparing section that compares a voltage of the input/output pin with the divided voltage, a judging section that judges acceptability of the device under test based on a result of the comparison by the comparing section, and an adjusting section that adjusts a voltage dividing ratio of the resistance voltage dividing section so that the divided voltage becomes equal to a voltage obtained by adding together a predetermined threshold voltage and a voltage of the input/output pin that is observed when the main driving section has output the output voltage and the signal input/output terminal of the device under test has not output a response signal.
US07944225B2 Method and apparatus for providing a tester integrated circuit for testing a semiconductor device under test
Methods and apparatus for providing a tester integrated circuit (IC) for testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT) are described. Examples of the invention can relate to an apparatus for testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT). In some examples, the apparatus can include an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to test probes configured to contact pads on the DUT, the IC including a plurality of dedicated test circuits coupled to programmable logic, the programmable logic responsive to programming data to form a tester for testing the DUT from at least one of the dedicated test circuits.
US07944224B2 Low profile probe having improved mechanical scrub and reduced contact inductance
A vertically folded probe is provided that can provide improved scrub performance in cases where the probe height is limited. More specifically, such a probe includes a base and a tip, and an arm extending from the base to the tip as a single continuous member. The probe arm is vertically folded, such that it includes three or more vertical arm portions. The vertical arm portions have substantial vertical overlap, and are laterally displaced from each other. When such a probe is vertically brought down onto a device under test, the probe deforms. During probe deformation, at least two of the vertical arm portions come into contact with each other. Such contact between the arm portions can advantageously increase the lateral scrub motion at the probe tip, and can also advantageously reduce the probe inductance.
US07944218B2 Immersion sensor to protect battery
A system for detecting liquid on a battery or on an electronic device connected with the battery is presented. The battery has an electrical contact for transferring current from the battery to the electronic device. The system includes a sensor for detecting liquid on the battery or on the electronic device and sensor circuitry connected with the sensor. The sensor circuitry prevents current from flowing through the electrical contact of the battery upon detecting liquid.
US07944205B2 System for measuring a magnetic resonance signal based on a hybrid superconductive-magnetoresistive sensor
The system for measuring a magnetic resonance signal within a sample (4) placed in a static external magnetic field (H) includes an excitation device (1 to 3, 6 to 10) for applying high-intensity radio-frequency pulses at a predetermined emission frequency fe in a measurement zone containing the sample (4). The excitation device includes an excitation coil (3) tuned to the predetermined emission frequency fe and disposed in the vicinity of the sample (4) in such a way as to produce an electromagnetic field essentially perpendicular to the static external magnetic field (H). The system further includes at least a superconductive-magnetoresistive hybrid sensor (5) including a superconductive loop having a constriction adapted to increase significantly the current density and at least a magnetoresistive sensor placed in the immediate vicinity of said constriction (72) and being separated therefrom by an insulative deposit.
US07944201B2 Sliding element with position indicator
The position indicator for a stick shaped sensor is received in a particularly annular sliding element, comprised of wear resistant, slide capable material as e.g. plastic, with an extended guidance length, which additionally comprises axial flow channels for the pressure medium in order to avoid local pressure buildup.
US07944197B2 Clamp meter with rotary mechanism for clamp jaws
The present invention provides a clamp meter with clamp jaws whose position is adjustable in different planes with respect to the plane of the main body of the clamp meter at various fixed angles, thereby helping the user to measure the current in the conductors which are disposed in tight physical spaces such as an electrical cabinet or electrical panel, or placed in awkward positions such as overhead locations. The present invention allows the user to operate the instrument and also read the display in all positions of the clamp jaws.
US07944186B2 Power control system and method
A power control system comprises a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the prime mover and the generator wherein the control device ascertains a power level of the generator and varies an output power of the prime mover according to the power level. The control device measures a duty cycle of a generator output power controller to ascertain the generator power level and generates a signal to a prime mover controller so that the generator duty cycle remains within a pre-determined range. The power control system may include a transmission wherein the control device operation maybe conditioned on a state of the transmission. The power control system may include a speed converter coupled with the prime mover wherein the control device converts a speed of the prime mover according to the generator power level. The control device may operate to control an output power of the generator concurrently with controlling the output power of the prime mover.
US07944182B2 Adjustable battery charger for UPS
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having an adjustable battery charger that generates a charger current, and a controller, coupled to the adjustable battery charger, that receives a signal representative of a system constraint and provides a reference, based on the signal, to the adjustable battery charger to control an amplitude of the charger current supplied by the adjustable battery charger based on the system constraint. The system constraint may include, for example, a maximum input current to the UPS, maximum charging current of the battery cell, and maximum and/or minimum charger current values.
US07944180B2 Software based thermal charging regulation loop
The present invention implements a software controlled thermal feedback system for battery charging circuitry in portable devices, specifically in cellular telephones. The charging hardware block is integrated into a mixed-signal analog base-band (ABB) circuit. In addition to standard function controls, integrated within the ABB are silicon temperature sensors used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating. The temperature value is passed to the digital base band (DBB) circuit. Here, a microcontroller is programmed to perform power management functions relating to the ABB. Thermal control software, implemented on the DBB microcontroller, monitors the silicon temperature of the ABB and adjusts the power levels on the ABB accordingly to provide a controlled chip temperature.
US07944178B2 Fully-charged battery capacity detection method
A fully-charged battery capacity detection method includes a capacity variation detection step, an open-circuit voltage detection step, a remaining capacity determination step, a remaining capacity variation rate calculation step, and a fully-charged capacity calculation step. The capacity variation detection step calculates a capacity variation value of a battery between first detection timing and second detection timing. The open-circuit voltage detection step detects first and second open-circuit voltages of the battery at the first and second detection timing, respectively. The remaining capacity determination step determines first and second remaining capacities of the battery based on the first and second open voltages, respectively. The remaining capacity variation rate calculation step calculates a remaining capacity variation rate based on the difference between the first and second remaining capacities. The fully-charged capacity calculation step calculates a fully-charged capacity of the battery based on the remaining capacity variation rate and the capacity change value.
US07944171B2 Attachable wireless charging device
An attachable wireless charging device includes a carrier board, a receiving coil, a circuit board, and at least two conductive wires. The carrier board has a back surface on which an adhesive layer is coated. The receiving coil is formed in the carrier board. The circuit board is mounted to one side of the carrier board and includes a power receiving circuit, which includes a receiving control circuit, a resonance control circuit, a regulation circuit, a control circuit, a polarity selection circuit, and a circuit output section, which are electrically and sequentially connected. Electrical connection is established between the receiving control circuit and the receiving coil. The at least two conductive wires are arranged at one side of the circuit board and are electrically connectable with the circuit output section of the circuit board. As such, an attachable wireless charging device featuring automatic determination of polarity connection is provided.
US07944159B2 Rotor orientation detection in brushless DC motors
In order to determine the orientation of the rotor of a brushless DC motor 100, a sequence of current pulses may be applied to the stator phases U, V, W by the respective drivers HS0, LS0, HS1, LS1, HS2, LS2. The current generated in the stator phases U, V, W in turn generates a current in a shunt resistor 110. The current in this shunt resistor 110 is monitored by use of a current voltage converter 120 and a comparator 130 to determine when it exceeds a predetermined threshold. The rise time until the threshold current is exceeded is recorded in capture unit 140. A processor unit 150 then calculates a scalar parameter SU, SV, SW for each respective stator phase U, V, W from the recorded rise times associated with each pulse. The orientation of the magnetic axis of the rotor can then be determined by consideration of the scalar parameters SU, SV, SW of each stator phase U, V, W, as the respective rise times of each pulse are determined by the inductive properties of the respective stator phases U, V, W, which in turn are dependent upon the orientation of the rotor.
US07944158B2 Controlled electric motor arrangement for a tension mechanism
A field-oriented control method for an electric drive comprising a plurality of electric motors, for implementing a tension mechanism, especially for load cable and/or gearing means, using measurements of a polyphase motor actual current. The measured values are transformed into a direct current component and a quadrature current component, based upon a magnetic rotor field or flux angle, in a rotor flux-based d,q coordinate system. The quadrature and direct current components from the actual current are subjected to a comparison with predetermined quadrature and direct current components of a current command value. The method has the following steps: a) two synchronous motors are used as electric motors; b) the magnet wheels or rotors of the two synchronous motors are rotated or oriented toward one another and are then mechanically coupled in such a way that between their magnetic flux linkages or other magnetic fluxes an angular offset is formed; c) the two synchronous motors are each supplied with or traversed by the same phase currents, from a shared power converter; d) for a pretension torque, a command or reference value is predetermined, and is superposed on a motor torque control value output by a controller, from which a quadrature current component for the current command value is derived; e) a direct current component for the current command value is derived from the predetermined tension torque control value with sign reversal.
US07944151B2 Frequency modulation method and device for high intensity discharge lamp
An electronic control gear for a HID lamp receives an input signal for operating the lamp and frequency modulates the input signal to generate a frequency modulated output signal that drives an arc of the lamp. The frequency modulation of the output signal sweeps continuously between a low frequency modulation and a high frequency modulation, the low frequency modulation being a frequency f1 in a range of 125 kHz to 150 kHz and the high frequency modulation being a frequency f2 in a range of 230 kHz to 300 kHz, where f2-f1 is at least 0.4*f1. A power amplifier changes an amplitude of the frequency modulated output signal during the low frequency modulations so that a current amplitude of the frequency modulated output signal is substantially constant, and a variable gain transformer adjusts a voltage of the frequency modulated output signal during starting of the lamp.
US07944147B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) is made of front panel (2) and a rear panel. The front panel includes display electrodes (6), dielectric layer (8), and protective layer (8) that are formed on glass substrate (3). The rear panel includes electrodes, barrier ribs, and phosphor layers that are formed on a substrate. The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and the peripheries thereof are sealed to form a discharge space therebetween. Each of display electrodes (6) contains at least silver. Dielectric layer (8) is made of first dielectric layer (81) that contains bismuth oxide and calcium oxide and covers display electrodes (6), and second dielectric layer (82) that contains bismuth oxide and barium oxide and covers first dielectric layer (81).
US07944139B2 Light emitting device
A light-emitting device comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a light emitting region situated between the anode and the cathode, the light emitting region comprising an exciton generating layer and a phosphorescent layer, the exciton generating layer comprising an organic material, wherein the organic material of the exciton generating layer generates singlet and triplet excitons and emits light by fluorescent emission from the singlet excitons and the phosphorescent layer accepts the triplet excitons from the exciton generating layer and emits light by phosphorescent emission from the triplet excitons.
US07944135B2 Spark plug and methods of construction thereof
A spark plug and method of construction is provided, wherein the spark plug has a generally annular ceramic insulator and a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the shell, wherein the ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking surface. The spark plug further includes a center electrode having an elongate body with a center electrode sparking surface. The sparking surface of the center electrode and the ground electrode sparking surface provide a spark gap. A brazed joint bonds at least one of the insulator to the shell or the center electrode to the insulator.
US07944131B2 Quartz crystal unit, quartz crystal oscillator and manufacturing method of the same
A quartz crystal unit comprises a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator capable of vibrating in a flexural mode of an inverse phase and having at least one groove having at least one stepped portion formed in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines. An electrode is disposed on the at least one stepped portion of the at least one groove so that the electrode of the first quartz crystal tuning fork tine has an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrode of the second quartz crystal tuning fork tine. The quartz crystal unit comprising the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator has a capacitance ratio r1 of a fundamental mode of vibration less than a capacitance ratio r2 of a second overtone mode of vibration.
US07944130B2 Multi-cantilever MEMS sensor, manufacturing method thereof, sound source localization apparatus using the multi-cantilever MEMS sensor, sound source localization method using the sound source localization apparatus
Disclosed herein is a multi-cantilever MEMS sensor functioning as a mechanical sensor having a plurality of cantilevers, replacing a conventional DSP based sound source localization algorithm and reducing production cost when the MEMES sensor applied to mass-produced robots, a manufacturing method thereof, a sound source localization apparatus using the multi-cantilever MEMS sensor and a sound source localization method using the sound source localization apparatus. The multi-cantilever MEMS sensor comprises a plurality of cantilevers 100 each of which includes a piezoresistor 20 and a sensing part 30 for sensing a predetermined signal generated according to the piezoresistor 20; and a terminal T for detecting the signal generated according to the piezoresistor 20, wherein one end of each cantilever is a free end and the other end thereof is a fixed end of each cantilever, the piezoresistor 20 and the sensing part 30 are formed at the fixed end, and the free ends of the plurality of cantilevers 100 have different lengths. A method of manufacturing the multi-cantilever MEMS sensor is provided. Furthermore, a method of using the multi-cantilever MEMS sensor and a sound source localization apparatus are provided.
US07944128B2 Electronic component
An electronic component includes an electronic component body, first and second outer electrodes, and first and second inner electrodes. The first outer electrode includes a first conductive layer that does not include silver and a second conductive layer that is deposited on the first conductive layer so as to be positioned at an outermost layer and that includes silver. The second conductive layer includes a first contact portion in contact with a first main surface and is not in contact with first and second side surfaces. A first inner conductor is provided on a virtual straight or substantially straight line connecting a second inner electrode closest to the first contact portion and the first contact portion in the shortest distance. The first inner conductor is connected only to the first outer electrode or is connected to none of the first and second outer electrodes.
US07944120B2 Driving apparatus, and manufacturing method of the same
A driving apparatus comprises: an electromechanical conversion element that expands and contracts in an extending direction of a given fiducial line; a driving shaft mounted on one end of the electromechanical conversion element in the extending direction; a driven member frictionally engaged with the driving shaft; a holder that supports the electromechanical conversion element and comprises a bearing portion for the driving shaft; and an inclination adjusting mechanism, disposed in the bearing portion, that adjusts inclination of the driving shaft with respect to the fiducial line.
US07944117B2 Device and method for driving an ultrasound piezoelectric actuator
A device for driving ultrasound piezoelectric actuators, on the basis of a DC voltage. The device includes an impedance matching branch mounted in parallel with the actuators and including a capacitor in series with a selection switch, which is closed and opened, at the same time as the selection switch of the actuator to be excited, so that the voltage across the terminals of the matching capacitor and the voltage across the terminals of the selected actuator are almost zero before the start and after the end of the injection. A method of controlling the matching switch makes it possible to benefit from the capacitive charge during the pulse train causing the injection, while circumventing abrupt discharges at the start of the train. Such a device and method may find application to the engines of motor vehicles, as one example.
US07944112B2 Method of making integrated stator, brushless direct-current motor of radial core type double rotor structure using the integrated stator, and method of making the same
Provided are a radial core type brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor and a method of making the same, having an excellent assembly capability of division type stator cores in a double rotor structure BLDC motor. The BLDC motor includes a rotational shaft, an integrated double rotor including an inner rotor and an outer rotor, and a rotor supporter wherein a trench type space is formed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor, and an end extended from the inner rotor is connected with the outer circumferential surface of a bushing combined with the rotational shaft, and an integrated stator wherein one end of the stator is disposed in the trench type space and an extension axially extended from the other end of the integrated stator is fixed to the housing of the apparatus. In the integrated stator, U, V, W phase coil assemblies are formed of a number of core groups including a number of division type cores, wherein for each phase coil assembly, the division type core groups of the U, V, W phase coil assemblies are alternately disposed in an annular form in sequence of the phases, and the respective division type core groups are integrally formed into a single body in annular form by a stator support.
US07944110B2 Stator in rotating electric machine
A method of manufacturing a stator in a rotating electric machine. In this method, each slot has a slot peripheral wall and a slot opening, covered with an insulation coating made of an electrical insulation material. The slot peripheral wall SW has a slot bottom wall, a pair of slot side walls opposing to each other and continuing to end portions of the slot bottom wall. The insulation coating is formed continuously from the slot bottom wall to the pair of slot side walls, and a pair of holding grooves opposing to each other is formed in the insulation coating at the vicinity of the slot opening. The groove walls of the pair of the holding grooves are formed in the insulation coating, and an electrical insulation member to close the slot opening is inserted in the pair of holding grooves and held between the pair of holding grooves.
US07944101B2 Brush system with a suppression board
The invention relates to a brush system for a motor-vehicle actuating drive, having a base body, a board on which interference-suppression components are mounted, and electrically conductive plug contacts. The plug contacts each have an accommodation slot. The board is inserted into the accommodation slots in the plug contacts.
US07944082B1 Connection module for providing N+N and M+1 redundant power distribution
A device may include an interconnect module that includes a number of ports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the interconnect module provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs).
US07944081B2 Multi-power source locomotive control method and system
Control modes for operating multiple power sources include energy storage systems and applicable to large systems such as locomotives. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. A common DC bus electrical architecture is used so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives have the engine systems that may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.
US07944074B2 Wind turbine direct drive airgap control method and system
A deflection resistant wind turbine generator having a stator arranged about an axis and a rotor operably mounted with respect to the stator to generate electricity. The rotor is rotatably communicating with wind turbine blades rotating substantially about the axis and the rotor and the stator are configured to maintain an airgap therebetween. The stator and the rotor have selectively engageable surfaces that maintain a substantially stable airgap and permit rotation of the rotor during engagement. The engageable surfaces engage when the rotor deflects to a predetermined amount of deflection.
US07944071B2 Method and device for energy generation
A method and device for using magnetostriction to generate electricity from fluid motion. The device includes a first structural component, an outer housing, and a strain structure. The outer housing substantially circumscribes the first structural component and at least partially defines an annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure is coupled within the annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure experiences a change in physical strain imposed by a bearing in response to a relative movement between the bearing and the strain structure. The strain structure includes a magnetostrictive material to generate a magnetic field in response to the change in the physical strain.
US07944058B2 Semiconductor device and process for fabricating the same
A thin stacked semiconductor device has a plurality of circuits that are laminated and formed sequentially in a specified pattern to form a multilayer wiring part. At the stage for forming the multilayer wiring part, a filling electrode is formed on the semiconductor substrate such that the surface is covered with an insulating film, a post electrode is formed on specified wiring at the multilayer wiring part, a first insulating layer is formed on one surface of the semiconductor substrate, the surface of the first insulating layer is removed by a specified thickness to expose the post electrode, and the other surface of the semiconductor substrate is ground to expose the filling electrode and to form a through-type electrode, A second insulating layer is formed on one surface of the semiconductor substrate while exposing the forward end of the through-type electrode, and bump electrodes are formed on both electrodes.
US07944056B2 Hillock-free aluminum layer and method of forming the same
A hillock-free conductive layer comprising at least two aluminum (Al) layers formed on a substrate, wherein said at least two Al layers comprise a barrier Al layer formed on the substrate, and a pure Al layer formed on the barrier Al layer. The barrier Al layer could be an aluminum nitride (AlNx) layer, an aluminum oxide (AlOx) layer, an aluminum oxide-nitride (AlOxNy) layer, or an Al—Nd alloy layer. Also, the pure Al layer is physically thicker than the barrier Al layer, for effectively inhibiting the occurrence of hillocks and the like.
US07944054B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first group wiring layers laminated on a substrate, and each of the first group wiring layers having a wire formed with a first minimum wire width and a main dielectric film portion; and a plurality of second group wiring layers laminated on a top layer of the plurality of first group wiring layers and each of the second group wiring layers having a wire formed with a second minimum wire width greater than the first minimum wire width and a main dielectric film portion, wherein a main dielectric film portion in a bottom layer of the plurality of second group wiring layers has a relative dielectric constant which is substantially identical to a relative dielectric constant of main dielectric film portions of the other second group wiring layers, and Young's modulus of the main dielectric film portion in the bottom layer of the plurality of second group wiring layers is smaller than those of the main dielectric film portions of the other second group wiring layers and larger than those of main dielectric film portions of the first group wiring layers.
US07944051B2 Semiconductor device having external connection terminals and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device has a semiconductor element made up of a semiconductor chip, first solder balls provided on the semiconductor chip and a BGA substrate on which the semiconductor chip is mounted via the first solder balls. Furthermore, the semiconductor device has external terminals on a surface of the BGA substrate opposing to a surface on which the semiconductor chip is mounted. The external terminals include oxide films provided with through holes.
US07944047B2 Method and structure of expanding, upgrading, or fixing multi-chip package
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide techniques and apparatus for altering the functionality of a multi-chip package (MCP) without requiring entire replacement of the MCP. The MCP may be designed with a top package substrate designed to interface with an add-on package that, when sensed by the MCP, alters the functionality of the MCP.
US07944046B2 Heat spreader for a multi-chip package
Embodiments of a heat spreader and an assembly including such a heat spreader are disclosed. The heat spreader includes a stiffening member, which in one embodiment comprises a wall extending from a lower surface of the heat spreader. The wall may be coupled with a substrate, and the addition of this wall may decrease warpage of the substrate and increase package stiffness. The wall may be located between adjacent integrated circuit die that are disposed on the substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07944044B2 Semiconductor package structure having enhanced thermal dissipation characteristics
In one embodiment, a packaged semiconductor device having enhanced thermal dissipation characteristics includes a lead frame structure and a semiconductor chip having a major current carrying or heat generating electrode. The semiconductor chip is oriented so that the major current carrying electrode faces the top of the package or away from the next level of assembly. The packaged semiconductor device further includes a non-planar, stepped or undulating attachment structure coupling the current carrying electrode to the lead frame. A high thermal conductivity mold compound and thin package profile further enhance thermal dissipation.
US07944041B2 Integrated semiconductor substrate structure using incompatible processes
A plurality of FPGA dice is disposed upon a semiconductor substrate. In order both to connect thousands of signal interconnect lines between the plurality of FPGA dice and to supply the immense power required, it is desired that the substrate construction include two different portions, each manufactured using incompatible processes. The first portion is a signal interconnect structure containing a thin conductor layers portion characterized as having a plurality of thin, fine-pitch conductors. The second portion is a power connection structure that includes thick conductors and vertical through-holes. The through-holes contain conductive material and supply power to the FPGA dice from power bus bars located at the other side of the semiconductor substrate. The portions are joined at the wafer level by polishing the wafer surfaces within a few atoms of flatness and subsequent cleaning. The portions are then fusion bonded together or combined using an adhesive material.
US07944032B2 Integrated circuit package with molded insulation
A variety of improved arrangements and processes for packaging integrated circuits are described. More particularly, methods of encapsulating dice in lead frame based IC packages are described that facilitate covering some portions of the bottom surface of the lead frame while leaving other portions of the bottom surface of the lead frame exposed. In some embodiments, a method of encapsulating integrated circuits mounted on a lead frame panel is described. The lead frame panel includes a plurality of leads having associated contacts and supports. A shim having a plurality of cavities is positioned under the lead frame such that the cavities are adjacent to the supports and not adjacent to the contacts. During the encapsulation process, encapsulant material flows under the supports such that the bottom surfaces of the supports are electrically insulated by the encapsulant while the bottom surfaces of the contacts remain exposed.
US07944028B2 TFCC (TM) and SWCC (TM) thermal flex contact carriers
Two groups of interconnection devices and methods are described. Both provide columns between electronic packages and boards or between chips and substrates or the like. In the first group, called Thermal Flex Contact Carrier (TFCC), the column elements are carved out of a flat laminated structure and then formed to suit. In the second group, the carrier, which carries the connecting elements, is made out of a soluble or removable material, which acts at the same time, as a solder mask, to prevent the solder from wicking along the stem of the elements.
US07944026B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is mounted on a package substrate which has a power supply line and a signal line formed of a normal or predetermined resistance material layer on a dielectric layer. A resistance material layer has a high resistance as compared with the normal resistance material layer and is additionally provided on the surface of the normal resistance material layer of the peripheral face of the signal line closest to the power supply line.
US07944025B2 Semiconductor constructions
The invention includes a process whereby a solvent is utilized to remove soluble portions of a resist, and subsequently the solvent can be removed with a gas-fortified liquid. In particular aspects, the gas-fortified liquid emits bubbles during the removal of the solvent. Additionally, the gas-fortified liquid can be utilized to remove residual resist scum, and in such aspects the gas-fortified liquid can emit bubbles during the scum removal.
US07944023B2 Strained Si formed by anneal
A semiconductor structure includes a silicon substrate layer, a relaxed silicon-germanium layer on the silicon substrate layer and a strained single crystal silicon layer on the silicon-germanium layer. The silicon-germanium layer may include a thickness of 500 angstroms or less. The method for forming the semiconductor structure includes epitaxially forming the silicon-germanium layer and the single crystal silicon layer. The silicon-germanium layer is stressed upon formation. After the single crystal silicon layer is formed over the silicon-germanium layer, an RTA or laser heat treatment process selectively melts the silicon-germanium layer but not the single crystal silicon layer. The substantially molten silicon-germanium relaxes the compressive stresses in the silicon-germanium layer and yields a relaxed silicon-germanium layer and a strained single crystal silicon layer upon cooling.
US07944016B2 Power managing semiconductor die with event detection circuitry in thick oxide for reduced power consumption
According to one exemplary embodiment, a power managing semiconductor die with reduced power consumption includes a power island including an event detection block and an event qualification block. The event detection block is configured to activate the event qualification block in response to an input signal initiated by an external event. The input signal is coupled to the event detection block, for example, via a bond pad situated in an I/O region of the power managing semiconductor die. The event qualification block is configured to determine if the external event is a valid external event. The event qualification block resides in a thin oxide region and the event detection block resides in a thick oxide region of the semiconductor die. The power managing semiconductor die further includes a power management unit configured to activate the event qualification block in response to power enable signal outputted by the event detection block.
US07944014B2 Image sensor
Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing an image sensor which includes forming a plurality of lower layers over a semiconductor substrate. A first passivation layer may be formed over the lower layers to protect the lower layers. The first passivation layer may be formed in a pixel region and a peripheral region with different thicknesses. A spin-on-glass (SOG) layer may be formed over the first passivation layer. A second passivation layer may be formed over the SOG layer. Array etching may be used to form a concave area in the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of micro lenses may be formed over the bottom surface of the concave area.
US07944006B2 Metal gate electrode stabilization by alloying
Stabilized metal gate electrode for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (“CMOS”) applications and methods of making the stabilized metal gate electrodes are disclosed. Specifically, the metal gate electrodes are stabilized by alloying wherein the alloy comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of Re, Ru, Pt, Rh, Ni, Al and combinations thereof and an element selected from the group consisting of W, V, Ti, Ta and combinations thereof.
US07944005B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including an NMOS region and a PMOS region, active regions of the semiconductor substrate defined by a device isolation structure formed in the semiconductor substrate, the active regions including an NMOS active region defined in the NMOS region and a PMOS active region defined in the PMOS region, a gate insulating film disposed over the active regions, and a dual poly gate including an amorphous titanium layer formed over the gate insulating film in the NMOS region and the PMOS region. The dual poly gate includes a stacked structure having a lower gate electrode formed of an impurity doped polysilicon layer, a barrier layer including the amorphous titanium layer, and an upper gate electrode formed of a tungsten layer.
US07944004B2 Multiple thickness and/or composition high-K gate dielectrics and methods of making thereof
Disclosed are methods of making an integrated circuit with multiple thickness and/or multiple composition high-K gate dielectric layers and integrated circuits containing multiple thickness and/or multiple composition high-K gate dielectrics. The methods involve forming a layer of high-K atoms over a conventional gate dielectric and heating the layer of high-K atoms to form a high-K gate dielectric layer. Methods of suppressing gate leakage current while mitigating mobility degradation are also described.
US07944001B2 Power mosfet including inter-source connection pattern
A power metal oxide silicon field effect transistor in which sources are connected to each other, a single source supplies electrons to two channels, a contact surface between the source and a channel is variously changed to be maximized such that large current flows in a small area, and an electrical field is not concentrated to a gate edge.
US07943997B2 Fully-depleted low-body doping field effect transistor (FET) with reverse short channel effects (SCE) induced by self-aligned edge back-gate(s)
Disclosed are embodiments of a field effect transistor (FET) and, more particularly, a fully-depleted, thin-body (FDTB) FET that allows for scaling with minimal short channel effects, such as drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and saturation threshold voltage (Vtsat) roll-off, at shorter channel lengths. The FDTB FET embodiments are configured with either an edge back-gate or split back-gate that can be biased in order to selectively adjust the potential barrier between the source/drain regions and the channel region for minimizing off-state leakage current between the drain region and the source region and/or for varying threshold voltage. These unique back-gate structures avoid the need for halo doping to ensure linear threshold voltage (Vtlin) roll-up at smaller channel lengths and, thus, avoid across-chip threshold voltage variations due to random doping fluctuations. Also disclosed are method embodiments for forming such FETs.
US07943993B2 Structure and method for forming field effect transistor with low resistance channel region
A trench-gate field effect transistor includes trenches extending into a silicon region of a first conductivity type, and a gate electrodes in each trench. Body regions of second conductivity type extend over the silicon region between adjacent trenches. Each body region forms a PN junction with the silicon region. A gate dielectric layer lines at least upper sidewalls of each trench, and insulates the gate electrode from the body region. Source regions of the first conductivity flank the trenches. A silicon-germanium region vertically extends through each source region and through a corresponding body region, and terminates within the corresponding body region before reaching the PN junction.
US07943985B2 Oxide semiconductor thin film transistors and fabrication methods thereof
Oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFT) and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. The methods include forming a channel layer on a substrate, forming source and drain electrodes at opposing sides of the channel layer, and oxidizing a surface of the channel layer by placing an oxidizing material in contact with the surface of the channel layer, reducing carriers on the surface of the channel layer. Due to the oxidizing agent treatment of the surface of the channel layer, excessive carriers that are generated naturally, or during the manufacturing process, may be more effectively controlled.
US07943984B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a memory element including: a semiconductor substrate; a source region and a drain region formed at a distance from each other in the semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film formed on a portion of the semiconductor substrate located between the source region and the drain region, having sites that perform electron trapping and releasing and are formed by adding an element different from a base material, and including insulating layers having different dielectric constants, the sites having a higher level than a Fermi level of a material forming the semiconductor substrate; a charge storage film formed on the first insulating film; a second insulating film formed on the charge storage film; and a control gate electrode formed on the second insulating film.
US07943971B1 Junction field effect transistor (JFET) structure having top-to-bottom gate tie and method of manufacture
A junction field effect transistor (JFET) can include a top gate structure and an active semiconductor region. The active semiconductor region can include a side surface and a top surface formed below the top gate structure. The active semiconductor region can also include a channel region formed below the top gate structure, a bottom gate region formed below the channel region, and a gate tie region formed on the side surface that makes an electrical connection between the top gate structure and the bottom gate region.
US07943965B2 Multi-bit phase-change memory device
A multi-bit phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate with a plurality of phase-change patterns sequentially stacked above the semiconductor substrate. Each phase-change pattern crosses another phase change pattern, and each phase change pattern includes a phase-change conductive line formed on a surface thereof. Bipolar transistors are installed between the semiconductor substrate and the lowermost phase-change pattern and also among the phase-change patterns, and the bipolar transistors selectively form electrical connections between the semiconductor substrate and the lowermost phase-change pattern and also among the phase-change patterns. Heating electrodes are aligned between the respective bipolar transistors and phase-change patterns. The semiconductor substrate includes an active area that extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the lowermost phase-change pattern.
US07943964B2 AlxGayIn1−x−yN crystal substrate, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing the same
An AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal substrate of the present invention has a main plane having an area of at least 10 cm2. The main plane has an outer region located within 5 mm from an outer periphery of the main plane, and an inner region corresponding to a region other than the outer region. The inner region has a total dislocation density of at least 1×102 cm−2 and at most 1×106 cm−2. It is thereby possible to provide an AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal substrate having a large size and a suitable dislocation density for serving as a substrate for a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device including the AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal substrate, and a method of manufacturing the same.
US07943959B2 Low capacitance semiconductor device
A surge protection device with small-area buried regions (38, 60) to minimize the device capacitance. The doped regions (38, 60) are formed either in a semiconductor substrate (34), or in an epitaxial layer (82), and then an epitaxial layer (40, 84) is formed thereover to bury the doped regions (38, 60). The small features of the buried regions (38, 60) are maintained as such by minimizing high temperature and long duration processing of the chip. An emitter (42, 86) is formed in the epitaxial layer (40, 84).
US07943958B1 High holding voltage LVTSCR-like structure
In an ESD protection device making use of a LVTSCR structure, the holding voltage is increased by forming diodes in the p-well of the LVTSCR structure. This provides an alternative current path at high currents and provides a defined voltage drop thereby increasing the holding voltage.
US07943955B2 Monolithic semiconductor switches and method for manufacturing
One aspect is monolithic semiconductor switches and method for manufacturing. One embodiment provides one semiconductor die with a first and a second FET. One of source/drain of the first FET and one of source/drain of the second FET are electrically coupled to at least one contact area at a first side of one semiconductor die, respectively. The other one of source/drain of the first FET, a gate of the first FET, the other one of source/drain of the second FET and the gate of the second FET are electrically coupled to contact areas at a second side of the one semiconductor die opposite to the first side, respectively. The contact areas of the other one of source/drain of the first FET, of the gate of the first FET, of the other one of source/drain of the second FET and of the gate of the second FET are electrically separated from each other, respectively.
US07943954B2 LED fabrication via ion implant isolation
A semiconductor light emitting diode includes a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer of n-type Group III nitride on the substrate, a p-type epitaxial layer of Group III nitride on the n-type epitaxial layer and forming a p-n junction with the n-type layer, and a resistive gallium nitride region on the n-type epitaxial layer and adjacent the p-type epitaxial layer for electrically isolating portions of the p-n junction. A metal contact layer is formed on the p-type epitaxial layer. In method embodiments disclosed, the resistive gallium nitride border is formed by forming an implant mask on the p-type epitaxial region and implanting ions into portions of the p-type epitaxial region to render portions of the p-type epitaxial region semi-insulating. A photoresist mask or a sufficiently thick metal layer may be used as the implant mask.
US07943929B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a metal catalyst layer formed on a substrate, and a first capping layer and a second capping layer pattern sequentially formed on the metal catalyst layer. The method includes: forming a first capping layer on a metal catalyst layer; forming and patterning a second capping layer on the first capping layer; forming an amorphous silicon layer on the patterned second capping layer; diffusing the metal catalyst; and crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer to form a polysilicon layer. The crystallization catalyst diffuses at a uniform low concentration to control a position of a seed formed of the catalyst such that a channel region in the polysilicon layer is close to a single crystal. Therefore, the characteristics of the thin film transistor device may be improved and uniformed.
US07943925B2 Light emitting element and light emitting device
A high efficient white emission light emitting element having peak intensity in each wavelength region of red, green, and blue is provided. Specifically, a white emission light emitting element having an emission spectrum that is independent of current density is provided. A first light emitting layer 312 exhibiting blue emission and a second light emitting layer 313 containing a phosphorescent material that generates simultaneously phosphorescent emission and excimer emission are combined. In order to derive excimer emission from the phosphorescent material, it is effective to disperse a phosphorescent material 323 having a high planarity structure such as platinum complex at a high concentration of at least 10 wt % to a host material 322. Further, the first light emitting layer 312 is provided to be in contact with the second light emitting layer 313 at the side of an anode. Ionization potential of the second light emitting layer 313 is preferably larger by 0.4 eV than that of the first light emitting layer 312.
US07943919B2 Integrated circuit with upstanding stylus
A stylus, an integrated circuit (IC) and method of forming the IC. The stylus extends upward from its apex and has a substantially circular cross section that decreases in diameter upward from the apex. The stylus is formed in a mold that may be formed in an orifice in a dielectric layer between wiring layers. The mold may include multiple concentric layers. For a more pronounced, non-linear stylus taper, each layer may be thinner than its next adjacent outer concentric layer.
US07943916B2 Method for controlling a blood processing system by observing a separation region and an extraction port
The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components with a two-dimensional optical measurement and control device. The method may comprise the steps of providing a blood processing system comprising a density centrifuge blood processing system and an elutriation blood processing system; filling the elutriation blood processing system with a desired component; measuring a cellular flux of cells entering the elutriation blood processing system with a two-dimensional optical control system; and flushing the elutriation blood processing system.
US07943913B2 Negative ion source method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system
The invention comprises a negative ion source method and apparatus used as part of an ion beam injection system, which is used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The negative ion source preferably includes an inlet port for injection of hydrogen gas into a high temperature plasma chamber. In one embodiment, the plasma chamber includes a magnetic material, which provides a magnetic field barrier between the high temperature plasma chamber and a low temperature plasma region on the opposite side of the magnetic field barrier. An extraction pulse is applied to a negative ion extraction electrode to pull the negative ion beam into a negative ion beam path, which proceeds through a first partial vacuum system, through an ion beam focusing system, into the tandem accelerator, and into a synchrotron.
US07943910B2 Method and device for determining the fluorescence of a sample and use thereof
In a method and a device for determining the fluorescence of a sample, wherein the sample (40) is irradiated by light (25) of a wavelength which is suitable to excite fluorescent light (27, 28) in the sample and the fluorescent light (28) emitted by the sample is received in a receiver (24) and converted into a measurement signal, wherein reference light (32) in particular for compensating for ambient influences is additionally fed to the receiver (24) and likewise converted into a reference measurement signal, provision is made for the optical path of the excitation light (25) entering the sample (40) and fluorescent light (27, 28) leaving the sample (40) to be separated from the optical path (32) of the reference light having the same wavelength as the excitation light between light sources (21, 31) and receiver (24), by means of which a more precise evaluation of the fluorescent light emitted by a sample (40) can be achieved in addition to a simplified design complexity.
US07943901B2 Practical ion mobility spectrometer apparatus and methods for chemical and/or biological detection
This invention describes an ion mobility spectrometer system for chemical detection in the field. The system allows: a high throughput operation, an interface to new ionization methods, and an interface to a mass spectrometer.
US07943896B1 Mechanical galvanometer tilt correction control
A mechanical galvanometer tilt control system includes two beam detection sensors that detect vertical displacement caused by the horizontal rotation of a galvanometer and the vertical rotation of a photoconductive drum. The galvanometer may be in communication with a mirror holder that holds a mirror. The mirror holder may be operable to horizontally rotate the mirror as the mirror reflects a light beam onto a photosensitive image forming surface of the photoconductive drum. The two beam detection sensors receive the reflected light beam as the galvanometer generates one or more forward-going and one or more reverse-going scanlines on the photosensitive image forming surface. The mechanical galvanometer tilt control system may further determine an amount of vertical correction required to correct for the vertical displacement caused by the rotation of the galvanometer and the rotation of the photoconductive drum.
US07943895B2 Wavelength splitting element, method for manufacturing the same and optical module
A wavelength splitting element for splitting a multiplexed light beam into separate wavelength bands and emitting the beams from separate emission ports including a first filter for splitting the multiplexed light beam into light beams in wavelength band λ1, which passes in a first direction, and wavelength bands λ2 and λ3, which reflects; a second filter, for splitting the reflected light into light beams in wavelength band λ3, which passes in a second direction, and wavelength band λ2, which reflects in a third direction; and a third filter, for passing the light beam in the wavelength band λ2. The first filter passes the light beam in the wavelength band λ2 reflected by the second filter and incident to the first filter again based on an incident angle, and the third filter passes only the light beam in the wavelength band λ2 that the first filter passes in the third direction.
US07943889B2 Apparatus for improving detection efficiency of multiphoton microscopy systems by focus compensation, pupil image division, and parallel pupil rearrangement
Disclosed is an apparatus for division and rearrangement of light from a source object. The apparatus splits the light from the source object, or image of the source object, and recombines it in a parallel, fashion to increase the efficiency of multiphoton microscopy in general and harmonic or fluorescence emission microscopy in particular. The apparatus includes a beam splitter configured to split a light beam into at least two independent light paths to yield a first light path and a second light path; a first beam focuser configured to direct and focus the first light path onto a focal plane; and a second beam focuser configured to direct and focus the second light path onto the same or different focal plane to which the first light path is focused; and wherein the first and second light paths may be superimposed upon one another at a common focal plane or directed independently to different positions.
US07943888B2 Slow cooker with nestable containers
A slow cooker includes a cooking base having a heating element and an open end. The slow cooker has a first container sized to fit within the open end of the cooking base. The first container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The volume of the first container is sized to accommodate a second container. The second container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The opening of the second container is generally equal in size to the opening of the first container. The first container has a cooking position wherein the first container is inserted in the cooking base. The second container has a cooking position wherein the second container is inserted in the cooking base. The first container and second container have a storage position, wherein the second container is nested within the first container. The slow cooker also includes a lid that is sized to enclose the opening of either of the first and second containers during their respective cooking positions. The lid is also sized to enclose the opening of the second container when in the storage position.
US07943884B2 Gas container and method of producing the same
An object is to provide a gas container and a method of producing the gas container in which liner constituting members can appropriately be joined to each other and productivity can be improved. A gas container has a resin liner constituted by joining a plurality of liner constituting members, the liner constituting members each having at least a hollow cylindrical part, and a reinforcement layer arranged on an outer periphery of the resin liner. Joining portions of the liner constituting members are joined to each other over a circumferential direction by laser welding, and the joining portions are made of a laser transmitting resin and a laser absorbing resin, respectively.
US07943880B2 Operations for product processing
An operational process for product distribution includes grouping product into groups when the product is in a first sort level and sorting the groups of product, in a first pass operation, to a second level sort. The method further includes sequencing the second level sort product including late arriving product, in a second pass operation, into a sequence of product. A machine readable code can also be used to implement the functionality of the operational process.
US07943876B2 Light emitting apparatus for clothing handler
A light emitting apparatus is provided for a clothing handler that handles clothes received therein. The light emitting apparatus includes a selection device that selects processes for handling the clothes, light emitting devices that emit light according to a selection by the selection device, a transparent window that covers light emitting devices, and a selection device guiding member having holes through which light generated by the light emitting devices, respectively, passes. An end portion of each of the holes is adjacent to the transparent window based on a proceeding direction of the light. The transparent window includes protrusion portions that contact an inner wall of the corresponding hole of the selection device guiding member.
US07943875B2 Switch structure integrated with display and playback device
A switch structure integrated with a display and playback device is provided. Therein, a lower housing has a rectangular through-hole, a conductor through-hole, a terminal through-hole and a guide post formed peripherally with semi-cylindrical ribs. The display and playback device is equipped with a bus line and display and playback device terminals, and covered with a display and playback device housing, which in turn is covered by a transparent cover. A conductor and a terminal are inserted in the conductor through-hole and the terminal through-hole, respectively. Resilient elements are provided between the lower housing and an actuation element having a guide post through-hole for cooperating with the guide post. Upon movement of the actuation element relative to the lower housing, the ribs on the guide post make contact with an inner wall of the guide post through-hole, allowing the actuation element to move smoothly, vertically relative to the lower housing.
US07943868B2 Sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or a kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
A sealed housing (10) accommodates at least one electric or electronic component (12, 14), and has a portion (20) extending through the mounting surface, as well as a rotation preventor (16, 28) preventing rotation of the housing (10) relative to the mounting surface. A kit of parts includes at least one such housing (10) and at least one spacer (18). A combination of the housing or kit of parts and a door, preferably of a cabinet or an installation room, or a cabinet in the field of telecommunications having the mounting surface is described. A use of a friction enhancing element, preferably an O-ring, for mounting a housing to a mounting surface in a non-rotatable manner is also described.
US07943865B2 Device for isolation of electrical components
A device for creating a relatively isolated environment for protecting dangerous and/or fragile components, particularly electrical components, from the surrounding environment. The device will typically include a front member and base member which may be formed as a unitary body. A relatively isolated environment will be formed in the area behind the front member and above the base member and the isolation may be enhanced by placing the device near a wall or partition. The device may also include side members for enhancing the isolation of the internal environment. Openings or slots may be located in any of the members to permit the passage of cables or other tubular objects and also to provide ventilation. Retaining elements disposed on the inside of the base member or front member may be used to retain various components in a desired position. The front member may also include a fan or comfort elements for use as a footrest or cooling device.
US07943861B2 Printed wiring board and method for manufacturing printed wiring board
A composite layer composed of an Ni layer 72 and a Pd layer 73 is formed on a solder pad 77U, and a solder 76α on the composite layer is composed of a solder containing no lead. Because a Pd layer (palladium layer) reduces phenomenons such as repellency of the solder, adhesiveness with the solder can be enhanced. Because a Pd layer has a higher degree of rigidity than a gold layer, thermal stress is absorbed into the Pd layer and buffered so as to reduce the degree of transmission of stress to the solder bump, or to the solder layer, by means of thermal stress.
US07943853B2 Method for manufacturing a post insulator and a post insulator
A method for manufacturing a post insulator. A core is introduced into a tube of an insulating stiff material while leaving a small circumferential space separating the core and inner walls of the tube. Adhesive is introduced under an overpressure into an interior of the tube and is cured while maintaining an overpressure in the interior of the tube.
US07943850B2 Environmentally sealed wiring device with removable weather-resistant cover
An environmentally sealed wiring device with removable weather-resistant cover includes a wiring device with a device housing, a shoulder extending from the device housing and a sealing element disposed about the shoulder. The wiring device includes wires extending through one or more openings in the device housing. The openings are environmentally sealed around the wires to prevent moisture from entering the device. A weatherproof cover housing includes a pair of openings. The wiring device is positioned next to, and sometimes through, one of the openings. The sealing element is disposed between the weatherproof cover housing and the shoulder of the wiring device, providing a weatherproof seal therebetween, to prevent moisture from entering the device. A door is coupled to the weatherproof cover housing and can be rotated about an axis along an edge of the weatherproof cover housing between an open position and a closed position.
US07943849B2 Photoelectric conversion device
Provided is a photoelectric conversion device capable of improving a conversion efficiency. In a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device including a working electrode and a facing electrode, and an electrolyte inclusion, a dye is carried on a metal-oxide semiconductor layer of the working electrode. The dye includes cyanine dye having a benzyl group and an indolenine skeleton. Therefore, crystallization of the dye on the surface of the metal-oxide semiconductor layer is suppressed.
US07943844B2 Thermoelectric module and manufacturing method for same
A thermoelectric module and method of manufacture thereof, capable of preventing short-circuits between electrodes due to solder without causing increases in size or cost. A thermoelectric module is configured with lower electrodes formed on the inside surface of a lower substrate, placed in opposition to an upper substrate, on the inside surface of which are formed upper electrodes; the end faces of thermoelectric elements are soldered to the lower electrodes and upper electrodes. Each of the electrodes is configured from three layers, which are a copper layer, a nickel layer formed on one face of the copper layer, and a gold layer formed on one face of the nickel layer; a visor portion, protruding outward, is formed in the nickel layer, so that when positioning the thermoelectric elements above the electrodes and soldering the electrodes to the thermoelectric elements, the flowing of solder 18a from the side portions of electrodes to the insulating substrate is prevented.
US07943839B2 Tuning device
Provided is a tuning device including: a tuning device main body including an electric circuit for computing a tuning state of a musical instrument; a clip portion including a pair of plate materials for attaching the tuning device main body to the musical instrument; a joint member for joining the tuning device main body and the clip portion; and a vibration sensor for sensing a sound emitted from the musical instrument, the joint member including: a first pivot portion for making the clip portion free to pivot about an extension direction of the joint member; and a second pivot portion for making the tuning device main body free to pivot about a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The vibration sensor is incorporated into the joint member, and is structured to be rotatable about the extension direction unitarily along with the tuning device main body.
US07943837B2 Vriesea hybrid named ‘MUNDO’
A new and distinct Vriesea plant named ‘MUNDO’ characterized as a funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 48 cm in height (above the pot when flowering) and 40 cm in diameter; simple spike inflorescence, measuring about 20 cm in height and about 2.5 cm in diameter, and greyed-purple (closest to RHS 187A) in color; and linear-lanceolate foliage, measuring about 20 cm to 28 cm in length and about 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm in width, and green (RHS 137A) in color.
US07943826B2 Soybean cultivar 7925084
A soybean cultivar designated 7925084 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7925084, to the plants of soybean 7925084, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 7925084 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 7925084 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 7925084, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7925084 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 7925084 with another soybean cultivar.
US07943815B2 Transgenic mouse for screening and for studies of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ligands acting on the oestrogen receptor and its intracellular receptors, and method for the preparation thereof
The object of the invention is a method for the production of a non-human transgenic mammal by means of which it is possible to monitor in vivo and in all the tissues the state of activation of any intracellular receptor, utilizing a reporter gene inducible by natural or synthetic molecules which modulate the activity of such receptor. The mammal is question is preferably a mouse.
US07943795B2 Vitamin D receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel, non-secosteroidal, phenyl-naphthalene compounds of Formula (I): wherein R, R1, RP, ZP, LP1, LP2 LNP, RP3, RN, and ZNP are defined herein, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use.
US07943791B2 Methods and compositions for refining lipid feed stocks
The present invention relates to systems and methods of using fatty acid alkyl ester solutions to refine feed stocks before converting the feed stocks into fatty acid fatty acid alkyl esters. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters. The method can include mixing a crude lipid feed stock with a refining solution to form a crude product mixture, the refining solution comprising greater than about 10 wt. % fatty acid alkyl esters. The method can include extracting the liquid phase from the crude product mixture to obtain a purified lipid feed stock. The method can also include reacting the purified lipid feed stock with an alcohol to form a product mixture comprising fatty acid alkyl esters. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a fatty acid alkyl ester composition. The method can include extracting lipids from a corn-based ethanol production byproduct, adding an alcohol solution to the lipids to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst. Other embodiments are included herein.
US07943782B2 Crystalline chemotherapeutic
N-(4-(3-Amino-1H-indazol-4-yl)phenyl)-N′-(2-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)urea Tolueneate Crystalline Form 1, ways to make it and ways to use it are disclosed.
US07943777B2 Fluorescent chemical compounds having high selectivity for double stranded DNA, and methods for their use
Chemical compounds having a high selectivity for double stranded DNA over RNA and single stranded DNA are disclosed. The chemical compounds are stains that become fluorescent upon illumination and interaction with double stranded DNA, but exhibit reduced or no fluorescence in the absence of double stranded DNA. The compounds can be used in a variety of biological applications to qualitatively or quantitatively assay DNA, even in the presence of RNA.
US07943775B2 Small molecules for imaging protein-protein interactions
A tissue is imaged to detect the presence of amyloid deposits or other target proteins prior to their aggregation into plaques, with the assistance of the administration of a labeled bifunctional compound of which one functionality binds to the target protein and the second functionality binds to a chaperone protein that is present in the tissue of interest. The two functionalities have different binding affinities, the target-binding functionality having the greater binding affinity, with the result that the bifunctional compound preferentially remains in the tissue when bound to the chaperone and then the target protein while bifunctional compound that is not bound to the target protein will leave the tissue. The inclusion of the chaperone allows the imaging process to detect the non-aggregated proteins by way of the label and the difference in kinetics of the binding to the chaperone and the target protein permits one to distinguish between binding of the bifunctional molecule to the chaperone only and binding to the chaperone and then to the target protein. Certain intermediates toward the synthesis of these bifunctional compounds are novel by themselves, and labeled bifunctional molecules in general that utilize a lysine linker are also disclosed as a novel class of compounds.
US07943767B2 Fused bicyclic mTOR inhibitors
Compounds represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are inhibitors of mTOR and useful in the treatment of cancer.
US07943755B2 Neuron regeneration
The invention provides a gene silencing molecule, which is adapted to down-regulate expression of a gene encoding a peptide involved with the Rho-A inhibitory pathway. The gene silencing molecule is used to promote neuron survival and axon regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). The invention also provides compositions and methods of using same to improve neural survival and promote axonal growth.
US07943752B2 Modified oligonucleotides and applications thereof
Disclosed, among other things, are primers containing certain modified nucleobases in the 3′ terminal region of the primers that provide reduced formation of primer-dimers during amplification reactions, and various methods of use thereof.
US07943751B2 Ladder copolymers
The present invention relates to a copolymer termed a ladder copolymer because it has two backbones that serve as legs/sides of a ladder structure. These two backbones, one of which is a nucleic acid or nucleic acid-like polymer, are linked together as the legs/sides of a ladder are linked together by the rungs.
US07943746B2 Process for the purification of IL-18 binding protein
The invention relates to a process for the purification of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) from a fluid using aqueous two-phase partitioning.
US07943744B2 ICAM-1 binding antibodies
The invention provides binding molecules, including antibody molecules which selectively bind to a cell surface antigen of a target cell, and wherein the binding molecules, on binding the cell surface antigen, induce apoptosis of the target cell. There is also provided methods of and pharmaceutical compositions for apoptosis induction and uses thereof.
US07943742B2 Anti-αvβ6 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention provides humanized antibodies that recognize αvβ6 integrins, which antibodies comprise a variable region of nonhuman origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also provides methods for preparation of such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and methods of treating, diagnosing and/or preventing various diseases and disorders by administering the humanized anti-αvβ6 antibodies of the invention. The invention also relates to the identification of differential expression of the integrin αvβ6 on the surfaces of tumor cells and tissues, the use of this differential expression in determining the metastatic potential of tumor cells, and methods of diagnosis and treatment/prevention of tumor metastasis and for elimination of residual metastatic tumor cells using ligands, particularly antibodies, that bind to integrin αvβ6.
US07943737B2 Bacillus thuringiensis crystal polypeptides, polynucleotides, and compositions thereof
The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 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.
US07943725B2 1,3/1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol based monomers and polymers
A mixture of compounds useful to make a polymer or a prepolymer, the mixture of compounds including compounds having the formula I; wherein R1 is H, acryloyl, methacryloyl or vinyl, wherein R2 is acryloyl, methacryloyl or vinyl, wherein compounds having the formula I consist of a mixture of cis and trans-1,3- and 1,4-substituted cyclohexane and wherein the trans-1,4-substituted cyclohexane content of the compounds having the formula I is less than forty mole percent. A process for producing a mixture of compounds including compounds having the formula II: wherein compounds having the formula II consist of a mixture of cis and trans-1,3- and 1,4-methanol substituted cyclohexane and wherein the trans-1,4-methanol substituted cyclohexane content of the compounds having the formula II is less than twenty five mole percent.
US07943724B2 Process for preparing diaminodiphenylmethanes
Process for preparing diamino diphenyl methane and poly-(diamino diphenyl methane) comprising reacting aniline with formaldehyde in the presence of hydrogen chloride added in the gaseous form wherein the aniline contains 0.1 to 7 wt %, preferably 2 to 5 wt % of a protic chemical, preferably water.
US07943716B2 Process for polymerizing 1-hexene or higher alpha-olefins
A process for preparing a polymer containing derived units of one or more alpha olefins of formula CH2═CHW wherein W is a C3-C10 hydrocarbon radical and optionally from 0 to 81% by mol of derived units of propylene or 1-butene, comprising contacting under polymerization conditions one or more alpha olefins of formula CH2═CHW and optionally propylene or 1-butene in the presence of a catalyst system obtainable by contacting: a) a metallocene compound of formula (I) wherein M, X, L, T1, T2, T3 and R1 are described in the text; and (b) an alumoxane or a compound capable of forming an alkyl metallocene cation.
US07943710B2 Multi-metal oxide catalyst and method for producing (meth)acrylic acid by using the same
The present invention provides a Mo—Bi—Nb based composite metal oxide (with the proviso that Te is not included); a method for producing (meth)acrylic acid from at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of propylene, propane, isobutylene, t-butyl alcohol and methyl-t-butyl ether, in which a Mo—Bi—Nb based composite metal oxide (with the proviso that Te is not included) is used as a catalyst; and a reactor used for producing (meth)acrylic acid from at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of propylene, propane, isobutylene, t-butyl alcohol and methyl-t-butyl ether, in which a Mo—Bi—Nb based composite metal oxide (with the proviso that Te is not included) is used as a catalyst. Further, the present invention provides a method for producing (meth)acrylic acid from at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of propylene, propane, isobutylene, t-butyl alcohol and methyl-t-butyl ether by using a Mo—Bi—Nb based composite metal oxide as a catalyst, without any additional process of convening (meth)acrolein into (meth)acrylic acid.
US07943708B2 Method for the production of telechelic polymers
The present invention relates to the coupling of two polymer chains to give end group-functionalized polymers, the simultaneous precipitation of transition metals from polymer solutions and to the removal of halogen atoms from polymer chain ends.
US07943704B2 Method for producing emulsion polymers
The present invention provides a process for preparing emulsion polymer particles of a hollow core/shell structure in the presence of a monomer plasticizer having a ceiling temperature less than 181° C. wherein a polymerization inhibitor or reducing agent is not added to the aqueous emulsion of the core shell particles during the neutralization and swelling stage. The obtained core shell particles are useful in paints, paper coatings, foams, and cosmetics.
US07943701B2 Fibers and non-wovens prepared with propylene-based elastomers
A nonwoven fabric made from a composition comprising (a) a propylene-based elastomer characterized by including from about 5% to about 35% by weight units deriving from alpha-olefin and a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, (b) a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer characterized by an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) of from about 3 to about 300 dg/min, and a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of greater than 80 J/g, and (c) a feel modifier selected from the group consisting of (i) a high-MFR thermoplastic resin having an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) in excess of 400 dg/min, (ii) a hydrocarbon resin, (iii) a polyolefin wax, (iv) a functionalized hydrocarbon resin, (v) a functionalized polyolefin, and (vi) a combination of two or more of the foregoing feel modifiers, and (d) optionally a slip aid.
US07943693B2 Elastomers containing surface metalated siliceous fillers
This invention is based upon the concept of modifying the surface of silica with a metal, such as titanium or zirconium, which will catalyze silanol condensation reactions on the surface of the silica. In other words, modifying the surface of silica with titanium or zirconium provides a catalyst for the silanol condensation reaction between the silica surface and silane coupling agents used in silica filled compounds. The utilization of such metalated silica as a filler in rubber compositions results in improved polymer filler interaction and in turn improved physical properties. For instance, such surface metalated siliceous fillers can be used in tire tread compounds to attain improved rolling resistance and treadwear without compromising traction characteristics. The present invention more specifically discloses an elastomeric composition which is comprised of (1) a rubbery polymer, (2) a silica coupling agent, and (3) a surface metalated siliceous filler. The subject invention further reveals a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein said tread is comprised of (1) a rubbery polymer, (2) a silica coupling agent, and (3) a surface metalated siliceous filler.
US07943692B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and molded articles with the same
A polycarbonate composition and its use as a molded article and as housing or a part of electronic device are disclosed. The polycarbonate composition includes a polycarbonate resin, a liquid crystalline polymer resin, a core-shell grafted copolymer and a low molecular weight polyolefin. The composition has an impact strength of at least about 68 kg·cm/cm when a specimen of the composition is subject to a chemical treatment and the chemically treated specimen is tested according to the standard ASTM D256 (⅛″ notched). The composition has an impact resistance of exhibiting substantially no cracking when a specimen of the composition is subject to a chemical treatment and the chemically treated specimen is tested at 0.6 m according to the standard ASTM D3029. The chemical treatment includes submerging the specimen in paint thinner for 20 seconds and thereafter drying the specimen at 70° C. for 5 minutes. Further, the composition has a fatigue resistance of at least about 130,000 when a specimen of the composition is tested at 4000 psi at 5 times per second according to the standard ASTM D638.
US07943684B2 Process for production of black crayon
The invention provides a process for producing a crayon without poor gelation using a benzylidene sorbitol gelling agent together with the use of carbon black as a black pigment. The process comprises dissolving and dispersing carbon black and a resin component in an organic solvent, dissolving at least one gelling agent selected from the group consisting of dibenzylidene sorbitol, tribenzylidene sorbitol and derivatives thereof in the resultant under heating, pouring the obtained raw material solution into a molding container, and then cooling and solidifying the solution, wherein carbon black having an average particle diameter of primary particles of 20 to 100 nm is used as the carbon black.
US07943679B2 Method of molding rigid polyurethane foams with enhanced thermal conductivity
The present invention is to a molded rigid polyurethane foam for application in appliance, having a reduced thermal conductivity at densities between 33 and 38 kg/m3 and a process for the production of such foams. The molded rigid polyurethane foam have a ratio of applied foam density (kg/m3) to lambda (mW/mK), measured at 10° C., 24 hours after foam production from 1.65 and to 2.15 and are obtained by the process of injecting into a closed mold cavity under reduced pressure a reaction mixture at a packing factor of 1.1 to 1.9 and the reaction mixture comprises: A) an organic polyisocyanate; B) a physical blowing agent, C) a polyol composition containing at least one polyol with a functionality of 3 or greater and a hydroxyl number between 200 and 800 and a water content of 0 to 2.5 weight percent of the total polyol composition; D) catalyst and E) auxiliary substances and/or additives.
US07943664B2 Phosphate binding materials and their uses
Phosphate binding materials and compositions comprising them which are solid ligand-modified poly oxo-hydroxy metal ion materials are disclosed that are based on ferric iron oxo-hydroxides modified with carboxylic acid ligands, or ionized forms thereof. These materials are made and tested in the examples provided in the application to demonstrate that they can bind phosphate in in vitro and in in vivo studies.
US07943661B2 Substituted 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one derivatives and preparation and uses thereof
The invention concerns novel substituted 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, their therapeutic uses, in particular for treating cerebral ischemia. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said derivatives.
US07943660B2 Inhibitors of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction and uses thereof
The invention relates to the treatment of disorders or diseases mediated by LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecular interaction. This is based on the use of novel chemical compounds capable of inhibiting said interaction, and more particularly, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
US07943653B2 Substituted 5-vinylphenyl-1-phenyl-pyrazole cannabinoid modulators
This invention is directed to a cannabinoid modulator compound of formula (I): or a form thereof, and methods for use in treating, ameliorating or preventing a cannabinoid receptor mediated syndrome, disorder or disease.
US07943647B2 Process for the preparation of tetrazole derivatives from organo aluminium azides
The present invention relates to a method for preparing substituted tetrazoles of the formula or a tautomer or salt thereof, wherein R represents an organic residue. Also provided are compounds obtained according to this method, new reactants and new tetrazole derivatives, useful as pharmaceuticals or agricultural compositions, foaming agents, automotive inflators, and the like.
US07943643B2 Aryl substituted pyridines and the use thereof
This invention relates aryl substituted pyridines of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, wherein Ar and R1-R4 are set in the specification. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula I for the treatment of neuronal damage following global and focal ischemia, for the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of both acute or chronic pain, as antitinnitus agents, as anticonvulsants, and as antimanic depressants, as local anesthetics, as antiarrhythmics and for the treatment or prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
US07943634B2 Substituted benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine derivatives as PDE 4 inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors of the formula (1) and analogs, tautomers, enantiomers, diasteromers, regioisomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, appropriate N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them which are useful in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and reperfusion injury of the brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
US07943632B2 High potency dopaminergic treatment of neurological impairment associated with brain injury
Methods and compositions are described for treating impaired neurological function, including altered state of consciousness disorders, in an individual who has sustained a brain injury comprising administering to the individual apomorphine. Methods and compositions are described for treating impaired neurological function, including altered state of consciousness disorders, in an individual who has sustained a brain injury comprising administering to the individual at least 1000 mg or more of L-dopa (levodopa) per day. The use of potent dopaminergic agents to stimulate emergence from an altered consciousness state, such as a coma, is disclosed.
US07943626B2 Substituted 1,3-dialkyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(pyridylamino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-hydroxamic acid inhibitors of MAPK/ERK kinase
Compounds of the substituted 1,3-dialkyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(arylamino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-hydroxamic acids, show below: wherein the variables are as defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, are provided for use as inhibitors of with MEK kinase.
US07943625B2 2 thioxanthine derivatives acting as MPO-inhibitors
The present invention relates to a compound according to Formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from C1-C6 alkyl, and said C1-C6 alkyl is substituted with C1-C6 alkoxy; and at least one of said C1-C6 alkyl or said C1-C6 alkoxy is branched; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, solvate or solvate of a salt thereof, as well as, to compositions containing at least one compound according to Formula (I) and methods of treating at least one disease or condition therewith.
US07943616B2 Azaindoles for inhibiting aurora2 and other kinases
The invention is directed to physiologically active compounds of general formula (I):— and compositions containing such compounds; and their prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates of such compounds and their prodrugs, as well as to novel compounds within the scope of formula (I). Such compounds and compositions have valuable pharmaceutical properties, in particular the ability to inhibit kinases.
US07943614B2 Carboxamide compound and use of the same
A carboxamide compound represented by the formula (I): [wherein Q represents a nitrogen-containing 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic group optionally fused with a benzene ring, two or more ring constitutional atoms of the heterocyclic group are a nitrogen atom, and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C3 alkyl group etc.], and a plant disease controlling agent comprising this as an active ingredient.
US07943613B2 Compounds, their preparation and use
Novel compounds of the general formula (I), the use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of treatment employing these compounds and compositions. The present compounds are activators of PPARδ and should be useful for treating conditions mediated by the same.
US07943611B2 Imidazo[1,2-A]pyridin-3-yl-acetic acid hydrazides, processes, for their preparation and pharmaceutical uses thereof
The invention provides novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl-acetic acid hydrazides of formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and R3 have different meanings, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, polymorphs, hydrates, tautomers, solvates and stereoisomers thereof. Compounds of formula (I) are useful for treating or preventing, in a human or non-human mammal, diseases associated with GABAA receptors modulation, anxiety, epilepsy, sleep disorders including insomnia, and for inducing sedation-hypnosis, anesthesia, sleep and muscle relaxation. The invention also provides synthetic processes for preparing said compounds.
US07943610B2 Pyrazolopyridine-1,4-diamines and analogs thereof
Pyrazolopyridine-1,4-diamines and analogs thereof, e.g., pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-1,4-diamines, pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,4-diamines, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,4-diamines, and pyrazolo[3,4-c]naphthyridine-1,4-di-amines, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making these compounds, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US07943602B2 Pharmaceutical application of 15- or 16-substituted testosterone analogues
The invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage units for oral, transmucosal or transdermal administration containing 15- or 16-substituted testosterone analogues, as well as to therapeutic methods that employ these testosterone analogues. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such pharmaceutical dosage units containing at least 10 μg of an androgenic steroid selected from the group consisting of 15-hydroxytestosterones, 16-hydroxytestosterones, precursors thereof and mixtures of these hydroxytestosterones and/or their precursors; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The term “15-hydroxytestosterones” encompasses both 15α-hydroxytestosterone (15α, 17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one) and 15β-hydroxytestosterone (15β, 17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one). Similarly, the term “16-hydroxytestosterones” encompasses both 16α-hydroxytestosterone hydroxytestosterone (16α, 17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one) and 16β-hydroxytestosterone (16β, 17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one). The androgenic steroids according to the invention are advantageously employed in e.g. a method of treating or preventing androgen deficiency or a method of hormonal contraception.
US07943597B2 Phosphate-binding chitosan and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods for removing phosphate from a subject using chitosan. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for treating hyperphosphatemia based on phosphate-binding chitosan.
US07943593B2 Compositions comprising inhibitors of IMPDH enzyme
The present invention relates to compositions comprising an apoptosis inducing anti-cancer agent and an IMPDH inhibitor. This invention also relates to methods for inducing apoptosis and for treating tumors and cancers in mammals.
US07943591B2 Gene expression and pain
The present invention relates to double-stranded oligonucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and use of such double-stranded oligonucleotides and pharmaceutical compositions to modulate nociceptive signaling in a cell or prevent and/or treat pain in a patient.
US07943587B2 Vaccines and gene therapy compositions and methods of making and using the same
Methods of inducing an immune response against an immunogen in an individual are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the individual, one or more nucleic acid molecules that comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes an immunogen and a nucleotide sequence that encodes an Major Histocompatibility Complex antigen. The nucleotide sequences that encode the immunogen and the Major Histocompatibility Complex antigen are expressed when taken up by cells of the individual and an immune response against the immunogen is induced in the individual. Methods of reducing rejection of unmatched donor cells, tissue or organ in an individual undergoing cell, tissue or organ transplantation are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the individual, one or more nucleic acid molecules that comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes a death signal or toxin and a nucleotide sequence that encodes a Major Histocompatibility Complex antigen that is matched to the donor cells, tissue or organ. The nucleotide sequences that encode the Major Histocompatibility Complex antigen and death signal or toxin are expressed when taken up by cells of the individual. T cell death through interaction with the death signal or toxin results in a reduction of rejection of unmatched donor cells, tissue or organ. Methods of reducing a dominant immune response in an individual and methods of expanding a subpopulation of T cells associated with a specific immune response are also described. Plasmids and compositions comprising plasmids useful for practicing the method are described.
US07943586B2 Antineoplastic agents targeted via glut transporters
The present invention relates to novel antineoplastic agents and cancer diagnostic agents that specifically target neo-plastic cells via the GLUT transportation system. More specifically, the invention relates to conjugates of 2-deoxyglucose, wherein a linker, which includes a covalent bond, is attached to 2-deoxyglucose at the 2 position, and the linker is attached to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The invention also relates to methods of treating tumor disease and methods of making the novel compounds of the present invention. The agents of the present invention are superior to previous agents as they are targeted via GLUT transporters.
US07943578B2 Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides
It is intended to provide ACE inhibitory tripeptides which are not easily digested by digestive enzymes after being orally taken and thus have fewer tendencies to lose their ACE inhibitory activity in vivo.More specifically, 3 tripeptides having an ACE inhibitory activity and showing a hypotensive effect in an animal experiment are discovered from a thermolysin digestion product of sesame. These tripeptides respectively have amino acid sequences Leu-Ser-Ala, Val-Ile-Tyr and Leu-Val-Tyr and show an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity.
US07943574B2 Cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of the JNK signal transduction pathway
The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that selectively block the branch of the JNK signaling pathway controlled by the islet-brain (IB) proteins. The provided cell-permeable peptides block the binding of intermediate kinases in the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the downstream effects of c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK).
US07943561B1 Heavy duty hand cleaner
A liquid hand cleansing composition which has the ability to remove stubborn soils such as ink, grease, paint and the like. The composition is also able to hold water insoluble particles in suspension without separation or sedimentation because of cooperation between a special suspension system and a surfactant system. Additionally, the composition remains homogenous and viscosity stabilized even in the presence of relatively large quantities of solvent such as d-limonene.
US07943558B2 Lubricant with non-terminal functional groups
Lubricant with non-terminal functional groups. The location of the functional groups minimizes free chain length and molecular weight of a lubricant while simultaneously maximizing evaporation temperature. The locations of the functional groups to the backbone of the molecule of the lubricant allows for shorter lengths of free backbone length between functional groups attached to a lubricated surface. The lubricant lubricates mechanical devices including hard disk drives.
US07943556B2 Environmentally friendly solid lubricant sticks
A solid lubricant and composition useful for lubricating the flanges of locomotive wheels, railcar wheels, rail tracks and in applications where it is desirable to reduce friction when metal contacts metal. The solid lubricant having from about 25% to about 70% by volume of a biopolymer polymeric carrier, about 5% to 75% percent by volume of organic and inorganic extreme pressure additives, about 0% to 20% by volume synthetic extreme pressure anti-wear liquid oil, and about 0% to 1% by volume optical brightener.
US07943546B2 Polymerization modifiers
A combinatorial method for identifying a catalyst composition for use in the homogeneous addition polymerization of an olefin monomers, said catalyst composition comprising a transition metal compound, a cocatalyst and a polymerization modifier, as well as catalyst compositions and improved olefin polymerization processes resulting therefrom.
US07943543B1 Ionic liquid-solid-polymer mixed matrix membranes for gas separations
New ionic liquid-solid-polymer mixed matrix membranes were proposed for gas separations such as CO2 removal from natural gas or N2. For the new mixed matrix membranes, the solids such as carbon molecular sieves, microporous molecular sieves, MCM-41 type of mesoporous molecular sieves, or polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) are coated (or impregnated) with ionic liquids such as 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]amide. The ionic liquids coated or impregnated solids are then dispersed in the continuous polymer matrix to form mixed matrix membranes. These hybrid mixed matrix membranes will combine the properties of the continuous polymer phase, the ionic liquids, and the dispersed ionic liquids coated or impregnated solids phase, which will possibly open up new opportunities for gas separation processes such as CO2 separation from natural gas or flue gas.
US07943539B2 Glass-ceramics and method for manufacturing the same
There are provided glass-ceramics comprising, in mass %, 50-60% SiO2, 22-26% Al2O3 and 3-5% Li2O, having an average crystal grain diameter exceeding 100 nm, and having an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of 30×10−7/° C. or below within a temperature range of 0° C. to 50° C. These glass-ceramics are manufactured by a step of melting glass raw materials, a step of forming the molten glass, a step of annealing the formed glass, a first heat treating step for heat treating the annealed glass at a temperature of 650-750° C. for 0.1 hour to 200 hours, and a second heat treating step for heat treating the glass at a temperature of 800-1000° C. for 0.1 hour to 50 hours.
US07943526B2 Process for the wet-chemical treatment of one side of silicon wafers
The present invention relates in general terms to the treatment or processing of substrate surfaces. In particular, the invention relates to processes for modifying the surface of silicon wafers.
US07943525B2 Method of producing microelectromechanical device with isolated microstructures
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device (20) includes a polysilicon structural layer (46) having movable microstructures (28) formed therein and suspended above a substrate (22). Isolation trenches (56) extend through the layer (46) such that the microstructures (28) are laterally anchored to the isolation trenches (56). A sacrificial layer (22) is formed overlying the substrate (22), and the structural layer (46) is formed overlying the sacrificial layer (22). The isolation trenches (56) are formed by etching through the polysilicon structural layer (46) and depositing a nitride (72), such as silicon-rich nitride, in the trenches (56). The microstructures (28) are then formed in the structural layer (46), and electrical connections (30) are formed over the isolation trenches (56). The sacrificial layer (22) is subsequently removed to form the MEMS device (20) having the isolated microstructures (28) spaced apart from the substrate (22).
US07943524B2 Method of etching and etching apparatus
Silicon oxide film having, as a sublayer, a silicon nitride film layer serving as a protective film layer for 5 gate formed on silicon substrate is etched by introducing a processing gas including a gaseous mixture containing at least C4F6, Ar, O2 and N2 into an airtight processing chamber and carrying out a plasma treatment in a self-alignment contact process, thereby forming contact hole. For the 10 processing gas, e.g., the ratio of N2 gas flow rate to C4F6 gas flow rate ranges from 25/8 to 85/8, the ratio of O2 and N2 gas flow rate to C4F6 gas flow rate ranges from 15/4 to 45/4 and the ratio of N2 gas flow rate to O2 gas flow rate ranges from 5 to 17. Accordingly, stable contact holes of 15 high aspect ratio exhibiting desirable control characteristics is formed while minimizing etching the silicon nitride film, a protective film layer for gate.
US07943522B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using a semiconductor manufacturing unit comprising a reaction chamber, a substrate mounting stage, and a high frequency power supply coupled to the substrate mounting stage, a blocking capacitor interposed between the substrate mounting stage and the high-frequency power supply to continuously perform a plurality of dry etching processing with respect to the same substrate in the same reaction chamber, the method includes: disposing a substrate on a substrate mounting stage, and applying high-frequency powers to the substrate mounting stage while introducing a fluorocarbon-based first gas to perform a first dry etching processing with respect to the substrate, the substrate including an organic material film and a silicon compound film sequentially deposited on a surface thereof and a resist film patterned on the silicon compound film, the first dry etching processing including processing the silicon compound film with the resist film being used as a mask; and stopping application of one of the high-frequency powers, thereby reducing a bias voltage generated to the substrate while introducing a second gas after the first dry etching processing to remove a fluorocarbon-based deposition in the reaction chamber and perform a second dry etching processing with respect to the substrate.
US07943519B2 Etchant, method for fabricating interconnection line using the etchant, and method for fabricating thin film transistor substrate using the etchant
An etchant, a method for fabricating a multi-layered interconnection line using the etchant, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate using the etchant. The etchant for the multi-layered line comprised of molybdenum/copper/molybdenum nitride illustratively includes 10-20 wt % hydrogen peroxide, 1-5 wt % organic acid, a 0.1-1 wt % triazole-based compound, a 0.01-0.5 wt % fluoride compound, and deionized water as the remainder.
US07943509B2 Method of making an interconnect structure
A damascene process is described using a copper fill process to fill a trench (12). The copper fill (20) is started with a deposited seed layer which includes (5) copper and titanium. Some titanium migrates to the surface during the copper fill process. The structure is annealed in a nitrogen atmosphere which creates a self-aligned TiN barrier (24) at the surface of the copper fill (20). Air gaps (26) may be created in the same annealing process. The process may be used to form a multilayer structure.
US07943506B2 Semiconductor device and production method therefor
A semiconductor device provided with: a first interconnection layer provided on a semiconductor substrate; an interlevel insulation film provided over the first interconnection layer; a second interconnection layer of gold provided as an uppermost interconnection layer on the interlevel insulation film; and a barrier layer provided between the first interconnection layer and the second interconnection layer in an interlevel connection opening formed in the interlevel insulation film. The barrier layer includes a first sublayer provided in contact with the first interconnection layer to reduce a contact resistance, a second sublayer provided in contact with the second interconnection layer to improve a bonding strength, and a third sublayer provided between the first sublayer and the second sublayer. The first sublayer, the second sublayer and the third sublayer are, for example, a first tantalum sublayer, a second tantalum sublayer and a tantalum nitride sublayer, respectively.
US07943505B2 Advanced VLSI metallization
A four layer interconnect structure is disclosed which includes a bottom conductive reactive layer such as titanium, a conductive barrier layer, such as titanium nitride, a conductive layer, such as aluminum-copper alloy, and a top conductive barrier layer, such as titanium nitride. The interconnection structure can be fabricated using conventional sputter deposition technology. The resulting interconnection structure provides a highly conductive thin film structure that provides good contact to tungsten plugs with small contact dimensions, good patternability on fine lines, and good reliability.
US07943502B2 Method of forming a phase change memory device
Provided are a phase change memory device and a method for forming the phase change memory device. The method includes forming a phase change material layer by providing reactive radicals to a substrate. The reactive radicals may comprise precursors for a phase change material and nitrogen.
US07943495B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a recess over the semiconductor substrate by etching the ONO layer, forming a vertical structure pattern being higher than the ONO layer over the recess, sequentially forming a spacer oxide film and a first gate poly over the side wall of the vertical structure pattern, and forming a nitride film spacer at a partial region of the side wall of the first gate poly, removing the nitride film spacer, and forming a second gate poly in a spacer shape over the side wall of the first gate poly, and forming a first split gate and a second split gate, symmetrically divided from each other, by removing the vertical structure pattern.
US07943494B2 Method for blocking dislocation propagation of semiconductor
The present invention provides a method for blocking the dislocation propagation of a semiconductor. A semiconductor layer is formed by epitaxial process on a substrate. A plurality of recesses is formed on the semiconductor layer by etching fragile locations of the semiconductor layer where dislocation occurs. Thereafter, a blocking layer is formed on each of the plurality of recesses. The aforesaid semiconductor layer undergoes epitaxial process again on the aforesaid semiconductor layer, and laterally overgrows to redirect the dislocation defects.
US07943493B2 Electrical fuse having a fully silicided fuselink and enhanced flux divergence
A contiguous block of a stack of two heterogeneous semiconductor layers is formed over an insulator region such as shallow trench isolation. A portion of the contiguous block is exposed to an etch, while another portion is masked during the etch. The etch removes an upper semiconductor layer selective to a lower semiconductor layer in the exposed portion. The etch mask is removed and the entirety of the lower semiconductor layer within the exposed region is metallized. A first metal semiconductor alloy vertically abutting the insulator region is formed, while exposed surfaces of the stack of two heterogeneous semiconductor layers, which comprises the materials of the upper semiconductor layer, are concurrently metallized to form a second metal semiconductor alloy. An inflection point for current and, consequently, a region of flux divergence are formed at the boundary of the two metal semiconductor alloys.
US07943490B2 Method of cutting PCBS
The present invention relates to a method of cutting PCB module using a laser. The method includes steps of: providing a coverlay film, the coverlay film including at least one opening defined therein; attaching the coverlay film onto the PCB module such that the through holes of the PCB module are covered by the coverlay film and the laser cutting area thereof is exposed via the at least one opening; applying a laser beam to the exposed laser cutting area of the PCB module to cut the PCB module; and removing the coverlay film. A high positioning precision of the PCB module and better cutting result can be obtained.
US07943487B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Suppression of generation of a stripe pattern (unevenness) when an SOI substrate is manufactured by a glass substrate and a single crystal semiconductor substrate bonded to each other. A single crystal semiconductor substrate is irradiated with ions so that a fragile region is formed in the single crystal semiconductor substrate; a depression or a projection is formed in a region of a surface of an insulating layer provided on the single crystal semiconductor substrate, the region corresponding to the periphery of the single crystal semiconductor substrate; the single crystal semiconductor substrate is bonded to a base substrate; thermal treatment is performed thereon to separate the single crystal semiconductor substrate at the fragile region, so that a single crystal semiconductor layer is formed over the base substrate; and the single crystal semiconductor layer in the region corresponding to the periphery is removed.
US07943486B2 Enhancement of electron and hole mobilities in <110> Si under biaxial compressive strain
The present invention provides a semiconductor material that has enhanced electron and hole mobilities that comprises a Si-containing layer having a <110> crystal orientation and a biaxial compressive strain. The term “biaxial compressive stress” is used herein to describe the net stress caused by longitudinal compressive stress and lateral stress that is induced upon the Si-containing layer during the manufacturing of the semiconductor material. Other aspect of the present invention relates to a method of forming the semiconductor material of the present invention. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing a silicon-containing <110> layer; and creating a biaxial strain in the silicon-containing <110> layer.
US07943481B1 Method of forming fine patterns
A method of forming fine patterns comprises laminating respective first, second, and third auxiliary layers over an underlying layer, forming first acid diffusion regions spaced apart from each other and each having a first width within the third auxiliary layer, forming second acid diffusion regions spaced apart from each other and each having a second width wider than the first width within the second auxiliary layer, and forming third acid diffusion regions spaced apart from each other and each having a third width narrower than the first width within the first auxiliary layer, forming first auxiliary patterns separated from each other at an interval of the third width, forming second auxiliary patterns on respective first auxiliary patterns and separated from each other at an interval of the second width, and forming third auxiliary patterns on respective second auxiliary patterns and separated from each other at an interval of the first width by removing the first to third acid diffusion regions, respectively, forming a first hard mask pattern between the first auxiliary patterns and forming a second hard mask pattern on sidewalls of each of the second auxiliary patterns under respective third auxiliary patterns, removing the third auxiliary patterns to expose the second auxiliary patterns, removing the second auxiliary patterns and some of the first auxiliary patterns exposed between the first and second hard mask patterns, and removing some of the first auxiliary patterns exposed by the removal of the second auxiliary patterns.
US07943474B2 EDRAM including metal plates
A method for forming a memory device is provided by first forming at least one trench in a semiconductor substrate. Next, a lower electrode is formed in the at least one trench, and thereafter a conformal dielectric layer is formed on the lower electrode.An upper electrode is then formed on the conformal dielectric layer. The forming of the upper electrode may include a conformal deposition of metal nitride layer, and a non-conformal deposition of an electrically conductive material atop the metal nitride layer, in which the electrically conductive material encloses the at least one trench.
US07943471B1 Diode with asymmetric silicon germanium anode
The present invention is directed to a diode with an asymmetric silicon germanium anode and methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the diode includes an anode comprising a P-doped silicon germanium material formed in a semiconducting substrate, an N-doped silicon cathode formed in the semiconducting substrate, a first conductive contact that is conductively coupled to the anode and a second conductive contact that is conductively coupled to the cathode.
US07943465B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor component
A semiconductor component that includes a contact landing pad and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component. A trench having sidewalls is formed in a semiconductor material and a dielectric material is formed on the sidewalls of the trench. An electrically conductive material is formed on the sidewalls and fills the trench. A multi-layer dielectric structure is formed over the electrically conductive material in the trench, where the multi-layer dielectric material is comprised of a dielectric material of one type sandwiched between dielectric materials of a different type such that an etch rate of the middle layer of dielectric material is different from those of the outer layers of dielectric material. Portions of the middle layer of dielectric material are removed and replaced with electrically conductive material that, in combination with portions of the electrically conductive material in the trench, form a contact landing pad.
US07943458B2 Methods for obtaining gate stacks with tunable threshold voltage and scaling
Methods of forming complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. The methods disclose a technique of obtaining selective placement of threshold voltage adjusting materials on a semiconductor substrate by using a block mask prior to deposition of the threshold voltage adjusting materials. The block mask is subsequently removed to obtain a patterned threshold voltage adjusting material on the semiconductor substrate. The methods are material independent and can be used in sequence for both nFET threshold voltage adjusting materials and pFET threshold voltage adjusting materials.
US07943455B2 CMOS image sensors and methods of fabricating the same
CMOS image sensors and methods of fabricating the same. The CMOS image sensors include a pixel array region having an active pixel portion and an optical block pixel portion which encloses the active pixel portion. The optical block pixel portion includes an optical block metal pattern for blocking light. The optical block metal pattern may be connected to a ground portion.
US07943446B2 Method of producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device able to secure electrical effective thicknesses required for insulating films of electronic circuit elements by using depletion of electrodes of the electronic circuit elements even if the physical thicknesses of the insulating films are not different, where gate electrodes of high withstand voltage use transistors to which high power source voltages are supplied contain an impurity at a relatively low concentration, so the gate electrodes are easily depleted at the time of application of the gate voltage; depletion of the gate electrodes is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the gate insulating films; the electrical effective thicknesses required of the gate insulating films can be made thicker; and the gate electrodes of high performance transistors for which a high speed and large drive current are required do not contain an impurity at a high concentration where depletion of the gate electrodes will not occur, so the electrical effective thickness of the gate insulating films is kept thin.
US07943444B2 Vertical floating body cell of a semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a tube-type channel formed over a semiconductor substrate. The tube-type channel is connected to first and second conductive lines. A bias electrode is formed in the tube-type channel. The bias electrode is connected to the semiconductor substrate. An insulating film is disposed between the tube-type channel and the bias electrode. A surrounding gate electrode is formed over the tube-type channel.
US07943439B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus
A manufacturing method is provided for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus including a main semiconductor device and a subsidiary semiconductor device, which facilitates preventing characteristics variations from causing and reducing the manufacturing costs. The method includes forming p-type well region in the surface portion of single-crystal semiconductor substrate of a main semiconductor device, mounting a single-crystal silicon diode above p-type well region with an insulator film interposed between diode and p-type well region for forming subsidiary semiconductor device, forming an insulator film on the main semiconductor device such that single-crystal silicon diode is covered with insulator film for fixing single-crystal silicon diode to single-crystal semiconductor substrate, and forming a metal film on the main semiconductor device for further forming a cathode side wiring on n-type cathode region in single-crystal silicon diode and an anode side wiring on p-type anode region in single-crystal silicon diode.
US07943434B2 Monolithic molded flexible electronic assemblies without solder and methods for their manufacture
A method (10) for manufacturing a monolithic molded electronic assembly (12). A mold (14) having first and second mold potions (14a-b) that mate to form an interior chamber (16) is provided. The mold has an injection port (22) and channel (24) connecting into the chamber. Electronic parts (30) having electronic contacts (32) are populated onto the second mold portion, to be substantially contained in the chamber. The mold potions are mated together and a liquid insulating molding material (36) is injected through the injection port channel to fill the chamber. The molding material is hardened to a solid, thereby embedding the electronic parts in the molding material as a monolithic sub-assembly (40). The monolithic sub-assembly is removed from the mold and one or more solderless conductive circuits (50) are applied to the electronic contacts of the electronic parts, thereby providing the electronic assembly.
US07943424B1 Encapsulation method for packaging semiconductor components with external leads
This invention discloses a method for packaging a semiconductor device with leads extending outside its encapsulation. The method comprises the following steps: Step 1, providing a lead frame comprising a plurality of lead frame units arranged in two dimensional array, each lead frame unit comprising a die pad and a plurality of leads located along two opposite sides of the die pad, attaching a semiconductor chip onto the die pad and electrically connecting the electrodes on each chip to its corresponding leads; Step 2, Encapsulating the chips, the die pads, and the leads with molding material into a plurality of one dimensional plastic encapsulation bars with the leads of each lead frame unit extending out along two opposite sides of the plastic encapsulation bars connecting to a plurality of tie bars substantially parallel to the plastic encapsulation bars; Step 3, Trimming off the tie bars therefore cutting off the connections between the leads to the tie bars while preserving a portion of the leads extending out of the plastic encapsulation bars; and Step 4, Sawing through the plastic encapsulation bars to form a plurality of individual semiconductor components with leads extending outside its encapsulation.
US07943422B2 Wafer level pre-packaged flip chip
Methods for producing a flip chip package by prepackaging one or more dice on a semiconductor wafer are provided. An embodiment of the method includes applying an adhesive to a first side of a finished wafer, where a number of dice are located. The active layer of the dice is on the first side of the finished wafer. The method further includes forming an array of conductive elements within the adhesive, where the array of conductive elements is electrically coupled to an array of connection pads on a die. The wafer can be diced to provide pre-packaged chips. To provide greater mounting densities, two or more dice may be coupled before application of the adhesive layer.
US07943414B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate
An object of an embodiment of the present invention to be disclosed is to prevent oxygen from being taken in a single crystal semiconductor layer in laser irradiation even when crystallinity of the single crystal semiconductor layer is repaired by irradiation with a laser beam; and to make substantially equal or reduce an oxygen concentration in the semiconductor layer after the laser irradiation comparing before the laser irradiation. A single crystal semiconductor layer which is provided over a base substrate by bonding is irradiated with a laser beam, whereby the crystallinity of the single crystal semiconductor layer is repaired. The laser irradiation is performed under a reducing atmosphere or an inert atmosphere.
US07943409B2 Method of fabricating image sensor photodiodes using a multi-layer substrate and contact method and the structure thereof
The present invention relates to a photodiode of an image sensor using a three-dimensional multi-layer substrate, and more particularly, to a method of implementing a buried type photodiode and a structure thereof, and a trench contact method for connecting a photodiode in a multi-layer substrate and a transistor for signal detection.
US07943408B2 Production process for surface-mounting ceramic LED package, surface-mounting ceramic LED package produced by said production process, and mold for producing said package
The present invention is related to a surface-mounting ceramic LED package and a method for its production comprising: layering a ceramic green sheet which has a hole and a second ceramic green sheet, inserting a mold with a groove to form a partition in the bottom of the ceramic green sheet substrate, and firing the ceramic green sheet substrate.
US07943396B2 Peptide-coated nanoparticles with graded shell compositions
A peptide-coated nanoparticle that includes a nanocrystal core surrounded by a graded shell that is composed of at least two different semiconductor molecules. At least one peptide is attached to the surface of the graded shell to render the nanoparticle biocompatible. The nanocrystal core and graded shell are optionally annealed with ultra violet radiation prior to and/or after attachment of the peptide(s).
US07943388B2 Acoustic sensors and methods
Acoustic sensors, preferably surface acoustic wave sensors, and more preferably shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensors that include soluble mixed with oligomers and/or polymers formed from such monomers), or multifunctional compounds, for example, that can function as either waveguide materials, immobilization materials for secondary capture agents (e.g., antibodies), or both.
US07943384B2 Apparatus and methods for sorting particles
A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles with a fluid delivery system delivering a fluid containing particles, a flow cytometry apparatus for receiving the fluid, forming the fluid into a stream and using flow cytometry to classify the particles according to certain characteristics; a sorting system for sorting the particles according to the classification and according to a sorting strategy to provide at least one population containing desired particles and; a control responsive to information received from the flow cytometry apparatus for controlling the sorting system to vary its sorting strategy or for controlling the fluid delivery system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function at least one of purity and quantity of the particles.
US07943379B2 Production of rAAV in vero cells using particular adenovirus helpers
The present invention relates to methods and materials for recombinant adeno-associated virus production. More particularly, in some embodiments the invention contemplates the use of an adenovirus known as Simian Adenovirus 13 (SAdV-13) and Vero cells for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV).
US07943375B2 Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV type C polypeptides, polypeptides and uses thereof
The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.
US07943368B2 Reducing time to result for blood bank diagnostic testing
Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.
US07943337B2 Method for screening a protease
There is provided a method for specifically determining a glycated β-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin using enzymes without a separation operation, and a determination reagent kit therefor. A protease that cleaves a glycated amino acid and/or a glycated peptide from a glycated β-chain N-terminal without substantially cleaving a glycated amino acid or a glycated peptide from a glycated α-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin or a fragment thereof is screened. The method of specifically determining a glycated β-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin and the determination reagent kit are provided by using the protease obtained by the screening method. According to the present invention, a glycated β-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin can specifically be determined without a separation operation.
US07943336B2 Cutinase for detoxification of feed products
The present invention relates to a method comprising treatment with cutinase for detoxification of feed products contaminated by the mycotoxin zearalenone.
US07943333B2 Diagnostic method for identifying carriers of the Marburg I variant of factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) on the basis of differential modulation of FSAP activity
The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for identifying persons with genetically related hetero- or homozygous expression of the MR I variant of factor VII-activating protease (FSAP). The heterozygous or homozygous presence of an MR I polymorphism can be identified by a differential modulation of the FSAP activity.
US07943332B2 Measuring circulating therapeutic antibody, antigen and antigen/antibody complexes using ELISA assays
The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.
US07943328B1 Method and system for assisting in diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome
The present invention provides methods, systems, and code for accurately classifying or diagnosing a sample from an individual as an IBS sample. The methods and systems of the present invention are useful for ruling out one or more diseases or disorders that share a similar clinical presentation as IBS followed by identifying (i.e., ruling in) IBS using statistical algorithm(s) and/or empirical data. In particular, the methods and systems of the present invention use a first combination of learning statistical classifier systems to rule out IBD with an accuracy of greater than about 90% and a second combination of learning statistical classifier systems to rule in IBS in a non-IBD sample with an accuracy of greater than about 80%.
US07943326B2 Diagnostic assay for anti-von Willebrand Factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) antibodies
This invention relates to a kit to be used in an assay system for determination of an anti-von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease (“anti-vWF-cp”) antibody in a sample. The kit comprises vWF-cp and/or vWF-fragment(s) immobilized on a solid phase. The kit can be used in a method for determination of anti-vWF-cp antibodies from a patient, for the diagnosis of disorders associated with the occurrence of anti-vWF-cp-antibodies, and the differentiation of various forms of thrombotic microangiopathy.
US07943321B2 Rapid, sensitive and quantitative methods for tissue and cell-based proteomics via consecutive addition of quantifiable extenders
Methods, systems and kits are provided for detecting and quantifying multiple immunogens in a sample via consecutive addition of quantifiable extenders to immunogen bound complexes of immunogen binding agent attached to a DNA containing an RNA polymerase promoter.
US07943319B2 Utility of RET mutant in diagnosis and treatment of melanoma
The invention relates to a method of detecting a RET mutant in a melanoma cell. Also disclosed is a method of modulating the activity of a RET mutant in a melanoma cell with an agent that interferes with the activity of the RET mutant.
US07943315B2 Methods for testing milk
The disclosure is related generally to methods for testing mammary fluid (including milk) to establish or confirm the identity of the donor of the mammary fluid. Such methods are useful in the milk-bank business to improve safety.
US07943313B2 Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 70 to 72 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US07943309B2 HLA alleles associated with adverse drug reactions and methods for detecting such
This invention relates to a method of determining the presence of certain HLA alleles, such as HLA-B*1502 or HLA-B*5801, and a kit for carrying out this method. Also disclosed is a method for assessing whether a patient is at risk for developing adverse drug reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or hypersensitivity syndrome) based on the presence or absence of a genetic marker (e.g., HLA-B*1502, HLA-B*5801, or HLA-B*4601).
US07943302B2 C20ORF23 as modifier of the IGFR pathway and methods of use
Human C20ORF23 genes are identified as modulators of the IGFR pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGFR function. Methods for identifying modulators of IGFR, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of C20ORF23 are provided.
US07943297B2 Analysis of HIV-1 coreceptor use in the clinical care of HIV-1-infected patients
A change in viral tropism occurs in many HIV positive individuals over time and can be indicated by a change in coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4. The change in coreceptor usage to CXCR4 has been shown to correlate with increased disease progression. In patients undergoing HAART, the predominant populations of virus can be shifted back to CCR5-mediated entry after the CXCR4-specific strains have emerged. The present invention relates to a diagnostic method to monitor coreceptor use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic method applied to HIV-positive individuals undergoing HAART to monitor the suppression of CXCR4 specific strains. The diagnostic methods can be used to assist in selecting antiretroviral therapy and to improve predictions of disease prognosis over time.
US07943295B2 Screening and therapeutic method for NSCLC targeting CDCA1-KNTC2 complex
The present invention is based on the observation that the co-activation of CDCA1 and KNTC2, and their cognate interactions, play significant roles in lung-cancer progression and that methods of inhibiting the complex can be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer.
US07943290B2 Method of forming fine pattern using azobenzene-functionalized polymer and method of manufacturing nitride-based semiconductor light emitting device using the method of forming fine pattern
Provided is a method of forming a fine pattern having a pattern dimension of 1 μm or less, repeatedly with reproducibility. The method of forming the fine pattern includes: forming an azobenzene-functionalized polymer film on an etched layer; irradiating the azobenzene-functionalized polymer film using an interference laser beam to form a patterned azobenzene-functionalized polymer film having fine-patterned surface relief gratings by a photophysical mass transporting of the azobenzene-functionalized polymer; etching the etched layer using the azobenzene-functionalized polymer film having the surface relief grating patterns as an etching mask; and removing the patterned azobenzene-functionalized polymer film.
US07943289B2 Inverse resist coating process
The invention provides systems and processes that form the inverse (photographic negative) of a patterned first coating. The patterned first coating is usually provided by a resist. After the first coating is patterned, a coating of a second material is provided thereover. The uppermost layer of the second coating is removed, where appropriate, to expose the patterned first coating. The patterned first coating is subsequently removed, leaving the second coating material in the form of a pattern that is the inverse pattern of the first coating pattern. The process may be repeated with a third coating material to reproduce the pattern of the first coating in a different material. Prior to applying the second coating, the patterned first coating may be trimmed by etching, thereby reducing the feature size and producing sublithographic features. In addition to providing sublithographic features, the invention gives a simple, efficient, and high fidelity method of obtaining inverse coating patterns.
US07943278B2 Low friction electrostatographic imaging member
Present embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having low contact friction surfaces to ease sliding mechanical interaction and suppressing abrasion/wear failure and methods of preparing thereof. The improved imaging member has layers comprising one or two low surface energy polymeric materials that enhance the physical and mechanical functions and reduce the layers surface contact friction of the imaging member to extend service life.
US07943275B2 Structure for pattern formation, method for pattern formation, and application thereof
A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure.
US07943269B2 Ion-/proton-conducting apparatus and method
A c-axis-oriented HAP thin film synthesized by seeded growth on a palladium hydrogen membrane substrate. An exemplary synthetic process includes electrochemical seeding on the substrate, and secondary and tertiary hydrothermal treatments under conditions that favor growth along c-axes and a-axes in sequence. By adjusting corresponding synthetic conditions, an HAP this film can be grown to a controllable thickness with a dense coverage on the underlying substrate. The thin films have relatively high proton conductivity under hydrogen atmosphere and high temperature conditions. The c-axis oriented films may be integrated into fuel cells for application in the intermediate temperature range of 200-600° C. The electrochemical-hydrothermal deposition technique may be applied to create other oriented crystal materials having optimized properties, useful for separations and catalysis as well as electronic and electrochemical applications, electrochemical membrane reactors, and in chemical sensors.
US07943266B2 SOFC seal and cell thermal management
The solid oxide fuel cell module includes a manifold, a plate, a cathode electrode, a fuel cell and an anode electrode. The manifold includes an air or oxygen inlet in communication with divergent passages above the periphery of the cell which combine to flow the air or oxygen radially or inwardly for reception in the center of the cathode flow field. The latter has interconnects providing circuitous cooling passages in a generally radial outward direction cooling the fuel cell and which interconnects are formed of different thermal conductivity materials for a preferential cooling.
US07943264B2 Operation control of a fuel cell system
For a fuel cell system, the flow rate and the pressure of the air flow supplied to the cathode side are controlled with the following procedure. First, air is supplied to the cathode at the flow rate and supply pressure required for generating electricity. In this state, the changing rate of the amount of formed water accumulated in the cathode is estimated based on the required electricity generation and the air flow rate. When the accumulated amount of formed water increases in a high rate, to avoid flooding, the cathode outlet regulation valve is intermittently opened to decrease the outlet gas pressure. Also, at a frequency less than that of the pressure decrease, the air flow rate is increased. By executing this operation, the increased air flow rate and the pressure difference between the cathode inlet and outlet, it is possible to promote discharge of the formed water with small loss of energy.
US07943257B2 Electrolyte solvent and rechargeable lithium battery
Disclosed is a rechargeable lithium battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode in which lithium intercalations occurs, and an electrolyte including a low-inflammability solvent with a heat of combustion of 19,000 kJ/kg or less, and a lithium salt.
US07943256B2 Method for producing battery electrodes, electrodes produced by this method, and batteries containing such electrodes
A method for producing at least one lead battery electrode, comprising the step of disposing an active paste on a support in such a manner as to form said electrode, and locating said electrode in a controlled atmosphere environment to expose said electrode to a gas enriched in ozone, characterised in that said electrode is exposed to an ozone-enriched gas of flow rate less than 100 liters per hour for each square meter of surface of said electrode.
US07943247B2 Insulating material capable of withstanding cyclically varying high temperatures
A heat insulation material based on ceramic material includes a top layer containing BaZrO3 and Y2O3 doped ZrO2. A heat insulation material preferably consists of at least one adhesion promotion layer, at least one intermediate layer arranged thereon and a top layer arranged thereon, with the adhesion promotion layer consisting of MeCrAlY, where Me is nickel and/or cobalt, the intermediate layer consists of Y2O3 doped ZrO2 and the top layer consists of 15 to 25% by weight BaZrO3 and 75 to 85% by weight Y2O3 doped ZrO2. A method of coating a substrate with a heat insulation material includes the step of applying an aforesaid top layer to an optionally coated substrate by a thermal spray method or an electron beam method, in particular an EB-PVD method.
US07943242B2 Sealing members, articles using the same and methods of reducing sticktion
The present invention provides rubber sealing members having an exterior surface adapted to sealingly engage an inner surface of a chamber of the medical device, the exterior surface of the sealing member having a coating thereon prepared from a curable composition including: (a) a first organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups; and (b) a second organopolysiloxane having at least two pendant hydrogen groups, the second organopolysiloxane being different from the first organopolysiloxane, wherein at least one of the first organopolysiloxane, the second organopolysiloxane or an optional third organopolysiloxane of the curable composition comprises a fluoro group.
US07943241B2 Composite ceramic body
A composite ceramic body and a method thereof are provided. The composite ceramic body comprising a first bonding body comprising a ceramic containing Si ingredient, and a second bonding body bonded to the first bonding body through a bonding material containing, as main ingredient, a Si compound which includes the element common to the Si ingredient contained in the first bonding body. The first and second bonding bodies can be bonded strongly and uniformly without any adhesive. Since the composite ceramic body has high bonding strength, it is applicable to microchemical chips and reformers.
US07943237B2 Polyether-based film material
The invention pertains to high-molecular compound-based composite materials using carbon and can be used for anodes of electrolytic capacitors made on the elastic dielectric film base with current-carrying coating.Polyester-base film material chiefly of polyethylene terephthalate has nanodimensional metal coating.New is that a diamond-like layer 5-50 nm thick is placed between the modified surface of the polyester base and metal coating and a sponge metal layer 0.5-20 μm thick is made on the metal coating surface, said sponge metal layer has a surface development factor within the range of 80-400 and the diamond-like nanolayer is sp3-hybridization of amorphous carbon atoms gas-phase deposited in vacuum by means of a ion-plasmous source.The proposed film material with a wide range of electrophysical properties is intended to be used in microelectronics and radio engineering as versatile constructional material. In particular, when used as an anode of the electrolytic capacitor its specific electric capacity is increased due to increased working voltages and adhesion between highly developed surfaces of functional nanolayers of film coating.
US07943234B2 Nanotextured super or ultra hydrophobic coatings
The invention describes compositions that include a polymer having a water contact angle of between about 120° and about 150° or greater adhered to a 1 nm to about a 25 micron diameter sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane.
US07943212B2 Mixed turf and method for its production
Turf (1) for playing sport, for recreation and/or for ornamental purpose comprising a flexible not biodegradable support (5) having a plurality of holes (6) for allowing the drainage of water through the support (5) same. To the flexible support (5) fibres (20) are connected of artificial material in order to form a turf of artificial blades extending from the upper side of the support (5). The fibres (20) are then kept substantially vertical by granular filling material (25), can be made of rubber granules (26). The turf (1) is therefore completed by living vegetable material put into the granular material by means of sowing, transplantation of portions of plants (15) or a combination thereof. Finally, the living vegetable material in the form of seeds (27), or of portions of plants (15), is watered and dressed as known in the art. The turf can be easily carried, rolled up, turned over without spreading the granular material, and laid in a desired moment on a desired support surface for immediate use.
US07943211B2 Three dimensional displays having deformable constructions
An improved three dimensional display such as a Holiday decoration having collapsible constructions having a shape memory internal frame. In one embodied form, the unique display includes a collapsible internal frame formed, in part, from metal wire imparted with suitable memory characteristics. Such metals are referred to as “shape memory alloys” (SMAs) because much metals “remember” their original shapes. Accordingly, the present invention uses a deformable internal metal frame supporting an outer sheath formed from suitable materials such as fabric, or plastic film for the skin of the inventive three dimensional displays.
US07943200B2 Method of curtain coating
To provide an apparatus and method of curtain coating for applying onto a running web a coating solution from a lip top in the form of curtain to form a coating thereon, wherein a fluid is blown to remove excessive deposits of the coating solution that are formed at the edges in the width direction of the coating, and the deposits blown away by the fluid are ejected.
US07943198B2 Apparatus and method for forming seal pattern of flat panel display device
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for forming a seal pattern of a flat panel display device. An apparatus for forming a seal pattern of a flat panel display panel includes a mother substrate having a plurality of unit display panels formed thereon; a stage to support the mother substrate; a mask on the mother substrate, the mask having openings, each opening being formed on a region corresponding to an outer periphery of each unit display panel; and a pattern forming unit including a seal head to apply a sealant to the mask to form the seal pattern around the outer periphery of each unit display panel of the mother substrate.
US07943196B2 Nanotransfer and nanoreplication using deterministically grown sacrificial nanotemplates
Methods, manufactures, machines and compositions are described for nanotransfer and nanoreplication using deterministically grown sacrificial nanotemplates. A method includes depositing a catalyst particle on a surface of a substrate to define a deterministically located position; growing an aligned elongated nanostructure on the substrate, an end of the aligned elongated nanostructure coupled to the substrate at the deterministically located position; coating the aligned elongated nanostructure with a conduit material; removing a portion of the conduit material to expose the catalyst particle; removing the catalyst particle; and removing the elongated nanostructure to define a nanoconduit.
US07943177B2 Polyamide porous spherical particle
Polyamide porous spherical particles having a number-average particle diameter of 2 to 30 μm, a BET specific surface area of 100 to 80,000 m2/kg, and a ratio of a volume-average particle diameter to the number-average particle diameter in the range of 1.52 to 2.50 is reduced in luminous reflectance.
US07943170B2 Sustained release paracetamol containing compositions
A pharmaceutical composition comprising an immediate release phase and a sustained release phase of paracetamol is described which has a unique in vitro dissolution profile resulting in advantageous pharmacokinetic properties.
US07943166B2 Methods and compositions for administration of TRPV1 agonists
Compositions are provided that contain a TRPV1 agonist, such as capsaicin, and a solvent system. Topical application of the composition results in rapid delivery of agonist to the dermis and epidermis. Method of using the compositions for reducing nociceptive nerve fiber function in subjects, and for treatment of capsaicin-responsive conditions are also provided.
US07943163B2 Medical food or nutritional supplement, method of manufacturing same, and method of managing diabetes
A medical food and/or nutritional supplement for oral administration by mammals includes α-lipoic acid, linolenic acid complex, biotin, and coenzyme Q-10. A preferred method of manufacturing the medical food or nutritional supplement is by separate microencapsulation of one or more of the components followed by encapsulation of the individual components, for oral administration. Other methods of delivery include packaging in impermeable, disposable packets and mixing the formulations with food or a cold liquid.
US07943160B2 Pest control methods
Certain embodiments of the methods and compositions of matter disclosed herein relate to: “simultaneous” control of rodents and at least one insect pest (e.g., cockroach, ant, tick) using the same bait; control of ticks by orally administering to mammals a diet composition comprising fipronil; enhancing insecticide efficacy through use of a diet composition that comprises a Generation-I rodenticide and an insecticide; use of imidacloprid in a diet composition orally administerable to mammals in an uncontrolled setting; and use of at least one insecticide to enhance the efficacy of a rodenticide.
US07943158B2 Absorbent systems providing antimicrobial activity
An article and process provides a stable technology that reduces the microbial content by providing molecular iodine to the stabilized reagents when at least two reactants are activated by aqueous and/or alcohol materials.
US07943150B2 Immunizing compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions, including inducing the production of antibody in an animal.
US07943139B2 Methods of generating a humoral immune response against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprising administering Nef apoptotic motif-containing polypeptide-conjugates
A small peptide of 10 or 11 mers, when linked to an immunogenic moiety, can protect against naferious effects of Nef protein of HIV. The vaccine is not used to induce sterilizing immunity, but to block the ability of soluble Nef protein to induce apoptosis, and to therefore alleviate lymphocyte depletion and organ damage.
US07943129B2 Single-domain brain-targeting antibody fragments derived from llama antibodies
A phage-displayed library of llama single heavy domain antibodies (sdAbs) was enriched for species that selectively bind to and are internalized by human cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (HCEC). From the enriched library, two sdAbs were selected, sequenced, subcloned, and expressed as fusion proteins with c-myc-His5 tags. Similarly as phage-displayed sdAbs, these soluble tagged sdAbs were shown to selectively bind to HCEC and to transmigrate across in vitro human blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In contrast to an unrelated llama sdAb, these sdAbs were also detected in the brain after i.v. injection into mice. These small (˜13 kDa) antibody fragments have essential characteristics of brain-specific delivery vectors and can be used to facilitate drug transport across the BBB.
US07943125B2 Attenuated gram negative bacteria
Disclosed and claimed are a mutant of a gram negative bacterium, wherein said bacterium has at least one mutation in a nucleotide sequence which codes for a polypeptide having an identity which is equal or more than 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% with an amino acid sequence coded by a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of nucleotide sequences identified SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 93; said mutation resulting in attenuated virulence of the bacterium. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines containing such a mutant are also disclosed and claimed.
US07943121B2 IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments thereof
An IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, as well as method of using same to treat or prevent a disease, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1β binding polypeptide. IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
US07943117B2 Method for testing radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-TRODAT-1
The present invention is to invent a novel method for testing the radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-TRODAT-1 through a high performance liquid chromatography on a widely available C-18 column.
US07943112B2 Methods of making lithium vanadium oxide powders and uses of the powders
Methods relate to making lithium vanadium oxide powders. Applications for the lithium vanadium oxide powders include use as a negative electrode or anode material for lithium ion batteries. Liquid phase reactions and reduction in vanadium oxidation state of precursor material facilitate in the making of the lithium vanadium oxide powders. Particles forming the lithium vanadium oxide powders may further contain carbon to provide electrical conductivity.
US07943109B2 Process for the production of Si by reduction of SiCl4 with liquid Zn
The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity silicon as a base material for the production of e.g. crystalline silicon solar cells. SiCU is converted to Si metal by contacting gaseous SiCU with liquid Zn, thereby obtaining a Si-bearing alloy and Zn-chloride, which is separated. The Si-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of Zn. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the SiCU towards the end product, as the only reactant is Zn, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.
US07943101B2 Structure for reducing agent container
A canopy is removably secured to the container body, is respectively fitted with: a base of a water level indicator for detecting a remaining amount of liquid reducing agent; a base of a densitometer for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent; and a heat exchanger which surrounds detection portions respectively suspended from the bases of the water level indicator and the densitometer, and through which is circulated engine coolant, to perform heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and a supply port and a return port for the liquid reducing agent are respectively formed in the canopy. The water level indicator, the densitometer, the heat exchanger, and the supply port and the return port for the liquid reducing agent are formed integrally with the canopy, so that the water level indicator and the densitometer can be dismounted together with the canopy at the same time.
US07943100B2 Cuvette for in vitro diagnosis
The device comprises reaction unit cuvettes for different types of tests, a vertical axis rotor which is associated with a rotation drive means and provided with a horizontal gear-teeth crown delimiting radially outwardly open cavities for receiving the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying the gear-teeth crown with the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying cuvettes with analyzable biological liquid samples, stations arranged around the crown for carrying out measurements and/or analysis and an automation for managing the sequences of a desired process for each cuvette.
US07943098B2 Apparatus for generating ozone and/or O1 using a high energy plasma discharge
An electro chemical conversion cell that can break down certain gasses to provide ozone and monovalent oxygen from a supplied volume of a suitable 02-containing gas. The conversion cell is provided with at least one metal mesh electrode within a generator reaction chamber, and a power supply which is adapted to supply a high alternating electric current voltage to at least partially break-down O2 in the input gas to yield ozone. A fluid flow passage extends through the reaction chamber as a generally elongated passage through the reaction cavity. The fluid flow passage extends from an upstream end, where the O2-containing gas is initially supplied into the housing, to a downstream end where treated gas either flows outwardly therefrom under pressure or is evacuated from the housing. In a simplified construction, the fluid flow passage is delineated by a series of electrically insulating plates and/or spacers which are used to partition the reaction cavity.
US07943095B2 Purifier
A purifier is described for use in a gas processing application. The purifier comprises a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A series of baffles are arranged in the chamber and coated with a getter material selected for its ability to react with species to be removed from a gas stream and form stable compounds. The chamber also houses a source of the getter material, which is periodically activated to refresh the coating of getter material on the baffles.
US07943094B2 Polyester production system employing horizontally elongated esterification vessel
A polyester production process employing an esterification system that utilizes a horizontally elongated esterification vessel as an esterification reactor and/or a vapor-liquid disengagement vessel.
US07943087B2 Enhanced water treatment for reclamation of waste fluids and increased efficiency treatment of potable waters
Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
US07943083B2 Drum apparatus for treating slag
A double cavity type steel slag treatment equipment by barrel method employing mandrel support comprises left and right barrel bodies, flow branching pan, mandrel, feed funnel. Between the left and right barrel bodies is disposed a flow branching pan, over which is mounted a feed funnel and below which is mounted a retaining ring. The mandrel is fixedly connected to the left and right barrel bodies and flow branching pan, supporting bearings are mounted at two ends of the mandrel, left and right barrel bodies have inner and outer portions, inner barrel body is made of grid section, one end of grid section is fixed on the end cover of outer barrel body through an insertion opening made of supporting rings, the other end of grid section is joined with the supporting ring fixedly connected on outer barrel body.
US07943071B2 Polyethylene terephthalate filament having high tenacity for industrial use
A polyethylene terephthalate monofilament obtained by spinning a polyethylene terephthalate chip having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.8 to 1.3, which gives a stress-strain curve exhibiting an elongation of less than 2.5% at an initial stress of 2.0 g/d, with an initial modulus value of 80 to 160 g/d, an elongation of 7.5% or less in a stress range of from 2.0 g/d to 9.0 g/d, and an elongation of at least 2.0% or more in a stress range of from 10.0 g/d to the point of break, is provided.
US07943068B2 Method of making a dental restoration
Blocks of material are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of models for dental restorations. The material comprises a partially sintered ceramic material. The blocks are used to manufacture molds using CAD/CAM methods and equipment. The molds are useful in the manufacture of dental restorations using ceramics, metals, alloys, or powders thereof, and composite materials. The models milled from the blanks may be used to manufacture a variety of dental restorations including, but not limited to, crowns, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, orthodontic retainers, dentures, posts, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, splints, partial crowns, teeth, cylinders, pins, and connectors.
US07943066B2 Electrically conductive paper composite
The present invention provides electrically conductive paper composites prepared from cellulose fibers modified to bind a conducting polymer to a surface of the cellulose fibers and mixing these with unmodified cellulose fibers and forming paper products from the composite. Conducting paper composites so formed were investigated for their conductivity and strength properties as a function of monomer dosage or percentage of modified fibers in the mixture and for the composites it was found that less monomer (i.e. conductive polymer) was needed to achieve the same conductivity obtained from conducting paper made from only the modified cellulose. A higher tensile strength was obtained with the composite conducting paper than was attained with conducting paper made from only the modified cellulose. The electrically conductive paper composites may also be prepared from cellulose fibers mixed with particulate fillers modified to bind a conducting polymer to a surface of the particulate fillers.
US07943063B2 Thermochromic indicator materials with controlled reversibility
A thermal indicator material which comprises a plurality of polythiophenes having a second low temperature color and a high temperature color. The polythiophenes are structured and arranged to exhibit a color change from the second low temperature color to the high temperature color when the thermal indicator material is exposed to a temperature that meets or exceeds a pre-determined temperature and to exhibit a color change from the high temperature color to a first low temperature color when the thermal indicator material is exposed to a decline in temperature from a temperature that meets or exceeds the predetermined temperature to a temperature of within the range of between about 5 to 20° C. below the pre-determined temperature that occurs in a time period of greater than 2.0 seconds.
US07943062B2 Emissive polymers and devices incorporating these polymers
The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or π-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions by incorporating a polymer having an energy migration pathway and/or providing the polymer as a block co-polymer or as a multi-layer.
US07943053B2 Method of forming a micro pattern in semiconductor device
A method of forming a micro pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming an etching object layer and a hard mask layer on a semiconductor substrate. Cross-shaped first auxiliary patterns are formed on the hard mask layer. An insulating layer is formed on the hard mask layer including the first auxiliary pattern. A second auxiliary pattern is formed on the insulating layer between the first auxiliary patterns. An etching process is performed such that the insulating layer remains only on a lower portion of the second auxiliary pattern. The hard mask is etched through an etching process using the first and second auxiliary patterns as an etching mask to form a hard mask pattern. The etching object layer is etched using the hard mask pattern as an etching mask.
US07943052B2 Method for self-assembling microstructures
A method for self-assembling a plurality of microstructures onto a substrate comprising using a bonding material to make the microstructure assembled onto the substrate by a physical attraction force. The microstructures are self-aligned with the substrate, and further permanently fixed on and electrical connection with the substrate by the solder bumps between the microstructures and the substrate, which is formed by the solder bumps via reflow process. There is no need for the using of the conventional pick-and-place device in the present method. The present method could be applied to light emitting diodes, RFID tags, micro-integrated circuits or other types of microstructures.
US07943048B2 Methods for recovering tallow from wastewater
A method for recovering tallow from meat processing wastewater includes adding a coagulant composition to the wastewater to agglomerate suspended fat, oil and grease particles in the wastewater, separating solid waste materials from the wastewater and isolating tallow from the solid waste materials. The coagulant composition includes tannin.
US07943046B2 Methods and systems for on-column protein delipidation
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of chromatographic delipidation comprising separating a lipid-containing sample on a superficially porous stationary phase at greater than about 70° C., at least about 80° C., having at least one mobile phase comprising an ion-pairing agent in water, an ion-pairing agent in an organic modifier, an acid in an organic modifier, and an alcohol. The invention provides minimal protein losses and high run-to-run reproducibility. The on-column delipidation method aventageously utilize reversed phase liquid chromatography.
US07943044B2 Biological fluid filtration system and biological fluid filter used therein
A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
US07943032B2 Anode used for electroplating
The present invention relates to an anode for electroplating, which has an anode base and a shield and is characterized in that additive degradation is reduced when it is used in electroplating.
US07943027B2 Electrophoresis unit and electrophoretic analysis method
The object of the present invention is that a dynamic range is extended in an electrophoresis unit and concentration differences among a plurality of samples measured simultaneously are increased.An irradiation time to the samples is adjusted during analysis without changing a sampling time. By shortening the irradiation time, a fluorescence amount of the samples is reduced to cause signal intensity detected by a detector to physically decrease. If the irradiation time is very short (several 100 msec), the irradiation time and fluorescence intensity are in a direct proportional relationship. It is known that, if the irradiation time is reduced to 1/n, the fluorescence intensity, that is, signal intensity to be detected will be 1/n. Thus, for data whose irradiation time is reduced to 1/n during analysis, data obtained by multiplying a substantially measured value by n is used for data analysis as a true value to be originally acquired.
US07943025B2 Sensor element for determining a physical property of a measuring gas
A sensor element is provided for determining a physical property of a measuring gas, especially of the concentration of at least one gas component in the measuring gas, which has at least one ceramic layer, a diffusion barrier adjoining the at least one ceramic layer and at least one electrode that is exposed to the measuring gas diffusing through the diffusion barrier. In order to reduce the production variations with respect to the static pressure dependence and the limiting current of the diffusion barrier), the proportions of silicon in the diffusion barrier and in the at least one ceramic layer are approximately equal and differ by not more than 1 wt. %.
US07943023B2 Programmable multiplexed active biologic array
The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.
US07943019B2 Insoluble electrode
Provided is an economical long-life insoluble anode capable of maintaining an anode function stably for a long time even if it is used in a part where severe consumption occurs to generate a cathodizing phenomenon, and also capable of reducing the amount of an electrocatalyst used as much as possible. To realize this, on the surface of a metal substrate 10 composed of a titanium plate, a porous layer 20 including a sintered body of a spherical titanium powder is formed as a base layer. An electrocatalyst layer 30 is formed from the surface of the porous layer 20 to its inside. A part of the electrocatalyst penetrates into the porous layer 20, which provides an incomparably stronger anchor effect than the case of a blast treatment. Even when parts exposed from the porous layer 20 are peeled off and dropped off, the anode function is maintained by the electrocatalyst left in the porous layer 20.
US07943015B2 Use of copolymers of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) for photochemical reactions
A photochemical reaction apparatus including a reactor and a light source situated so that light from the light source is directed through a portion of the reactor wall is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by the portion of the reaction wall comprising a copolymer of a perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether). The perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether) is selected from the group consisting of CF30CF═CF2, C2F5OCF═CF2, C3F7OCF═F2, and mixture thereof. Also disclosed is a photochemical reaction process wherein light from a light source is directed through said reactor wall to interact with reactants in said reactor. A process for increasing the fluorine content of at least one compound selected from hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons, comprising: (a) photochlorinating said at least one compound; and (b) reacting the halogenated hydrocarbon produced in (a) with HF. A process for producing an olefinic compound, comprising: (a) photochlorinating at least one compound selected from hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons containing at least two carbon atoms and at least two hydrogen atoms to produce a halogenated hydrocarbon containing a hydrogen substituent and a chlorine substituent on adjacent carbon atoms; and (b) subjecting the halogenated hydrocarbon produced in (a) to dehydrohalogenation.
US07943012B2 Protecting device for spraying equipment and method of protecting it and its surroundings
A device for protecting a spraying equipment and surroundings in a paper or board machine, for applying a treatment medium onto a moving surface, comprises a protecting cover forming a single chamber having the spraying equipment located therein and which is open towards the moving surface in connection with an application zone. Two wall elements of the protecting cover extend in the cross-machine direction on either side of the application zone, and define machine-wide gaps with the moving surface. The protecting cover includes a sealing arrangement arranged in connection with the gaps to control and restrict passage of air and contaminants through the gaps; a system for a controlled supply of capture air for capturing contaminants within the space; and an evacuating system for a controlled, continuous evacuation of the capture air with contaminants from the chamber. An associated method of using such a device is also provided.
US07943010B2 Method of making surface-sized paper/board
The invention relates to a method of making surface-sized paper/board. The web to be treated in the method is after surface sizing passed to a treatment process for providing a desired drying shrinkage and/or increase of drying stresses to create thereby a desired effect on the flexural strength and/or bulk of paper/board.
US07943005B2 Method and apparatus for photomask plasma etching
A method and apparatus for etching photomasks is provided herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a process chamber having a support pedestal adapted for receiving a photomask. An ion-neutral shield is disposed above the pedestal and a deflector plate assembly is provided above the ion-neutral shield. The deflector plate assembly defines a gas flow direction for process gases towards the ion-neutral shield, while the ion-neutral shield is used to establish a desired distribution of ion and neutral species in a plasma for etching the photomask.
US07943004B2 Method to hold slipcovers in place to furniture using a heat activated double sided tape
A method of securely holding any style slipcover, fabric, or other covering, in place to furniture using a specially designed, non-permanent, re-usable, heat-activated, double-sided adhesive tape placed on the furniture itself under the slipcover before slipcover installation, whereby upon subsequent heating, the slipcover will not move from its desired position after or during normal use. The slipcover can still be removed from the furniture without the need to apply additional heat to the underlying tape, and the slipcover can be re-installed and re-heated to yield secure attachment to the furniture multiple times. The tape can be removed from the furniture and discarded but will not leave a residue on the furniture.
US07942995B2 Method for converting a multi-ply paper product
A process for manufacturing a multi-ply web material is disclosed. The process has the steps of: providing an embossing roll having first, second, and third nips disposed about a periphery thereof; providing a first web material; embossing the first web material in the first nip to produce an embossed first web material having embossed portions associated therewith; applying an adhesive to at least some of the embossed portions of the embossed first web material; joining the embossed first web material to a second web material in a face-to-face relationship in the second nip so that the embossed portions of the embossed first web material are contactingly engaged with corresponding portions of the second web material; and, embossing both the embossed first web material and the second web material in the third nip to produce the embossed multi-ply web material.
US07942992B2 Bulky sheet material having three-dimensional protrusions
A bulky sheet material having three-dimensional protrusions comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer provided on at least one side of the first fiber layer. The first fiber layer contains thermally shrunken heat-shrinkable fibers. The second fiber layer comprises heat non-shrinkable fibers. The first fiber layer and the second fiber layer are partly joined together at a large number of joints formed by fusion bonding. The joints are formed by melting and solidification of a heat fusible resin having a higher melting point than the shrinkage starting temperature of the heat shrinkable fiber. The second fiber layer forms a large number of protrusions between the joints by the heat shrinkage of the first fiber layer while leaving the joints as depressions.
US07942989B2 Porous silicon-based explosive
An initiator explosive for detonating a second explosive that includes nanocrystalline silicon containing a plurality of pores and a solid state oxidant disposed within said pores.
US07942980B2 Starch removal process
Starch is removed from the surface of an article using a multi-step method that includes presoaking the article in an acidic solution to remove the starch from the surface of the article and washing the article in an alkaline solution to clean the article.
US07942978B2 Auxiliary rinse phase in a wash machine
A system and method are disclosed for cleaning articles within a chamber of a warewash machine. The warewash machine has a rinse sump for collecting a rinse agent dispensed into the chamber and a wash sump for collecting a wash agent dispensed into the chamber. The method includes a wash phase during which the wash agent is dispensed into the chamber during and an auxiliary rinse phase during which the rinse agent is dispensed into the chamber. The wash machine includes a controllable deflector for directing the wash agent to the wash sump during the wash phase and the rinse agent to the rinse sump during the auxiliary rinse phase. The method also includes a final rinse phase during which water from an external source is dispensed into the chamber. The controllable deflector direct the water dispensed during the final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
US07942976B2 Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
A rinsing liquid supplier includes a temperature adjuster. The temperature adjuster cools DIW to a temperature lower than room temperature. This temperature adjuster cools down DIW to a temperature not more than 10 degrees centigrade for instance, and cooling down to an even lower temperature of 5 degrees centigrade or below is more preferable. Meanwhile, the temperature adjuster maintains DIW at not less than 0 degrees centigrade, which prevents freezing of the DIW. The cooled DIW supplied to a rinsing liquid pipe is discharged from the rinsing liquid discharge nozzle toward the top surface of the substrate, to thereby form a liquid film. Further, the cooled DIW is discharged toward the rear surface of the substrate from the liquid discharge nozzle via the liquid supply pipe, to thereby form the liquid film on the rear surface. Since the liquid films are already cooled, they are frozen in a short time when the cooling gas is discharged toward the top surface and the rear surface of the substrate.
US07942971B2 Method of manufacturing plasma display panels
A method of manufacturing plasma display panels using a substrate holder for deposition on a substrate of the plasma display panel. The substrate holder is configured with plural frames, and the substrate of the plasma display panel is held by its periphery with at least one of these frames. A frame holding the substrate has a protrusion extending to a non-deposition face of the substrate held in such a way as to surround the substrate. Since the protrusion acts as a blocking sheet, attachment of a deposition material passing through an opening on the substrate holder and reaching onto the non-deposition face of the substrate is suppressed.
US07942967B2 Method and system of coating polymer solution on a substrate in a solvent saturated chamber
A method and apparatus of coating a polymer solution on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a coating chamber having a rotatable chuck to support a substrate to be coated with a polymer solution. A dispenser to dispense the polymer solution over the substrate extends into the coating chamber. A vapor distributor having a solvent vapor generator communicable with the coating chamber is included to cause a solvent to be transformed into a solvent vapor. A carrier gas is mixed with the solvent vapor to form a carrier-solvent vapor mixture. The carrier-solvent vapor mixture is flown into the coating chamber to saturate the coating chamber. A solvent remover communicable with the coating chamber is included to remove excess solvent that does not get transformed into the solvent vapor to prevent the excess solvent from dropping on the substrate.
US07942958B1 Composite biocidal particles
A biocidal composition is disclosed comprising composite particles, each of the composite particles containing a shell and a core, the core comprising a metal or a metal-containing compound wherein the metal is a moiety selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, zirconium, and combinations thereof, the shell comprising a pyrithione adduct comprising the reaction product of pyrithione with a portion of the core metal or metal compound. In one aspect, an anti-fouling composition is disclosed comprising (a) an anti-soft-fouling effective amount of copper pyrithione; and (b) an anti-hard-fouling effective amount of a copper-containing salt, or oxide or hydroxide thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of making an antifouling composition comprising particles of copper pyrithione and a copper-containing salt that is effective against hard-fouling and soft-fouling organisms.
US07942952B2 Single stage electrostatic precipitator
In an electrostatic precipitator for filtering particulate matter from a gas, a fan (10) draws the gas (5) through an ioniser section (7) and a collector section (6). Ioniser blades (3) with sawtooth spikes (8) create a corona discharge (4) when charged to a high voltage, so that gas-borne particles are charged when passing through the corona area. The collector section (6) consists of a set of metallic plates (1, 2) of which every other plate (1) is connected to ground, while the remaining plates (2) receive a charge by induction from the ioniser blades (3), and act as repeller plates, pushing charged particles in the gas flow (5) over to the grounded plates (1).
US07942948B2 Filter element including a composite filter media
A filter element includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a first end cap, a second end cap, and a composite filter media structure. The composite filter media structure includes a base substrate that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers with a spunbond process, and having a bond area pattern having a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area. The base substrate having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The composite filter media structure also includes a nanofiber layer deposited on one side of the base substrate by an by electro-blown spinning process. The composite filter media structure having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The composite media structure further includes a plurality of corrugations formed at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 140° C.
US07942944B2 Fuel reformer and method for producing the same, electrode for use in electrochemical device, and electrochemical device
A fuel reformer which can easily achieve high weight energy density and high volume energy density, and a method for producing the fuel reformer with ease and high efficiency as well as an electrode for electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell, and an electrochemical device are provided. The present invention is to feed hydrogen obtained from a fuel reformer having a catalyst layer containing Pt for taking out hydrogen from a liquid fuel, such as methanol, and a hydrogen permeable layer, such as a Pd thin film, which is impermeable to liquid and permeable to hydrogen to an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell, which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a proton conductive film sandwiched therebetween. The present invention provides a method of producing the hydrogen permeable layer in the reformer by forming the hydrogen permeable layer and the catalyst layer on a base layer comprising Al or the like, and removing the base layer by dissolution.
US07942942B2 Method and apparatus for biomass torrefaction, manufacturing a storable fuel from biomass and producing offsets for the combustion products of fossil fuels and a combustible article of manufacture
Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.
US07942941B2 Pour point depressant additives for oil compositions
The present invention generally relates to oil compositions, primarily to fuel oil and petroleum compositions produced there from susceptible to wax formation at low temperatures, to polymeric amides for use with such fuel oil compositions, and to methods for their manufacture.
US07942931B2 Device and method for intra-bronchial provision of a therapeutic agent
The present invention includes an intra-bronchial device, system, and method for providing a therapeutic agent to a patient. A device includes a flow control member for placement in an air passageway communicating with a lung portion, and when deployed in the air passageway inhibits a therapeutic agent distal of the control member from moving proximal of the control member, and includes the therapeutic agent associated with the flow control member. The control member may inhibit movement of the therapeutic agent by limiting airflow, and may include a one-way valve limiting exhalation of air from the lung portion. The control member may include a flexible membrane impervious to air flow, or a separator arranged to inhibit the movement of the therapeutic agent. The control member may include at least one anchor, and the anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device.
US07942930B2 Biocompatible implant system and method
The invention relates to an implantable combination comprising a barrier (12), and a macromolecular bio-compatible material (14). The barrier (12) is porous to allow moieties of the macromolecular bio-compatible material (14), when implanted, to be exposed through the barrier, whereby the surface of the barrier is experienced by the body as an essentially non-foreign object. It also relates to an implant made from a barrier material and a bio-compatible material, the implant being suitable as e.g. a breast implant.
US07942926B2 Endoprosthesis coating
An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes a chemical tie layer formed of polymer that enhance adherence of a coating, e.g. a drug eluting polymer coating, to a stent surface, e.g. made of ceramic.
US07942910B2 Polyaxial bone screw
A fastening system for bone screws used in spinal fixation systems for reshaping the spine of a patient. The bone screw has threads on one end for anchoring in the spine. The other end has a spherical head with a multi sided recess formed therein for engagement with an appropriate driving tool. The system includes a stabilizing rod, a saddle member, a cap member and a set screw with at least one bone screw having a outer diameter that exceeds the diameter of a cavity formed in the saddle, wherein placement of the bone screw is made possible by matching the threads of the set screw to the threads of the bone screw. The head of the bone screw providing proper positioning of the stabilization rod within the patient.
US07942904B2 Pedicle screw based vertebral body stabilization apparatus
A pedicle screw stabilization device comprises a superior and inferior pedicle screw anchor with a shaped memory alloy spacer therebetween.
US07942901B2 Connector apparatus
A connector apparatus for linking spinal rods comprises a connector body having a C-shaped engagement portion contiguous a closed engagement portion. The engagement portions each include an opening to receive a rod, each opening including an inner contact surface to engage the rod. Additionally, each engagement portion includes a through-hole to receive a screw, the through-holes being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector body. The through-hole and screw corresponding to the C-shaped engagement portion are offset from the corresponding rod when the rod is positioned in the corresponding opening. Additionally, the screws are advanced through the through-holes to urge the rods against the inner contact surfaces to engage the connector body to the rods. The connector apparatus creates a low profile, top tightening fixation system, providing a stable, rigid transverse connection between adjacent spinal rods.
US07942898B2 Delivery systems and methods for gastric reduction
A delivery catheter for a gastric reduction system includes an elongate torqueable tube, a needle translatably disposed within the torqueable tube, an anchor translatably disposed within the needle and a stabilization device for holding a distal tip of the torqueable tube against a tissue wall.
US07942875B2 Methods of using minimally invasive actuable bone fixation devices
A method of repairing a bone fracture comprises accessing a fracture along a length of a bone through a bony protuberance at an access point near an end of a bone. A bone fixation device is advanced into a space through the access point at the end of the bone. A portion of the bone fixation device is bent along its length to traverse the fracture. The bone fixation device is locked into place within the space of the bone.
US07942871B2 Device for ablating body tissue
A cardiac ablation system including an ablation catheter having an anchor adapted to support the ablation catheter within an atrium of a heart and an ultrasound emitter disposed radially outward from a rotation axis and from the anchor, and a control mechanism adapted to rotate the ultrasound emitter about the rotation axis and to provide ablation energy to the ultrasound emitter to ablate heart tissue.
US07942863B2 Detecting needle entry into a port of an infusion device
Systems for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device include a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum and may generate a sensory cue to a clinician that proper needle placement has been achieved. Methods for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device includes detecting characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum.
US07942860B2 Piercing member protection device
The invention concerns a piercing member protection device, a kit of a piercing member protection device, a first and second fluid container and a method a method for transferring a fluid between a first and a second container using a piercing member protection device. The piercing member protection device comprises a protection chamber to protect at least the tip of a piercing member. The piercing member protection device further comprises a first and a second member arranged to each other. The first member is further arranged to slide with respect to the second member between a secured position, in which at least the tip of the piercing member is enclosed within the protection chamber so as to prevent the tip of the piercing member from exposure and an unsecured position, in which the tip of the piercing member is arranged outside the protection chamber wherein the first member is arranged to turn with respect to the second member between a locked position and an unlocked position so that when the first member is in the locked position the first member is substantially unable to slide along the longitudinal axis A and when the first member is in the unlocked position the first member is enabled to slide along the longitudinal axis A.
US07942854B1 Agent delivery catheter including an anchor and injection needle
An agent delivery catheter that uses an anchoring needle and injection needle for treating tissue, such as infarcted heart tissue, includes a first needle, a second needle extendable through the first needle and a control unit for displacing and adjusting the position of both the first and second needles relative to a distal end of the delivery catheter.
US07942851B2 Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids
A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters. An infrared sensing device is mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain a drip count, while a temperature sensor is disposed within a holder that is positioned toward the entry site on a patient. A heat controller controls the heaters based on a drip count, while a safety controller disables heater operation in response to liquid temperature exceeding the desired temperature. Thus, the safety controller and heat controller, in combination, control the heating assembly heaters based on liquid temperature and flow rate, respectively. Alternatively, the liquid-filled bag may be heated to a desired temperature whereby the heating assembly includes a single heater controlled by a controller to maintain the liquid at the desired temperature during infusion of the liquid into a patient.
US07942850B2 Balloons and balloon catheter systems for treating vascular occlusions
A balloon catheter system for the intraluminal advancement of conventional guidewires beyond partially or fully occluded or stenosed lesions in body passages, such as CTOs in the vasculature, is provided. Balloons are provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, a balloon having relatively thickened proximal tapers is provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, balloons having a tapered midsection are provided. The balloons are preferably useful with crossing balloon catheter systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, the balloons preferably reduce or minimize trauma to the vascular wall or wall of other body passage in which it is used.
US07942826B1 Insulated pedicle access system and related methods
A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.
US07942823B2 Methods and apparatus for stroke patient treatment
Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for stroke during the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are disclosed. By determining central and obstructive apnea occurrences or the percentile of pressure delivered to the patient from patient airflow, stroke indicators may be calculated and analyzed to provide information on the type of stroke a patient has suffered and the degree of a patient's neuro-recovery. The apparatus may be programmed with a particular protocol intended to identify between alternative forms of CPAP treatment appropriate for the patient based upon an assessment of the patient's condition. The device can select and recommend between the various treatment forms, identify billing reimbursement codes and generate data to track patient response to stroke treatments.
US07942822B1 Implantable medical device with sleep apnea detection control and method
A method for use in an implantable medical device comprises the steps of monitoring respiration with an amplifier having a gain, generating a moving apneic threshold based on recent respiration cycles, accumulating differences between amplitudes of respiration cycles and the moving apnea detection threshold and comparing the accumulated differences against an apnea detection threshold to detect the onset of an episode of apnea. The method further comprises measuring respiration levels upon detecting the onset of apnea, confirming the episode of apnea based upon the respiration levels measured upon detecting the onset of apnea; and adjusting one of the gain of the amplifier and the apnea detection threshold so that the time from the detection of onset of apnea to the time of confirmation of the episode of apnea is within a predetermined time range following the detection of the onset of apnea.
US07942819B2 Ultrasonic bone evaluation apparatus
An ultrasonic bone evaluation apparatus includes stationary and movable standoffs fitted with respective ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, a moving mechanism for moving the movable standoff, an encoder, a controller, and an inner temperature sensor for determining the temperature of an inner tissue of a body part. The moving mechanism moves the movable standoff toward the stationary standoff to sandwich the body part therebetween. The encoder measures the distance between the two transducers whereas the controller determines the time required for the ultrasound to travel between the transducers when the body part is sandwiched between the standoffs. The controller calculates the speed of sound propagating through the body part from distance and time measurement values, corrects the speed of sound through the body part based on the temperature of the body part measured by the inner temperature sensor, and evaluates the bone of the body part based on the corrected speed of sound.
US07942814B2 Miniature endoscope with imaging fiber system
An endoscope has a fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.
US07942809B2 Flexible ultrasonic wire in an endoscope delivery system
The flexible ultrasound wire delivered through an endoscope can bend through multiple radii and deliver ultrasonic energy to the business end of the working channel of an endoscope without requiring percutaneous incisions. The flexible ultrasonic wire is wire or fiber that can be flexed in any direction and is connected at one end to an ultrasonic transducer which is connected to an energy delivering device. An insulating layer between the flexible ultrasonic wire and a metallic working channel is non-metallic and resilient and operates to prevent unwanted fragmentation of the device and possible collateral soft tissue injuries.
US07942802B2 Vacuum device and method for treating tissue adjacent a body cavity
Devices and methods are provided for applying vacuum near to devices for delivering treatments to tissue adjacent a body cavity, effective to draw adjacent tissue near to such devices and to enhance treatment of the tissue. Body cavities include natural body cavities and cavities remaining after removal of tissue such as cancerous tissue. A device may include an inner balloon assembly with an inflation conduit. A sheath assembly having a fluid-permeable sheath wall may enclose the inner balloon assembly. Vacuum applied to the space between the sheath and the inner balloon is useful to draw tissue into contact with the device, improving treatment effectiveness. Methods for treating tissue with such devices and systems are also provided. Treatments may include providing radioactive material for radiation treatment, providing chemotherapeutic material for chemotherapy, providing thermal treatment, and combinations thereof. Systems may include devices of the invention and a vacuum source.
US07942794B2 Training device
The invention relates to a training device (2) which comprises a base body (4) having a bearing surface (6) which is embodied in such a manner that the back of a user can be placed on the bearing surface (6) when in use. The base body (4) is mounted on or is embodied in such a manner with the bearing surface (6) that it can pivot from a first position, wherein the back of the user, who is sitting, is placed on the bearing surface (6) when in use, into a second position, wherein the bearing surface (6) is pivoted from a first position into the horizontal direction.
US07942789B2 Exercise device
An exercise device includes a support frame and a continuous running surface supported by the support frame. The support frame defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis. The continuous running surface includes a movable belt and a plurality of sections mounted thereon and extending along a longitudinal axis of the belt. Each section includes an upper surface defining at least one inclined portion that is laterally inclined relative to the horizontal plane of the support frame. Adjacent upper surfaces of the plurality of sections define at least one laterally inclined track of the running surface.
US07942787B2 Exercise machine
An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.
US07942783B2 Exercise aid device
An exercise aid device has a hip supporting member movable relative to a base, footrests movable relative to the base, drive means for driving the hip supporting member, body constitution estimating unit for estimating at least one of fat mass and muscle mass of a user, and a controller for the drive means. The controller controls the drive means such that a load acting on a femoral region by own weight of the user supported on the hip supporting member changes according to a relative positional displacement between the user's toe and trochanter major, the positional displacement is allowed in a direction of flexion and extension of knee joint of the user, and an angle of the knee joint is maintained substantially constant. In addition, since the controller controls the drive means by use of an output of the body constitution estimating unit, it is possible to provide an exercise with less burden to the knee joint and a suitable strength for the user.
US07942777B2 Continuously variable automatic transmission for heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles
A continuously variable, automatic transmission for a motor driven vehicle including heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles, wherein the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and driving wheels. The automatic transmission includes a hydraulic torque converter or other hydraulic device and at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two planetary gear assemblies wherein two corresponding portions thereof are operatively interconnected by a free wheeling connector assembly. As such, torque generated by the engine of the vehicle is variably transmitted from the at least one of the planetary gear assemblies to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
US07942769B2 Oil supply system for supplying oil to slide rails and guide rails
The invention relates to a rail (16a) of a flexible drive, which rail (16a) is intended to guide a drawing means (2). A lubricant which is introduced into the rail (16a) via the lubricant channel (13) brings about a pressure gap (15) which is formed between the inner side of the drawing means (2) and a guide face (9) of the rail (16a). Direct contact of the drawing means with the rail (16a) is suppressed on account of the lubricant which is introduced into the pressure gap (15), which has a friction-reducing effect.
US07942765B2 Aerodynamically and structurally superior, fixed-blade hunting arrowhead
An aerodynamically and structurally superior, fixed-blade hunting arrowhead providing higher penetration coupled with a structurally sound, non-deflecting, blade-cutting area to take down wild game quickly and humanely. The assembly includes the ferrule, main blade, and sub-blade, wherein the unitary ferrule has a machined structure that holds and reinforces the blade units as well as incorporates a concave-faceted cutting tip, blade-location channels, cavities for blade snap retention, and rearmost threaded portion for attachment to a standard arrow insert. The main blade is a one-piece element which incorporates two forward-cutting blades and two rear blades, as well as rearmost anchoring projections attaching the blade to the ferrule. The sub-blade is a one-piece element positioned perpendicular to the main blade and is retained in the same manner as the main blade by integrated projections snapping into cavities within the ferrule.
US07942762B2 GPS device
A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for collision avoidance of features on the display of the device.
US07942758B2 Head for golf putter and golf putter
A golf putter (2) includes a head (4), a grip (6) and a shaft (8). The head (4) has a head body (h1) formed of a metal and a face member (f1) formed by an elastic material. A front surface (Ff) of the face member (f1) constitutes at least a part of a face surface (10). A siping (s1) is provided on a back surface (Bf) of the face member (f1). The siping (s1) is not provided on the front surface (Ff) of the face member (f1). It is preferable that the siping (s1) should be extended with bending. It is preferable that a ratio (Ds/Tf) of a depth (Ds) of the siping (s1) to a thickness (Tf) of the face member (f1) should be equal to or higher than 0.2 and should be equal to or lower than 0.8. It is preferable that a width (Ws) of the siping (s1) should be equal to or smaller than 1.0 mm.
US07942752B2 Water amusement park multiple path conveyors
An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system. The system may include at least one gate mechanism which functions, upon activation, to inhibit a participant from entering one or more path choices. An amusement ride system may include a system for facilitating entry of a participant on a floatation device. The system may include one or more portions of water including a depth of water which allows a participant to more easily enter a floatation device.
US07942741B2 Verifying whether a device is communicating with a server
A server provides activities and/or services to a player through a device. In response to a request from the device, information known to a player is determined and sent to the device via the server. In this fashion, verification can be made that the device is communicating with the server.
US07942740B2 Verifying a first device is in communications with a server by storing a value from the first device and accessing the value from a second device
A system includes a first server and a second server, which receives a value from a first device, possibly via the first server, and stores the value. In response to a request from a second device, the second server then determines the value and sends the value to the second device. In this fashion, verification can be made that the first device is in communications with the first server.
US07942736B2 Path or flow based bonus game
The present invention is a player participatory bonus game intended for use in a gaming environment. After a primary game event triggers play of the bonus game, the player is presented with a game arena which shows start points, end points, and locations in between where game pieces may be placed. The game pieces are specially themed so that the player wins by created a path or flow from a start point to an end point, using selected bonus pieces and placing them on the indicated location points.
US07942732B2 Wagering game and method having a simultaneous multi-play feature
Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a simultaneous multi-play feature. One disclosed aspect provides for multiple sets of reels which spin simultaneously, each reel set corresponding to a particular objective. Another disclosed aspect provides that an award be paid based on the number of achieved objectives at the end of the game.
US07942729B2 Gizzard peeler and method of peeling a gizzard
The invention relates to a gizzard peeler comprising a series of rollersets, each rollerset comprising a first roller and a second roller that in use rotate in opposite directions, wherein the rollersets collectively form a cylindrical wall of a rotatable drum or form part of such a wall, whereby the drum is provided at its outer circumference with a guide and pressure device for guiding and pressing a gizzard along at least a part of the drum's outer circumference.
US07942727B2 Floor edger
A wood floor edger is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the edger comprises a housing and a motor. The housing comprises an opening and a rotatable abrasive disc located in the opening. The rotatable abrasive disc may have a diameter greater than six inches. The motor is operatively connected to the first housing and drivingly connected to the abrasive disc. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor, wherein the motor is operatable at a speed that is preselected by the motor controller.
US07942725B2 Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus has a top ring configured to hold a semiconductor wafer on a substrate holding surface, and a pushser configured to deliver the semiconductor wafer to the top ring and receive the semiconductor wafer from the top ring. The pushser includes a push stage having a substrate placement surface on which the semiconductor wafer is placed and an air cylinder configured to vertically move the push stage. The pushser also includes a high-pressure fluid port configured to eject a high-pressure fluid toward the semiconductor wafer.
US07942721B2 Vehicle to projectile launcher reconfigurable toy
A toy is disclosed which is adapted to reconfigure from a simulated vehicle into a simulated toy gun able to launch actual projectiles. In one embodiment, the simulated toy vehicle is provided in the form of a semi or tractor trailer with rotatable wheels which, upon a single rotational movement by the child, can be reconfigured into a toy gun complete with trigger, sliding pump for a firing chamber and visualizing sight or cross hairs as well. In a second embodiment, the vehicle is provided as an airplane or jet which can be reconfigured into a gun able to simultaneously launch multiple projectiles.
US07942720B1 Animated “peek-a-boo” stuffed toy creature
A child's stuffed teddy bear embodiment is made with arms that are animated by an internal electronically-controlled electric motor. The paws at the ends of arms are normally located initially so as to cover the bear's eyes, with the head inclined slightly and the eyes downcast. When a child approaches the bear within a predetermined distance, a built-in proximity sensor initiates the bear's built-in animation system to move the arms so as to remove the hands from the eyes, incline the head upwardly and immediately speak a phrase such as “peek-a-boo” generated by a built-in speech synthesizer, audio amplifier and loudspeaker. Then the cycle is completed by returning to the initial condition: the end of the paws again covering the eyes and the head inclining downwardly.
US07942716B2 Frit sealing system and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display device
A frit sealing system and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device by using the frit sealing system, and more particularly, a frit sealing system and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device by using the frit sealing system, which includes a pressure member so as to physically pressurize a first substrate and a second substrate, thereby increasing adhesion of a frit when the first substrate and the second substrate are adhered to each other by using the frit. The frit sealing system, adhering the first substrate and the second substrate by using the frit, includes: a bed member on which the first substrate is placed; a laser irradiation member irradiating a laser to the frit between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a pressure member disposed on an upper part of the first substrate and the second substrate irradiated with the laser and adhered, thereby pressurizing the first substrate and the second substrate irradiated with the laser and adhered.
US07942714B2 Method of manufacturing field emission device
A method of manufacturing a field emission display includes: sequentially forming a cathode electrode, an insulating layer, and a gate material layer on a substrate; forming a metal sacrificial layer on an upper surface of the gate material layer; forming a through hole to expose the insulating layer in the metal sacrificial layer and the gate material layer; forming an emitter hole to expose the cathode electrode in the insulating layer exposed through the through hole; forming a gate electrode by etching the gate material layer constituting an upper wall of the emitter hole; and forming an emitter of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) on an upper surface of the cathode electrode located below the through hole.
US07942711B1 Method for controlling a marine propulsion trim system
A method is provided for controlling a marine propulsion trim system under two distinct modes of operation. A first mode operates hydraulic cylinders at a slower speed when the associated marine vessel is being operated at a speed above a predetermined threshold. For example, when the marine propulsion device is under load, such as when the marine vessel is operating on plane, the first mode of operation is used and the trim/tilt cylinders are operated at a slower speed. A second mode of operation is used when the marine propulsion system is being operated below a predetermined threshold. In other words, if the marine vessel is operating at a slow speed, the faster mode of operation is used. Similarly, if the marine vessel is being prepared for transport on a trailer, the very slow or non-existent speed of operation of the engine is used as an indicator which causes the second mode of operation to be employed.
US07942693B2 Power outlet with conductive socket contacts coupled to IDC contacts coupled to insulated conductors disposed in channels
A power outlet for effecting an electrical connection between an electric device and insulated conductors of an electric power cable, including a socket having apertures including electrically conductive socket contacts seated therein for effecting electrical connection to corresponding electrically conductive contacts of a plug of the electric device; a plurality of primary channels shaped to at least partially receive, and seat therein, respective lengthwise sections of the insulated conductors of the power cable; a plurality of insulation displacement contacts for making separate electrical connections to said insulated conductors, when received in said primary channels, under relative movement between the insulation displacement contacts and the insulated conductors; a connector, relatively movable with respect to the primary channels, for effecting said relative movement, wherein the insulation displacement contacts are electrically coupled to respective ones of said socket contacts; and said primary channels extend transversely to a lengthwise direction of extent of the power outlet.
US07942692B2 Connecting element for the connection of switching devices
A connecting element is disclosed for the connection of at least two switching devices and a switching device and an electric distribution system. In order to allow for the rapid and wireless connection of a plurality of electromechanical devices, at least one embodiment of the invention proposes a connecting device for the connection of at least two switching devices, wherein the connecting element includes first element(s) for mechanically connecting the switching devices to one and another and second element(s) for electrically connecting switching poles of the switching devices. The second element(s) include flexible connecting elements for connecting the switching devices to the switching poles that are electrically connected to the connecting device.
US07942686B2 Electrical barrier and moisture seal for an implanted medical device
Multiple seals, internal to a connector block, provide for connecting an implantable medical device and an implanted cable or lead. The forces to engage sealing or releasing the seals are derived from a mechanism so they can be relaxed to permit ease of insertion or withdrawal of a lead, or can be increased to tightly seal against fluid migration, and to provide an electrical insulation between adjacent conductors of the lead and connector block. During implant of the medical device, the lead is inserted and a shaft is rotated with a tool to engage the seals. Later, the seals can be released by rotating the control shaft in the opposite direction to allow extraction of the lead from the connector block. The seals therefore are able to provide improved sealing without increasing the insertion or the extraction forces for the lead.
US07942681B2 Safety receptacle with tamper resistant shutter
The disclosed embodiments are directed to a protective shutter assembly that includes a registration member having longitudinal and lateral axes, first and second shutter members slidably mounted in the registration member, each shutter member including a ramp member and a receptacle blocking member, the ramp member being configured to lie in a path of a first receptacle opening and the receptacle blocking member being configured to lie in a path of a second receptacle opening, spring members connected between the registration member and respective ones of the first and second shutter members, the spring members being configured to bias the first and second shutter members so that the ramp members lie in a path of a respective receptacle opening, and wherein the first and second shutter members are independently movable such that when an object exerts a force on only one ramp member, a respective shutter member moves relative to the other shutter member such that the one ramp member is longitudinally displaced allowing the object to contact the receptacle blocking member of the other shutter member.
US07942677B2 Conductive contact and conductive contact unit
A conductive contact includes a first contacting element that is brought into contact with one of different circuitries; a second contacting element that is brought into contact with another one of the different circuitries; a resilient element that is interposed between the first contacting element and the second contacting element to be expandable and contractible in a longitudinal direction; a first connecting element that connects the resilient element and the first contacting element; and a second connecting element that connects the resilient element and the second contacting element, and has an opening penetrating therethrough in a through-thickness direction. At least a portion of the resilient element is shorter than the first connecting element and the second connecting element in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the through-thickness direction.
US07942674B2 Learning bracelet
The invention is directed to a learning bracelet that contains a compartment for placing learning tags for display. The learning tags can either be pre-printed with a word and/or can be made printer friendly so that the desired word and/or concepts can be printed upon the learning tag before being used. Once inserted into the learning bracelet, the learning tag displays the word and/or concept to the person wearing the learning bracelet. The displayed word and/or concepts can be view by the student using the bracelet so as to reinforce the word, its spelling and or meaning.
US07942671B2 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
US07942668B2 Drill template arrangement
A drilling assembly is provided for drilling a hole into a zygoma of a patient. The assembly can comprise a template, an extension unit, a drill guide unit, and first and second drills. The template can be configured for orientation within a patient's mouth and can comprise a guide sleeve having a longitudinal axis extending towards the zygoma when fitted on the patient. The extension unit can include a central bore and be slideably received within the guide sleeve. The drill guide unit can also include a central bore of a different diameter than that of the extension unit. The first drill can be slideably received within the central bore of the guide sleeve. The second drill can have an outer diameter different than that of the first drill and can be configured to be slideably received with the central bore of the drill guide unit.
US07942666B2 Apparatus for burning organic substances
An apparatus is described for burning organic substances, comprising a horizontal combustion chamber (2) provided in a housing (1) and heat-insulated against said housing (1), and a counter-flow heat exchanger (8) which preheats the combustion air with the help of the hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber (2) and which forms a flow duct (10) for the combustion air between the combustion chamber (2) and a heat-exchanger wall (9) enclosing the combustion chamber (2), as well as a flow duct (11) for the hot exhaust gases on the side of the heat-exchanger wall (9) averted from the combustion chamber (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the heat-exchanger wall (9) of the counter-flow heat exchanger (8) is provided on the outside of the heat insulation (3) of the combustion chamber (2) which comprises an upper exhaust outlet (7) opening into the housing (1), that heat exchangers (6) which extend parallel to the combustion chamber (2) are provided for the heating of a heat-transfer medium with the sensible waste heat of the hot exhaust gases in the upper interstices (4) obtained on either side of the cylindrical combustion chamber (2) between the combustion chamber (2) and the substantially prismatic housing (1), and that the exhaust-gas-receiving flow duct (11) of the counter-flow heat exchanger (8) for the exhaust gases originates from the two interstices (4), while the heat-exchanger wall (9) extends with the flow duct (10) for the combustion air into the interstices (4).
US07942662B2 Rotary press
A rotary press wherein the dosage drive and the compression roller drive have identical installation means, the stand has an upper and a lower accommodation platform and the accommodation platforms have identical accommodation means for the installation means on the sides facing each other, which are in a coincident arrangement with respect to each other.
US07942659B2 Injection drive apparatus for injection molding machine
An injection drive apparatus for injection molding machines is revealed. Liquid material is fed into a mold smoothly by a material feeding screw of a material feeding mechanism. Then a reaction force is generated to push the material feeding screw when the material feeding hole is nearly full of the material. Thus the material feeding screw and the slide mechanism assembled therewith are pushed to move backward. Later the injection mechanism is driven by the slide mechanism to move and act on the drive screw. Thus the slide mechanism threaded with the drive screw is driven to push the material feeding screw moving forward and squeezing the material for injection molding. Therefore, the load of the motor is reduced dramatically and the yield rate of the products produced by injection molding is increased due to the two-stage action-feeding of the material and squeezing of the material for injection.
US07942654B2 Addressable multi-channel peristaltic pump
The present invention provides an addressable multi-channel peristaltic pump. According to the invention, this pump design allows for selection and operation of one or more pump heads on a drive shaft, while locking other non-selected pump heads in a stationary position. It is possible to operate the multi-channel pump using a limited number of motors, preferably two motors: a selector motor and a dispense motor. Thus, the pump provides for pumping or dispensing of one or more fluids without the need for multiple pumps. Likewise, compared with typical single motor multi-channel systems, where all pump heads on the drive shaft must rotate at the same time, the present invention provides for selective dispensing of one or more fluids. The pumps of the present invention are suitable for any multiple fluid transfer application, including in automated multi-channel reagent dispensing systems, such as nucleic acid purification systems.
US07942651B2 Refrigeration device with improved DC motor
A miniature cooling device includes numerous improvements capable of increasing the reliability and useful lifetime of the device, as well as improving electrical power to cooling power conversion efficiency. The improvements include a DC motor shaft design that incorporates a flywheel mass 314 with a solid shaft cross-section 300 for increasing shaft stiffness and magnetic flux density in the DC motor. Additional improvements include a bend resistant flexible vane 1114 in the DC motor to compression piston drive coupler, and a sealed cover set configured to be removable to make a motor repair and then replaced.
US07942640B2 Method and apparatus for use in protecting wind turbine blades from lightning damage
A method and apparatus to facilitate protecting wind turbine blades from lightning damage include a turbine blade for use with a wind turbine, wherein the turbine blade includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second sidewall is coupled to the first sidewall along a leading edge and along an axially-spaced trailing edge such that a cavity is defined between the first and second sidewalls. A relief system is coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The relief system is configured to discharge flow from the cavity when a pressure within the cavity exceeds a predetermined threshold. A method for assembling the same is described.
US07942638B2 Turbomachine blade with a blade tip armor cladding
A blade of a turbomachine such as a gas turbine includes a blade vane with a blade tip and a blade base. A blade tip armor cladding is applied on the blade tip. A coating covers at least the armor cladding and includes at least one multilayer coating system, and preferably plural such coating systems stacked repetitively on one another. Each coating system includes at least two different layers stacked successively on one another, with one layer of a metal material closer to the blade tip and one layer of a ceramic material farther from the blade tip.
US07942622B2 Transfer/alignment method in vacuum processing apparatus, vacuum processing apparatus and computer storage medium
In a vacuum transfer chamber 10, a position detecting mechanism 33 for detecting the positions of semiconductor wafers W is arranged. The semiconductor wafers W disposed at predetermined positions in a load lock chamber 17 and vacuum processing chambers 11 to 16 are transferred to the position detecting mechanism 33 by a vacuum transfer mechanism 30 and the positions of the wafers are detected. Then, based on the detection results, aligning between the load lock chamber 17 and the vacuum processing chambers 11 to 16 is performed.
US07942619B2 Carrier unit of substrate transfer apparatus
In the present invention, a base 43 of a robot 27 is fixed to a fixing portion 53 of a frame divided body 50. The base 43 allows force exerted from a robot main body 27A to be transmitted to the fixing portion 53 of the frame divided body 50. Contrary, the fixing portion 53 of the frame divided body 50 has rigidity which can prevent the force exerted from the base 43 of the robot 27 from being transmitted to a main body constituting member 51. Accordingly, the base 43 of the robot 27 has only to possess a function for connecting the robot main body 27A and the frame divided body 50. Therefore, even though reducing its rigidity, transmission of vibration to the wafer processing apparatus can be prevented, as well as occurrence of malfunctioning in the substrate processing work can be prevented. In addition, increasing the rigidity of the frame divided body 50 can be achieved easier with a simpler construction and more effective than increasing the rigidity of the robot. Accordingly, more secured wafer processing can be provided.
US07942613B2 Pistol for injecting a sealing product formed by mixing at least two solutions
The pistol is used for injecting through a hole a sealing product formed by a mixture of at least two solutions. It comprises a tubular injection system which is fed, notably under pressure, with each of said solutions, and which ends with an injection head capable of penetrating into the injection hole. The tubular system includes for each solution, an independent transfer conduit emerging from the end of the injection head, so that the mixing of the solutions is performed outside the injection head. Preferably, the first transfer conduit is a tube with a circular cross-section and the other transfer conduit(s) has(have) an annular cross-section, being delimited by one or several tubes arranged concentrically around the first transfer conduit.
US07942607B2 Underwater tunnel
An underwater suspended tunnel (6) has a shaft (10) with generally convex upper and lower outer surfaces (12, 13) meeting at longitudinally extending, transversely streamlined and opposed sides (14, 15). One or more apertures (20a, 20b) for carrying traffic extend longitudinally through the shaft (10). The shaft (10) has positive net buoyancy and is tethered at a generally uniform depth below sea level (5) by ties (32) anchored to the sea bed (4).
US07942601B2 Fully automatic twistlock to be connected to a container and a method for releasing a first container from a second
The present invention relates to a coupling device (1) to be connected to a corner fitting of a container, the coupling device comprises a housing (2), an engaging part (3) which is at least partially insertable into and releasable from said corner fitting. The engaging part (3) has a guide part (4) for guiding the engaging part with said corner fitting, further the engaging part (3) is rotably mounted in said housing (2) by means of a shaft portion (5) extending into the housing. The guide part (4) has a translation guide path for guiding the engaging part (3) in relation to the corner fitting in a horizontal direction, which translation guide path is rotational asymmetric in relation to an axis (7) of the shaft portion (5). Also included is a method for releasing a first container from a second.
US07942596B2 Cosmetic applicator
A cosmetic applicator having an actuator near its top which can be easily used with one hand having an elastomeric top seal is described. The cosmetic applicator is provided with a seal opening sleeve which protects the body of cosmetic from the elastomeric seal during opening operations and closing operations.
US07942591B2 Bend limiting boot
A connector having a front and back orientation and comprising: (a) a cable having at least a jacket and an optical fiber; (b) a ferrule assembly comprising a rear portion for attachment to said jacket, and a ferrule defining a bore hole for containing said optical fiber; (c) a housing having a front portion configured for mating with a mating structure and a back portion configured for attachment to a boot; (d) a spring biasing said ferrule assembly forward in said housing; and (e) a boot secured to said back portion of said housing and extending rearward around said tight-jacketed cable, said boot having an internal channel large enough to allow axial movement of said ferrule assembly relative to said boot.
US07942590B2 Hardened fiber optic connector and cable assembly with multiple configurations
A fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable with one or more strength members secured to a connector that is connectable to both a hardened and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The cable can include multiple cable types with various shapes and strength member configurations. The connector includes a connector housing having a one-piece main body and a cover piece mounted thereon. The one-piece main body defines a plug portion compatible with the adapters. A ferrule assembly is mounted in the plug portion and biased outwardly by a spring. An insert within the connector housing includes a spring stop for holding the spring and a cable retention portion for securing the strength members of the cable. The spring stop and the cable retention portion can be included on a one-piece insert or they can separately be included on separate inserts. The cable retention portion of the insert and the cover piece can take various forms suited for a particular cable of a given fiber optic connector and cable assembly.
US07942589B2 Optical connector, optical fiber with connector, optical fiber connecting device, and optical fiber connection method
A plug-type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and an aligning sleeve member. The aligning sleeve member receives a portion of the ferrule including an abutting end face inside a bore to prevent staining and damage and uses a movable shutter to prevent light emitted through the ferrule from leaking to the outside. The socket type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and a holding section. The optical connector is not provided with an aligning sleeve member and further can hold a coated optical fiber by a holding section behind the ferrule by a radius of curvature of at least a prescribed minimum radius of curvature. Optical loss in the coated optical fiber can be reduced while effectively reducing the external dimensions in the direction of extension of the ferrule at the time of use. An optical fiber connecting device that includes a combination of a pair of optical connectors is also provided to be suitably applied to an optical transmission line laid indoors.
US07942587B2 Strain-relief assemblies and methods for a field-installable fiber optic connector
A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place. The crimp sleeve is then crimped, which fixes the strand ends in place and also fixes the intermediate sleeve in place on the ferrule back section.
US07942586B2 Thrust needle bearing
In a thrust needle bearing employing lubricating oil and having rollers held by a cage and rolling on races, the value of the arithmetic average roughness Ra of roller is 0.03 to 0.15 μm. Even when the bearing is used under the conditions where lubrication is lean or lubrication characteristics are wrong, the rolls can be prevented from being worn at the contact parts thereof with the pocket guide face of the cage and the life of the rollers and races can be increased.
US07942577B2 Flexible bag having a drawtape closure
A flexible bag comprises flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening. The bag has a drawtape closure for sealing the opening. The sheet material of the drawtape closure exhibits elastic-like behavior along at least one axis. The sheet material of the drawtape closure comprises a first region and a second region. The first region and said second region are comprised of the same material composition and each has an untensioned projected pathlength. The first region undergoes a substantially molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the sheet material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to an axis in response to an externally-applied force upon the sheet material of the drawtape closure.
US07942569B2 Metering system for preparing emulsion paints from multiple aqueous paint components
The invention relates to a dosing arrangement which is used to mix a dispersion paint. The dosing arrangement comprises a mixing vessel and one container for the aqueous paint components. Each container is connected to a dosing valve, which is arranged in the supply area of the mixing vessel, by way of a supply line. The containers for the aqueous paint components are formed by waterproof bags.
US07942568B1 Active micromixer using surface acoustic wave streaming
An active micromixer uses a surface acoustic wave, preferably a Rayleigh wave, propagating on a piezoelectric substrate to induce acoustic streaming in a fluid in a microfluidic channel. The surface acoustic wave can be generated by applying an RF excitation signal to at least one interdigital transducer on the piezoelectric substrate. The active micromixer can rapidly mix quiescent fluids or laminar streams in low Reynolds number flows. The active micromixer has no moving parts (other than the SAW transducer) and is, therefore, more reliable, less damaging to sensitive fluids, and less susceptible to fouling and channel clogging than other types of active and passive micromixers. The active micromixer is adaptable to a wide range of geometries, can be easily fabricated, and can be integrated in a microfluidic system, reducing dead volume. Finally, the active micromixer has on-demand on/off mixing capability and can be operated at low power.
US07942562B2 Illumination device, in particular for vehicles
The invention relates to an illumination device, in particular for vehicles. The illumination device comprises at least two semiconductor light sources which emit light with different colours, as well as at least one light guide into which the light from the semiconductor light sources is injected, and a light mixer device that is arranged on the entry side of the light guide and has a transparent light-refracting element, by which the spatial distribution of the light from the light sources is mixed so as to generate light that constitutes a colour superposition of the light from the semiconductor light sources. The transparent light-refracting element comprises an end face which forms a light entry face for the light emitted by the semiconductor light sources, the semiconductor light sources being arranged next to one another and in front of the light entry face.
US07942561B2 Light guide having reflective protruding portion, and lighting devices including such light guide
A rod- or plate-shaped light guide includes a first end that receives illuminating light incident thereon, a bottom surface having a reflecting portion thereon for reflecting the light, an emitting face which emits the reflected light, and a protruding portion protruding longitudinally and continuously from the light guide at a second end thereof. The protruding portion has a reduced peripheral dimension compared to a peripheral dimension of an adjacent portion of the light guide, and a reflective body is provided on the protruding portion and covers a longitudinal end face of the protruding portion extending perpendicular to the emitting face. When viewed along an axial direction of the light guide, the reflective body does not jut out from an end face of the light guide even when the body wraps on to a side surface of the protruding portion or expansion occurs.
US07942559B2 LED device for wide beam generation
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs.
US07942557B2 LED lamp having active heat dissipation structure
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a centrifugal blower and a plurality of LED modules. The heat sink includes a base plate defining an air intake adjacent to an end of the base plate and a plurality of fins extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the base plate, between the air intake and an opposite remote end of the base plate. The centrifugal blower is mounted on the bottom surface of the base plate and located between the air intake and the fins. The LED modules are fixed on a top surface of the base plate of the heat sink. The housing engages with the base plate to enclose the centrifugal blower and the fins therein and cooperates with the base plate to define an exhaust port between the opposite remote end of the base plate and a corresponding sidewall of the housing.
US07942551B2 LED array grid, method and device for manufacturing said grid and LED component for use in the same
Disclosed herein is a method for producing an LED array grid including the steps of (i) arranging N electrically conducting parallel wires, where N is an integer>1, thus creating an array of wires having a width D perpendicular to a direction of the wires, (ii) arranging LED components to the array of wires such that each LED component is electrically coupled to at least two adjacent wires, (iii) stretching the array of wires such that the width D increases, and arranging the stretched LED array grid onto a plate or between two plates.
US07942539B2 Light-emitting diode module for instrument panel
A light-emitting diode module is mounted on an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle for illuminating a scale plate of the instrument panel. The module is composed of a light-emitting diode and a holder for supporting the diode thereon. The holder includes a housing made of molded resin and conductor plates embedded in the housing. The light-emitting diode is mounted in a depressed portion formed in the housing, and the holder is mounted on a circuit board to supply electric power to the light-emitting diode through the conductor plates embedded in the housing. A front surface of the housing and a front surface of the light-emitting diode are made flush with each other so that a flat surface made by both front surfaces is positioned close to a rear surface of the scale plate.
US07942535B2 Color wheel
A light fixture having at least one light source for generating a beam of light, a plurality of color filters are rotatable into position to intercept the light beam. The color filters are fixed to the color wheel by a central spring which has a number of radial protruding tongues for fixation of the color filters. The color filters are removable yet are secured in a correct position by radial protrusions formed between the color filters an circular outer protrusion located outward of the color filters so as to form a cavity that surrounds the color filter at both sides as well as at outward. Inward of the color filters, they are fixed by the protruding tongue that presses them down and keeps them in place. This leads to a nearly perfect fixation of each color filter, which can be exchanged if necessary.
US07942534B2 Projector for achieving a wide varity of gradation and color representation, projection system, program and recording medium
A projector, includes: an illumination device that radiates plural colors of light in a time-sharing manner; a reflective optical modulator that forms, based on input image information, an optical image for each of the plural colors of light radiated from the illumination device in a time-sharing manner; a projection optical device that projects the optical images of the plural colors of light formed by the reflective optical modulator; and a controller that controls the illumination device and the reflective optical modulator, the controller including: an image information analyzer that analyzes the input image information; and an illumination time controller that dynamically changes and controls illumination time of the plural colors of light by the illumination device based on an analysis result by the image information analyzer.
US07942530B2 Apparatus and method for self-calibrating multi-projector displays via plug and play projectors
An asynchronous, distributed, and calibrated apparatus provides a composite display from a plurality of plug-and-play projectors. The apparatus comprises a plurality of self-sufficient modules. Each module comprises at least one plug-and-play projector of the plurality of plug-and-play projectors. A camera is coupled to the projector. A software or firmware controlled, computation and communication circuit is coupled to the projector and executes a single-program-multiple-data (SPMD) calibration algorithm that simultaneously runs on each self-sufficient module to generate a scalable and reconfigurable composite display without any need for user input or a central server.
US07942522B2 Illuminated low-vision spectacles
Lighted reading glasses for individuals with low vision. In one embodiment, the reading glasses include a frame for supporting lenses having an oculus dexter side and an oculus sinister side, at least one oculus dexter lens supported by the frame on the oculus dexter side, and at least one oculus sinister lens supported by the frame on the oculus sinister side, each of the at least one oculus dexter lens and the at least one sinister lens having an induced prism in a range between about 4 PD and about 22 PD and a lens power that is greater than about +4.00 diopters and less than about +20.00 diopters such that each of said lenses focuses at a distance that is greater than about 5 cm and less than about 25 cm, and at least one light source having a predetermined light strength oriented to project light to provide a predetermined lighted area in a predetermined field.
US07942516B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
Provided are an image forming method and image forming apparatus capable of always stably transferring an ink image on an intermediate transfer body to a printing medium and stably obtaining an image with high quality. Formation and drying operation of the image using an inkjet method are repeated a plurality of times to obtain the image on the intermediate transfer body and the thus obtained image is transferred from the intermediate transfer body to a printing medium to form the image. At this time, a capability of the drying operation finally performed among a plurality of times of the drying operations is more lowered than those of all the drying operations except the drying operation finally performed.
US07942515B2 Solid ink stick having a feed drive coupler
A solid ink unit enables facilitates coupling of the solid ink unit to a drive mechanism. The solid ink unit includes a meltable ink body having a longitudinal axis, a coupler support extending from the meltable ink body, and an opening in the coupler support that extends along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the solid ink body.
US07942511B2 Method of manufacturing liquid container and liquid container
A method of manufacturing a liquid container, the liquid container including a liquid containing chamber in which a liquid can be contained, an air communicating passage allowing the liquid containing chamber to communicate with air, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to an outside, a liquid flow passage allowing the liquid container and the liquid supply port to communicate with each other, a differential pressure valve which is disposed in the liquid flow passage, which is normally urged to a closed state, and which is changed to an opened state when a differential pressure between a side of the liquid supply port and a side of the liquid containing chamber is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and a blocked portion formed by closing a bypass flow passage allowing a supply port side flow passage that is closer to the liquid supply port than the differential pressure valve to communicate with a containing chamber side flow passage that is closer to the liquid containing chamber than the differential pressure valve, so as to bypass the differential pressure valve, the method includes; opening at least a part of the blocked portion so as to form the bypass flow passage; injecting the liquid into the liquid containing chamber from the liquid supply port via the supply port side flow passage, the bypass flow passage, and the containing chamber side flow passage; and blocking the bypass flow passage after injecting the liquid.
US07942510B2 Liquid injecting method and liquid container
A method of injecting a liquid into a liquid container detachably mounted on a liquid consuming device, the liquid container comprising: a liquid containing chamber containing the liquid; a liquid supply port connectable to the liquid consuming device; a liquid guide path for guiding the liquid contained in the liquid containing chamber to the liquid supply port; an air communicating path communicating the liquid containing chamber with air and having a communicating passage portion that is narrower than at least a part of other communicating paths in the air communicating path and can store some liquid contained in the liquid containing chamber by a meniscus; and a liquid residual quantity sensor provided in the liquid guide path for outputting different signals in accordance with a residual amount of the liquid in the liquid containing portion, wherein the liquid contained in the liquid containing chamber can be blocked from the air by the liquid stored in the communicating passage portion, the method comprising: forming an injection port on a more upstream side than an upstream end of the communicating passage portion; injecting a predetermined amount of liquid from the injection port; and sealing the injection port after injecting the liquid.
US07942506B2 Inkjet printer head and method to manufacture the same
An inkjet printer head includes a substrate, an insulating layer having a groove and disposed on the substrate, a heating member having a concavely curved upper surface and disposed on an upper portion of the groove, an electrode to make contact with the heating member to apply electric current to the heating member, a chamber layer disposed on the heating member, and a nozzle layer having one or more nozzles and disposed on the chamber layer. According to the inkjet printer head, the heating member has a curved structure to increase a length of the heating member, so that resistance of the heating member can be increased. Thus, the heating member can stably operate regardless of current variation applied thereto, and the printing work can be performed.
US07942500B2 Printhead with flex PCB bent between contacts and printhead IC
A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer that has a print engine controller for receiving print data and sending it to the printhead. The printhead has a printhead IC for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) that has contacts for receiving print data mounted to the support structure on a face that does not face the paper path. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.
US07942498B2 Liquid discharging device
Provided is a liquid discharging device including: a first head unit which discharges liquid; a second head unit which faces a portion of a medium, in which the liquid is discharged from the first head unit, and discharges liquid; and a support member which faces the first head unit and the second head unit and supports the medium, wherein in the first head unit and the second head unit, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a crossing direction crossing a transporting direction of the medium over an overall dischargeable range of the liquid, and a distance between the second head unit and the support member is larger than that between the first head unit and the support member.
US07942495B2 Method of and apparatus for ink jet printing using an electrostatic field
An improved printer and method of printing uses an electrostatic field at the point of ink contact with the print medium to improve ink application. This improved printer and printing method makes possible a higher resolution final image; provides for greater control of the application of ink on the print medium; permits the use of a wider range of inks having variable viscosities, surface tensions, and elasticities; and permits the use of a variety of ink application speeds.
US07942488B2 Custom color printhead module
A custom color printhead module comprises a mixing reservoir having a first opening and a second opening each configured to receive a first colored ink and a second colored ink and to mix the ink in the reservoir to form a custom colored ink. A first and a second reservoir supply valve are connected to the first and second opening, respectively, to open and close the first and second openings to enable and disable a flow of a first colored ink and a second colored ink into the mixing reservoir. A printhead is connected to the mixing reservoir to receive the custom colored ink from the mixing reservoir. A housing is configured to support the mixing reservoir and the printhead and configured for connection and removal from an imaging device.
US07942468B2 Aerodynamic skirt securing mechanism
A securing mechanism adapted to secure struts to a trailer is provided, the securing mechanism comprising a pair of clamps adapted to be secured to the strut to clamp a frame member of the trailer therebetween. A method of securing a strut to a trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a strut; providing a pair of clamps; positioning an end of the strut adjacent to a side of a frame member of the trailer; positioning the pair of clamps on an opposed side of the frame member; and securing the pair of clamps to the strut to clamp the frame member therebetween. A securing mechanism kit for securing a strut to a frame member of a trailer is equally provided, the kit comprising a pair of clamps; and a strut.