Document Document Title
US08355442B2 Method and system for automatically turning off motion compensation when motion vectors are inaccurate
Certain aspects of a method and system for automatically turning off motion compensation when motion vectors are inaccurate may include determining quality of a plurality of generated motion vectors. The interpolation of a plurality of output pictures may be controlled based on the determined quality. A plurality of original input pictures may be interpolated when the determined quality of the plurality of generated motion vectors is below a threshold value. A plurality of motion compensated pictures may be interpolated when the determined quality of the plurality of generated motion vectors is above a threshold value. A reduced interpolation mode may be utilized if a generated cut-off value is less than an entry threshold value and/or above an exit threshold value.
US08355441B2 Method and apparatus for generating motion compensated pictures
The present invention relates to a new method for generating motion compensated picture by interpolating two consecutive source pictures without using motion estimator. For a given pixel to be interpolated, all displacements within a given search range between former and next frame are considered and for each displacement the displaced block difference is calculated. The pixel value is then equal to the sum of each averaged pixel pair within the search range weighted by a correlation coefficient function of the corresponding displaced block difference.
US08355440B2 Motion search module with horizontal compression preprocessing and methods for use therewith
A motion compensation module, that can be used in a video encoder for encoding a video input signal, includes a motion search module that generates a motion search motion vector for each motion search macroblock of a plurality of motion search macroblocks in at least one of a horizontally compressed and vertically uncompressed field of the video input signal and a horizontally compressed and vertically uncompressed frame of the video input signal. A motion refinement module generates a refined motion vector for each motion refinement macroblock of a plurality of macroblocks of at least one of an uncompressed field of the video input signal and an uncompressed frame of the video input signal, based on the motion search motion vector.
US08355438B2 Predicted reference information generating method, video encoding and decoding methods, apparatuses therefor, programs therefor, and storage media which store the programs
When video images are processed by applying temporal or spatial interframe prediction encoding to each divided area, and generating a predicted image of a processing target area based on a reference frame of the processing target area and reference information which indicates a predicted target position of the processing target area in the reference frame, predicted reference information is generated as predicted information of the reference information. Reference information used when an area adjacent to the processing target area was processed is determined as predicted reference information prediction data used for predicting the reference information of the processing target area. Reference area reference information is generated using one or more pieces of reference information used when a reference area indicated by the prediction data was processed. The predicted reference information prediction data is updated using the reference area reference information. The predicted reference information is generated using one or more pieces of the updated predicted reference information prediction data.
US08355431B2 Decision feedback equalizer having clock recovery circuit and method for recovering clock
A Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) capable of preventing incremental increases of a jitter of a recovered clock and reduction of a voltage margin of decided data due to delay of feedback data. The DFE includes a combiner for combining received data with feedback data and outputting the combined data as equalization data, a decision circuit for deciding recovery data by receiving the equalization data, a feedback loop for supplying the recovery data to the combiner as feedback data and a clock recovery circuit for removing a delay data component from the equalization data through the feedback loop, recovering a clock with respect to the other equalization data except the delay data component and supplying the recovered clock for decision operation of the decision circuit.
US08355429B2 Jitter reduction device and method
In accordance with a representative embodiment, a method for reducing the effect of jitter in a sampled signal is described. The method comprises: obtaining a frequency-domain data set representing the sampled signal; obtaining an average sideband amplitude distribution generated by jitter around one or more principal frequencies of the signal; estimating the jitter phases for sidebands generated by jitter in the frequency-domain data set; subtracting a jitter contribution characterized by the average sideband amplitude distribution and the estimated jitter phases from the data record.
US08355424B2 Method and apparatus for multi-antenna transmission in uplink
Method and apparatus for uplink transmission using multiple antennas are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) performs space time transmit diversity (STTD) encoding on an input stream of a physical channel configured for STTD. Each physical channel may be mapped to either an in-phase (I) branch or a quadrature-phase (Q) branch. The WTRU may perform the STTD encoding either in a binary domain or in a complex domain. Additionally, the WTRU may perform pre-coding on at least one physical channel including the E-DPDCH with the pre-coding weights, and transmitting the pre-coded output streams via a plurality of antennas. The pre-coding may be performed either after or before spreading operation.
US08355423B2 VCSEL with non-circular mesa and current confinement aperture for higher order lateral mode emission
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) (100) has a substrate (104), on which are disposed first and second distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) (106, 112), each DBR comprising a stack of layers of alternating refractive index, an active layer (108) disposed between the DBRs, and an aperture layer (110) disposed either between the DBRs or within one of the DBRs. The aperture layer (110) has a border (116) having an internal boundary with a plurality of indented portions defining one or more apertures. Such a VCSEL is easily manufacturable and provides a narrow bandwidth output, as well as mitigating at least some of the problems of prior art VCSELs. Mesa (102) may be etched to be non-circular and subsequent selective oxidation of aperture layer (110) results in a non-circular current confinement aperture (114) promoting higher-order lateral modes (LP21).
US08355422B2 Enhanced planarity in GaN edge emitting lasers
A GaN edge emitting laser is provided comprising a semi-polar GaN substrate, an active region, N-side and P-side waveguiding layers, and N-type and P-type cladding layers. The GaN substrate defines a 20 21 crystal growth plane and a glide plane. The N-side and P-side waveguiding layers comprise a GaInN/GaN or GaInN/GaInN superlattice (SL) waveguiding layers. The SL layers of the N-side and P-side SL waveguiding layers have layer thicknesses between approximately 1 nm and 5 nm that are optimized for waveguide planarity. In another embodiments, planarization is enhanced by ensuring that the N-side and P-side GaN-based waveguiding layers are grown at a growth rate that exceeds approximately 0.09 nm/s, regardless of whether the N-side and P-side GaN-based waveguiding layers are provided as a GaInN/GaN SL, GaInN/GaInN SL or as bulk layers. In further embodiments, planarization is enhanced by selecting optimal SL layer thicknesses and growth rates.
US08355421B2 Vertical-cavity surface emitting laser
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser element as described herein can suppress of any dislocation, when a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirror is formed on the onto a substrate (1). The vertical cavity surface emitting laser can be designed so that an average of strain in the DBR mirror (2) and a layer thickness of the DBR mirror (2) are in reference to a curvature of the substrate (1) in order to satisfy a predetermined condition, and then nitrogen can be added into the DBR mirror (2) with a composition that corresponds to a designed average of strain in the DBR mirror (2). For example, the average composition of nitrogen can be designed to be between 0.028% and 0.390%.
US08355418B2 Growth structures and method for forming laser diodes on {20-21} or off cut gallium and nitrogen containing substrates
An optical device having a structured active region configured for one or more selected wavelengths of light emissions and formed on an off-cut m-plane gallium and nitrogen containing substrate.
US08355413B2 Policy based procedure to modify or change granted QoS in real time for CDMA wireless networks
A policy based look up procedure enables a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless network to modify a quality of service (QoS) level granted for an application packet flow in real time, e.g. in response to a customer service request, upon determination of a need to change network operations, periodically, or under other dynamic circumstances. The policy look up table identifies QoS levels and rules to identify an individual or group of users or types of applications and the associated packet flows that should be processed through a radio access network in accord with each applicable QoS level. In a typical implementation, a packet data serving node stores or has access to the carrier's QoS policy table to perform the look up and instruct a radio network controller or other element of the radio access network as to the applicable QoS level for each packet flow for a mobile station.
US08355409B2 Powered device analysis and power control in a power-over-ethernet system
A system and method of analyzing a powered device (PD) in a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) system are presented. The system includes an Ethernet interface having a physical layer (PRY) chip capable of providing a signal pulse in addition to physical layer 1 functions. The system further includes a pulse transformer, coupled to the PRY chip, capable of relaying the signal pulse provided by the PRY chip to the PD via the transmit line and a second PRY chip. The first PRY chip receives one or more return pulse signals from the PD, analyzes characteristics such as voltage and/or frequency of the return pulse signal(s), and determines attributes of the PD based on those characteristics. The attributes can include powered device validity and power classification. A method of supplying power to a PD is also presented.
US08355404B2 Method and system for an asymmetric PHY in extended range ethernet LANs
Aspects of a method and system for an asymmetric physical (PHY) layer in extended reach Ethernet local area networks (LANs) are provided. Reducing the communication rate provided by an asymmetric Ethernet multi-rate PHY may extend the standard distance over twisted-pair cabling where customer premises equipment (CPE) may be located in the MTU. Downstream and upstream rates may be aggregated evenly or unevenly over each twisted-pair wire in the copper cabling. The asymmetric Ethernet multi-rate PHY may support signal-processing operations, such as echo cancellation and/or equalization, which may be applied to the reduced communication rate to enable range extension. The reduced communication rate may be achieved by reducing the symbol rate provided by the asymmetric Ethernet multi-rate PHY. Reducing the communication rate may also enable utilizing cabling with greater insertion loss than those used for a standard connection distance.
US08355402B2 Enhancement of path quality of service in multi-hop packet communication networks
Techniques and systems for enhancing quality of service (QoS) in communication networks, including wired and wireless communication networks. Implementations of described techniques and systems can be used to provide path-based QoS with distributed per-hop scheduling for carrying traffic over a multi-hop packet communication network.
US08355396B1 Customized network congestion messaging for terminal adapters
A terminal adapter such as a residential gateway or an eMTA is configured to receive a set of signals such as a 403 message from network devices operating in a VoIP network. In response to receiving the signals, the terminal adapter provides audio information to a caller at a telephone. For example, when the caller attempts to make a call, the terminal adapter receives a 403 message which causes the terminal adapter to play an audio file to the caller.
US08355394B2 System and method for dynamic telephony resource allocation between premise and hosted facilities
A population of networked Application Gateway Centers or voice centers provides telephony resources. The telephony application for a call number is typically created by a user in XML (Extended Markup Language) with predefined telephony XML tags and deployed on a website. A voice center provides facility for retrieving the associated XML application from its website and processing the call accordingly. The individual voice centers are either operated at a hosted facility or at a customer's premise. Provisioning Management Servers help to allocate telephony resources among the voice centers. This is accomplished by suitably updating a voice center directory. In this way, the original capacity at a premise, predetermined by the hardware installed, can be adjusted up or down. If the premise is under capacity, it can be supplemented by that from a hosted facility. If the premise has surplus capacity, it can be reallocated for use by others outside the premise.
US08355391B2 Wireless communication apparatus, mobile terminal and wireless communication method
Wireless communication with a communicating apparatus that is a limited band terminal capable of receiving only part of frequencies. A frequency channel allocating section allocates frequency channels, a terminal reception quality information processing section calculates an optimal modulation rate and required transmit power for each subcarrier, a subcarrier power control section controls a level of transmit power for each subcarrier, and a determining section checks a reception bandwidth of a communicating apparatus, while determining whether the communicating apparatus is a full band terminal capable of receiving all the frequency channels in the system band or a limited band terminal capable of receiving only part of frequencies. When the communicating apparatus is the limited band terminal, the transmit power of all or part of subcarriers is decreased in a frequency channel that is adjacent to a reception band allocated to the communicating apparatus and that is allocated to another communicating apparatus.
US08355389B2 Simultaneous transmissions during a transmission opportunity
Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to enhance capacity of a wireless communication network through spatial reuse of the shared communication medium, using an autonomous parallel operation without central coordination and header frames. Example embodiments of the invention include a signaling method that defines and sets up a Simultaneous Transmissions mode between two pairs of devices to reuse a transmission opportunity (TXOP). In example embodiments of the invention, an arrangement may be made between device pairs (each pair comprising a transmitter device and a receiver device) to allow selected pairs to communicate at a same time. The example signaling method defines example signaling for setting up simultaneous transmitter/receiver pairs in a network and operating the transmitter/receiver pairs in simultaneous transmission. If a device in a setup pair detects some other transmission than that is not allowed by one of its device pair arrangements, the device ceases its transmission.
US08355386B2 Optimized estimation of power for the transport format selection of a UMTS handset
The invention concerns a method for optimizing the Transport Format Combination (TFC) selection procedure processed by a user equipment UE in an uplink communication in a mobile telecommunication network, wherein the TFC procedure during the current TTI (Time Transport Interval) at instant t+1 is performed in function of: a—the remaining power (2) measured after the TFC procedure performed in the past TTI at instant t, b—the power (4) for transmitting the E-DCH channels in the past TTI at instant t, and, c—a minimum specified power (6) for transmitting the E-DCH channels in the next TTI.
US08355385B2 Apparatus and method for managing resource to decrease inter-cell interference in a broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for resource management in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes allocating resources and transmit power to maximize Quality of Service (QoS) satisfaction of User Equipments (UEs) and a sum rate using long-term channel information of the UEs, determining a transmit power constraint per resource block using a power distribution of the resources and transmit power allocation results and control information of at least one neighboring BS, and allocating resource and transmit power to maximize the QoS satisfaction of the UEs and the sum rate using short-term channel information of the UEs under a condition of the transmit power constraint.
US08355381B2 Mobile terminal
When handover is performed from a first network to a second network, a terminal transmits a reply request message to a home agent through the first network after new configuration of a tunnel for transmitting and receiving a packet through the second network. If the terminal receives a reply message corresponding to the reply request message through the first network, the terminal detects that the configuration of the tunnel for transmitting and receiving the packet through the first network can be deleted, and deletes the configuration of the tunnel.
US08355377B2 Method of signalling uplink information
A method of signaling on a downlink, information regarding scheduling resources allocated in uplink, is provided, wherein the information is contained in an uplink scheduling information message, which is formatted to contain a subset of content of any subsequent uplink scheduling information message in an ordered set of message formats. Each uplink scheduling information message selected from the set is punctured into a symbol of a downlink user data allocation.
US08355375B2 Mobile communications system, handover controlling method, radio network controller, and mobile terminal
A radio network controller constructed to divide a plurality of base stations into a group of base stations included in an E-DCH active set and a group of base stations included in an active set for soft handovers according to a status of reception of data in each of the plurality of base stations.
US08355372B2 Transmission mode and rate selection for a wireless communication system
To select a transmission mode to use for a data transmission via a MIMO channel from station A to station B, station A obtains channel information used for spatial processing and determines the age of this information. Station A selects one of multiple transmission modes based on the age of the channel information and possibly other information (e.g., the fading characteristic of the MIMO channel). To select rate(s) to use for the data transmission, station A obtains channel state information (CSI) indicative of the received signal quality for the MIMO channel, e.g., received SNRs or “initial” rates. Station A determines the age of the CSI and selects one or more “final” rates based on the CSI, the age of the CSI, the selected transmission mode, and possibly other information. Station A processes data in accordance with the selected transmission mode and final rate(s) and transmits the processed data to station B.
US08355354B2 Local and wide-area transmissions in a wireless broadcast network
To broadcast different types of transmission having different tiers of coverage in a wireless broadcast network, each base station processes data for a wide-area transmission in accordance with a first mode (or coding and modulation scheme) to generate data symbols for the wide-area transmission and processes data for a local transmission in accordance with a second mode to generate data symbols for the local transmission. The first and second modes are selected based on the desired coverage for wide-area and local transmissions, respectively. The base station also generates pilots and overhead information for local and wide-area transmissions. The data, pilots, and overhead information for local and wide-area transmissions are multiplexed onto their transmission spans, which may be different sets of frequency subbands, different time segments, or different groups of subbands in different time segments. More than two different types of transmission may also be multiplexed and broadcast.
US08355347B2 Creating multipoint-to-multipoint MPLS trees in an inter-domain environment
In one embodiment, a method is provided. A first root node of a first Multipoint-to-Multipoint (MP2MP) Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) tree, advertises to a second root node of a second MP2MP MPLS tree a first label for the second root node to use to send multicast traffic to the first MP2MP MPLS tree. The first root node receives a second label from the second root node for the first root node to use to send multicast traffic to the second MP2MP MPLS tree. Communications are carried out between the first MP2MP MPLS tree and the second MP2MP MPLS tree using the first label and the second label. In another embodiment, apparatus are also provided.
US08355341B2 Delay time measurement apparatus, storage medium storing delay time measurement program and network system
A CPU executes a process including determining a core node among plural relay nodes on a basis of route information, acquiring a first and a second packets flowing between a server and a terminal apparatus, the second packet being transmitted on a basis of the first packet, calculating a first delay time on a basis of the first and the second packets, the first delay time relating to packet transmission between the server and the terminal apparatus, transmitting a third packet to the core node, receiving a response to the third packet from the core node, calculating a second delay time on a basis of the third packet and the response, the second delay time being a delay time of the core node, and calculating a third delay time being a delay time of an end node on a basis of the first and the second delay times.
US08355339B2 Signal analyzer
A signal analyzer for facilitating observation of a relative value, i.e., the quantity of variation in power between slots, at the time of analyzing the power of a signal which is to be measured and subjected to power control in units of slot. An analyzing section detects the power value of every slot of a signal which is to be measured and received at a receiving section, and calculates the relative value of the power value between each slot and a slot separated therefrom by a predetermined number. A display control section displays the relative values thus calculated as a graph at a display section by arranging them continuously in time series.
US08355338B2 Method of processing sequential information in packets streamed over a network
A method of processing sequential information in near real-time data packets streamed over a network includes providing a process running according to a process clock. The process buffers and decodes the streamed data packets. The speed of the process clock is dynamically controlled in accordance with a receipt time value of a data packet. The speed of the process clock is run faster or slower than a system clock.
US08355335B2 Managing the audio-signal loss plan of a telecommunications network
A method is disclosed that enables the monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of a telecommunications network's audio-signal loss plan. The method can be implemented at a data-collection server, in which the server accumulates voice-quality measurement statistics from various nodes in the network. Such nodes include telecommunications endpoints, media gateways, private-branch exchanges, teleconference bridges, and so forth. The different types of statistics that can be acquired include voice activity detection, average speech level, average noise level, and so forth. The server accumulates the statistical data from the various nodes for multiple calls and over an extended period of time. The server is also able to compare the statistics against a theoretical model that is a function of the loss plan, at least in part. For example, the comparisons that the data-collection server performs can be used to determine why certain calls have been reported as having unsatisfactory quality.
US08355325B2 Control method, system and function entity for reporting bearer event of signaling IP flow
A control method, system and function entity for reporting a bearer event of a signaling IP flow are provided. A 5-tuple is generated for a signaling IP flow and a media IP flow so as to unify a mechanism for reporting a signaling path status and a mechanism for reporting a bearer event of a media IP flow, so that the mechanism for reporting a signaling path status is not limited by the parameter of Flow Usage, the PDP context with a signaling tag, thereby establishing corresponding PCC rules for signaling and the association between a signaling IP flow and a bearer. A method for reporting a signaling path status is further provided in the invention. In the method, for a default PDP context or a PDP context of a signaling IP flow, the predefined PCC rules are activated or signaling PCC rules generated in accordance with an Application Function address are installed, thereby an IP signaling path status is reported in accordance with rule names of the predefine PCC rules or the signaling PCC rules.
US08355315B2 Failure protection for P2MP tunnel tail-end node
In one embodiment, a primary tail-end node (PTE) of a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) tunnel selects a backup tail-end node (BTE) from one or more BTEs that are configured to forward traffic to a same multicast network as the PTE. The PTE then determines a branching node of the P2MP tunnel to reach the PTE and the selected BTE, and notifies the branching node of the selected BTE. In response, the branching node establishes a backup tunnel to the selected BTE, and redirects P2MP traffic onto the backup tunnel to the selected BTE in response to a detected failure of the PTE.
US08355314B2 Method and apparatus for re-routing calls in a packet network during failures
Method and apparatus for re-routing a call in a packet network during failures is described. In one example, a failure condition is detected for a destination endpoint for the call. At least one alternative endpoint address is identified from an alternative routing plan registered with the packet network in response to the failure condition. For example, various alternative routing plans may be registered with the packet network and stored in a database. Each of the alternative routing plans may include alternative endpoint address data for a plurality of endpoint devices. The database may be queried using the destination endpoint as an index value and the at least one alternative endpoint address may be retrieved. The call is then routed to the at least one alternative endpoint address.
US08355312B2 Information recording medium, method and apparatus for recording and reproducing information
An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.
US08355311B2 Hybrid optical disc
An optical storage medium (20) comprises a first data layer (21), for example a Blu-ray (BD) data layer. In addition, the optical storage medium (20) comprises a second data layer (23), for example a DVD data layer. The second data layer (23) is bonded to a substrate (25) using a third layer (27). The third layer (27) comprises an adhesive layer combined with a reactive layer. A reactive agent contained in the reactive layer acts to provide a limited lifetime to the data contained in the second layer (23). The second data layer (23) (i.e. having a limited lifetime) contains access data for controlling access to at least some of the data contained on the first data layer (21). In this way, access to a BD layer can be controlled by a separate DVD layer having a limited lifetime.
US08355303B2 Super-resolution optical disc reader and read method optimized through reflectivity measurement
The invention relates to the field of the optical recording of information on a medium, such as an optical disc. To read an optical disc in super-resolution mode, a procedure for optimizing the power of the read laser beam is implemented. This optimization is based on the observation that a correlation exists between the power allowing the disc to be read without risk in super-resolution mode and the reflectivity of the sensitive layer containing the information. The reflectivity of the optical disc is measured for several power levels of the read laser, a critical power is determined on the basis of the reflectivity measurements made, and a read power sufficiently above the critical power, so as to be well outside a range of power levels entailing risks, is selected according to the critical power.
US08355301B2 Disc transportation mechanism and disk processing device
A disc transportation mechanism for a disc processing device holds and transports discs by gripping the center hole of the disc. The disc transportation mechanism has a hole position detector and a position adjustment mechanism. The hole position detector detects the position of the center hole in a disc discharged to a disc transfer position from a label printer. The position adjustment mechanism can change the position of the gripping mechanism on the arm. After moving the arm to the disc transfer position, the transportation mechanism control unit controls the arm moving mechanism and/or position adjustment mechanism based on the detected position of the center hole to move the gripping mechanism to a picking position where it can grip the disc. The gripping mechanism can therefore correctly grip the disc even when the disc is not correctly discharged to the disc transfer position, and label damage can therefore be prevented.
US08355290B2 Semiconductor memory and system
A semiconductor memory includes a plurality of memory cells, a refresh request generator circuit for generating a refresh request signal to refresh the plurality of memory cells based on a number of clock cycles elapsed in a clock signal, a clock cycle detector circuit for detecting the clock cycle of the clock signal, and a refresh controller circuit for controlling a number of memory cells to refresh from among the plurality of memory cells, in accordance with the detected clock cycle.
US08355289B2 Memory device, semiconductor memory device and control method thereof
A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array, first and second bit lines, first and second amplifiers, and a sense amplifier control circuit. An amplifying element in the first sense amplifier amplifiers the signal of the first bit line and converts it into an output current. The second bit line is selectively connected to the first bit line via the first sense amplifier. A signal voltage decision unit in the second sense amplifier determines the signal level of the second bit line being supplied with the output current. The sense amplifier control circuit controls connection between the amplifying element and the unit in accordance with a determination timing, which switches the above connection from a connected state to a disconnected state at a first timing in a normal operation and switches in the same manner at a delayed second timing in a refresh operation.
US08355287B2 Method and apparatus for operation of a NAND-like dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory device
A method and apparatus for operation for the NAND-like dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells begins by erasing, verifying over-erasing the threshold voltage level of the erased charge retaining transistors to an erased threshold voltage level. Then method progresses by programming one of two charge retaining transistors of the NAND-like dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells to a first programmed threshold voltage level, and programming the other of the two charge retaining transistors of the NAND-like dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells to the first programmed threshold voltage level or to a second programmed threshold voltage level. Combinations of the erased threshold voltage level and the first and second programmed threshold voltage levels determine an internal data state of the NAND-like dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells which are then decoded to ascertain the external data logical state.
US08355285B2 Method and system for adaptively finding reference voltages for reading data from a MLC flash memory
A method and system for adaptively finding reference voltages for reading data from a multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a first total number of cells of the flash memory above a first threshold voltage in a shifted threshold voltage distribution is provided. Search to find a second threshold voltage such that a second total number of the cells above the second threshold voltage is approximate to the first total number. An initial reference voltage or voltages of the initial threshold voltage distribution are shifted with an amount approximate to a voltage difference between the second threshold voltage and the first threshold voltage, thereby resulting in a new reference voltage or voltages for reading the data from the MLC flash memory.
US08355282B2 Logic-based multiple time programming memory cell
A non-volatile memory system includes one or more non-volatile memory cells. Each non-volatile memory cell provides a floating gate, a coupling device, a first floating gate transistor, and a second floating gate transistor. The coupling device is located in a first conductivity region. The first floating gate transistor is located in a second conductivity region, and supplies read current sensed during a read operation. The second floating gate transistor is located in a third conductivity region. Such non-volatile memory cell further provides two transistors for injecting negative charge into the floating gate during a programming operation, and removing negative charge from the second floating gate transistor during an erase operation. The floating gate is shared by the first floating gate transistor, the coupling device, and the second floating gate transistor, and extends over active regions of the first floating gate transistor, the coupling device and the second floating gate transistor.
US08355281B2 Flash memory having multi-level architecture
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a multi-level flash memory and a process flow to form same.
US08355280B2 Data storage system having multi-bit memory device and operating method thereof
A data storage device includes a non-volatile memory device which includes a memory cell array; and a memory controller which includes a buffer memory and which controls the non-volatile memory device. The operating method of the data storage device includes storing data in the buffer memory according to an external request, and determining whether the data stored in the buffer memory is data accompanying a buffer program operation of the memory cell array. When the data stored in the buffer memory is data accompanying the buffer program operation, the method further includes determining whether a main program operation on the memory cell array is required, and when a main program operation on the memory cell array is required, determining a program pattern of the main program operation on the memory cell array. The method further includes issuing a set of commands for the main program operation on the memory cell array to the multi-bit memory device based on the determined program pattern.
US08355279B2 Nonvolatile memory device and system, and method of programming a nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory includes a plurality of N-bit multi-level cell (MLC) memory cells and a controller. The plurality of N-bit MLC memory cells are for storing N pages of data, each of the MLC memory cells programmable into any one of 2N threshold voltage distributions, where N is a positive number. The controller is configured to program the N pages of data into the MLC memory cells, and to execute a partial interleave process in which the N pages of data are divided into M page groups, where M is a positive number and where each page group includes at least one of the N pages of data, and in which each of the M page groups is applied to an error correction code (ECC) circuit to generate parity bits for the respective M page groups, where a bit-error rate (BER) among the pages within each of the M groups is equalized by the partial interleave process.
US08355272B2 Memory array having local source lines
A memory is provided that simplifies a fabrication process and structure by reducing the number of source lines and bitlines accessible to circuitry outside of the memory array. The memory has first and second row groups comprising a plurality of memory elements each coupled to one each of a plurality of M bit lines; first and second local source lines and first and second word lines, each coupled to each of the plurality of memory elements; and circuitry coupled to the first and second word lines and configured to select one of the first and second row groups, and coupled to the plurality of M bit lines and configured to apply current of magnitude N through the memory element in the selected row group coupled to one of the plurality of M bit lines by applying current of magnitude less than N to two or more of the remaining M-1 bit lines.
US08355262B2 Electronic component built-in substrate and method of manufacturing electronic component built-in substrate
An electronic component is provided between at least two wiring boards. An electrode of the electronic component is electrically connected to at least one of the wiring boards. Also, the wiring boards and are electrically connected to each other. Additionally, the gap between the wiring boards and is sealed with a resin. The electronic component built-in substrate is featured in that a bonding pad formed on one of the wiring boards and is electrically connected to an electrode of the electronic component by a bonding wire, and that at least a connection portion between the electrode of the electronic component and the bonding wire is coated with a protection material.
US08355251B2 Remote exhaust for rack systems
Embodiments of remote exhaust for dissipating heat in computers or other electronic devices are disclosed. An exemplary method may include coupling branch lines to each of a plurality of fan-less chassis in the rack system. The method may also include coupling the branch lines to at least one main line. The method may also include connecting the main line to at least one exhaust pump to remove heat generated in each of the plurality of fan-less chassis to a physically remote environment.
US08355240B2 Multilayer capacitor and method for adjusting equivalent series impedance of same
A multilayer capacitor operable to allow adjustment of its equivalent series resistance substantially independent of its equivalent series inductance is disclosed. The multilayer capacitor can be used in decoupling circuits such as power supply decoupling circuits. The equivalent series resistance of the multilayer capacitor can be increased while suppressing an increase in the equivalent series inductance resulting in improved noise grounding.
US08355230B2 Extended instantaneous protection
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise an apparatus comprising: a current transformer adapted to provide a signal correlated to an amperage of an alternating current of a first phase of an electric circuit, the alternating current flowing through a circuit breaker; and a microprocessor adapted to receive the signal from said current transformer, and to cause the circuit breaker to trip responsive to the signal exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US08355228B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit having protection circuit capable of protecting against ESD and EOS
A semiconductor integrated circuit has an internal circuit having an input terminal connected to a connection terminal, a protection circuit that discharges an over-voltage supplied to the connection terminal to a power line. The protection circuit includes a first discharge circuit connected to the connection terminal, a second discharge circuit connected to the connection terminal and discharges the over-voltage to the power line, and an over-voltage detect circuit that detects a discharge current flowing through the second discharge circuit and generates an over-voltage detect signal when the discharge current is detected. The first discharge circuit is disabled to discharge the over-voltage when the over-voltage detect signal is supplied.
US08355221B1 Thermal solution for drive systems such as hard disk drives and digital versatile discs
A drive system including: a printed circuit board; a first integrated circuit mounted onto the printed circuit board; a drive assembly case that is connected to the printed circuit board; and a first thermal interface material thermally coupled between i) the printed circuit board and ii) the drive assembly case. Thermal energy generated by the first integrated circuit is dissipatable by the drive assembly case through the first interface material.
US08355217B2 Aligning structure for optical actuator
An aligning structure for an optical actuator is disclosed. The optical actuator includes a main structure, a base and an optical element disposed on the base. The aligning structure includes a bracket and an adjusting element. The bracket has a first extending portion disposed corresponding to a second extending portion of the main structure. The adjusting element connects to the first extending portion and the second extending portion and is capable of adjusting the position of the second extending portion relative to the first extending portion.
US08355209B2 Liquid lens
A liquid lens in which are contained an insulating first liquid and a conductive second liquid having non-miscibility and different refractive indexes, optical characteristics being changed by a change of an interface shape of the first and second liquids by applying a voltage to an electrode, the lens including: in a surface in contact with an edge of an interface of the first and second liquids, a first region having an affinity for the first liquid; a second region having an affinity different from that of the first liquid; and a voltage applying unit, wherein when the interface shape is changed, by an affinity force to hold the first liquid within the first region and a force to move the edge to the second region by electro-wetting, the edge can be stably held at an edge of the first region.
US08355205B2 Optical element and optical system including the same
Provided are an optical element in which a thickness of a refractive optical portion having an extraordinary partial dispersion characteristic is suitably specified to minimize flare generated by a diffraction optical portion, to thereby sufficiently correct chromatic aberrations to obtain excellent optical performance, and an optical system including the optical element. The optical system includes a cemented portion in which the refractive optical portion made of a solid material and has a refractive action is brought into intimate contact with at least one of light incident and exiting surfaces of the diffraction optical portion having a plurality of diffraction gratings which are layered. An Abbe (νd), a partial dispersion ratio (θgF), and an extraordinary partial dispersion ratio (ΔθgF) of the solid material are suitably set.
US08355203B2 Optical functional film, retardation film, composition for forming optical functional layer and producing method of optical functional film
An optical functional film which exhibits excellent optical characteristics without using an alignment film, and having the excellent adhesion property between layers. The optical functional film includes: a substrate having a property as an optically negative C-plate, and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The optical functional layer is formed directly on the substrate, and the rodlike compound forms a random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
US08355195B2 Electrophoretic display device and electronic apparatus
An electrophoretic display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate, an electrophoretic element arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the first substrate; an opposing electrode formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the second substrate and facing the plurality of pixel electrodes; a voltage line formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the first substrate; and a partition wall having conductivity which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and electrically connected to the voltage line.
US08355194B2 Combined thermochromic and electrochromic optical device
An optical device (1) includes a first transparent substrate (10), a thermochromic device (20) covering a surface (11) of the first transparent substrate (10), a second transparent substrate (50), an electrochromic device (40) covering a surface (51) of the second transparent substrate (50) and a thermally insulating volume (30) separating the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (50). The thermally insulating volume (30) is preferably a vacuum volume or a volume (31) filled with gas.
US08355185B2 Exposure head and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an exposure head including a light emitting element array including light emitting elements disposed in a first direction, a light blocking member including an aperture stop through which lights emitted from the light emitting elements pass, and an image forming optical system that makes an image by using the lights having passed through the light blocking member. An absolute value of a magnification in the first direction of the image forming optical system is equal to or more than 0.7 times and is equal to or less than 0.8 times.
US08355184B2 Image reading device, image forming device, and image reading method
An image reading device includes a light source part in which plural point light sources are arrayed in parallel to a main scanning direction, a line sensor part in which plural light quantity sensors are arrayed in parallel to the main scanning direction, a reduction optical system containing a lens and focusing a reflected light beam indicating image information of a document irradiated by a light beam from the light source part, on the line sensor part to read the image information, and a control part configured to control a quantity of irradiating light of each point light source of the light source part in accordance with an optical characteristic of the lens of the reduction optical system.
US08355183B2 Scanning speed control device and method
A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device.
US08355182B2 Image scanner and copier
An image scanner of the present invention includes a document feeder, a first scanning section, a start reception section, and a single mode execution section. The document feeder is configured to feed a sheet of document. The first scanning section is configured to scan an image on the document during movement of the document. The start reception section is configured to receive an instruction to start scanning the image on the document from a user. The single mode execution section is configured to execute a single mode to cause the document feeder and the first scanning section to perform scanning of an image on the document every time the start reception section receives the start instruction.
US08355180B2 Authenticable anti-copy document and method to produce an authenticable anti-copy document with a combined void pantograph and faux watermark security features
The present disclosure relates to a methodology, apparatus and product, of combining a void pantograph security feature with a faux watermark feature creating a resilient void pantograph digitally manipulated in an electronic format and printed through any digital platform from high resolution output devices such as but not limited to film/plate image setters used in standard offset printing, high speed commercial digital ink or toner based presses and printers, and low resolution output devices such as all ink/toner based desktop printers, multifunction printers, in which the amalgamation of the two features authenticate the other feature to produce a document security feature which is self authenticable. Such electronic format can conveniently be issued on-demand onto plain paper using any digital output device driven by an executable software, print driver and/or printer firmware application.
US08355179B2 Multi-tonal copy evident document methods and products
The present disclosure relates to a printed multi-tonal document with enhanced copy evident distortions security features and a method of printing such document. The document may include a multi-tonal background screen image area including a first set of halftone elements and a multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic screen image area including a second set of halftone elements, wherein the first set of halftone elements may be smaller in size than the second set of halftone elements. The multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic image area, when electronically copied, may appear different from the background of the copy of the document.
US08355174B1 Automated mechanical approval of advertisement copy
Methods, systems, and apparatus for evaluating an advertisement. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an electronic file comprising an advertisement; receiving one or more ad space parameters associated with a publication; comparing one or more attributes of the advertisement with the one or more ad space parameters; generating results based on the comparison of the one or more attributes of the advertisement with the one or more ad space parameters; determining whether to accept the advertisement for publication based on the generated results; and altering at least one of the one or more attributes of an unaccepted advertisement such that it conforms with a corresponding ad space parameter.
US08355163B2 Apparatus and method for performing gradation adjustment of a display image
A printing control device included in an image processing device for displaying an observed image on a display screen, the printing control device including: a printing instruction detecting unit for detecting whether or not there is a printing instruction to print the observed image; and a gradation correction information output control unit for outputting information on gradation correction made temporarily for observation of the observed image to one of a printing device and an external storage medium together with original image data of the observed image when a printing instruction is detected.
US08355162B2 Imaging with helical and circular scans
A method for forming an image includes providing a media support comprising a cylindrical surface adapted to receive media; providing a recording head adapted to scan over the media; providing image data representative of the image; operating the recording head to form a first portion of the image in accordance with a first portion of the image data while helically scanning over the media; and operating the recording head to form a second portion of the image in accordance with a second portion of the image data while circularly scanning over the media.
US08355160B2 Detection of roller eccentricity in a scanner
A method and apparatus for detecting roller eccentricity in a CIS scanner is disclosed. An image of a target is captured using the CIS scanner. The image of the target is analyzed for periodic horizontal banding. The period of the periodic horizontal banding is compared with the circumference of a pressure roller in the CIS scanner. When the period matches with the circumference of the pressure roller, an error is set.
US08355150B2 Information processing apparatus, program product, and recording medium capable of appropriately executing an output process even when uninterpretable information is included in output setting information
A disclosed information processing apparatus, which is connected to an output device, detects, from output setting information, an uninterpretable setting that is uninterpretable by the information processing apparatus, according to the output setting information used when performing output and function information relevant to a function executable by the output device; displays a page for selecting an option of an interpretable setting that is interpretable by the information processing apparatus, which interpretable setting corresponds to the detected uninterpretable setting; and makes a correction for changing the uninterpretable setting to be the interpretable setting that is interpretable by the information processing apparatus according to the option selected in the displayed page.
US08355144B2 Apparatus and method of changing printer driver, and printing system and method using the same
An apparatus and method of changing a printer driver, and a printing system and method using the same. The apparatus includes a buffer to store a print command, a driver storing unit to store a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to a designated printer, a driver selecting unit to select a printer driver corresponding to printer identification information from the driver storing unit when the printer identification information is input, and a command processing unit generate data that is used for printing by processing the print command stored in the buffer using the selected printer driver and generating an error signal if an error occurs during processing the print command. The printing system includes a host to select the printer driver corresponding to the designated printer from the plurality of printer drivers for the designated printer and to generate the data for printing if identification information of the printer or a request for a change of the selected printer driver is received, the printer selecting a printer emulator corresponding to the printer driver selected by the host from a plurality of printer emulators, and processing and printing the data generated by the host.
US08355142B2 Mounting position measuring device
For work in which reflecting mirrors (or facets (31)) to be mounted on a heliostat 3 coincide with a pseudo toroid (53), an adjustment method of, and a mounting posture measuring device for, accurately measuring mounting postures of the respective facets (31) are provided for performing mounting adjustment efficiently and simply. In a method of installing the reflecting mirrors (or the facets (31)) constituting the heliostat 3 for sunlight condensation, each facet (31) is installed in such so that a reflected laser beam (52) reflected by the facet 31 can reach a virtual passage point (52b) in a laser point measuring unit (12).
US08355135B2 Surface plasmon resonance measuring device, sample cell, and measuring method
A surface plasmon resonance measuring device includes a light source (2) which irradiates, with condensed light, a sample cell (10) having the characteristic structure of the reflectance of light that is formed in advance as a code from at least either of a substance film to be measured and a substance film different from the substance film to be measured, from a surface opposite to one on which the substance film to be measured is immobilized to a metal thin film, a CCD camera (5) which detects light reflected by the sample cell (10), and a data processing device (6) which extracts the identification code of the sample cell (10) from the feature of an image sensed by the camera (5).
US08355133B2 Biological testing with sawtooth-shaped prisms
In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for testing for the presence of analytes in a sample. The apparatus comprises a source of light directed at the bottom surface of a substrate to achieve total internal reflection and to generate an evanescent field. An array of capture elements is immobilized on the top surface of the substrate. The bottom surface of the substrate is configured as a sawtooth (in cross section), the “teeth” aligned with the rows or the columns in the array. The outer faces of the sawtooth “prisms” are non-parallel to the substrate top surface, and specific requirements are imposed on the prism light-entrance face, and the substrate thickness and refractive index.
US08355132B2 Sample adequacy measurement system having a plurality of sample tubes and using turbidity light scattering techniques
A sample adequacy measurement system having sample tubes and a housing having a receptacle to receive the sample tubes. The housing has sample adequacy measurement stations that each have a light source and a sample detector. The light source generates an illumination beam directed into one of the sample tubes. The sample detector is positioned along the tube, and receives at least a portion of the illumination beam scattered by turbidity in the sample tube. The detector is positioned at the end of an emitted beam path that extends in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sample tube unit. This reduce the likelihood that the emitted beam will pass through a damaged portion of the respective one of the sample tubes by passing the light through a protected portion of the tube.
US08355125B2 All reflective apparatus for injecting excitation light and collecting in-elastically scattered light from a sample
An apparatus is disclosed wherein laser radiation illuminates a sample using all reflective optics and wherein in-elastically scattered light from the sample is collected using the identical elements. The apparatus obviates the problem of contaminating the laser radiation with unwanted spectra from transmissive optics while providing very high rejection of the laser radiation with respect to the in-elastically scattered light. In addition, the apparatus can collect and launch light with high numerical aperture and large field of view.
US08355120B2 Doppler asymmetric spatial heterodyne spectroscopy light detection and ranging receiver
Obtaining global tropospheric vertical wind profiles by directly detecting atmospheric winds using space borne, airborne and/or ground station platforms is accomplished by a DASH interferometer in the back-end of a Doppler wind LIDAR. In the front-end of the Doppler wind LIDAR, a laser illuminates an atmosphere and a telescope collects backscattered laser light return signals from the laser illuminated atmosphere. The DASH interferometer processes return signals from the atmosphere, forming an interferogram and determines from the interferogram a Doppler shift of the return signals, which is equivalent to determining the line of sight wind speed of the Doppler wind LIDAR observation, by measuring the frequency shift caused by winds. From this determination, global and/or non-global atmospheric wind profile data are transmitted over a communications network in either real-time and/or non-real-time, to facilitate weather forecasting, weather modeling, weather avoidance navigation, atmospheric research, hurricane warnings, operations systems selections and deployment of operational assets.
US08355117B2 Method and arrangement for measuring the distance to an object
Arrangement (10) for measuring the distance to an object, comprising: a photonic source for illuminating said object using a continuous modulated photonic wave, a solid-state image sensor, comprising an array of avalanche photodiodes and a plurality of circuits for processing signals output by said avalanche photodiodes to yield data depending on the photonic wave reflected by said object onto said photodiodes. The circuit may comprise a multiplexer at the pixel level arranged so as to accumulate the signal output by the avalanche photodiode during different sub-periods in different storage devices.
US08355115B2 Positioning system, method, and lithographic apparatus
A lithographic apparatus includes a positioner configured to position a first part of the apparatus relative to a second part of the apparatus, the positioner including a motor having a motor position dependent motor constant defining a relation between a motor input and a motor output, and a control system to drive the motor, the control system including a set-point generator to provide a reference signal based on a desired position of the first part relative to the second part, and a controller to provide a drive signal to the motor based on the reference signal, wherein the controller includes a compensator which is configured to at least partially compensate the drive signal for the motor position dependent motor constant. The invention further relates to a positioner, a method to optimize the positioning system, and a method to derive a motor position dependent motor constant.
US08355113B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus restricts reduction in throughput. The exposure apparatus controls movement such that, (1) when a substrate is moving in one direction, a first pattern is moved in a specified direction to expose a first shot region using a first exposure light, then movement of the substrate in the one direction continues while moving the second pattern in the specified direction to expose a second shot region, and (2) then the respective movement directions of the substrate and the second pattern are reversed to expose a third shot region using the second exposure light, then movement of the substrate in the reverse direction continues while moving the first pattern in a direction that is the reverse of the specified direction to expose a fourth shot region using the first exposure light.
US08355112B2 Methods and systems for strengthening LCD modules
Systems and methods for improving strength of thin displays, such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display can use an asymmetrical arrangement of layers (e.g., glass layers) where one layer is thicker than another layer. Different scribing techniques can also be used in singulating the different layers. The asymmetrical arrangement and/or scribing techniques can facilitate displays that are not only thin but also adequately strong to limit susceptibility to damage.
US08355108B2 Liquid-crystal display device and method of manufacturing same
A liquid-crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate formed so as to oppose the first substrate; a liquid-crystal layer with a predetermined thickness, the liquid-crystal layer being formed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a planarization film for planarizing the surface of the liquid-crystal layer, the planarization film being formed on the surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, the surface facing the liquid-crystal layer; and projecting parts that are integrally formed with the planarization film.
US08355107B2 Display panel with photo-curable sealant and manufacture method thereof
A display panel and a manufacture method thereof are provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a sealant. The first substrate has a top surface which includes a signal transmission module parallel to an edge of the top surface. The sealant is disposed on the top surface and parallel to the signal transmission module, which is disposed between the top surface and sealant. The sealant is made of a photo-curable material and includes an inner isolation wall, which is exposed via the signal transmission module. The second substrate is disposed on the sealant and includes an inner surface. A light-shielding structure is disposed on the inner surface and close to an edge of the inner surface. The sealant at least partially overlaps the light-shielding structure.
US08355098B2 Wavelength conversion member, light source assembly including the wavelength conversion member and liquid crystal display including the light source assembly
A wavelength conversion member which can achieve high color purity and optimize color temperature according to environmental changes, a light source assembly including the wavelength conversion member, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) including the light source assembly. The light source assembly includes a light-emitting chip which generates light and a wavelength conversion member which includes wavelength conversion particles that convert the light into light having a predetermined wavelength, the predetermined wavelength being determined according to the size of the wavelength conversion particles.
US08355096B2 Illumination device and liquid crystal display device including the same
An illumination device that can reduce variations in brightness is provided. This illumination device (10) includes a light source module (5) and a chassis (1) provided with an accommodation space (10a). A light guide plate placement portion (1a) and a light source placement portion (1b) are provided in the accommodation space (10a). The light source placement portion (1b) has a placement surface (1c), the placement surface (1c) is formed such that the placement surface (1c) is raised with respect to the light source placement portion (1b) and the light source module (5) is placed on the placement surface (1c).
US08355095B2 Backlight unit
To provide a backlight unit for use in a liquid crystal display device and so on, which is capable of overcoming a problem of interference due to expansion and contraction of a light guide plate and an optical sheet and preventing a strange noise by clicking, a backlight unit includes a support plate, a light guide plate that is disposed in the front side of the support plate and emits light, which is introduced from a light source through the end side of the light guide plate, through the front side of the light guide plate, an optical sheet that is disposed in the front side of the light guide plate, and a liquid crystal panel maintenance member that is disposed in the front side of the optical sheet, wherein the light guide plate and the liquid crystal panel maintenance member hold and fix the optical sheet at one point.
US08355094B2 Liquid crystal display unit and gaming device
The present invention includes a primary display region (15a) capable of being directly viewed by a primary viewer of a first liquid crystal display element (2); and a secondary display region (15b) incapable of being directly viewed by the viewer; a backlight device (3) provided so as to face only a portion of a back surface (2b) of the first liquid crystal display element (2) which portion corresponds to the secondary display region (15b); and a reflecting section (4, 5, 6, 7) configured to cause light emitted from the secondary display region (15b) in a forward direction to be emitted from the back surface (2b) of the primary display region (15a) in the forward direction again. This arrangement enables production of a liquid crystal display unit (1) which can carry out, with a simple arrangement, a display that provides viewers with perception of depth.
US08355091B2 Array substrate and method for repairing broken line of liquid crystal display
An array substrate of a LCD and a method for repairing a broken line thereof are provided. The array substrate comprises pixel regions defined by the gate lines and the data lines, and each of the pixel regions comprises a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode. At least two overlapping strips are formed between two adjacent pixel regions, one end of the overlapping strip overlap the pixel electrode within one the pixel regions, the other end thereof overlaps the pixel electrode within the other pixel regions, and the central portion thereof overlaps the gate line and/or the data line. The repairing method comprises connecting two parts of the broken gate line and/or data line on both sides of the breaking point again through the overlapping strip and the pixel electrode, and disabling the TFT corresponding to the pixel electrode by laser cutting.
US08355077B2 Adaptive windowing in motion detector for deinterlacer
According to aspects of embodiments, a method of determining an aperture window in a video deinterlacer includes: computing a first mean absolute difference (MAD) value for a pixel based on a 1×5 window; computing a second MAD value for the pixel using a 3×5 window; and selectively blending the first and second MAD values to form a resultant motion value.
US08355076B2 Digital camera
A digital camera of the present invention has: an optical housing having a bending optical system for reflecting photographic object light entering along a first optical axis to a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis to form an image on an image pickup device; a camera main body having a containing portion for containing the optical housing slidably only in the second optical axis direction and having support portions for supporting the optical housing provided on each of both sides surfaces of the containing portion across the second optical axis of the bending optical system; and a shock absorbing unit provided between an inner surface of the containing portion of the camera main body in which the support portions are not provided and an outer surface of the optical housing facing thereto.
US08355073B2 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.
US08355072B2 Solid-state image capture device, manufacturing method therefor, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state image capture device includes: at least one photoelectric converter provided at an image capture surface of a substrate to receive incident light at a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric converter and photoelectrically convert the incident light to thereby generate signal charge; at least one on-chip lens provided at the image capture surface of the substrate and above the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric converter to focus the incident light onto the light-receiving surface; and an antireflection layer provided on an upper surface of the on-chip lens at the image capture surface of the substrate. The antireflection layer contains a binder resin having a lower refractive index than the on-chip lens and low-refractive-index particles having a lower refractive index than the binder resin.
US08355064B2 Noise reduction for machine vision systems
A method for reducing noise in an image from an image capture device includes filter the image using both an offset fixed pattern noise filter and a gain fixed pattern noise filter. Thereafter, the image is filtered using a remnant fixed pattern noise filter to reduce remnant fixed pattern noise.
US08355057B2 Joint scalar embedded graphics coding for color images
An improved scalar embedded graphics coding (EGC) for wireless HD compression is described herein. The image frame to be encoded is divided into blocks, which are further divided into color groups. These groups are encoded one bit plane at a time. The improved scalar EGC method and system uses shared grouping data among color components, but bit planes of each color are separately encoded. Further, during encoding a second-level grouping is able to occur on the splitting signaling of the groups. The system and method described herein retain the simplicity of scalar EGC and attain an efficiency comparable to vector EGC.
US08355056B2 Image processing device, imaging device, and image processing program
An image processing device includes: an input unit that inputs an image obtained by imaging; a resize processing unit that performs one of enlargement and reduction processing for the image input by the input unit as a category decision target image, so as to obtain a first image equivalent of a predetermined camera-to-subject distance; a feature amount calculation unit that calculates a first feature amount that indicates a feature of the first image resized by the resize processing unit; and a decision unit that makes a category decision on the category decision target image based upon the first feature amount, the category decision being to make a decision as to which of a plurality of categories the category target image corresponds to.
US08355053B2 Image pickup apparatus and control method therefor
Effects due to user operation are reduced in scene discrimination. In an image pickup apparatus, when performing scene discrimination based on information that includes detected movement of a subject and vibration of the image pickup apparatus, and an picked up image, the degree to which one of the movement of the subject and the vibration of the image pickup apparatus while an operating instruction is being received from a user contributes to scene discrimination is restricted.
US08355050B2 Image replay system, digital camera, and image replay device
An image replay system includes a digital camera and an image replay device. The image replay device includes an image recording unit that acquires image information from the digital camera and records it upon a recording medium, a replay unit that replays the image information recorded upon the recording medium, and a transmission unit that transmits to the digital camera usage condition data related to the usage conditions of the image replay device. The digital camera includes a data acquisition unit that acquires the usage condition data from the image replay device, and a control unit that controls the digital camera on the basis of the usage condition data that has been acquired by the data acquisition unit.
US08355047B2 Tracking device, focus adjustment device, image-capturing device, and tracking method
A tracking device includes: a first tracking control unit that tracks an object based upon focus adjustment states that are detected by a focus detection unit in a plurality of focus detection positions; a second tracking control unit that tracks the object based upon image information that is outputted by an image-capturing unit and reference image information that has been set as a reference; a setting unit that sets a degree to which focus adjustment based upon a focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection unit is temporarily prohibited; and a control unit that selects one of the first tracking control unit and the second tracking control unit to be used for tracking the object, based upon the degree that has been set by the setting unit.
US08355046B2 Object tracing device, object tracing system, and object tracing method
An object tracing device, an object tracing system and an object tracing method are disclosed, which traces a truly suspicious object even when a new suspicious object comes into an area to be monitored after a suspicious object has been started to be traced. In the object tracing device, an object-identifying part identifies a plurality of objects in a wide-angle picture taken by a first picture-taking device; a chronological-information-creating part creates chronological information of the identified objects; an object-selecting part selects an object having a selecting condition identical with that of the object defined as the object to be traced; and a control part drives a second picture-taking device taking a picture of a narrower angle than a first picture-taking device does and controls the picture-taking device in taking a picture of the selected object.
US08355041B2 Telepresence system for 360 degree video conferencing
Systems and methods for image processing, comprising receiving a video frame, coding a first portion of the video frame at a different quality than a second portion of the video frame, based on an optical property, and displaying the video frame.
US08355037B2 Optical element used in optical scanning apparatus and optical scanning apparatus using same
An optical element used in an optical scanning apparatus includes a diffracting surface composed of a diffraction grating. The diffracting surface includes a diffraction grating having a sectional shape linearly formed. If diffraction power in a main scanning direction on the diffracting surface received by an axial light flux is φDO and refractive power in the main scanning direction on a refracting surface on which the diffraction grating is formed received by the axial light flux is φref, the optical element satisfies the following conditions: 0<φDO<1.8×10−3(1/mm), and 0.5|φDO|<|φref|<1.5|φDO|, where the diffraction power φDO and the refractive power φref have opposite signs.
US08355033B2 Method of adjusting the light output of a projector system, and system for adjusting the light output of a projector system
Disclosed is a method for adjusting light output of a projector that includes compiling a switching sequence having long and short segments for the controllable elements of a display unit, a long segment being of a duration greater than or equal to a threshold and a short segment being of a duration less than the threshold; obtaining a light output adjustment measure by which the light output is to be adjusted; generating a light pulse sequence such that the duration of a light pulse corresponds to the light output adjustment measure; and arranging the light pulse relative to the switching sequence such that the activation of the light pulse does not occur during a short segment, wherein the predefined threshold is a time duration of the light pulse at a lowest dimming level such that the light pulse has settled by the time the long segment ends.
US08355023B2 Drawing generation device, method and program for electric cable housing components
To make possible using three-dimensional data of electric cable housing components to automatically generate and output a drawing that is simple and useful as two-dimensional data for clearly representing the relationship between upper and lower components. Determination controller 121 of two-dimensional data generation unit 120 converts three-dimensional data of electric cable housing components, which is read by the data reading part 122, into a line segment for each component by diagram generation part 123, and converts a contact part between components or a part where components partially overlap with each other, into an intersection point, to generate a diagram composed of the line segment and intersection point. Determination controller 121, by coplanarization part 125, shifts line segments of a plurality of components that overlap vertically on the diagram onto a single plane, and slides the line segments at a predetermined interval to represent the vertical overlap on the plane. Determination controller 121 outputs the generated two-dimensional data of the electric cable housing components from interface unit 110 in the form of file by file output part 127, and stores the data in the form of file in storage unit 130.
US08355017B2 Plasma display device and plasma display panel drive method
The wall charge is appropriately adjusted in the initializing period, and occurrence of an abnormal discharge and an unlit cell is suppressed in the address period. Therefore, a plasma display device has a plasma display panel having a plurality of discharge cells including a display electrode pair that is formed of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode, and a scan electrode driving circuit. The scan electrode driving circuit disposes a plurality of subfields having an initializing period, an address period, and a sustain period in one field, generates a decreasing down-ramp voltage in the initializing period, and generates a negative scan pulse voltage and applies it to the scan electrodes in the address period. In the initializing period, after the generation of the down-ramp voltage, the scan electrode driving circuit generates negative pulse voltage lower than the minimum voltage of the down-ramp voltage and applies it to the scan electrodes.
US08355013B2 Integrated photonics module and devices using integrated photonics modules
An integrated photonics module may include a selective fold mirror configured to pass at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner and reflect scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.
US08355012B2 Scanning method for determining a touch position of a touch input apparatus
A scanning method for determining the touch position of a touch input apparatus is disclosed. First of all, a first exposure process on light sensors of the touch input apparatus by light emitting device of the touch input apparatus is performed. Then the light sensors are scanned. A light sensor generating a signal with a maximum value is located. A region of partial scan of the light sensors is determined according to the position of the light sensor generating the signal with the maximum value. A second exposure process is performed on the light sensors. Then the light sensors within the region of partial scan are scanned. A light sensor generating a signal with a maximum value within the region of partial scan is located and a next region of partial scan is determined. The maximum value of the signal is calculated and the maximum value of the signal is compared to a predetermined value to determine whether the maximum value is higher than the predetermined value.
US08355010B2 Load cell touch control device
A load cell touch control device includes a touch panel, a plurality of load cells and a control unit. The touch panel receives a stress applied thereon. The load cells are implemented in the touch panel to detect respective components of the stress received by the touch panel. The control unit is connected to the load cells in order to receive magnitudes of the respective components to thereby calculate a magnitude, position and motion trace of the stress on the touch panel based on the respective components detected by the load cells in the touch panel.
US08355008B2 Touch component for protecting capacitive panel
The touch component of the present invention is consisted of the main body. The said main body is a conductor used for changing current. The said main body at least includes a hand held portion and a touch portion. The said hand held portion is in touch with the capacitive panel; wherein the end of the touch portion is installed with a touch component. The said touch component is made of soft material, which when in contact with the capacitive panel the contact area of the touch component is in close contact with the capacitive panel, which enables the capacitive panel to be able to prevent being damaged due to user's excessive applied pressure.
US08355006B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including a pixel array and touch sensors, a transparent conductive layer on one substrate of the liquid crystal display panel transmitting display light, a polarizing plate on the transparent conductive layer, a driving voltage supply circuit, and a signal transmitting unit electrically connecting the transparent conductive layer to the driving voltage supply circuit. A portion of the transparent conductive layer is connected to a ground level voltage source. The driving voltage supply circuit generates a driving voltage required to perform light sensing operations of the touch sensors during a touch period based on changes in an amount of surface charge of the transparent conductive layer depending on whether or not the polarizing plate is touched.
US08354987B2 Constant current circuit and flat display device
The present invention is applied to, for example, a liquid crystal display in which a driving circuit is integrally formed on an insulating substrate, and after a sampling capacitor C3 is charged with a reference current I1 and a gate-source voltage Vgs of a transistor Q14 due to the reference current I1 is set in the sampling capacitor C3, the transistor Q14 is driven to function as a constant current circuit, by the voltage Vgs of the sampling capacitor C3.
US08354982B2 Display with multiple emission layers
A display has light emitting elements, a first driver, a power source, and a second driver. Each light emitting element includes “n” emission layers formed one over another to form a color dot in each pixel. The first driver drives the emission layers to emit light or no light. The power source passes a current through the first driver to the light emitting element. The second driver individually weights the n emission layers and makes the emission layers emit light so that each dot may express a gradation level.
US08354979B2 Logic gate, scan driver and organic light emitting diode display using the same
An organic light emitting diode display, including pixel circuits coupled to respective data lines and scan lines, a data driver configured to supply data signals to the data lines, and a scan driver configured to provide scan signals to the scan lines, wherein the scan driver includes at least one decoder including a plurality of NOR gates, the decoder configured to provide a first plurality of signals, and a plurality of NAND gates coupled to respective scan lines, the NAND gates being configured to perform a NAND operation on the first plurality of signals and to provide scan signals to the scan lines, wherein all transistors in each of the NOR gates and each of the NAND gates are a same type of MOS transistor.
US08354978B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus, that includes current driving type luminescent elements, has a driving system that takes the conduction types of TFTs to control the emission of the luminescent elements into consideration. In order to reduce driving voltage and improve display quality simultaneously, the arrangement is provided such that if the second TFT which performs the “on-off” function of the current for the luminescent element is of an N channel type, the potential of the common power supply line (“com”) is lowered below the potential of the opposite electrode (“op”) of the luminescent element to obtain a higher gate voltage (“Vgcur”). In this case, if the first TFT connected to the gate of the second TFT is of a P channel type, when using the potential of the potential-holding electrode (“st”) at the “on” state as a reference, potentials of the scanning signal (“Sgate”) at the lower potential and the common power supply line (“com”) are rendered of the same polarities with respect to this potential of the potential-holding electrode (“st”). Therefore, the potential of the image signal (“data”) to turn “on” can be shifted within the range of the driving voltage in the display apparatus in the direction to reduce resistances at the “on” states of the first TFT and the second TFT to reduce driving voltage and improve display quality.
US08354974B2 Antenna coupler and antenna assembly having the same
An antenna coupler, which connects an antenna that is drawn in/out on a portable electronic device and has a hollow pipe type lower end, includes a bushing fixed to an interior of a case of the portable electronic device, a rotary support portion sliding in the bushing to be drawn into the interior of the case when the antenna is drawn in and having an upper end portion that is drawn out to outside of the case, a coupling member having an upper end that is inserted into and coupled to an interior of a lower end of the antenna, and a rotary member having an upper side that is screw-engaged with the coupled member and a lower side rotatably coupling to the upper end portion of the rotary support portion.
US08354972B2 Dual-polarized radiating element, dual-band dual-polarized antenna assembly and dual-polarized antenna array
The invention refers to a dual-polarized radiating element (100) with: a first patch (101) provided for radiating in a first polarization and a second patch (102) provided for radiating in a second polarization which is substantially-orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein the first patch (101) and the second patch (102) overlap. Further the invention relates to a dual-band dual-polarized antenna assembly (500) comprising at least one patch antenna elements and/or one set of patch antenna elements (501,502) and to corresponding antenna arrays.
US08354968B1 Boxed feed for improved high frequency (HF) shunt antenna performance
The present invention is directed to a High Frequency (HF) shunt antenna which promotes improved performance over currently available antenna solutions. The HF shunt antenna may include a shunt plate structure which includes multiple shunt plates configured in a parallel orientation relative to each other and provides an expansive surface area which may promote reduced inductance and lower equivalent parallel resistance of the HF shunt antenna, thereby allowing the HF shunt antenna to be spec-compliant and tunable by a HF coupler, without increasing the footprint of the HF shunt antenna and without reducing radiation efficiency of the antenna.
US08354967B2 Antenna array with capacitive coupled upper and lower antenna elements and a peak radiation pattern directed toward the lower antenna element
An antenna system includes a planar substrate, a conductive ground plane, and an upper antenna element. The conductive ground plane is on the substrate. A slot that is free of conductive material extends through the ground plane to define a lower antenna element from a portion of the ground plane. The upper antenna element is spaced apart and overlies at least a portion of the lower antenna element. A first location of the upper antenna element is electrically connected to the ground plane and a spaced apart second location of the upper antenna element is electrically connected to an antenna feed element. The upper antenna element is configured to electrically resonate responsive to a defined RF signal. The lower antenna element is configured to resonate through capacitive coupling to the resonating upper antenna element.
US08354957B2 Autonomous orbit propagation system and method
A method of predicting a location of a satellite is provided wherein the GPS device, based on previously received information about the position of a satellite, such as an ephemeris, generates a correction acceleration of the satellite that can be used to predict the position of the satellite outside of the time frame in which the previously received information was valid. The calculations can be performed entirely on the GPS device, and do not require assistance from a server. However, if assistance from a server is available to the GPS device, the assistance information can be used to increase the accuracy of the predicted position.
US08354954B2 Systems and methods for collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles
Systems and methods for collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for collision avoidance system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method including scanning for objects within a preselected range of the UAV using a plurality of phased array radar sensors, receiving scan information from each of the plurality of phased array radar sensors, wherein the scan information includes information indicative of objects detected within the preselected range of the UAV, determining maneuver information including whether to change a flight path of the UAV based on the scan information, and sending the maneuver information to a flight control circuitry of the UAV.
US08354947B2 Signal processing apparatus with sigma-delta modulating block collaborating with notch filtering block and related signal processing method thereof
One signal processing apparatus includes a sigma-delta modulating block and a notch filtering block. The sigma-delta modulating block is arranged to perform a sigma-delta modulation upon a signal input and accordingly generate a signal output. The notch filtering block is arranged to perform a notch filtering operation upon the signal output for generating a filtered signal output. Another signal processing apparatus includes a sigma-delta modulating block and a notch filtering block. The sigma-delta modulating block is arranged to perform a sigma-delta modulation upon a signal input and accordingly generate a signal output. The notch filtering block is enabled for performing a notch filtering operation upon the signal output when the signal processing apparatus operates in a first operational mode, and the notch filtering block is disabled when the signal processing apparatus operates in a second operational mode.
US08354944B2 Night vision device
A night vision device for a vehicle is provided, in which a travel path that is set or is to be set is inserted in an image recorded by a camera, the travel path being determined from an evaluation of a location-finding or travel direction sensor.
US08354942B2 Server-based warning of hazards
A hazard warning unit for a vehicle for detecting hazards and for warning about hazards is disclosed, which hazard warning unit has a plurality of sensing units for sensing measured values, and an analysis unit for analyzing the measured values. If a hazard is detected, a hazard message is transferred to a central server which can then communicate said hazard message to other vehicles. The hazard information can also be buffered by the server.
US08354930B1 Locator and customer service apparatus and method
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor, at least one storage means connected to the processor and at least one locator unit connected to the processor. An apparatus comprising: a case and at least one locator unit connected to the case. A method comprising: using at least one processor connected to a device to perform any of the following: determining the device's location, and communicating the location to a central station.
US08354924B1 Waterproof audio receiving device with object detection system
A system for facilitating the instructional training of a swimmer wherein the system is further operable to provide object detection to the swimmer of an object within the general movement path of the swimmer. The system further includes a transmitter wherein the transmitter is configured to broadcast at least two audio signals. A receiver is operably coupled to the transmitter utilizing a wireless frequency. The receiver further includes a left earpiece and a right earpiece that have intermediate therebetween two headbands for releasably securing the receiver to the head of the swimmer. The receiver further includes a plurality of sensors mounted to the first headband that are configured to generate and receive sound pulses in order to detect an object within the general movement path of the user.
US08354922B2 Vehicle comprising at least one assembled entity and use of a measurement system
A vehicle comprising at least one mounted assembly, comprising a wheel and a tire, and an element consisting partially of polymer compounds, said mounted assembly comprising at least one wireless system for measuring a physical parameter of the tire by surface acoustic wave technology or volume acoustic wave technology, at least one area of said element being at a constant distance from the mounted assembly during use of the vehicle. An interrogation antenna is associated with said area of said element.
US08354914B2 Reduced power electronic lock system
An electronic lock system including an electronic lock disposed in a door and a device external to the door disposed for wirelessly providing power to the electronic lock.
US08354911B2 Segmented core transformer
The transformer (10) comprises a core (12), a primary winding (14) and a secondary winding 16. The core comprises an elongate limb (13) having a main axis (15) and comprising a plurality of segments (12.1 to 12.n) of a magnetic material and gaps (18.1 to 18.n−1) between segments arranged in alternating relationship along the main axis (15). The main axis (15) is parallel to a direction of a magnetic field in the limb (13). Each gap has a linear segment separating extent (gj which is parallel to the main axis (15). The value of n is larger than three and the gaps are filled with an isolation medium (20).
US08354908B2 Cylindrical magnetic levitation stage
The present invention provides a cylindrical magnetic levitation stage which includes a cylindrical substrate used to form micro-patterns of various arbitrary shapes on a large-area semiconductor substrate or display panel substrate, a cylindrical substrate, a combination of a first permanent magnet array and a first coil array and a combination of a first permanent magnet array and a first coil array, which are coupled to the cylindrical substrate, so that levitation, axial translation and rotation of the cylindrical substrate can be made finely through the control of a magnetic force generated by the interaction between a magnetic field generated by electric current applied to the coil arrays and a magnetic field generated from the permanent magnet arrays corresponding to the coil arrays.
US08354903B1 Meter disconnect relay
In one aspect, a meter disconnect relay is described that is comprised of a base, an actuator, a shuttle and one or more disconnect switches. The shuttle is operably connected to and moved by a plunger of the actuator. The one or more disconnect switches can be opened or closed by movement of the shuttle, wherein each disconnect switch is comprised of a rigid, conductive bridging section comprising at least two contacts; a conductive source portion having a source contact and a conductive load portion having a load contact.
US08354901B1 Thermally tolerant anchor configuration for a circular cantilever
A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) includes a substrate onto which a first conductive pad and a second conductive pad are formed. A conductive anchor coupled to the first conductive pad is a semi-circular frame that includes a first radial tab and a second radial tab. A conductive cantilever disc has a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion of the conductive cantilever disc is coupled to the first radial tab and the second radial tab of the conductive anchor. The second end portion of the conductive cantilever disc is suspended over the second conductive pad with the middle portion being between the first end portion and the second end portion. A conductive actuator plate is formed onto the substrate at a location beneath the middle portion of the cantilever disc and between the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad.
US08354898B2 Harmonic suppression resonator, harmonic propagation blocking filter, and radar apparatus
A harmonic suppression resonator comprises a plurality of waveguide resonators that resonate in TE mode, in which harmonic suppression resonator, adjoining resonators are coupled via a plurality of coupling windows. Four coupling windows 33bc1, 33bc2, 33bc3 and 33bc4 are provided between a resonant region 51b and a resonant region adjoining the resonant region 51b. These coupling windows allow fundamental wave modes of the adjoining resonators to be coupled mainly by magnetically coupling. The coupling windows 33bc3 and 33bc4 allow second harmonic modes of the adjoining resonators to be electrically coupled, and the coupling windows 33bc1 and 33bc2 allow the second harmonic modes of the adjoining resonators to be magnetically coupled. By causing the amount of the electrically coupling and the amount of the magnetically coupling to be substantially equal, the coupling of the second harmonic modes is negated, whereby propagation of the second harmonic is blocked.
US08354886B2 Arrangement for calibrating the quiescent operating point of a push-pull amplifier
A signal processing arrangement comprises an amplifier (AMP V1) that includes a stage with complementary transistors (MP3, MN3) of opposite conductivity type arranged in series between two supply lines (+, −). A controllable biasing circuit (CCS) is provided for changing a quiescent operating point of the stage as a function of a control signal (CS). A control arrangement measures an even order 5 distortion of the amplifier (AMP V1) and adjusts the control signal (CS) so that the even order distortion is below a critical level.
US08354866B2 PLL start-up circuit
A start-up circuit for a PLL includes a phase-frequency detector (PFD), one or more logic gates, a flip-flop and a false detection circuit. The false detection circuit includes a set of series connected flip-flops. The PFD receives a reference signal and a feedback signal. The PFD compares the frequency of a reference signal with that of a feedback signal. If the frequency of the reference signal is greater than the frequency of the feedback signal then a start-up signal is generated and transmitted to the PLL. The PLL increases the frequency of the feedback signal until it is greater than the frequency of the reference signal. The generation of the start-up signal is halted when the frequency of the feedback signal is greater than the frequency of the reference signal.
US08354847B2 Electrometer with in-measurement range adjustment and methods thereof for measuring electrostatic charge
An electrometer is disclosed. The electrometer has a high gain differential amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output. The electrometer also has feedback switching circuitry. The electrometer further has a plurality of feedback elements configured to be selectively and cumulatively added in any parallel combination between the output and the first input of the high gain differential amplifier via the feedback switching circuitry. A method of adjusting a measurement range of an electrometer while the electrometer is being used to measure an electrostatic charge is also disclosed. One or more additional feedback elements are selectively added in parallel with one or more existing feedback elements which are coupled between an output and an input of a high gain differential amplifier of the electrometer.
US08354846B2 Method and apparatus for reducing effect of tool eccentricity in a borehole on multi-axial induction measurements
An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium are provided for estimating a resistivity property of an earth formation. A logging tool includes a first antenna arrangement and a second antenna arrangement of the logging tool; and at least one device for maintaining the first antenna arrangement and the second antenna arrangement in proximity to a wall of the borehole. The first antenna arrangement and the second antenna arrangement may be at substantially the same axial location on the logging tool. Alternately, the first antenna arrangement and the second antenna arrangement may be at different axial positions on the logging tool. Extendible arms of the logging tool are configured to extend one or more of the first antenna arrangement and the second antenna arrangement against a face of the borehole.
US08354845B2 Method to determine parameters to control the gradient coils and radio-frequency coils of a magnetic resonance device
In a method for examination subject-specific determination of parameters for activating gradient coils and radio-frequency of a coil array of a magnetic resonance device to generate a radio-frequency pulse with which nuclear spins in an examination region of an examination subject are moved out of a rest state by an arbitrary angle, a control unit activates phases and amplitudes of currents in the radio-frequency coils and respective currents in the gradient coils in a time-dependent manner in discrete steps to generate gradient fields. In a processor in communication with the control unit, parameters for the activation are automatically calculated dependent on measured sensitivity maps of the radio-frequency coils at the examination subject. The processor optimizes a non-linear equation system within the numerical calculation of the parameters involving a desired magnetization and a theoretical calculated real magnetization. The Jacobian matrix of the real magnetization is calculated in the determination of the parameters dependent on the direction of decline of the magnetization. The matrix elements of the Jacobian matrix consist of products of individual rotations that are determined from the optimized parameters. In the calculation of each matrix element, only factors in which the corresponding parameter is associated with the time step of the matrix element are determined.
US08354842B2 Segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer, apparatus for diagnosing structural fault by using the same, and method of operating the same
A segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer capable of generating a high frequency shear wave in a structure such as a rod or a pipe, a structural fault diagnosing apparatus including the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer, and a method of operating the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer are shown. The segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer includes a plurality of magnetostrictive patches attached along a circumference of a rod member; a plurality of insulators that are disposed on the magnetostrictive patches; a plurality of meander coils, each of the meander coils comprising a plurality of coil lines extending along the circumference direction of the rod member on each of the insulators, wherein a current flows through adjacent coil lines in opposite directions to one another; and a plurality of magnets that respectively form a magnetic field along the circumferential direction of the rod member on the magnetostrictive patches.
US08354835B2 Wide range current sensing
A current sense circuit, including a voltage regulator, for detecting current conducted by a device under test (DUT) for a wide range of currents, while still providing fine granularity for detecting low/small currents. Two current branches/paths may be established to the supply terminal of the DUT. A switching device, e.g. a transistor device, may be operated to enable a first current branch of the two current branches, or both current branches to conduct current, responsive to the size of the current flowing in the first current branch. The total current conducted by the DUT may be equivalent to a sum of the respective currents flowing in the two current branches. When the switching device is turned off, very small currents conducted by the DUT may be measured with fine granularity. When the switching device is turned on, substantially larger currents conducted by the DUT may be measured.
US08354833B2 Method for characterizing dielectric loss tangent
A method for characterizing dielectric loss tangent of a dielectric material. The method includes: introducing an incident wave in a mismatched transmission line; measuring a first insertion loss from a first resulting standing wave, at a given frequency; augmenting the mismatched transmission line with the dielectric material; introducing the incident wave in the transmission line augmented with the dielectric material; measuring a second insertion loss from a second resulting standing wave, at the given frequency; and calculating the dielectric loss tangent based on the differences between the first and second measured insertion losses.
US08354828B2 Power supply with synchronized clocks and related DC-DC converter
A power supply with synchronized clocks includes a transformer for transforming an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage, a delay unit for delaying phase of a standard clock signal to generate a plurality of synchronization clock signals, a major DC-DC converter for adjusting voltage level and phase of the DC input voltage according to one of the plurality of synchronization clock signals to generate a major output voltage, and a plurality of parallel DC-DC converters each for adjusting voltage level and phase of the major output voltage according to one of the plurality of synchronization clock signals to generate a minor output voltage.
US08354825B2 Two-stage charge equalization method and apparatus for series-connected battery string
A two-stage charge equalization apparatus for a series-connected battery string includes a battery module having a plurality of batteries connected in series; a battery string having M (M≧2) battery modules connected in series; M charge control switch modules connected in parallel to each of the M battery modules; M second DC/DC converters connected to each of the M charge control switch modules; a single first DC/DC converter connected to the M second DC/DC converter; and a microprocessor controlling the charge control switch module, wherein the first DC/DC converter is inputted with an overall potential of the battery string and outputs a potential lower than the potential inputted and each of batteries composing the battery module shares the second DC/DC converter using the charge control switch module.
US08354824B2 System and method for charging and discharging a Li-ion battery pack
An electrochemical battery system in one embodiment includes a plurality of first electrochemical cells, a memory in which command instructions are stored, and a processor configured to execute the command instructions to (i) evaluate each of the plurality of first electrochemical cells, and (ii) selectively connect a first of the plurality of first electrochemical cells to a power provider based upon the evaluation while selectively isolating a second of the plurality of first electrochemical cells from the power provider based upon the evaluation.
US08354821B2 Contact-less power transfer
A unit for transferring power in an inductive manner to at least one power-receiving device, and a system comprising such a unit and such a device. The unit includes at least one coil structure configured to allow various degrees of translational and rotational freedom of movement of the power-receiving device relative thereto. This provides increased ease of use, since it is not necessary for a user to place the power-receiving device in mechanical or other registration with the unit.
US08354816B2 Power module layout for automotive power converters
An automotive power converter is provided. The automotive power converter includes a substrate, first and second electronic devices on the substrate, at least one conductive member coupled to the substrate and having a first device portion electrically coupled to the first electronic device and a second device portion electrically coupled to the second electronic device, and first and second terminals electrically coupled to the at least one conductive member. When a power supply is coupled to the first and second terminals, current flows from the first terminal to the first device portion substantially in a first direction and from the second terminal to the second device portion substantially in a second direction. The first direction has a first component and the second direction has a second component opposing the first component.
US08354808B2 Automatic detection of a mechanically commutated DC motor
In order to automatically detect a mechanically commutated DC motor, it is provided to acquire an electrical engine size, to determine current ripples in the engine size, to evaluate the amplitude, the duration and/or time position of the detected current ripples and to compare to known ripple patterns, and to choose from a known key data table a number of key data assigned to a certain engine type, when the amplitude, during and/or time position of the detected current ripples correspond to a ripple pattern, which is assigned to the engine type.
US08354799B2 Bypass circuitry for serially coupled light emitting diodes and associated methods of operation
The present technology is generally related to LED bypass circuits and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, an LED bypass circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a bypass switch. The monitoring circuit is coupled to the LED to monitor the differential voltage across the LED. The bypass switch is coupled to the LED in parallel. When an open status is detected by the monitoring circuit, the bypass switch is turned on to bypass the LED.
US08354793B2 Modulated light detection system
A lighting system distinguishes between light from natural and manmade sources to prevent the system's light source from being inadvertently deactivated due to light received from manmade light sources. A sensor converts received light into electrical energy. The system light source and/or some other external light source can emit light with a modulation. The system includes a modulation detector that can detect the modulation in the electrical energy received from the sensor. A system controller selectively adjusts the flow of electrical energy to the system light source responsive to the electrical signals from the sensor. The controller adjusts the flow of electrical energy in response to the non-modulated component of the electrical signals from the sensor. The controller does not adjust the flow of electrical energy in response to the modulated component of the electrical signals from the sensor.
US08354786B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a transistor over a substrate and an insulating film over the transistor. The light-emitting device further includes a wiring over the insulating film and a light-emitting element. The insulating film includes a first opening and a second opening, and the wiring is electrically connected to the transistor through the first opening. The light-emitting element is provided in the second opening, and includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic compound layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08354775B2 Ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer includes a case, a reflective portion, and a piezoelectric body. The case has a substantially cylindrical shape including one closed end in the center axis direction that defines a top. The piezoelectric body is disposed on the inner surface of the top of the case. The reflective portion is arranged to oppose and be spaced apart from the piezoelectric body. The distance between the piezoelectric body and the reflective portion is greater than the maximum displacement of the piezoelectric body and is substantially an odd number multiple of a ¼ wavelength of sound waves or less than or equal to the ¼ wavelength.
US08354774B2 Dielectric material for polymeric actuator, and polymeric actuator using the same
A dielectric material for a polymeric actuator having a moveable part of the polymeric actuator driven by an electric field, the dielectric material containing a block copolymer (A) having a microphase-separated structure including a polymer block (B1) and a polymer block (B2), both of which are immiscible with each other. A main compositional unit in both of the polymer block (B1) and the polymer block (B2) is a (meth)acrylic ester unit, the polymer block (B1) having an alpha-dispersion temperature of 70° C. or more, and the polymer block (B2) having an alpha-dispersion temperature of 25° C. or less. The polymeric actuator provides the dielectric material between electrodes.
US08354771B2 Interpole assembly for rotary electrical machine
A rotor (1) for a rotary electrical machine, which includes two pole wheels (2) having a series of axial claw poles (20) of a trapezoidal overall shape which extend axially from the extreme radial outer edge of the pole wheel (2a) toward the other pole wheel (2b), such that each pole claw (20a, 20b) of a pole wheel (2a, 2b) is situated in the space which exists between two consecutive claw poles (20a) of the other pole wheel (2b). The rotor (1) includes magnetic assemblies (3) in the interpole space (22). An assembly (3) is composed of at least one magnetic member (31) and at least one magnet (30), received in a groove (21) made in each of the facing edge faces of the two adjacent claw poles (20a, 20b). This has the advantage of increasing the cross-section for the flow of rotor flux towards the stator, and of enabling the same milling cutter as has already been used to make the grooves in the edge faces of the claw poles.
US08354762B2 Spring plate and voice coil motor using the same
A spring plate includes an engaging portion, a connecting portion, a first elastic portion, a second elastic portion, a first fixing portion, and a second fixing portion. The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are connected to the engaging portion and the connecting portion, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are formed on opposite ends of the connecting portion. The engaging portion defines a recess. The present disclosure further provides a voice coil motor using the spring plate.
US08354761B2 Transforming device, electronic apparatus, and power supply system including the same
When an electronic apparatus comes to a state of being capable of receiving electric power, an output voltage of an AC adaptor changes from a second voltage Vb to a first voltage Va and the change in voltage can be detected by an electronic apparatus. Due to this configuration, a structure that can detect the type of AC adaptor can be provided without adding any new contacts to a DC input terminal and to a DC output terminal.
US08354758B1 Cyclo-turbine power generator
A Cycloidal Turbine Power Generator contained within a Venturi is disclosed. The Venturi is equipped with mechanisms to vary its inlet width to control flow volume through the Venturi, and to open and close the inlet as required. The Venturi is also equipped with inflatable turbulators installed upstream from the turbine, and which extend upward from the Venturi bottom to cause a downstream eddy to reduce drag on the advancing blades of the turbine. The turbine includes a plurality of airfoil-shaped blades mounted to vary their angle of attack during rotation of the turbine. The rotation of the blades about the common hub is caused by the action of the water flow over the blades. A ring gear may be fixed to the circumference of the blade disk for power generator interface.
US08354757B2 Hybrid horizontal axis energy apparatus
A hybrid horizontal axis energy apparatus comprising a frame and a rotor assembly rotatably connected to the frame is provided. A drive mechanism is rigidly attached on the rotor assembly and is in engageable communication with an adjacent drive mechanism of an adjacent rotor assembly for rotating the adjacent rotor assembly. One or more solar devices, rigidly attached to the rotor assembly, produce electrical energy. A motor is electrically connected to the solar devices and rotates the rotor assembly about a horizontal axis of the frame on receiving the electrical energy produced by the solar devices. An electrical generator, in engageable communication with the rotor assembly via the drive mechanism, converts mechanical energy produced by the rotation of the rotor assembly to electrical energy. The rotation of the rotor assembly removes light attenuating particles from the solar devices housed on the rotor assembly, thereby increasing efficiency of the solar devices.
US08354756B2 Vertical axis turbine to generate wind power
Usage of wind turbine systems that convert wind energy to electricity is expanding. The present inventor recognized that conventional systems are not suitable for more densely populated regions, are not effective in regions having lower average wind speeds, and are not visually appealing, quiet, and expandable. Accordingly, he devised, among other things, an exemplary vertical-axis wind turbine system that includes a novel wind turbine having cup-like blades that exhibit air-foil characteristics. The air-foil characteristics dramatically improve the efficiency of the turbine, not only making it effective at lower wind speeds than conventional wind turbines, but also more tolerant of extreme wind conditions. The exemplary system is compact and suitable for roof-top and water-surface installations. Additionally, the exemplary system includes a set of one or more hollow-bore field-wound electric generators, which are not only stackable, but selectively engageable based on measured wind speeds to provide full spectrum electrical generation.
US08354754B2 Layered chip for use in soldering
A layer assemblage for a semiconductor chip having a chip body for producing a soldering connection for the chip. The assemblage is provided on a side of a chip body formed from a semiconducting material, wherein the layer assemblage is formed from a plurality of sequential metal layers which follow one above another and are produced by means of a physical coating method, and wherein a solderable soldering layer is provided between a noble metal layer situated at a surface of the layer assemblage and the chip body. In order to avoid an undesired penetration of a solder through the layer assemblage the soldering layer has at least one internal interface formed by an interruption of the coating method.
US08354750B2 Stress buffer structures in a mounting structure of a semiconductor device
A mounting structure for a semiconductor device includes a stepwise stress buffer layer under a likewise stepwise UBM structure.
US08354748B2 In-package microelectronic apparatus, and methods of using same
A mounting substrate for a processor includes a die side and a land side with a processor footprint configured on the die side. The processor footprint is coupled to at least one processor interconnect and a microelectronic die is embedded in the mounting substrate. The microelectronic die is coupled to the processor interconnect and communication between a processor to be installed on the processor footprint is in a rate between 10 Gb/s and 1 Tb/s.
US08354743B2 Multi-tiered integrated circuit package
An integrated circuit package base includes a plurality of tiers. In some examples, an integrated circuit package encloses a plurality of stacked integrated circuits that are each electrically coupled to an electrical contact located on a respective tier of the package base. The tiers of the integrated circuit package can have different elevations relative to a bottom surface of the integrated circuit package.
US08354735B2 Semiconductor chips having guard rings and methods of fabricating the same
Provided is a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate including a main chip region and a scribe lane region surrounding the main chip region. An insulating layer is disposed over the semiconductor substrate. A guard ring is disposed in the insulating layer in the scribe lane region. The guard ring surrounds at least a portion of the main chip region. The guard ring has a brittleness greater than a brittleness of the insulating layer.
US08354733B2 IGBT power semiconductor package having a conductive clip
According to one disclosed embodiment, a power semiconductor package includes an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) residing on a package substrate, where the IGBT includes a plurality of solderable front metal (SFM) coated emitter segments situated atop the IGBT and connected to an emitter of the IGBT. The power semiconductor package also includes a conductive clip coupling the plurality of SFM coated emitter segments to an emitter pad on the package substrate. Additionally, the power semiconductor package includes a gate pad on the package substrate coupled to a gate of the IGBT, a collector pad on the package substrate situated under the IGBT and coupled to a collector of the IGBT, and an emitter terminal, a collector terminal and a gate terminal of the package substrate that are routed to the emitter pad, collector pad, and gate pad, respectively.
US08354727B2 Semiconductor device and process for producing the same
A semiconductor device of high reliability and element-integrating performance, has a substrate (silicon substrate), a first trench made in the silicon substrate, a passive element layer buried in the first trench, and a first insulating film (silicon nitride film) arranged between the first trench and the passive element layer. The passive element layer projects upwardly relative to the substrate, and so too preferably the adjacent insulating film. An active element is formed such that its gate electrode, which is preferably fully silicided, has an upper end at a level higher than the upper surface of the passive element film.
US08354725B2 MIM transistor
The invention concerns a conducting layer having a thickness of between 1 and 5 atoms, an insulated gate being formed over a part of the conducting layer.
US08354723B2 Electro-static discharge protection device, semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing electro-static discharge protection device
An electrostatic discharge protection device including a gate electrode formed on a substrate. First and second diffusion regions of a first conductivity type are formed in the substrate with the gate electrode located in between. A first silicide layer is formed in the first diffusion region. A silicide block region is formed between the gate electrode and the first suicide layer. A third diffusion region is formed below the first silicide layer to partially overlap the first diffusion region. The third diffusion region and first silicide layer have substantially the same shapes and dimensions. The third diffusion region and a portion below the gate electrode located at the same depth as the third diffusion region contain impurities of a second conductivity type. The third diffusion region has an impurity concentration that is higher than that of the portion below the gate electrode.
US08354720B2 Embedded stressor for semiconductor structures
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a gate stack on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of spacers disposed on laterally opposing sides of the gate stack; source and drain regions proximate to the spacers, and a channel region subjacent to the gate stack and disposed between the source and drain regions; and a stressor subjacent to the channel region, and embedded within the semiconductor substrate, the embedded stressor being formed of a triangular-shape.
US08354715B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
According to the embodiments, a semiconductor device using SiC and having a high breakdown voltage, a low on-resistance, and excellent reliability is provided. The semiconductor device includes a silicon carbide substrate having first and second main surfaces; a first silicon carbide layer of a first conductive type provided on the first main surface of the silicon carbide substrate; first silicon carbide regions of a second conductive type formed on a surface of the first silicon carbide layer; second silicon carbide regions of the first conductive type formed on respective surfaces of the first silicon carbide regions; third silicon carbide regions of the second conductive type formed on the respective surfaces of the first silicon carbide regions; a fourth silicon carbide region of the second conductive type formed between the facing first silicon carbide regions with the first silicon carbide layer therebetween; a gate insulating film formed continuously on surfaces of the first silicon carbide regions, the first silicon carbide layer, and the fourth silicon carbide region; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film; an interlayer insulating film which covers the gate electrode; a first electrode which is electrically connected to the second silicon carbide regions and the third silicon carbide regions; and a second electrode formed on the second main surface of the silicon carbide substrate.
US08354714B2 SOI MOS device having BTS structure and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a SOI MOS device having BTS structure and manufacturing method thereof. The source region of the SOI MOS device comprises: two heavily doped N-type regions, a heavily doped P-type region formed between the two heavily doped N-type regions, a silicide formed above the heavily doped N-type regions and the heavily doped P-type region, and a shallow N-type region which is contact to the silicide; an ohmic contact is formed between the heavily doped P-type region and the silicide thereon to release the holes accumulated in body region of the SOI MOS device and eliminate floating body effects thereof without increasing the chip area and also overcome the disadvantages such as decreased effective channel width of the devices in the BTS structure of the prior art. The manufacturing method comprises steps of: forming a heavily doped P-type region via ion implantation, forming a metal layer above the source region and forming a silicide via the heat treatment between the metal layer and the Si underneath. The device in the present invention could be fabricated via simplified fabricating process with great compatibility with traditional CMOS technology.
US08354713B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a MISFET of trench gate structure, a trench is formed from a major surface of a semiconductor layer of first conductivity type which serves as a drain region, in a depth direction of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film including a thermal oxide film and a deposited film is formed over the internal surface of the trench, and after a gate electrode has been formed in the trench, impurities are introduced into the semiconductor substrate of first conductivity type to form a semiconductor region of second conductivity type which serves as a channel forming region, and impurities are introduced into the semiconductor region of second conductivity type to form the semiconductor region of first conductivity type which serves as a source region.
US08354711B2 Power MOSFET and its edge termination
Improved MOSFET structures and processes, where multiple polysilicon embedded regions are introduced into the n+ source contact area. A top poly Field Plate is used to shield the electric field from penetrating into the channel, so that a very short channel can be used without jeopardizing the device drain-source leakage current. A bottom poly Field Plate is used to modulate the electric field distribution in the drift region such that a more uniform field distribution can be obtained.
US08354709B2 Semiconductor component with improved robustness
One aspect is a semiconductor component including a terminal zone; a drift zone of a first conduction type, which is doped more weakly than the terminal zone; a component junction between the drift zone and a further component zone; and a charge carrier compensation zone of the first conduction type, which is arranged between the drift zone and the terminal zone and whose doping concentration is lower than that of the terminal zone, and whose doping concentration increases at least in sections in the direction of the terminal zone from a minimum doping concentration to a maximum doping concentration, the minimum doping concentration being more than 1016 cm−3.
US08354707B2 Electrically programmable device with embedded EEPROM and method for making thereof
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a first gate oxide layer overlying a first device region and a second device region in the substrate, a first gate in the first device region, and a second gate and a third gate in the second device region. The device also has a first dielectric layer with a first portion disposed on the first gate, a second portion disposed adjacent a sidewall of the first gate, and a third portion disposed over the third gate. An inter-gate oxide layer is disposed on the first gate and between the first portion and the second portion of the first dielectric layer. A fourth gate overlies the second gate oxide layer, the inter-gate oxide layer, and the first portion and the second portion of the first dielectric layer in the first device region. A fifth gate overlies the third portion of the first dielectric layer which is disposed over the third gate in the second device region.
US08354699B2 Method and apparatus providing CMOS imager device pixel with transistor having lower threshold voltage than other imager device transistors
A transistor of a pixel cell for use in a CMOS imager with a low threshold voltage of less than about 0.4 V is disclosed. The transistor is provided with high dosage source and drain regions around the gate electrode and with the halo implanted regions and/or the lightly doped LDD regions and/or the enhancement implanted regions omitted from at least one side of the gate electrode. The low threshold transistor is electrically connected to a high voltage transistor with a high threshold voltage of about 0.7 V.
US08354687B1 Efficient thermal management and packaging for group III nitride based UV devices
A high efficiency light emitting diode with an ultraviolet light-emitting structure. The structure has a first layer with a first conductivity comprising Al1-x-yInyGaxN wherein 0≦x≦1 and 0≦y≦1; a second layer with a second conductivity comprising Al1-x-yInyGaxN wherein 0≦x≦1 and 0≦y≦1; and a light emitting quantum well region between said first layer and said second layer comprising Al1-x-yInyGaxN wherein 0≦x≦1 and 0≦y≦1. The diode also has a carrier bonded to said first layer and said second layer wherein said carrier has a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W/mK and said carrier is resistive between a bonding location of said first layer and a second bonding location of said second layer.
US08354685B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device which can suppress the self-absorption of light propagating in a semiconductor film without hindering current spread therein. A reflecting film provided between a support substrate and the semiconductor film of the device includes reflecting electrodes that are in ohmic contact with the semiconductor film and that form current paths between the reflecting electrodes and surface electrodes in the semiconductor film. The reflecting electrodes are in contact with the semiconductor film at such positions that the surface electrodes, provided on the light-extraction-surface-side surface of the semiconductor film, are not over the reflecting electrodes along a direction of the thickness of the semiconductor film. The semiconductor film has reflecting-surface-side recesses made in regions containing regions directly under the surface electrodes and recessed toward the light-extraction-surface side, and reflecting-surface-side protrusions provided in regions containing parts of the semiconductor film in contact with the reflecting electrodes and bonded to the support substrate via the reflecting film.
US08354681B2 Semiconductor light-emitting element and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor light-emitting element including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and second surface faced on the opposite side of the first surface, the semiconductor substrate having a recessed portion formed in the first surface, and the recessed portion having a V-shaped cross-section, a reflecting layer formed on an inner surface of the recessed portion, a first electrode formed on the reflecting layer, a light-emitting layer formed on the second surface, and a second electrode formed on the light-emitting layer.
US08354677B2 Organic light emitting diode display and manufacturing method thereof
An organic light emitting diode display, which can obtain a resonance effect by its metal mirror, and a manufacturing method thereof. The display includes a semiconductor layer, a dummy pattern layer, a gate insulating film, a pixel electrode, and a gate electrode. The semiconductor layer is formed of polysilicon on a base substrate. The dummy pattern layer is formed of polysilicon at a same layer level as the semiconductor layer and surrounds a light emitting region. The gate insulating film is on the base substrate while covering the semiconductor layer and the dummy pattern layer, and has recess portions corresponding to the light emitting region. The pixel electrode is filled in the recess portions, and is formed of a metal mirror multilayer including a transmissive conductive film and a reflective conductive film. The gate electrode is on the gate insulating film at a distance from the pixel electrode.
US08354665B2 Semiconductor light-emitting devices for generating arbitrary color
A light-emitting device includes a conductive substrate (320), a multilayer semiconductor structure situated above the conductive substrate including a n-type doped semiconductor layer (308), a p-type doped semiconductor layer (312) situated above the n-type doped semiconductor layer (308), and a MQW active layer (310) situated between the p-type and n-type doped semiconductor layer (308,312). The multilayer semiconductor structure is divided by grooves (300) to form a plurality of independent light-emitting mesas (304,306). At least one light-emitting mesa (304,306) comprises a color conversion layer (324,326).
US08354664B2 Light emitting device and light emitting device package having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package having the same. The light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer, wherein the first conductive type semiconductor layer includes a stepped structure having a second top surface stepped lower than the first top surface thereof; an insulating layer disposed on a lateral surface of the light emitting structure and the second top surface of the first conductive type semiconductor layer; an electrode electrically connected with the first conductive type semiconductor layer; an electrode layer under the second conductive type semiconductor layer; and a protective layer disposed on a periphery portion of a lower surface of the second conductive type semiconductor layer.
US08354662B2 Semiconducting nanoparticles with surface modification
The invention relates to semiconducting nanoparticles. The nanoparticles of the invention comprise a single element or a compound of elements in one or more of groups II, III, IV, V, VI. The nanoparticles have a size in the range of 1 nm to 500 nm, and comprise from 0.1 to 20 atomic percent of oxygen or hydrogen. The nanoparticles are typically formed by comminution of bulk high purity silicon. One application of the nanoparticles is in the preparation of inks which can be used to define active layers or structures of semiconductor devices by simple printing methods.
US08354656B2 Configuration management and retrieval system for proton beam therapy system
In a complex, multi-processor software controlled system, such as proton beam therapy system (PBTS), it may be important to provide treatment configurable parameters that are easily modified by an authorized user to prepare the software controlled systems for various modes of operation. This particular invention relates to a configuration management system for the PBTS that utilizes a database to maintain data and configuration parameters and also to generate and distribute system control files that can be used by the PBTS for treatment delivery. The use of system control files reduces the adverse effects of single point failures in the database by allowing the PBTS to function independently from the database. The PBTS accesses the data, parameters, and control settings from the database through the system control files, which insures that the data and configuration parameters are accessible when and if single point failures occur with respect to the database.
US08354652B2 Ion source including separate support systems for accelerator grids
This invention relates to an Ion gun (10) which comprises of plasma generator (11) driven from an RF source (12), a plasma or source chamber (13), having an outlet (14), across which is mounted an accelerator grid (15). The accelerator grid (15) comprises four individual grids. The first grid (16), which is closest to the outlet (14), is maintained at a positive voltage by a DC source (16a), the second grid (17) is maintained strongly negative by DC source (17a). The third grid (18) is maintained at a negative voltage, which is much lower than that of the second grid (17), by DC source (18a) and the fourth grid is grounded. Means of mounting these grids are also described.
US08354648B2 Device for locating and imaging gamma or X-radiation sources
Device for locating and imaging gamma or X-radiation sources, comprising: (a) a detection assembly comprising at least two gamma or X-radiation detectors sensitive to position, as well as a coded mask made of a radiation opaque material; and (b) electronic means for processing the electrical pulses provided by said detectors, so as to locate the source and form a bi- or tri- dimensional image thereof. The device is characterized in that the electronic means are suitable for reconstructing a bi- or tri- dimensional image of an X or gamma radiation source by applying a data processing method which combines the principles of Compton imaging and coded-mask imaging.
US08354647B2 Photoelectric chemical sensor and sensing method utilizing interfacial photo-voltages
A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a photo-voltage active material chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The photo-voltage active material is of a type which produces an interfacial photo-voltage electrical signal upon illumination. The particular photo-voltage active material chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-voltage produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-voltage produces signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the photo-voltage of the target sample versus the photo-voltage of a control sample lacking the target substance.
US08354641B2 Neutron detection by neutron capture-initiated relaxation of a ferroelectrically, ferromagnetically, and/or chemically metastable material
A system for detecting radiation using an array of cells containing a metastable material together with sensing apparatus and display apparatus.
US08354632B2 Optoelectronic transmission system with optical fibers for transmitting signals from two different directions
An optoelectronic transmission system includes a light guide module, an optical signal source, an optical fiber, and a light detector. The light guide module includes a light guide body, and a lens formed on the light guide body. The optical signal source emits output optical signals towards the light guide body. The light guide body reflects and directs the output optical signals towards the lens. The optical fiber includes a first end and an opposing second end. The optical fiber transmits the output optical signals from the first end to the second end, and transmits input optical signals from the second end to the first end. The light guide body transmits the input optical signal therethrough. The light detector is positioned at an opposite side of the light guide module to the optical fiber. The light detector receives and converts the input optical signals into electrical signals.
US08354628B2 Luminescent solar concentrator with distributed outcoupling structures and microoptical elements
A luminescent solar concentrator including a light-guiding slab containing a luminescent material that generates light emissions in response to received sunlight, spaced-apart outcoupling structures that provide a distributed outcoupling of the light emissions through predetermined locations on one of the “broadside” (e.g., upper or lower) surfaces of the light-guiding slab, and optical elements positioned to redirect the outcoupled light emissions such that the light emissions are concentrated onto a predetermined target (e.g., a PV cell). Each optical element includes a collimating surface portion and optional returner surface.
US08354627B2 Torsion stop deployment system for airborne object
Embodiments of a torsion stop deployment system for utilization onboard an airborne object are provided. In one embodiment, the torsion stop deployment system includes a deployable element hingedly coupled to the airborne object and rotatable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The torsion stop deployment system further includes a torsion bar member, which is fixedly coupled to the airborne object and which resiliently resists the rotation of the deployable element to reduce shock to the airborne object during deployment of the deployable element.
US08354625B2 Apparatuses for and methods of forge welding elongated articles with electrodes and an induction coil
The present application relates to an apparatus for and a method of forge welding elongate articles (1, 2), such as tubes, together. In addition to electrode (12, 13) assemblies (9) for heating the article (1, 2) ends with high frequency resistive heating, the apparatus includes a coil (3) for induction heating the articles (1, 2) before or after welding, as well as means for cooling the welding seam.
US08354621B2 Glass-ceramic plates, their manufacturing process, and cooktops equipped with these plates
A glass-ceramic plate, and production methods and apparatuses in relation to the plate. The plate is designed for example to equip a cooktop, and includes, on at least one of its faces, a differentiated surface finish formed in the body of the bare glass-ceramic plate.
US08354610B2 High quality hole cutting using variable shield gas compositions
A method and apparatus for a plasma torch system having a plasma torch tip configuration that includes a nozzle, an electrode, and a control unit for controlling a composition of the shield gas flow, such that while cutting the contour the shield gas flow comprises a first shield gas composition and while cutting the hole the shield gas flow comprises a second shield gas composition.
US08354608B2 Methods for control of a fusion welding process by maintaining a controlled weld pool volume
A new method of process control for fusion welding maintains a controlled weld pool size or volume, for example in some applications a substantially constant weld pool size or volume. The invention comprises a method of linking machine and process variables to the weld pool size or volume in real time, thereby enabling constant weld pool volume control. The invention further comprises a method of using thermal inverse models to rapidly process real-time data and enable models-based control of welding processes so as to implement constant weld pool volume control.
US08354606B2 Push switch equipped with capacitance sensor and input device including the same
A push switch includes an operating member, a holding member, a detecting electrode including a plate-shaped spring, a conductive coil spring, and a wiring substrate. The operating member includes a top portion. The rear surface of the top portion and the holding member define a storage space. The detecting electrode, received in the storage space, includes a detecting portion in resilient contact with the top portion, a base in resilient contact with the coil spring, and a height adjusting portion coupling the detecting portion to the base. The amount of compression of the detecting electrode is defined depending on the height of the storage space. The detecting portion detects a change in capacitance caused when the operation surface is touched by a human body and a detection signal indicating the change is output to the wiring substrate through the height adjusting portion, the base, and the coil spring.
US08354603B2 Switching device
A switching device includes a switching appliance, a cap, at least one connecting device for firm connection of the switching appliance to the cap, and a monitoring device. In at least one embodiment, the monitoring device includes a sensor and a tripping element, whose position is variable after connection and which, when the switching appliance is ready to operate, is located in a position in which the tripping element can be detected by the sensor, the monitoring device further including a signal unit which is connected to the sensor and is used to signal operational readiness once the sensor has detected this.
US08354600B2 Printed wiring board and electronic device
A printed wiring board includes a land formed on a surface layer, at least one power supply pattern formed on a layer except the surface layer on which the land is formed, a plurality of vias which includes a first via electrically connected to the power supply pattern and a second via electrically connected to the power supply pattern and the first via and the second via are electrically connected to the land.
US08354599B2 Connection structure between printed circuit board and electronic component
Each wiring pattern is composed of a conductor layer and a tin plating layer, and includes a tip portion, a connection portion and a signal transmission portion. The width of the tip portion is equal to the width of the signal transmission portion, and the width of the connection portion is smaller than the widths of the tip portion and the signal transmission portion. The connection portions of wiring patterns and bumps of an electronic component are connected to one another, respectively, by heat-sealing when the electronic component is mounted. Respective distances A1, A2 are set to not less than 0.5 μm. Respective distances B1, B2 are set to not less than 20 μm. The thickness of the tin plating layer is set to not less than 0.07 μm and not more than 0.25 μm.
US08354590B2 Communication cable with improved crosstalk attenuation
A matrix tape with conductive segments. The conductive segments are preferably provided on two layers of the matrix tape. The conductive segments can be attached to a film with an adhesive. A barrier tape is preferably applied between the cable core and the matrix tape.
US08354586B2 Transparent conductor film stack with cadmium stannate, corresponding photovoltaic device, and method of making same
Certain example embodiments relate to a transparent conductor film stack with cadmium stannate used as a front contact layer and/or a buffer layer in a photovoltaic device or the like. The cadmium stannate-based layers may be provided between the front glass substrate and the semiconductor absorber film in a photovoltaic device (e.g., a CdS and/or CdTe based photovoltaic device). In certain example embodiments, the buffer layer based on cadmium stannate may have a higher resistivity than the transparent conductive oxide layer based on cadmium stannate. In certain example embodiments, one or more index matching layer(s) may be provided between the glass substrate and the layer(s) comprising cadmium stannate, e.g., to help overcome the optical mismatch between the glass substrate and the CdSnOx.
US08354577B1 Maize variety hybrid X8K867
A novel maize variety designated X8K867 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K867 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K867 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K867, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K867. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K867.
US08354575B1 Maize variety hybrid X03A160
A novel maize variety designated X03A160 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03A160 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03A160 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03A160, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03A160. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03A160.
US08354574B1 Maize variety hybrid X95A940
A novel maize variety designated X95A940 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X95A940 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95A940 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95A940, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95A940. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95A940.
US08354571B2 Bacillus thuringiensis gene with coleopteran activity
The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.
US08354570B2 Disease resistant plants
The present invention relates to a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, wherein the plant has an increased homoserine level as compared to a plant that is not resistant to the said pathogen, in particular organisms of the phylum Oomycota. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, comprising increasing the endogenous homoserine level in the plant.
US08354569B2 Plant acyltransferases specific for long-chained, multiply unsaturated fatty acids
The invention relates to a process for the production of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in an organism by introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids coding for polypeptides with acyltransferase activity. These nucleic acid sequences, if appropriate together with further nucleic acid sequences coding for polypeptides of the fatty acid or lipid metabolism biosynthesis, can advantageously be expressed in the organism. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of oils and/or triacylglycerides with an elevated content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention furthermore relates to the nucleic acid sequences, and constructs, vectors and organisms comprising the nucleic acid sequences. A further part of the invention relates to oils, lipids and/or fatty acids produced by the process according to the invention and to their use.
US08354566B2 Lubricating oil additive and lubricating oil composition containing same
An overbased salt of an oligomerized alkylhydroxyaromatic compound for use in a lubricating oil composition is disclosed, wherein the alkyl group of the alkylhydroxyaromatic compound is derived from an olefin mixture comprising propylene oligomers having an initial boiling point of at least about 195° C. and a final boiling point of greater than 325° C. and up to about 400° C. as measured by ASTM D86. Also disclosed is a propylene oligomer having an initial boiling point of at least about 195° C. and a final boiling point of greater than 325° C. and up to about 400° C. as measured by ASTM D8, wherein the propylene oligomer contains a distribution of carbon atoms that comprise at least about 50 weight percent of C14 to C20 carbon atoms.
US08354564B2 Production of dry alcohol
A process for producing dry alcohol (including ethanol) that comprises at least one stage wherein a gaseous feedstock, which includes alcohol and water, is contacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a water-gas shift catalyst, at a temperature sufficiently high so that carbon monoxide and water are consumed and carbon dioxide and hydrogen are produced, thereby removing a portion of the water. The process may include multiple stages; the dry alcohol produced contains 99.5 wt. % or greater of alcohol and 0.5 wt. % or less of water.
US08354558B2 Process for diastereoselective conversion of chiral imines
Diastereoselective conversion of chiral imines of the formula I to amines of the formula II where the R1 to R4 radicals are each as defined in the description and R1 and R2 are different than one another, by converting the imine of the formula I in the presence of hydrogen and a heterogeneous copper-containing catalyst.
US08354557B2 Synthesis of deuterated morpholine derivatives
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a 2,26,6-d4-morpholine derivative represented by Structural Formula (I): or a salt thereof.
US08354556B2 Processes for preparing a polymeric compound
The present invention provides methods for preparing a polymeric compound of Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention also provides useful intermediates for preparing the compound of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08354538B2 Small-molecule inhibitors of the androgen receptor
The present invention provides tetrahydropyrvinium (THP), derivatives thereof, benzoxazole compounds, and derivatives thereof. The present invention provides a method of using tetrahydropyrvinium (THP), derivatives thereof, benzoxazole compounds, and derivatives thereof.
US08354535B2 Salts of 6-heterocycle substituted hexahydrophenanthridine derivatives
The invention relates to salts of 6-heteroaryl substituted hexahydrophenanthridine PDE4 inhibiting compounds, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of pharmaceutical composition for use, e.g., in treatment of airway disorders.
US08354530B2 Process for the synthesis of rosuvastatin calcium
Present invention represents process for the preparation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, in particular rosuvastatin calcium introducing L-malic acid as the source of chirality for the side chain.
US08354526B2 Pyrido [4, 3-D] pyrimidinone derivatives as kinase inhibitors
The invention provides a class of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity, particularly Syk, ZAP70, KDR, FMS, FLT3, c-Kit, RET, TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, IGR-IR, AIk, c-FMS, or combinations thereof.
US08354523B2 Oligonucleotide probes and uses thereof
The present invention provides a dually labeled oligonucleotide probe, methods of preparing and using the same. The subject probes are particularly useful for high-sensitive nucleic acid detection via hybridization assays including but not limited to template-directed polymerization reactions.
US08354514B2 Multiplex detection of agricultural pathogens
Described are kits and methods useful for detection of agricultural pathogens in a sample. Genomic sequence information from agricultural pathogens was analyzed to identify signature sequences, e.g., polynucleotide sequences useful for confirming the presence or absence of a pathogen in a sample. Primer and probe sets were designed and optimized for use in a PCR based, multiplexed Luminex assay and/or an array assay to successfully identify the presence or absence of pathogens in a sample.
US08354511B2 Method for purifying protein
A method is provided for purifying protein having steps of loading a sample containing proteins into a column containing an ion exchanger in a first direction to allow the ion exchanger to absorb proteins; and passing a salt solution through the column in a second direction opposite to the first direction to elute a target protein from the ion exchanger. The method is proven as capable of improving homogeneity of eluted target protein without combining minute and complicated techniques for protein purification. Therefore, the method is convenient, efficient and economic for purifying proteins.
US08354509B2 Antibodies to human programmed death receptor PD-1
Antibodies which block the binding of human Programmed Death Receptor 1 (hPD-1) to its ligands (hPD-L1 or hPD-L2) and their variable region sequences are disclosed. A method of increasing the activity (or reducing downmodulation) of an immune response through the PD-I pathway is also disclosed.
US08354500B2 Cytolethal distending toxins and detection of campylobacter bacteria using the same as a target
The present inventors succeeded in cloning the CDT genes of C. coli and C. fetus, which were previously unknown, and in determining their sequences. In addition, the inventors also developed specific primers and primers common to the two species by comparing the CDTs of C. jejuni and C. fetus. Furthermore, the inventors demonstrated that these primers were applicable to multiplex PCR that simultaneously allows for the rapid and convenient determination of the presence of Campylobacter CDT and identification of species, and that they can also be used in PCR-RFLP-based typing.
US08354496B2 Isoforms of brain natriuretic peptide
Methods and materials for diagnosing and treating heart conditions (e.g., heart failure) and kidney conditions (e.g., kidney failure) are described.
US08354495B2 Process for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers and apparatus suitable for this purpose
Process for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers and apparatus suitable for this purposeA process and an apparatus for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers is described. The process encompasses the polymerization of a monomer that forms oxymethylene groups, if appropriate in the presence of a cyclic acetal, together with an acetal of formaldehyde and with an initiator for cationic polymerization, preferably in a gas-tight kneader or extruder. The temperature profile of the polymerization here is designed in such a way that the polymerization mixture, which is initially heterogeneous by virtue of precipitating polymer, is converted to a homogeneous phase at the end of the polymerization. The homogeneous phase in which the polymer is present in liquid form is stabilized via addition of deactivators.After removal of volatile constituents, oxymethylene polymers are obtained with high thermal stability and with good mechanical properties.The oxymethylene polymers can be prepared at low energy cost and their properties can be adjusted as desired via prescription of the temperature profile during the polymerization.
US08354485B2 Aluminoxane catalyst activators derived from dialkylaluminum cation precursor agents, processes for making same, and use thereof in catalysts and polymerization of olefins
Compositions useful for activating catalysts for olefin polymerization, and methods for making same, are provided. Such compositions can be derived from at least: an organoaluminum compound, a carrier, an oxygen source, and, optionally, a Lewis base.
US08354483B2 Reactor system and process for the catalytic polymerization of olefins, and the use of such reactor system in catalytic polymerization of olefins
The invention relates to a reactor system and process for the catalytic polymerization of olefin monomer and optionally comonomer(s), having one or more inlets for olefin monomer, catalyst, optionally for comonomer, chain growth controllers or chain transfer agents, and/or inert gas, an outlet for gas and an outlet for polymerized particles. The reactor system has at least one fluidized bed unit and at least one moving bed unit, wherein the fluidized bed unit has means for maintaining a fluidized bed in the fluidized bed unit and wherein the moving bed unit is provided with an inlet and an outlet which are connected to the fluidized bed unit, wherein the outlet of the moving bed unit is provided with means for displacing metered quantities of polymerized particles from the moving bed unit into the fluidized bed unit, and to the use of such reactor system.
US08354480B2 Aqueous silicone emulsion for imparting water repellency
Aqueous silicone emulsions are disclosed containing a phenyl silsesquioxane resin, an alkoxysilane, a hydroxy terminated polydialkylsiloxane, and an emulsion of an aminofunctional polysiloxane. The silicone emulsions are useful for imparting water repellency to various surfaces, and in particular, inorganic building surfaces.
US08354473B2 Halogenation processes
The invention discloses improved processes to halogenate polymers. In particular, the invention discloses to improved processes to halogenate polymers made from C4-1012 isoolefins.
US08354472B2 Fluoroelastomer composition
An ionically crosslinkable fluoroelastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one fluoroelastomer [polymer (F)]; (b) at least one ionically crosslinking system comprising at least one accelerator and at least one curing agent; (c) from 0.5 to 20 weight parts, per hundred parts of fluoroelastomer [polymer (F)], of at least one polar compound having boiling point of 150° C. or less, selected among: alcohols having formula: RH—OH wherein RH is a C1-12 hydrocarbon group, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched; aldehydes having formula: wherein R′H is a C1-12 hydrocarbon group, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched; ketones having formula: wherein R″H groups, equal or different from each other, are C1-6 hydrocarbon groups, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched; esters having formula: wherein R′″H groups, equal or different from each other, are C1-6 hydrocarbon groups, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched.
US08354471B2 Acrylic electrocoat composition and process replacing phosphate pretreatment
A coating composition, such as an electrodepositable electrocoat primer coating composition, comprises a phosphorylated acrylic polymer, The coating provides excellent corrosion protection even without a conventional phosphate pretreatment.
US08354470B2 Olefin polymer wax-containing resin composition
Resin compositions of the invention contain an olefin polymer wax having higher heat resistance than achieved heretofore, high compatibility with resins and excellent mold-releasing properties.A resin composition (X) of the invention is obtained by blending a resin (A) having a melting point Tm of not less than 200° C. and an olefin polymer wax component (B), the olefin polymer wax component (B) including a cyclic olefin polymer wax (B-1) having structural units (a) and (b) described below, the cyclic olefin polymer wax (B-1) containing the structural units (b) at 0.05 to 50 mol % based on all the structural units in the polymer; (a) units derived from ethylene (b) units derived from a cyclic olefin.
US08354469B2 Perfluoropolymer composition
The invention concerns a composition comprising: at least one melt-processible per(halo)fluoropolymer (polymer A); from 0.01 to 5% by weight of polymer A of at least one smoke-suppressant agent (S) having a decomposition temperature of at least 350° C., selected from the group consisting of molybdenum derivatives, borates of an alkaline-earth metal or of a group 12 transition metal, and mixtures thereof; optionally, at least one oxide of a metal different from molybdenum. The composition of the invention excels simultaneously in providing excellent insulating properties on meal wires or optical fibers, outstanding processing parameters for high speed cable manufacture and high performance ratings on flammability, smoke generation and fuel load. Advantageously, cables comprising said composition comply with 25/50/8 requirements according to NFPA-255 and -259 for limited combustible materials.
US08354468B2 Thermoplastic elastomer composition
A thermoplastic elastomer composition that exhibits excellent rubber elasticity, etc. is obtained by dynamically heating a polymer composition in the presence of the crosslinking agent, the polymer composition including an α-olefin thermoplastic resin (A), and an oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B) that includes an ethylene copolymer that satisfies given conditions, and 50 to 150 parts by mass of a first mineral oil-based softener based on 100 parts by mass of the ethylene copolymer, the content of the oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B) being 30 mass % or more based on the total amount (=100 mass %) of the polymer component including the α-olefin thermoplastic resin (A) and the oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B).
US08354461B2 Foamable fluoropolymer composition
The present invention discloses a foamable composition. The foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The foamable composition has a uniform foam cell size where the foam cell size of at least 90% of the foamed cells is 50 micrometers or less. The foam nucleating package ranges from 0.1 to 10 wt % of the combined weight of the perfluoropolymer and the foam nucleating package.
US08354453B2 Bupropion hydrobromide and therapeutic applications
A method of reducing the incidences of bupropion induced seizures by coadministration of a bromide salt with a bupropion salt.
US08354451B2 Treatment of microbial infections with compounds that inhibit 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase
Methods of inhibiting phagolysosomal fusion in patients infected with a microorganism involve the administration of a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting compound, such as 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC) to the patient. A HPPD-inhibiting compound administered in an amount effective to enhance phagolysosomal fusion in the macrophages or neutrophils of the patient reduces or treats the infection. Methods for treating bacterial infections by administering a HPPD-inhibiting compound and reducing the production of pyomelanin or melanin in microorganisms are disclosed.
US08354449B2 N-acetylcysteine amide (NAC amide) for the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with oxidative stress
Methods and compositions comprising N-acetylcysteine amide (NAC amide) and derivatives thereof are used in treatments and therapies for human and non-human mammalian diseases, disorders, conditions and pathologies. Pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable compositions of NAC amide or derivatives thereof are administered alone, or in combination with other suitable agents, to reduce, prevent, or counteract oxidative stress and free radical oxidant formation and overproduction in cells and tissues, as well as to provide a new source of glutathione.
US08354437B2 Method of using sustained release aminopyridine compositions
A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a aminopyridine dispersed in a release matrix, including, for example, a composition that can be formulated into a stable, sustained-release oral dosage formulation, such as a tablet which provides, upon administration to a patient, a therapeutically effective plasma level of the aminopyridine for a period of at about 12 hours and the use of the composition to treat various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis. A method of selecting individuals based on responsiveness to a treatment, including, for example, identifying individuals who responded to treatment with a sustained release fampridine composition.
US08354436B2 IL17 and IFN-gamma inhibition for the treatment of autoimmune inflammation
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I), and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents.
US08354434B2 Cyclourea compounds as calcium channel blockers
The invention relates to cyclourea compounds of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1-R3 and Z are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula I to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disorder responsive to the blockade of calcium channels, and particularly N-type calcium channels. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.
US08354433B2 Anti-inflammatory agents as virostatic compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) and salts and physiologically functional derivatives thereof, for the use as a medicament.
US08354420B2 Aminopyrimidine derivatives as LRRK2 inhibitors
Compounds of the formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, n. X, R1, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds and using the compounds for treatment of diseases associated with LRRK2 receptor, such as Parkinson's disease.
US08354413B2 Quinolin-4-one and 4-oxodihydrocinnoline derivatives as inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or tautomers thereof which are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and thus useful for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, reperfusion injuries, ischaemic conditions, stroke, renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases other than cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, retroviral infections, retinal damage, skin senescence and UV-induced skin damage, and as chemo- or radiosensitizers for cancer treatment.
US08354400B2 Benzoxazole compounds and methods of use
The present invention provides benzoxazole compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. The present invention further provides methods of use as described herein.
US08354395B2 Method for providing neuroprotection from spinal muscular atrophy
A method for providing neuroprotection to a patient in need of neuroprotection, comprising administering a neuroprotective-effective amount of a compound of formula I in which X is an oxygen atom or an ═N—OH group, R is selected from the group consisting of A is a hydrogen atom or together with B a carbon-carbon bond, B is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or together with A a carbon-carbon bond, C is a hydrogen atom or together with D a carbon-carbon bond, D is a hydrogen atom or together with C a carbon-carbon bond, E is a hydrogen atom or together with F a carbon-carbon bond, F is a hydrogen atom or together with E a carbon-carbon bond, or an addition salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.
US08354394B2 Diuretics
A compound having the structure (I) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of 1) and 2), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of using the compounds for treating hypertension.
US08354393B2 Film preparation and process for preparing the same
An object is to provide a film preparation comprising a polymer harmless to living bodies and being highly adhesive to the skin; and a film preparation further containing a pharmaceutically active oily ingredient and being highly adhesive to the skin. More specifically, provided is a film preparation comprising a drug, a wetly shear-triturated low-substituted cellulose ether having a molar substitution of from 0.05 to 1.0 per anhydrous glucose unit, and a water-soluble cellulose ether, and having 100 minutes or greater of adhesion ability to the skin. The preparation becomes a skin-adhesive hydrous sheet having excellent skin adhesion after it is wet with water as it is used.
US08354385B2 Modulation of TRPV expression levels
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and/or the prevention of conditions related to high levels of expression and/or activity of the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Amongst others, the conditions to be treated are eye conditions such as discomfort and altered sensitivity of the cornea following refractive surgery, use of contact lenses, dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy.
US08354384B2 Anti-aging micrornas
Methods and compositions for modulating aging genes or their targets for the treatment or prevention of senescence or symptoms thereof have been developed based on the discovery of naturally occurring inhibitory nucleic acids, in particular lin-4 miRNA, that downregulate genes involved in senescence, lifespan, or age-related disorders. Representative aging genes include, but are not limited to lin-4, lin-14, let-7, lin-28, egl-35 and lin-42. Methods for identifying modulators of aging genes and targets of aging genes are also provided. The disclosed compositions are useful as diagnostics. These can be used in assays to compare genes in normal individuals, with those who are aging well or who demonstrate early senescence, and with those who have age-related disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The genes can be used to study the pathways and mechanisms involved in aging and age-related disorders. These genes can be used as drug targets, or in drug design, to develop drugs that can inhibit one or more characteristics of senescence or age-related disorders. These compositions should be effective therapies for treating or slowing the effects of one or more symptoms or characteristics of age-related disorders resulting from activation or over-expression of aging genes. Compositions that alter the expression of particular aging genes affecting the insulin-like signal pathway are described. Suitable compositions described herein include, inhibitory nucleic acids and small molecules, in particular miRNA.
US08354380B2 NY-ESO-1 peptide analogs
Some embodiments relate to analogs of peptides corresponding to class I MHC-restricted T cell epitopes and methods for their generation. These analogs can contain amino acid substitutions at residues that directly interact with MHC molecules, and can confer improved, modified or useful immunologic properties. Additionally classes of analogs, in which the various substitutions comprise the non-standard residues norleucine and/or norvaline, are disclosed.
US08354373B2 Compounds having an isolated peptide consisting of structure (I)
A new compound inhibiting phosphorylation of Ser727 of STAT3, a phosphorylation inhibitor containing the new compound, an insulin resistance improving agent and a preventive or therapeutic agent for diabetes; and a screening method for at least one of the insulin resistance improving agent and the preventive or therapeutic agent for diabetes.
US08354364B2 Foamable composition containing alcohol
This invention relates to compositions containing lower (C1-C4) alcohol and a polymeric fluorosurfactant formulated for being dispensed as a foam product. More particularly, the invention relates to improved compositions formulated with polymeric fluorosurfactants with pendant perfluoroalkyl side chains of a fully fluorinated chain length of C1-C7. The compositions also relate to use for personal care, such as skin sanitizing and cleansing.
US08354362B2 Polymer and lubricating compositions thereof
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a hydrogenated copolymer of an olefin block and vinyl aromatic block, wherein the copolymer is optionally functionalized. The invention further provides a method for preparing a hydrogenated copolymer; and the use of the lubricating composition.
US08354353B2 Cubic boron nitride ceramic composites and methods of making thereof
Composite materials composed of cubic boron nitride (cBN) and a matrix component of various ceramic oxides, nitrides, and solid solutions of matrix materials as well as whisker reinforcements. Methods of manufacture and their use in high performance machining of ferrous metals are also claimed and disclosed.
US08354349B2 Semiconductor device having sealing film and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of wiring lines which are provided on an upper side of a semiconductor substrate and which have connection pad portions, and columnar electrodes are provided on the connection pad portions of the wiring lines. A first sealing film is provided around the columnar electrodes on the upper side of the semiconductor substrate and on the wiring lines. A second sealing film is provided on the first sealing film. The first sealing film is made of a resin in which fillers are not mixed, and the second sealing film is made of a material in which fillers are mixed in a resin.
US08354347B2 Method of forming high-k dielectric stop layer for contact hole opening
A composite etch stop layer which comprises primary and secondary stop layers is used to form contacts in a dielectric layer to contact regions in a substrate. The secondary etch stop layer includes a high-k dielectric material to achieve high etch selectivity with the dielectric layer during contact formation. The secondary stop layer is removed to expose the contact regions. Removal of the secondary stop layer is achieved with high selectivity to the materials therebelow.
US08354333B2 Patterned doping of semiconductor substrates using photosensitive monolayers
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention use a photosensitive self-assembled monolayer to pattern the surface of a substrate into hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, and an aqueous (or alcohol) solution of a dopant compound is deposited on the substrate surface. The dopant compound only adheres on the hydrophilic regions. After deposition, the substrate is coated with a very thin layer of oxide to cap the compounds, and the substrate is annealed at high temperatures to diffuse the dopant atoms into the silicon and to activate the dopant. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate including an oxide surface, patterning said surface into hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, depositing a compound including a dopant on the substrate, wherein the dopant adheres to the hydrophilic region, and diffusing the dopant into the oxide surface of the substrate.
US08354326B2 Precision trench formation through oxide region formation for a semiconductor device
Structures and methods for precision trench formation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a first oxygen-containing region in a semiconductor substrate by performing an oxygen ion implantation to a portion of the semiconductor substrate, and oxidizing the first oxygen-containing region using oxygen contained therein by performing a thermal processing to the semiconductor substrate, where the first oxygen-containing region is converted to a first oxide region. The method further comprises forming a groove in the semiconductor substrate by eliminating the first oxide region, where the performing thermal processing comprises subjecting the first oxygen-containing region to a gas low on oxygen.
US08354323B2 Doped graphene electronic materials
A graphene substrate is doped with one or more functional groups to form an electronic device.
US08354319B2 Integrated planar and multiple gate FETs
A multiple gate field effect transistor and a planar field effect transistor formed in the same substrate each have a top planar surface underneath each corresponding gate that are co-planar with one another and also co-planar with a top surface of a shallow trench isolation region located therebetween. The relatively older planar FET fabrication technology has added to it the relatively newer MUGFET fabrication technology without disruption to the planar fabrication technology and with relatively little added cost.
US08354318B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of fabrication of the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a first memory cell transistor. The first memory cell transistor includes a tunnel insulation film provided on a semiconductor substrate, a floating electrode provided on the tunnel insulation film, an inter-gate insulation film provided on the floating electrode, and a control electrode provided on the inter-gate insulation film. The floating electrode includes a first floating electrode provided on the tunnel insulation film and a second floating electrode provided on one end portion of the first floating electrode, the floating electrode having an L-shaped cross section in a wiring direction of the control electrode.
US08354313B2 Method to optimize work function in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structures
In one embodiment, the method for forming a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a first device region and a second device region. An n-type conductivity semiconductor device is formed in one of the first device region or the second device region using a gate structure first process, in which the n-type conductivity semiconductor device includes a gate structure having an n-type work function metal layer. A p-type conductivity semiconductor device is formed in the other of the first device region or the second device region using a gate structure last process, in which the p-type conductivity semiconductor device includes a gate structure including a p-type work function metal layer.
US08354310B2 SOI MOS device having a source/body ohmic contact and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of SOI MOS device having a source/body ohmic contact. The manufacturing method comprises steps of: firstly creating a gate region, then performing high dose source and drain light doping to form the lightly doped N-type source region and lightly doped N-type drain region; forming an insulation spacer surrounding the gate region; performing large tilt heavily-doped P ion implantation in an inclined direction via a mask with an opening at the position of the N type Si source region and implanting P ions into the space between the N type Si source region and the N type drain region to form a heavily-doped P-type region; finally forming a metal layer on the N type Si source region, then allowing the reaction between the metal layer and the remained Si material underneath to form silicide by heat treatment. In the device prepared by the method of the present invention, an ohmic contact is formed between the silicide and the heavily-doped P-type region nearby in order to release the holes accumulated in body region of the SOI MOS device and eliminate floating body effects thereof. Besides, the device of the present invention also has following advantages, such as limited chip area, simplified fabricating process and great compatibility with traditional CMOS technology.
US08354308B2 Conductive layer buried-type substrate, method of forming the conductive layer buried-type substrate, and method of fabricating semiconductor device using the conductive layer buried-type substrate
A conductive layer buried-type substrate is disclosed. The substrate includes a silicon oxidation layer bonded to a supporting substrate, an adhesion promotion layer that is formed on the silicon oxidation layer and improves an adhesion between the silicon oxidation layer and a conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer is formed on the adhesion promotion layer and comprises a metal layer, and a single crystal semiconductor layer formed on the conductive layer.
US08354307B2 Method for detecting biomolecules electrically and biochip therefor
The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule by monitoring changes of electrical property accurately according to the biological, biochemical or chemical reaction of the biomolecule, and a biochip provided for this purpose. The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule in a target sample, wherein the reaction of the target sample is performed under known reaction solution, in which a reference fluid having a high dielectric constant such as water is filled into a reaction chamber before the reaction to measure an impedance value or a capacitance value, after completing the reaction, the reaction solution is removed and said reference fluid having a high dielectric constant is refilled to measure an impedance value or a capacitance value, and then the impedance value or the capacitance value measured before and after the reaction is compared with each other.
US08354304B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming conductive posts embedded in photosensitive encapsulant
A semiconductor package includes a post carrier having a base plate and plurality of conductive posts. A photosensitive encapsulant is deposited over the base plate of the post carrier and around the conductive posts. The photosensitive encapsulant is etched to expose a portion of the base plate of the post carrier. A semiconductor die is mounted to the base plate of the post carrier within the etched portions of the photosensitive encapsulant. A second encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. A first circuit build-up layer is formed over the second encapsulant. The first circuit build-up layer is electrically connected to the conductive posts. The base plate of the post carrier is removed and a second circuit build-up layer is formed over the semiconductor die and the photosensitive encapsulant opposite the first circuit build-up layer. The second circuit build-up layer is electrically connected to the conductive posts.
US08354294B2 Liquid chemical deposition apparatus and process and products therefrom
A method, apparatus and material produced thereby in an amorphous or crystalline form having multiple elements with a uniform molecular distribution of elements at the molecular level.
US08354276B2 T-cell compositions that elicit type I cytokine response
A method of manipulating allogeneic cells for use in allogeneic cell therapy protocols is described. The method provides a composition of highly activated allogeneic T-cells which are infused into immunocompetent cancer patients to elicit a novel anti-tumor immune mechanism called the “Mirror Effect”. In contrast to current allogeneic cell therapy protocols where T-cells in the graft mediate the beneficial graft vs. tumor (GVT) and detrimental graft vs. host (GVH) effects, the allogeneic cells of the present invention stimulate host T-cells to mediate the “mirror” of these effects. The mirror of the GVT effect is the host vs. tumor (HVT) effect. The “mirror” of the GVH effect is the host vs. graft (HVG) effect. The effectiveness and widespread application of the anti-tumor GVT effect is limited by the severe toxicity of the GVH effect. In the present invention, the anti-tumor HVT effect occurs in conjunction with a non-toxic HVG rejection effect. The highly activated allogeneic cells of the invention can be used to stimulate host immunity in a complete HLA mis-matched setting in patients that have not had a prior bone marrow transplant or received chemotherapy and/or radiation conditioning regimens.
US08354264B2 Polynucleotides encoding novel PCSK9 variants
The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding PCSK9b and PCSK9c polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel PCSK9b and PCSK9c polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.
US08354247B2 Glycoprotein synthesis and remodeling by enzymatic transglycosylation
A chemoenzymatic method for the preparation of a homogeneous glycoprotein or glycopeptide, including (a) providing an acceptor selected from the group consisting of GlcNAc-protein and GlcNAc-peptide; and (b) reacting the acceptor with a donor substrate including an activated oligosaccharide moiety, in the presence of a catalyst comprising endoglycosidase (ENGase), to transfer the oligosaccharide moiety to the acceptor and yield the homogeneous glycoprotein or glycopeptide. The donor substrate includes, in a specific implementation, a synthetic oligosaccharide oxazoline. A related method of glycoprotein or glycopeptide remodeling with a predetermined natural N-glycan or a tailor-made oligosaccharide moiety, and a method of remodeling an antibody including a heterogeneous sugar chain, are also described. The disclosed methodology enables glycoprotein drugs to be modified for prolonged half-life in vivo, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced in vivo activity, and for targeting and drug delivery.
US08354244B2 Method for diagnosing hemangiosarcoma in canine using detection of thymidine kinase activity
The disclosure relates to a method for detecting hemangiosarcoma in canines. The method includes the steps of: (1) obtaining a quantity of blood from the subject canine; (2) separating the quantity of blood into a serum portion and a non-serum portion; (3) contacting the serum portion of the blood with a detector to detect presence of an amount of Thymidine Kinase (TK); and (4) detecting the level of TK in serum and determining whether TK is present in amounts of about 8 units/L or greater.
US08354243B2 Method for determining presence of cancer in a sample by assaying for expression of ECSA/DPPA-2 nucleotide sequences
The invention relates to the discovery of known molecule “DPPA-2” and a so-called “cancer-testis antigen.” DPPA-2 is also a possible cancer stem cell marker. One can determine presence of cancer by assaying for the molecule, and also prevent or treat cancer via administration of the molecule.
US08354239B2 Fluorescent methods and materials for directed biomarker signal amplification
Methods and compositions are provided that include a multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex for identifying a target biomolecule. A sensor biomolecule, for example, an antibody can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. Additionally, a signaling chromophore can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. The arrangement is such that the signaling chromophore is capable of receiving energy from the multichromophore upon excitation of the multichromophore. Since the sensor biomolecule is capable of interacting with the target biomolecule, the multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex can provide enhanced detection signals for a target biomolecule.
US08354231B2 Methods and systems for detecting and/or sorting targets
Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting and/or sorting targets in a sample based on the combined use of polynucleotide-encoded protein and substrate polynucleotides. The polynucleotide-encoded protein is comprised of a protein that specifically binds to a predetermined target and of an encoding polynucleotide that specifically binds to a substrate polynucleotide, wherein the substrate polynucleotide is attached to a substrate.
US08354226B2 Assay for detection of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid
Nucleic acid oligomers specific for human parvovirus B19 genomic DNA are disclosed. An assay for amplifying and detecting human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in biological specimens is disclosed. Compositions for detecting the presence of parvovirus B19 genomic DNA in human biological specimens are disclosed.
US08354224B2 MicroRNA fingerprints during human megakaryocytopoiesis
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer and myeloproliferative disorders. The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-cancer agents.
US08354211B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a layered-type photosensitive layer in which a charge generating layer containing a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material are stacked, formed on a conductive supporting member made of a conductive material, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor has high sensitive characteristics to a semiconductor laser beam having a wavelength ranging from 380 to 500 nm; the charge transporting layer of the layered-type photosensitive layer contains as the charge transporting material, a triarylamine dimer compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein Ar1 and Ar2 may be the same or different, and represent an unsubstituted or substituted arylene group or heterocyclic derivative bivalent group, Ar3 and Ar4 may be the same or different, and represent an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or heterocyclic group, R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and represent an alkyl group, m and n represent an integer of 1 to 4, a and b may be the same of different, and represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, alkoxy group or amino group; and a film thickness of the photosensitive layer is 30 μm or less.
US08354204B2 Hologram recording material and hologram recording medium
The present invention provides a hologram recording material which attains high refractive index change, high flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low dimensional change and high multiplicity, and is suitable for volume hologram recording. Also, the present invention provides a hologram recording medium. A hologram recording material comprising: an organometallic compound at least containing at least two kinds of metals, oxygen, and an aromatic group and having an organometallic unit wherein two aromatic groups are bonded directly to one metal; and a photopolymerizable compound. One of the at least two kinds of metals is Si, and the metal(s) other than Si is/are preferably selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Ge, Sn, Al and Zn. The organometallic unit is preferably a unit wherein two aromatic groups are bonded directly to one Si atom. A hologram recording medium (11) has a hologram recording material layer (21).
US08354199B2 Multi-layer diffusion medium substrate
A multi-layer diffusion medium substrate having improved mechanical properties is disclosed. The diffusion medium substrate includes at least one stiff layer and at least one compressible layer. The at least one stiff layer has a greater stiffness in the x-y direction as compared to the at least one compressible layer. The at least one compressible layer has a greater compressibility in the z direction. A method of fabricating a multi-layer diffusion medium substrate is also disclosed.
US08354182B2 Battery box and electronic device using the same
The present disclosure provides a battery box including a main body and a battery mounting mechanism. The main body defines a battery cavity to receive a battery and includes a sidewall defining a first receiving space and a second receiving space. The mechanism includes a fixing member, a shaft, and an elastic member. Two ends of the shaft are fixed in the first receiving space, and the end adjacent to the second receiving space is nearer to the battery cavity than the other end. The fixing member rotates relative to the shaft and adjacent to the second receiving space. A portion of the fixing member is received in the battery cavity. The elastic member is perpendicularly received in the second receiving space and can be compressed due to the rotation of the fixing member. An electronic device using the battery box is also provided.
US08354179B2 Secondary battery
A side case coupled to a secondary battery in a sliding manner to cover sides of the secondary battery. The secondary battery includes: a rectangular prism battery body; a guide member arranged in a lengthwise direction of one of the pair of the sides of the battery body; a first side case that includes a horizontal portion that is coupled to the guide member to cover one of the horizontal sides of the battery body and a vertical portion that is connected to one end of the horizontal portion to cover at least a portion of an adjacent side of the battery body; and a second side case that is coupled to the battery body, and includes vertical and horizontal portions that are generally symmetric to the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of the first side case and a plurality of terminal holes formed in the horizontal portion.
US08354173B2 Powder coating fluoropolymer compositions containing mono-hydroxy aromatic materials
Provided are compositions comprising a) a fluoroplastic; b) an aromatic material having exactly one hydroxyl group, wherein the aromatic material is free of thiol groups, and wherein the hydroxyl group is bonded to an aromatic carbon; c) a salt former compound capable of forming a salt with the aromatic material; and d) optionally a phase transfer catalyst. Also provided are reaction products of the described compositions, multi-layer articles comprising the compositions and reaction products, and methods for making the compositions, reaction products, and articles.
US08354171B2 Biaxially oriented polyester film for molded part
A biaxially oriented polyester film is provided, in particular, a biaxially oriented polyester film for molded part capable of being used suitably as a metallic molded part processed after metal deposition on a film surface and a surface protection film in forming a decorative sheet. Provided is a biaxially oriented polyester film for molded part, which is a polyester film that at least two layers of A layer composed of polyester A and B layer composed of polyester B are laminated, wherein interlayer adhesion between A layer and B layer is 5 (N/15 mm) or more, and stress at 100% elongation (F100 value, unit: MPa) at 200° C. and 150° C. in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction of a film is 1 to 50.
US08354167B2 Multilayer adhesive for thermal reversible joining of substrates
One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.
US08354162B2 Curable resin composition for anti-glare layer, and anti-glare film
An anti-glare film having the following: an anti-glare layer which is provided on a transparent substrate film, has a concavo-convex shape on the outermost surface thereof, and has at least a concavo-convex layer formed by curing a curable resin composition, which composition has optically-transparent fine particles A that have an average particle diameter of 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, reactive inorganic fine particles B that have an average particle diameter of 30 nm or more and 100 nm or less and reactive functional groups b on the surface thereof, and a binder component C that has reactive functional groups c; a skin layer which has a small number of the reactive inorganic fine particles B in an interface on the side opposite to the transparent substrate film side and in the vicinity of the interface; and a region which is situated nearer the transparent substrate film than the skin layer, in which the fine particles B are uniformly dispersed.
US08354154B2 Heat sealed appliqué having adhesive coated perimeter
A heat-seal appliqué and method for production that provides numbers, letters, logos, graphics, and other indicia which do not change the physical and visual characteristics of the garment to which it is applied, including breathable and/or moisture-wicking characteristics. The appliqué comprises a perimeter textile having a thermally activated adhesive coating and an interior opening, and a textile inlay that fits within the interior opening of the perimeter textile. The adhesive coating on the perimeter textile is the only adhesive on the appliqué. The appliqué can be heat-sealed to any garment by the perimeter textile, leaving the inlay suspended over the garment without obstructing any performance characteristics of the garment or textile. The appliqué is particularly well-suited for lightweight, breathable and/or moisture-wicking textiles commonly used in performance sports apparel.
US08354146B2 Methods for repairing gas turbine engine components
Methods for repairing gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: applying a surface treatment to the component such that locations at an exterior surface of the component exhibiting inter-granular attack are protected from erosion during a cleaning process; and cleaning the component using hydrogen fluoride ion cleaning to clean the component.
US08354131B2 Microwavable food products
The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.
US08354126B1 Composition for prostate health
The present invention provides an effective, all-natural, non-toxic, non-hormonal composition consisting of vitamin D3, vitamin E, selenium, green tea extract, saw palmetto berry extract, isoflavanoids, and lycopene for prostate health. The invention provides compositions and methods to prevent, alleviate, and/or treat symptoms associated with prostate conditions and diseases. The prostate health composition may be used to supplement medical treatment such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
US08354124B2 Oral drug delivery system
Dosage forms and drug delivery devices suitable for administration of pharmaceutical compounds and compositions, including the oral drug administration of compounds.
US08354116B2 Bifunctional synthetic molecules
The synthesis and use of bifunctional molecules to improve the topical and transdermal delivery efficiency of various types of therapeutic agents or agents designed to promote the transdermal delivery of those therapeutic agents either into the skin tissue or into the systemic circulation. Three major classes of molecules are covalently joined as bifunctional substances; chemical vasodilators, passive dermal penetration enhancers and therapeutic or diagnostic drugs. Chemical vasodilators may be delivered into the skin to increasing the blood flow in a tissue that has compromised circulation or they may be used as part of a delivery vehicle to promote the delivery of the drug. Passive dermal penetration enhancers are those chemicals that promote the passive penetration of drugs and other chemicals through the stratum corneum and epidermis of the skin tissue. Drugs and diagnostic agents are the third group of chemicals that are candidates for the linkage of molecules.
US08354110B2 Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune conditions
The methods include selectively reducing or expanding T cells according to the antigenic specificity of the T cells. Therefore, the present invention can be used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic T cells that recognize autoantigens, such as beta cell specific T cells. As such, the present invention can be used to prevent, treat or ameliorate autoimmune diseases such as IDDM. Furthermore, the present invention can be used to expand desirable T cells, such as anti-pathogenic T cells to prevent, treat and/or ameliorate autoimmune diseases.
US08354099B2 Skin-care compositions and uses thereof
Composition of a Dead Sea extract and at least one plant extract of a Himalayan origin are provided for topical applications.
US08354090B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing quantum dot
Disclosed is a technique of producing that a technique of producing quantum dots that are nano-size semiconducting crystals. An apparatus of producing quantum dots includes a mixer to mix different kinds of precursor solutions uniformly in a channel by diverging each precursor solution into a plurality of micro streams and joining the diverging micro streams individually with different kinds of micro streams, and a heating furnace to pass the precursor mixture solution discharged from the mixer therethrough to create and grow quantum dot nucleuses, thus producing quantum dots. The mixer may further include a heating unit allowing temperature adjustment. In addition, a buffer which is maintained at a relatively low-temperature is provided between the mixer and the heating furnace in order to prevent additional nucleation. Accordingly, quantum dots may be produced even at a high flow rate, which leads to mass-production of quantum dots.
US08354088B2 Methods and apparatus for recovery of silicon and silicon carbide from spent wafer-sawing slurry
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed herein for recovery of high-purity silicon, silicon carbide and PEG from a slurry produced during a wafer cutting process. A silicon-containing material can be processed for production of a silicon-rich composition. Silicon carbide and PEG recovered from the silicon-containing material can be used to form a wafer-saw cutting fluid. The silicon-rich composition can be reacted with iodine containing compounds that can be purified and/or used to form deposited silicon of high purity. The produced silicon can be used in the photovoltaic industry or semiconductor industry.
US08354063B2 Pumping apparatus and process for polymerization in loop reactors
An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
US08354056B2 Refractory component with locking surface and method of forming the same
A method of securing a precast refractory shape within a refractory structure, comprising the steps of forming a precast refractory shape by casting a refractory shape to have a plurality of spaced-apart cavities formed in an outer surface thereof; positioning the precast refractory within a refractory structure; and casting a refractory material around the precast refractory shape such that the refractory material covers the outer surface of the precast refractory and fills the cavities.
US08354050B2 Co-molded direct flock and flock transfer and methods of making same
A method of decorating a molded article is provided that includes the steps of: (a) providing a mold insert comprising a plurality of flock fibers and a permanent adhesive layer; (b) positioning the mold insert in a mold; and (c) introducing resin into the mold, such that a resin contacts the mold insert to form a molded article. The melting point of the permanent adhesive layer is preferably greater than a temperature of the resin during molding.
US08354048B2 Fiberglass lawn edging
A system of fiberglass lawn edging materials. The pultruded fiberglass system provides a lawn edging that is durable and easy to install. The fiberglass edging material comes in a long, flat shape that can be rolled up for ease of display and transport. The system includes metal or pultruded fiberglass stakes. The system includes a integral veil that allows for a variety of surface treatments.
US08354045B2 Ink composition and pattern forming method
An ink composition includes a metal microparticle, a dispersion medium having water as a main ingredient, a dispersant for dispersing the metal microparticle into the dispersion medium, and a water-soluble polyhydric alcohol that is trivalent to hexavalent and solid under normal conditions, and whose concentration is 5 to 20 weight % relative to a total weight of the ink composition.
US08354041B2 Composition and process for whitening paper
A composition suitable for surface treatment of paper, wherein the composition contains a specified fluorescent whitening agent with alkylsulfonic acid groups, a salt of a bivalent cation, and a carrier. The composition is used for whitening paper, in particular in the size press.
US08354032B2 Method of manufacturing a micromechanical part
A method of manufacturing a mechanical part includes providing a substrate of micro-machinable material; etching, using photolithography, a pattern that includes said part through said entire substrate; assembling a clip on said part so that said part is ready to be mounted without the portion made of micro-machinable material having to be touched by a tool other than the clip; releasing the part from the substrate so as to mount said part in a device such as a timepiece movement.
US08354031B2 Liquid filtering system and its automatic cleaning procedure
A filtering system for water and other liquids includes different filtering stages in the same element, with its cleaning being done automatically by a new procedure. The filtering system includes a cylindrical outer casing with the pipe of the water to be filtered penetrating tangentially through its base, using centrifugal force in the first filtering stage to separate the particles with greater density. Then the liquid takes a helicoidal path and passes through different filtering devices, such as mesh or rings with the filtered and, therefore, clean water finally being collected in an appropriately perforated central pipe that comes out of the filter through the center of its lower base. The system is used for the cleaning of liquids, basically water, in agriculture for localized irrigation, in industry, or the environment.
US08354030B1 Purification system for cyanotoxic-contaminated water
A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285′ then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).
US08354024B2 Refrigeration device and water filter for said device
A water filter for a refrigeration appliance has a housing (1), which contains a filter material and has a fitting for mounting in a filter socket (2) at one end. A grip portion (8) is attached to an opposite end (3) of the housing (1).
US08354022B2 Adsorbent, method for recovering an organic matter and method for recovering an oil
An adsorbent includes: at least one of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle as a core; at least two kinds of polymers, which cover a surface of the core, with respective different surface tensions; and a convex-concave surface structure formed due to a difference in surface tension between the at least two kinds of polymers.
US08354015B2 Detection of the presence or absence of a gas bubble by dynamic sensor response
A method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble in an aqueous liquid is provided comprising providing a sensor positioned within a measuring chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the concentration of a gaseous component dissolved in a liquid, the sensor comprising a sensitive region; setting a gas partial pressure at the sensor, wherein the gas partial pressure differs from an expected value of the gas partial pressure of the gaseous component of a liquid to be measured; exposing the sensor to the liquid to be measured; resting the liquid until standstill is attained; recording a signal from the sensor as a function of time until the signal becomes constant; and detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble from the variation of the signal over time. The gas bubble, if present, is in at least partial contact with the sensitive region of the sensor.
US08354013B2 Analyte sensors comprising high-boiling point solvents
Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of the sensing layer by inclusion of a high-boiling point solvent, where the sensing layer is disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.
US08354008B2 Article and method for manufacturing same
An article includes a substrate; and a color layer deposited on the substrate, wherein the color layer is a zirconium carbon-nitride layer; the color layer has an L* value between about 28 to about 32, an a* value between about −1 to about 1, and a b* value between about −1 to about 1 in the CIE L*a*b* color space.
US08353997B2 Method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced material
The invention relates a method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced material, wherein a fibrous preform which consists of fibers and an uncured polymer matrix is positioned on a mold, and a thermoelectric film is positioned on the fibrous preform and/or on the mold, and said thermoelectric film is heated up by exposure to microwaves when a negative pressure or vacuum is applied and, as a consequence of this, heats up the fibrous preform while curing the polymer matrix.
US08353990B2 Process for chemically decontaminating radioactively contaminated surfaces of a nuclear plant cooling system using an organic acid followed by an anionic surfactant
A process is provided for chemically decontaminating the surface of a metallic component. In a first treatment step, an oxide layer formed on the component by corrosion of the material of the component is detached from the surface of the component with a first aqueous treatment solution containing an organic decontamination acid. In a subsequent second treatment step, the surface which is at least partially freed of the oxide layer is treated with an aqueous solution containing an active component for removing particles which adhere to the surface. The active component is formed of at least one anionic surfactant from the group including sulphonic acids, phosphonic acids, carboxylic acids and salts of those acids.
US08353984B2 Compressive strength improvement of cement and gypsum products
The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, mortar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.
US08353982B2 Image forming method
The invention provides an ink set having at least: a magenta ink containing at least a pigment; and a cyan ink containing at least a pigment. A ratio of M/C, in which M is the concentration of the pigment in the magenta ink, and C is the concentration of the pigment in the cyan ink, is 1.6 or more. A ratio of S2/S1, in which S2 is the solid content of an ink that has the largest solid content among the inks included in the ink set, and S1 is the solid content of an ink that has the smallest solid content among the inks included in the ink set, is 1.2 or less. The invention further provides an image forming method having applying the inks of the ink set onto a recording medium.
US08353980B2 Flue gas scrubbing apparatus and process
An apparatus and process for removing acidic gases from flue gases produced by, for example, utility and industrial facilities. The acidic gases are removed as the flue gas flows upward through a contact zone within a passage, where the flue gas is contacted with an ammonium sulfate-containing scrubbing solution to absorb the acidic gases from the flue gas. The scrubbing solution and absorbed acidic gases therein are then accumulated, and ammonia and an oxygen-containing gas are injected into the accumulated scrubbing solution to react the absorbed acidic gases and produce ammonium sulfate. An acid solution is flowed across the passage above the contact zone of the passage, and the scrubbed flue gas is flowed upward through the acid solution to remove unreacted ammonia from the scrubbed flue gas. The acid solution is then removed from the passage after the acid solution has been contacted by the scrubbed flue gas.
US08353978B2 Temperature swing adsorption system
A multi-step process for removing CO2 from a process gas stream having CO2 and other gaseous components commences by adjusting the temperature of a CO2 laden process gas stream to be between about 80° and about 500° C. A first part of the temperature adjusted process gas stream is taken and contacted with a adsorbent in thermal contact with a heat-exchange surface. The remainder of said temperature adjusted process gas stream is taken and contacted with said heat-exchange surface to transfer heat to said adsorbent, thus causing any adsorbed CO2 to be desorbed for collection, and to cool said process gas stream remainder and removing any condensate from said cooled process gas stream remainder. The cooled process gas stream remainder is passed in contact with a cooled section of said adsorbent to adsorb CO2 therefrom, producing a CO2 depleted process gas stream. The desorbed CO2 is withdrawn for collection. The CO2 depleted process gas stream is passed into contact with heated regenerated adsorbent to cool it sufficiently for return of the process. Finally, any fines are withdrawn for collection.
US08353962B2 Dual composition vertebral defect device
A vertebral defect device, for insertion between a pair of adjacent lumbar or thoracic vertebrae, includes a frame comprised of a generally rigid first material for structural support strength and rapid fixation. The frame has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions are partially convex, spaced from each other and joined together by distal and proximal supports. A housing is comprised of a second material for minimizing interference with imaging. The housing has a convexly tapered distal end and two generally parallel side walls spaced from each other and extending from the tapered distal end. The housing is coupled to the frame by cooperatively surrounding at least a portion of the frame and oriented such that the side walls are generally perpendicular to the upper and lower portions of the frame when assembled.
US08353947B2 Eversible locking mechanism for modular stents
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for locking self-expanding modular stent components together using an eversible extension on the male component. The male component is deployed partially within the female component, and with the eversible extension eversed over the male component.
US08353938B2 Annulus repair systems, instruments and techniques
Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, and at least one anchor for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue recessed into the adjacent vertebrae. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect for repair of the defect and/or retention of nucleus material, one or more implants, bio-compatible materials or device, and/or other objects positioned in the disc space. Instruments are provided to facilitate preparation of the implantation site of the annulus repair system.
US08353934B2 Crosslink interconnection of bone attachment devices
An apparatus comprises a pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The bone attachment devices include a head with socket to receive a spinal rod or other elongate element and the crosslink device includes a pair of bridging members each having an end section for connecting with the bone attachment devices. An interconnection device situated between the bridging members receives the bridging members and allows translational and rotational freedom therebetween while being operable to secure the bridging members in position relative to one another. A pair of engaging members are structured to engage the head of the respective bone attachment device and bear against the respective adjacent end of crosslink device to lock the crosslink and the bone attachment device in a rigid construct are also included.
US08353926B2 Long-term retrievable medical filter
A medical filter has more than one pair of struts extending along an undulating path between a first and second end, which cooperate to define a first and second filter element having a plurality of cells, connected by a central portion with longitudinal strut sections. The struts extend between the first and second ends, and the struts tend to resiliently expand in radially outward directions from a compressed initial shape to an expanded deployed shape. In the expanded shape, the undulating path is defined by (i) a first portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the first end, (ii) a second portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the second end; and (iii) an intermediate portion of each one of a pair of ribs extends to curve away from each other.
US08353924B2 Single use lancet assembly
A single use lancet device having a housing, with an open interior and an access opening defined therein, a lancet, with a body and a piercing tip, and disposed in the open interior of the housing so as to move between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, a driving assembly structured to move the lancet into the piercing orientation, and a restrictor assembly having a shoulder element and a restrictor panel operatively associated with the lancet and the housing and structured to pass over the restrictor panel upon the lancet moving from its cocked orientation to its piercing orientation, and to abut the restrictor panel upon attempted movement of the lancet back into its cocked orientation after movement into the piercing orientation, thereby preventing the lancet from moving back into the cocked orientation and preventing re-use of a contaminated piercing tip.
US08353912B2 Ultrasonic spinal surgery method
In a discectomy method one removes at least a substantial portion of a spinal disc. Thereafter one operates an ultrasonic instrument to level opposing faces of vertebrae on opposite sides of the removed spinal disc. Graft or synthetic disc material is inserted between the vertebrae so that the graft or synthetic disc material is in contact with the leveled opposing faces. In an associated nucleotomy, a cannulated probe is inserted into a spinal disc and used to remove the nucleus pulposus. A synthetic or substitute nucleus material may then be inserted into the evacuated annulus.
US08353898B2 Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is provided, comprising proximal and distal end sections each comprising an area of articulation, as well as a flexurally rigid central section arranged therebetween. The proximal end section can be connected to an actuating device. A tool which can be driven by means of a drive element can be connected to the distal end section. To provide greater flexibility and a greater working area, the instrument further comprises outer and inner hollow cylindrical shafts and a control element which is arranged between the shafts. Two or more longitudinal elements extend at least substantially from the proximal to the distal area of articulation of the instrument and transfer traction and/or pressure forces. The longitudinal elements are arranged at essentially regular angular distances in a circumferential direction of the instrument and are connected to one another in the circumferential direction at their proximal and distal ends.
US08353895B2 Closed system irrigation connector for urinary catheters
A closed system irrigation connector for use with both 3-way and 2-way urinary catheters is disclosed. The connector fits all urinary catheters and accepts continuous irrigation sets as well as all bulb, piston, and Toomey catheter tip irrigation syringes. The connector eliminates the use of catheter plugs and reduces the mess and leakage often associated with present urinary catheter irrigation procedures. The connector converts an open procedure to a closed system procedure protecting the patient from outside contamination to reduce urinary tract infections as well as the clinician from potentially infectious body fluids. It comprises an assembly of a plastic housing with an internal silicone diaphragm slit valve and a plastic entrance port that are unitized in assembly by sonic welding. The entrance port forms a tapered wedge lock engagement with irrigation sets as well as catheter tip irrigation syringes.
US08353893B2 System and method for rapidly cooling cardiac arrest patient
A combined occlusion/infusion catheter is placed in the aorta of a cardiac arrest patient to occlude the aorta at a location just above the renal arteries/celiac trunk while rapidly infusing a liter or more of cold saline into the aorta below the occlusion. This flushes white cells from the bowel (now placed into a state of hypothermic stasis) induces hypothermia in the whole body, with perfusion pressure of the cold fluid maximized to the brain.
US08353889B2 Hygienic article with temporarily attached side panels
A hygienic article having side panels extending outward in a lateral direction from either of said front or back waist region. Each side panel comprises at least two material segments which are connected to each other by a lap seam wherein said material segments define a distal segment and a proximal segment in the lateral direction. On the distal edge of each side panel a fastening member is placed which is capable of securing said side panels to the front or back waist region such that the hygienic article assumes a pant like shape. The material segments which form the side panels are attached to each other by the lap seam in such a way that when the side panels are folded back towards the longitudinal centerline of the hygienic article, the materials are attached to each other in the lap seam such that the most distal material segment is placed closer towards the inner or outer surface of the hygienic article than the more proximal material segment attached to said most distal segment. Furthermore, at least one temporary attachment is situated on the lap seam or between the lap seam and the longitudinal outer edge of the chassis.
US08353887B2 Sperm collection device
A sperm collection device includes an open/close unit including two open/close members openably and closably supported about a hinge and core pieces supported by the open/close members. The core pieces are configured to open and close with the open/close members and to form an insertion space when the open/close members are closed.
US08353884B2 Anal patch
An anal patch comprising an absorbent pad (3) in a shape with two substantially parallel flat surfaces and a contact surface perpendicular to the flat surfaces, the area of the contact surface being smaller than each of the two parallel flat surfaces, an adhesive part, comprising an adhesive coated backing layer (4), having a central aperture (8) wherein at least a part of the contact surface of the absorbent pad is aligned with the aperture of the adhesive part.
US08353882B1 Wound treatment system and method of use
A wound treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous antibiotic, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human limb with antibiotic mist and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to heal lesions such as foot ulcers. A method of treating lesions such as foot ulcers is also disclosed, that includes bathing the lesion in antibiotic mist and contacting it with oxygen gas.
US08353881B2 Infusion sets for the delivery of a therapeutic substance to a patient
Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic substance to a patient are provided. Embodiments include infusion sets that include an active agent. Also provided are systems and kits.
US08353875B2 Access apparatus with shallow zero closure valve
A surgical access assembly including a housing, an elongate access member and a zero closure valve including a valve periphery having a collar, a tapered segment extending inwardly from the collar and a second segment extending contiguously from the tapered segment. First and second lips depend from the second segment of the zero closure valve and define lip edges which are in approximated closed relation when the zero closure valve is in the closed position to define a slit. The first and second lips each include a proximal lip surface having an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion interconnected by a curved surface. A support rib depends from the proximal lip surface of each of the first and second lips to define a gap therebetween to be in spaced relation when the valve is in the closed position and being positioned to contact the surgical instrument during insertion through the first and second lips.
US08353870B2 Medical temperature sensors and related systems and methods
This disclosure relates to medical temperature sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a sensor assembly includes a non-invasive temperature sensor to detect a temperature of a medical fluid in a medical fluid line and an ambient temperature sensor to detect an ambient air temperature.
US08353863B2 Skin penetrating device and method for subcutaneous solid drug delivery
Embodiments described herein provide a skin penetrating device and method for the subcutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents in solid form. One embodiment provides such a device comprising an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends and a skin penetrating element detachably coupled to the shaft. At least a portion of the penetrating element is fabricated from a solid form therapeutic agent composition that dissolves in body tissue and is absorbed into the blood stream so as to produce a therapeutic effect. The penetrating element has shape for penetrating and lodging beneath the skin when inserted through the skin by force applied from the shaft. The penetrating element is configured to detach from the shaft when the shaft is pulled away from the skin so as to leave the element in place beneath the skin where it is absorbed by body tissue and the therapeutic agent is released.
US08353857B2 Implantable medical device having pressure sensors for diagnosing the performance of an implanted medical device
An implantable medical device that includes a housing, a valve disposed within the housing, a first pressure sensor disposed within the housing upstream of the valve, and a second pressure sensor disposed within the housing downstream of the valve. A CPU is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. To communicate the measured pressure information to an external device, the CPU compares the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor to the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor and wirelessly communicates these compared pressures to an external device. Alternatively, the CPU may wirelessly communicate the absolute value of the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to the external device. Additionally, the CPU and sensors may be non-invasively powered using optical or acoustical methods.
US08353855B2 Therapeutic system
The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user.
US08353849B2 Guide wire
The guide wire is a guide wire includes a distal portion and a main body portion. This guide wire is provided with a first curve portion; a second curve portion included on the distal side of aforesaid first curve portion and curved to the opposite direction with respect to aforesaid first curve portion; a third curve portion included on the distal side of aforesaid second curve portion and curved to the opposite direction with respect to aforesaid second curve portion, wherein a line contacting with both aforesaid first curve portion and aforesaid third curve portion has an obtuse angle with respect to an axis line of aforesaid main body portion.
US08353848B2 Test device
A disposable test device consists of a first portion 2 having a fluid application port 5 to which a sample of fluid can be applied, and a handle portion 3 hingedly attached to the first portion 2 at a hinge portion 4 and which normally lies in the plane of the first portion. In use the device is held by the handle portion 3 and the first portion inserted into a measuring instrument. The handle is then deflected downwardly e.g. by the finger of a person to supply a drop of fluid to the port 5.
US08353840B1 Method and disposable apparatus for guiding needles with a double button unlocking and locking mechanism
An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in which the apparatus comprises a locking button for coupling the needle guide to a transceiver bracket and an unlocking button for unlatching the locking button from a coupling position, where both buttons are pushed in the same direction to accomplish their respective locking and unlatching.
US08353837B2 Modulation and analysis of cerebral perfusion in epilepsy and other neurological disorders
A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.
US08353833B2 Low-cost device for C-scan photoacoustic imaging
The prostate gland or other region of interest is stimulated with laser light, resulting in ultrasound waves (photoacoustic effect) which are focused by an acoustic lens and captured by a specific 1- or 2D sensor array and subsequently displayed as a C-scan on a computer screen. The amplitude of the ultrasound waves generated by laser stimulation is proportional to the optical absorption of the tissue element at that spatial location. Variability in tissue absorption results in C-scan image contrast. The photoacoustic imaging is combined with an ultrasound C-scan image produced with a plane ultrasound wave applied to the region of interest.
US08353832B2 Systems and methods for ultrasound treatment of thyroid and parathyroid
A treatment device and methods for HIFU treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disorders are provided. The treatment method includes steps of identifying a treatment zone and directing high intensity focused ultrasound energy towards the treatment zone. The treatment device has a first sensor for detecting swallowing motion and a second sensor for tracking the motion of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue with ultrasound imaging.
US08353831B2 Diagnostic ultrasound system and method of displaying elasticity image
A diagnostic ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving system for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a object to be examined 10, an elasticity image capturing system for capturing an elasticity image related to body tissue of the object to be examined on the basis of a signal output from the ultrasound transmitting and receiving system, and a controlling and displaying system for capturing the elasticity image. The elasticity image capturing system obtains compression data related to the compression state of the object to be examined 10, determines the compression state of the body tissue on the basis of the compression data, and includes a compression direction and range evaluation unit 115 as a compression state evaluating means for reflecting the determination result to the elasticity image. In this way, more accurate diagnosis by objectively and quantitatively grasping the compression state of the body tissue is possible.
US08353819B2 Endoscopic/laparoscopic introducer sleeve
A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument.
US08353816B2 Endoscopy system and method therefor
A capsule endoscope is swallowed by a patient, to capture images from inner wall surfaces of patient's digestive tract, while detecting imaging positions of the capsule endoscope. A doctor observes the images captured by the capsule endoscope, to select an aimed point image that contains a portion suspected of a lesion, and some images that represent pass points on an insertion route of a balloon endoscope. While a probing tip of the balloon endoscope is being inserted into the patient for the sake of thorough examination of the suspected portion, a degree of similarity between an image captured by the balloon endoscope and an image of a destination point, which is one of the pass points and the aimed point, is detected to judge by the similarity whether the probing tip has reached the destination point or not. So the doctor can get the probing tip to the aimed point easily.
US08353810B2 Method for compiling groups of filter segments when producing multi-segment filter assemblies
A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum.
US08353800B2 Limited slip differential using face gears and a pinion housing
A differential includes a differential case; a side gear comprising a helical face gear; a helical pinion configured for meshing engagement with the side gear; and a pinion housing configured to support the helical pinion. The pinion housing includes a first face; a second face opposing the first face; a first projection located on the first face; and a second projection located on the second face. In some embodiments, the differential further comprises an actuator configured for engagement with the pinion housing and a plurality of friction plates disposed between the actuator and the differential case. The pinion housing also includes an aperture or hole extending radially inwardly from an outer radial surface of the generally annular ring; and a channel extending from the first face to the second face, wherein the channel is substantially radially aligned with the aperture or hole.
US08353790B1 Golf ball and golf tee placement and retrieval device
A golf ball and golf tee retrieval device for eliminating the need to squat or bend. A shaft has two ends: One for ball retrieval and the other for ball and tee setting. The ball retrieval end includes a cup that is sized and adapted to retrieve or pick-up a ball. The setting end includes a housing unit, a wing portion and a boss connector. The boss connector engages the shaft. The housing unit includes six walls adapted to substantially house a golf ball and golf tee. The wing portion is adapted to provide a pivot point to assist in tee placement and easy disengagement from the golf tee and the golf ball.
US08353789B2 Golf ball with rotational protrusions within a dimple
A golf ball includes an outer land surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples comprise protrusions on the inner surface of the dimple to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. These protrusions include rotational elements arranged in various configurations and are fully contained within the dimple perimeter and do not extend beyond a chordal plane of the dimple. By improving the aerodynamic of the airflow over the dimpled surface of the golf ball, the outer land surface of the golf ball may remain robust to prevent premature wear and tear on the golf ball.
US08353787B2 Golf club head with progressive face stiffness
A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, with a body comprising of a first body portion and a second body portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high density material in the first body portion with a low density material in the second body portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. Thickening the lower area of the front face lowers the center of gravity and upwardly shifts the coefficient of restitution to the geometric center of the face.
US08353784B2 Golf club with a support bracket
A cavity back golf club and golf club head having one or more support brackets is disclosed. Each support bracket includes a first portion engaged with the rear surface of the striking face, a second portion engaged with the perimeter weighting member, and a third portion that is curved. The one or more of the support brackets are engaged with a rear surface of a striking face and a perimeter weight member of the golf club head. The one or more support brackets are at least partially located in a rear cavity of the golf club head. The support brackets provide structural integrity to a thin striking face on the golf club head. Additionally, a discretionary weight is engaged with the at least one of the support brackets at the toe portion of the golf club head.
US08353782B1 Golf club head
A golf club head is described, in one embodiment, including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation is located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion creates a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.
US08353778B2 Forging method, closed forging mold and tripod uniform motion universal joint
A forging method and a full-enclosed forging die contribute to the alleviation of an enclosing force applied to dies and in which a relatively small enclosing apparatus can be used even with respect to larger-sized products. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint is formed with a tripod member molded with the full-enclosed forging die. The full-enclosed forging die includes openable/closable dies and punches for pressing a material between the dies. From the forging die, the tripod member including a boss portion and shaft portions protruded radially from the boss portion is molded.
US08353771B2 System of mobile online game and method for communicating between mobile game terminals
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a mobile online game system which includes a first mobile game terminal, a second mobile game terminal and a game platform, and the first mobile game terminal acquires a P2P communication address of the second mobile game terminal from the game platform, creates a P2P connection with the second mobile game terminal, and communicates with the second mobile game terminal via the P2P connection. An embodiment of the present invention discloses as well a method for communicating between mobile game terminals. Because of the adoption of a P2P connection between the mobile game terminals for communicating, the forwarding of data interaction between the mobile game terminals by the game platform in the related art is avoided, so that the rate and efficiency of data interaction between the mobile game terminals are improved, and the data processing burden on the game platform is released.
US08353764B2 Behavioral biometrics for authentication in computing environments
Techniques for authenticating one or more entities are disclosed. Authentication can be performed based on one or more attributes associated with an image and/or input provided in connection with an image. The image is effectively provided for authenticating one or more entities associated with a computing environment. The attributes which can be measures include the manner in which an image has been created and/or traced by a person being authenticated. A person can initially register with an authentication system by creating and/or tracing an image. Subsequently, the person can be provided with the same, similar and/or completely different image in order to be authenticated by the authentication system. It will be appreciated that the image needs not be a signature or provide any personal information about the person being authenticated.
US08353762B2 Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
A gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method including a symbol generator, where a number of awards available to the player in a single activation of the symbol generator and/or which awards are available to a player in a single activation of the symbol generator are based on an occurrence of one or more triggering events.
US08353758B2 Amusement device having electronic game and jukebox functionalities
An amusement device has a display, an audio output, and an input component. The display includes a touchscreen. The input component receives at least one of currency, coins, and credit cards/debit cards. The amusement device also includes a common controller. The common controller is configured to select and play at least one electronic game and to select and retrieve for playing a music data set from a plurality of music data sets. The electronic game and the music data set may optionally be played simultaneously. In certain embodiments, a reward based on one of either the electronic game or selection of the music data set is applied to the respective other of the electronic game and the selection of the music data. In further embodiments, a content of the electronic game is based on the music data set.
US08353757B2 Methods and systems for representing outcomes of a casino game in a non-casino game format
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). In one embodiment, each of the individual outcomes may be represented via a video that depicts a continuous event that provides an indication of the outcomes. This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal, yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The player, in one embodiment, may either view the outcomes via a traditional gaming device interface (e.g., via a representation of slot reels) and as discreet outcomes, or view a video that depicts a continuous event, as determined by the discreet outcomes. In some embodiments, a player may view a video and/or interact with a game that represents one or more previously-generated outcomes using a theme other than that of a traditional wagering game (e.g., outcomes may be communicated to the player using a video game theme, such a sports or adventure game). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.
US08353748B2 Game device, method of controlling game device, and information recording medium
Provided is a game device capable of allowing a user to designate a position within a region of a game space which is not being displayed on a game screen. If it is judged that a screen coordinate value according to a user's operation is within the game screen showing a state of a first region within the game space, a position-in-first-region acquisition unit (83a) acquires a position within the first region corresponding to the screen coordinate value. If it is judged that the screen coordinate value is not within the game screen, a second display control unit (86b) causes an image showing a state of a second region within the game space to be displayed on a part of the game screen based on a positional relationship between the screen coordinate value and the game screen for at least a predetermined time. If it is judged that the screen coordinate value is within a region in which the image showing the state of the second region is displayed, a position-in-second-region acquisition unit (83b) acquires a position within the second region corresponding to the screen coordinate value in place of the position-in-first-region acquisition unit (83a).
US08353745B1 Polycarbonate support for ducts
An apparatus for the extraction of gases has a flexible duct with an interior therein, a polymeric support extending in the interior of the flexible duct, a first anchor that secures an end of the polymeric support, a second anchor that secures an end of the flexible duct, and a duct connector. The first anchor secures the end of the polymeric support to the duct connector. The second anchor secures the end of the flexible duct to the duct connector. The polymeric support is elongated. The polymeric support has a taper and a thickness suitable for holding the flexible duct in a fixed position. The polymeric support is formed of a polycarbonate material.
US08353743B1 Stuffer horn with spray
An embodiment of the invention includes a stuffer horn with spray system for elimination or reduction of pathogen contamination. One embodiment of the invention combines a stuffer horn with spray nozzles for the application of a safety intervention solution while the product is being placed into a bag. The stuffer comprises a horn with pivoting top jaw and fixed bottom jaw that funnels product into a bag that is placed over its nose and a cylinder that forces the product through the horn and into the bag. One implementation can include a cylindrical horn having a flexible overlapping side wall adapted to increase or decrease the inner diameter.
US08353736B2 Double point indicating auto/manual gas inflator
An auto/manual gas inflator incorporating a gas cylinder and an auto cap. A first indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the gas cylinder which is visible through a first window in the inflator housing and a second indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the auto cap through a second window in the inflator housing. The auto cap in one embodiment uses a dissolvable pill for automatic inflation. A manual activator, such as a lanyard assembly can be used for manual inflation. In either activation method, a pierce pin is moved upward to break the cylinder's seal and release the gas contained within the cylinder.
US08353728B2 Receptacle connector having contact modules and plug connector having a paddle board
A receptacle connector (100) and a plug connector having a paddle board (800) mate with each other along a mating direction. The receptacle connector includes a housing (1) defining a slot (224), and a pair of first groups of terminals secured in the housing and a second group of terminals. The first group of terminals includes a first terminal (221) having a first contact portion (2211) disposed at a first side of the slot (224), a second terminal (222) having a second contact portion (2221) and a third terminal (223) having a third contact portion (2231) disposed at a second side of the slot. The first contact portion is positioned between the second contact portion and the third contact portion along the mating direction. The second group of terminals include a fourth terminal (211) and a fifth terminal (212).
US08353724B2 Cable connector assembly having means for limiting cables thereof from swinging
A cable connector assembly includes an insulative housing, a connector section retained in the insulative housing, a cable electrically connecting with a rear side of the connector section, and a cover fastened at a rear end of the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a cavity opening outwardly along a first direction. The connector section is received in the cavity. The cable extends out of the insulative housing. The cover holds the cable to make the cable bend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and preventing the bent cable from swinging.
US08353723B2 Communications patching devices having capacitor-based multi-stage near-end alien crosstalk compensation circuits between adjacent connector ports
Communications patching devices include first and second connectors mounted immediately adjacent to each other. The first connector includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal that are connected to respective first and second conductive paths, and the second connector includes a third output terminal and a fourth output terminal that are connected to respective third and fourth conductive paths. The first and second conductive paths form a first differential pair of conductive paths and the first and second output terminals form a first differential pair of output terminals. The third and fourth conductive paths form a second differential pair of conductive paths, and the third and fourth output terminals form a second differential pair of output terminals. The output terminals are arranged such that a first signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the third output terminal in response to a communication signal that is transmitted through the first differential pair of output terminals exceeds a second signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the fourth output terminal in response to the communication signal. A first capacitor is provided between the first conductive path and the fourth conductive path and a second capacitor is provided between at least one of the first conductive path and the third conductive path or between the second conductive path and the fourth conductive path.
US08353717B2 Electrical connector with external grooves and ridges
An electrical connector including a tube having a conductor receiving channel which is substantially closed except at one or more ends of the channel. The tube includes an exterior surface having longitudinal grooves and ridges along a longitudinal length the tube.
US08353703B2 Healing components for use in taking impressions and methods for making the same
The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.
US08353700B2 Dental device and method of use
A prophy device incorporating a shaft and one or more corrugated members eliminates the need for plastic gears. The corrugated members effectively transfer rotational energy from a shaft to an applicator. In another version, a flexible paste chamber contains polish within a housing of the device. A difference between a rotational speed at a front of the paste chamber and rear of the chamber causes the flexible chamber to contract on itself thereby automatically forcing polish from the chamber and into a polish applicator. A rod extending through a paste chamber includes openings for contents to exit. The rod has one end in contact with a drive disk and a second end in contact with a front disk such that the ends of the rod are maintained substantially in place by the drive disk and front disk, respectively, but remain rotatably independent relative to the drive disk and front disk.
US08353689B2 Vibratory cavitation pump lishanski
A vibratory cavitation pump is provided that includes a working cylinder having an fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a rod extending into the cylinder, a piston fixed to the rod, a plate fixed to the rod and spaced from the piston, an activator slidably mounted to the rod between the piston and the plate and an oscillating pumping mechanism operably connected to the rod to move the rod with respect to the working cylinder. The sliding activator creates cavitation in the fluid being pumped to increase the ease of pumping the fluid, such as high viscosity fluids. The pump can also include an external cylinder disposed around the working cylinder to impart rotational motion to the incoming fluid, thereby enhancing the cavitation created in the fluid by the pump, rendering the fluid easy to displace.
US08353685B2 Method for fluid transfer and the micro peristaltic pump
This invention relates generally to the field of peristaltic pump. In particular, the invention provides a peristaltic pump, which peristaltic pump comprises, inter alia, an actuating part, a cartridge part comprising at least three chambers and mechanisms for controlling movement of the actuating part to and from the cartridge part to control opening or closing of the inlet and outlet to the chamber(s).
US08353682B2 Microfluidic-device systems and methods for manufacturing microfluidic-device systems
A microfluidic device is described. The microfluidic device comprises at least one transport channel and at least one working chamber, wherein the at least one transport channel and the at least one working chamber are separated from each other by a common deformable wall. The at least one transport channel is for containing a transport fluid and the at least one working chamber is for containing a working fluid. The microfluidic device comprises at least one pair of electrodes for changing the pressure on the working fluid such that when the pressure on the working fluid is changed, the deformable wall deforms, resulting in a change of the cross-section of the at least one transport channel. The working chamber comprises a flexible wall different from the common deformable wall and at least one electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes is provided on the flexible wall.
US08353677B2 System and method for sensing a liquid level
A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid, and a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level.
US08353675B2 Hanging frame assembly for ceiling fan
A hanging frame assembly includes a support seat made of metal and having a bottom wall forming a substantially C-shaped ring, two angularly spaced-apart sidewalls extending upwardly from an outer peripheral end of the bottom wall, two wing plates bending outwardly and respectively from top ends of the sidewalls, and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart positioning ribs extending upwardly from an inner peripheral end of the bottom wall. A buffer piece made of rubber is mounted on the bottom wall, forms a substantially C-shaped ring, and has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart positioning grooves receiving fittingly and respectively the positioning ribs.
US08353674B2 Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell member
A method for preparing a wind turbine blade shell member comprising a plurality of elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material is provided. A plurality of elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material is provided in a mold, a resin is introduced between the elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material and the elements are bonded to adjacent elements by curing the resin. The method is particularly suitable for preparing wind turbine blade shell members due to the complex three-dimensional shape of the airfoils, which may be resembled by the relatively flexible cured fiber-reinforced sheet material.
US08353662B2 Robot for handling rolls
A robot for handling rolls of web material, is disclosed. The robot includes an articulated arm (60), moving according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes and supporting a suction head (61A).
US08353639B2 Turnbuckle lock
A lock for an implement turnbuckle includes an apertured plate attached directly to the turnbuckle. The plate receives the pin or linkage connecting structure that attaches to the threaded eyebolt of the turnbuckle. The mounting end of the plate opposite the slot is secured against a flat on the internally threaded member of the turnbuckle by a U-bolt. The plate prevents relative rotation between the eyebolt and an internally threaded member receiving the eyebolt to thereby maintain the desired turnbuckle length adjustment.
US08353638B2 Adapter for mounting rotary load on motor flywheel housing
An adapter for fitting a flywheel housing to a rotary load has a generally circular centering plate having a central circular aperture dimensioned to fit snugly around the load's collar and a circular outer periphery. The centering plate is formed with first and second arrays of holes equispaced from a center of the aperture. The first-array holes are spaced identically to and alignable with fastening formations of the load. An adapter plate engaged flatly with the centering plate is formed with a first array of at least two holes spaced identically to and alignable with the formations, and is stiffened. Respective fasteners are engageable, when the first-array holes of both plates are aligned with the formations of the load, through the adapter plate, centering plate, and fastener formations. The second-array holes of the circular centering plate are covered by the adapter plate when the plates are thus fastened together.
US08353633B2 Bearing assembly support and adjustment system
A bearing assembly support and adjustment system includes an annular support device and an annular adjustment sleeve. The annular support device has a support device outer circumferential surface located about a first axis and a support device inner circumferential surface located about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. The annular adjustment sleeve has an adjustment sleeve outer circumferential surface located about a third axis and an adjustment sleeve inner circumferential surface located about a fourth axis spaced apart from the third axis. The annular adjustment sleeve is coupled to the annular support device with the adjustment sleeve outer circumferential surface located immediately adjacent the support device inner circumferential surface.
US08353626B2 Emissivity independent non-contact high temperature measurement system and method
An apparatus for determining a temperature of an object without contacting the object. An etalon filter may be used to receive spectral radiation of the object over a plurality of wavelengths and to generate a spectral output signal. A linear array detector may be used that is responsive to the spectral output signal from the etalon filter and adapted to generate an output indicative of the spectral radiation at each of one of the plurality of wavelengths. An actuator may be used that controls movement of one element of the etalon filter to assist in generating the output. A processor may be used which is responsive to the output of the linear array detector and which analyzes a known characteristic of a black body at a plurality of test temperatures, against the output of the linear array detector, to determine a specific temperature of the object.
US08353622B2 Cartridge from which bone cement is discharged, the cartridge having a removably coupled nozzle
A cartridge in which bone cement is mixed and from which the cement is discharged. A blade with plural vanes is disposed in the cartridge for mixing the cement. A piston located in one end of the cartridge is actuated to push the mixed cement out of the cartridge. The blade has plural vanes, one for scraping cement off the side of the cartridge, one for scraping cement off the piston and one for scraping cement off the end of the cartridge opposite the end in which the piston is normally located. The blade is collapsible so that when the piston is actuated the blade compresses to allow the cement in the cartridge to be pushed out.
US08353615B2 Optically coupled light guide
An optically coupled light guide includes a light source having a surface defined by a channel, a light guide and an optical gel coupling the channel of the light source to the light guide.
US08353613B2 Light guide plate and display apparatus comprising the same
A light guide plate includes a plurality of quantum dots on at least one of a surface of the light guide plate and inside the light guide plate, wherein the plurality of quantum dots emit light having a different wavelength than a light incident thereto.
US08353609B2 Lamp mounting apparatus and lamp assembly
A lamp mounting apparatus includes a base, an adjusting portion, and an assembling portion. The adjusting portion includes a first end pivotably connected to the base, and a second end. The assembling portion is pivotably connected to the second end. The assembling portion is configured to have a lamp mounted thereon, and the assembling portion is capable of moving relative to the base by adjusting the adjusting portion.
US08353600B1 MEMS actuator assembly for optical switch
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator assembly includes a mirror and four actuators. Each actuator includes a lever pivotable about a fulcrum axis. The inner end of each lever is coupled to one side of the mirror. Force is applied to one outer end of the levers to move one side of the mirror, which positions the mirror in one of four positions. Force is applied to two outer ends of the levers to move two sides of the mirror, which positions the mirror in one of four additional positions.
US08353593B2 Hinge mechanism for a fluid filled lens assembly
In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge.
US08353587B2 Method and device for dispensing data from a tachograph
A method and to a device for dispensing data from a tachograph to an endless printing medium. A first division is plotted in the longitudinal direction of the printing medium, and a second division is plotted transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the printing medium. The first division represents a predetermined unit of time, in particular a day in generalized time coordinates, and the second division represents at least one variable recorded by the tachograph during the unit of time, the at least one variable is depicted by at least one graph.
US08353565B2 Method for refilling ink cartridge
An ink refilling method capable of refilling ink into at least two kinds of ink cartridges having different ink capacities and having substantially the same outer configurations, the method includes a step of discriminating the kind of the ink cartridge; a step of determining the capacity of the ink cartridge on the basis of a result of the discriminating step; and a step of filling, into the ink cartridge, an amount of the ink on the basis of the capacity determined in the determining step.
US08353560B2 No-tools chair assembly
A chair assembly including a seat, a back and at least one arm that are detachably connected together without requiring the use of tools or special skill. The chair assembly can be advantageously shipped disassembled in a compact, space-efficient package to reduce shipping costs. A seat bracket affixed to the arm is slidably and removably received by a seat bracket receiver affixed to the seat, whereby the arm is detachably connected to the seat. A back bracket affixed to the back is slidably and removably received by a back bracket receiver at the arm, whereby the back is detachably connected to the arm. The back bracket includes a locking catch that is adapted to rotate into and out of locking engagement with one of a set of serrated edges from a locking plate of the back bracket receiver after the back bracket slides into removable receipt by the back bracket receiver.
US08353557B2 Movable wind deflector
A movable wind deflector assembly for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle comprises at least one pivoting wind deflector arm that with a first end is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a hinge point and at its opposite second end carries a wind deflector body extending in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The wind deflector assembly further comprises an operating mechanism for moving the wind deflector arm and wind deflector body forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08353553B2 Actuation means for a rotatably supported flap in an automobile comprising a push-push kinematics
A drive for actuating a flap pivotably supported in or on an automobile includes a push-push kinematics. The kinematics includes a pushbar axially displaceably supported in a housing and having an external actuation end cooperating with the flap. A rotatable ring encloses the pushbar. A groove runs parallel to the pushbar axis and engages with a protrusion at the inner circumference of the ring. A first deflection face runs obliquely to the pushbar axis and cooperates with the protrusion of the ring to rotate this ring when the pushbar is pushed into the housing. A locking recess situated at the pushbar for receiving the protrusion when the pushbar is released, to lock the pushbar in the housing. A second deflection face runs obliquely to the pushbar axis and cooperates with the protrusion when the pushbar is moved out of the locked position by being pushed farther into the housing.
US08353552B2 Vehicle seat with striker mechanism
A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seat back, and a striker. The seat back connects with the seat base for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The striker is moveable in a linear direction between a retracted position where the striker is disposed in the seat back and an extended position where the striker extends from the seat back for engaging an associated latch. Movement of the seat back in a first direction, which is toward the seat base, results in the striker moving toward the retracted position. Movement of the seat back in a second direction, which is away from the seat base, results in the striker moving toward the extended position.
US08353543B2 Locking arrangement for a door
A locking arrangement for a door includes an upright operating bar (1) mounted on the door for angular movement about its axis and a handle (3) which is connected to the operating bar by a pivotal connection for engagement with a closure mechanism (7,8). The handle and the closure mechanism include co-operating apertures (9). A housing (11) is adapted to cover the pivotal connection of the handle and at least a part of the closure mechanism. A releasable securing means (35) passes through apertures formed in both the handle and the closure mechanism and secures the housing relative to the handle and the closure mechanism.
US08353542B2 Closure latch with inertia member
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door, wherein during a crash event, the closure latch has an inertia member that prevents the vehicle door from opening. The inertia member may only temporarily prevent the vehicle door from opening, or alternatively it may cause a lock lever to move to a locked position, so that the vehicle door remains locked even after the inertia member is no longer actuated.
US08353539B2 Pipe connector with fastener having sliding blocks for fastening
A pipe connector for connecting to a first pipe includes a second pipe and a fastener. The second pipe has a number of connection sections of difference outer diameters, one of which is fittingly coupled to the first pipe. The fastener sleeves on the first pipe and the second pipe and fastens the first pipe to the second pipe.
US08353537B2 Connection devices and male-female connection system comprising them
A male-female connection device, wherein the male connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is advanced in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The female connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is set back in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The male and female connection devices can be engaged within each other.
US08353526B2 Air bag assembly with air bag guide secured by multiple fasteners
A vehicle seat may include a seat back having a frame, a trim cover disposed on the seat back that includes a deployment seam, and an air bag module having an inflator and an air bag. The air bag may be configured to be inflated by the inflator to sever and deploy through the deployment seam. The air bag module may include a mounting stud that extends through the frame, first and second mounting nuts threaded onto the mounting stud to secure the air bag module to the frame, and an air bag guide. The air bag guide may have a first end located adjacent to the deployment seam and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The second end may engage and be disposed between the first and second mounting nuts.
US08353525B2 Pyrotechnic tether release assembly with a break-away piston for inflatable airbags
A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may be varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.
US08353516B2 Travel game
A toy play set for containing at least one predetermined board game includes a generally elongated body having a hollow interior, first and second opposing longitudinal ends, and a generally curved side wall extending around the hollow interior between the first and second ends. The first and second ends and side wall generally surround the hollow interior in a closed configuration of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow interior is at least partially accessible. A playing surface is operably engaged with the body and is configured to play the predetermined board game. The playing surface is shaped and sized to enable the playing surface to be completely stored within the hollow interior of the body with the body in the closed configuration. The playing surface is accessible at least with the body in the open configuration for playing of the predetermined board game.
US08353515B2 Pyramid game
A three-dimensional game shaped as a pyramid or prism with four or more faces, in which each face has nine terraced levels that attenuate to the peak of the pyramid. Each level has a plurality of circular depressions for the placement of each player's playing pieces. The corresponding level of each face has the same number of circular depressions, and each consecutive higher level has two fewer depressions than its immediate lower level. The peak of the pyramid is truncated and has a single circular depression. The peak can only be occupied by one playing piece at a time.
US08353511B2 Paper discharge device
A paper discharge device includes a waiting path, one side of which is connected to an input port and another side of which is connected to a discharge port. A collection path has one side connected to the waiting path through a merged portion and another side connected to a collection chamber. Conveyance mechanisms disposed along the waiting path convey a paper which was conveyed through the input port to the discharge port in a forward direction, and convey, after lapse of a given period of time after conveyance of the paper to the discharge port, the paper in a reverse direction through the merged portion to feed into the collection path. The waiting path has a downward curvature between the merged portion and the discharge port.
US08353502B2 Hinged base for positioning heavy components
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tilting objects includes a lower portion which comprises at least one foot plate and at least three supporting walls. A height of the top of the lower portion is about the height of a supporting structure. The apparatus also includes an upper portion which comprises a substantially flat surface and at least one connector for coupling a node carrier to the upper portion. The upper portion is coupled to the lower portion, and the upper portion tilts relative to the lower portion between an angle about horizontal to an angle about vertical.
US08353500B2 Pre-manufactured fence system
A pre-manufactured fence system is constructed of horizontal rails, posts that form a fence field surface or and area and pickets or panels that complete the field. The posts and rails are hollow extruded members of polymer or metal material that are interconnected by bracket members that fit within bracket compartments of the rails. Bracket bar members are connected with the bracket members and are received within key-ways of the posts to properly position the rails with respect to the posts. The extruded components perform fence component positioning and establish pre-determined dimensioning and locations of the accompanying parts and pieces of the complete fence system and provide for component attachment that is not visible when the fence installation is completed.
US08353496B2 Trophy assembly with twist connector
A trophy assembly having a base with an integral lower clip, a column with interior column ribs, in which the lower clip is adapted to engage the column ribs, thereby joining the base and the column when the column is placed over the clip and rotated. A trophy assembly having a base attached to a lid with an integral clip, and a column with interior column ribs, wherein the clip is adapted to engage the column ribs, thereby joining the base, the lid and the column when the column is placed over the clip and rotated. A trophy column having an exterior column surface and an interior column surface with a plurality of inwardly and longitudinally extending ribs. A plastic base for use in a trophy assembly having a base and a column, wherein the base has in integral clip adapted to engage ribs on the interior surface of the column. A figure for use in a trophy assemble having a column with ribs on the interior column surface wherein the figure has an integral clip adapted to engage the ribs. A lid for a trophy assembly that is attachable to a base, figure or platform, in which the lid has an integral clip adapted to engage the column ribs.
US08353495B2 Cup holder
In a non-use state where no beverage container is housed in a housing space, holding claws are urged by a ring spring to an advanced reference position where the holding claws are mostly advanced into the housing space and a bottom plate is urged by a coil spring to a highest reference position where the bottom plate is mostly moved upwardly. When a beverage container is housed in the housing space, the holding claws are pushed toward the radial outer direction of the housing space by the side surface of the beverage container, whereby the holding claws move backwardly against the urging force of the ring spring. Simultaneously, since the weight of the beverage container is applied to the bottom plate, the bottom plate moves downwardly against the urging force of the coil spring, whereby a lock member moves downwardly together with the downward movement of the bottom plate. Thus, since a restricted slanted surface abuts against the lock member, the weight of the beverage container is transmitted to a restricted vertical surface from the lock member, so that the backward movement of the holding claw is restricted.
US08353487B2 User interface support devices for endoscopic surgical instruments
An interface system for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments may include a tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide system. The tool docking assembly may comprise one or more tool docking stations for retainingly supporting at least one endoscopic surgical instrument for selective pivotal travel about transverse axes. The system may further include cable attachment arrangements for coupling steering cables from the guide tube assembly to the various tool docking stations.
US08353479B2 Arrangement of two fuselage sections of an aircraft and a connecting structure for connecting fuselage skins
A coupling element for connecting stringers in the process of joining two fuselage sections by means of at least one transverse splicing plate, wherein in each case the fuselage sections on the inside comprise a multitude of stringers arranged on fuselage skins, as well as annular frame elements, wherein the coupling element comprises a base flange and a frame element flange, and by way of the coupling element in each case a connection between the opposing stringers, the annular frame element and the fuselage skins or the transverse splicing plate takes place so that the coupling element beyond a connection of the stringer base also supports the connection of stringers on the flank side.
US08353466B2 Atomization structure and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses an atomization structure comprising a carrier, a cover plate, a piezoelectric driving device and an atomization piece. The carrier includes at least one first support portion, the cover plate comprises at least one second support portion, and the carrier is covered by the plate covers. The piezoelectric driving device is disposed between the carrier and the cover plate, the atomization piece is clamped by one end of the piezoelectric driving device. The actuating effect of the piezoelectric driving device would not be absorbed but kept by point contacting the first support portions and the second support portions to clamp and support the piezoelectric driving device.
US08353465B2 Dispensers for aerosol systems
A dispenser for an aerosol system for dispensing liquid material includes an outlet member, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member. The outlet member defines an outlet opening. The actuator member supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member. Movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member. Deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening.
US08353462B2 Thermally actuated hot and cold water mixing valve configured to minimize valve hunting
A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.
US08353461B2 Image processing apparatus, identification apparatus, electronic writing instrument, method for determining bit sequence and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a repeated image read from a medium having the repeated image printed thereon, the repeated image being formed by repeatedly arranging an image representing a specific bit sequence; an information acquisition unit that acquires plural state information pieces respectively indicating reading states of plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; a detection unit that detects plural bit sequences respectively from the plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; and a determination unit that determines the specific bit sequence on the basis of the plural bit sequences detected by the detection unit and the plural state information pieces acquired by the information acquisition unit.
US08353459B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object of the present invention to suppress poor connection or increase in contact resistance even in the case where an antenna is formed over an integrated circuit portion. An integrated circuit portion having a first conductive film is formed over a substrate, an insulating film is formed over the integrated circuit portion, a second conductive film serving as an antenna is formed over the insulating film, an opening is formed in the insulating film and the second conductive film to expose the first conductive film, and a third conductive film is formed in the opening and over a top surface of the second conductive film by a plating process to electrically connect the first conductive film and the second conductive film.
US08353455B1 Electronic device adapted for use as a shooting sight
An electronic device adapted for use as a shooting sight preferably includes an electronic device and an application software program. The electronic device includes a microprocessor, operating system software a and a flat screen display. The application software program is installed in the microprocessor. The application software program communicates with the operating system. The application software program includes sight indicia, a weapon profile input, a laser finder input and operation display tabs. The sight indicia overlays a video image on the flat screen display. The operation display tabs are displayed on the flat screen display in addition to the sight indicia. The type, position, color and size of the sight indicia is set by clicking on operation display tabs. A retention bracket holds the electronic device and is secured to a weapon. The sight indicia is aligned with an image seen on the flat screen display.
US08353454B2 Apparatus and method for calculating aiming point information
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.
US08353451B2 Transaction apparatus, systems and methods
Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to alternative kinds of transactions, which do not involve payment using only cash or a token device such as a smart card or chip and PIN card. In some embodiments, transactions involve a customer providing token-less transaction authentication information using customer interface means (150) that is adapted to receive, from a customer, in a first mode of operation, PIN or other token device authentication information, for use in a token device transaction, and token-less transaction authentication information, when operating in another mode of operation. In some embodiments, the customer interface means may be a specially-adapted chip and PIN card reader apparatus. Accordingly, such a customer input means facilitates manual input by a customer of voucher, coupon, accrued loyalty points, Air Miles, ticket or pass authentication information, without the need for a retailer to install new equipment or IT infrastructure.
US08353447B2 Device and method for contact information exchange
A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device.
US08353434B2 System for carrying articles at the front torso of a human being
A system for carrying articles at the front torso of a human being is disclosed. A substantially rigid article-carrying frame is connected to the front of a harness or backpack worn by the user. The frame transmits the weight of the front-carried articles to the front of the user's hips. The system accommodates bending movements of the user's torso by providing, for example, a variable-length mechanism, or a bending mechanism, or a folding mechanism, or a sliding connector mechanism, or any other equivalent accommodation mechanism that will allow the system to accommodate bending movements of the torso of the user.
US08353433B2 Two-part structural support member for a harness for breathing apparatus
A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components.
US08353431B2 Spray bottle suction straw diversion device
A spray bottle that has a Suction Straw Diversion Device (SSDD) that diverts or directs the sprayer pump suction straw towards the perimeter of the bottle. This can be accomplished through the use of a protrusion, bar, tube, rail, plate, hook or any other device built into the bottle that will keep the suction straw diverted to the perimeter of the bottle and in the liquid thus allowing it to be dispensed.
US08353416B2 Bottom-dumping flexible debris container
In a non-limiting, illustrative embodiment a bottom-dumping flexible debris container includes a top section including flexible side members. A bottom section includes flexible bottom members that are hingedly attached to the flexible side members of the top section. A release mechanism is configured to releasably attach the flexible bottom members to each other.
US08353409B2 Method of dewatering gas hydrate and apparatus therefor
A gas hydrate slurry dewatering apparatus adapted to feed a raw as into a cylindrical main body of dewatering column so gas to attain pressuriation and so suction any gas from the interior of a drainage chamber disposed around the cylindrical main body so as to attain depressurization. An internal tube (8) as a constituent of a dewatering apparatus (6) in which the gas hydrate slurry (S) is introduced is provided with a separating section (7). A drainage chamber (10) is formed by the internal tube (8) and, disposed with a given spacing therefrom, an external tube (9). An exhaust blower (B2) and a drainage pump (P2) are connected to the drainage chamber (10). A gas feed blower (B3) for a raw gas (G1) is connected to the internal tube (8). A differential pressure detector (x1) is provided for detecting any pressure difference between the interior of the internal tube (8) and the interior of the drainage chamber (10). Control of the exhaust blower (B2) and/or the gas feed blower (B3) is performed by the signal from the differential pressure detector (x1).
US08353400B2 Laptop computer case and spring protection system
A lightweight computer carrying case (1) has an undulating leaf spring (17) enclosed between two layers of foam. The foam strips and leaf spring are bonded to one another, and the combined spring protection system (15) is surrounded by an aesthetic layer of fabric and mounted in the interior of a main packing compartment. Once snugly fitted betwixt the spring protection device, the computer (23) is strapped in and enjoys superior safety from impact forces, including impacts felt on the corner of the carrying case. The foam is of EVA construction and the leaf spring comprises polypropylene or ABS. A unique and aesthetically pleasing outer pocket with a curving zippered access (29) holds valuables, and a sleeve pocket on the outer front face of the case provides easy access to computer peripherals and such.
US08353384B2 Method and apparatus for a loudspeaker assembly
A loudspeaker assembly is provided. In one or more embodiments the loudspeaker assembly comprises a perforated grille, a three dimensional loudspeaker frame to which a speaker driver is mounted, and a rear baffle. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker frame and rear baffle define a controlled volume around the speaker driver. In one or more embodiments the controlled volume comprises a driver cavity and a horn cavity in communication with the driver cavity and a port aperture.
US08353382B2 Steering valve having a planetary gear train
A power steering assembly (20) for a hydraulic power steering system of motor vehicles having at least one hydraulic servo valve with a control element (26) for controlling the steering support dependent upon the relative rotation of the input shaft (22) relative to the output shaft (28), at least two planetary gear trains (30, 40) for transmitting the rotary movement of the input shaft (22) or the output shaft (28) onto the control element (26), and at least one actuator (50) for the relative adjustment of the control element (26) relative to the input shaft (22) or the output shaft (28) in order to influence the steering support characteristic.
US08353379B2 Optionally connectable four-wheel drive vehicle
An optionally connectable four-wheel drive vehicle having: an engine having a drive shaft; two main drive wheels; a main power train permanently connecting the drive shaft to the main drive wheels and, in turn, having a transmission and a main differential; two normally driven secondary drive wheels; an optionally connectable secondary power train for also connecting the drive shaft to the secondary drive wheels, a gear drive with at least two different, alternatively selectable velocity ratios, and at least one secondary clutch, which is connected on one side to the drive shaft upstream from the transmission and on the other side to the secondary drive wheels.
US08353378B2 Frictional drive device and inverted pendulum type vehicle using the same
A frictional drive device comprises a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (2, 42) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, and a pair of actuators (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks and coaxially disposed with respect to the corresponding drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (85) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member. A speed reduction unit (72, 100) may be interposed between each actuator and the corresponding drive disk all in a coaxial relationship.
US08353376B2 Power-driven wheel for a military vehicle
There is described a power-driven wheel for a military vehicle, having an axial-flow electric motor, and a hub connected functionally to the motor and rotating about an axis; the motor has an output member housed inside the hub; and the wheel has an epicyclic reducer interposed functionally between the hub and the output member.
US08353356B2 Residential flat plate concealed sprinkler
A pendant sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inner surface defining a passageway. The passageway includes an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and defines a K-factor of about 5. The sprinkler also includes a closure assembly adjacent the outlet to occlude the outlet and a thermally responsive support means for maintaining the closure assembly adjacent the outlet. Also provided are means for distributing a flow of fluid over a protection area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet, the fluid distribution having a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft2) so as to define a range of minimum operating pressures ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi.) and a range of minimum operating fluid flows ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm.). The sprinkler preferably includes a thermally responsive plate means for maintaining a minimum spacing between the outlet and the means for distributing.
US08353355B2 Drill string/annulus sealing with swellable materials
A well system can include a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, and a swellable seal exposed to fluid in an annulus external to the drill string. The swellable seal can include a swellable material which swells in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent. A method of preventing undesired release of fluid from a wellbore can include displacing a drill string through the wellbore, thereby drilling the wellbore, and installing in the wellbore a swellable seal which, in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent, reduces flow through an annulus formed radially between the drill string and the wellbore. Another well system can include a swellable seal carried into a wellbore on a drill string, with the swellable seal including a swellable material which swells in response to a fluid in the wellbore comprising a predetermined activating agent.
US08353353B2 Surface controlled subsurface safety valve assembly with primary and secondary valves
A surface controlled subsurface safety valve assembly includes primary and secondary valves, such as an upper and lower flapper valve. Only one of the valves is in service at a time. In the event that the primary valve is compromised, and therefore leaks, the SCSSV is shifted to position the primary valve out of service and the secondary valve in service. The SCSSV may have more than two flappers, thereby providing multiple secondary valves, with only one valve in operation at any one time.
US08353351B2 System and method for regulating pressure within a well annulus
Pressure within a subsea well is managed as temperature within the well fluctuate. The management of the pressure mitigates stress to the structure of the well caused by the pressure. To manage the pressure, fluid is received from and/or provided to the well to reduce and/or increase pressure within the well.
US08353349B2 Retaining and isolating mechanisms for magnets in a magnetic cleaning tool
A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel. A removable insert resides upon the tool mandrel. The insert retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.
US08353347B2 Deployment of insulated conductors for treating subsurface formations
A method for making a coiled insulated conductor heater to heat a subsurface formation includes pushing the insulated conductor heater longitudinally inside a flexible conduit using pressure. One or more cups are coupled to the outside of the insulated conductor heater. The cups maintain at least some pressure inside at least a portion of the flexible conduit as the insulated conductor heater is pushed inside the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit and the insulated conductor heater are coiled onto a coiled tubing rig.
US08353341B1 Well system
A well system comprising, in combination, a recipient ground area, a surface casing, a source well casing, a return well casing, and a return pipe. The return pipe is located within the return well casing, and the return well casing is located within the source well casing. This arrangement allows the removal of water from, and the return of water to different strata through the same drilled well hole, while also monitoring different aquifers water quality and/or aquifer parameters.
US08353339B2 Apparatus for the measuring of fluid levels and pumping of the same
A device for employing sonic transmissions is utilized to determine fluid level in a well or a container. The device may be utilized while the well is operating. It is known that wells replenish fluid at different rates even in the same formation or well field. Increased well production at minimum pumping cost is achieved for a given well. The device generates a sonic event through the use of a compressed fluid that is obtained from within a well. A fluid level measurement system is obtained in a well in which gas is produced under vacuum.
US08353337B2 Method for cooling a rotating control head
A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed.
US08353333B2 Board-shaped heat dissipating device and method of manufacturing the same
A board-shaped heat dissipating device includes a board body having a plane face with a recess formed thereon, a heat conducting element fitted in the recess, at least one groove formed on any one of the board body and the heat conducting element, and at least one heat pipe pressed into the groove to flush with an open side of the groove. After the heat pipe is pressed into the groove and the heat conducting element is firmly fitted in the recess, portions of the heat conducting element that are higher than the plane face are removed through a cut operation, so that the heat conducting element is flush with the plane face of the board body to reduce the space occupied by the heat dissipating device. With the above arrangements, the problem of thermal resistance can be avoided and upgraded overall heat dissipation efficiency can be achieved.
US08353329B2 Ceramic core tapered trip strips
A core for creating an airfoil has a ceramic material that forms a body. The body has an outer dimension, a slot extending through the outer dimension and into the body for receiving an insert, the slot disposed at an angle to the outer dimension, and a trip strip having a first portion disposed in the outer dimension. The first portion is in register with the slot wherein a constant dimension such as minimum thickness is maintained between the trip strip and the slot along a length of the slot and wherein said first portion tapers towards said outer dimension.
US08353323B2 Sharpener with autostop feature
An electric pencil sharpener comprising a motor; a cutter assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the cutter assembly further includes: a conical housing defining a conical cavity therein for receiving a pencil; and at least one rotary blade mounted in close proximity to the conical cavity, wherein the at least one rotary blade further includes spiral cutting edges for sharpening the pencil; a switch assembly positioned at the narrow end of the conical housing, wherein the switch assembly further includes: a shutoff switch operative to deactivate the motor; mechanical means for actuating the shutoff switch when a desired degree of sharpening has been achieved by the cutter assembly; and an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the switch assembly and the motor, wherein the electronic control unit is operative to provide a delay of a predetermined period of time between when the shutoff switch is activated and when the motor is deactivated.
US08353317B2 Soft crack arrestors for pipelines
An arrestor for arresting an axial ductile propagating fracture in a pipeline transporting a high-energy fluid is made from a material such that the arrestor deforms sufficiently when encountering a propagating fracture that the propagating fracture continues at least under the arrestor but the arrestor has enough strength that it ceases the crack propagation without ring-off of the pipeline. The material is filled with fiber characterized by having a stress-strain curve that passes thru the ranges between about 25 and 200 ksi in stress, and a deformation ranging from between about 5% strain and 35% strain, and having a diameter ranging between about 0.002 and 0.020 inches.
US08353316B2 Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons in deep water
A subsea flexible pipe, including an internal sealing sheath (18), at least one tensile pressure armor layer (14, 16) wound around the internal sealing sheath, a retaining layer (12) having at least one reinforcing strip (34), the reinforcing strip having filamentary strands (36) directed substantially longitudinally. The filamentary strands (36) having polymer fibers (38). The polymer fibers have, at room temperature, an elastic modulus in excess of 55 GPa so that the reinforcing strip is able to prevent radial expansion of the armor layer, when the armor layer experiences radial force; and the polymer fibers furthermore have an elongation at break in excess of 4% such that the reinforcing strip is able to undergo deformation without breaking.
US08353315B2 End cap
An end cap for sealing an end of a tubular wall is provided. The end cap includes a circular-shaped body having an inner surface defining an aperture that extends into the circular-shaped body but not completely through the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes a sealing member disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes first and second finger portions extending in a first direction from the circular-shaped body that are configured to removably engage first and second notches in the tubular wall such that the inner surface contacts an outer surface of the tubular wall and the end cap is removably attached to the tubular wall.
US08353306B2 Fuel divider system for gas turbine engine
A fuel divider system includes a housing assembly and a flow passage network having an inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet. A fuel divider piston is slidably disposed within the housing assembly and movable between a flow biasing position and a flow equalizing position. A control chamber is fluidly coupled to the flow passage network and fluidly communicates with the piston. An inlet chamber, at least partially defined by the piston and the housing assembly, is fluidly coupled to the inlet. At least one channel is provided through the piston and configured to cooperate with the flow passage network to port the FD control chamber to: (i) the fuel pressure at the secondary outlet when the FD piston is in the flow biasing position, and (ii) the fuel pressure within the inlet chamber when the FD piston is in the flow equalizing position.
US08353300B2 Sodium chloride spray treatment of soil surrounding tobacco plants to reduce TSNAs
Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to stimulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.
US08353291B2 Systems and methods for compensating for pressure drop in a breathing assistance system
A breathing assistance system configured to determine pressure drop may include a gas delivery system configured to deliver gas toward a patient, one or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters of gas delivered by the gas delivery system, a calibration module, and a pressure drop calculation module. The calibration module may be configured to perform one or more pressure drop calibration tests, each pressure drop calibration test measuring a pressure drop in gas flowing through a breathing assistance system apparatus at a particular flow rate; and based at least on the results of the one or more pressure drop calibration tests, generating a non-linear equation relating (a) pressure drop in gas flowing through the breathing assistance system apparatus with (b) flow rate of gas flowing through the breathing assistance system apparatus. The pressure drop calculation module may be configured to determine pressure drops in gas flowing through the breathing assistance system apparatus for various flow rates based at least on the non-linear equation.
US08353283B2 Gas catalytic combustion element and a gas powered heating device
A glue gun (10) comprising a body member (3) in which a glue accommodating and melting chamber (4) for receiving stick glue is formed and combustion chamber 910) is also formed for accommodating a gas catalytic combustion element (14). A temperature responsive valve (25) controls the supply of fuel gas to the combustion chamber 910) for maintaining the temperature of the body member (3) at approximately 140° C. A thermal mass (2) provided by a screw (27) is clamped onto a tab shaped portion (30) of the bas catalytic combustion element (14), and maintains the temperature of the tab shaped portion (30) above the ignition temperature of the gas catalytic combustion element (14) during periods of fuel gas interruption to the combustion chamber (10), so that when the temperature responsive valve (25) restores the supply of fuel gas, the tab shaped portion (30) immediately commences to convert fuel gas to heat by catalytic reaction, thus rapidly raising the temperature of the gas catalytic combustion element (14) to its ignition temperature.
US08353280B2 Grill and method of use thereof
A grill comprising a front, a rear, a grill base, a grill lid and a grill door. The grill lid comprises an opening and is in hinged communication with the grill base. The grill door communicates with the grill lid via a hinge, which is disposed at a rear portion of the opening. When the grill door is closed, the grill door seals the opening in the grill lid. The grill lid includes a lifting-assist mechanism and the grill door has an opening-assist mechanism. A method of grilling comprising the steps of opening the grill lid, placing food on the grill base and closing the grill lid to cook food. The method further comprises the steps of opening the grill lid and the grill door during the cooking process, thereby creating a flue that urges smoke away from the front of the grill and towards the rear of the grill.
US08353269B2 Spark ignition engine that uses intake port injection of alcohol to extend knock limits
Internal combustion engine system. The system includes a source of gasoline for direct injection into cylinders of a spark ignition engine along with a source of an antiknock fuel for injection into the intake ports of the engine as needed to prevent knock. A preferred antiknock fuel is ethanol or an ethanol/gasoline blend having an ethanol content of 20% by volume or more. Other suitable antiknock fuels are methanol, a combination of ethanol and methanol, and a blend of gasoline with either ethanol, methanol, or an ethanol/methanol mixture.
US08353261B2 Water heater base
A method of making a circular support base for a water heater in which a sheet of material having two ends is formed with corrugations such that the corrugations are progressively more pronounced towards one longitudinal edge thereby creating a generally circular shape out of the formerly straight sheet material, the two ends are connected to form an unbroken circular shape, the corrugated material is shaped to form a lip at an inner circumferential region, and the circular lip intersects with an outer circumferential region of the support base to form a circular trough for supporting and positioning a water tank of the water heater.
US08353260B1 Combination feeder and pesticide applicator
A combination feeder and pesticide applicator for animals in which the animal receives an application of a pesticide when it manipulates the feeder. The feeder has a feeding compartment covered by a lid which can be selectively manipulated to expose food in the feeder. The lid has an applicator such as a cattle rub attached to it through a webbing weaved in and out of a plurality of slots on the lid. The ends of the webbing are clamped together. The ends of the cattle rub are also clamped to one another. A secondary attachment mechanism can be used to further secure the cattle rub to the lid, which prevents the animal from dislodging the cattle rub from the lid.
US08353257B2 Deposition apparatus with guide roller for long superconducting tape
Disclosed herein is a deposition apparatus with a guide roller for a long superconducting tape. The deposition apparatus has a supply reel which is provided in a vacuum chamber and rotated to supply the tape, a feed and deposition unit which is spaced apart from the supply reel and vacuum deposits a superconducting layer on the tape while feeding the tape, and a collection reel which is spaced apart from the feed and deposition unit and is rotated to collect the vacuum-deposited tape. The feed and deposition unit includes a drum which is rotated to wind the tape on a predetermined portion of an outer circumference of the drum several times, thus feeding the tape, and a guide roller which is spaced apart from the drum, includes a plurality of rollers each having on an outer circumference thereof grooves and protrusions at regular intervals, and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a rotating shaft of the drum by a sum of a width of the tape and a thickness of each of the protrusions, with the tape passing over an outer circumference of the guide roller. The invention deposits a superconducting layer while maintaining constant tension when the tape is thermally deposited, thus preventing the tape from being deformed because of the difference in the thermal expansion and contraction of the tape resulting from non-uniform tension.
US08353256B2 Installation and device for guiding a gas for devices used to treat granular products by drying, film coating and coating
An installation for guiding a gas for devices used to treat granular products by drying, film-coating or coating includes: a central distribution channel that can be connected to a gas supplying device and is connected to outlets for the gas, that are arranged at a distance from the central distribution channel in an axial direction, via connection channels. The installation includes a functional channel which is arranged at a distance from the distribution channel and has a plurality of outlets, and the functional channel includes at least two axially interspaced inlet regions, each being connected to the distribution channel via a connection channel. The outlets are arranged, in the axial direction on the functional channel, between the mouth of two connection channels, which are adjacently arranged in the axial direction, in the functional channel.
US08353252B1 Process for preparing a seam area for a PMC base fabric
A process for preparing a seam area for a PMC base fabric includes the steps of: providing a PMC base fabric including a plurality of warp yarns extending in a machine direction (MD) and a plurality of interwoven weft yarns extending in a cross machine direction (CD); removing a plurality of adjacent weft yarns from the PMC base fabric to define a window of warp yarns not interwoven with weft yarns, the plurality of warp yarns being interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns on either side of the window; folding over the PMC base fabric at the window such that each warp yarn substantially aligns with itself in the MD, and one or more weft yarns on one side of the window substantially align with a respective weft yarn on an opposite side of the window; and bonding together a portion of the PMC base fabric adjacent the window.
US08353243B2 Frying pan
A frying pan having an arced opening for pouring out cooked stuff, which is formed to the extent of a peripheral portion of a flange that outwardly projects from a periphery of the pan side wall, and having a spill opening formed on at least one end of the flange by gradually narrowing the flange from the periphery of the side wall toward the end of the upper surface of the spill opening.
US08353241B1 Hydraulic cylinder cushion
A hydraulic cylinder cushion including a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and an inner chamber, a piston rod having a base, a cushion spear having a spear base, a shaft extending from the spear base, and a spearhead arranged opposite the spear base, the spearhead comprising a hemispherical portion connected to the shaft, wherein the hemispherical portion is diametrically larger than the shaft, and an end cap having a bore, wherein the end cap is secured to a first end of the cylinder such that the bore faces the inner chamber and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis, the piston rod is slidingly arranged within the inner chamber along the longitudinal axis such that the base faces the end cap, the cushion spear is pivotably secured to the base of the piston rod and extends toward the bore, and the bore is adapted to receive the cushion spear therein.
US08353238B1 Blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system
A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system having a connector, a floating connector member, a cam, a connector cover, and a linkage between the cam and connector cover whereby the connector may mate with a second connector when the cam is displaced despite misalignments between the first and second connector. For the preferred embodiment, the floating connector member has multiple degrees of freedom with a reduced diameter portion and a lengthwise key whereby the connector is capable of mating with an aerodynamic hood of a rocket. The preferred embodiment biases and closes the connector cover upon the connector prior to a plume of the rocket passes the connector whereby exposure of the connector to the deleterious effects of the plume are minimized.
US08353229B1 Dual-head aligning wrench
A dual-head aligning wrench (10) (DHAW 10) that allows a single person to align, grip and attach two interfacing workpieces (130). The DHAW (10) consists of a first adjustable wrench (12) and a second adjustable wrench (74) that operate in combination to secure the workpieces (130). The first adjustable wrench (12) has a first wrench housing (14) that encloses a ratcheting mechanism (40), and a ratcheting handle (64) having a front end (68) that operates the ratcheting mechanism (40); a second adjustable wrench (74) having a second wrench housing (76) concentrically aligned with the first wrench housing (14). A fixed handle (94) is attached to the second wrench housing (76) and includes a post bore (98). The two wrench housings (14,76) are attached to each other by an anti-rotation post (100) having an upper end (102) attached to the first wrench housing (14) and a lower end (104) inserted into the post bore (98). The post (100) maintains the first wrench housing (14) in concentric alignment with the second wrench housing (76).
US08353223B2 Trace particle collection system
A trace particle collection system accumulates trace particles of those materials that are adhering to target surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to a detection instrument. Trace particles are often bound tenaciously to the target surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. The removal of trace particles is described which utilizes an aerosol mixture of frozen carbon dioxide aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target particles from the surface.
US08353220B2 Method for determining the viscosity of a medium with a Coriolis mass flowmeter
A method for determining the viscosity of a medium with a Coriolis mass flowmeter, wherein the Coriolis mass flowmeter has at least two measuring tubes that medium can flow through and a measuring device, wherein the measuring device has at least two actuator assemblies, wherein a measuring tube plane is defined by the measuring tube central axis and wherein the actuator assemblies are arranged on both sides of the measuring tube plane and outside of the measuring tube plane. Elaborate constructional measures for the Coriolis mass flowmeter are avoided by the measuring tubes being excited with a measuring device to at least oppositely directed torsion oscillation (and optionally additionally to plane oscillation) with the actuator assemblies being alternately actuated with opposing effective directions so that at least the viscosity of the medium is determined by evaluation of values from the measuring device.
US08353210B2 System for measuring a physical variable
The invention relates to a system for measuring a physical variable using a plurality of measuring sensors (20). Said system is characterized in that an inverting measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) is connected downstream of every measuring sensor (20), one output of a sensor (20) each being connected to an inverting input of the measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) connected downstream of the measuring sensor (20).
US08353209B1 Radio frequency tank eigenmode sensor for propellant quantity gauging
A method for measuring the quantity of fluid in a tank may include the steps of selecting a match between a measured set of electromagnetic eigenfrequencies and a simulated plurality of sets of electromagnetic eigenfrequencies using a matching algorithm, wherein the match is one simulated set of electromagnetic eigenfrequencies from the simulated plurality of sets of electromagnetic eigenfrequencies, and determining the fill level of the tank based upon the match.
US08353207B2 Fluid meter
A fluid meter is described having multiple pistons and connecting rods that are connected to the crankshaft by one common crankpin that is radially offset from the crankshaft such that an axis through the endpoints of the yoke slot of one connecting rod forms an angle alpha with the alignment axis of the two axially aligned cylinders, and that an axis through the endpoints of the yoke slot of the other connecting rod forms another, different angle beta with said alignment axis, so that the corresponding pistons reciprocate out of phase.
US08353196B2 Gas-mixture-nonuniformity acquisition apparatus and gas-mixture-state acquisition apparatus for internal combustion engine
In a gas-mixture-nonuniformity acquisition apparatus for an internal combustion engine, the nonuniformity of fuel concentration within a gas mixture is acquired under the assumption that, in a process in which a cylinder interior gas taken into a combustion chamber of the engine and fuel injected into the combustion chamber mix together to form a gas mixture, a collision reaction repeatedly takes place within the gas mixture in such a manner that, due to collision of two gas volumes having different fuel mass ratios, respective portions of the two gas volumes mix together, and the mixed portions separate from the corresponding gas volumes and form a portion or the entirety of another gas volume having a fuel mass ratio different from those of the two gas volumes.
US08353193B2 Mandrel assembly and method of using the same
A mandrel assembly has a mandrel, a biasing member, and a outer member. The biasing member biasly maintains the outer member in a first position, which corresponds to a contoured portion of the mandrel, when the outer member is either on the access or the blind side of a workpiece. The biasing member is compressible to allow the outer member to move into a second position as the outer member is moved through an opening in the workpiece. In the first position, the outer member includes a maximum outer circumference that is larger than the opening of the structural workpiece. In the second position, the outer member includes a maximum outer circumference that fits within the opening of the structural workpiece.
US08353185B2 Vehicle handle locking apparatus
In a vehicle handle locking apparatus, a locking member that can operate between a locked position and an unlocked position and a holding member that operates together with the locking member are resiliently urged toward the unlocked position side; and an engaging member that engages with a holding member in the locked position and holds the locking member in the locked position is operated by operation of an electric actuator toward the side to release the engagement with the holding member. Forced unlocking drive device forcibly drives the holding member toward the unlocked position side in response to the operation of the electric actuator in a state in which the locking member is in the locked position. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vehicle handle locking apparatus that releases, even when a force in a rotating direction is applied to a steering handle, engagement of a locking member with the steering handle or a linkage member so that an unlocked state is reliably achieved.
US08353182B2 Safety lockout hasp
This invention relates to a safety lockout hasp 1 which includes a body 2 and a moveable member 3. The moveable member 3 includes a plurality of apertures 7 which are each capable of accommodating the shackle 16 of a lock means 8. The apertures 7 are only accessible when the moveable member is in a closed position. The moveable member 3 can only be moved to an open condition when the locking means 8 is detached from the hasp 1.
US08353177B2 Apparatus and method for dispensing ice from a bottom mount refrigerator
A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
US08353172B2 Control device, method, and program of permanent-magnet type synchronous motor
There is provided a control device of a permanent-magnet type synchronous motor that sets a synchronous operation current at start-up in response to a current limiting value determined from the temperature of an inverter that supplies three-phase power to the permanent-magnet type synchronous motor, that monitors an output voltage or an output current of the inverter during a rotation stabilizing period after start-up, and that updates the synchronous operation current using this output voltage or output current.
US08353170B2 Absorption heat pump systems and methods for improving energy grade of low temperature waste heat
An absorption heat pump system and a method for increasing the energy grade using the excess heat at a low temperature are provided. The absorption heat pump system comprises a heat pump generator (11), a heat pump condenser (12), a heat pump evaporator (13), a heat pump absorber (14), and an absorbent crystallizer (141). The absorbent crystallizer (141) has an inlet for the absorption solution, an outlet for the absorption solution and an outlet for the absorption solution containing absorbent crystals; The inlet for the absorption solution connects to the heat pump absorber (14), The outlet for the absorption solution connects to the heat pump generator (11), The outlet for the absorption solution containing absorbent crystals connects to the heat pump absorber (14). The absorption heat pump system can further comprise absorption refrigeration circulation subsystem, and the cooling medium produced by the refrigeration evaporator circulates between the refrigeration evaporator and the heat pump condenser. The method for increasing the energy grade using the heat at a low temperature utilizes the excess heat at a low temperature as driving heat source, and obtains the heat with high energy grade in the heat pump absorber (14).
US08353168B2 Thermodynamic cycle for cooling a working fluid
A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the compression system operates in the critical flow regime where the pressure in an evaporator tube will remain almost constant and then ‘jump’ or ‘shock up’ to the ambient pressure.
US08353165B2 Combustor assembly for use in a turbine engine and methods of fabricating same
A combustor assembly that includes a casing that includes a plenum, a combustor liner positioned within the plenum and defining a combustion chamber there within, and a transition piece that includes a forward portion that is coupled to the combustion liner and an aft portion that extends from the forward portion. The aft portion includes a transition piece frame. The transition piece frame includes an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and a radially inner surface extending between the upstream and downstream surfaces. The radially inner surface includes a leading edge that extends between the radially inner surface and the upstream surface. A plurality of first cooling passages extend from the upstream surface to the downstream surface. Each of the first cooling passages is oriented obliquely with respect to the leading edge from the upstream surface towards the downstream surface.
US08353164B2 Gas turbine engine having slim-line nacelle
A gas turbine engine system includes nacelle, a first boundary layer control device, a second boundary layer control device, at least one sensor, and a controller. The nacelle is defined about an axis and includes an inlet lip section, an inlet internal diffuser section, and a variable area fan nozzle moveable to influence a discharge airflow area of the nacelle. The first boundary layer control device is positioned near the inlet lip section and is actuable to introduce a first airflow at the inlet lip section. The second boundary layer control device is positioned near the inlet internal diffuser section and is actuable to introduce a second airflow at the inlet internal diffuser section. The sensor produces a signal that represents an operability condition. The controller receives the signal and simultaneously moves the variable area fan nozzle and actuates the first boundary layer control device and the second boundary layer control device in response to receiving the signal to achieve a slim-line nacelle.
US08353150B2 Fuel nozzle to withstand a flameholding incident
A nozzle is provided and includes an outer annulus defined by an exterior wall and an interior wall and including air inlets through which air flows to a fuel mixing zone and a combustion zone, an inner annulus disposed within the interior wall and including a fuel volume into which fuel is fed to a distal end thereof, which is adjacent to and isolated from the combustion zone and an airflow line, disposed between the fuel volume and the interior wall, through which air flows to the combustion zone with the airflow line and the combustion zone isolated from the fuel volume, and a fuse configured to melt during a flameholding incident and to form a breach through which fuel flows from the fuel volume, bypassing the fuel mixing zone, to a fuel burning zone downstream from the fuel mixing zone.
US08353149B2 Forage harvester with a conditioning unit movable between an operating position and a non-operating position
A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm.
US08353148B2 Method of crop pickup floating
A method of responding to obstacles encountered by a harvesting pickup apparatus that moves in the harvesting direction, the method including the steps of driving a pickup reel, pivoting at least one structural member, and positioning a path of continuous loop device. The driving of a pickup reel step includes driving the reel with a continuous loop device about a first axis. The pivoting step includes pivoting the at least one structural member about a second axis, the pickup reel being supported by the structural member. The positioning step includes positioning a path of the continuous loop device so that a tight side of the device is located in the harvesting direction from both the first axis and the second axis. This step also includes configuring the harvesting pickup apparatus so that the structural member is pivoted about the second axis in a generally upward direction when the harvesting pickup apparatus encounters an obstacle.
US08353145B2 Capping machine
A capping machine (1) of carousel design comprises a centre shaft (2) turning on a fixed base frame (3) about a vertical axis of rotation (Y), a set of capping units (4) encircling and revolving as one with the shaft (2) about the axis of rotation (Y), and a cylindrical cam (5) interposed between the shaft (2) and the capping units (4), by which the single units (4) are caused to move toward and away from the fixed base frame (3). During operation, the cam (5) is held in at least one predetermined fixed position relative to the base frame (3) by a single supporting element (6) anchored to the base frame (3), concealed internally of the rotating shaft (2) and connected to the cam (5), which represents a departure from the conventional method of supporting the cam on two or more columns located externally of the carousel structure and exposed to view.
US08353144B2 Prefabricated composite wall panel and method and apparatus for manufacture and installation thereof
A prefabricated composite wall panel has a desired exterior finish defined by thin finish elements of brick, stone or any other suitable material and is adapted for mounting to the wall structure of a building framework by screws or other suitable fasteners. During panel manufacture thin wall finish elements are positioned at predetermined sites within the mold and aligned by alignment members in a pattern defining grout spaces. A grout placement screed having multiple holes arranged in a desired mortar pattern is positioned on the thin finish elements and pulverulent grout is deposited through the holes of the screed and into spaces between the finish elements. After removal of the screed the pulverulent grout is compacted and a liquid uncured polymeric mixture is applied as a contiguous substrate to the back surface of the panel and serves to retain the masonry elements and grout in place and to provide a moisture and air barrier that minimizes the potential for leakage or wicking of water or air infiltration through assembled panels of a wall structure. Finished panels having empty filler element spaces at side edges thereof are fixed to a wall or wall framework of a building with straight edges in abutment and filler elements are positioned to cover joints between the panels.
US08353136B2 Low profile support panel for a dock seal
Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall.
US08353135B2 Seismic structural device
A pin-fuse frame used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.
US08353130B2 Door weather strip
A door weather strip includes an attaching base part that is attached along an outer periphery of a door frame and a hollow seal part that is extended in an outer peripheral direction of a door from the attaching base part. The attaching base part 11 includes a base bottom part, a vehicle inner side wall part and a vehicle outer side wall part and a partition wall. Both the attaching base part and the seal part are made of the same EPDM sponge rubber material by an extrusion process. The door weather strip satisfies conditions that a specific gravity is 0.36 or higher and 0.44 or lower, a low stretch stress is 200 kPa or higher and 230 kPa or lower and an average foaming cell diameter is 180 μm or larger and 220 μm or smaller.
US08353129B2 Window interlock
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a window regulator for a vehicle window on a sliding vehicle door. The window regulator includes a ratchet that is positionable in a first position and a second position and a pawl that is positionable in a ratchet release position and a ratchet locking position. The position of the ratchet determines the position of a door interlock member for controlling whether the vehicle door is fully openable or not. The window regulator includes a mechanism for separating the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of at least one of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. The mechanism preferably separates the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of each of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions.
US08353122B2 Firearm emitting whistle sound
A firearm having a barrel and a whistle, wherein when the firearm is discharged a bullet traveling down the barrel forces air through the whistle to cause a whistle sound. The whistle comprises a barrel port, a channel, and a whistle port and wherein when the firearm is discharged a bullet traveling down the barrel forces air through the barrel port, the channel, and the whistle port to cause a whistle sound. The whistle may be associated with a firearm attachment and the firearm attachment is removably couplable to the firearm. The whistle may also be modifiable and modification of the whistle is configurable to eliminate or change the whistle sound. The whistle sound may also be associated with a signal that is transmitted to another device or central location for analysis, wherein the signal comprises a firearm identification or locational information.
US08353116B2 Sandal with adjustable straps and interchangeable mix and match straps and insoles
A sandal which includes two molded plates which releasably lock together. The underside of the male plate contains a male lock, and its front and rear underside contain the reciprocal fasteners to secure the straps. The superior aspect of the female plate contains the reciprocal “female” releasable locking mechanism for the male lock. After the straps are secured on the male plate it is inserted and releasably locked when the underside lock of the male plate enters the superior lock of the female plate embedded in a base style (heel, flat or wedge). When the male plate with straps is the top layer its underside is the lock and its superior side is the contact support for the foot. The male plate functions as a middle lock if an insole is inserted under the straps and its underside is removably secured to a superior aspect of a male plate with a choice of hook and loop fastener. The insole becomes the final layer which hides the shoes components and provides the contact support for the foot.
US08353115B2 Exhaust air dryer with a heat exchanger
An exhaust air dryer includes a process airflow entering from outside as supply air, which removes moisture from laundry introduced in a treatment compartment and which emerges to the outside as exhaust air through an air outlet, a heat exchanger between the treatment compartment and the air outlet, seen in the airflow direction, which removes heat from the process airflow, while forming condensate, a dispersal device arranged downstream of the treatment compartment in the airflow direction and in front of the air outlet, which adds at least part of the formed condensate to the exhaust air, and a hydrophilic body belonging to the dispersal device, which projects into the process airflow and is impinged upon by condensate.
US08353113B2 Drying device
A drying device including: a travelling unit and a drying unit. The travelling unit transports a sheet-like substrate in a travelling direction. The sheet-like substrate includes a thin film body wherein at least one surface of the thin film body is coated with a coating material including an active material. The drying unit dries the thin film body. The drying unit includes a radiative heater and a first nozzle. The radiative heater irradiates an infrared ray to a to-be-dried surface of the thin film body. The first nozzle blows a dry air to the to-be-dried surface in a direction opposite to the travelling direction of the sheet-like substrate.
US08353112B2 Signal emitting or receiving pointer
A signal emitting or receiving pointer and method for its use to enable the determination of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. The pointer has emitters or receivers installed on the pointer and the signals sent or received as the gantry is rotated allow the calculation of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry.
US08353107B2 Two-piece cable stripper
A cable stripper is comprised of two components, each component including a main body portion, a coupling device at one end of the main body portion and a T-shaped handle disposed at an opposite end of the main body portion. The coupling device rotatably couples the two components together. A channel runs along an interior length of each of the main body portions, which provides a path into which the cable to be stripped is inserted. A blade housing on at least one of the components of the main body portion securely holds a utility knife blade with a predetermined amount of the tip or edge of the blade protruding into the channel. The exposed portion of the blade pierces the sheath or covering of the cable by a precise, predetermined amount.
US08353103B2 Manufacturing method of multilayer printed wiring board
A method of manufacturing multilayer printed wiring hoard in which electric connectivity and functionality are obtained by improving reliability and particularly, reliability to the drop test can be improved. In the inventive method, no corrosion resistant layer is formed on a solder pad on which a component is to be mounted so as to obtain flexibility. Thus, if an impact is received from outside when a related product is dropped, the impact can be buffered so as to protect any mounted component from being removed. On the other hand, a land in which the corrosion resistant layer is formed by the method is unlikely to occur contact failure even if a carbon pillar constituting an operation key makes repeated contacts.
US08353102B2 Wiring board connection method
A wiring board connection method comprising: arranging a continuous conductive joint body on adjacent connection terminals of one of the wiring boards in a space between the adjacent connection terminals on one of the wiring boards; aligning the wiring boards so that the connection terminals face each other with the conductive joint body interposed therebetween; and bonding the connection terminals with each other by heating and then cooling the conductive joint body, wherein: the conductive joint body is a material that generates air bubbles upon being heated; and a recessed portion is formed on a surface of at least one of the connection terminals, the surface being opposite to the connection terminal of another wiring board. When the connection terminals are bonded with each other, the conductive joint body is allowed to move so as to gather on the surfaces of the connection terminals where no recessed portions are formed.
US08353101B2 Method of making substrate package with through holes for high speed I/O flex cable
An assembly of substrate packages interconnected with flex cables and a method of fabrication of the substrate package. The assembly allows input/output (I/O) signals to be speedily transmitted between substrate packages via flex cable and without being routed through the motherboard. Embodiments relate to a substrate package providing separable inter-package flex cable connection. Hermetically-sealed guiding through holes are provided on the substrate package as a mechanical alignment feature to guide connection between flex cables and high speed I/O contact pads on the substrate package. Embodiments of the method of fabrication relate to simultaneously forming hermetically-sealed guiding through holes and I/O contact pads.
US08353096B2 Method of minimizing inter-element signals for transducers
The present invention provides a method of packaging surface microfabricated transducers such that electrical connections, protection, and relevant environmental exposure are realized prior to their separation into discrete components. The packaging method also isolates elements of array transducers. Post processing of wafers consisting of transducers only on the top few microns of the wafer surface can be used to create a wafer scale packaging solution. By spinning or otherwise depositing polymeric and metallic thin and thick films, and by lithographically defining apertures and patterns on such films, transducers can be fully packaged prior to the final dicing steps that would separate the packaged transducers from each other. In the case of microfabricated ultrasonic transducers, such packaging layers can also enable flexible transducers and eliminate or curtail the acoustic cross-coupling that can occur between array elements.
US08353086B2 Ring cling
A small pouch for holding/storing jewelry. This pouch is made of a flexible rubber material with a small, linear slit in the top of the device. The pouch is created in order to hold or store different articles of jewelry. The purpose of the linear slit is to allow the jewelry to enter/exit the device. Attached to this, is a small metal clip. The metal clip allows the device to be secured to different articles of clothing. The metal clip contains a small metal bead which can bounce around within the clip, thereby causing a rattling sound. The purpose of this is to alert the user of the device's presence, therefore reminding them of the jewelry that has been stored within the rubber pouch.
US08353083B2 Tilt mechanism for electronic device
An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing covering the first housing, and two tilt mechanisms. Each of the tilt mechanisms includes a connecting rod, a first hinge bar, a second hinge bar, and a resilient element. The connecting rod is hinged to the first housing and the second housing. A first end of the first hinge bar is hinged to the first housing. A first end of the second hinge bar is hinged to the second housing. The resilient element is fixed on a second end of the first hinge bar and the second hinge bar.
US08353081B2 Slide-cover handlebar device
The present invention discloses a slide-cover handlebar device whose handlebar body has a slide cover to conceal the button arranged in a recession of the handlebar body, and whose handlebar body also has a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a fixing ring press-fitted with a fixing protrusion of the slide cover. When the slide cover is pulled or pushed, the torsion spring is also driven to move. When the pulling or pushing force has reached a critical point, the torsion spring generates a rotation torsion force to keep on pulling or pushing the slide cover to reveal or conceal a button. The present invention can protect the button from being imprudently pressed. The torsion spring can assist the user in opening or shutting the slide cover.
US08353080B2 Umbrella handle
An umbrella handle includes a tubular member having an inclined bottom wall, and a housing having an axle extended from an inclined upper wall for rotatably engaging with the inclined bottom wall of the tubular member and for allowing the housing to be rotated relative to the tubular member to different directions and for allowing the housing to be folded and inclined relative to the tubular member to different folding statuses, a flashlight device is attached to the housing for facing or directing toward various or different directions and for lighting the environment when the housing is pivoted or rotated relative to the tubular member to different or various directions.
US08353066B2 Easily adjusted retention system for helmets
Strap buckles for headgear can be independently adjusted by single-handed operation while the headgear is worn. To tighten the straps, the wearer pulls a strap buckle toward the chin. The adjustment preferably involves a 1:1 length-adjustment ratio, such that the strap is shortened substantially by the amount the wearer pulls on the buckle.
US08356355B2 DVD copy protection
A record carrier for storing at least one stream of linked content cells thereon, which linking is performed based on navigation data. The record carrier includes modified navigation data and/or a stream arrangement of at least one stream of linked content cells, so that an access of the at least one stream of linked content cells on the record carrier under consideration of the navigation data is not disturbed, whereas a generally linear access of the at least one stream of linked content cells on the record carrier is disturbed.
US08356354B2 Silent-mode signature testing in anti-malware processing
Method and computer program product for signature testing used in anti-malware processing. Silent signatures, after being tested, are not updated into a white list and are sent directly to users instead. If the silent signature coincides with malware signature, a user is not informed. A checksum (e.g., hash value) of a suspected file is sent to a server, where statistics are kept and analyzed. Based on collected false positive statistics of the silent-signature, the silent-signature is either valid or invalid. Use of the silent signatures provides for effective signature testing and reduces response time to new malware-related threats. The silent signature method is used for turning off a signature upon first false positive occurrence. Use of silent signatures allows improving heuristic algorithms for detection of unknown malware.
US08356353B2 System and method for simulating computer network attacks
The present invention provides a system and method for providing computer network attack simulation. The method includes the steps of: receiving a network configuration and setup description; simulating the network configuration based on the received network configuration; receiving at least one confirmed vulnerability of at least one computer, machine, or network device in the simulated network; receiving a method for compromising the confirmed vulnerability of the at least one computer, machine, or network device; and virtually installing a network agent on the at least one computer, machine, or network device, wherein the network agent allows a penetration tester to execute arbitrary operating system calls on the at least one computer, machine, or network device.
US08356334B2 Data network node having enhanced security features
An apparatus and methods for securely forwarding data packets at a data switching node in a data transport network is provided. The data switching node maintains a switching database of switching entries. Each switching entry has a modification protection feature preventing its modification when activated. Dynamic topology discovery of data network nodes can be disabled via topology discovery control flags associated with individual physical communications ports of the data switching node. Unknown destination flood data traffic is not replicated to physical communications ports having topology discovery disabled or specifying the suppression of replication of such unknown destination data traffic thereto. The advantages are derived from a data switching node being enabled to operate concurrently in friendly and hostile environments while detecting, preventing and reporting incidences of hostile MAC ADDR attacks.
US08356333B2 System and method for verifying networked sites
A system and method for indicating to a user that a networked site is authentic includes a verification application configured to send a request to verify the authenticity of the networked site together with identity information about the site to a verification server. The verification application has access to encrypted user-customized information that was previously selected by a user and is encrypted and stored focally on the end-user device. The verification server verifies whether the networked site is authentic and is further configured to enable decryption of the encrypted user-customized information when a networked site is verified as authentic, so that the user-customized information can be presented to the user.
US08356331B2 Packet structure for a mobile display digital interface
A packet structure for a Mobile Display Digital Interface (MDDI) includes a flexible sub-frame length to efficiently transmit large packets. A windowless video stream packet avoids repetitive transmissions of video packets when some parameters are unchanged, saving bandwidth. An enhanced reverse encapsulation packet combines the feature of a separate round trip delay packet with a separate reverse encapsulation packet. A link freeze is used to halt a transmission of a data stream at any point in the transmission and resume the transmission by a host.
US08356329B2 Method and apparatus for interaction with hyperlinks in a television broadcast
A system and method for adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast in which an interactive content icon is used. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. A receiver displays the annotation information associated with the video signal in response to a viewer request on a frame by frame basis. The interactive content icon can be used to inform a viewer of the presence of hyperlinked information, for teaching the viewer how to use the system, and for informing the viewer about the hyperlinked information.
US08356328B2 Methods and systems for selecting content for an Internet television stream using mobile device location
Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device trajectory information. In yet another aspect, the methods and systems select using mobile device location information cohabitation content for sharing a display screen on a mobile device with program content in an Internet television stream.
US08356324B2 Implementing network personal video recorder for digital video settop boxes
A video program is streamed in a normal mode to a digital media rendering system on a first connection to the rendering system. Then, while streaming the video program over the first connection, a control signal is received from the rendering system over a second connection with the rendering system. In response to receipt of the control signal, the normal mode of streaming the video program is switched to a trick mode of streaming the video program over the first connection. This is done without closing the first connection. In response to receipt of the control signal, a resynchronization signal is sent to the rendering system over the first connection. The resynchronization signal causes the rendering system to resynchronize the processing of video program data packets after the trick mode of streaming has begun.
US08356317B2 Presence based technology
A collaborative information system.