最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08189146B2 Transflective type liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a pixel electrode. The first substrate has a thin film transistor and the second substrate has a color filter and faces the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and the second substrates. The pixel electrode is disposed above the first substrate and electrically connected to the thin film transistor. The transflective liquid crystal display device further includes a pixel region. The pixel region is divided into a transmit part and a reflective part, and the reflective part includes a first region and a second region. The pixel electrode extends to the transmit part and only the second region of the reflective part.
US08189138B2 Transfer material, process for producing a color filter using the same, a color filter and liquid crystal display device
A transfer material comprising at least one optically anisotropic layer and at least one photosensitive polymer layer on at least one support, wherein said optically anisotropic layer comprises one or more compounds having a reactive group, and said photosensitive polymer layer comprises two or more types of photopolymerization initiators having different photoreaction mechanisms to each other, and a compound having a reactive group which can react with one or more of the reactive groups present in the optically anisotropic layer by the action of the at least one of said photopolymerization initiators. By using the transfer material, a color filter which contributes to reducing viewing angle dependence of color of a liquid crystal display device, and a liquid crystal display device having less corner non-uniformities and less viewing angle dependence of color.
US08189137B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit adapted to improve uneven brightness and reliability is disclosed. The backlight unit includes: a bottom cover; at least one metal PCB disposed on one side surface of the inner side of the bottom cover; a plurality of light emission diodes arranged at a fixed interval on the metal PCB; and at least one fixing protrusion projecting from an upper surface of the metal PCB and fastened to a panel guide which is combined with the bottom cover, in order to prevent the metal PCB from separating.
US08189134B2 Durable display panel with impact resistance
Exemplary embodiments provide a durable anti-reflective display panel for an electronic display. The panel may be used with any flat panel display including but not limited to LCD, plasma, and organic LED displays. Embodiments may contain anti-reflective glass containing pyrolytic coatings and may be bonded together using an index-matched optical adhesive. Exemplary embodiments can resist impact from objects at high speeds and protect the electronic display from damage. Embodiments also resist shattering to protect any bystanders.
US08189131B2 Thin-film transistor, substrate and display device each having the thin-film transistor, and method of manufacturing the thin-film transistor
A thin-film transistor (TFT) includes a gate electrode, a semiconductor pattern, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The semiconductor pattern includes an active layer being overlapped with the gate electrode and a low band gap portion having a lower energy band gap than the active layer. The source and drain electrodes are spaced apart from each other to be overlapped with the semiconductor pattern. Therefore, the semiconductor pattern includes a low band gap portion having a lower energy band gap than the active layer, so that electron mobility may be increased in a channel formed along the low band gap portion so that electric characteristics of the TFT may be enhanced.
US08189124B2 Digital photo frame with a function of automatically power off
A digital photo frame with a function of automatically power off is provided. The digital photo frame includes a display unit, a power management unit, a storage unit, a detection unit, and a processing unit. The detection unit detects whether there is some one around the digital photo frame. The processing unit controls the power management unit to stop providing power to the display unit if the detection unit detects nobody around the digital photo frame in a first predetermined time period, and controls the power management unit to stop providing power to the digital photo frame if the detection unit detects nobody around the digital photo frame in a second predetermined time period.
US08189116B2 Digital television transmitter and method of coding data in digital television transmitter
A pre-processor pre-processes enhanced data packets by coding the enhanced data packets for forward error correction (FEC) and expanding the FEC-coded data packets. A data formatter adds first null data into first place holders within each pre-processed enhanced data packet. A first multiplexer multiplexes the main data packets with the enhanced data packets having the first null data. A holder inserter inserts second null data into second place holders within an enhanced data packet outputted from the first multiplexer. A data interleaver replaces the second null data with parity data. A data generator generates at least one known data sequence. A symbol processor replaces the first null data included in an output of the data interleaver with the known data sequence(s). A non-systematic RS encoder generates the parity data by performing non-systematic RS-coding on an output of the symbol processor, and provides the parity data to the data interleaver.
US08189106B2 Video data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and video data transmitting and receiving method
A video data transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a data transmitting module configured to be able to arrange video data in a first video format, into a valid data area of a first transmission format, and transmit the video data, and also to arrange video data in a second video format different from the first video format, into an effective valid data area within the valid data area of the first transmission format, and transmit the video data; and a data receiving module configured to receive the data transmitted in the first transmission format from the data transmitting module, and obtain the video data in the second video format within the valid data area. A receiver module seamlessly obtains the video data immediately after change of the video format of the video data from a transmitter module.
US08189105B2 Systems and methods of motion and edge adaptive processing including motion compensation features
Systems and methods of processing pixel information associated with video image deinterlacing are disclosed. In one exemplary implementation, the method may include performing an edge adaptive interpolation process on a present field so as to determine whether an edge passes through a pixel, wherein the edge adaptive interpolation process provides edge data including a first intensity estimate for the pixel, receiving motion data associated with motion compensation processing, including an estimated motion vector for at least one pixel proximate to the pixel in at least one reference field, determining a second intensity estimate for the pixel as a function of the edge data and the motion data, and performing an intensity-calculation procedure, wherein an interpolated intensity of the pixel is calculated as a function of the first intensity estimate and the second intensity estimate.
US08189103B2 Pull-down detection apparatus and pull-down detection method
A pull-down detection apparatus includes a pixel comparator at least performing pixel comparison between a subsequent field and a present field to determine a presence of a pixel change between the subsequent field and the present field, a field comparator compiles a determination result in the pixel comparator by dividing the result according to pixel location in the fields and determining a presence of an image change between the subsequent field and the present field based on the divided compiled determination result, and a pull-down determinater determining that the input video signal is generated by pull-down processing based on a history of a determination result in the field comparator.
US08189098B2 Digital camera having double housing construction for heat dissipation, high rigidity, and reduced tactile temperature
In order to provide a digital camera which includes a heat dissipating device which can cool sufficiently a solid state image pick-up device and integrated circuits, which has a high rigidity and which affects little the design of the digital camera, there is provided a digital camera comprising a lens unit 15, a solid state image pick-up device 31 and integrated circuits 41, wherein a camera housing is made to have a double housing construction by an outer housing 11 which is formed of a member having a low thermal conductivity and an inner housing 61 which is formed of a member having a high rigidity and a high thermal conductivity, wherein a heat dissipating space is defined between the outer housing 11 and the inner housing 61, the integrated circuits 41 configuring a heat source and the inner housing 61 are connected together by a member having a high thermal conductivity, and wherein the inner housing 61 is made up of a main body side housing which is situated in the vicinity of the solid state image pick-up device 31 and the integrated circuits 41 and a lens side housing 62 which covers a circumferential edge of the lens unit 15, whereby heat is dissipated from the whole surfaces of the main body side housing and the lens side housing.
US08189097B2 Adjusting method of flash intensity
An adjusting method of flash intensity is applied in an image capture apparatus with a flash lamp, where two pre-flash images corresponding the object are retrieved under two different pre-flash lights, respectively, and then a flash intensity of main-flash light is calculated according to one of the retrieved pre-flash images, so as to retrieve a main-flash image corresponding the object under the main-flash light with the calculated main-flash light.
US08189094B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a luminance value calculation unit configured to calculate a luminance average value and a luminance peak value from an image obtained by image-capturing for each of frames formed by dividing one screen, a first calculation unit configured to combine the luminance average value and the luminance peak value obtained for each of the frames, a second calculation unit configured to calculate an average value of composite values equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value among composite values obtained by the first calculation unit, and a setting unit configured to set knee strength based on the average value of the composite values obtained by the second calculation unit.
US08189091B2 Apparatus and method for electro-optical split image focusing
Provided are an electro-optical split image focusing apparatus and method through which an in-focus position of a photographed plane with respect to the image of a subject can be detected with accuracy and speed. The apparatus comprises at least one electro-optical element disposed along an optical axis between a subject and a photographed plane. The electro-optical element is characterized by a refractive index that varies with distance along a perpendicular to the optical axis when a voltage is applied. An image of the subject is transmitted toward the photographed plane through the electro-optical element.
US08189089B1 Methods and apparatus for reducing plenoptic camera artifacts
Methods and apparatus for reducing plenoptic camera artifacts. A first method is based on careful design of the optical system of the focused plenoptic camera to reduce artifacts that result in differences in depth in the microimages. A second method is computational; a focused plenoptic camera rendering algorithm is provided that corrects for artifacts resulting from differences in depth in the microimages. While both the artifact-reducing focused plenoptic camera design and the artifact-reducing rendering algorithm work by themselves to reduce artifacts, the two approaches may be combined.
US08189088B2 Lens apparatus and camera system
The interchangeable lens apparatus is attachable to a camera and selectively uses at least one of a plurality of accessories. The apparatus includes an aberration data memory configured to store optical aberration data for each of the plurality of accessories, an order data memory configured to store sending order data for determining a sending order of the optical aberration data to the camera, a determining means configured to determine particular optical aberration data, from the optical aberration data stored in the aberration data memory, to be sent to the camera based on information indicating which of the plurality of accessories have been selected for use and to determine the sending order of the particular aberration data based on the sending order data stored in the order data memory, and a transmitting means configured to send the particular optical aberration data, determined by the determining means, to the camera in the sending order determined by the determining means.
US08189085B2 Image sensing apparatus and its control method
A drive mode is switched after readout for one frame is completed, and the reset operation for the following frame is started. In this manner, the reset operation for the following frame will not be performed during the readout period for the preceding frame. Therefore, the accumulation period for the following frame can be made consistent in that frame.
US08189076B2 Method for compensating image data
A method for compensating image data is adapted for an image sensor. The image sensor has a plurality of photo sensors arranged in an effective region and an optical black region. The method for compensating image data includes a plurality of monochromatic light representative values Si corresponding to pixel positions i is extracted from the photo sensors of the optical black region; a plurality of monochromatic image intensity values VO is extracted from the photo sensors of the effective region; the monochromatic light representative values Si are converted respectively to a plurality of monochromatic compensation values f(Si); and compensated image data VF is output after compensating the monochromatic image intensity values VO respectively based on the pixel positions i and the corresponding monochromatic compensation values f(Si). Through the method for compensating image data, a smear effect in the effective region can be compensated effectively.
US08189073B2 Tone adjustment method for digital image and electronic apparatus using the same
A tone adjustment method for a digital image and an electronic apparatus using the same are presented. A digital image is loaded. A detail image layer and a primary image layer are generated according to the digital image. A tone mapping procedure is performed on the primary image layer, for generating a tone mapping layer. A detail gain lookup table is loaded and then a corresponding gain is looked up according to each pixel value in the primary image layer, for generating a detail gain adjustment layer. A detail gain control procedure is performed and then a detail gain adjustment is performed on the detail gain adjustment layer and the detail image layer, for generating a gain correction layer. The gain correction layer and the tone mapping layer are combined, and then a combined layer is output, thereby completing the tone adjustment for the digital image.
US08189072B2 Program and information processing device allowing storage of information for identifying user
When setting that a situation permits photographing is made, a CPU causes a first image obtained by photographing of a field by an image pick-up portion to be stored as an input image in association with prescribed information. In contrast, when setting that a situation does not permit photographing is made, the CPU accepts user's drawing input onto an input portion and causes a second image in accordance with the drawing input to be stored as the input image in association with the prescribed information. Thus, an image of a type appropriate for a condition of use can be stored in association with the prescribed information.
US08189068B2 Apparatus and method for detecting flicker noise and computer readable medium stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing the method
An apparatus for detecting flicker noise disclosed in the present invention comprises an output unit for outputting a standard data for flicker noise judgment using a statistical calculation value for each calculated line based on brightness information of pixels for each line of an object image for flicker noise detection; a flicker line detection unit for detecting flicker lines, namely, lines corresponding to the standard data where the distance between the lines are within a predetermined allowance of a regular interval; and a judgment unit for comparing the number of the detected flicker lines with a standard number for flicker noise judgment to judge if the object image is a flicker noise image.The present invention can realize a method for detecting flicker noise, in which an image obtained with the reduced calculation time and use of a minimum memory has a robust in characteristics of a subject.
US08189060B2 Image sensing apparatus and method for controlling the same
Receiving an instruction from a user to start sensing a still image, an image sensing apparatus performs scene determination based on an evaluation value of scene determination from an image sensed immediately after the luminance of the image converges to a predetermined range of a target luminance. The image sensing apparatus can accurately determine a scene of the image even the image sensor with a narrow dynamic range.
US08189058B2 Digital camera with integrated accelerometers
A digital camera system has integrated accelerometers for determining static and dynamic accelerations of the digital cameral system. Data relating to static and dynamic accelerations are stored with recorded image data for further processing, such as for correcting image data for roll, pitch and vibrations and for displaying recorded images with a predetermined orientation using information about, e.g., roll. Data may also be used on-the-fly for smear suppression caused by vibrations.
US08189050B1 Filtering systems and methods for infrared image processing
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide filtering techniques for image processing applications. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a Median-X filtering algorithm is disclosed that may be used for various infrared image processing applications.
US08189044B2 Method for optical inspection of a matt surface and apparatus for applying this method
In a method and apparatus for the optical inspection of a matt surface of an object, the surface having a random texture, for example a tile (11) to find cracks (12), in a first step digital images of the surface are created by an image sensor (K) whereby the surface is illuminated from different directions by light sources (B). In a second step sub-images of the regions of interest are created from the images. In a third step the cracks are detected in the sub-images by digital image processing, generating abnormality sub-charts showing the putative cracks. In a fourth step for each region of interest a joint abnormality chart is generated by fusion of the sub-charts and in a fifth step the cracks are detected in each of the joint abnormality charts of each region of interest.
US08189042B2 Vision analysis system for a process vessel
A remote vision analysis system for a vessel containing a process liquid having gas bubbles or particles floating therein. A probe extends into the vessel and enables in-situ observation of the process liquid, gas bubbles or particles, and/or surfaces within the vessel. The probe has a proximal end that includes a camera for recording still or motion images of the process liquid, gas bubbles or particles, and/or surfaces within the vessel. An elongate distal end of the probe extends within an interior of the vessel and is housed within a hermetically sealed protective shroud having a lens, or window, through which images are recorded by the camera. The probe is modular and includes interchangeable parts.
US08189041B2 Endoscope signal processing apparatus
An endoscope signal processing apparatus has a first video signal generating circuit and a second video signal generating circuit which respectively generate a first video signal and a second video signal offering different resolutions depending on a first image capturing device and a second image capturing device respectively which are mounted in an endoscope removably connected to an endoscope connecting portion. The first and second video signals can be selectively output to an exterior through a common video signal output connector.
US08189038B2 Stereographic projection apparatus with passive eyewear utilizing a continuously variable polarizing element
An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, polarization modulation, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. An alternating polarizer is used to modulate the projected image, and an electronic control circuit is described which can stabilize the alternating polarizer in both frequency and phase lock with a DLP visual signal (as an alternate embodiment, a frequency lock with a fixed phase offset may be employed). A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability, while an alternate embodiment allows this capability to be integrated into the design of new DLP based projection systems.
US08189033B2 Recording medium, playback device, and integrated circuit
The recording medium 100 stores playlist information and a plurality of elementary streams. The playlist information includes a basic stream selection table and an extension stream selection table. The basic stream selection table shows elementary streams that are permitted to be played back in a monoscopic playback mode. The extension stream selection table shows elementary streams that are permitted to be played back only in a stereoscopic playback mode. The stream entry in the extension stream selection table indicates a packet identifier that is to be used by the playback device to perform demultiplexing when the playback device is in the stereoscopic playback mode and the corresponding stream number is set in the stream number register provided in the playback device.
US08189019B2 Thermal head, thermal printer, and manufacturing method for thermal head
To improve printing quality and reduce manufacturing cost, a plurality of heating resistors (14) are arranged with spaces therebetween on a heat storage layer (13) laminated on a surface of a supporting substrate (11) via an adhesive layer (12) made of an elastic material. A cavity portion (19) is formed at a region between the supporting substrate (11) and the heat storage layer (13), the region being opposed to a heat generating portion of each of the plurality of heating resistors (14). The adhesive layer (12) includes a first adhesive layer (12a) laminated on the surface of the supporting substrate (11) and a second adhesive layer (12b) laminated on a surface of the heat storage layer (13). The elastic material constituting the second adhesive layer (12b) is arranged so that the elastic material is in a bonded state with respect to at least a part of the surface of the heat storage layer (13) opposed to the cavity portion (19).
US08189016B2 Post-color space conversion processing system and methods
A display system uses a post-scaling module for producing a single scaling factor. A post-scaling unit for scaling image data values is constructed as a function of scaling requirements, such as backlight illumination, saturation of the image data values, and out-of-gamut correction. This single scaling factor may be a function of the scaling requirements. Some of these scaling requirements could be selected from a group scaling considerations, such as saturation based scaling, out-of-gamut scaling, and non-linear scaling. A non-linear scale module could be used to enhance dark color values and may depend on the luminance value of image data values. Once these scaling requirements are determined, there are ways of combining them to create the single scaling factor. These ways may include multiplying the scaling requirements, taking the minimum of them, or taking a combination of them.
US08189011B2 System and method for controlling lighting systems
A light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) having a predetermined number of emitted color options and a processor (113, 213) operably coupled to the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605). The processor (113, 213) responds to a first color selection actuation by controlling the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) to display each of the predetermined emitted light options within different portions of the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605). Thereafter, the processor (113, 213) responds to a second color selection actuation by controlling the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) to display a selected one of the predetermined emitted light options substantially over the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605), wherein the selected one of the predetermined emitted light options is indicated by the second color selection actuation.
US08189007B2 Graphics engine and method of distributing pixel data
A graphics engine and related method of operation are disclosed in which a pixel distributor distributes pixel data across a plurality of pixel shaders using a first approach when the presence of one or more rendering features is indicated, else using a second approach different from the first approach.
US08188999B2 Method and apparatus for organizing object geometry for spatial and memory coherency and optimal rendering
Methods and computing devices enable the generation of contiguous triangle patches for use in generating triangle strips for processing in a computer graphics engine. A seed triangle is selected and a patch of contiguous triangles is formed by incrementally adding adjacent triangles to the patch at equal steps from the seed triangle until a limit is reached or no more triangles can be added to the patch. Triangles whose vertices are already included in the patch are also added to the patch. If no more triangles can be added to the patch before the vertex limit is reached, a new seed triangle may be selected and another patch generated until the vertex limit is reached. Forming patches of contiguous triangles before generating triangle strips improves memory utilization can speed the processing of computer graphic objects.
US08188998B2 System and method of proximity detection
A computer implemented method of visualizing an infrastructure comprising: acquiring a cross section definition, the definition comprising points defining a link and link information, each of the points exhibiting a type; creating at least one three dimensional face linking points of a same type; assigning a face rendering for each of the created at least one three dimensional faces with a material definitional associated with the link information; and displaying the faces with the rendering. The invention also provides for a computing system operable to: acquire a cross section definition, the definition comprising points defining a link and link information, each of the points exhibiting a type; create at least one three dimensional face linking points of a same type; and assign a face rendering for each of the created at least one three dimensional faces with a material definitional associated with the link information.
US08188995B2 Methods and appratus for estimating cell radius in a mobile telecommunications network
Methods and arrangements for provide for an estimation of a cell radius in a mobile telecommunications network. The arrangement comprises a processor which estimates path loss by using an arbitrary path loss estimation method wherein at least a pre-defined cell radius is used as input. The use of the arbitrary path loss estimation method results in a path loss data file comprising values associated with signal strength for pixels within the cell defined by the first cell radius. The processor also estimates a first updated cell radius by excluding pixels having a signal strength below a predetermined threshold from the cell area having the pre-defined cell radius, wherein the first updated cell radius is the cell radius of the remaining cell area when the pixels are excluded.
US08188993B2 Liquid crystal drive device, LCD apparatus and drive method
A liquid crystal drive device includes: a frame memory retaining image information of a second frame immediately preceding a first frame; a first calculator calculating a first difference between image information of the first frame and the image information of the second frame; an edge enhancement processor performing edge enhancement processing of the first frame for each of pixels of the first frame and outputting edge enhancement image information; a selector selecting and outputting the edge enhancement image information or image information of the first frame; a second calculator calculating a second difference between an output of the selector and the image information of the second frame; an enhancement coefficient calculator multiplying an output of the second calculator by an enhancement correction coefficient; and a third calculator calculating sum information by adding together an output of the enhancement coefficient calculator and the image information of the second frame.
US08188987B2 Display and imaging apparatus and object detecting method
A displaying and imaging apparatus includes a displaying and imaging panel, a generating unit for generating a difference image between a reflection light using image and a shadow image obtained from the displaying and imaging panel, and an image processing unit for obtaining information of at least one of position, shape, and size of the adjacent object on the basis of the difference image. The generating unit generates, on the basis of a plurality of images obtained at timings different from each other, which are one of the reflection light using image or the shadow image, one interpolation image corresponding to the one of images obtained at a timing different from those of the plurality of images, and generates the difference image by the difference between the interpolation image and the other one of the reflection light using image and the shadow image.
US08188983B2 Touch panel, and electro-optic apparatus and electronic device having the touch panel
A touch panel includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate; an annular seal material that adheres peripheries of the first substrate and the second substrate to each other so as to set a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate; first seal portions that adhere corner portions of the first substrate and the second substrate through the seal material; and second seal portions that are in connection with the first seal portions and adhere side portions of the first substrate and the second substrate through the seal material. Each of the first seal portions has a thickness which is smaller than each of the second seal portions so that the substrate gap is set to be small.
US08188974B2 Input device with reduced friction
A system and method for controlling friction between a mouse and the surface upon which it is placed. Reduction of friction can be accomplished in several ways, including: making the feet of the mouse from various different materials, creating layers of air between the mouse and the surface, creating beveled edges for the feet of mouse, etc. In one embodiment, the feet of the mouse are made of a piezo-electric layer bonded to another layer made of a different material. Exciting the piezo-electric layer at certain frequencies makes the two layers shrink and expand differently, thus creating oscillations of the feet. In yet another embodiment, portions of the mouse feet are made of different materials with different coefficients of friction. These different portions of the feet can be pressed down onto the surface with varying amounts of pressure, thus altering the friction.
US08188971B2 Medical image interpreting apparatus and cursor-moving method
In the medical image interpreting apparatus having a pointing device for moving a cursor, medical image, interpretation report, and cursor are displayed on a display screen, and initial movement information and information on the destination of movement of the cursor are linked and stored, via the pointing device when the cursor begins to move, said initial movement information relevant to the initial movement is retrieved to obtain the linked information on the destination of movement and the cursor is moved to the destination of movement indicated in the obtained information on the destination of movement. Due to this, just by slightly moving the cursor, the cursor jumps to the desired destination of movement, therefore, it becomes possible to omit an operation of the pointing device in between. Due to this, the operation load of the pointing device is reduced, thus preventing an operator's thought in creating an interpretation report from being destructed, and the enhancement in interpreting efficiency and the reduction of interpretation mistakes are achieved.
US08188968B2 Methods for interfacing with a program using a light input device
An input device for interfacing with a computing device is provided. The input device includes a body configured to be held within a human hand. The input device includes a light emitting diode (LED) affixed to the body and a power supply for the LED. A mode change activator is integrated into the body, where the mode change activator is configured to cause a change of a color of a light originating from the LED. The color change is capable of being detected to cause a mode change at the computing device. Methods for detecting input commands from an input source within a field of sight of an image capture device, and a computing system which includes the input device are provided.
US08188966B2 Image display device and method capable of adjusting brightness
Provided is an image display device capable of adjusting brightness. The image display device includes a brightness determining unit that determines the brightness of image data, applied from outside, so as to output a backlight selection signal and a contrast selection signal; a backlight control unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit and outputs a backlight driving voltage for supplying backlight with brightness corresponding to the backlight selection signal; a contrast control unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit and outputs an image output signal for outputting an image of which the contrast is adjusted to correspond to the contrast selection signal; and an image display unit that is connected to the backlight control unit and the contrast control unit and receives the backlight driving voltage and the image output signal so as to display an image in which the brightness of the backlight and the contrast of the image data are respectively adjusted.
US08188963B2 Driving circuit for liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A flat panel display device and a method of driving the same are disclosed, to cut down the cost of driving circuit by decreasing the number of data lines, wherein the flat panel display device comprises a plurality of gate and data lines which are formed on a substrate; an image displaying unit which includes a plurality of pixel cells of which two pixel cells adjacently positioned along the direction of gate line are driven by one data line; a timing controller which aligns source data provided from the external, and generates a control signal and a clock signal; a plurality of data-driving integrated circuits which convert the source data into analog video signals on the basis of the control signal and supply the analog video signals to the data line, and raise and output the clock signal; and a gate-driving circuit which generates scan signals overlapped by each unit corresponding to the half of one horizontal period according to the raised clock signal, and supplies the overlapped scan pulses to the gate lines in sequence.
US08188960B2 Driving apparatus having second load signal with different falling times and method for display device and display device including the same
An apparatus for driving a display device includes a plurality of data driving integrated circuits which generates data voltages and a signal controller which inputs a first load signal to a data driving integrated circuit of the plurality of data driving integrated circuits to control the data driving integrated circuit. Each data driving integrated circuit of the plurality of data driving integrated circuits includes a load signal converter which generates a second load signal having a falling time which is different than a falling time of the first load signal.
US08188955B2 Source driving circuit with output buffer
A source driving circuit adapted to drive a display panel is provided herein. The source driving circuit includes a first output buffer and a second output buffer responsible for enhancing signals with different polarities respectively. As for the first output buffer, the first output buffer includes a first differential input stage, a first output stage and a second output stage. The first output stage includes a first level adjustment circuit and a first self-bias providing circuit. The first level adjustment circuit provides a first level voltage according to input signals received by the first differential input stage, such that the second output stage thereby provides a first charge current and a second charge current to output a first output signal based on the first level voltage. The first self-bias providing circuit provides a first biased voltage associated with one input signal to control the first level adjustment circuit to operate.
US08188946B2 Compensation technique for luminance degradation in electro-luminance devices
A method and system for compensation for luminance degradation in electro-luminance devices is provided. The system includes a pixel circuit having a light emitting device, a storage capacitor, a plurality of transistors, and control signal lines to operate the pixel circuit. The storage capacitor is connected or disconnected to the transistor and a signal line(s) when programming and driving the pixel circuit.
US08188945B2 Semiconductor device
Semiconductor elements deteriorate or are destroyed due to electrostatic discharge damage. The present invention provides a semiconductor device in which a protecting means is formed in each pixel. The protecting means is provided with one or a plurality of elements selected from the group consisting of resistor elements, capacitor elements, and rectifying elements. Sudden changes in the electric potential of a source electrode or a drain electrode of a transistor due to electric charge that builds up in a pixel electrode is relieved by disposing the protecting means between the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element and the source electrode or the drain electrode of the transistor. Deterioration or destruction of the semiconductor element due to electrostatic discharge damage is thus prevented.
US08188942B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a substrate, a display unit that is positioned on the substrate and includes a plurality of subpixels, signal lines on the substrate, a pad unit positioned at either edge of the substrate, and a dummy pad unit positioned at both sides of the pad unit outside the pad unit on the signal lines. The signal lines include scan lines, power supply lines, and ground lines which are connected to the plurality of subpixels. The pad unit includes a driver supplying driving signals to the signal lines. The dummy pad unit is connected to the signal lines.
US08188939B2 Method and apparatus for driving plasma display panel
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for driving a plasma display panel that can be driven at a low voltage and prevent undesired discharge from being generated under high temperature environment.
US08188935B2 Antenna device
An improved antenna device has an internal length compensation device, permitting a varying length expansion of the housing/radome in relation to the antenna support or reflector device located within the housing/radome. At least one of at least two internal fixing devices is provided with the internal length compensation device. The internal length compensation device is in at least two parts or has two limbs, wherein one part is fixed to the antenna support and/or reflector device and the other part is at least indirectly fixed to the housing/radome and/or supported thereby. The at least two parts can be moved relative to each other, be moved in position or deformed. In particular with relation to the support points of both parts, the position may be changed with common deformation.
US08188932B2 Phased array antenna with lattice transformation
Structure and method for an aperture plate for use in a phased array antenna is disclosed. The aperture plate includes a plurality of waveguide transitions, each with a radiating end, a coupling end and a body portion extending from the radiating end to the coupling end. The waveguide transitions are spaced apart from each other wherein at least a pair of waveguide transitions are spaced apart closer to each other at the radiating end than at the coupling end. The method of manufacturing an aperture plate for a phased array antenna includes sizing a plurality of waveguide transitions based upon certain operating requirements, determining a radiating lattice spacing and configuration based upon the operating requirements, determining a coupling lattice spacing and configuration based upon antenna electronics packaging, optimizing an aperture plate thickness to achieve the radiating lattice and the coupling lattice spacing and configuration, and forming the aperture plate.
US08188929B2 Self-resonating antenna
An antenna includes a U-shaped radiator portion having a first extending arm and a second extending arm parallel and adjacent the first extending arm and coupled to the first extending arm by a junction portion, where the first and second extending arms and the junction portion defining a slot. The antenna further includes a ground plane physically coupled only to the first extending arm and a distributed feed element disposed at least partially within the slot and operable to radiate electromagnetic signals within a first frequency range and electrically excite at least portions of the radiator portion at at least a second frequency range having frequencies outside the first frequency range, thereby causing the radiator portion to radiate electromagnetic signals within the second frequency range.
US08188926B2 Folded antenna structures for portable devices
Methods and systems are disclosed for folded antenna structures that allow for receive and/or transmit antennas to be used for portable or other devices. The folded antennas described herein can be configured, for example, to fit the design constraints and considerations for portable devices. The folded antenna structures can be implemented using relatively flat flexible printed circuits (e.g., flex circuits) and can be placed in available spaces within the portable device, such as above or behind a battery, while still providing good performance characteristics. Still further, the folded antenna structures can be implemented on a printed circuit board and/or as part of plastic materials and pieces included as part of a portable device.
US08188925B2 Bent monopole antenna with shared segments
A bent monopole antenna with shared segments is capable of tri-band communication. In an example embodiment, an antenna assembly includes a substrate, a first bent monopole, a second bent monopole, and a third bent monopole. The first, second, and third bent monopoles are disposed on the substrate. The first bent monopole includes a feedline segment and a first segment. The second bent monopole includes the feedline segment and the first segment. The third bent monopole includes the feedline segment and a second segment. The first, second, and third bent monopoles share the feedline segment, while the first and second bent monopoles also share the first segment. A T-junction is formed by the feedline segment, the first segment, and the second segment. In an example implementation, the first segment has a first width, and the second segment has a second width, with the first width being greater than the second width.
US08188924B2 RF powder and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an RF powder having a characteristic to be used as a powder (powdery substance) which is composed of a large quantity of particles and has a collective form, wherein each of a large quantity of particles composing the powder is smaller in size as compared with a current IC tag chip and is used as a device having a function substantially equivalent to the IC tag chip, use form thereof is not individual device use but powder use, treatment is easy, a manufacturing cost is very low in respect of a unit cost of each particle, and a practical use is very high, and a method for manufacturing the same. An RF powder 11 is used in a powder form, wherein each particle 11a in the powder has an integrated circuit 13 formed on a substrate 12, an insulating layer 14 formed on the integrated circuit, and an antenna element 15 formed on the insulating layer.
US08188914B2 Wireless communication device and associated method including control of positioning-system receiver and shared oscillator
The wireless communication device includes a wireless communication transceiver to generate an oscillator control signal and an activation signal, a positioning-system receiver (e.g. a GPS receiver) to process received positioning signals, and a shared oscillator (e.g. a temperature compensated and voltage controlled crystal oscillator TCVCXO) responsive to the oscillator control signal and to generate a reference frequency signal for the wireless communication transceiver and the positioning-system receiver. The positioning-system receiver may control processing of the received positioning signals based upon the activation signal to reduce a noise contribution (e.g. phase noise) due to frequency control of the shared oscillator based upon the oscillator control signal. The activation signal may indicate that the oscillator control signal is being varied to provide frequency control or adjustment of the shared oscillator.
US08188913B2 Method for a global satellite navigation system
A method for estimating satellite-satellite single difference biases is described. The method uses an ionosphere-free mixed code-carrier combination of maximum ambiguities discrimination defined at the ration between wavelength and noise standard deviation. The accuracy of the biases estimation is further improved by an additional ionosphere-free mixed code-carrier combination of time-difference measurement that is uncorrelated with the first combination. Finally, an alternative method is based on a combination of carrier signals in a common frequency band which allows estimating the biases individually.
US08188912B1 Altitude constrained GPS
A method of improving accuracy of position coordinates of a positioning device is provided. The method comprises: (A) obtaining a 3D reference solution for reference position coordinates of an positioning device by using a plurality of available radio signals emanating from an integer N number of available radio sources at time t; wherein 3D solution includes a reference 3D altitude of said positioning device at Epoch (t); (B) obtaining a barometric altitude of the positioning device at each Epoch; (C) if a trigger event occurs at Epoch (t+1), generating an updated altitude of the positioning device at Epoch (t+1) by using the reference 3D altitude obtained at Epoch (t) and by using the barometric altitude obtained at Epoch (t) and obtained at Epoch (t+1); and (D) using a position estimator to obtain 3D solution for position coordinates of the positioning device at Epoch (t+1) with improved accuracy by utilizing the updated altitude of the positioning device.
US08188910B2 Method for the multidimensional temporal kinematic filtering of radar blips, from antenna revolution to antenna revolution
The invention relates to the general field of the detection, notably the radar detection, of mobile or fixed targets. It consists of a method making it possible mainly to qualify the blips supplied by the processing subsystem of the detection system before the latter are analyzed to generate tracks, each track being assumed to represent the trajectory of a moving object that has been detected. According to the invention, an analysis duration is considered, and all of the blips detected during this period are considered. These blips are divided up into subsets, each subset corresponding to the blips that, during the analysis duration, have been detected in one and the same analysis channel defined by an initial position and a speed vector. The subsets formed in this way are then grouped together, one and the same group combining the subsets comprising blips for which the combined assertion of a plurality of attributes is verified.
US08188908B2 System and method for measurement of distance to a tag by a modulated backscatter RFID reader
Distance to a modulated backscatter tag is measured with a RFID reader that measures changes in phase with frequency of modulated backscattered RF signals. Measured distances are linked to a specific tag. The effects of other sources of reflected and interfering signals are mitigated. The techniques eliminate the need for high RF bandwidth used in time-of-flight methods, and may be used with linear, limiting or other types of amplifiers in the reader receiver. Unambiguous distance to a tag may be found using the derivative of phase with RF frequency of the modulated signal backscattered by a tag. The distance to a tag can be measured with an accuracy on the order of a centimeter. The techniques utilize the characteristics of cooperative backscatter tags (transponders, labels, etc.). New readers implement the techniques which may use unmodified tags.
US08188905B2 Target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems
Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.
US08188899B2 Un-buffered segmented R-DAC with switch current reduction
An resistor string digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that includes elements to compensate for resistor ladder loading, and/or to provide compensation for loading such as via switch current cancellation. The approach reduces output voltage sensitivity to switch resistances while also reducing INL and DNL errors. Additional resistor loops are optionally disposed at the top and bottom of one or more further segments to provide Nth order resistive current cancellation.
US08188891B2 Method and system for depicting visually predominant features on a flight display
The system for presenting visual features to a pilot of an aerial vehicle contains a flight display. The flight display includes a display screen, a programmable device, an input device, and a memory. A plurality of visual features is contained in the memory. A plurality of feature characteristics is contained in the memory. Each of the feature characteristics is linked to at least one of the features. An environmental device communicates with the input device. The environmental device inputs an approximately present environmental condition of the aerial vehicle to the input device. The programmable device compares the approximately present environmental condition to the feature characteristics to determine which of the features stored in the memory to display on the flight display.
US08188885B2 Wireless data programmer for electronic utility registers and meters
A handheld, key-operated programmer device (10) for transferring data to and from an electronic meter register. Communication between the device (10) and the electronic register takes place over a wireless optical interface (20). The device (10) is configured through a USB port (14) using a personal computer. Operations between the device (10) and the meter register include cycling the meter register display, clearing a totalizer, resetting alarm conditions, and retrieving stored configuration data. A swipe with a magnet is no longer necessary to cycle through the display. The device is battery-powered and can be embodied in a key fob.
US08188882B2 Depth measurement by distributed sensors
A downhole device, position verifiable string includes a downhole device; a string in operable communication with downhole device; and a plurality of sensor units each sensing at least one of acceleration and strain in the string and spaced from each other along the string from downhole device to a remote location of the drill string and method.
US08188879B2 LED light global positioning and routing communication system
An LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver, the optical transceiver including a light support and a processor. The light support has a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector, where the processor is constructed and arranged to illuminate at least one of the light emitting diodes to generate a light signal which in turn includes at least one embedded data packet. The at least one embedded data packet communicates global positioning system (GPS) location information.
US08188873B2 System and method for detection of a variety of alarm conditions
A water leak detection and active surveillance system applied to one or more single or multiple-story buildings that timely alerts and contacts a decision maker(s) of the leak so that that corrective intervention may be implemented. The system includes multiple water detection endpoints and a base station that is connected by wireless transmission or other communication means. The system also includes a central server which augments the alarms with text messaging and emails as well as maintains a customer database of all water incidents and alarming procedures. The system also monitors the functionality (operating health) of all detection components. The system also provides proprietary access to the database by qualified users through an internet portal. The system includes the capability to implement a water shutoff action to the water source of the affected building. The system can also operate in mixed mode detection where it can detect a combination of alarm conditions such as smoke, motion, etc.
US08188853B2 Method, system, integrated circuit, communication module, and computer-readable medium for achieving resource sharing including space and time reuse within a power line communication system
A communication system includes communication protocols that allow a single network or multiple neighboring networks to increase resource sharing and reduce mutual interference and increase their overall throughput. Various protocols apply to homogenous networks in which all power line communication (PLC) devices of multiple networks are interoperable with respect to full power line communication in a common PHY (specifications, signaling capabilities, modulation scheme, coding scheme, bandwidth, etc.) and to heterogeneous networks in which devices of some PLC networks are not interoperable with PLC devices of other PLC networks with respect to full power line communication given that the devices of the different networks do not employ a common PHY. With respect to heterogeneous networks, a protocol is provided to enable coexistence via a signaling scheme common to all of the devices of the network that allows resource sharing between the devices of the multiple heterogeneous networks. Homogeneous networks are those in which all nodes can communicate with each other using a common PHY, so that information about one PLC network can be transferred to another PLC network. Heterogeneous networks are those in which not all PLC networks can exchange information using their own native PHY, such as where users in different apartments or houses use different devices having different specifications, different signaling capabilities, modulation scheme, coding scheme, bandwidth and the like.
US08188848B2 Position identification system and method
A position identification system and method include a receiver configured to receive an initiation signal and attenuate the initiation signal until the initiation signal is within a first predetermined range of a reference signal. A controller identifies the position of the receiver in response to the attenuation.
US08188846B2 System and method for displaying information to vehicle operator
A display system for displaying information to a vehicle operator comprises one or more projectors positioned in an operator cab of a vehicle. The projector is configured to project a heads up display of a plurality of data sets on a windscreen of the vehicle. Projected data sets are positioned in the heads up display and/or moved within the heads up display based on assessed relative priority levels of the data sets. Thus, for example, a data set with a higher assessed relative priority level may be positioned in a location of greater operator viewing prominence. If the priority level drops, the data set may be moved to a position of lower operator prominence. Respective heads up displays may be projected on more than two separate windscreens of the vehicle, either simultaneously or at alternate times, and possibly depending on an operational mode of the vehicle.
US08188842B2 Stationary remote control transmitter
The rotation operation plane of the ring-shaped operation members that operate the rotation is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation member can be performed without holding a finger in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the rotation operation plane is inclined with respect to the placement plane of the case, static friction on the placement plane is generated by a force component of the operation force acting on the rotation operation plane and is perpendicular to the placement plane, thus the case does not move toward the rotation operation direction during the rotation operation.
US08188841B2 Method of remote powering and detecting multiple UWB passive tags in an RFID system
A new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tracking, powering apparatus/system and method using coded Ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling is introduced. The proposed hardware and techniques disclosed herein utilize a plurality of passive UWB transponders in a field of an RFID-radar system. The radar system itself enables multiple passive tags to be remotely powered (activated) at about the same time frame via predetermined frequency UWB pulsed formats. Once such tags are in an activated state, an UWB radar transmits specific “interrogating codes” to put predetermined tags in an awakened status. Such predetermined tags can then communicate by a unique “response code” so as to be detected by an UWB system using radar methods.
US08188837B2 Method of finding a key to a mobile vehicle
A method of finding a key to a mobile vehicle includes receiving a call, at a call center, indicating that the key is lost and requesting, via the call center, a telematics unit on-board the mobile vehicle to establish communication with a remote access key fob that is associated with the key, the remote access key fob having an alarm integrated therewith. The method further includes requesting, via the call center, the telematics unit to activate the alarm of the remote access key fob and activating, via the telematics unit, the alarm of the remote access key fob.
US08188832B2 Near zero TCR resistor configurations
A microchip resistor device is disclosed in which first and second resistive elements are formed on a substrate. The first resistive element has a first resistance value and a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) over a selected temperature range. The second resistive element has a second resistance value and a negative TCR over the selected temperature range. The first and second resistive elements do not overlap each other. The first and second resistive elements are operatively connected with one or more conductors to provide a current path between the two elements. The product of the first resistance value and the positive temperature coefficient of resistance is substantially equal in magnitude to the product of the second resistance value and the negative temperature coefficient of resistance.
US08188825B2 Transformer structure
A transformer includes a base, a magnetic core assembly and at least one winding coil assembly. The base includes a first receptacle and at least one first receiving recess. The magnetic core assembly includes a first magnetic part, a second magnetic part and a third magnetic part. The base is arranged between the first magnetic part and the second magnetic part. The first magnetic part has a first post accommodated within the first receptacle. The at least one winding coil assembly is disposed on the base. The third magnetic part is optionally accommodated within the first receiving recess, so that an air gap between the third magnetic part and the first magnetic part/the second magnetic part is adjustable.
US08188824B2 Surface mount magnetic components and methods of manufacturing the same
Magnetic component assemblies including moldable magnetic materials including surface mount termination features, as well as manufacturing methods therefor, are disclosed that are advantageously utilized in providing surface mount magnetic components such as inductors and transformers.
US08188823B2 Dry-type transformer with a polymer shield case and a method of manufacturing the same
The invention is directed to a transformer and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein at least a portion of a core is disposed inside a shield case formed from a polymeric resin composition containing conductive particles. An encasement comprising a dielectric resin encapsulates the shield case. An electrical conductor is electrically connected to the shield case and is accessible from the exterior of the encasement.
US08188819B2 Switching device unit for switiching at least two operating states
A switching device unit is disclosed for switching at least two operating states of at least one consumer to an at least two-phase electrical supply system by way of switching elements. At least one embodiment of the invention specifies a switching device unit which has as simple a construction as possible and is as cost-effective and compact as possible. For this purpose, the switching device unit contains circuits for operational switching of the consumer, for implementing the tripping function for protection against overload and short circuits, wherein these circuits are integrated in such a way that the switching device unit, in particular in terms of its function as a compact reversing starter, can have a standardized width in order to be installed in a space-saving manner on a top-hat rail in a switchgear cabinet and in order to be operated.
US08188815B2 Waterproof waveguide assembly having a core part with a seam formed by engaging parts and the core part enclosed by a separate external housing
A waterproof communication apparatus comprises a core part and a separate external housing. The core part is a combination having at least one seam, and is used to transmit electromagnetic waves. The separate external housing covers the core part to prevent environmental moisture from entering the inside of the communication apparatus through the seam. A pair of engaging parts having complementary shapes is equipped with the seam of the combination so as to further prevent the molten material of the separate external housing from entering the inside of the communication apparatus during the manufacturing process. In another embodiment, the core part and separate external housing are made of metals and are combined by a metallurgic method.
US08188808B2 Compact on-chip branchline coupler using slow wave transmission line
Branchline coupler structure using slow wave transmission line effect having both large inductance and large capacitance per unit length. The branchline coupler structure includes a plurality of quarter-wavelength transmission lines, at least one of which includes a high impedance arm and a low impedance arm. The high and low impedances are relative to each other. The high impedance arm includes a plurality of narrow cells and having an inductance of nL and a capacitance of C/n, and the low impedance arm includes a plurality of wide cells and having an inductance of L/n and capacitance of nC. The wide and narrow cells are relative to each other, and the wide and narrow cells are adjacent each other to form a signal layer having step discontinuous alternative widths.
US08188794B2 Method and system for providing automatic gate bias for field effect transistors
The present invention provides a feedback gate bias circuit for use in radio frequency amplifiers to more effectively control operation of LDFET, GaNFET, GaAsFET, and JFET type transistors used in such circuits. The invention provides a transistor gate bias circuit that senses drain current and automatically adjusts or biases the gate voltage to maintain drain current independently of temperature, time, input drive, frequency, as well as from device to device variations. The invention provides additional circuits to provide temperature compensation, RF power monitoring and drain current control, RF output power leveler, high power gain block, and optional digital control of various functions.
US08188792B1 Techniques for current mirror circuits
A circuit includes a current mirror circuit and first and second transistors coupled as a differential pair. A first input voltage is provided to a control input of the first transistor. A second input voltage is provided to a control input of the second transistor. The current mirror circuit includes a third transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to the third transistor, and a fifth transistor coupled in series with the fourth transistor. The third transistor provides a current through the differential pair that is proportional to a current through the fourth transistor. A control input of the fourth transistor is coupled between the fifth transistor and a source of current.
US08188788B2 Systems and methods for a discrete resizing of power devices with concurrent power combining structure for radio frequency power amplifier
Systems and methods are provided for discrete resizing of power devices. The systems and methods can include a plurality of unit power amplifiers arranged in parallel, where each unit power amplifier includes at least one first input port, at least one first output port, and a plurality of sub-power-device cells configured in parallel between the at least one first input port and the at least one first output port; a switch controller, where the controller is operative to activate or deactivate at least one of the plurality of sub-power-device cells of a respective unit power amplifier; and an output matching network, where the matching network is configured to combine respective outputs from the respective plurality of unit power amplifiers to generate a system output, wherein during an operational state, all of the plurality of unit power amplifiers contribute outputs to the matching network to generate the system output.
US08188786B2 Modularized three-dimensional capacitor array
A modularized capacitor array includes a plurality of capacitor modules. Each capacitor module includes a capacitor and a switching device that is configured to electrically disconnect the capacitor. The switching device includes a sensing unit configured to detect the level of leakage of the capacitor so that the switching device disconnects the capacitor electrically if the leakage current exceeds a predetermined level. Each capacitor module can include a single capacitor plate, two capacitor plates, or more than two capacitor plates. The leakage sensors and switching devices are employed to electrically disconnect any capacitor module of the capacitor array that becomes leaky, thereby protecting the capacitor array from excessive electrical leakage.
US08188783B1 Device and system for implementing optically sourced isolated switch elements
A power amplifier comprising a distributed signal pre-driver, an AM Modulation Driver and a Switch Power Supply driving optically-powered and optically-switched GaN-based switches which are stacked and operated in a complementary fashion and are amplitude modulated using optically-powered and optically-switched charge pumps to produce the modulated rail voltages which in turn produces the desired AM signal modulation controlled by a high-speed feedback. The optically-coupled, isolated switching elements, OCIS, provide inherent isolation between switching devices and between stacked, switching devices and ground thus enabling true switch behavior of each switching element which is independent of the other elements and independent of the voltage conditions on the switched terminals. In the preferred embodiment most of the devices are formed using Aluminum-Gallium-Nitride/Gallium-Nitride HEMTs on a monolithic microwave integrated circuit device.
US08188778B2 Calibration for phase-locked loop
Systems and methods for calibrating a bandwidth of a phase-locked loop are disclosed. Some such systems can detect an error signal generated by the phase-locked loop in response to a stimulus signal and adjust the bandwith of the phase-locked loop based at least partly on a difference between the integral of the error signal and a nominal value thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the bandwidth of the phase-locked loop can be adjusted based at least partly on a mismatch associated with two charge pumps.
US08188768B2 Low power consumption low kick-back noise comparator circuit for analog-to-digital converter
The present invention is directed for a comparator circuit used in an analog-to-digital converter, and more particularly, for a low power consumption low kick-back noise comparator circuit for an analog-to-digital converter, which can significantly reduce kick-back noise generated in a signal input stage due to a signal regeneration method employed in a signal comparing operation and can efficiently reduce power consumption.
US08188755B2 Electrostatic MEMS driver with on-chip capacitance measurement for autofocus applications
A driver and capacitance measuring circuit includes a voltage source that selectively generates an output voltage at a first node during a driver mode to alter a capacitance of a device that is connected to the first node and that has a variable capacitance. A current source selectively provides one of a charging and discharging current at the first node during a measurement mode. A capacitance calculating circuit samples a voltage at the first node during the measurement node, determines a voltage change rate of the first node during the measurement mode and calculates the capacitance of the device based on the voltage change rate and a value of the one of the charging and discharging current.
US08188744B2 Method and apparatus for detecting or transmitting magnetic field using detachable magnetic resonator
An apparatus for detecting a magnetic field includes a coil type magnetic resonator having a resonant frequency with respect to a magnetic field varying at a particular frequency and a loop antenna inductively coupled to the coil type magnetic resonator.
US08188742B2 System and method for thermo-electric cooling of RF coils in an MR imaging system
A cooling system for reducing the thermal energy transfer from the heated spots of an RF coil assembly to a patient bore of an MRI system is disclosed. The MRI system includes a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, an RF shield formed about an RF space, and an RF coil assembly positioned within the RF space and about the patient bore. The cooling system is positioned within the RF space and includes a plurality of cooling modules configured to reduce an operating temperature of the MRI system. Each of the plurality of cooling modules further includes a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the RF coil and a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler opposite from the RF coil. The thermoelectric cooler is configured to extract heat from the RF coil when a current is applied to the thermoelectric cooler.
US08188732B2 Arrangement and method for influencing magnetic particles in a region of action using distinguishable magnetization of the two magnetic particles
An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting and/or locating magnetic particles in a region of action include a driver generating a magnetic drive field so that magnetization of the magnetic particles changes. The magnetic particles include first and second magnetic particles. The arrangement further include a receiver having a first receiving probe providing a first signal and a second receiving probe providing a second signal. A detector determines signal features arising from the first particle in the first signal and in the second signal.
US08188731B2 Control system including a control circuit and sensor, and method for operation of the control system
A controller includes a control circuit. The control circuit includes a forward path that includes an input and an output, a feedback path coupled to the output and to the input, and a sensor that is between the input and the output. The sensor generates a sensor signal based on an input signal applied to the input. The forward path generates an output signal based on the sensor signal. The output signal is sent along the feedback path to the input of the forward path. The controller also includes a detector that obtains an intermediate signal from the forward path between the input and the output. The detector generates a control signal using the intermediate signal. The forward path includes a control device that limits the output signal to a predetermined value. The detector controls the control device using the control signal.
US08188730B2 Method and system for inductive proximity sensing that includes mounting effect compensation
An inductive proximity sensor and related method for sensing a presence/position of a target, with mounting effect compensation, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a proximity sensor having first and second coils that are both at least indirectly in communication with control circuitry. The method also includes receiving respective first and second signals at least indirectly indicative of respective first and second electromagnetic field components respectively experienced by the first coil as influenced both by a target and a structure supporting the sensor and the second coil as influenced by the supporting structure. The method further includes determining by way of the circuitry a third signal based at least in part upon the first signal, as modified based at least in part upon the second signal, whereby the third signal is indicative of the presence or position of the target relative to the sensor.
US08188727B2 Hub mountable speed sensing device
A hub mountable speed sensing device comprising a housing, a metallic tubular insert adapted to be press-fitted with respect to the housing, a stationary speed sensing probe comprising a magnetic conversion device having a bias magnet and adapted to be inserted into the housing in close proximity to the rotating member having sensing teeth along its axis made of ferrous material, a locking arrangement provided to prevent the detection probe from dislodging from the housing, and wherein the bias magnet is adapted to generate magnetic flux which is interrupted by the rotor tooth while rotating the magnetic conversion device providing for speed sensing biased on the change in flux density.
US08188725B2 Voltage regulator and method for voltage regulation
A voltage regulator (10) comprises a first transistor (13) which couples an input terminal (11) of the voltage regulator (10) to an output terminal (12) of the voltage regulator (10) and a second transistor (16). The first and the second transistors (13, 16) form a current mirror structure. Further on, the voltage regulator (10) comprises a control node (17) which is coupled to the input terminal (11) of the voltage regulator (10) via the second transistor (16) and which is coupled to the output terminal (12) of the voltage regulator (10) via a feedback circuit (28). Furthermore, the voltage regulator (10) comprises an amplifier (22) with an input terminal (23) which is coupled to the control node (17) and an output terminal (24) which is coupled to a control terminal (21) of the second transistor (16).
US08188720B2 Multi-phase DC-DC converter control
A system and method of controlling a multi-phase DC-DC converter having a first phase-leg and a second phase-leg using a single current sensor and a controller is provided. The single current sensor senses an amount of current flowing through the direct current link. Based on the amount of current sensed, the controller controls current flowing through the first phase-leg as well as current flowing through the second phase-leg.
US08188716B2 Lithium-sulphur battery with a high specific energy and a method of operating same
A multi-electrode lithium-sulphur cell or battery including for example a negative electrode made of metal lithium, lithium alloys or lithium-absorbing materials; at least first and second distinct positive electrodes or groups of positive electrodes; and an electrolyte that is a solution of one or several salts in one or several solvents disposed between the negative and positive electrodes. The first positive electrode or group of positive electrodes is configured for charging, and the second positive electrode or group of positive electrodes is configured for discharging. The cell or battery has a high specific energy. Other embodiments of the present invention may include other structures and properties.
US08188703B2 Energy harvesting system
An energy harvesting system includes: an energy harvesting unit for converting energy from a natural energy source into an electrical power signal; a power point tracking unit including a current tracing module capable of detecting a current of the electrical power signal, and a boundary control module; a microcontroller including a voltage detecting module capable of detecting a voltage of the electrical power signal, and a computing module for determining a maximum power point with reference to the voltage and the current of the electrical power signal, the boundary control module generating a switch control voltage signal with reference to the maximum power point; a storage unit capable of storing energy; and a pulse frequency modulation regulator for converting the electrical power signal into an intermediate signal with reference to the switch control voltage signal for subsequent storage of energy of the intermediate signal in the storage unit.
US08188702B2 Rotating electrical machine control system and vehicle drive system
A rotating electrical machine control system includes a frequency converting portion that is interposed between a rotating electrical machine for driving a vehicle and a DC power source for supplying electric power to the rotating electrical machine, and that converts an output of the DC power source to an AC output at least during a powering operation of the rotating electrical machine; a voltage converting portion that is interposed between the DC power source and the frequency converting portion, and that boosts the output of the DC power source based on a boost command value which is set according to a target torque and a rotational speed of the rotating electrical machine; and a control portion for controlling the frequency converting portion and the voltage converting portion.
US08188700B2 Apparatus and method for driving sensorless motor
An apparatus and a method for driving a sensorless motor are described and shown in the specification and drawings, where the method includes steps as follows. First, a control signal is acquired, where the control signal has information of a predetermined rotational speed. Next, energy is supplied and progressively increased to the sensorless motor, so as to rotate a rotor of the sensorless motor. Then, a position of the rotor is detected. Finally, the energy is gradually regulated so that the sensorless motor is maintained at the predetermined rotational speed.
US08188694B2 Parallel power inverter motor drive system
Multiple inverter motor drives are interconnected in parallel to provide a common output to a motor. Common control circuitry is coupled to all parallel drives via optical cables and provides signals to power layer circuitry of each inverter for generation, at the power layer, of timing for gate drive signals for the respective inverter power electronic switches. The resulting timing exhibits a high degree of synchronicity such that very little imbalance occurs in the outputs of the paralleled drives, resulting in very low circulating currents.
US08188690B2 Magnetically powered reciprocating engine and electromagnet control system
The instant invention provides a magnetically controlled reciprocating engine having a unique electromagnet control system. The engine is constructed and arranged to operate from a stored power source such as batteries to provide extended run times by controlling the power supplied to the electromagnets in a manner that controls heat generation within the electromagnetic coils, thereby increasing coil life. The control system is also capable of controlling engine speed and/or torque outputs to make the engine versatile for a wide variety of uses. The system is constructed and arranged to be utilized on new or pre-existing engines of various configurations and may be utilized in other industries or devices that benefit from the use of electromagnets.
US08188685B1 Light-generating system
A light-generating system including a LED load array having a number of light-emitting diodes, and a heat sink on which the LED load array is mounted. The system also includes a power control unit electrically connected to the power source and the LED load array, for converting input electrical power to output electrical power and controlling voltage and current of the output electrical power provided to the LED load array, and a temperature detector subassembly adapted for sensing a heat sink temperature of the heat sink. The temperature detector subassembly monitors the heat sink temperature and transmits a control signal to the power control unit upon determining that the heat sink temperature differs from a preselected temperature by more than a preselected minimum difference. Upon receipt of the control signal, the power control unit changes the voltage of the output electrical power accordingly.
US08188683B2 Poly-chromatic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system
The invention discloses a novel control system for a Poly-Chromatic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system, and applies feed forward and feedback control techniques to regulate the color and luminous outputs. Also, the control system is proposed for achieving luminous and color consistency for Poly-Chromatic LED lighting.
US08188678B2 Circuit arrangement for operating at least one semiconductor light source
A circuit arrangement for operating at least one semiconductor light source having an input for inputting an input voltage, an output for outputting an output voltage to the semiconductor light source, wherein the main current path of the circuit arrangement lies between the two input terminals, and comprises a series circuit formed by a switch, an inductance and a back-to-back connection of a first diode or light emitting diode and the at least one semiconductor light source, wherein a first storage capacitor is arranged in parallel with the at least one semiconductor light source, and a second diode is arranged in series with this parallel connection.
US08188671B2 Power factor control for an LED bulb driver circuit
A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb has a shell and a base attached to the shell. An LED is within the shell. A driver circuit provides current to the LED. The driver circuit has a power factor control circuit that includes a tracking circuit configured to produce a tracking signal indicative of the voltage of the supply line. The power factor control circuit also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) controller having an input pin and an output pin. The tracking circuit is connected to the input pin. Based on the signal at the input pin, the SMPS controller is configured to change a duty cycle of an output signal on the output pin.
US08188668B2 Image display apparatus and method of driving the same
An image display apparatus includes a rear plate provided with a plurality of electron-emitting devices, each electron-emitting device emitting electron; a face plate disposed opposite the plurality of electron-emitting devices and provided with a plurality of pixels of phosphor, each pixel of phosphor being irradiated with electrons emitted from corresponding ones of the electron-emitting devices to generate light; and a driver for scanning the plurality of electron-emitting devices for emitting electron from the plurality of electron-emitting devices. The phosphor has luminescence center of allowed transition type material, and the driver scans the plurality of electron-emitting devices so that maximum of charge density dosed in one pixel phosphor, during one scanning period, is equal to or larger than 3×10−8 C/cm2.
US08188667B2 Lighting device and lighting system for a vehicle
A lighting device and a lighting system for a vehicle are provided. The lighting device includes a signal detecting portion which receives a light control direction signal; a control portion which controls a light source according to the light control direction signal; and a lighting state signal generating portion which outputs a lighting state signal based on the light control direction signal received by the signal detecting portion. The lighting system includes the lighting device and a light source.
US08188661B2 Plasma display panel capable of displaying a video having high brightness while requiring a low driving voltage
A plasma display panel (PDP), which is capable of performing a display with a high brightness and having a low power consumption, includes a front panel having display electrodes formed, a dielectric layer covering the display electrodes, and a protective layer formed on the dielectric layer. Further, the PDP includes rear panel having address electrodes formed along a direction intersecting the display electrodes, and barrier ribs. The front and rear panels form, therebetween, a discharge space portioned by the barrier ribs and filled with discharge gas. A protective layer is formed of a metal oxide of MgO and CaO, such that an X-ray diffraction analysis on a surface of the protective layer indicates that the metal oxide has a peak between a diffraction angle where a peak of MgO occurs and a diffraction angle where a peak of CaO occurs along an identical orientation of the MgO peak.
US08188659B2 Composition for forming a multi-layered electrode and plasma display panel manufactured with the same
An electrode composition includes a metal in an amount of about 52% to about 62% by weight of the composition, a glass insulation material in an amount of about 5% to about 7% by weight of the composition, a coloring agent in an amount of about 3% to about 9% by weight of the composition, and a vehicle.
US08188657B2 Illuminating lamp and method of making same
A technique for mounting single or double ended quartz halogen or HID burner on threaded incandescent lamp base facilitating high volume production and use of existing manufacturing equipment. The pinched end portion of the burner is received in a slot formed in an end of a ceramic tubelet and secured therein and supported thereon by cementing or elastic adhesive bond material. The tubelet has its opposite end secured over a reduced diameter portion of a stem extending from the incandescent lamp base. An outer bulb of translucent or transparent material is received over the base-burner sub-assembly and the bulb secured to the base.
US08188654B2 AC driven light emitting device
An alternating current (AC) driven light emitting device includes a substrate, K number of first light emitting diode (LED) cells arranged in a row on a top surface of the substrate, where K is an integer satisfying K≧3, K number of second LED cells arranged in a row parallel to the row of the first LED cells on the top surface of the substrate, and (K−1) number of third LED cells arranged in a row between the respective rows of the first and second LED cells on the top surface of the substrate. The AC driven light emitting device has a connection structure between LED cells to be operable at an AC.
US08188648B2 System for displaying images and method for fabricating the same
Systems for displaying images and fabrication method thereof are provided. A representative system incorporates an electroluminescent device including light emitting units emitting lights with different luminescent intensities along light emitting paths thereof, formed overlying a substrate. And a compensation layer is disposed along the light emitting paths to adjust the different luminescent intensities for outputting substantially uniform light.
US08188646B2 Fluorescent lamp and base with press-fit hole
At the end of life of a fluorescent lamp having a base to which a pin is press-fitted, it is an object to prevent the pin from dropping or slanting, etc. A fluorescent lamp includes a base having a base body and a pin press-fitted to a hole formed on the base body. A pin retaining force (a pin torque of the base) Fe after use by which the base body retains the pin is at least 0.08 Nm after the fluorescent lamp is burned for a rated life, and a rate Fe/Fi of an initial pin retaining force Fi by which the base body retains the pin before use of the fluorescent lamp and the pin retaining force Fe after use is at least 0.66.
US08188645B2 Hot cathode and ion source including the same
A hot cathode includes: a hollow external conductor; a hollow internal conductor which is placed coaxially inside the external conductor; and a connection conductor which electrically connects tip end portions of the conductors. A heating current is folded back through the connection conductor to flow in opposite directions in the external conductor and the internal conductor.
US08188633B2 Integrated composite electromechanical machines
Embodiments of the present invention include a composite electromechanical machine which can operate as a motor or a generator (including dynamo or alternator). In an aspect, the present composite electromechanical machine comprises at least double-sided magnetic planes (e.g., rotor or stator) disposed on both sides of a central frames. Other embodiments can also be included.
US08188623B2 Linear vibration motor
Disclosed herein is a linear vibration motor. The motor includes a casing surrounding the top and widthwise side of the motor, and a bracket surrounding the bottom and lengthwise side of the motor. A plate is provided on an inner surface of a side of the bracket and integrally has a cylindrical part to accommodate a coil. A mass body is provided in a central portion of the bracket and vibrates horizontally, a yoke is provided on a side surface of the mass body, and a magnet is mounted to a central portion of the yoke to be inserted into an internal space of the coil. A spring couples the plate with the yoke, thus transmitting vibratory force to the motor. An extension part extends from an end of the spring, and a bearing is provided on an end of the extension part, thus minimizing friction with the casing.
US08188619B2 Non resonant inductive power transmission system and method
Non-resonant inductive power transmission wherein the driving voltage across a primary inductor oscillates at a frequency significantly different from the resonant frequency of the inductive coupling system. Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for: power regulation using frequency control, fault detection using voltage peak detectors and inductive communication channels.
US08188610B2 Wind turbine having a main power converter and an auxiliary power converter and a method for the control thereof
A wind turbine comprising a main generator, a main power converter connected to the main generator and adapted to convert the electrical output power of the main generator to an electrical power to be fed into the utility grid up to a first rated converter output power and an auxiliary power converter connected to the main generator and adapted to convert the electrical output power of the main generator to an electrical power up to a second rated converter output power which is lower than the first rated converter output power is provided. Further, a control architecture for controlling the power balance of a wind turbine and a method for operating a wind turbine are provided.
US08188603B2 Post passivation interconnection schemes on top of IC chip
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric, a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate.
US08188599B2 Semiconductor device, its manufacturing method, and sputtering target material for use in the method
A semiconductor device enables a barrier layer to fully acquire a barriering property against the diffusion of Cu from a wiring main body and the diffusion of Si from an insulating film, enhances the adhesiveness of the barrier layer and the insulating film and excels in reliability of operation over a long period of time. In this invention, a semiconductor device 1 provided on an insulating film 3 with a wiring includes the insulating film 3 containing silicon (Si), a wiring main body 8 formed of copper (Cu) in a groove-like opening 4 disposed in the insulating film 3, and a barrier layer 7 formed between the wiring main body 8 and the insulating film 3 and made of an oxide containing Cu and Si and Mn in such a manner that the atomic concentration of Cu decreases monotonously from the wiring main body 8 side toward the insulating film 3 side, the atomic concentration of Si decreases monotonously from the insulating film 3 side toward the wiring main body 8 side, and the atomic concentration of Mn is maximized in the region in which the atomic concentration of Cu and the atomic concentration of Si are approximately equal.
US08188592B2 Apparatus and method configured to lower thermal stresses
An apparatus and a method configured to lower thermal stress is disclosed. One embodiment provides a semiconductor chip, a heat sink plate and a layer structure. The layer structure includes at least a diffusion solder layer and a buffer layer. The layer structure is arranged between the semiconductor chip and the heat sink plate. The buffer layer includes a material, which is soft in comparison to a material of the diffusion solder layer, and includes a layer thickness such that thermal stresses in the semiconductor chip remain below a predetermined value during temperature fluctuations within a temperature range.
US08188580B2 Semiconductor device, semiconductor element, and substrate
A semiconductor device, a semiconductor element, and a substrate are provided, which allow the semiconductor element to be provided with a reduced size when combined. The semiconductor device has a rectangular semiconductor element mounted on a substrate formed with an external input terminal, an external output terminal, and a plurality of wiring patterns connected to each of the external input terminal and the external output terminal. The semiconductor element includes a grayscale voltage generating unit for generating a plurality of grayscale voltages by dividing a reference voltage, a plurality of electrodes for the reference voltage formed in the neighborhood of the grayscale voltage generating unit; and an internal wiring for connecting the grayscale voltage generating unit and the reference voltage electrodes. The substrate includes a wiring pattern for the reference voltage for connecting the external input terminal and the reference voltage electrodes.
US08188570B2 Structure and method for buried inductors for ultra-high resistivity wafers for SOI/RF SiGe applications
A design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design. The design structure includes a high resistivity substrate and a buried inductor formed directly in the high resistivity substrate and devoid of an insulating layer therebetween.
US08188560B2 Optical color sensor system
An optical color sensor system is provided including providing a substrate having an optical sensor therein and forming a passivation layer over the substrate. The passivation layer is planarized and color filters are formed over the passivation layer. A planar transparent layer is formed over the color filters and microlenses are formed on the planar transparent layer over the color filters.
US08188559B2 Light-receiving element and light-receiving element array
Provided are a light-receiving element which has sensitivity in the near-infrared region and in which a good crystal quality is easily obtained, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of the light-receiving elements is easily formed with a high accuracy, and a dark current can be reduced; a light-receiving element array; and methods for producing the same.A light-receiving element includes a group III-V compound semiconductor stacked structure including an absorption layer 3 having a pn-junction 15 therein, wherein the absorption layer has a multiquantum well structure composed of group III-V compound semiconductors, the pn-junction 15 is formed by selectively diffusing an impurity element into the absorption layer, and the concentration of the impurity element in the absorption layer is 5×1016 cm−3 or less. A diffusion concentration distribution control layer 4 has an n-type impurity concentration of 2×1015/cm3 or less before the diffusion, the diffusion concentration distribution control layer having a portion adjacent to the absorption layer, the portion having a low impurity concentration.
US08188557B2 Single die MEMS acoustic transducer and manufacturing method
The invention relates to an acoustic micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) transducer formed on a single die based on a semiconductor material and having front and back surface parts opposed to each other. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such an acoustic MEMS transducer. The acoustic MEMS transducer comprises a cavity formed in the die to thereby provide a back volume with an upper portion facing an opening of the cavity and a lower portion facing a bottom of the cavity. A back plate and a diaphragm are arranged substantially parallel with an air gap there between and extending at least partly across the opening of the cavity, with the back plate and diaphragm being integrally formed with the front surface part of the die. The bottom of the cavity is bounded by the die. The diaphragm may be arranged above the back plate and at least partly extending across the back plate. It is preferred that the backside openings are formed in the die with the openings extending from the back surface part of the die to the cavity bottom. Part of or all of the backside openings may be acoustically sealed by a sealing material.
US08188556B2 Semiconductor sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor sensor has a first semiconductor layer as a base, an insulating layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer. A recess is formed from a bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer up to a top surface of the insulating layer. The second semiconductor layer is covered with the insulating layer in an outer circumference of a top surface of the recess. A sensitive region of the second semiconductor layer is exposed in a region except the outer circumference of the top surface of the recess.
US08188555B2 Capacitive sensor and manufacturing method therefor
A capacitive sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a fixed electrode serving as a first electrode formed on a surface of or in the semiconductor substrate, a structure formed on the semiconductor substrate to have a vibratable second electrode that is formed to be spaced from and opposed to the semiconductor substrate and from the fixed electrode serving as the first electrode, a sealing member serving as a first sealing member formed on the semiconductor substrate to be spaced from the structure, to cover the structure, and to have a through hole serving as a first through hole, and a movable electrode serving as a vibratable third electrode formed on the sealing member to block up the through hole, and to be spaced from and opposed to the movable electrode.
US08188553B2 Semiconductor device and method for making the same
In a MOS-type semiconductor device in which, on a Si substrate (201), a SiGe layer (202) having a valence band edge energy value smaller than a valence band edge energy value of the first semiconductor layer and a mobility larger than a mobility of the first semiconductor layer, a Si cap layer (203), and an insulating layer (204) are sequentially laminated, the problem of the shift of the absolute value of the threshold voltage toward a smaller value caused by negative fixed charges formed in or near the interface between the Si cap layer (203) and the insulting film (204) by diffusion of Ge is overcome by neutralizing the negative fixed charges by positive charges induced in and near the interface between the Si cap layer and the insulating film along with addition of nitrogen atoms to the semiconductor device surface by NO gas annealing and thereby shifting the threshold voltage toward a larger value.
US08188550B2 Integrated circuit structure with electrical strap and its method of forming
A method of forming an IC is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of transistors formed thereon. The transistors have gate stack, source and drain regions. An electrical strap is formed and in contact with at least a portion of at least one sidewall of the gate stack of a first transistor to provide a continuous electrical flowpath over a gate electrode of the first transistor and the source or drain region of a second transistor.
US08188548B2 Device and method for reducing a voltage dependent capacitive coupling
A device comprises a first means for separating a conductive layer from a semiconductor substrate and a second means for reducing a voltage dependent capacitive coupling between the conductive layer and the semiconductor substrate.
US08188544B2 Integrated circuit device and electronic instrument
An integrated circuit device includes a pad PDx and an electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx formed in a rectangular region and electrically connected with the pad PDx. The pad PDx is disposed in an upper layer of the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx so that an arrangement direction of the pads is parallel to a long side direction of the region in which the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx is formed, and the pad PDx overlaps part or the entirety of the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx.
US08188543B2 Electronic device including a conductive structure extending through a buried insulating layer
An electronic device can include a substrate, a buried insulating layer overlying the substrate, and a semiconductor layer overlying the buried insulating layer, wherein the semiconductor layer is substantially monocrystalline. The electronic device can also include a conductive structure extending through the semiconductor layer and buried insulating layer and abutting the substrate, and an insulating spacer lying between the conductive structure and each of the semiconductor layer and the buried insulating layer.
US08188538B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type made of SiC having an Si surface; a gate trench dug down from the surface of the semiconductor layer; a gate insulating film formed on a bottom surface and a side surface of the gate trench so that the ratio of the thickness of a portion located on the bottom surface to the thickness of a portion located on the side surface is 0.3 to 1.0; and a gate electrode embedded in the gate trench through the gate insulating film.
US08188535B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
An object is to suppress reading error even in the case where writing and erasing are repeatedly performed. Further, another object is to reduce writing voltage and erasing voltage while increase in the area of a memory transistor is suppressed. A floating gate and a control gate are provided with an insulating film interposed therebetween over a first semiconductor layer for writing operation and erasing operation and a second semiconductor layer for reading operation which are provided over a substrate; injection and release of electrons to and from the floating gate are performed using the first semiconductor layer; and reading is performed using the second semiconductor layer.
US08188522B2 Back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device
A back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device including (a) a semiconductor layer on a front surface side of a semiconductor substrate with an insulation film between them; (b) a photoelectric conversion element that constitutes a pixel in the semiconductor substrate; (c) at least part of transistors that constitute the pixel in the semiconductor film; and (d) a rear surface electrode to which a voltage is applied on the rear surface side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein, (1) a semiconductor layer of an opposite conduction type to a charge accumulation portion of the photoelectric conversion element is formed in the semiconductor substrate under the insulation film, and (2) the same voltage as the voltage applied to the rear surface electrode is applied to the semiconductor layer.
US08188516B2 Creating integrated circuit capacitance from gate array structures
Techniques for using gate arrays to create capacitive structures within an integrated circuit are disclosed. Embodiments comprise placing a gate array of P-type field effect transistors (P-fets) and N-type field effect transistors (N-fets) in an integrated circuit design, coupling drains and sources for one or more P-fets and gates for one or more N-fets to a power supply ground, and coupling gates for the one or more P-fets and the drains and sources for one or more N-fets to a positive voltage of the power supply. In some embodiments, source-to-drain leakage current for capacitive apparatuses of P-fets and N-fets are minimized by biasing one or more P-fets and one or more N-fets to the positive voltage and the ground, respectively. In other embodiments, the capacitive structures may be implemented using fusible elements to isolate the capacitive structures in case of shorts.
US08188515B2 Semiconductor device
An aspect of the present invention inheres in a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor region, a source electrode and a drain electrode, which are provided on a main surface of the semiconductor region, a gate electrode exhibiting normally-off characteristics, the gate electrode being provided above the main surface of the semiconductor region while interposing a p-type material film therebetween, and being arranged between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a fourth electrode that is provided on the main surface of the semiconductor region, and is arranged between the gate electrode and the drain electrode.
US08188511B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor device and a method of forming the semiconductor device include a substrate and an n drift layer on the substrate with an insulator film placed between them. A trench is provided in a section between a p base region and an n buffer layer on the surface layer of the n drift layer. Moreover, the distance between the bottom of the trench and the insulator film on the substrate is 1 μm or more and 75% or less than the thickness of the n drift layer. This reduces the ON-state Voltage Drop and enhances the device breakdown voltage and the latch up current in a lateral IGBT or a lateral MOSFET.
US08188507B2 Light emitting device package and method for fabricating the same
Provided are a light emitting device package and a method for fabricating the same. The light emitting device package comprises a substrate; a light emitting device on the substrate; a zener diode comprising a first conductive type impurity region and two second conductive type impurity regions, the first conductive type impurity region being disposed in the substrate, the two second conductive type impurity regions being separately disposed in two areas of the first conductive type impurity region; and a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, each of them being electrically connected to the second conductive type impurity regions and the light emitting device.
US08188505B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device comprises a substrate, an epitaxial structure formed on the substrate including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a light-emitting layer formed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. A trench is formed in the epitaxial structure to expose a part of side surface of the epitaxial structure and a part of surface of the first semiconductor layer, so that a first conductive structure is formed on the part of surface of the first semiconductor layer in the trench, and a second conductive structure is formed on the second semiconductor layer. The first conductive structure includes a first electrode and a first pad electrically contacted with each other. The second conductive structure includes a second electrode and a second pad electrically contacted with each other. Furthermore, the area of at least one of the first pad and the second pad is between 1.5×104μm2 and 6.2×104 μm2.
US08188493B2 Light emitting diode with independent electrode patterns
Abstract of DisclosureA light emitting diode includes a substrate, an N-doped layer disposed on the substrate, a plurality of cathodes disposed between the N-doped layer and the substrate, an active layer disposed on the N-doped layer, a P-doped layer disposed on the active layer, and a plurality of anodes disposed on the P-doped layer. The cathodes are electrically connected to the N-doped layer, and the patterns of the cathodes are disconnected from each other. The anodes are electrically connected to the P-doped layer, and the patterns of the anodes are disconnected from each other. Each cathode and a corresponding anode form a loop, and each loop is an independent loop.
US08188473B2 Organic light emitting display
A top emission organic light emitting display and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display includes a substrate, a plurality of thin film transistors (TFT) on the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes coupled to the plurality of TFTs, auxiliary electrodes having a mesh structure defining areas where the plurality of first electrodes are located, a pixel defining layer on a substantially entire area of the substrate and patterned to expose the first electrodes and the auxiliary electrodes, an organic light emission layer on the substantially entire area of the substrate including the exposed first electrodes and auxiliary electrodes, and second electrodes on the organic light emission layer. Steps are formed at lower parts of the auxiliary electrodes, and the second electrodes are coupled to the auxiliary electrodes through contact regions in which the auxiliary electrodes are exposed due to the steps.
US08188467B2 Amorphous oxide and field effect transistor
In a field effect transistor, a channel layer of the field effect transistor is composed of an amorphous oxide including In, Zn, N and O, an atomic composition ratio of N to N and O (N/(N+O)) in the amorphous oxide is equal to or larger than 0.01 atomic percent and equal to or smaller than 3 atomic percent, and the amorphous oxide does not include Ga, or, in a case where the amorphous oxide includes Ga, the number of Ga atoms contained in the amorphous oxide is smaller than the number of N atoms.
US08188464B2 Atomic layer deposition systems and methods including metal beta-diketiminate compounds
The present invention provides atomic layer deposition systems and methods that include metal compounds with at least one β-diketiminate ligand. Such systems and methods can be useful for depositing metal-containing layers on substrates.
US08188462B2 Spirobifluorene derivatives, their preparation and uses thereof
The invention concerns Spirobifluorene derivatives having the general formula (II) and the corresponding, radical anions that can be represented via the general formula (II): in which K, L, M and N, the same or different from each other, are independently: H or A-C═O, with the proviso that it is never K=L=M=N═H, wherein A is an aromatic group, possibly substituted with at least an R′ group selected in the group of the substituents commonly used in organic chemistry and/or at least one R group where R=aliphatic radical. The invention also concerns the method for preparing said derivatives and radical anions. Said compounds are applied in the field of components for molecular electronics, in particular systems for electroluminescence, molecular-based computational systems, OLEDs, molecular switching components, components for non-linear optics, field-effect transistors and semiconductors with negative differential resistance.
US08188458B2 Non-polar (Al,B,In,Ga)N quantum well and heterostructure materials and devices
A method for forming non-polar (Al,B,In,Ga)N quantum well and heterostructure materials and devices. Non-polar (11 20) a-plane GaN layers are grown on an r-plane (1 102) sapphire substrate using MOCVD. These non-polar (11 20) a-plane GaN layers comprise templates for producing non-polar (Al,B,In,Ga)N quantum well and heterostructure materials and devices.
US08188453B2 Short use system and method for adaptive radiation protection
A short use or disposable system and method for adaptive window-capable radiation protection provides a disposable outer covering for securing one or more flexible and overlappable radiation shield members relative to a user using a variety of features including pockets, pocket defining members, fitting aid members, and fixing and releasing points. Features allow conveniently securing multiple layers of reusable shields in disposable coverings and providing pre-selected and assembled shielding kits for specific uses. Variants provide adaptive shielding sheets that may be customized to a particular patient need or injury profile.
US08188443B2 Focusing method of charged particle beam and astigmatism adjusting method of charged particle
A focusing method of a charged particle beam includes measuring a first set value to focus a beam on a position of a reference plane by using a lens coil, acquiring a first factor to change a set value of an electrostatic lens depending on a distance and a second factor to change a set value of the coil depending on a distance, measuring a level distribution of a target plane, correcting the first set value by using the second factor to correct a focal point position of the beam in the coil from the position of the reference plane to an intermediate level position of the level distribution of the target plane, and correcting a second set value of the lens depending on a level position of the target plane by using the first factor to correct a focal point position of the beam by the lens.
US08188442B2 Non-radioactive electron capture detector for GC
Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes a non-radioactive electron source means and an adjacent ionization chamber in which electron capture take place. The detector comprises two partial chambers, of which one contains the electron source, and the other contains connections for input and output of analysis gas as well as a collector electrode for detecting ions. The collector electrode and the electron source are each of cylindrical configurations, and are coaxially aligned but are spaced apart with respect to each other. The electron current to the collector electrode provides an indication of the presence of electronegative constituents in the gas passing into the second partial chamber.
US08188440B2 Neutron dosimetry for radiotherapy
A system includes emission of a first treatment beam associated with a first energy toward a neutron dose detector, determination of a first number of soft errors experienced by a semiconductor-based device exposed to neutrons generated by the first treatment beam, determination of a first neutron dose based on the first treatment beam using the neutron dose detector, and association of the first energy of the first treatment beam with the first number of soft errors and the first neutron dose. Some aspects include emission of a second treatment beam associated with the first energy toward a target, determination of a second number of soft errors experienced by the semiconductor-based device exposed to neutrons generated by the second treatment beam, and determination of a second neutron dose at the target based on the association between the first energy, the first number of soft errors and the first neutron dose.
US08188435B2 Specific absorption rate measurement and energy-delivery device characterization using thermal phantom and image analysis
A system for use in characterizing an energy applicator includes a test fixture assembly. The test fixture assembly includes an interior area defined therein. The system also includes a thermally-sensitive medium disposed in the interior area of the test fixture assembly. The thermally-sensitive medium includes a cut-out portion defining a void in the thermally-sensitive medium. The cut-out portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the energy applicator therein.
US08188431B2 Integration of vacuum microelectronic device with integrated circuit
A device includes an integrated circuit (IC) and at least one ultra-small resonant structure formed on said IC. At least the ultra-small resonant structure portion of the device is vacuum packaged. The ultra-small resonant structure portion of the device may be grounded or connected to a known electrical potential. The ultra-small resonant structure may be electrically connected to the underlying IC, or not.
US08188426B2 Quadropole mass spectrometer
If a scanning rate of a mass scanning is set to be high, the amount of change in an applied voltage between a time of an incidence of a certain ion into a quadrupole mass filter and a time of an emission of the ion therefrom increases. This leads to a change in the condition of a passage of ions, causing the amount of ions to decrease and thereby deteriorating detection sensitivity. In order to avoid this problem, according to the present invention, the values of direct current voltage U and an amplitude V of radio-frequency voltage, both voltages being applied to rod electrodes during a mass scanning, are respectively determined so that a voltage ratio U/V of the voltage U to the amplitude V becomes smaller as the scanning rate becomes higher. Accordingly, in a stability diagram based on the Mathieu equation, the inclination of line L indicating the change in the applied voltage during the mass scanning becomes gradual and the amount of ions passing through the quadrupole mass filter increases particularly when the mass is high.
US08188424B2 Preparative ion mobility spectrometry
In an ion mobility spectrometer, ions are generated, mobility-separated and deposited on a receiver, preferably at spatially separated positions by soft landing or crash landing techniques. The ion mobility spectrometer can be a stand-alone instrument or part of a hybrid analysis instrument. To analyze the deposited ions, the receiver is removed from the vacuum system of the ion mobility spectrometer and introduced into an analytical instrument. Various physical, chemical, and biological analysis techniques and instrumentation can be used, such as mass spectrometry or surface analytical techniques, by selecting a special receiver suitable for the desired analytical technique.
US08188419B2 Eccentric field imaging lens with titlted and decentered surfaces
An optical navigation device determines relative movement between the optical navigation device and a navigation surface. The optical navigation device includes a light source, an image sensor, and an eccentric field imaging lens. The light source illuminates a navigation surface. The image sensor generates a navigation image of light scattered off of the navigation surface. The eccentric field imaging lens is disposed between the navigation surface and the image sensor. The eccentric field imaging lens includes multiple lens surfaces which are tilted at different oblique angles relative to the navigation surface to direct the light scattered off of the navigation surface toward the image sensor.
US08188415B2 Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array
The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array includes a longitudinal support that may be constructed of discrete sections. The overall length of the array may be adjusted depending upon the necessary size of the array. A drive may be configured to rotate the longitudinal support in first and second directions about a first axis. Solar cell modules are positioned along the longitudinal support and may each include a rectangular case with a plurality of lenses that are positioned over corresponding receivers. Linkages may be connected to the solar cell modules and are axially movable along the longitudinal support to rotate the solar cell modules within second planes that each orthogonal to the first plane to further track the sun during the course of the day. The array may be configured to facilitate rotation about the first axis. The array may be constructed with a center of gravity of the array to extending through the longitudinal support.
US08188410B2 Portable party table
A portable party table [1000] for holding hot and cold foods is described. It employs at least two sections [1100, 1500] held together with a hinge [1600] for holding foods. The party table [1000] has folding legs [1111, 1511] and leg supports [1113, 1513] to support the legs. Each section [1100, 1500] has a tapered base [1101, 1501] with a drain hole [1107, 1507] and a drain plug [1109, 1509]. As ice melts it is directed toward the drain holes [1107, 1507]. Electric receptacle [1525] provide electricity for a heating plate. Alternatively, the hinge [1600] is a type which provides spacing between the sections [1100, 1500] to thermally insulate the hot from the cold section. The hinge [1600] may be allowed to slide to provide an insulation gap [1607], or eliminate the gap [1607].
US08188407B2 Temperature control apparatus, processing apparatus, and temperature control method
Disclosed is an temperature control apparatus including: a resistance heater a resistance value of which changes dependently on a temperature thereof; a fixed resistance connected to the resistance heater in series; a signal generator to output a control signal which has two voltage levels of a first voltage and a second voltage; a switching section to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the first voltage, and not to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the second voltage; and a first voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the fixed resistance at the time when the current flows through the fixed resistance, wherein the signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the measured voltage by the first voltage measuring instrument.
US08188402B2 Laser treatment apparatus, laser treatment method, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The invention relates to a laser treatment apparatus including a laser oscillator, an interlock provided in the laser oscillator, a movable table which moves with a certain movement period, a timer, an interlock provided in the timer, a sensor which can detect movement of the movable table, and a computer, in which the timer starts measuring time when the sensor senses passage of the movable table, and when the movable table does not pass the sensor even after the movement period, conduction between contacts of the interlock provided in the timer is blocked to operate the interlock in the laser oscillator, thereby stopping laser output. The invention also relates to a laser treatment method using the laser treatment apparatus.
US08188399B2 Fitting a light guide sheet to a keypad using protrusions
In an embodiment, the invention provides a keypad assembly comprising a keypad, a light guide sheet, a dome sheet, and a board. The keypad comprises at least one protrusion and at least one rib. The light guide sheet has openings that are smaller than a first portion of the at least one protrusion. The dome sheet and the board have openings that are larger than a first portion of the at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is compressible such that the first portion of the at least one protrusion is extendable through the openings in the light guide sheet, the dome sheet and the board. The at least one rib physically contacts at least a portion of the light guide sheet.
US08188393B2 Universal termination system for power tools
A universal termination system is provided for power tools. The universal termination system includes criteria for each of the main switch platforms that define the number, type, location and orientation of the terminations. That is, the number, type, location and orientation of the terminations in each main switch platform are standardized and the power tools that use that type main switch platform use the main switch platform having the standardized terminations. That is, power tools that use push button switches use the push button switch with the standardized terminations, power tools that use overhang switches use the overhang switch with the standardized terminations, and power tools that use in-line VSR switches use the in-line VSR switch with the standardized terminations. In an aspect of the invention, a right-angle pin terminal is received in one or more sets of the standardized terminations. In an aspect of the invention, the switch body has features that cooperate with the right-angle pin terminals to reduce the risk of shorting adjacent terminals. In an aspect of the invention, a switch has standardized connections on a bottom of a switch body that mate with terminals of a plug-in control module. In an aspect of the invention, a switch for a hand-held power tool has cord set terminations that are screw-tab terminals.
US08188386B2 Rotary push-button capacitance switch knob
An operating device for an electrical appliance has a control panel and an operating element for rotary actuation arranged thereon and a controller, wherein said operating element is mounted in a receptacle arranged behind said control panel and comprises on a front a touch-sensitive switch with a sensor element being connected electrically conductively to said controller. Said operating device comprises a retraction device for retracting said operating element into its recessed position in said receptacle by pressing. Said retraction device is configured in such a way that said knob can only be retracted into its recessed position in a single retraction rotational position, said touch-sensitive switch being deactivated by said controller in said retraction rotational position.
US08188377B2 Circuit board having electrically connecting structure and fabrication method thereof
A circuit board having an electrically connecting structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. A circuit board body having inner-layer circuits is provided. A circuit layer is formed on at least an outermost surface of circuit board body, and including electrically connecting pads and circuits. The electrically connecting pads are partially electrically connected to the circuits, and are partially electrically connected to the inner-layer circuits via conductive vias. An insulating protective layer is disposed on the circuit board body and is formed with openings therein for exposing the electrically connecting pads. Conductive posts are formed on the electrically connecting pads. Standalone metal pads are formed on the insulating protective layer but are not used for electrical connection. The conductive posts and electrically connecting pads are absent from the insulating protective layer beneath the standalone metal pads, such that circuits can be formed under the insulating protective layer.
US08188376B2 Insulation substrate, power module substrate, manufacturing method thereof, and power module using the same
A process for providing a power module substrate. A brazing sheet is temporarily fixed on a surface of a ceramic substrate by surface tension of a volatile organic medium, and a conductive pattern member punched from a base material is temporarily fixed on a surface of the brazing sheet by surface tension. These are heated so as to volatilize the volatile organic medium, and a pressure is applied to the conductive pattern member in its thickness direction. The brazing sheet is then melted to join the conductive pattern member with the surface of the ceramics substrate.
US08188365B2 Electrode paste for solar cell, solar cell using the paste, and fabrication method of the solar cell
An electrode paste for a solar cell, a solar cell electrode using the paste, a solar cell having such an electrode, and a fabrication method of the solar cell are described. The paste for a solar cell electrode comprises a first component that includes silver (Ag) or a metal alloy containing the silver (Ag); a second component that includes zinc (Zn), and at least one selected from a group consisting of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), bismuth (Bi), phosphorous (P), boron (B), barium (Ba), and palladium (Pd); a leaded or lead-free glass frit; and a resin binder that is dispersed in an organic medium.
US08188354B2 Support device for a guitar or other musical instrument
A device for supporting a musical instrument such as a guitar, on a stand, having, a first engagement mechanism adapted to engage with and support the musical instrument, a first strap adapted to releaseably engage with the musical instrument and in engagement with the first engagement mechanism, and a mechanism for securely and releasably engaging the first engagement mechanism to the stand.
US08188350B1 Maize variety inbred PHJBM
A novel maize variety designated PHJBM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHJBM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHJBM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHJBM or a locus conversion of PHJBM with another maize variety.
US08188349B1 Maize variety inbred PH13JF
A novel maize variety designated PH13JF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13JF with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13JF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13JF or a locus conversion of PH13JF with another maize variety.
US08188345B2 Cotton variety ST 5458B2RF
The cotton variety ST 5458B2RF is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 5458B2RF with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 5458B2RF and to plants of ST 5458B2RF reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 5458B2RF.
US08188342B2 Soybean cultivar 8235453
A soybean cultivar designated 8235453 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 8235453, to the plants of soybean 8235453, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 8235453, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 8235453 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 8235453, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 8235453, 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 8235453 with another soybean cultivar.
US08188338B2 Delta-8 desaturases and their use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-8 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and using these delta-8 desaturases in plants.
US08188333B2 Plastic sheet looking like cloth and surface material of absorbing goods utilizing the sheet, and manufacturing method thereof
A plastic sheet having cloth-like appearance and thermoplasticity and provided with melt patterns in the sheet face, the melt patterns formed in a predetermined arrangement under an elongating condition of the plastic sheet so as to form convex-concave wrinkles in regions between neighboring melt patterns in the plastic sheet under an un-elongating condition.
US08188329B2 Method and device for burning-off precious metal-containing materials
A recycling furnace and method are provided for processing potentially explosive precious metal-containing materials having organic fractions that combust with great energy, the furnace including a switching facility for alternating operation of a burning-off chamber of the furnace between: (A) pyrolysis or carbonization under protective furnace gas in an atmosphere comprising maximally 6 wt-% oxygen, and (B) oxidative combustion of the organic fractions including carbon. The furnace has indirect heating and a control that determines the end of the pyrolysis or carbonization by a sensor and controls the switching facility to supply air or oxygen to the interior of the furnace. Steps (A) and (B) are carried out sequentially in the furnace chamber, wherein neither the batch is changed, nor the furnace is opened. After the end of step (A) is determined, step (B) proceeds right after the pyrolysis or carbonization by supplying air or oxygen. A dosing of liquid or liquefied substances during the pyrolysis is controlled by at least one parameter of post-combustion. Thermal post-combustion is used for two furnace chambers, one operated for pyrolysis or carbonization and the other operated as a combustion chamber.
US08188310B2 Process for the long-term operation of a heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of an organic starting compound
A process for the long-term operation of a heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of an organic starting compound, in which the reaction gas input mixture is partially oxidized over a fixed catalyst bed which is accommodated in two successive temperature zones A, B whose temperature is changed with increasing operating time such that the initially lower temperature increases and the difference between the two temperatures decreases.
US08188309B2 Process for preparing aromatic carboxylic acids
The present invention relates to a process for making terephthalic acid by reacting a starting material and oxygen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst and p-xylene as solvent to produce a solution of terephthalic acid (TPA). The starting material is p-xylene, p-toluic acid, 4 carboxybenzaldehyde, or a mixture of any two or more thereof. No solid TPA is formed during the reaction in contrast to previous manufacturing methods that utilize acidic solvents and precipitate TPA as it forms. By avoiding the direct precipitation of TPA during formation, the present methods avoid many shortcomings of the conventional manufacturing methods used to produce TPA. In particular, the present methods do not require additional purification steps to remove reaction byproducts; film grade TPA can be obtained directly from starting material in a one-step process.
US08188300B2 Atorvastatin calcium propylene glycol solvates
Atorvastatin calcium propylene glycol solvates and processes to prepare these novel solvates which are particularly useful and suitable for pharmaceutical applications.
US08188291B2 Heteroaryl-substituted carboxamides and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to heteroaryl-substituted carboxamides of the formula I, in which Het, A, X, R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in the claims, which modulate the transcription of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. Specifically, the compounds of the formula I upregulate the expression of the enzyme endothelial NO synthase and can be applied in conditions in which an increased expression of said enzyme or an increased NO level or the normalization of a decreased NO level is desired. The invention further relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula I, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to the use of compounds of the formula I for the manufacture of a medicament for the stimulation of the expression of endothelial NO synthase or for the treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension and cardiac insufficiency, for example.
US08188288B2 2-adamantylurea derivatives as selective 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors
The present invention relates to 2-adamantylurea derivatives of formula I as selective inhibitors of the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and the use of such compounds for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid disorders, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, anxiety, depression, immune disorders, hypertension and other diseases and conditions.
US08188286B2 Process for production of azabicycloalkanol derivative
The object is to produce an azabicycloalkanol derivative, particularly a cis-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-ol derivative which is a useful intermediate for agricultural chemicals or pharmaceutical agents, with a good yield and at an industrially low cost. A diastereomer of an azabicyclo-C6-10-alkanol derivative having a methyne substituted a hydroxyl group as an asymmetric carbon (e.g., a trans-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-8-ol derivative) is isomerized in the presence of a transition metal complex, thereby producing an excess amount of a thermodynamically more stable one of diastereomers (e.g., a cis-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-8-ol derivative). In this manner, a thermodynamically more stable one of diastereomers of the azabicyclo-C6-10-alkanol derivatives can be produced.
US08188281B2 Azaindoles useful as inhibitors of JAK and other protein kinases
The present invention relates to inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08188272B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds useful as kinase modulators
Compounds having the formula (I), and enantiomers, and diastereomers, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, thereof, [PLEASE INSERT CHEMICAL STRUCTURE HERE] (I) are useful as kinase modulators, including Btk modulation, wherein R1, R2, R4, Q, Y, A and D are as defined herein.
US08188257B1 Direct quantification of ribosome inactivating protein
A method for detecting ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) activity in a sample is provided that involves contacting a sample that contains an RIP with an inventive substrate that is depurinated to form product. The product is hybridized to a template and cleaved by an apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease such that releasing the blocked 3′ end only in a sample that contains RIP activity. The 5′ end of the product serves as a primer for extension by a polymerase reaction. The newly synthesized strand complementary to the template is detected by RT-PCR processes. A kit is provided suitable for field or laboratory use.
US08188247B2 Conjugates and compositions for cellular delivery
This invention features conjugates, compositions, methods of synthesis, and applications thereof, including folate derived conjugates of nucleosides, nucleotides, non-nucleosides, and nucleic acids including enzymatic nucleic acids and antisense nucleic acid molecules.
US08188242B2 Chromatography purification of antibodies
Methods, kits and apparatuses for chromatography purification of antibodies are provided. In some embodiments, antibodies are purified by mixed mode chromatography that does not comprise hydroxyapatite (HT) or fluorapatite (FT). The mixed mode chromatography step is then followed by a HT/FT chromatography step.
US08188238B2 Recombinantly produced antibody
An antibody capable of potentiating immune responses and modifying existing states of immune responsiveness is described, as is the sequence of the antibody. Also described are compositions containing the antibody, as well as methods for using the antibody and the compositions to enhance immune responses, to enhance DC function, to modify an existing state of immune responsiveness, to immunize individuals, or to treat or inhibit conditions such as allergic asthma.
US08188237B2 Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
The invention relates to novel binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins that feature a binding domain for a cognate structure such as an antigen, a counterreceptor or the like, a hinge region polypeptide having either zero or one cysteine residue, and immunoglobulin CH2 and CH3 domains, and that are capable of ADCC and/or CDC while occurring predominantly as monomeric polypeptides. The fusion proteins can be recombinantly produced at high expression levels. Also provided are related compositions and methods, including immunotherapeutic applications.
US08188236B2 Eta-1 gene and methods for use
The present application relates to osteopontin (Eta-1) polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode Eta-1, antibodies that specifically bind to Eta-1, and methods for enhancing an immune response in an animal.
US08188235B2 Antibodies to IL-6 and their uses
Antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human IL-6 are provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such antibodies and antigen binding portions, methods of making such antibodies and antigen binding portions, compositions comprising such antibodies or antigen binding portions, and uses of such antibodies or antigen binding portions.
US08188234B2 1D05 PCSK9 antagonists
Antagonists of human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (“PCSK9”) are disclosed. The disclosed antagonists are effective in the inhibition of PCSK9 function and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for use in the treatment of conditions associated with PCSK9 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antagonists, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antagonists. Methods of making PCSK9-specific antagonists as well as methods of using the antagonists for inhibiting or antagonizing PCSK9 function are also disclosed and form important additional aspects of the present disclosure.
US08188224B2 Variant forms of urate oxidase and use thereof
Genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity are described. Proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidase are described.
US08188222B2 High molecular weight derivative of nucleic acid antimetabolite
[Problems] A derivative of a nucleic acid antimetabolite is demanded which can show a higher therapeutic effect at a lower dose.[Means for Solving Problems] Disclosed is a high molecular weight derivative a nucleic acid antimetabolite, which is characterized by comprising a high molecular weight compound comprising a polyethylene glycol moiety and a polymer moiety having a carboxyl group in a side chain and a nucleoside derivative which can act as a nucleic acid antimetabolite, wherein the nucleoside derivative is bound to the carboxyl group in the side chain of the high molecular weight compound via a highly hydrophobic linker.
US08188213B2 Purified polypeptide comprising or consisting of a C-terminus MSP1 antigen from Plasmodium falciparum carrying a Glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol group (GPI)
The present invention relates to a purified polypeptide comprising or consisting of a C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1) antigen from Plasmodium falciparum carrying a Glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol group (GPI), an immunogenic composition and a vaccine against a Plasmodium infection comprising said purified polypeptide.
US08188209B2 Polyimide resin and curable resin composition
A curable polyimide resin composition containing a polyimide resin obtainable from by a reaction of a reaction mixture containing a diisocyanate compound, a carbonate group-containing diol compound and an imide compound having two terminal hydroxyhydrocarbyl groups gives a cured insulation film having improved characteristics.
US08188204B2 Polymers, compositions and methods for use for foams, laundry detergents, shower rinses and coagulants
The present invention relates to a polymeric material comprising units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; provided that said polymeric material has an average cationic charge density from about 2.75 or less units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. The polymeric material is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender for hand dishwashing compositions and personal care products such as soaps, shaving cream foam, foaming shaving gel, foam dephiliatories and shampoos. The polymers are also effective as a soil release agent in fabric cleaning compositions. The polymers are also useful in agrochemical foam, fire-fighting foam, hard surface cleaner foam, and coagulant for titanium dioxide in paper making.
US08188203B2 Copolymerizable azo compounds and articles containing them
Polymerizable light absorbing azo dyes are disclosed useful as monomers in the formation of devices such as, but not limited to ocular lenses. Specifically, intraocular lenses (IOL) are disclosed wherein one or more of the light absorbing dye is covalently bonded to other structural polymers though ethylene unsaturated groups. The resulting IOLs possess light absorbing properties without significant amounts of free (un-bound) azo dye molecules present in the final structural polymer matrix.
US08188197B2 Method for producing a polymer
The present invention relates to a method for performing a polymerization process in a stirred reactor, wherein a critical time window is determined by means of a monitor of at least one polymerization process parameter and an associated process window, and when a critical time window is present, an adaptation of process conditions is made in order to configure the polymerization process to conform to the process window.
US08188187B2 Microgel-containing thermoplastic elastomer composition
The present invention relates to a composition comprising thermoplastic materials and crosslinked microgels which are not crosslinked by high-energy radiation, processes for its preparation, its use for the production of thermoplastically processable shaped articles and shaped articles produced from the composition.
US08188186B2 Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent durability and flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising: a core consisting of a center and one or more intermediate layers covering the center; and a cover covering the core, wherein, at least one piece or one layer of said intermediate layers is formed from a highly elastic intermediate layer composition that contains a highly elastic resin (A) having a flexural modulus in a range from 700 MPa to 5000 MPa and an ionomer resin (B) having a flexural modulus in a range from 150 MPa to 1000 MPa in an amount ratio ((A)/(B)) of the highly elastic resin (A) to the ionomer resin (B) being (20 mass % to 80 mass %)/(80 mass % to 20 mass %) (the total is 100 mass %).
US08188185B2 Biodegradable packaging film
A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film. In an effort to counteract the effect of such polymers, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also employed in the blend of the present invention. While such copolyesters are biodegradable, they also possess the melt properties and ductility that lend them well to the formation of films. Although the combination of these polymers may achieve a good balance between biodegradability/renewability, high tensile strength, and good ductility (e.g., high peak elongation), it is still often difficult to achieve a precise set of mechanical properties as desired for packaging films. In this regard, the blend also contains a filler. Due to its rigid nature, the amount of the filler may be readily adjusted to fine tune the blend to the desired degree of ductility (e.g., peak elongation) and stiffness (e.g., modulus of elasticity).
US08188182B2 Ion-conductive thermoplastic compositions for electrochromic glazing
The invention relates to ion-conductive thermoplastic compositions consisting of a partially acetalated polyvinyl alcohol, at least one support electrolyte and at least one softener, the partially acetalated polyvinyl alcohol containing two different acetal units. The invention also relates to electrochromic laminated glass systems produced using the ion-conductive compositions and to a method for producing said systems.
US08188177B2 Golf ball
The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball with superior abrasion resistance and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball of the present invention comprises a core and a cover that covers the core. The cover contains a polyurethane resin and an organically modified layered silicate, and an interlayer distance of the organically modified layered silicate measured by X-ray diffraction is in a range from 2.5 nm to 15 nm.
US08188169B2 Polyoxymethylene compositions and articles made from these
Polyoxymethylene compositions that include 90 to 99.9 weight percent of at least one polyacetal polymer and 0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one polysaccharide substantially free of acidic material selected from the group consisting of amylopectin from maize and soluble starch where the weight percent of the polymer and the polysaccharide are based on their combined weight. Articles made from these compositions.
US08188164B2 Cellulose-based masterbatch with improved breaking elongation, application thereof and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a fiber with an improved breaking elongation. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 77 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, a bifunctional reactant present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.
US08188158B2 Polymer based ink formulation
The invention provides an ink formulation comprising a polymer associated self-dispersed colorant. The polymer has an alkyl amino end functional group that is chemically associated by electron donation/acceptation and hydrogen bonded to surface functional groups of the colorant particles. The modified self-dispersed colorant shows improved printing quality.
US08188155B2 Rubber de-vulcanisation
The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanized rubber, thereby de-vulcanizing the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide The supercritical fluid causes swelling of the said vulcanized rubber material, wherein the time of swelling is not more than 50% of the time required for full volume equilibrium swelling of the rubber in said supercritical fluid and the swelling is followed by a rapid reduction of the supercritical fluid pressure The cross links (3) become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a predetermined level causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanized rubber The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break (7), thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanization.
US08188154B2 Decomposition reaction apparatus, system for producing raw material for recycled resin composition, method for producing raw material for recycled resin composition, raw material for recycled resin composition, and formed article
A decomposition reaction apparatus for the decomposition treatment of a thermosetting resin, which comprises a reaction apparatus comprising an introduction section for introducing a resin composition containing the thermosetting resin and a solvent containing a monomer component of the thermosetting resin or a component similar to the monomer component, a decomposition reaction section for heating and pressuring the resin composition and the above solvent so as for the solvent to have a supercritical state or a subcritical state, to thereby prepare a treated and recovered product containing a recycled resin formed by the reduction of the molecular weight of the above thermosetting resin, and a discharge section for discharging the treated and recovered product. In the above reaction apparatus, the introduction of the resin composition and the solvent, the decomposition treatment of the thermosetting resin in the decomposition reaction section and the discharge of the treated and recovered product from the discharge section are all carried out continuously, and therefore, a raw material for a recycled resin composition using an industrial or general waste containing a thermosetting resin as the above resin composition can be produced continuously.
US08188152B2 2-aminoalcohols for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Use of a compound for the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy of a neurodegenerative condition, wherein the compound is of formula (I): wherein R1 is CHR4—OR5 or CHR4—SR5, or aryl or heteroaryi optionally substituted with one or more groups R6; R2 is alkyl or is part of a ring with R3; R3 is H, alkyl or CH2 (when forming part of a ring with R2); R4 is H or alkyl or is part of a ring with R 5; R5 is aryl or heteroaryi optionally substituted with R7; each R6 is independently alkyl, CF3, OH, Oalkyl, OCOalkyl, CONH2, CN, halogen, NH2, NO2, NHCHO, NHCONH2, NHSO2alkyl, CONH2, SOMe, SO2NH2, Salkyl, CH2SO2alkyl or OCONalkyl2; R7 is R8 or (CH2)nOR8, R9, CF3, OH, OR9, OCOR9, COR9, COOR9, CONH2, CH2CONH2, CN, halogen, NH2, NO2, NHCHO, NHCONH2, NHCONHR7, NHCON(R9)2, NHCOR9, NHCOaryl, NHSO2Me, CONH2, SMe, SOMe or SO2NH2; R8 is (CH2)nOR9, (CH)nOR9, (CH2)nCOOR9 or (CH2)nCOaryl; R9 is alkyl or cycloalkyl; and n is 1 to 4; or a salt thereof.
US08188139B2 Heterocyclic-substituted phenyl methanones
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, and are defined in the specification and to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.
US08188136B2 Crystalline modification of fipronil
The present invention relates to a crystalline modification of fipronil, to process for the preparation of the same, to pesticidal and parasiticidal mixtures and compositions comprising said crystalline modification and to their use for combating pests and parasites.
US08188121B2 Substituted pyridines as antiparasitic AZA teraryl compounds
Novel aza analogues of dicationic terphenyl compounds for use in combating microbial infections are described. The compounds include those of Formula (III): wherein one of A1, Y1, and Z1 is N; Ar1 is phenylene; and Ar3 is a nitrogen-containing aromatic group. An exemplary compound of Formula (III) is:
US08188117B2 Piperidinyl-substituted isoquinolone derivatives
The invention relates to 6-piperidinyl-substituted isoquinolone derivatives of the formula (I) or isoquinoline derivatives of the formula (I′) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.
US08188106B2 Ligand activators of the RAR receptors and pharmaceutical/cosmetic applications thereof
Novel ligand compounds having the structural formula (I): in which: Ar is a radical selected from among the radicals of formulae (a)-(c) below: are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions suited for administration in human or veterinary medicine, or, alternatively into cosmetic compositions.
US08188101B2 Dihydropyridopyrimidines for the treatment of AB-related pathologies
Dihydropyridopyrimidine compounds of formula (Ia) and therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2 and Z are as defined in the specification; processes for making them and methods for using them in the treatment of Aβ-related pathologies.
US08188099B2 Method of decreasing hepatotoxic side effects using A2B adenosine receptor antagonists
The invention is related to a method of decreasing hepatotoxic side effects using an A2B adenosine receptor antagonist and utility in the treatment of liver damage caused by undergoing hepatotoxic treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for use in the method.
US08188098B2 GPR119 receptor agonists
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases and disorders such as, for example, type II diabetes mellitus.
US08188087B2 Crystalline (3-cyano-1H-indol-7-yl)-[4-(4-fluorophenethyl) piperazin-1-yl]methanone phosphate
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of (3-cyano-1H-indol-7-yl)-[4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-1-yl]methanone phosphate and to pharmaceutical compositions containing said forms.
US08188081B2 Methods of treating inflammation using prokineticin 1 receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to prokineticin 1 receptor antagonists and methods of using the same to modulate intestine epithelial functions and to treat inflammation in the intestine in a mammal.
US08188075B2 Triazole compounds that modulate HSP90 activity
The present invention relates to substituted triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of treating or inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject in need thereof and methods for blocking, occluding, or otherwise disrupting blood flow in neo vasculature, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a substituted triazole compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US08188065B2 Boldine compounds for promoting bone growth
The present invention provides a method of promoting bone growth in a subject in need thereof, by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of renal disease and cancer.
US08188064B2 Vitamin D analogs for obesity prevention and treatment
Methods for treating and preventing obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting increased SCD-1 gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in a subject include administering at least one analog of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 or a pharmaceutical composition that includes such an analog to a subject in need thereof. The analog may be a 19-nor vitamin D analog such as a compound of formula IA, a compound of formula IB, or a mixture thereof where the variables R1, R2, and R3 have the values described herein.
US08188059B2 Compounds and methods for modulating expression of GCGR
The present disclosure describes short antisense compounds, including such compounds comprising chemically-modified high-affinity monomers 8-16 monomers in length. Certain such short antisense compound are useful for the reduction of target nucleic acids and/or proteins in cells, tissues, and animals with increased potency and improved therapeutic index. Thus, provided herein are short antisense compounds comprising high-affinity nucleotide modifications useful for reducing a target RNA in vivo. Such short antisense compounds are effective at lower doses than previously described antisense compounds, allowing for a reduction in toxicity and cost of treatment. In addition, the described short antisense compounds have greater potential for oral dosing.
US08188039B2 VEGF-D mutants and their use
The present invention is a VEGF-D protein, containing one or more amino acid mutations at the dimer interface, and their use in therapy, particularly in the promotion of angiogenesis.
US08188024B2 Surfactant composition
According to the present invention, provided is a surfactant composition having excellent fluidity after long-term storage at a low temperature (5 degrees Celsius) and excellent foamability when diluted. It is considered that the reason why the composition of the present invention has excellent fluidity after long-term storage at a low temperature (5 degrees Celsius) and excellent foamability when diluted is because the sulfate surfactant has a predetermined amount of oxypropylene groups, thereby suppressing crystallization.
US08188023B2 4-alkyl cyclohexanepropanal compounds and their use in perfume compositions
The present invention is directed to novel 4-alkyl cyclohexanepropanal compounds and a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the novel compounds.
US08188022B2 Multilayer fragrance encapsulation comprising kappa carrageenan
Disclosed herein is a fragrance composition and a method for making the same having a fragrance particulate and a viscoelastic gel; where the composition has enhanced fragrance retention throughout the processing of the composition.
US08188017B2 Organic molybdenum compounds and oil compositions containing the same
The present invention provides novel organic molybdenum compounds, the use thereof as friction-modifiers and lubricating compositions which contain said compounds.The organic molybdenum compounds can be represented by the general formula (1) which is indicated below, wherein A1 and A2 are heterocyclic rings which may have substituent groups.
US08188012B2 Process of using hard brine at high alkalinity for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications
The present invention describes the use of EDTA and/or alkali treated hard brine at high pH for making ASP formulations for EOR applications.
US08188008B2 Herbicidally and insecticidally active 4-phenyl-substituted pyridazinones
The invention describes phenyl-substituted pyridazinones of the formula (I) as herbicides and insecticides. In this formula (I), A, B, G, X, Y and Z are radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen, nitro and cyano.
US08188006B2 Synergistic composition and method of use
The present invention relates to a method to increase the effectiveness of an imidazolinone herbicide to suppress weedy forms of rice growth used with imidazolinone tolerant rice strains. This method involves applying an imidazolinone herbicide to imidazolinone tolerant rice strains in a field and applying either a propanil based herbicide or a thiobencarb herbicide to this rice crop, wherein the herbicide includes a synergistically effective amount a herbicidally inactive ingredient. The propanil based herbicide synergistically affects the activity of an imidazolinone herbicide by increasing the effectiveness of an imidazolinone herbicide used with the rice to suppress weedy forms of rice growth, such as red rice.
US08188004B2 Organic herbicide
An organic herbicide is disclosed and comprises oxidized natural oils such as clove oil, and cinnamon oil. A natural surfactant is disclosed comprising 30-50% by weight casein, 50-70% by weight whole egg powder and 0-5% by weight Konjac glucomannan.
US08187993B2 Methods and compositions for stabilizing catalytic processes
Methods and compositions for stabilizing the activity of catalytic compositions during catalytic processes, such as alkylation. A catalytic composition comprising a partially deactivated ionic liquid catalyst may be regenerated by reaction with a metal to form reactivated catalyst and an inorganic catalyst precursor; and the catalytic composition may be amended in-process by addition of an organic catalyst precursor for reaction with the inorganic catalyst precursor to form fresh ionic liquid catalyst. The organic catalyst precursor may be protected from water, e.g., during handling, by hydrophobic material(s).
US08187992B2 Catalyst and method for preparing aromatic carboxylic acids
The invention is directed to a catalytic principle based on zeolite crystallites attached to support or incorporated in a matrix and a catalytically active principle incorporated in the zeolite, the said crystallites having a diameter of between 20 and 300 nm and said catalytically active principle having a formula corresponding to: CoMn2(O)(R—COO)6 L1k1 L2k2 wherein: R is an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl; L1 is an optionally substituted nitrogen containing carboxylic acid or salts thereof; L2 is selected from the group consisting of H2O, an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl containing carboxylic acid, an optionally substituted C5-C6 cycloalkyl or heterocycle, an optionally substituted C5-C6 heteroaryl or aryl; and k1+k2=3; wherein the zeolite has an Si/Al atomic ratio of at least 8, as well as to a method for the oxidation of alkyl aromatics compounds employing the catalytic principle.
US08187988B2 Blue glass composition intended for the manufacture of windows
The invention relates to a glass composition of silica-soda-lime type colored blue which comprises the coloring agents below in a content varying within the following limits, by weight: Fe2O3 (total iron)0.2 to 0.51% CoO10 to 50ppm Cr2O310 to 300ppm CuO0-400ppm the glass exhibiting a redox factor of less than 0.35, a dominant wavelength λD of between 485 and 489 nm, an excitation purity of less than 13% and a selectivity at least equal to 1.1 under a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm. It also relates to the glass sheet obtained from the abovementioned composition, said sheet being intended in particular to form an automobile window or for the construction industry.
US08187981B2 Substrate processing method, substrate processing system, and computer-readable storage medium
A substrate processing method includes preparing a substrate having a low-k interlayer dielectric film as a to-be-etched film and a photoresist film, formed on the low-k interlayer insulating film, serving as an etching mask with a predetermined circuit pattern; etching the low-k interlayer insulating film through the photoresist film to form grooves and/or holes in the low-k interlayer insulating film; ashing the photoresist film by using hydrogen radicals generated by bring a hydrogen-containing gas into contact with a catalyst of a high temperature; and recovering damage to the low-k interlayer insulating film due to the ashing by supplying a specific recovery gas. The method further includes recovering damage to the low-k interlayer insulating film due to the etching by supplying a specific recovery gas.
US08187979B2 Workpiece patterning with plasma sheath modulation
Methods to texture or fabricate workpieces are disclosed. The workpiece may be, for example, a solar cell. This texturing may involve etching or localized sputtering using a plasma where a shape of a boundary between the plasma and the plasma sheath is modified with an insulating modifier. The workpiece may be rotated in between etching or sputtering steps to form pyramids. Regions of the workpiece also may be etched or sputtered with ions formed from a plasma adjusted by an insulating modifier and doped. A metal layer may be formed on these doped regions.
US08187976B2 Stable P-type semiconducting behaviour in Li and Ni codoped ZnO
A method is provided for growing a stable p-type ZnO thin film with low resistivity and high mobility. The method includes providing an n-type Li—Ni co-doped ZnO target in a chamber, providing a substrate in the chamber, and ablating the target to form the thin film on the substrate.
US08187975B1 Hydrochloric acid etch and low temperature epitaxy in a single chamber for raised source-drain fabrication
A raised source-drain structure is formed using a process wherein a semiconductor structure is received in a process chamber that is adapted to support both an etching process and an epitaxial growth process. This semiconductor structure includes a source region and a drain region, wherein the source and drain regions each include a damaged surface layer. The process chamber is controlled to set a desired atmosphere and set a desired temperature. At the desired atmosphere and temperature, the etching process of process chamber is used to remove the damaged surface layers from the source and drain regions and expose an interface surface. Without releasing the desired atmosphere and while maintaining the desired temperature, the epitaxial growth process of the process chamber is used to grow, from the exposed interface surface, a raised region above each of the source and drain regions.
US08187973B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and the semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes: alternately supplying a silicon source and an oxidant to deposit a silicon oxide film on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein the silicon source is supplied under a supply condition where an adsorption amount of molecules of the silicon source on the semiconductor substrate is increased without causing an adsorption saturation of the molecules of the silicon source on the semiconductor substrate, and wherein the oxidant is supplied under a supply condition where impurities remain in the molecules of the silicon source adsorbed on the semiconductor substrate.
US08187969B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming conductive patterns on a substrate; forming an interlayer dielectric between the conductive patterns; defining contact holes in the interlayer dielectric to expose portions of the substrate between the conductive patterns; forming a first conductive layer on a surface including the contact holes; forming contact plugs in such a way as to be isolated in the respective contact holes, by etching a surface of the first conductive layer to expose upper end surfaces of the conductive patterns; etching a partial thickness of the conductive patterns so that the upper end surfaces of the conductive patterns are lower than an upper end surface of the interlayer dielectric; and forming an insulation layer on the resultant structure.
US08187968B2 Methods of post-contact back end of line through-hole via integration
Presented are methods of fabricating three-dimensional integrated circuits that include post-contact back end of line through-hole via integration for the three-dimensional integrated circuits. Another aspect of the present invention includes three-dimensional integrated circuits fabricated according to methods of the present invention.
US08187958B2 Substrate processing method and method of manufacturing crystalline silicon carbide (SIC) substrate
The present invention provides a method of processing a substrate and a method of manufacturing a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate in which, when annealing processing is performed on a crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) substrate, the occurrence of surface roughness is suppressed. A substrate processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of performing plasma irradiation on a single crystal silicon carbide (SiC) substrate (1) and a step of performing high temperature heating processing on the single crystal silicon carbide (SiC) substrate (1) in which the plasma irradiation is performed.
US08187957B2 Field-effect transistor and method for fabricating the same
A field-effect transistor that increases the operation speeds of complementary field-effect transistors. Each of an nMOSFET and a pMODFET has a Ge channel and source and drain regions formed of an NiGe layer. The height of Schottky barriers formed at a junction between a channel region and the source region of the nMOSFET and at a junction between the channel region and the drain region of the nMOSFET is changed by very thin high-concentration segregation layers formed by making As atoms, Sb atoms, S atoms or the like segregate at the time of forming the NiGe layer. As a result, Schottky barrier height suitable for the nMOSFET and the pMODFET can be obtained, this being capable of realizing high-speed CMOSFETS.
US08187954B2 Method for manufacturing silicon single crystal wafer
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal wafer, in which a silicon single crystal wafer that is fabricated based on a Czochralski method and has an entire plane in a radial direction formed of an N region is subjected to a rapid thermal annealing in an oxidizing atmosphere, an oxide film formed in the rapid thermal annealing in the oxidizing atmosphere is removed, and then a rapid thermal annealing is carried out in a nitriding atmosphere, an Ar atmosphere, or a mixed atmosphere of these atmospheres. As a result, there can be provided the manufacturing method that can inexpensively manufacture a silicon single crystal wafer both in which a DZ layer is formed in a wafer surface layer to provide excellent device characteristics and in which an oxide precipitate functioning as a gettering site can be sufficiently formed in a bulk region.
US08187952B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate using a hard mask layer as a barrier to form a trench defining a plurality of active regions, forming a gap-fill layer to gap-fill a portion of the inside of the trench so that the hard mask layer becomes a protrusion, forming spacers covering both sides of the protrusion, removing one of the spacers using a doped etch barrier as an etch barrier, and etching the gap-fill layer using a remaining spacer as an etch barrier to form a side trench exposing one side of the active region.
US08187950B2 Method of eliminating micro-trenches during spacer etch
A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate region. The method also includes forming a pad oxide layer overlying the substrate region. The method additionally includes forming a stop layer overlying the pad oxide layer. Furthermore, the method includes patterning the stop layer and the pad oxide layer to expose a portion of the substrate region. In addition, the method includes forming a trench within an exposed portion of the substrate region, the trench having sidewalls and a bottom and a height. Also, the method includes depositing alternating layers of oxide and silicon nitride to at least fill the trench, the oxide being deposited by an HDP-CVD process. The method additionally includes performing a planarization process to remove a portion of the silicon nitride and oxide layers. In addition, the method includes removing the pad oxide and stop layers.
US08187947B2 Capacitor structure in trench structures of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices comprising capacitor structures of this type and methods for fabricating the same
A capacitor structure in trench structures of a semiconductor device includes conductive regions made of metallic and/or semiconducting materials. The conducting regions are surrounded by a dielectric and form stacked layers in the trench structure of the semiconductor device.
US08187946B2 Manufacturing a phase change memory device having a ring heater
A ring shaped heater surrounds a chalcogenide region along the length of a cylindrical solid phase portion thereof defining a change phase memory element. The chalcogenide region is formed in a sub-lithographic pore, so that a relatively compact structure is achieved. Furthermore, the ring contact between the heater and the cylindrical solid phase portion results in a more gradual transition of resistance versus programming current, enabling multilevel memories to be formed.
US08187945B2 Method for obtaining smooth, continuous silver film
A method for forming a semiconductor device including a resistive memory cell includes providing a substrate having an upper surface. A first conductive layer is formed over the upper surface of the substrate. An amorphous silicon layer is formed over the first conductive layer. A surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to remove native oxide formed on the surface of the amorphous silicon layer. A silver layer is deposited over the amorphous silicon layer after removing the native oxide by performing the cleaning step. The resistive memory cell includes the first conductive layer, the amorphous silicon layer, and the second conductive layer. The surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to prevent silver agglomeration on the native oxide.
US08187942B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device having a dual gate insulation layer
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a dual gate insulation layer is presented. The method includes a step of forming a first insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate which has a first region and a second region. The method includes a step of selectively removing a portion of the first insulation layer formed the second region of the semiconductor substrate. The removal of the portion of the first insulation layer is conducted using an etching solution comprising propylene glycol, HF and amine. The method also includes a step of forming a second insulation layer on the first insulation layer in the first region and on the semiconductor substrate in the second region.
US08187940B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including (a) etching a semiconductor substrate to form a first trench defining an active region; (b) forming a first spacer on sidewalls of the first trench; (c) etching a bottom of the first trench to form a second trench; (d) etching a sidewall of the second trench to form a third trench including an undercut space; (e) forming a device isolation structure that fills the first, second and third trenches; (f) etching the semiconductor substrate of a gate region to form a recess; and (g) forming a gate that fills the recess.
US08187928B2 Methods of forming integrated circuits
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes forming a gate structure over a substrate. A plasma doping (PLAD) process is performed to at least a portion of the substrate that is adjacent to the gate structure. The doped portion of the substrate is annealed in an ambient with an oxygen-containing chemical.
US08187922B2 Low cost flexible substrate
A low cost flexible substrate is described which comprises a thin metal foil and a layer of solder mask. The metal foil layer is patterned to create tracks and lands for solder bonding and/or wirebonding and the layer of solder mask is patterned to create openings for solder bonding, wirebonding and/or for mounting the die. The substrate may be used as a package substrate to create a packaged die or may be used as a replacement for more expensive flexible printed circuit boards.
US08187912B2 Methods of forming an anisotropic conductive layer as a back contact in thin film photovoltaic devices
Thin film photovoltaic devices are generally provided. The device can include a transparent conductive oxide layer on a glass substrate, an n-type thin film layer on the transparent conductive layer, and a p-type thin film layer on the n-type layer. The n-type thin film layer and the p-type thin film layer form a p-n junction. An anisotropic conductive layer is applied on the p-type thin film layer, and includes a polymeric binder and a plurality of conductive particles. A metal contact layer can then be positioned on the anisotropic conductive layer.
US08187911B2 Method for forming the separating lines of a photovoltaic module with series-connected cells
For forming the separating lines, (5, 6, 7) which are produced in the functional layers (2, 3, 4) deposited on a transparent substrate (1) during manufacture of a photo-voltaic module with series-connected cells (C1, C2, . . . ), at least one laser scanner (8) is used whose laser beam (14) produces in the field (17) scanned thereby a plurality of separating line sections (18, 18′) disposed side by side in the functional layer (2, 3, 4). The laser scanner (8) is moved relative to the coated substrate (1) in the direction (Y) of the separating lines (5, 6, 7), thereby giving rise to an overlap (36) of adjacent fields (17, 17′). At the same time, the laser scanner (8) produces separating line sections (18, 18′) which are of hook-shaped configuration at least at one end (32) so as to form a catching area in which the ends (31, 32) of the separating line sections (18, 18′) of adjacent fields (17, 17′) overlap.
US08187910B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor substrate, the method comprises: a first irradiation step of irradiating a first irradiated region with a focused ion beam so as to selectively remove a first portion corresponding to the first irradiated region of the wiring pattern, the first irradiated region being positioned on an inner side of a short defect portion of the wiring pattern in a direction along a plane parallel to the principal surface; and a second irradiation step of, after the first irradiation step, irradiating a second irradiated region with a focused ion beam so as to remove a second portion corresponding to the second irradiated region of the wiring pattern, the second irradiated region including a region that is positioned on an outer side of the short defect portion in the direction along the plane parallel to the principal surface.
US08187908B2 Light-blocking layer sequence having one or more metal layers for an integrated circuit and method for the production of the layer sequence
In an integrated circuit, a light sensitive area is protected against radiation by arranging a light blocking layer sequence (504) on top of the light sensitive area. The light blocking layer sequence comprises one or several metal layers (504a) and a silicon layer (503b, 1) for the purpose of absorption. A moth eye structure is provided on the silicon layer. Thereby, a radiation incident by reflection is minimized in such a way that also stray light can effectively be kept from the light sensitive area below the light blocking layer sequence (504).
US08187904B2 Methods of forming thin layers of photovoltaic absorbers
A method and a system are provide for forming planar precursor structures which are subsequently converted into thin film solar cell absorber layers. A precursor structure is first formed on the front surface of the foil substrate and then planarized through application of force or pressure by a smooth surface to obtain a planar precursor structure. The precursor structure includes at least one of a Group IB material, Group IIIA material and Group VIA material. The planar precursor structures are reacted to form planar and compositionally uniform thin film absorber layers for solar cells.
US08187899B2 LED package structure for increasing light-emitting efficiency and controlling light-projecting angle and method for manufacturing the same
An LED package structure for increasing light-emitting efficiency and controlling light-projecting angle includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a light-reflecting unit and a package unit. The substrate unit has a substrate body and a chip-placing area disposed on a top surface of the substrate body. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips electrically disposed on the chip-placing area. The light-reflecting unit has an annular reflecting resin body surroundingly formed on the top surface of the substrate body by coating. The annular reflecting resin body surrounds the LED chips that are disposed on the chip-placing area to form a resin position limiting space above the chip-placing area. The package unit has a translucent package resin body disposed on the top surface of the substrate body in order to cover the LED chips. The position of the translucent package resin body is limited in the resin position limiting space.
US08187898B2 Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head provided with a substrate which has a layer made of silicon nitride and with a discharge port forming member which is disposed above the layer made of silicon nitride and has a discharge port for discharging liquid. The method includes providing a photosensitive layer that is to be the discharge port forming member above the layer made of silicon nitride, and forming the discharge port by exposing the photosensitive layer to i-line. The layer made of silicon nitride has a refractive index of 2.05 or more to light of a wavelength of 633 nm and irradiation with the i-line is performed in the exposure.
US08187893B2 Mass spectrometric based assay for presence of a protein without the use of a standard
The present teachings provide methods for the development of a mass spectrometric based assay for a protein in a sample using parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various aspects, the present teachings provide methods for developing a mass spectrometric based assay for a protein in a sample without the use of a standard for the protein. In various embodiments, the sample comprises proteolytic fragments of a protein which is present in low abundance in the physiological fluid from which it is derived.
US08187892B2 Co-topo-polymeric compositions, devices and systems for controlling threshold and delay activation sensitivities
Co-topo-polymeric indicator compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Indicator compositions of the invention include a polymer and undergo a color change, which may be reversible or irreversible, in response to an applied stimulus, e.g., temperature. Aspects of methods of producing the compositions include setting a fluid co-topo-polymeric precursor composition into a solid product and then subjecting the solid product (either immediately or after a delay period) to polymerizing conditions to produce the desired indicator composition. Also provided are indicator devices that include the indicator compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications.
US08187889B2 Protein markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian and breast cancer
Plasma samples of ovarian and breast cancer patients were used to search for markers of cancer, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Truncated forms of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyl transferase (cSHMT), T-box transcription factor 3 (Tbx3) and utrophin were aberrantly expressed in samples from cancer patients, as compared to samples from noncancer cases. Aberrant expression of proteins was validated by immunoblotting of plasma samples with specific antibodies to cSHMT, Tbx3 and utrophin. A cohort of 79 breast and 39 ovarian cancer patients, and 31 individuals who were either healthy or had noncancerous conditions was studied. We observed increased expression of truncated cSHMT, Tbx3 and utrophin in plasma samples obtained from patients at early stages of disease. The results indicate that cSHMT, Tbx3, utrophin and truncated forms thereof can be used as components of multiparameter monitoring of ovarian and breast cancer.
US08187886B2 Blood cell sorting methods and systems
The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.
US08187884B2 Method of enhancing homologous recombination of somatic cells and method of constructing specific antibody
The present invention provides a novel method for obtaining diverse antibodies as a result of markedly enhancing the somatic homologous recombination at an antibody locus in immunocytes.By putting immunocytes in which DNA homologous recombination is occurring at an antibody locus (for example, DT40 cells and the like) into contact and the like with histone acetylase inhibitor and the like (for example, trichostatin A and the like), thereby relaxing the chromatin structure at said antibody locus, somatic homologous recombination at an antibody locus is enhanced, and the production of diverse antibody molecules is made possible.The production of antibodies that bind specifically to antigens from cell populations in which the antibody molecules have been diversified by the enhancement of somatic homologous recombination is made possible by using an appropriate selection method (for example, beads coated with antigen and the like).
US08187882B2 Multiple shoot proliferation and regeneration system for plants
Improved methods for the regeneration of transgenic plants using apical dominance inhibitors are disclosed. Use of dikegulac to induce multiple shoot formation in culture is particularly disclosed.
US08187881B2 Methods related to wound healing
The invention is directed to methods for the treatment of wounds. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to amnion-derived multipotent cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine suspension or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.
US08187876B2 Expansion of stem/progenitor cells by inhibition of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by the Sir2 family of enzymes
Provided are ex vivo and in vivo methods of expanding renewable stem cells using agents capable of down-regulating Sir2 protein activity and/or expression, expanded populations of renewable stem cells, and uses thereof.
US08187870B2 Means for obtaining avirulent leishmania promastigotes, promastigotes obtained, and the applications thereof
The invention relates to an expression vector of a gene coding for an antigenic protein of Leishmania promastigote, characterized in that it comprises a PSA gene insert in opposite orientation. The invention can be applied to the development of mutants under-expressing, or no longer expressing, genes coding for an antigenic protein of Leishmania promastigote, and to the therapeutic and/or vaccine-oriented uses thereof.
US08187868B2 Device for trapping extraneous gas
A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles is disclosed. The device is defined as having a gas collection area in a tapered neck portion such that when used as a cell culturing apparatus, extraneous gas or bubbles are trapped and isolated from the cell growth areas where cells or media reside.
US08187867B2 Probe connector assembly and method of use
A probe assembly includes a tubular sleeve having a passage extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The tubular sleeve is movable between an extended position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are spaced apart and a collapsed position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are moved closer together. A connector is secured to the second end of the tubular sleeve, the connector having an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the passage of the tubular sleeve, a sealing layer removably covering the opening of the connector. An elongated probe has a first end and an opposing second end, the second end of the probe being positioned within the passage of the tubular sleeve, the second end of the probe being configured to pass through the opening of the connector when the sealing layer is removed therefrom.
US08187865B2 Nanowire sensor, sensor array, and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a nanowire sensor and method for forming the same. More specifically, the nanowire sensor comprises at least one nanowire formed on a substrate, with a sensor receptor disposed on a surface of the nanowire, thereby forming a receptor-coated nanowire. The nanowire sensor can be arranged as a sensor sub-unit comprising a plurality of homogeneously receptor-coated nanowires. A plurality of sensor subunits can be formed to collectively comprise a nanowire sensor array. Each sensor subunit in the nanowire sensor array can be formed to sense a different stimulus, allowing a user to sense a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, each sensor subunit can be formed to sense the same stimuli through different aspects of the stimulus. The sensor array is fabricated through a variety of techniques, such as by creating nanopores on a substrate and electrodepositing nanowires within the nanopores.
US08187859B2 Modulating urea degradation in wine yeast
The invention provides yeast strains transformed to reduce nitrogen catabolite repression of a gene encoding a urea degrading enzymatic activity expressed by the yeast strain under fermenting conditions. Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are for example provided having enhanced DUR1,2 urea carboxylase-allophanate hydrolase activity under wine fermenting conditions.
US08187856B2 Recombinant halohydrin dehalogenase polypeptides
The present disclosure provides engineered halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) polypeptides having improved enzyme properties as compared to the wild-type HHDH enzyme HheC and other reference engineered HHDH polypeptides. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered HHDH enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered HHDH enzymes, and methods of using the engineered HHDH enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds including chiral epoxides and chiral alcohols.
US08187845B2 Enhanced production of lipids containing polyenoic fatty acid by very high density cultures of eukaryotic microbes in fermentors
The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
US08187841B2 Method for evaluating or selecting agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin
A method for evaluating or selecting a substance capable of preventing or curing photodamage of skin is provided. Provided is a method for evaluating or selecting an agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin, the method including: (A) contacting cells that are capable of expressing TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein, with a test substance; (B) measuring the expression level of the TIMP-1 gene or the TIMP-1 protein in the cells; (C) comparing the expression level obtained in (B), with the expression level of TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein in a control group in which the cells capable of expressing TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein have not been contacted with the test substance; and (D) evaluating or selecting the test substance which increases the expression level of TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein, as an agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin, based on the results of (C).
US08187828B2 Use of PAK inhibitor for the treatment of a joint disease
The invention refers to the use of a p21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor as a target protein for the discovery of a PAK inhibitor as a medicament for the treatment of a joint disease.
US08187820B2 Detection method using nanoaggregate-embedded beads and system thereof
The invention discloses a detection method using nanoaggregate-embedded beads and system thereof, which are characterized in that the nanoaggregate of Raman dye and metal nanoparticles is coated by an inorganic oxide to form a nanoaggregate-embedded bead, and which is then conjugated with a probe molecule to form a sensor bead. The Raman spectra of the product formed by binding of the sensor bead and an analyte in a sample is detected for determining whether the analyte exists in the sample. In embodiment, the pH of the solution of metal nanoparticles is controlled to keep at 10, and the concentration of the Raman dye is controlled to keep between 1×10−6 M and 2×10−6 M for reducing the size of the nanoaggregate.
US08187815B2 Method to quantify siRNAs, miRNAs and polymorphic miRNAs
The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for quantifying target polynucleotides. In some embodiments, a reverse stem-loop ligation probe is ligated to the 3′ end of a target polynucleotide, using a ligase that can ligate the 3′ end of RNA to the 5′ end of DNA using a DNA template, such as T4 DNA ligase. Following digestion to form an elongated target polynucleotide with a liberated end, a reverse transcription reaction can be performed, followed by a PCR. In some embodiments, the methods of the present teachings can discriminate between polymorphic polynucleotides that vary by as little as one nucleotide.
US08187808B2 Barriers for facilitating biological reactions
The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.
US08187807B2 Methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative bleeding, renal dysfunction or stroke
The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative bleeding and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative bleeding.The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative renal dysfunction and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative renal dysfunction.The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative stroke and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative stroke.
US08187805B2 Method of detecting nucleic acid and utilization thereof
It is intended to provide a method of detecting a nucleic acid whereby a target nucleic acid can be accurately and quickly detected at an elevated detection sensitivity compared with the existing methods; and a gene detection kit with the use of this method. A sample containing cells is fixed to a support and nucleic acids are amplified on the support as such. Then, a nucleic acid thus amplified is detected. Since the nucleic acids are not detected from the sample in this method, a lowering in the detection sensitivity due to the nucleic acid loss in the step of extracting the nucleic acids can be prevented. Since the amplified nucleic acid is detected, furthermore, detection can be made even though the nucleic acid is contained only in a trace amount in the sample.
US08187790B2 Polymer for resist and resist composition manufactured using the same
Disclosed are a polymer for a chemically amplified resist represented as and a resist composition using the same. In the above Chemical formula 1, X represents vinyl ether derivatives or olefin derivatives, at least one of R1, R2, R3, and R4 is an alkyl group with 1 to 30 carbon atoms containing at least one functional group of a hydrogen atom, an ether group, an ester group, a carbonyl group, an acetal group, an epoxy group, a nitryl group (—CN), and an aldehyde group, l, m, n, o and p respectively represent repeating units, l represents a real number of 0.05 to 0.5, m and n respectively represent real numbers of 0.1 to 0.7, o and p respectively represent real numbers of 0 to 0.7, and a sum of l, m, n, o and p is 1.
US08187788B2 Photosensitive resin composition and photosensitive film
Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition comprising an alkali-soluble resin, wherein the dissolution rate of the alkali-soluble resin in an aqueous sodium carbonate solution is not less than 0.04 μm/sec. When a photosensitive layer having a thickness of 30 μm is formed by applying the photosensitive resin composition onto a base and removing the solvent by heating, and thus-obtained photosensitive layer is irradiated with an active ray of 1000 mJ/cm2 or less, the dissolution rate of the portion irradiated with the active ray in the photosensitive layer made of the photosensitive resin composition is not less than 0.22 μm/sec and the film residual rate of the portion not irradiated with the active ray is not less than 90%.
US08187785B2 Method of manufacturing toner
A method of manufacturing the toner comprising dispersing at least one of a binder resin or a precursor thereof, a coloring agent and a releasing agent in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase, dispersing the oil phase in an aqueous medium with a shearing force to obtain a dispersion emulsion, wherein the dispersion emulsion process has plural stages and the shear speed A of the emulsification process of stage n is faster than the shear speed B of the emulsification process of stage n+1.
US08187783B2 Method of manufacturing toner, toner, two-component developer, developing device and image forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing a toner in which uneven distribution of toner ingredients by subjecting them to fine dispersion is prevented and which is excellent in transferability, cleaning properties, anti-filming properties, anti-blocking properties, high-temperature offset resisting properties and transparency is provided. Melt-kneaded substances include binder resins, colorants and release agents, respectively. The colorant and the release agent are dispersed in the binder resin. The melt-kneaded substance is negatively charged by an anionic dispersant, whereas the melt-kneaded substance is positively charged by a cationic dispersant. An aggregate is formed by heteroaggregation of the melt-kneaded substances. The aggregate is fused by heating and formed into a spherical toner.
US08187781B2 Resin-filled ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developer, production method thereof and electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier
Employed are a resin-filled ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer filled with a resin in voids of a porous ferrite core material, wherein the resin filled in the voids is a silicone resin which has a softening point of 40° C. or above and is cured at or above such softening point, and the filled amount is 7 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the core material, a method for producing thereof band an electrophotographic developer using this ferrite carrier.
US08187780B2 Toner compositions and processes
Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may, in embodiments, include a biodegradable semi-crystalline polyester resin and a biodegradable amorphous polyester resin.
US08187775B2 High resolution photomask
A film photomask comprises a polymer substrate such as a photosensitive polymer than can be darkened. The photomask substrate is sensitive to light within a first wavelength range and is initially transparent to light within a second wavelength range that is utilized for product exposure operations to pattern a product using photomask. During a mask exposure operation, select regions of the photomask are exposed to light within the first wavelength range to selectively photodarken regions of the photomask substrate according to a desired pattern. The photodarkened regions are darkened sufficient to block light within the second wavelength range used for patterning a product through the photomask. Thus, no chemical processing is required to create a mask pattern. Moreover, the pattern is defined within/through the polymer material. The photomask may further comprise a filter that is applied to at least one side thereof for blocking light within the first wavelength range.
US08187768B2 Separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack
The present invention relates to a separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack. The separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a substrate, upper and lower micro channel plates and upper and lower sealing guides. The substrate includes a fuel inflow/outflow manifold and an air inflow/outflow manifold disposed opposing to each other in a diagonal direction, a fuel channel having a pair of horizontal channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the horizontal channels so as to connect the fuel inflow/outflow manifold, and an air channel having a pair of vertical channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the vertical channels so as to connect the air inflow/outflow manifold. The upper and lower micro channel plates are attached to upper and lower parts of the substrate and includes a plurality of micro channels so as to distribute uniformly fuel flowing in the fuel channel and air flowing in the air channel. The upper and lower sealing guides keep a constant gap with the upper and lower micro channel plates and are attached to the upper and lower parts of the substrate.
US08187767B2 Polymeric materials
A polymer electrolyte membrane or gas diffusion electrode includes an ion-conducting polymeric material which includes moieties of formula (A) which are substituted on average with more than 1 and 3 or fewer groups (e.g. sulphonate groups) which provide ion-exchange sites and hydrogen atoms of said moieties are optionally substituted, wherein each X in said moieties of formula A independently represent an oxygen or sulphur atom. The ion conducting polymeric material is suitably prepared by controllably sulphonating a polymeric material using about 100% sulphuric acid at 34° C. to 36° C.
US08187762B2 Fuel cell cooling device with ion extraction medium
A fuel cell cooling device has a cooling loop for circulating a coolant fluid. At least during the operation of the fuel cell, an ion extraction medium that is in the liquid state is provided. A method for cleaning a coolant with a corresponding fuel cell cooling device is provided as well.
US08187760B2 Fuel cell system for repressing reservoir water backflow
A fuel-cell system is advantageous for repressing water from flowing backward from a reservoir to a condenser, flowing backward which results from the inside of the condenser being turned into negative pressure. The fuel-cell system has a fuel cell for generating electric power by reactant gas, a condenser for generating condensed water by condensing water content included in the reactant gas to be supplied to the fuel cell or in off gas of the reactant gas, and a reservoir for reserving the condensed water collected at the condenser. A drain valve is disposed between the condenser and the reservoir. The drain valve is switchable between a closed state in which communication between the condenser and the reservoir is shut off and an opened state in which the condenser is communicated with the reservoir to discharge the water in the condenser to the reservoir. A controller carries out inner-pressure increment and drain controls for opening the drain valve after increasing inner pressure in the condenser.
US08187758B2 Fuel cell apparatus with a split pump
A fluid pump and connector assembly is particularly suited for use in connecting a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell system. The assembly has a first sub-assembly comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a first connector. The assembly also has a second sub-assembly comprising a second connector adapted to connect to the first connector, an actuator and a reciprocating member coupled to the actuator and contacting the diaphragm when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected, wherein a reciprocating motion of the actuator and member causes the diaphragm to reciprocate and pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet without exposing the fluid to the second sub-assembly.
US08187750B2 Negative active material including lithium vanadium oxide for non-aqueous rechargeable battery, and non-aqueous rechargeable battery including same
The negative active material for a non-aqueous rechargeable battery includes a main component of lithium vanadium oxide, and at least one selected from the group consisting of Li3VO4, vanadium carbide, and mixtures thereof. The Li3VO4 is included in an amount of 0.5 to 3.0 wt % based on the total weight of the negative active material, and the vanadium carbide is included in amount of 0.5 wt % or less based on the total weight of the negative active material. The negative active material can improve discharge capacity of the non-aqueous rechargeable battery.
US08187737B2 Galvanic electrochemical cells utilizing taylor vortex flows
Electrochemical cells (100, 500, 600) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, such as batteries (102), flow cells (502) and fuel cells (602) with a cylindrical rotating ion-permeable filter (120, 414, 520, 620) that generates Taylor Vortex Flows (144, 146, 404, 544, 546, 664, 666) and Circular Couette Flows (148, 150, 568, 570, 668, 670) in thixotropic catholytes and anolytes between a cylindrical current collector (106, 506, 606, 108, 508, 608) and the filter (120, 414, 520, 620) are disclosed.
US08187734B2 Proton-conducting polymer composition and method for preparation thereof, catalyst ink containing said proton-conducting polymer composition and fuel cell including said catalyst ink
A proton-conducting polymer composition which contains an aromatic hydrocarbon type of proton-conducting polymer in an amount of 1 to 30 mass %, wherein a component of said proton-conducting polymer having a molecular weight in the range of 2,000 to 230,000 in terms of polyethylene glycol accounts for 10 mass % or more of the total amount of said proton-conducting polymer; a method for preparing the proton-conducting polymer composition, a catalyst ink comprising the proton-conducting polymer composition and a fuel cell including the catalyst ink. The above proton-conducting polymer composition can well exploit the performance capability of a catalyst of a fuel cell, especially when it is allowed to be present with the electrode of a fuel cell.
US08187731B2 Metal ferrite spinel energy storage devices and methods for making and using same
1-100 nm metal ferrite spinel coatings are provided on substrates, preferably by using an atomic layer deposition process. The coatings are able to store energy such as solar energy, and to release that stored energy, via a redox reaction. The coating is first thermally or chemically reduced. The reduced coating is then oxidized in a second step to release energy and/or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or other reduced species.
US08187729B2 Organic electroluminescence device
A process for preparing a platinum complex represented by the following formula (1) includes reacting a compound represented by the following formula (B-2) and a compound represented by the following formula (B-2′) with a compound represented by the following formula (A-0) to obtain a compound represented by the following formula (C-0); and reacting the compound represented by the formula (C-0) with a platinum salt:
US08187725B2 Welding alloy and articles for use in welding, weldments and method for producing weldments
A nickel, chromium, iron alloy and method for use in producing weld deposits and weldments formed therefrom. The alloy comprises, in weight percent, about 28.5 to 31.0% chromium; about 0 to 16% iron; less than about 1.0% manganese; about 2.1 to 4.0% niobium plus tantalum; 1.0 to 6.5% molybdenum; less than 0.50% silicon; 0.01 to 0.35% titanium; 0 to 0.25% aluminum; less than 1.0% copper; less than 1.0% tungsten; less than 0.5% cobalt; less than about 0.10% zirconium; less than about 0.01% sulfur; less than 0.01% boron; less than 0.03% carbon; less than about 0.02% phosphorous; 0.002 to 0.015% magnesium plus calcium; and balance nickel and incidental impurities. The method includes the steps of forming a welding electrode from the above alloy composition and melting the electrode to form a weld deposit. A preferred weldment may be in the form of a tubesheet of a nuclear reactor.
US08187722B2 Copper foil with carrier sheet, method for manufacturing copper foil with carrier sheet, and surface-treated copper foil with carrier sheet
An object of the present invention is to provide a copper foil with carrier sheet which permits releasing of the carrier sheet from the copper foil layer even when hot pressing at a temperature exceeding 300° C. is applied in the production of a printed wiring board. In order to achieve the object, a copper foil with physically releasable carrier sheet having a copper foil layer on the surface of the carrier sheet through a bonding interface layer, characterized in that the bonding interface layer is composed of a metal layer and a carbon layer. It is preferable for the bonding interface layer to be composed of a metal layer of 1 nm to 50 nm thick and a carbon layer of 1 nm to 20 nm thick.
US08187720B2 Corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coatings
A method of forming a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising the steps of spray or deposition or sputtering or welding processing to form a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material. Also a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material.
US08187719B2 Method for obtaining a bio-stabilised woodland substrate from the integral cycle of urban solid waste treatment
A method for obtaining a woodland substrate from the complete recycling of the materials recovered from treatment of urban solid waste is disclosed. The woodland substrate obtained by the process is also described.
US08187718B2 Barrier laminate, barrier film substrate and device
Disclosed is a barrier laminate comprising at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer, wherein the organic layer is obtained by curing a polymerizable composition comprising 1 to 50% by weight of a polymerizable compound which has a bisphenol skeleton and having an aliphatic group.
US08187713B2 Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer
A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics. In certain example embodiments, a zinc oxide inclusive layer is provide over an IR reflecting layer in order to improve thermal stability. A zirconium oxide overcoat may also be provided in certain example instances.
US08187699B2 Optical multilayer body, polarization plate using same, and image display
An optical laminate is provided which has anti-dazzling properties and can realize excellent glare preventive properties and black reproducibility (gradation rendering of black at low brightness). The optical laminate includes a light transparent base material and an anti-dazzling layer or a light diffusion layer provided on the light transparent base material, wherein the outermost surface of the anti-dazzling layer or light diffusion layer has a concavoconvex surface. The anti-dazzling layer satisfies the requirements that Sm is not less than 100 μm and not more than 600 μm, θa is not less than 0.1 degree and not more than 1.2 degrees, and Rz is more than 0.2 μm and not more than 1 μm, wherein Sm represents the average spacing of concavoconvexes in the anti-dazzling layer, θa represents the average inclination angle of the concavoconvexes, and Rz represents the average roughness of the concavoconvexes.
US08187694B2 Composite plate member
A composite plate member having a high tensile strength is disclosed to include a metal plate member having opposing outer face and bonding face and binding units located on the bonding face, each binding unit having binding strips formed of a part of the bonding face and respectively obliquely extending from the bonding face at a predetermined angle, and a plastic plate member directly molded on the bonding face of the metal plate member by insert molding to have the binding strips be embedded in the plastic plate member.
US08187692B2 In-mold label and molded article using the same
The invention provides an in-mold label which enables the degree of scumming to be judged during printing and imparts a good appearance to molded articles produced through in-mold molding, and which comprises a base layer (I), a heat-sealable resin layer (II), and a printable layer (III) and has a haze in whole layer of 80-100% and an internal haze of 0-20%. The invention further provides a molded article obtained using the label.
US08187679B2 Radical-enhanced atomic layer deposition system and method
A radical-enhanced atomic layer deposition (REALD) system and method involves moving a substrate along a circulating or reciprocating transport path between zones that provide alternating exposure to a precursor gas and a gaseous radical species. The radical species may be generated in-situ within a reaction chamber by an excitation source such as plasma generator or ultraviolet radiation (UV), for example. The gaseous radical species is maintained in a radicals zone within the reaction chamber while a precursor gas is introduced into a precursor zone. The precursor zone is spaced apart from the radicals zone to define a radical deactivation zone therebetween. Purge gas flowing through the various zones may provide flow and pressure conditions that substantially prevent the precursor gas from flowing into the radicals zone. In some embodiments, the system includes a partition having one or more flow-restricting passageways though which the substrate is transported.
US08187665B2 Thin film forming method and color filter manufacturing method
A method for forming a thin film by discharging a liquid including a material for forming the thin film, the material being dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, from a plurality of nozzles so as to dispose the liquid into a plurality of predetermined areas included in an effective area set on a substrate to form the thin film while the plurality of nozzles and the substrate are relatively scanned, includes: (a) forming a plurality of reception parts surrounded by a plurality of partitions and bottoms of the predetermined areas, the partitions being provided around the predetermined areas; and (b) forming a plurality of thin films by disposing the liquid from the nozzles into the reception parts. In step (a), a plan view area of at least one of the reception parts in a peripheral area of the effective area is made smaller than a plan view area of the reception part in a central area of the effective area.
US08187656B2 Purified green tea extract
A purified green tea extract is improved in bitterness and aftertaste.The purified green tea extract, which comprises satisfying the following conditions: (1) a ratio of a sum of content weights of (A) myricetin, (B) quercetin and (C) kaempferol to a sum of content weights of (D) epigallocatechin gallate and (E) gallocatechingallate, ((A)+(B)+(C))/((D)+(E)), is from 0.0000001 to 0.010, (2) a sum of content weights of (D) the epigallocatechin gallate and (E) the gallocatechin gallate in non-polymer catechins, ((D)+(E))), is from 0.01 to 29 wt %, and (3) a percentage of gallate body in the non-polymer catechins is from 0.01 to 49 wt %.
US08187655B2 Dehydration method
The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating pieces of intact plant or animal tissue, said pieces containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising (i) contacting the pieces of intact tissue with a pressurized gas to reduce the water content of the pieces by at least 50%, said pressurized gas having a pressure of at least 0.5×Pc and a temperature of at least Tc−60° C., Pc representing the critical pressure of the gas and Tc representing the critical temperature of the gas, and (ii) separating the pressurized gas from the dehydrated pieces, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the gas from the pieces of intact plant or animal tissue is water. The invention also provides a method of dehydrating a material containing at least 30 wt. % of water, using a method as described before, followed by drying the separated pressurized gas by contacting said pressurized gas with a water absorbent water adsorbent; and recirculating the dried pressurized gas to the partially dehydrated material.
US08187642B1 Modified pectins, compositions and methods related thereto
The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and methods for preparing and using them.
US08187640B2 Low viscosity liquid polymeric delivery system
Low viscosity biodegradable polymer solutions of a liquid biodegradable polymer and biocompatible solvent and methods of using the compositions to form a biodegradable liquid polymer implant are provided.
US08187638B2 Preferential killing of cancer cells and activated human T cells using ZnO nanoparticles
Here we disclose the response of normal human cells to ZnO nanoparticles under different signaling environments and compare it to the response of cancerous cells. ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a strong preferential ability to kill cancerous T cells (˜28-35X) compared to normal cells. Interestingly, the activation state of the cell contributes toward nanoparticle toxicity as resting T cells display a relative resistance while cells stimulated through the T cell receptor and CD28 costimulatory pathway show greater toxicity in direct relation to the level of activation. The novel findings of cell selective toxicity towards potential disease causing cells indicate a potential utility of ZnO nanoparticle in the treatment of cancer and/or autoimmunity.
US08187637B2 Formulations decreasing particle exhalation
Formulations have been developed for pulmonary delivery to treat or reduce the infectivity of diseases such as viral infections, especially tuberculosis, SARS, influenza and respiratory synticial virus in humans and hoof and mouth disease in animals, or to reduce the symptoms of allergy or other pulmonary disease. Formulations for pulmonary administration include a material that significantly alters physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be isotonic saline and, optionally, a carrier. The formulation may be administered as a liquid solution, suspension, aerosol, or powder where the particles consist basically of an osmotically active solute. Drugs, especially antivirals or antibiotics, may optionally be included with the formulation. These may be administered with or incorporated into the formulation.
US08187635B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing a pyrrolidone anticonvulsant agent and method for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation of solid dosage forms comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pyrrolidone anticonvulsant agent, and in particular Levetiracetam or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt or derivative thereof, in combination with an effective diluent, such as Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, and additional pharmaceutical excipients, and a process for the preparation thereof by wet granulation.
US08187625B2 Cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a wetting agent
Disclosed is a biocompatible, hemostatic, cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a biocompatible material comprising cross-linked gelatin and a sufficient amount of wetting agent to permit uniform wetting of the sponge in the presence of an aqueous solution.
US08187620B2 Medical devices comprising a porous metal oxide or metal material and a polymer coating for delivering therapeutic agents
The invention relates generally to a medical device, such as an intravascular stent, for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and a method for making such a medical device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a medical device having a metal oxide or metal material with a plurality of pores therein disposed on the surface of the medical device and a polymer disposed on the metal oxide or metal material. The invention also relates to medical devices having a surface and an outer region comprising a metal oxide or metal material having a plurality of pores therein and a polymer disposed on the metal oxide or metal material.
US08187619B2 Enhanced compositions containing cells and extracellular matrix materials
Described are medical graft materials and devices having improved properties relating to their component profiles.
US08187614B2 Method of using lectins for prevention and treatment of oral and alimentary tract disorders
Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.
US08187605B2 Means for the inhibition of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies
Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel peptides of use for detection and/or inhibition of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies. Certain embodiments concern uses of cyclic and/or linear peptides. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to novel peptides of use in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical compositions. Some embodiments concern diagnosing and/or treating cardiac conditions. Cardiac conditions of the instant invention can concern infectious heart disease, non-infectious heart disease, ischemic heart disease, non-ischemic heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, myocarditis, cardiac dilatation, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, immune-cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and any cardiac arrhythmia condition.
US08187598B2 Methods of treating cancer by administering antibodies to CD200
Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.
US08187590B2 Probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacteria and uses thereof
The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of lactic acid-producing bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds. The present invention also discloses methodologies for: (i) the selective breeding and isolation of probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacterial strains which possess resistance or markedly decreased sensitivity to anti-microbial agents (e.g., antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-yeast agents, and anti-viral agents); and (ii) treating or preventing bacteria-mediated infections of the gastrointestinal tract by use of the aforementioned probiotic bacterial strains with or without the concomitant administration of antibiotics. While the primary focus is on the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections, the therapeutic compositions of the present invention may also be administered to buccal, vaginal, optic, and like physiological locations.
US08187585B2 Vaccine composition comprising a fibronectin binding protein or a fibronectin binding peptide
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one fibronectin binding protein, and/or at least one a truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or at least one fibronectin binding peptide, all comprising at least one fibronectin binding domain; and at least one iscom matrix complex and/or liposome and/or at least one lipid and at least one saponin, whereby the at least one lipid and the at least one saponin may be in complex, solution or suspension. Further, it regards use thereof for the preparation of a vaccine against a micro organism that comprises at least one fibronectin binding domain. It also relates to a kit of parts comprising at least two compartments, wherein one compartment comprises at least one truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or a fibronectin binding peptide, that comprises at least one fibronectin binding domain, and another compartment comprises an instruction for use and/or an iscom matrix complex and/or an iscom complex and or a liposome. Further it relates to a method for vaccination of an individual.
US08187584B2 Human tumor necrosis factor-α mutants
The present invention has an object to provide a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein, particularly, a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein specific to TNF-R1 or TNF-R2; tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; or tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient, and the object is solved by providing a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein where one or more amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of 29th, 31st, 32nd, 145th, 146th and 147th, or the group consisting of 84th to 89th from the N-terminal of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is/are replaced with other amino acid residue(s); a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; and a tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient.
US08187574B2 Intermittent injection aerosol product for skin
The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.
US08187570B1 Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses particulate complexes composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent, wherein equal moles of the positively charged chitosan and the negatively charged poly-glutamic acid substrate form an electrostatic network enabling improved loading the bioactive agent.
US08187566B2 Continuous method and apparatus of functionalizing carbon nanotube
The present invention relates to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube, and more specifically, to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube by feeding functional compounds having one or more functional group into a functionalizing reactor into which a carbon nanotube mixture including oxidizer is fed under a pressure of 50 to 400 atm and a temperature of 100 to 600° C. to a subcritical water or supercritical water condition of a pressure of 50 to 40 atm by using a continuously functionalizing apparatus to obtain the functionalized products, such that the functional group of the functional compound can be easily introduced to the carbon nanotube, thereby increasing the functionalized effect of the carbon nanotube and increasing the dispersibility accordingly.
US08187559B2 Heat exchanger system comprising fluid circulation zones which are selectively coated with a chemical reaction catalyst
The invention relates to a plate (10a) intended to be integrated in a stack of plates in a heat exchanger system, the plate comprising a plurality of channels (38) distributed in rows (40), each row comprising side walls (42) arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a first direction (44), so that two directly consecutive side walls delimit one of the channels (38), the rows being arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a second direction (46) which is perpendicular to the first. Furthermore, in the fluid circulation zone (20) of the plate incorporating the channels (38), only the latter are coated with a catalyst allowing a chemical reaction.
US08187550B2 Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods
Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment include a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to focus the solar energy on the reaction zone when the solar energy is above a threshold level, and direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to point to a location in the sky having relatively little radiant energy to cool an object positioned at the focal area when the solar energy is below the threshold level.
US08187546B2 Method of operating a high pressure ethylene polymerisation unit
The invention relates to a method of operating a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the method characterized in that the electrical conductivity of the aqueous cooling medium is monitored in at least one location. Furthermore, the invention also covers a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the unit characterized in that one or more cooling circuits comprise an electrical conductivity meter. The use of such a polymerization unit is also disclosed.
US08187541B2 Apparatus for detecting target molecules and related methods
An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.
US08187524B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing absorbent body
An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body, having a recessed form die formed on a predetermined face of a predetermined member, moving in one direction along a moving path along the predetermined face; a duct disposed in a predetermined position in the moving path, discharging a gas including fluid absorbent fibers from an opening section toward the predetermined face, an absorbent body being formed by suction of the gas through intake holes at a bottom section of the form die to stack into the form die the fluid absorbent fibers included in the gas when the form die passes by the position of the duct. A gap is formed between the predetermined face and the opening section of the duct. A gas pressure inside the duct is lower than a gas pressure outside the duct by suction of the gas from the bottom section of the form die. A first wall is outside the duct. The first wall is spaced from a wall of the duct by a first spacing and spaced from the predetermined face by a second spacing. An outside gas flow along a direction intersecting with the predetermined face and an outside gas flow along the predetermined face is made to reach the gap by the first wall.
US08187523B2 Method for manufacturing a cuff on plastic tube provided with an external sheath
Method for manufacturing a cuff on a plastic tube comprising an inner tube and an outer sheath covering said inner tube. The outer sheath comprises at least a portion to be molded for producing a cuff. The method comprises a covering step including an injection operation in which air is intermittently or continuously injected between the inner tube and sheath.
US08187518B2 Method for manufacturing substrate by imprinting
While releasing property between a resin layer and an imprinting mold is given by using a metal thin film layer, a method for manufacturing a substrate advantageous for forming a conductive layer by plating and a substrate manufactured by the method are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a substrate by imprinting, the method comprising: laminating a metal thin film layer on top of a resin layer; pressurizing the resin layer and the metal thin film layer by an imprinting mold which comprises a side having a pattern in correspondence with a wiring pattern; curing a resin which forms the resin layer; and removing the imprinting mold from the resin layer and the metal thin film layer, may be presented.
US08187503B2 Low-emissive paint
The present invention concerns a low-emissive paint comprising metal particles, a binder and a solvent. The metal particles consist of a metal with lower electro-negativity than 1.9 but higher than 1.1 or a mixture of such metals, and the binder consists of polyaniline—PANI—or a polymer where a thiophene group is included in the chain.
US08187499B2 Composition intended to be applied in steels for corrosion protection of their surfaces and process for preparing the same
The invention is related to a composition destined to protect steels against corrosion by utilization of the steel's own rust as a passivating element, the rust being removed from the steel and/or being synthetically prepared and agglutinated with a resin, where the resin can have or cannot have as an electric conductivity promoter material an intrinsically conductor polymer (ICP), in this case polyaniline, in its conducting form (emeraldine salt) or non conducting (emeraldine base), besides filler(s) and a dispersant oil.
US08187496B2 Method of preparing metallic oxide phosphor
A method for preparing a metal oxide phosphor contemplates preparing a solution including a metal precursor compound and an ionic material and heating the solution under pressure using microwaves.
US08187490B2 Heat dissipating material and semiconductor device using same
Disclosed is a heat dissipating material which is interposed between a heat-generating electronic component and a heat dissipating body. This heat dissipating material contains (A) 100 parts by weight of a silicone gel cured by an addition reaction having a penetration of not less than 100 (according to ASTM D 1403), and (B) 500-2000 parts by weight of a heat conductive filler. Also disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising a heat-generating electronic component and a heat dissipating body, wherein the heat dissipating material is interposed between the heat-generating electronic component and the heat dissipating body.
US08187482B2 Flat panel display and method of manufacturing the same
A flat panel display and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes: i) preparing a substrate, ii) forming a plurality of subpixels on the substrate and iii) forming a light resonating layer including two or more layers on the subpixels, wherein the light resonating layer varies in thickness depending on the subpixels. According to at least one embodiment, it is possible to improve the brightness and the external light coupling efficiency. Further, it is possible to easily manufacture the light resonating layer with the structure in which the low refractive layers alternate with the high refractive layers.
US08187481B1 Random texture anti-reflection optical surface treatment
A surface relief structure consisting of a random distribution of surface features with varying feature profile and depth, is described. The texture serves to suppress the reflection of electromagnetic waves in the optical region of the spectrum without dispersing any portion of the spectrum by diffraction. Processes for fabricating the random distribution anti-reflecting textures in common materials are also described. The disclosed textures are particularly useful as anti-reflecting covers for displays, and as directly molded anti-reflecting surfaces in eyeglass lenses. Other applications such as covers for artwork, and improved solar cells are made practical by the invention.
US08187478B2 Fabricating process of structure with embedded circuit
A fabricating process of a structure with an embedded circuit is described as follows. Firstly, a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface is provided. Afterward, a dielectric layer is formed on the upper surface of the substrate. Next, a plating-resistant layer is formed on the dielectric layer. Then, the plating-resistant layer and the dielectric layer are patterned for forming an recess pattern on the dielectric layer. Subsequently, a conductive base layer is formed in the recess pattern by using a chemical method, and the plating-resistant layer is exposed by the conductive base layer. After that, the plating-resistant layer is removed.
US08187476B2 Devices and methods for the purification, isolation, desalting or buffer/solvent exchange of substances
A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.
US08187468B2 Preparation and use of chiral zeolites for liquid chromatography
The present invention relates to the preparation of chiral zeolites and their use in liquid chromatography. The zeolite material may be used in the chromatographic separation of mixtures of components, such as the separation of enantiomers.
US08187466B2 Safety vent structure for extracorporeal circuit
In general, this disclosure relates to extracorporeal fluid circuits. In some aspects, an air-release device for allowing air to be released from a liquid in extracorporeal circuitry includes an elongate chamber having a bottom region and a top region and a fluid entry port and fluid exit port at or near the bottom region. The air release device also includes a vent structure at or near the top region of the elongate chamber that includes a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping the air-release device during use.
US08187462B2 Process for maximizing PHA production in glycogen accumulating organisms
A process is provided for increasing the production of PHA in a mixed culture biomass. In a first stage of the process, organic material associated with a substrate is converted to volatile fatty acids. In the case of a wastewater treatment process, if the wastewater includes sufficient volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to support the process, then it is unnecessary to convert organic material to VFAs. In a second stage of the process, an anaerobic-aerobic selection process is utilized to select glycogen accumulating organisms that cause these organisms to proliferate and dominate the open mixed culture biomass. By providing relatively high organic loading in the form of VFAs in the anaerobic treatment phase of the selection process, glycogen accumulating organisms having a relatively high level of stored glycogen are produced. In a third stage, the PHA accumulation process is practiced where the glycogen rich organisms are fed VFAs under anaerobic or aerobic conditions or combinations thereof. Through the consumption of externally supplied VFAs and internally stored glycogen, relatively high levels of PHA in the biomass are produced. Thereafter PHA is separated from the residual biomass.
US08187460B2 Devices for separating, mixing and concentrating magnetic particles with a fluid
The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.
US08187458B2 Oil filter
An oil filter assembly is disclosed for a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, that has an oil output port and an oil input port. A mounting plate is fixed with an outer enclosure and is adapted for securing to the machine. The mounting plate is further adapted to conduct oil from the machine into a peripheral portion of the outer enclosure, and then returning oil from a central portion of the outer enclosure back to the machine. Oil may pass from the peripheral portion to the central portion through a primary filter having a first porosity. A pressure-actuated valve is fixed fluidly between the peripheral portion and central portion of the outer enclosure. Oil may pass through the pressure-actuated valve only when an oil pressure differential between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the outer enclosure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. A secondary filter has a second porosity greater than the first porosity, and is fixed fluidly between the pressure-actuated valve and the central portion of the outer enclosure.
US08187450B2 Method and apparatus for electrowinning copper using ferrous/ferric anode reaction
The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e., LME Grade A copper cathode or equivalent), which is advantageous.
US08187441B2 Electrochemical pump
The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current passes through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.
US08187436B2 Sensor deterioration judging apparatus and sensor deterioration judging method
A gas sensor controller 190 stops an operation of pumping in or out oxygen that is being performed by a first pump cell 111 in a state that the oxygen concentration (oxygen partial pressure) of a gas to be measured is equal to a status judgment reference value (20%). The gas sensor controller 190 calculates an oxygen pressure in a second measurement chamber 161 on the basis of a second pump current Ip2. If the oxygen pressure in the second measurement chamber 161 is equal to a deterioration judgment reference value, the gas sensor controller 190 judges that the second pump cell 113 is in a normal state. If the oxygen pressure in the second measurement chamber 161 is different from the deterioration judgment reference value, the gas sensor controller 190 judges that the second pump cell 113 is in a deteriorated state.
US08187434B1 Method and system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic devices using single-chamber configuration
A system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic cells. The system includes a chamber comprising a plurality of compartments in a common vacuum ambient therein. Additionally, the system includes one or more shutter screens removably separating each of the plurality of compartments. The system further includes one or more transfer tools configured to transfer a substrate from one compartment to another without breaking the common vacuum ambient. The substrate is optically transparent and is characterized by a lateral dimension of about 1 meter or greater for a solar module. Embodiments of the invention provide that at least some of the plurality of compartments are configured to subject the substrate to one or more thin film processes to form a Cu-rich Cu—In composite material overlying the substrate and at least one of the plurality of compartments is configured to subject the Cu-rich Cu—In composite material to a thermal process to form a chalcogenide structured material.
US08187432B2 Anodizing apparatus
An anodizing apparatus for forming an anodized film on the surface of a workpiece (11) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy includes a treatment tank (1) for containing an electrolytic solution, a cathode plate (2) disposed in the treatment tank, a supporting means (3) for supporting the workpiece so as to be immersed in the electrolytic solution, and a power supply (4) for continuously or intermittently applying a short-period bipolar or unipolar pulse voltage or an alternating voltage to between the workpiece and the cathode plate. The cathode plate (2) is arranged in a crosswise direction with respect to the workpiece (11).
US08187430B2 Method of making a coated cemented carbide insert
Forming coated cemented carbide inserts, particularly useful in fine turning of super alloys. The inserts are characterized by a composition of a cemented carbide of WC, about 4.0 wt-% Co to about 7.0 wt-% Co, about 0.25 wt-% Cr to 0.50 wt-% Cr, and a coercivity (Hc) of about 28 kA/m to about 38 kA/m. The coating comprises a single (Ti1-xSix)N-layer, where x is between about 0.1 and about 0.25, with a crystal structure of NaCl type and a total thickness between about 0.5 μm and about 2.0 μm with a strong (200)-texture.
US08187426B2 Steam shower having improved maintenance access
A steam shower is provided for supplying steam to a web in a paper machine. The steam shower includes a diffuser assembly mounted to the cross-beam for movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cross beam. The cross-beam defines an interior steam header for connection to a source of steam. The diffuser assembly includes a plurality of separated steam compartments. The diffuser assembly may be part of a steam provision assembly that is also mounted to the cross-beam for movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cross beam. In addition to the diffuser assembly, the steam provision assembly includes a second steam header and steam valve modules.
US08187420B2 Method for coating dry finish paperboard
A method for coating paperboard including the steps of preparing a paperboard substrate having a basis weight of at least about 85 pounds per 3000 ft2, with the proviso that the paperboard substrate is not subjected to a wet stack calendering process, applying a basecoat to at least one surface of the paperboard substrate to form a coated paperboard structure, the basecoat including at least one pigment, the pigment having a sediment void volume of at least about 45 percent, and applying a top coat over the basecoat of the coated paperboard structure to form a top-coated paperboard structure having an outermost coating surface, wherein the outermost coating surface has a Parker Print Surf smoothness of at most about 3 microns.
US08187418B2 Method of making multilayer nonwoven fibrous mats
A multilayer fibrous nonwoven mat containing at least one transition zone comprised of a mixture of the slurries used to form the layers on each side of the transition zone, the transition zone having a thickness of at least 1 percent of the thickness of the mat. At least one of the layers contains glass fibers. The multilayer mats are particularly useful as facers on gypsum wall board, insulating foam, a wood material and a broad range of other materials. The multilayer mats are made by a method that involves using a lamella in the forming box on a wet laid mat machine, between slurries, the lamella ending a significant distance prior to a moving forming wire. The transition zone or zones provide superior interlaminar shear strength and other properties compared to multilayer fibrous mats produced on wet laid machines having two or more separate forming boxes.
US08187417B2 Disassembly method for membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell and disassembly method for fuel cell
A disassembly method for membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell, and a disassembly method for fuel cell are provided, disassembly methods which are advantageous for the recovery of catalysts that are included in catalytic layers by making structural destruction of the catalytic layers progress by means of expanding a volumetrically-expandable material inside the catalytic layers. In such a state that a catalytic layer includes a volumetrically-expandable material that is capable of expanding volumetrically, the volumetrically-expandable material, which is included in the catalytic layer, is expanded by means of expansion treatment. Next, expansion of the volumetrically-expandable material, which has undergone volumetric expansion in the catalytic layer, is cancelled.
US08187415B2 Plasma etch reactor with distribution of etch gases across a wafer surface and a polymer oxidizing gas in an independently fed center gas zone
A plasma etch reactor for plasma enhanced etching of a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer includes a housing defining a process chamber, a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece within the chamber during processing and comprising a plasma bias power electrode. The reactor further includes a first process gas inlet coupled to receive predominantly or pure oxygen gas and a second process gas inlet coupled to receive a polymerizing etch process gas. The reactor has a ceiling plasma source power electrode including a center circular gas disperser configured to receive a process gas from the first process gas inlet and to distribute the process gas into the chamber over the workpiece, and an inner annular gas disperser centered around the center gas disperser configured to receive the process gas from the second process gas inlet and to distribute the process gas into the chamber over the workpiece through an inner plurality of injection ports.
US08187414B2 Anchoring inserts, electrode assemblies, and plasma processing chambers
A silicon-based showerhead electrode is provided where backside inserts are positioned in backside recesses formed along the backside of the electrode. The backside inserts comprise a threaded outside diameter, a threaded inside diameter, and a tool engaging portion formed in the threaded inside diameter. The tool engaging portion is formed such that the backside insert further comprises one or more lateral shielding portions between the tool engaging portion and the threaded outside diameter to prevent a tool engaged with the tool engaging portion of the backside insert from extending beyond the threaded outside diameter of the insert. Further, the tool engaging portion of the backside insert comprises a plurality of torque-receiving slots arranged about the axis of rotation of the backside insert. The torque-receiving slots are arranged to avoid on-axis rotation of the backside insert via opposing pairs of torque receiving slots.
US08187413B2 Electrode assembly and plasma processing chamber utilizing thermally conductive gasket
The present invention relates generally to plasma processing and, more particularly, to plasma processing chambers and electrode assemblies used therein. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly is provided comprising a thermal control plate, a silicon-based showerhead electrode, and a thermally conductive gasket, wherein respective profiles of a frontside of the thermal control plate and a backside of the showerhead electrode cooperate to define a disjointed thermal interface comprising portions proximal to showerhead passages of the showerhead electrode and portions displaced from the showerhead passages. The displaced portions are recessed relative to the proximal portions and are separated from the showerhead passages by the proximal portions of the thermal interface. The gasket is positioned along the displaced portions such that the gasket is isolated from the showerhead passages and may facilitate heat transfer across the thermal interface from the showerhead electrode to the thermal control plate.
US08187410B2 Hollow fiber membrane module and method for making thereof
The present invention purposes to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that minimizes the error rate in a manufacturing process thereof, disperses weight by separating an enlarged hollow fiber membrane module into a plurality of small modules, and provides a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention includes a central water tube having a plurality of inlets formed in the circumferential direction thereof, a central air tube provided in the central water tube, a plurality of housings longitudinally provided in the circumferential direction of the central water tube, a hollow fiber membrane provided in the respective housing and in which water is treated by difference of pressure, a fixing part fixing the lower part of the hollow fiber membrane to the housing, and a collector provided in the lower part of the housing, a plurality of small modules being provided in the housing.
US08187406B2 Method of producing a high security film and high security film produced by said method
The invention relates to a high security film, optionally in the form of a slit thread or a micro tape, which is then inserted into high security paper such as a bank note paper and the like during the paper making process. The invention envisages a novel method of producing such a high security film using a print transfer method, wherein one or more security features are incorporated on one or more indicia including letters, optionally graphics, during such a production process, using multiple printing stations and lamination.
US08187405B2 Manufacture of sonar projectors
A method of manufacturing a sonar projector is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: bonding a flat piezo-ceramic plate to a flexible conducting sheet; dicing the plate to form an assembly comprising a matrix of piezo-ceramic pegs bonded to the flexible conducting sheet, the pegs being separated by kerfs; bending the assembly to a predetermined curvature, thereby expanding the kerfs; filling the expanded kerfs with a filler material; and applying conductive material to the exposed surfaces of the pegs, such that the conductive material and the flexible conducting sheet in combination form electrodes operable to apply a voltage to the piezo-ceramic pegs. Methods of manufacturing a curved piezo-ceramic structure are also disclosed.
US08187403B2 Method of producing solid decorated graphic arts objects
Decorated three-dimensional articles (64, 78, 82, 86) may be produced having wall structure (66-72) with distortion-free images (40a, 40b) appearing through the inner and outer surfaces of the wall structure (66-72). Preferably, a sheet of paper stock (38) is imprinted on both faces with mirror images (40a, 40b), and the stock (38) is applied to a light-transmitting substrate (44) so that the image (40b) appears through the substrate (44), thereby yielding a blank (50). A plurality of lines of weakness (54) are formed in the blank (50) by laser ablation extending through the image (40a) and stock (38), but not through the image (40b), in order to define spaced apart bend areas (56). The substrate (44) is then heated along the bend areas (56), and the blank (50) is formed about a mandrel (62). If desired, the formed blank (50) may be completed by addition of a base (74). The invention can be used for the economical production of a virtually limitless number of three-dimensional articles, even with one-off unique articles or short runs of articles.
US08187402B2 Method for producing a multidirectional fabric web
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a multidirectional fabric web. The object of the invention is to create a method for the continuous production of a multidirectional fabric web that has a material layer running in a longitudinal direction and thus has sufficient stability against distortions in the fabric. This object is achieved according to the invention in that a continuous fold-winding process of at least one fiber layer running at an angle to the direction of extension of the fabric web to be produced takes place with the enclosing of at least one material web (1) running freely in the spread-out state in the production direction at least in the fold-winding zone. The invention can be used in the production of fabric webs that are used for example as a reinforcement of high-strength plastics.
US08187392B2 R-Fe-B type rare earth sintered magnet and process for production of the same
In an R—Fe—B based rare-earth sintered magnet according to the present invention, at a depth of 20 μm under the surface of its magnet body, crystal grains of an R2Fe14B type compound have an (RL1-xRHx)2Fe14B (where 0.2≦x≦0.75) layer with a thickness of 1 nm to 2 μm in their outer periphery. In this case, the light rare-earth element RL is at least one of Nd and Pr, and the heavy rare-earth element RH is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Ho and Tb.
US08187391B2 Pet waste away device
A pet waste disposal device having a motor driving a set of cutting blades inside of an open ended plenum. A water supply such as a garden hose provides water to a nozzle or jet inside of the plenum, the water washes away the waste as it is chopped by the blades. The motor may be electrical, gasoline driven, or water driven. The plenum may have a safety screen across the open end. In preferred embodiments, the device may be mounted on an elongated support with a hand grip at one end and the plenum and motor at the other end.
US08187389B2 Method of removing resist and apparatus therefor
A resist removing device 1 functions to remove a resist from a substrate while preventing occurrence of popping phenomenon and at the same time attains reduction in cost of energy for the resist removing and has a simplified constitution. The resist removing device 1 is equipped with a chamber 2 for containing therein a substrate 16 (for example, a substrate having a high-doze ion implanted resist), and with a pressure below the atmospheric pressure, the chamber 2 is fed with ozone gas, unsaturated hydrocarbons and water vapor. The ozone gas may be an ultra-high concentrated ozone gas that is produced by subjecting an ozone containing gas to a liquefaction-separation with the aid of a vapor pressure difference and then vaporizing the liquefied ozone. For cleaning the substrate 16 thus treated, it is preferable to use ultra-pure water. The chamber 2 is equipped with a susceptor 15 for holding the substrate 16. The susceptor 15 is heated to a temperature of 100° C. or below. An example of the means of heating the susceptor is a light source that emits infra-red rays.
US08187386B2 Temporally variable deposition rate of CdTe in apparatus and process for continuous deposition
Apparatus is generally provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic module substrate. The apparatus includes a distribution plate disposed below the distribution manifold and at a defined distance above a horizontal conveyance plane of an upper surface of a substrate conveyed through the apparatus. The distribution plate defines a pattern of passages therethrough configured to provide greater resistance to the flow of sublimated source vapors at a first longitudinal end than a second longitudinal end. A process for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material to form thin film on a photovoltaic module substrate is also provided via distributing the sublimated source material onto an upper surface of the substrates through a distribution plate positioned between the upper surface of the substrate and the receptacle.
US08187380B2 Method of growing single crystal diamond in a plasma reactor
Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.
US08187378B2 Silicon single crystal pulling method
An object of the present invention is to provide a silicon single crystal pulling method of accurately controlling the diameter of a silicon single crystal, thereby obtaining a high-quality silicon single crystal with little crystal defect.According to an aspect of the present invention, the pulling step includes: capturing an image of the silicon single crystal using an imaging device; measuring the brightness distribution of a fusing ring generated in the vicinity of a solid-liquid interface between the silicon melt and the silicon single crystal for each image scan line in the image captured by the imaging device; detecting the liquid level of the silicon melt and the position of the solid-liquid interface; and controlling the diameter of the silicon single crystal on the basis of a meniscus height, which is a difference between the liquid level and the position of the solid-liquid interface.
US08187377B2 Non-contact etch annealing of strained layers
The present invention provides for treating a surface of a semiconductor material. The method comprises exposing the surface of the semiconductor material to a halogen etchant in a hydrogen environment at an elevated temperature. The method controls the surface roughness of the semiconductor material. The method also has the unexpected benefit of reducing dislocations in the semiconductor material.
US08187376B2 Defoamers for hydratable cementitious compositions
The present invention discloses additive compositions, cementitious compositions, and methods for controlling air in cementitious compositions, wherein a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene polyamine defoamer is deployed in combination with one or more air-entraining agents, such as higher alkanolamines, water-reducing agents including oxyalkylene-containing superplasticizers, or other air entraining agents.
US08187373B2 Printing inks for offset and/or high printing containing NIR absorbers and NIR absorbers soluble in offset and/or high printing inks
Printing inks for offset and/or letterpress printing which comprise NIR absorbers, and solubility of the NIR absorber in the printing ink is at least 0.1% by weight. NIR absorbers consisting of cyanine cation with an anion which has long-chain alkyl or aralkyl groups. Use of such printing inks for printing processes in which the curing of the printing ink is promoted by using IR lasers. NIR absorbers comprising a cyanine cation with an anion which has long-chain alkyl or aralkyl groups.
US08187371B2 Pigment based inks for high speed durable inkjet printing
An ink composition comprising (a) water, (b) pigment particles, (c) at least one humectant, (d) at least one polyurethane having an average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 and a sufficient number of acid groups to provide an acid number from 60 to about 130, and being present at a weight concentration of greater than 0.7%, and (e) at least one water soluble acrylic polymer comprising carboxylic acid groups, present at a weight concentration of greater than 0.6%, wherein the acid groups on the polyurethane and acrylic polymers are at least partially neutralized only with a monovalent inorganic base.
US08187356B2 Protective cover for respiratory device
A protective cover for preventing entry of particulate matter into a delivery hose of a respiratory device includes a filter member having a peripheral edge portion. The filter member is composed of a filter material having a mesh size capable of preventing the particulate matter to pass therethrough. The protective cover further includes a support member having an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion. The inner edge portion of the support member is attached to the peripheral edge of the filter member, such that, the support member circumferentially surrounds the filter member. Furthermore, the protective cover includes a securing member attached to the outer edge portion of the support member, such that, the securing member circumferentially surrounds the support member. The securing member is capable of gripping an end portion of the delivery hose of the respiratory device.
US08187354B2 Filtration media for filtering particulate material from gas streams
A composite fabric formed by depositing a web of nanofibers electroblown from a first polymer onto a first support web comprising fibers of larger average diameter than the nanofibers spun from a compatible material, in the absence of an adhesive between the webs, and solvent-bonding the webs together.
US08187349B2 Gasification reactor vessel
A gasification reactor vessel comprising a combustion chamber in the upper half of the vessel, provided with a product gas outlet at the bottom end of the combustion chamber, at least two burner openings are present in the wall of the combustion chamber, which burner openings are located at the same horizontal level and are positioned diametrical relative to each other and wherein in each burner opening a burner is present, wherein between the wall of the combustion chamber and the wall of vessel an annular space is provided, wherein the wall of the combustion chamber comprises an arrangement of interconnected tubes (vertical arranged or helical coiled), wherein the product gas outlet at the bottom end of the combustion chamber is fluidly connected to a dip-tube, which partly is submerged in a water bath located at the lower end of the reactor vessel, and wherein at the upper end of the dip-tube means are present to add a quenching medium to the, in use, downwardly flowing mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
US08187346B2 Stabilization of pygas for storage
A method for stabilizing pyrolysis gasoline in storage involves adding an effective amount of a quinone methide compound to the pyrolysis gasoline. The quinone methide does not require oxygen for activity. Embodiments of the quinone methide do not contain nitrogen and will have a reduced tendency for ammonia production.
US08187345B2 Mixture from polar oil-soluble nitrogen compounds and acid amides as paraffin dispersant for fuels
Provided is a mixture containing: (a) a polar oil-soluble nitrogen compounds which is capable of sufficiently dispersing paraffin crystals precipitated out under cold conditions in a fuel and is a reaction product formed from reacting a poly(C2- to C20-carboxylic acid), which has at least one tertiary amino group, with a primary or secondary amine; (b) an oil-soluble acid amide reaction product formed from reacting a polyamide, which has from 2 to 1000 carbon atoms, with a C8- to C30-fatty acid or fatty acid-like compound, which has a free carboxyl group; and (c) an oil-soluble reaction product formed from reacting an α,β-dicarboxylic acid, which has from 4 to 300 carbon atoms, or a derivatives thereof, with a primary alkylamine, wherein the sum of components (a) to (c) constitute 100 wt. % of the mixture. The mixture is suitable as a paraffin dispersant in fuels, especially those having a biodiesel content.
US08187340B2 Coloring agents and methods of use thereof
Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.
US08187335B2 Posterior stabilized orthopaedic knee prosthesis having controlled condylar curvature
An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the condyle surface may be increased during mid-flexion.
US08187329B2 Interbody fusion system with intervertebral implant retention assembly
The present disclosure is directed towards a biomechanical implant and anterior, lateral or posterior instrumentation construct. The construct may be of unitary or modular construction, whereby a single molded construction can form the entire assembly, in which case the through holes may be adapted to receive a metallic insert for screw fixation; or alternatively be of a modular construction wherein the anterior/lateral instrumentation and intervertebral spacer are designed for removable locking engagement, one with the other, for insertion by the surgeon as a unitary construct. A unique feature of the construct resides within the instrumentation construction, whereby a single opening formed therein permits two bone screws, or the like fastener device, to be positioned within both the superior and inferior vertebral bodies surrounding the spacer implant, or, for example in the case of a corpectomy or diskectomy with cage insertion, wherein two screws can be fixed within a single vertebral body through a single through hole, and wherein the bone screws are constructed and arranged to cooperate with the retention plate so as to provide locking engagement, one to the other, with the retention plate, upon final fixation thereof. Screw retention elements of alternative shape, based upon the choice of vertical or horizontal orientation, based upon an opened figure eight design, are provided for insertion in a groove formed in the borehole of the instrumentation plate which allows insertion of each fixation element but will prevent a loosened fixation element from falling out of the plate.
US08187323B2 Valve to myocardium tension members device and method
A device for heart valve repair including at least one tension member having a first end and second end. A basal anchor is disposed at the first end of the tension member and a secondary anchor at the second end. The method includes the steps of anchoring the basal anchor proximate a heart valve and anchoring the secondary anchor at a location spaced from the valve such that the chamber geometry is altered to reduce heart wall tension and/or stress on the valve leaflets.
US08187313B2 Bifurcation catheter assembly side catheter branch construction and methods
A catheter assembly includes a main catheter branch and a side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes a main balloon and a side balloon. The side catheter branch includes a transparent portion along at least a portion of a length of the side catheter branch. The transparent portion of the side catheter branch permits viewing of the side balloon through the transparent portion for alignment of the side balloon relative to the side catheter branch. The catheter assembly can further include a stent, wherein the stent includes a lateral branch opening. The transparent portion of the side catheter branch can also provide viewing of the side balloon through the side catheter branch to help align the side balloon with the lateral branch opening.
US08187310B2 Method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction
A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
US08187306B2 Interspinous process spacers
Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes.
US08187303B2 Anti-rotation fixation element for spinal prostheses
Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae with vertebral prostheses. A portion of the vertebral prosthesis includes anti-rotation and/or anti-pullout elements to prevent or reduce prosthesis fastener rotation or pull out as a result of torques applied to the prosthesis. Various tools and methods aid the process of surgically adding the vertebral prosthesis to a patient's vertebra.
US08187296B2 Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic hernia repair and patch for use therewith
An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body comprises an introducer and a sheath. The tubular sheath may surround the introducer, and may have a weakened region along its longitudinal axis. A handle may be provided on the sheath. The handle may be adapted to be pulled proximally to separate the weakened region and allow the sheath to be removed from the introducer. The sheath may be secured to the introducer via detents or latches on the handle.
US08187291B2 Device for controlled endoscopic penetration of injection needle
An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.
US08187287B1 Anti-backup mechanism
An anti-backup mechanism for constraining operating components in an operating mechanism to complete first and second strokes of reciprocal linear motion.
US08187270B2 Hemostatic spark erosion tissue tunnel generator with integral treatment providing variable volumetric necrotization of tissue
A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body prevents leakage of RF energy from the elongated body when the catheter is being inserted into the tissue of the patient. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers first RF energy capable of producing sparks that erode the tissue of the patient and create a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve is retracted to expose a portion of the RF electrode. Second RF energy is delivered to the volume of tissue around the catheter to necrotize the tissue by heating without producing sparks.
US08187267B2 Ablation catheter with flexible tip and methods of making the same
A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter and methods for making the same are disclosed. The electrode has a surface configuration that improves flexibility of the electrode. Also, the surface configuration may allow electrode lengthwise freedom of movement, such that the electrode may be shortened when pressed against the target tissue. A coil may be located in the electrode to bias the electrode toward a predetermined configuration.
US08187265B2 Coagulation apparatus using cold plasma
Provided is a coagulation apparatus using cold plasma. In the coagulation apparatus, the cold plasma is generated by a microwave resonator with low power consumption in the atmosphere, and the cold plasma is vented on a bleeding portion of a wound. Accordingly, it is possible to accelerate coagulation process, to reduce unfavorable side effect such as burns on the wound, and to efficiently sterilize the wound, simultaneously. In addition, it is possible to implement a small-sized portable coagulation apparatus.
US08187262B2 Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The electrosurgical generator includes a power supply for generating a DC voltage. The electrosurgical generator also includes a first parallel inductor-capacitor circuit being driven by a first signal at a first predetermined frequency and a second parallel inductor-capacitor circuit driven by a second signal at the first predetermined frequency phase shifted 180 degrees. The electrosurgical generator further includes a series inductor-capacitor resonant circuit operably connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer. The first and second parallel inductor-capacitor circuits are operably connected to the transformer, such that the first inductor-capacitor circuit generates a positive half sine wave and the second inductor-capacitor circuit generates a 180 degrees phase-shifted positive half sine wave to generate a full sine wave in a secondary winding of the transformer.
US08187256B2 Tattoo removal and other dermatological treatments using multi-photon processing
A system and method for providing multi-photon processing treatment to a patient. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of an unwanted pigment in order to remove the pigment. The multi-photon processing event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a 100 to 300 femtoseconds pulse duration, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 1011 Watts/cm2. A suitably configured Ti:Sapphire solid state laser may provide such pulses at 1-10 kHz. By repeating the multi-photon processing event along the location of a tattoo, the tattoo may be removed with no damage to the surrounding tissue.
US08187245B2 Absorbent article, belt structure, manufacturing method for a belt structure and manufacturing method for an absorbent article
The disclosure relates to an absorbent article including a top-sheet having an inner side and an outside and a back-sheet having an inner side and an outside and the inner side of the back-sheet being directed towards the inner side of the top-sheet. At least one elongate belt is provided which has a free end portion for fastening the absorbent article around the waist of a wearer and an attachment end portion that is fixedly attached to the outside of the back-sheet or to the outside of the top-sheet, whereas the free end portion is arranged within the boundaries of the top-sheet and/or the back-sheet.
US08187244B2 Underpants type disposable diaper
[Problem] To eliminate a hardened portion from each joined section of an underpants type disposable diaper.[Means for Solving Problem] An underpants type disposable diaper wherein a large number of unit fusing portions are arranged at uniform intervals along the longitudinal direction of each joined section and the joined section is divided into segments having different numbers of laminated sheets and different heights of unit fusing portions.
US08187243B2 Disposable absorbent article containing an unapertured skinless elastomeric layer
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region between the front and back waist regions, said chassis having two opposing longitudinal edges and two perpendicularly placed end edges, said chassis further comprising: a. a liquid permeable topsheet spanning at least the crotch region; b. a backsheet spanning at least the crotch region; c. an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and backsheet; and d. a elastic member disposed along at least one opposing longitudinal edge in either the front waist or back waist region of said chassis wherein said member comprises an unapertured, skinless elastomeric layer wherein said layer exhibits an Energy Recovery Value of at least about 0.77.
US08187233B2 Medication delivery device
The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a single- or multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device.
US08187230B2 Indwelling needle assembly and method of using the same
An indwelling needle assembly, including an inner needle having a sharp needle point at a distal end thereof; an inner needle hub which is fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle and which has a proximal end face; a hollow outer needle into which the inner needle is inserted; and an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, the inner needle is adhered and fixed to the inner needle hub with an adhesive at a proximal portion thereof, and the inner needle hub is provided with a projected part formed by projecting the adhesive toward a proximal side relative to the proximal end face.
US08187229B2 Coaxial catheter system
A medical system comprises a first medical probe having indicia, and a second medical probe in a coaxial arrangement with the first medical probe. The second medical probe has a detector (e.g., an optical detector) configured for detecting a passage of the indicia as the first and second medical probes are moved relative to each other. In one embodiment, the first medical probe is an inner medical probe, and the second medical probe is an outer medical probe. The medical system further comprises an electromechanical driver coupled to the first and second medical probes, and a controller configured for directing the electromechanical driver to move the first and second medical probes relative to each other, and for receiving signals from the detector indicating the relative movement between the first and second medical probes.
US08187215B2 Device allowing serial use of clean and alternative blood filters during blood filtration
A device that allows for serial (time) use of clean blood filters during the use of a heart lung machine. The device is comprised of a series of filters and a switching mechanism that allows the new filter to be placed in the blood flow pathway while at the same time removing the old (previous) filter. A clean filter is always available, and filters for specific components of blood or those able to bind and remove specific biochemicals can be used.
US08187212B2 Pain-alleviating orthopaedic appliance
An orthopaedic appliance includes a body, a protrusion extending inwardly from the body, positioned on the body to apply pressure on a proximal portion of the soleus muscle, and means for applying pressure to the protrusion.
US08187211B2 Pivot mechanism for a joint support
A pivot mechanism for a joint support has a connector, a first support and a second support. The connector has multiple slots. The first support and the second support are mounted pivotally in the connector and rotate synchronously, and each has a protrusion. The protrusions are adjusted to mount in the slots of the connector and to limit an angle between the first and second support to a determined range. Then, the pivot mechanism is attached around a joint of a patient to limit joint movement within the determined range, which can be adjusted easily during rehabilitation.
US08187209B1 Movement disorder monitoring system and method
The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides remote access to the clinician or physician.
US08187208B2 Methods for assessment of pelvic organ conditions affecting the vagina
Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The profile values at specified locations are then compared with thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention are disclosed to be used in assessing a risk of pelvic organ prolapse development, estimating an extent of pelvic floor organ traumatic damage after childbirth and estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure.
US08187207B2 Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus, including the use of magnetic tools
Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.
US08187205B2 Integrated spot monitoring device with fluid sensor
A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.
US08187204B2 Surgical device and method for using same
A method of using a surgical system that includes an outer cannula is disclosed. The method includes removably mounting a surgical device to an adapter. The adapter is secured to a stage. The surgical device and adapter is positioned at a predetermined location for inserting the outer cannula toward a target site in a body. Once positioned in the body, the outer cannula is fired to the target site. At least one tissue sample is taken using the surgical device and tissue samples are harvested from the surgical device.
US08187202B2 Method and apparatus for acoustical outer ear characterization
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for characterizing acoustical properties of an outer ear 130, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first acoustic signal 125 towards the outer ear 130, receiving a second acoustic signal 150 from the outer ear 130, and characterizing acoustical properties 165 of the outer ear on the basis of the second acoustic signal 150. The method is characterized in that the first acoustic signal 125 comprises at least one of the following elements: music, and speech. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for enrolling, authenticating and identifying a person on the basis of acoustical properties of an outer ear 130.
US08187201B2 System and method for applying continuous positive airway pressure
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for titration of airway pressure in the treatment of hypoventilation. An exemplary method comprises examining both a signal indicative of ventilation of a patient and a signal indicative of oxygen saturation of the patient to determine a condition of hypoventilation, and applying a pressure to the nasal passage of the patient if the condition of hypoventilation is identified.
US08187194B2 Method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft
A method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft which eliminates the need for a transducer housing, the improved method directly attaches the transducer to a rigid distal tip of a driveshaft which is part of a rotatable imaging core of a catheter assembly. The method contemplates heat treating the distal tip of the driveshaft to make it rigid, machining the distal tip to be dimensioned to hold the transducer, and attaching the transducer to the distal tip by clamping, crimping, or an adhesive.
US08187190B2 Method and system for configuration of a pacemaker and for placement of pacemaker electrodes
Ultrasound imaging methods and systems for assisting a clinician in configuring the operation of a pacemaker and for determining an optimal site for the pacemaker electrode are presented. The methods and systems provide a toolbox for analyzing and optimizing the effectiveness of the pacemaker and proposed electrode sites. The method includes a function which evaluates one or more electrode sites and pacemaker configurations. The function may be based, for example, on the activation voltage of the pacemaker, on an estimate of the volume of blood ejected from the heart and/or on the cardiac dysynchrony. The ejection volume and the dysynchrony may be estimated using an imaging cardiac catheter ultrasound transducer array and ultrasound unit.
US08187184B2 Access disconnect system with optical and other sensors
An optical access disconnect system is useful for detecting the presence of blood. The optical access disconnect system includes one or more optical sensors placed near an access site of a patient, the optical sensors suitable for detecting the presence of blood, especially by detecting a difference in light reflected or absorbed by blood. The optical access disconnect system may also be used as an interlock to assure compliance. A detector may be placed adjacent the access site to detect the access needle, or an object or mark on the access needle or fluid line. A therapy machine, such as a dialysis machine, may be programmed not to start or continue operation unless the needle or fluid line is detected. The detector may be one of the optical sensors, calibrated or adjusted to detect a mark on the needle or access line, or may be another type of detector.
US08187181B2 Scoring of sensed neurological signals for use with a medical device system
A medical device system capable of scoring a severity of sensed neurological signals relating to a nervous system disorder. The system comprises a monitoring element that receives a neurological signal having at least one event to be scored. The medical device system identifies one or more features of the neurological signal to use in scoring and computes a score of relative severity of the event using the identified feature. Once two or more events have been scored, the events may be ranked by severity relative to each other.
US08187176B2 Device for insufflating the interior of a gastric cavity of a patient
A method for laparoscopically preventing insufflation of the small bowel during gastric procedures includes applying an obstruction member at the pyloric sphincter to block the passage of gas from the gastric cavity into the small bowel and insufflating the gastric cavity.
US08187173B2 Apparatus for advancing an endoscope and method for manipulating the apparatus for advancing an endoscope
In a region where an intestine is movable in the abdominal cavity, conventional endoscope apparatus have suffered from a difficulty in moving an endoscope advancing portion toward a deep intestinal portion. An apparatus for advancing an endoscope is provided, which can be easily manipulated to advance medical instruments having endoscopic functions toward a deep portion. The apparatus includes first and second medical instruments, each having, at a distal end portion thereof, a balloon portion that can be fixed to an intestinal wall. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the first medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the second medical instrument to advance therethrough. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the second medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the first medical instrument to advance therethrough.
US08187167B2 Monitoring apparatus for laparoscopic surgery and display method thereof
A monitor apparatus for a laparoscopic surgery rotates images captured by a laparoscope as an endoscope and displayed on monitors for the laparoscopic surgery clockwise or counter-clockwise according to commands for rotating the images by surgeons who use image rotation manipulation parts such that the images of surgical devices displayed on the monitors are arranged in the direction where the surgeons can actually manipulate the laparoscopic surgical devices most conveniently.
US08187160B2 Device for proactive modulation of cardiac strain patterns
A direct cardiac assist device which may aid in ventricular recovery. The device proactively modulates cardiac strain pattern to produce a contraction strain pattern that induces beneficial growth and remodeling of the myocardium or prevents or reduces apoptosis of the myocytes. The device may include an outer shell. membrane, or mesh and an inner membrane. The space between the outer member and the membrane may be filled with fluid that is pressurized during contraction. The device prescribes a beneficial strain pattern during heart contraction. This strain pattern does not invert the curvatures or grossly alter the curvatures of the heart and may assist in myocyte regrowth and healing of the failing heart.
US08187157B2 Microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder of a microtome, and microtome
A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
US08187154B2 Training scripts
A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
US08187136B2 Differential gear
In a differential gear, a differential case includes: a first differential case on a side ranging from a pinion-shaft installation part on which a pinion shaft is installed, to a ring gear; and a second differential case on a side opposite to the side ranging from a pinion-shaft installation part on which the pinion shaft is installed, to the ring gear. The first differential case is integrally molded from only a low-carbon steel containing less than 0.45% of C, by forging or by forging and cutting. The second differential case is integrally molded from only a low-carbon steel containing less than 0.45% of C, by forging or by forging and cutting. The first differential case and the second differential case are bonded to each other by welding.
US08187131B2 Propulsion system for all-wheel drive motor vehicles
The invention relates to a propulsion system for all-wheel drive motor vehicles, having a device for propulsion distribution to the front and the rear differential which transmit the drive output to the wheels assigned at the time, and with a device for coupled, variable distribution of the propulsion forces in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the vehicle depending on the operating situation of the vehicle for influencing the driving behavior, especially for improving the driving agility and driving stability. In the process the rear differential is combined with an overriding drive, by means of which the drive torques can be shifted to the rear wheels in alternation in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the rpm ratio or rpm error being dictated by means of the overriding drive at the design point so that at a given curve radius which is assigned to the design point and which does not correspond to the narrowest curve, a reversal of the direction of the rotational speed difference takes place and thus the torque is not shifted to the wheel on the outside of the curve. By means of the propulsion distribution device the drive torques can be shifted in alternation between the front differential and rear differential in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08187130B1 Multi-speed transmission with integrated electric motor
A multiple speed transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear assemblies, each with first, second, and third members, a plurality of torque transmitting devices, an electric motor, and a switching device that selectively couples the electric motor to the input member and selectively couples the electric motor to one of the members of one of the planetary gear assemblies. The electric motor can be employed for regenerative braking. Further, the electric motor can be employed to launch and drive the motor vehicle with each of the gear ratios of the multi-speed transmission.
US08187128B2 Tensioning device
The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a pivoting arm on which a clamping roll is rotatably arranged. In order to damp pivoting movements of the pivoting arm, a damping device is provided in the region of a pivoting axis X. Furthermore, the pivoting arm is supported by a tension spring device which ensures a frictional arrangement of the clamping roll on a traction mechanism, in the assembled state.
US08187111B2 Child motion device
A child motion device includes a frame providing a structural support relative to a reference surface and including an arm pivotably coupled to the structural support for reciprocating movement with a resonant frequency, a child supporting device coupled to the arm and spaced from the reference surface by the frame, and a drive system including a motor configured to drive the arm such that the child supporting device reciprocates along a motion path at a frequency matched to the resonant frequency. The drive system is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the motor to control a speed at which the child support device moves along the motion path.
US08187110B2 Boot mounting structure for constant-speed universal joint, and silicone boot for the constant-speed universal joint
A boot-mounting structure for a constant velocity universal joint has a configuration which can prevent a crack caused by interference with a boot band while maintaining a stable sealing property. The boot band (69) is fitted into a fitting groove of a silicone boot (65), and is decreased in diameter while being attached into the fitting groove, to thereby fix the silicone boot (65). The boot band (69) is formed into an annular body not provided with a folded-back portion. There is provided a no-interference structure means (S) for preventing interference caused, when the boot band is decreased in diameter, between an axial outer-peripheral-edge portion (69a or 69b) of the band (69) and a bottom end portion (82a or 82b) of the fitting groove (75) corresponding thereto.
US08187106B2 Coupling device
A coupling device for transmitting a torque from a first shaft to a second shaft. The coupling device includes the first shaft with a first end section having radially opposite, radially extending projections and/or recesses. The second shaft has a second end section with radially opposite, radially extending projections and/or recesses. The first shaft is axially opposite the second shaft. The coupling device includes a coupling member having coupling projections and/or recesses, wherein the projections and/or recesses of the first and second end sections are respectively configured to engage with at least one of the coupling projections and/or recesses. The coupling projections and/or recesses corresponding to the first end section are arranged at a displacement of about 90° relative to the coupling projections and/or recesses corresponding to the second end section and the coupling member at least partially surrounds the first and second end sections. The first and second sections are disposed axially directly opposite to each other, and the coupling member is positionally fixed by the first and second end sections.
US08187105B2 Flange joint
Methods and apparatus are provided for assembling a flange joint for use in a driveline. In an exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a first flange with a first recess. A second flange may be configured to join with the first flange for translating rotational motion between the first flange and the second flange, the second flange having a second recess corresponding in position to the first recess in the first flange. A shear force member may have a first part configured to contact the first recess and a second part opposite the first part configured to contact the second recess, the second part may have an inclined surface. Multiple fasteners may connect the first flange to the second flange such that the inclined surface of the shear force member is held in contact with the second recess.
US08187104B2 System and method for creating, editing, and sharing video content relating to video game events
Systems and methods are provided for at least partially automating generation of video clips chronicling a character's interaction with a video game. The same may combine automatic video clip generation with automatic or user-generated and/or user-edited or created narrative. Multiple video clips may be combined into a video reel prior to or subsequent to uploading the same to a file-sharing site. The video game may be a massive multiplayer online role-playing game.
US08187103B2 Gaming method and apparatus utilizing secondary software applications
In a gaming method for facilitating game play via a gaming apparatus, the gaming apparatus comprising a controller and a first display unit, the controller communicatively coupled to the first display unit, a game software application may be executed, and value input data may be received. The first display unit may be caused to display a game image representative of one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slots, keno, or bingo. A secondary software application may be executed, and an icon associated with the secondary software application may be displayed simultaneous with the display of the game image, wherein a foreground of the game image is substantially unobstructed by the icon, and wherein the icon is substantially unobstructed by the foreground of the game image. Information may be conveyed using the secondary software application upon detecting an event, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.
US08187099B2 Game method and apparatus for enabling a video game system console to execute video game programs originally written for execution on architecturally different video game platforms
A video game selection program runs on a home video game console system connected to the Internet and displays on a home color television set a menu of one or more video game titles corresponding to video game programs available via the Internet from a remote server. At least some video game programs available from the server are designed for execution by a computer having a different hardware architecture than the home video game console system. The video game selection program, in response to selection of a video game title on the menu, sends game title ID information to the server and downloads and stores both a video game program corresponding to a title selected from said menu and corresponding emulator program of a type especially suited for enabling execution of the selected video game program on the home video game console. The video game selection program further creates and stores a table for associating downloaded video game titles with corresponding emulator program types and inhibits the downloading of emulator program types which have been previously downloaded and stored on the home video game system.
US08187097B1 Measurement and segment of participant's motion in game play
Systems and methods are provided for the measurement and input of position information and/or information regarding the position and/or movement and/or speed of a target of interest, e.g., without requiring a hand-held controller. According to further aspects of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for removing background images, such as furniture and other items, shadows, etc., in the environment of an associated camera or cameras. The elimination of background images behind the subject reduces processing requirements to track the movements of a participant, and may avoid the potential of the image processing logic to confuse the background with the image of the subject. Parabolic LEDs are also provided, which provide safe illumination and gating. As an alternative to gating, a grating or grid light source may be utilized. Still further, a participant's image may be integrated into video applications including games.
US08187095B2 Universal game console controller
A universal game console controller that has an LCD presenting, depending on what type of game console a user has input, a controller key layout for a first type of game console or a controller key layout for a second type of game console.
US08187093B2 Game sound output device, game sound control method, information recording medium, and program
An overlap identifying unit (205) obtains respective directions of the sound emitting objects with respect to the hearing position and identifies each one of sound emitting objects whose directions overlap. A sound volume estimation unit (206) estimates respective sound volumes of sounds as heard at the hearing position, emitted from the sound emitting objects that the overlap identification unit identified as overlapping. A sound emission control unit (207) cancels the sound emission of either one of the identified sound emitting objects identified, in a case where a difference between sound volumes obtained from those respective sound volumes estimated by the sound volume estimation unit (206) is at a predetermined level or greater. A sound source (208) reproduces sound effects or the like of the predetermined volumes. A game sound output unit (209) suitably outputs the game sound reproduced from the sound source (208).
US08187088B2 Gaming system having wagering features funded by extra-casino activities
A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature.
US08187087B2 System and method for collecting and using player information
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08187084B2 Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels
A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player.
US08187077B2 Wagering game having multiple award components
A multiple bonus modifier game includes a base game and two or more base award modifiers operating independently or simultaneously of each other. The multiple bonus modifier game comprises a base game that includes a plurality of spinning reels, a first base award modifier that includes at least one spinning reel, and a second base award modifier that includes at least one additional spinning reel. The outcome of the spinning reels in the base game defines a base game award. The outcome of the spinning reel in the first base award modifier defines a first modifier award, which adjusts the base game award. The outcome of the additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier defines a second modifier award.
US08187072B2 Instant lottery game
An instant lottery game system (10) includes a game play defining element (12). A symbol display zone (14) is carried on the game play defining element (12), the symbol display zone (14) containing a plurality of symbols related to gaming machine games. A masking medium (20) covers the symbols of the symbol display zone (14) prior to use. A symbol interpretation zone (16) is also carried on the game play defining element (12), the symbol interpretation zone (16) carrying a plurality of indicia with the indicia being used in interpreting symbols revealed after removal of the masking medium (20) to determine a prize outcome.
US08187066B1 Online gaming system for simulating a basketball game
An online system for simulating a basketball game comprising a server with a processor, a network in communication with the server, at least one client device in communication with the network, wherein the at least one client device has an input device, a display device, and a monetary acceptance feature, and a database in communication with the processor. The database comprises electronic decks of passing, rebound, foul shot, and playing cards, and computer instructions for instructing the processor to permit input of bets, deal cards, designate offense and defense players, permit selection of cards by the players, display cards, determine a game outcome based on the selected cards, and award winnings based on the bet and the game outcome.
US08187062B2 Shackle with pivot feature and log chain drive mechanism
A device for retaining an animal on a transport system for moving the animal in a forward direction includes a lower portion operable to retain the animal and an upper portion operable for conveyance by the transport system. The upper portion is attachable to the lower portion, and the upper portion includes a connector for connecting the device to a drive mechanism. The connector has a longitudinal axis. The lower portion is operable for movement between a first position in which a longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially angled orientation relative to one another. The lower portion is substantially inhibited from moving in a rearward direction beyond said first position.
US08187060B1 Apparatus for skinning poultry products
A poultry skinner including a conveyor having ribs aligned to engage the upper surface of a poultry product. A rotatably mounted gripper has a plurality of radially extending fins adapted to engage the lower surface of the poultry passing between the gripper and the conveyor. An arcuate surface is mounted in closely spaced relationship to the arcuate path traveled by the rotating gripper fins and defines an opening for trapping the skin attached to the poultry product. The skin is trapped between the arcuate surface and the outer end of a rotating fin to pull the skin from the poultry product. A rotatably mounted cleaning roller having a plurality of fins is positioned in a close clearance relationship with the gripper. The rapidly rotating fins of the cleaning roller strip the poultry skin from the fins of the gripper and eject it into a collection bin below.
US08187051B2 Digital arts and crafts computer peripheral toy device
A computer peripheral toy device is provided that connects to a personal computer and enables a child user to create drawings, animated figures, cards, posters, and other projects and items. The device includes a housing having a drawing tablet and a stylus that connects to the housing for use on the drawing tablet. There a plurality of buttons on the top surface of the housing that a user depresses when engaging in a drawing activity. Computer software is provided for installation on the personal computer in order to display data associated with a drawing activity. When executed by the computer, the computer software causes the computer to respond to the messages received from the controller to engage in a drawing activity using drawing style parameters based on which of the drawing style buttons, color palette buttons and design tool buttons are selected by a user.
US08187045B2 Air-propelled vessel with articulating member
A wide, flat-bottom, buoyant, amphibious hull with a powered articulating member mounted on the deck. The hull is propelled by at least one engine-driven propeller rotating above the hull. The hull has a shallow draft and distributes its weight over a large area. These features cooperatively provide a vehicle capable of installing or servicing power transmission poles, towers, or other structures located in environmentally sensitive wetlands, swamps, marshes, shallow water, or similar terrain.
US08187043B2 Crimp terminal and method of producing crimp terminal
A crimp terminal includes a bottom plate portion for mounting a wire conductor of a wire thereon, a pair of press-fastening portions extended respectively from opposite side edges of the bottom plate portion to press-fasten the wire conductor, a raised portion provided on the bottom plate portion, and that has slanting surfaces slanting along an axis of the wire conductor mounted on the bottom plate portion to form a curved shape projecting toward the wire conductor, and an auxiliary contact portion protrudingly formed on at least one of the slanting surfaces. The auxiliary contact portion is moved in a direction along the axis of the wire conductor by a pressing load applied for crimping the wire conductor so that the wire conductor is elongated.
US08187042B2 Waterproof connector that can be designed to be short in overall length
A retainer is incorporated into a fitting portion of a housing so as to be movable between a preset position and a set position in a direction crossing terminal receiving holes. Further, a seal member is attached to an outer periphery of the fitting portion. The seal member is brought into close contact with an inner periphery of a fitting hole of a mating connector for sealing when the fitting portion is fitted to the fitting hole. The retainer has projections which retreat to the sides of the terminal receiving holes to allow insertion of terminals into the terminal receiving holes when the retainer is at the preset position and which project into the terminal receiving holes to engage with the terminals so as to hold the terminals in a come-off preventing state when the retainer is at the set position. The retainer and the seal member are provided at positions which overlap each other in a direction of fitting to the mating connector.
US08187033B2 Electrical carrier assembly and system of electrical carrier assemblies
A male coaxial connector includes at least one termination device having a tubular shield surrounding and isolated from a pin that is configured to electrically connect with a socket of a female termination device, and a plate extending from one of a leading end of the tubular shield and a leading end of the female termination device. Upon electrical interconnection, the plate forms a ground circuit extending between the at least one termination device and a ground of the female termination device.
US08187025B2 Splice restraint and mating indicator
The present invention relates to a splice restraint for use with sleeves that attach to joints. The splice restraint includes a first securing member constructed and arranged to be received in a groove of a first sleeve that is installable on a first leg of a joint, a second securing member constructed and arranged to be received in a groove of a second sleeve that is installable on a second leg of the joint, and a strap connecting the first securing member to the second securing member. The strap having a length determined by the distance between the groove on the first sleeve and the groove on the second sleeve when the first and second sleeves are properly installed on the joint. The splice restraint provides a visual indication that the sleeves are properly installed on the joint, as well ensures that sleeves will not be displaced after the lineman leaves the site.
US08187024B2 Connector assembly with a light indicative of a connector status
A connector assembly includes a housing, a light source located within the housing, and a cover element covering at least a portion of a mating face of the housing. The housing includes a connector that is arranged to electrically mate with a peripheral connector proximate to the mating face of the housing. The light source generates light directed toward the mating face of the housing to indicate a status of the connector. The cover element includes a light transmissive area that is positioned to receive the light generated by the light source and transmit the light outward from the mating face in order to indicate the status of the connector.
US08187023B1 Wire connector with two spring plates
A wire connector with two spring plate parts comprises a box, a spring plate, a fixing base, and a conductive plate. The spring plate is integrally formed and fixed inside the box. The spring plate has first plate parts on its first extension part and second plate parts on its second extension part. The exposed end of a wire is inserted via the holes of the fixing base and held by the first plate parts and the second plate parts. The exposed end of the wire is thus in electrical contact with the conductive plate on the bottom part.
US08187014B2 Lanyard connector
Lanyard connectors for release of an ordinance are provided. The lanyard connectors include a coupling sleeve and locking ring movable between a first position and a second position. The lanyard connectors also include a latching spring and a reset spring. The latching spring is partially disposed within a groove in the locking ring in the first position, and removed from the groove in the second position. The reset spring is held in place by a connector cover and interfaces with a second groove in the locking ring. The reset spring is compressed in the second position. The lanyard connectors allow for release of an ordinance receptacle when in the second position. Methods of using the connectors are also provided.
US08187013B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus including a first wiring board formed having a first area, a second area, and a third area, wherein the first area is formed extending in a first direction from the third area, and the second area is formed extending in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, from the third area, a second wiring board connected to the first wiring board, a first connector for connection to an external device, wherein the first connector is mounted on the first area of the first wiring board, a second connector for connection to an external device, wherein the second connector is mounted on the second area of the first wiring board, and a third connector connected to the second wiring board, wherein the third connector is mounted on the third area of the first wiring board, and is formed with a first terminal array and a second terminal array facing each other, wherein on the first wiring board a first differential transmission line is formed in a region from the first connector to the first terminal array, and a second differential transmission line is formed in a region from the second connector to the second terminal array.
US08187012B1 Electrical cord with tamper resistent mechanism
An electrical cord including a plug on a first end and at least one socket on a second end opposite the first end, a protective shutter assembly disposed within the at least one socket, the shutter assembly including a first and second shutter members positioned proximate the cover assembly and each of the first and second shutter members is at least partially aligned with separate cover openings in the cover assembly and being configured to move from a closed position to an open position in response to engaging at least one plug blade, a third shutter member positioned behind the first shutter member, a fourth shutter member positioned behind the second shutter member, and wherein the first and second shutter members pivot from the closed position to the open position and the third and fourth shutter members slide from the closed position to the open position.
US08187009B2 High density electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of electrical contacts secured to the insulative housing. Each of the contacts includes a flat plate engaging with the insulative housing, a spring arm bending and extending upwardly from a side edge of the flat plate and a solder tail extending downwardly from a lower portion of the flat plate. The spring arm has a first vertical portion connected with the body plate, an arc portion bending and extending upwardly from the first vertical portion, and a contact portion at a free end of the spring arm. Said arc portion and contact portion are located at same side of the first vertical portion.
US08187008B2 Oblique parts or surfaces
Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces.
US08186999B2 System and arrangement for production and insertion of a dental bridge structure
A system comprises a computer appliance designed to receive, and to present on screen, first information transmitted from identification equipment and based on detection of a jaw bone structure. Modification information which can be introduced into the computer appliance shows a visual dental bridge structure applied on the jaw bone structure with associated teeth and dentine. Orientations for implants are also shown. The computer appliance produces a CAD file which is based on the first information and the modification information. The file is received in a stereolithography machine which issues second information which can be processed in the equipment for production of the physical template which includes through-bores for sleeves which define implant orientation. A working model is produced with the aid of the physical template. The invention also relates to an arrangement of a template produced by stereolithography and by means of information from the computer appliance.
US08186998B2 Blank-holding means and method of surveying same
The invention relates to holding means for a blank for the production of dental fitted shells, including connection geometry for the blank and a shaft for attachment thereof in a chuck of a processing machine. The holding means has, above the shaft, survey geometry, the orientation of the connection geometry relative to the survey geometry being known.
US08186997B2 Method for cleaning the oral cavity
A method of cleaning an oral cavity, the method including positioning a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from a surface of the oral cavity within the oral cavity, cleaning and irradiating the surface of a tooth in the oral cavity, the tooth having applied thereto a fluorescent agent, with incident radiation of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with the fluorescent agent on the tooth, collecting at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a first time period, determining a first average fluorescent emission value (APV1), collecting at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a second time period, determining a second average plaque value (APV2); and comparing the APV1 to the APV2.
US08186996B2 Combustion apparatus
Provided is a combustion apparatus capable of preventing a heat loss from a combustion cabinet without deteriorating a combustion performance thereof. According to the present invention, a part of an inner side surface of a combustion cabinet (1), which encloses a combustion chamber where a mixture gas erupted from a combustion plate (22) is combusted, is covered with a cover (7) made of an insulation material; and the cover (7) is provided with a concave portion (7a) at an outer side surface thereof having contact with the inner side surface of the combustion cabinet (1), and an insulation air layer (7b) is defined by the concave portion (7a).
US08186982B2 Adjustable rotary pump with reduced wear
A rotary pump having a variable delivery volume, comprising: a casing; a delivery chamber formed in the casing; at least one delivery rotor which is rotatable in the delivery chamber; an actuating member which is arranged facing a front face of the delivery rotor or surrounds the delivery rotor, and is moveable in the casing for adjusting the delivery volume; the actuating member chargeable with an actuating force which is dependent on a fluid requirement; a track which is formed in the casing and guides the actuating member on an actuating member sliding surface in a sliding contact; and a sliding material which forms at least one of the track and the actuating member sliding surface.
US08186981B2 Scroll compressor having a spring member pressing an eccentric shaft onto a slide face of a slide bush
There is disclosed a scroll compressor having an object of stabilizing the moving of an orbit scroll while suppressing the start load of the scroll compressor. In the scroll compressor, a slide bush having a slide face forming a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of gas load of a gas in a compression chamber is interposed on an eccentric shaft of a shaft for driving the orbit scroll, so that when the load of the gas in the compression chamber is applied, the eccentric amount of the eccentric shaft increases. The scroll compressor includes a spring member interposed between the slide bush and the eccentric shaft and configured to constantly urge the eccentric shaft to decrease the eccentric amount of the eccentric shaft, and this spring member urges the eccentric shaft to press the eccentric shaft onto the slide face of the slide bush.
US08186978B2 Pump with linear actuator
A pump includes a housing with a pumping chamber, first and second check valves, and an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber through the check valves. The housing also includes a linear actuator with a pumping element located in the pumping chamber wherein actuation of the linear actuator induces the pumping element to move between the first and second check valves between a first position wherein the pump element moves toward the first check valve and generates a positive pressure in the pumping chamber that maintains the first check valve closed and opens the second check valve to allow fluid to flow to the outlet, and a second position wherein the pumping element moves away from the first check valve and reduces the pressure in the pumping chamber to allow the first check valve to open and draw in fluid from the inlet.
US08186977B2 Pumping system
A pumping system for pumping drilling fluid during the driving or sinking of bore holes includes a pump unit, a rotary drive unit configured to drive the pump unit, a gearbox that includes a driving gear and a driven gear, and a pump shaft drive. The rotary drive unit is operatively connected with the pump unit via the gearbox, and the driven gear of the gearbox is nonrotatably connected with the pump shaft drive.
US08186976B2 Combination compressor and vacuum pump apparatus and method of use
A combination compressor and vacuum pump apparatus comprising a common drive mechanism, a compressor piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the compressor piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow first piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a first free end substantially opposite a first piston operable within a first cylinder so as to form the compressor piston-cylinder unit, and a vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow second piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a second free end substantially opposite a second piston operable within a second cylinder so as to form the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit, whereby air is pulled into the compressor piston-cylinder unit through the first piston rod for compression therein and air is exhausted from the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit through the second piston rod.
US08186969B2 Variable displacement pump
A variable displacement pump includes: a pump section arranged to be driven by an internal combustion engine, and to discharge a lubricant introduced from an induction portion to a plurality of hydraulic chambers, through a discharge portion, by volume variations of the hydraulic chambers; a variable mechanism arranged to move a movable member by using the discharge pressure of the lubricant, and to vary volumes of the hydraulic chambers which are opened to the discharge portion; and an urging section arranged to urge the movable member in a direction to increase quantities of the volume variations of the hydraulic chambers, the urging section having a spring constant which increases as a movement distance of the movable member in a direction to decrease the quantities of the volume variations of the hydraulic chambers increases.
US08186966B2 Offshore wind turbine generator
Provided is an offshore wind turbine generator capable of withstanding unevenly distributed stress with a simple and inexpensive structure and of maintaining reliability in terms of strength. An offshore wind turbine generator includes a nacelle that rotatably supports a rotor head, and a tower portion that supports the nacelle and yaws integrally with the nacelle, and a structure portion that bears the strength of the tower portion has a higher strength against a load in a direction included in a plane having a rotation axis of the rotor head and an extending direction of the tower portion than the strength of the structure portion against a load in a direction included in other planes including the extending direction of the tower portion.
US08186961B2 Blade preloading system
A removable fan blade of a turbofan engine includes a blade root at one end thereof. A rotor disk has a retention slot having dimensions corresponding for receiving the root of the fan blade in the slot. An elongated resilient member extends within the retention slot in a lengthwise direction between the root of the fan blade and the bottom of the retention slot and an elongated member extends lengthwise between the root of the fan blade and the elastomeric member to compress the resilient member and provide a radial preload to the fan blade.
US08186958B2 Fan
A fan includes a main plate and at least one or more blades connected to the main plate. At least a portion of a boundary portion between the main plate and a pressure surface of the blade is provided as a curved boundary portion such that the blade and the main plate are connected to each other at a curvature.
US08186955B2 Rotating machine balancing member assembly including multiple interlocking balancing members
A rotating machine includes a stationary member and a rotating member moveable relative to the stationary member. The rotating member includes at least one balancing member assembly receiving portion having a plurality of internal threads. The rotating machine also includes a balancing member assembly including first and second interlocking balancing members. The balancing member assembly also includes a plurality of external threads that are operatively connected to the internal threads of the balancing member assembly receiving portion. With this arrangement, the balancing member assembly provides a dynamic balance for the rotating member.
US08186950B2 Aerodynamic device for detection of wind turbine blade operation
An aerodynamic device is provided for detection of physical conditions of wind turbine blade operation. One or more vibration sensors are mounted on the blades in an aerodynamic housing and configured to monitor a physical condition of the blades that varies in accordance with a vibration of the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the one or more vibration sensors. The processor may be configured to use the vibration frequency of a component of the blade to determine the physical condition of the blade, and generate a signal indicating the physical condition of the blade when determined.
US08186949B2 Method for damping tower vibrations in a wind turbine installation
A method in connection with a wind turbine installation for damping tower vibrations, in particular a floating wind turbine installation comprising a floating cell, a tower arranged over the floating cell, a generator mounted on the tower that is rotatable in relation to the wind direction and fitted with a wind turbine, and an anchor line arrangement connected to anchors or foundations on the sea bed. The tower's eigenvibrations, ωeig, are damped by, in addition to control with the controller in the constant power or RPM range of the wind turbine, an increment, Δβ, being added to the blade angle of the turbine blades on the basis of the tower velocities, ΔZ, so that the eigenvibrations are counteracted. The vibrations in β that have frequency ωeig can expediently be damped by means of a stabiliser with the transfer function Hstab(s) between the tower velocities, ΔZ, and the blade angle, Δβ, which is such that the loop transfer function H−β-ΔZ-dot{jωeig)Hstab(jωeig)=−b, which means that: (I) where “b” is a variable depending on the moment and thrust characteristics of the turbine blades.
US08186946B2 Abrasive thermal coating
A protective coating for a surface exposed to hot gas flow comprises a thermal layer, a conducting layer and an abrasive layer. The thermal layer comprises stabilized zirconia, and overlies the surface. The conducting layer overlies the thermal layer. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles bonded in a metal matrix that is electroplated onto the conducting layer.
US08186945B2 System and method for clearance control
A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine clearance controller. The turbine clearance controller is configured to independently adjust clearances of a plurality of shroud segments about a plurality of blades via first and second magnets opposite from one another in fixed and movable portions of each shroud segment.
US08186939B2 Turbine disc and retaining nut arrangement
A turbine rotor for a gas turbine engine including a disc having a hub defining a central bore for receiving an engine shaft. A nut retains the disc on the shaft. The disc retaining nut has at least one cooling passage defined therein and disposed for directing a flow of cooling air passing through the bore of the disc.
US08186937B2 Vacuum pump
A turbomolecular vacuum pump (54) comprises a housing (70) and a rotor (52) supported by a bearing arrangement (64) for rotation relative to the housing (70). The bearing arrangement (64) comprises a bearing (72, 74, 76, 78) supported in both radial and axial directions by a resilient support (80) comprising inner (86) and outer (88) annular portions connected by a plurality of flexible members (84), the resilient support (80) having a radial stiffness in the range from 50 to 500 N/mm.
US08186930B2 Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle
Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle, said apparatus including: —an anchorage configured to be secured to the floor of a vehicle and to provide a pivotal mounting for said apparatus; —the first portion and a second portion; —the first portion being configured to move in a substantially horizontal plane; —the first portion including a main support member which is pivoted at one end to the anchorage and which carries the second portion at the other end; —the second portion being configured to move in a substantially vertical plane; —the second portion carrying means for securing a wheelchair thereto; —first moving means for moving the first portion relative to the anchorage; —second moving means for moving the second portion; —wherein the apparatus is dimensioned and configured such that a wheelchair secured’ to the second portion is movable between a first, fully stored position in a luggage compartment of a vehicle and a second position in which a wheelchair is at a specified position relative to the vehicle; —and wherein said means for securing a wheelchair are such that in the fully stored position, the or each wheelchair axle is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
US08186929B2 High density variable access storage library
A media storage library for storing a plurality of media cartridges is provided. The media storage library includes at least one media transfer mechanism, and a plurality of storage panels for storing media cartridges, including at least a first movable storage panel. The first storage panel is movable from the first position to a second position, and each storage panel of the plurality of movable storage panels includes at least a first access face for the at least one media transfer mechanism to access the media cartridges. An access space is formed between the first movable storage panel and a second storage panel, and the at least one media transfer mechanism is able to access the media cartridges via the access space and the first access face.
US08186923B2 Connecting arrangement and method of fastening a bolt
A connecting arrangement is provided. The connecting arrangement includes a bolt with a fastening portion at one end thereof, which has one or more grooves; a cotter having a conical shape and one or more convex cuts on the inner side of the cotter adapted for fitting with the one or more grooves of the fastening portion of the bolt; two support blocks, each having a thread on the outer side, wherein at least one of them is on the inner side adapted for fitting to the conical shape of the cotter; and a fastener having a thread on the inner side, wherein the fastener is adapted for being screwed on the support blocks.
US08186921B2 Drain plug
Disclosed is a drain plug for an enclosure that contains a female-threaded opening. The drain plug contains a male-threaded portion and a head portion. The head portion contains a drive structure, an annular groove of substantially rectangular cross section, and a washer of substantially rectangular cross section in the groove. An outer wall of the annular groove is positioned to contact the enclosure when secured to the female-threaded opening.
US08186916B2 System and method for transporting wind turbine tower sections on a shipping vessel
In a system and method for transporting wind turbine tower sections on a shipping vessel a pair of support members is secured to a first wind turbine tower section generally at opposite ends of the first tower section. Another pair of support members is secured to a second wind turbine tower section generally at opposite ends of the second tower section. A pair of elongate mounting members is secured on a support surface of the shipping vessel in spaced relationship with each other. One of the support members of the first tower section and one of the support members of the second tower section are secured to one of the elongate mounting members. The other one of the support members of the first tower section and the other one of the support members of the second tower section are secured to the other one of the elongate mounting members.
US08186912B2 Hybrid riser tower and methods of installing same
Disclosed is a riser comprising a plurality of pipelines. In one example there are three such pipelines, extending from the seabed toward the surface and having an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface, wherein, in one embodiment a first of said pipelines acts as a central structural core, the other pipelines being arranged around said first pipeline. In another embodiment three pipelines are arranged around a structural core. In each case, the first of said pipelines may be a fluid injection line, said other pipelines being production lines. Also disclosed is a riser having buoyancy along at least a part of its length, said buoyancy resulting in said riser having a generally circular cross-section, the circumference of which being non-contiguous. Methods of installing such risers are also are also described.
US08186902B2 Means for disabling a safety catch on a screw-threaded component
A disabling tab (100) for disabling an anti-disengagement or safety catch (80) such as on a connector (20) of a pedestal for elevated floors having mating internally and externally threaded components is disclosed. The safety catch (80) is a pivoted wedge shaped block defined at the lower end of an externally threaded component which defines a ramped portion (84) extending to a buttress end (86) facing the start of the external thread. In the internally threaded components, one thread also defines a buttress end (92). When the components are screwed together, the ramp (84) of the safety catch deflects inwards and passes the buttress end (92). When the components are unscrewed, the end (86) of the catch abuts the end (92) of the thread preventing the components from being unscrewed. The tab (100) includes a v-shaped end portion (106) comprising two arms—a thin ramped bridge portion (110) which in use fits over, the safety catch (80), and a second arm 108 which locates between the threads at the start of the thread of the externally threaded component. A shaft (100) extends away from end portion (106). In use, the bridge portion (110) disables the safety catch by guiding the buttress end (92) of the internal thread over the safety catch (80) while deflecting the safety catch inwards. The arms (110, 108) of the bridge portion are thin enough to pass between the external and internal threads without jamming.
US08186897B2 Dispensing applicator for fluids
A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.
US08186895B2 Impulse actuated MEMS devices
An apparatus, useful in, for example, a miniature camera, includes an object, e.g., an optical element such as a shutter blade, an actuator operable to apply an impulse to the object such that the object moves from a first position to a second position, and at least one flexure coupled to the object and operable to confine movement of the object to movement along a predefined trajectory extending between the first and second positions.
US08186889B2 Optical connecting member and display apparatus
Disclosed is an information processing device with lighting function that realizes reduced power consumption and cost reductions. The optical connecting member 17 flexibly connects between a light guide plate 14 of a displaying part side and a light guide plate 21 of a key operating part side, thereby guiding light emitted from a white light LED 13 of a displaying part side to key operating part side.
US08186877B2 Method and system for using common subchannel to assess the operating characteristics of transducers
A system and method for using a common subchannel to assess operating characteristics of one of a plurality of transducers that are coupled to said subchannel is disclosed. The plurality of transducers are divided into subsets and each subset is coupled to a subchannel. The system is configured to activate a selected transducer on the subchannel and the subchannel delivers operational information on the activated transducer. The present invention reduces the number of subchannels required to collect information on the plurality of transducers. The present invention may utilize one or more loading conditions to take at least one measurement, which at least one measurement is then used to derive operational information on the transducer. In one configuration, information on the amount of energy being delivered to the transducer is collected simultaneously with information on the operating temperature. In another embodiment only the temperature is measured. The present invention permits a more compact ablation device to be constructed based on the invention's ability to reduce the total number of subchannels required to collect transducer information.
US08186876B2 Calibrated assembly for IR thermometer apparatus
A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described.
US08186874B2 Thermally based system and method for detecting counterfeit drugs
The invention relates to a thermal system for determining the authenticity of a pharmaceutical product, said system comprises: (a) a signal generator and heat/cooling source for applying a temperature variation signal to a pharmaceutical product; (b) a thermal apparatus for: (b.1.) following or during an application of said temperature variation signal to an authentic pharmaceutical product, acquiring at predefined controlled conditions an authenticity signature of said authentic product, said authenticity signature comprises at least one temperature measurement of said authentic product, each of said temperature measurements describes the reaction over time of the authentic product to said temperature variation signal; (b.2.) storing said acquired authenticity signature in a memory; and (b.3) for a tested pharmaceutical product that corresponds to said authentic product, and whose authenticity is suspected, and following or during an application of same temperature variation signal to said tested product, acquiring at same predefined controlled conditions a test signature, said test signature also comprises at least one temperature measurement of said tested product, each of said latter temperature measurements describes the reaction over time of the tested product to said temperature variation signal; and (c) a comparison unit for comparing between said authenticity signature and said test signature.
US08186871B2 Device for preparing a dispersion of water-soluble polymers in water, and method implementing the device
Device for dispersing a water-soluble polymer comprising: a chamber for grinding and draining of the dispersed polymer comprising a rotor and a stator, and on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. The ring communicates with the chamber for spraying of pressurized water on the blades of the stator. A method implementing the device is also provided.
US08186869B2 Method and device for dosing and mixing small amounts of liquid
A method or device for integrated dosing and intermixing of small amounts of liquid, has a first liquid conveyed into or onto a first reservoir (3). A second reservoir (1) is entirely filled with a second liquid. The first and second liquids are brought into contact with each other via at least one joining duct structure (5) which has at least one area provided with a smaller cross section than the reservoirs (1,3) in the viewing direction of the connecting line between the two reservoirs (1,3). A laminar flow pattern is created along at least one portion of the joining duct structure (5), with the liquids thoroughly mixed in the second reservoir (1).
US08186868B2 Wire fixing structure and backlight module
A wire fixing structure for fixing a wire includes a fixing portion, a first side wall, a first positioning portion, a first protruding portion, a second side wall and a blocking wall. The first side wall is connected to the fixing portion. The first protruding portion is connected to one end of the first positioning portion, and the second side wall is connected to another end of the first positioning portion. There is a first accommodating space between the second side wall and the first protruding portion. The blocking wall connects the first and second side walls. There is a second accommodating space between the blocking wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The wire winds around the first protruding portion and passes through the first and second accommodating spaces, so as to be fixed.
US08186865B2 Color light guide panel and liquid crystal display
A color light guide panel, suitable for differentiating an incident light into multiple color lights is provided. The color light guide panel includes a substrate and a color light output structure. The substrate has multiple pixel regions, and the color light output structure is disposed in each of the pixel regions. The color light output structure includes a first nano-pattern, a second nano-pattern and a third nano-pattern. The incident light is scattered by the first nano-pattern for producing a first color light, scattered by the second nano-pattern for producing a second color light, and scattered by the third nano-pattern for producing a third color light. The color light guide panel can output uniform and high luminous first, second and third color light. Moreover, a liquid crystal display device having the above color light output structure is also provided.
US08186852B2 Opto-thermal solution for multi-utility solid state lighting device using conic section geometries
A light assembly 1100 includes a cover 18, a housing 16 coupled to the cover 18 and a lamp base 14 coupled to the cover 18. The light assembly 1100 also includes a first circuit board 30 disposed within the housing 16. The first circuit board 30 has a plurality of light sources 32 thereon. A heat sink 210 is thermally coupled to the light sources 32. The heat sink 32 includes a plurality of spaced-apart layers 1140 having outer edges and openings therethrough. Each of the outer edges 1144 are in contact with the housing 16. The light assembly also includes an elongated control circuit board assembly 1110 electrically coupled to the light sources 32 of the first circuit board 30 and the lamp base 14. The control circuit board 1110 extends through the openings 1170. The control circuit board 1110 has a plurality of electrical components 1112 thereon for controlling the light sources 32.
US08186849B2 Luminous module and method for producing it
A luminous module is specified comprising luminous units and a carrier body, wherein the luminous units are connected and/or contact-connected in at least two planes and/or orientations on the carrier body with conductor tracks. A method for producing the luminous module is furthermore specified.