Document	Document Title
US08358908B2	Recording and playback apparatus A recording and playback apparatus includes a recording unit configured to download a content stored in a server and to record the content in a recording medium, an instruction receiver configured to receive a stop instruction for stopping download of the content done by the recording unit, and a controller configured to control the recording unit. The controller controls the recording unit so as to stop the download of the content when the instruction receiver receives the stop instruction for stopping download of the content, and to restart the download of the content when a predetermined time elapses in which the recording unit is in a stop state of the download.
US08358907B2	Display control apparatus, display control method, and program A display control apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives a television broadcast signal containing at least remote broadcast image information, a display unit that displays image information, a recording and reproducing unit that records and reproduces the image information, a player information acquiring unit that acquires, from the remote broadcast image information, player information regarding players in a sports game included in a broadcast image signal, and a recording and reproducing control function unit that receives an audio signal contained in the broadcast signal, generates an excitation graph representing the level of excitation of the sports game along a time line, and records the excitation graph, the image of the game, time information, and the player information in the recording and reproducing unit. Upon receiving information indicating a break in the sports game, the recording and reproducing control function unit displays the excitation graph together with the recorded image.
US08358904B2	Image signal recording apparatus, method of structuring preference information for recording apparatus and network system of recording apparatus According to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to an apparatus which performs automatic recording based on a timer recording list. A transmitting/receiving module is connected to a network. Preference information retrieved from another recording apparatus via the transmitting/receiving module is once set directly in a first storage module. A second storage module saves a timer recording list in which the preference information in the first storage module is reflected. As a result, the preference information retrieved from the other recording apparatus is once set directly in the first storage module, and the preference information in the first storage module is reflected in the timer recording list.
US08358902B2	Apparatus, method and program for image search One or more representative images extracted from an image group comprising a plurality of images is/are displayed. A part or all of the representative image or images, such as a main subject region or a background region including a search target, is/are selected from the representative image or images, and used for setting search conditions. The image group is searched for an image or images agreeing with the search conditions having been set.
US08358901B2	Optic having a cladding Various embodiments of wedge-shaped light guide optics are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a wedge-shaped light guide having opposing first and second faces and includes a material having a first refractive index. The first face of the wedge-shaped light guide supports a cladding layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index. The optic further comprises a turning film bonded to the cladding layer via an interface layer. The interface layer has a third refractive index matched to the first refractive index.
US08358900B2	Fiber optic module with adapters mounted at open front A fiber optic telecommunications frame is provided including termination modules positioned on left and right sides of the frame. The frame further includes left and right vertical cable guides. The frame includes a horizontal passage linking the left and right panels and the cable guides. The termination modules hold fiber optic modules with front termination locations. The fiber optic modules can house couplers, such as splitters, combiners, and wave length division multiplexers. A retention mechanism retains each fiber optic module in a partially removed position from the termination module.
US08358880B2	Hybrid coupling structure of the short range plasmon polariton and conventional dielectric waveguide, a coupling structure of the long range plasmon polariton and conventional dielectric waveguide, and applications thereof The present invention provides a hybrid coupling structure of a short range surface plasmon polariton and a conventional dielectric waveguide, including a dielectric substrate layer, a dielectric waveguide layer positioned on the said dielectric substrate layer, a coupling matching layer positioned on the said dielectric waveguide layer and a short range surface plasmon waveguide portion, formed on the said coupling matching layer, for conducting the short range surface plasmon polariton. The present invention also provides a coupling structure of a long range surface plasmon polariton and a dielectric waveguide, including a dielectric substrate layer, a dielectric waveguide layer, a coupling matching layer and a long range surface plasmon waveguide portion upward from below respectively.
US08358879B2	Remote user interface raster segment motion detection and encoding Raster segment commands are generated by a delta encoder and are encoded for raster segments detected to have moved in the current frame with respect to a location of the raster segment in a previous frame. Raster segment motion commands are stored in a queue and, when written, copy a raster segment into the current frame from a previous payload or cache. When written from the queue to a payload, raster segment motion commands are applied to a copy of the current frame maintained at the server using a copy of the previous payload sent. When copying a raster segment from a raster segment cache, a raster segment cache command retrieves identified raster segment data from the raster segment cache and copies the raster segment into a particular location in the current frame at the client. The raster segment commands are sent to a client via a payload to copy a raster segment from a previous payload into the current frame at the client or from a raster segment cache to the current frame.
US08358870B2	Image reading apparatus and method for successively reading a plurality of partial images from a relatively moving object An image reading apparatus includes a fingerprint sensor that acquires a plurality of first images obtained by successively reading the portions of a relatively moving object, an extrapolation section that extrapolates the plurality of first images to generate a plurality of second images obtained by extending the image area of the first image, and a relative position detection section that calculates the relative position between the plurality of images or the plurality of second images based on a plurality of images including at least the plurality of first images or the plurality of second images.
US08358869B2	Image processing apparatus and method, and a recording medium storing a program for executing the image processing method An image processing apparatus and method for quickly and effectively reducing noise in images processed by apparatuses having a low hardware specification, and a program for executing the image processing method. The image processing apparatus includes an image dividing unit for obtaining a plurality of first sub-image data items corresponding to a plurality of first sub-images that are obtained by dividing a first image corresponding to first image data, a noise reducing unit for obtaining a plurality of second sub-image data items corresponding to a plurality of second sub-images by reducing noise in the first sub-images from the first sub-image data items that are obtained by the image dividing unit, and an image synthesizing unit for obtaining second image data corresponding to a second image corresponding to the plurality of second sub-images from the plurality of second sub-image data items that are obtained by the noise reducing unit.
US08358868B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing method, image extending apparatus, image compressing apparatus, image transmitting system, and storage medium Even when an enlarged image is deteriorated due to a block noise or color mixture, the contour in the enlarged image is sharpened and a quality of the image is improved. A contour extracting unit 103 determines a pixel indicating the contour in an interpolation image, using brightness gradient strength and a brightness gradient direction. A contour correcting unit 104 specifies a first isolation pixel isolated by the predetermined distance from each pixel indicating the contour in a brightness gradient direction of the pixel indicating the contour and a second isolation pixel isolated by the predetermined distance from each pixel in a 180°-rotation direction of the brightness gradient direction, for each pixel indicating the contour, corrects colors of the pixels between the pixel indicating the contour and the first isolation pixel with a color of the first isolation pixel, and corrects the colors of the pixels whose colors are not corrected with the color of the first isolation pixel among the pixels between the first isolation pixel and the second isolation pixel with a color of the second isolation pixel.
US08358867B1	Painterly filtering Local histogram-based filters may create non-photorealistic computer graphics effects. An edge-preserving smoothing filter processes a source image to generate a smoothed image. An orientation filter processes the source image to generate a smoothed orientation image. At least one of the orientation filter and the edge-preserving smoothing filter include a local histogram-based filter. The non-photorealistic effect filter may generate a fine detail image from the smoothed image and the source image. The fine detail image may be diffused according to the smoothed orientation image to generate a brush stroke image. The brush stroke image is combined with a base image to create a non-photorealistic image. Local histogram-based filters include a closest mode, a local median, and a dominant mode filter. Local histogram-based filters are determined by convolving a neighborhood filter with one or more offset-kernel images, each based on the application of a shifted tonal filter kernel to the source image.
US08358858B2	Matrix compression arrangements This invention relates to utilizing image compression and reconstruction algorithms for transmission and reception of data that can be represented as a numerical matrix or a sequence of numerical matrices in bandwidth limited channels. The method and algorithms described herein may reduce data size to such an extent that data that was considered too large to be practically transmitted in a useful time frame can be transmitted in real or near real time. The algorithms can be applied to data communications for a variety of sensor, electronic and information systems.
US08358853B2	Automatic forms identification systems and methods Systems and methods automatically generate a model of a form or other document and identify the form or other document. In one aspect, a system and method normalize an image of a document and identify the relative positions of vertical and horizontal lines in the normalized image. The relative positions of vertical and horizontal lines of the normalized image are the model of the document image. The model may be stored in a record, such as an array. The system and method compare the relative positions of vertical and horizontal lines of the model to the relative positions of vertical and horizontal lines of other models to identify a matching model.
US08358851B2	Digital image analyzing method and related computer program product A computer program product capable of enabling a computer to perform a digital image analyzing operation, wherein the digital image analyzing operation comprises: receiving settings of a plurality of lines corresponding to one or more image edges of a digital image; and identifying a plurality of intersections of the plurality of lines and the one or more image edges of the digital image.
US08358836B2	Specific color detection applicator A specific color detection circuit shows an RGB input pixel and an RGB color signal to be detected in a three-dimensional coordinate, calculates a first distance from an origin to a foot of a perpendicular drawn from the coordinate of the RGB input pixel to a straight line connecting the origin and the coordinate of the RGB color signal or a coordinate with the same RGB ratio as the signal and a second distance from the coordinate of the input pixel to the foot, and detects a hue of a signal of the input pixel. The circuit generates a detection region in a color-difference direction according to the first distance and the hue, calculates a third distance based on the first distance for the detection region and judges the input pixel as being in a predetermined color detection region when the third distance is longer than the second distance.
US08358835B2	Method for detecting and correcting chromatic aberration, and apparatus and method for processing image using the same A method for detecting and correcting a chromatic aberration, and an apparatus and method for processing an image using the same are provided. A chromatic aberration is detected by dividing an edge portion of the image into static areas where a color varies below a reference value and a dynamic area where a color varies above the reference value, calculating a intensity difference value between at least one reference color and a comparative color for each of the static areas and the dynamic area, and determining at least one pixel having a intensity difference value exceeding a range of intensity difference values in the static areas among pixels in the dynamic area, as a chromatic aberration region. The chromatic aberration is corrected by correcting the intensity difference value for the pixels in the chromatic aberration region using a correction value in the intensity difference value range in the static area.
US08358831B2	Probe mark inspection Probe mark inspection involves a recipe based on unique image characteristics or combinations of unique image characteristics. Result images are correlated with a reference created to determine which image characteristic or combination of image characteristics provides an improved contrast.
US08358828B2	Interpolation of irregular data in a finite-dimensional metric space in lithographic simulation A method, system, and computer program product for preprocessing a pattern in a library of patterns and querying a preprocessed library of patterns are disclosed. Embodiments for querying a preprocessed library of patterns are disclosed for determining a distance between the representation for the first pattern and the representation for the second pattern, determining whether the distance between the representation for the first pattern and the representation for the second pattern is within the range for the first pattern, and transforming the second pattern with the transformation matrix to provide information about the second pattern. Embodiments for preprocessing a pattern in a library of patterns are disclosed for determining a transformation matrix for the first pattern, determining a range for the first pattern, wherein a distance between a representation for a first pattern and a representation for a second pattern is within the range and the second pattern can be transformed with the transformation matrix to provide information about the second pattern, and associating the range and the transformation matrix with the first pattern.
US08358823B2	Method for tracking tumors in bi-plane images A tumor is tracked in sequences of bi-plane images by generating a set of segmentation hypotheses using a 3D model of the tumor, a bi-plane geometry, and a previous location of the tumor as determined from the pairs of biplane images. Volume prior probabilities are constructed based on the set of hypotheses. Seed pixels are selected using the volume prior probabilities, and a bi-plane dual image graph is constructed using intensity gradients and the seed pixels to obtaining segmentation masks corresponding to tumor boundaries using the image intensities to determine a current location of the tumor.
US08358811B2	Method and apparatus to incorporate automatic face recognition in digital image collections A method and apparatus for creating and updating a facial image database from a collection of digital images is disclosed. A set of detected faces from a digital image collection is stored in a facial image database, along with data pertaining to them. At least one facial recognition template for each face in the first set is computed, and the images in the set are grouped according to the facial recognition template into similarity groups. Another embodiment is a naming tool for assigning names to a plurality of faces detected in a digital image collection. A facial image database stores data pertaining to facial images detected in images of a digital image collection. In addition, the naming tool may include a graphical user interface, a face detection module that detects faces in images of the digital image collection and stores data pertaining to the detected faces in the facial image database, a face recognition module that computes at least one facial recognition template for each facial image in the facial image database, and a similarity grouping module that groups facial images in the facial image database according to the respective templates such that similar facial images belong to one similarity group.
US08358807B2	Image-data-distribution-model updating apparatus, image processing apparatus, image-data-distribution-model updating method, and computer program An image-data-distribution-model updating apparatus includes: a determining unit that determines, concerning image data continuous in time series, to which of plural distribution models indicating an average of signal levels for each of plural color components, variance of a signal level distribution of all the plural color components, and reliability of all the plural color components the target image data belongs; and an updating unit that updates the average, the variance, and the reliability of a distribution model having the highest reliability among the distribution models to which it is determined that the target image data belongs and updates the reliability of the other distribution models.
US08358804B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing system and computer readable medium storing program An image processing apparatus includes: a recognition unit that recognizes a layout of a line including a character string in an image read from an original; a determination unit that determines a size of a region in which additional information is embedded so as to include at least a part of a line including a character string in the region, based on the layout recognized by the recognition unit; a dividing unit that divides the image read from the original based on the size of the region determined by the determination unit; and an embedding unit that embeds the additional information in the image divided by the dividing unit.
US08358802B2	Method of transmitting medical data A method of transmitting a data set comprising at least one medical data from a first imaging station to at least one other imaging station via a network interface in a DICOM standard communication system is provided. The method comprises the acts of selecting a first medical data from the data set for transmission; checking a memory of the first imaging station for a receipt of an acknowledgement signal indicative of a successful transmission of the first medical data to the at least one other imaging station; transmitting the medical data if the act of checking does not detect the receipt of acknowledgement signal; receiving the acknowledgment signal from the at least one other imaging station in response to a successful receipt of the first medical data at the at least one other imagine station; and storing the receipt of acknowledgement signal in the memory of the first imaging station.
US08358790B2	Band-splitting time compensation signal processing device A band-splitting time compensation signal processing device 2 includes a band-splitting circuit 211 for extracting, after extracting a signal of a high-frequency band component or low-frequency band component from an input signal, a signal of the low-frequency band component or high-frequency band component by subtracting the signal of the high-frequency band component or low-frequency band component from the input signal; a delay circuit 212 for delaying, for adjusting arrival time, at least one of the high-frequency band component and low-frequency band component output from the band-splitting circuit 211; and a mixing circuit 213 for combining the high-frequency band component or low-frequency band component output from the delay circuit 212 with the low-frequency band component or high-frequency band component output from the band-splitting circuit 211.
US08358788B2	Noise cancellation for microphone-speaker combinations using combined speaker amplifier and reference sensing An audio host device has a connector having a speaker contact, a microphone contact, and a reference contact. The reference contact is shared by a microphone and a speaker. The reference contact is also directly coupled to a power return plane of the audio host device. A difference amplifier is provided, having a first cold input, a second cold input, and hot input. The first cold input is coupled to an output of the speaker amplifier, while the second cold input is coupled a sense point for the reference contact. The hot input is coupled to the microphone contact. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08358787B2	Method and apparatus for acoustics testing of a personal mobile device A portable handheld test fixture has an acoustic port, e.g. a speaker port, a microphone, and/or an earpiece/receiver port. Once the media device has been installed onto the test fixture, the port becomes acoustically coupled to a respective acoustic aperture of the media device that is associated with a speaker, a microphone, or an earpiece/receiver as the case may be. A sound test tool, e.g. a reference sound source and/or a sound pressure level, SPL, meter, has an input or output sound port that can be removably coupled to the acoustic port of the test fixture. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08358780B2	Execution unit for performing the data encryption standard Described is an execution unit for performing at least part of the Data Encryption Standard that includes a Left Half input; a Key input; and a Table input, as well as a first group of transistors configured to receive the Table input, perform a table look-up, and output data. The execution unit further includes a first exclusive-or operator having two inputs and an output that is configured to receive the Left Half input and the Key input. The execution unit also includes a second exclusive-or operator having two inputs and an output that is configured to receive the data output by the first group of transistors and to receive the output of the first exclusive-or operator. The execution unit also includes a third exclusive-or operator having two inputs and an output that is configured to receive the Left Half input and the data output by the first group of transistors.
US08358771B1	System and method for managing customer communications over communication channels A system and method for managing customer communications over communication channels are disclosed. A method may include (1) determining a contact mode for contacting a customer based on at least one of a campaign strategy, a customer account attribute, a phone number attribute, a previous contact outcome, a previous call outcome, an email address attribute, a time of day, a customer contact preference, a customer availability, and a customer contact consent; (2) initiating contact with the customer; and (3) interacting with the customer. A system may include a database comprising contact data including at least one of a campaign strategy, a customer account attribute, a phone number attribute, a previous contact outcome, a previous call outcome, a customer contact preference, a customer availability, and a customer contact consent; a computer processor executing a communication manager, the communication manger determining a contact mode for contacting a customer on a communication channel selected from the group consisting of a telephone, a cellular phone, an email, a text message, a chat, a facsimile, and a social networking site. The communication manager may select a communication channel based on the contact data; and the contact system may contact the customer using the selected communication channel.
US08358768B2	Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a country code identifier in an international ENUM system Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a country code identifier in an international ENUM system are disclosed. According to one method, a message is received that includes a telephone number and information associated with a country of origin of the telephone number. A country code identifier may be determined for the telephone number based on the information associated with the country of origin of the telephone number. Further, the country code identifier may be appended to the telephone number of the received message.
US08358763B2	Camping on a conference or telephony port In one embodiment, a scheduling/conferencing system provides a user with the ability to set up a camp-on request for a person invited to attend a conference session in response to one or more selections made by the user via a user interface, which may include a name of the person and a specified action to be taken when the person leaves the conference session. During the conference session, a conference port of the person is camped-on. When the person leaves the conference session and his conference port becomes free, the specified action, which includes an attempt to communicate with the person by the user, is executed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
US08358756B2	Techniques for marking and manipulating voice message segments through a telephone user interface In one embodiment, techniques for manipulating a voice message using a telephone user interface are provided. The telephone user interface receives a mark begin segment command from a telephonic device through a voice modality. The mark begin segment command indicates a beginning point for a voice message segment in the voice message. The telephone user interface then receives a mark end segment command from the telephonic device through the voice modality. The mark segment command indicates an ending point for the voice message segment in the voice message. An action command from the telephonic device is received and an action based on the action command for the voice message segment is performed. The voice message segment is a portion of the voice message determined based on the indicated beginning point of the voice message segment and the indicated ending point of the voice message segment in the voice message.
US08358747B2	Real time automatic caller speech profiling A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for recognizing a voice input to an interactive voice recognition system is presented. An initial caller voice input is received from a caller. In response to determining that the initial caller voice input is a computer-unintelligible voice input that does not match any entry from a lexicon of known voice inputs, the caller is prompted to transmit a secondary input to clarify the computer-unintelligible voice input. The secondary input is utilized to match the computer-unintelligible voice input with a specific known voice input from the lexicon of known voice inputs. The lexicon of known voice inputs is then updated with the computer-unintelligible voice input.
US08358742B2	System and method for managing a network A system and method that may include placing a first telephone call from a data network to a target phone number using a trusted carrier; recording the first telephone call in a reference audio data file; placing a second telephone call from the data network to the target phone number using a suspect carrier; recording the second telephone call in a test audio data file; and comparing the test audio data file to the reference audio data file.
US08358741B2	Device and method to control an electron beam for the generation of x-ray radiation, in an x-ray tube A device to control an electron beam for the generation of x-ray radiation, has an electron emitter to generate an electron beam, to which emitter an emitter voltage can be applied, a diaphragm, at least two control elements associated with the diaphragm to affect the electron beam, and switching arrangement with which at least two different electrical voltages can be applied to the at least two control elements. The same electrical voltage is applied to each of the at least two control elements. Upon switching the voltage, an electrical circuit that delays the setting of the respective voltage at the one control element is associated with the connection line of the one control element with the switching arrangement to switch over the voltage. The invention moreover concerns an operating method for the device and an x-ray tube provided with the device.
US08358740B2	Radiographic image capturing system A radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image capture device, a radiation irradiation device, and a control device. The radiographic image capture device is capable of wired and wireless communications, and is capable of fluoroscopic imaging in which radiographic images are successively captured at notified synchronization timings or at a predetermined frame rate. The radiation irradiation device irradiates radiation toward the radiographic image capture device during fluoroscopic imaging, with continuous irradiation or pulse irradiation. The control device includes a wireless communication unit, a wired communication unit, and a controller that, if communication with the radiographic image capture device is performed by the wireless communication unit, prohibits fluoroscopic imaging with pulse irradiation in which the synchronization timings are notified to the radiographic image capture device and radiation is irradiated from the radiation irradiation device in pulses matching the notified synchronization timings.
US08358739B2	Systems and methods for temporal multiplexing X-ray imaging The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for temporal multiplexing x-ray imaging of dynamic objects with high temporal resolution and fast imaging speed. A pulsed x-ray beam can irradiate an object undergoing a range of motion such as a cyclic motion. Multiple x-ray images can be acquired at different phases within a single motion cycle or range of the object. The multiple x-ray images can be demultiplexed to produce an individual phase image. Compared to sequential imaging, temporal multiplexing x-ray imaging can achieve high temporal resolution of dynamics object in multiple phases with imaging time comparable to that of a single phase. Temporal multiplexing x-ray imaging can thus be applied to a wide variety of applications, including biomedical imaging and industrial non-destructive testing.
US08358738B2	Respiration-correlated radiotherapy An approach to radiotherapy is disclosed which allows the therapeutic beam to be more accurately directed towards a target region. Instead of stopping acquiring images during treatment, the system continues to acquire images as treatment is ongoing. This ongoing pipeline of images is used to update the previously created 3D reconstructions of each breathing phase. Thus the position of the target region can also be updated. The surrogate is recorded simultaneously with the image acquisition although it is not used to determine the breathing phase. As new images are used to update the 3D reconstructions of each breathing phase the values of the surrogate associated with that phase are also updated. This means that the correlation with the surrogate can also continue to be evaluated, and the correlation refined, thus improving the ability of the system to track the motion of the target.
US08358735B2	Test method and test device To provide a method and device for testing the size and conductivity of a foreign material adhered to a substrate for a liquid crystal display device, there is provided a method of testing whether a foreign material including a metal element is adhered to a substrate for a liquid crystal display device, the method including a first test step of detecting the size and position of the foreign material adhered to the substrate and a next step of testing whether the foreign material includes the metal element at the position detected in the first test step.
US08358733B2	Helically fluted tubular fuel rod support A support grid for a nuclear fuel assembly, the fuel rod assembly having a generally cylindrical fuel rod with a diameter, wherein the support grid includes a frame assembly having a plurality of outer straps and a plurality of helical frame members. The helical frame members have a contact portion structured to contact an adjacent helical frame member and at least one helical fuel rod contact portion with a lesser diameter. The lesser diameter is generally equivalent to the fuel rod diameter such that a fuel rod disposed in the helical frame member would engage the inner helical frame member at helical fuel rod contact portion. The helical frame members are coupled to each other at the contact portions thereby forming a grid. The plurality of outer straps are disposed about the perimeter of the helical frame members.
US08358725B2	Synchronous sequential processing of multi-sampled phase The synchronous sequential processing of multi-sampled phase (SSP MSP) includes a method, a system and an apparatus for implementing programmable algorithms for analyzing and recovering data from a very wide range of low and high frequency wave-forms, by using a synchronous sequential processor (SSP) for real time capturing and processing of in-coming wave-form and a programmable computing unit (PCU) for controlling SSP operations and supporting adaptive signal analysis algorithms.
US08358721B2	Mobile communication system and wireless device A base station transmits a control channel transmitted before information channels upon performing differential coding between control channels of adjacent frequencies. A terminal apparatus performs transmission path estimation on the basis of a pilot while decoding the control channel having undergone the differential coding. The information channels are decoded on the basis of information obtained by decoding the control channel and a transmission path estimation result on the pilot.
US08358717B2	Device and method for binary phase shift key demodulator using phase shifter Disclosed is a binary phase shift key (BPSK) demodulating device using a phase shifter and a method thereof. The BPSK demodulating device includes an I signal generator to generate an in-phase (I) signal from a received BPSK signal, a Q signal generator to generate a quadrature-phase (Q) signal from the received BPSK signal, using a plurality of phase shifters, an oscillator to generate a first signal to separate a baseband signal, and a determining unit to determine a transmission phase angle based on the I signal and the Q signal.
US08358713B2	High throughput and low latency map decoder In digital communication systems forward error correction coding techniques are typically used to improve the bit error rate performance. The receiver of the digital communication systems employs a decoding apparatus which may use Maximum A posteriori Probability (MAP) algorithm and its variations such as Logarithmic-MAP (Log-MAP), Maximum-Logarithmic-MAP (Max-Log-MAP). MAP decoding apparatus is commonly used as a key component in of decoder for error correcting codes such as convolutional codes and turbo codes. The MAP decoding apparatus computes likelihood estimates as the output. The present invention performs faster MAP decoding by computing likelihood estimates in parallel.
US08358710B2	OFDM receiver, interference wave discernment method, window control apparatus and window control method An OFDM receiver according to the present invention judges whether or not a delay amount (i.e., a first delay amount) of a transmission path detected from scattered pilot information existing in an OFDM signal of a frequency domain by referring to peak position information obtainable from OFDM signals of the preceding and following symbols, calculates another delay amount (i.e., a second delay amount) from the delay amount (i.e., the first delay amount) if the aforementioned delay amount is judged to be inappropriate, and set a position of a time window by using the calculated delay amount.
US08358701B2	Switching decode resolution during video decoding The decode resolution of a video signal can be varied during decoding by decoding a first portion of a video signal at a first resolution; determining a second resolution, different from the first resolution, at which a second portion of the video signal is to be decoded; adjusting one or more reference pictures associated with the video signal to correspond to the second resolution; and decoding the second portion of the video signal at the second resolution. The second resolution, at which the second portion of the video signal is decoded, can be selected from a plurality of predetermined decoding resolutions in response to the detection of a predetermined condition or in response to an input received from a user. Additionally, one or more reference pictures associated with the video signal can be up-sampled or down-sampled in at least one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.
US08358698B2	Method and device for motion vector estimation in video transcoding using full-resolution residuals A transcoder and method of transcoding in which inter-prediction frames of a downsampled video are encoded using downsampled full-resolution residuals in the rate-distortion analysis used to locate a motion vector for a given partition in the downsampled video.
US08358685B2	Iterative detection and decoding in multiple antenna communication systems One or more embodiments to iteratively detect and decode data transmitted in a wireless communication system, featuring a MIMO detector and a soft input soft-output error-correction-code decoder. More specifically, a method suitable for iterative detection and decoding schemes is proposed, which is able to output near optimal bit soft information processing efficiently given input bit soft information. First, a transmitting source is selected as a reference layer, wherein the associated symbol represents a reference transmit symbol. Subsequently, a set of candidate values are identified for the reference transmit symbol. For each candidate value a candidate transmit sequence is estimated through a novel spatial decision feedback equalization process based on both Euclidean distance metrics and the a-priori soft information provided by the SISO ECC decoder. The novel DFE technique uses a novel bit metric. Techniques are provided to identify a reduced size transmit symbol candidate set and generate from it near-optimal LLRs, also processing input a-priori LLRs in an iterative fashion.
US08358684B2	Demodulation circuit, demodulation method, program, and reception apparatus A demodulation circuit including: a first error calculation section configured to calculate a first error in accordance with a blind method; a second error calculation section configured to calculate a second error in accordance with a DD method; an update section configured to update filter coefficients for first and second filters based on the first or second error, the first filter filtering an input signal to generate a first signal, the second filter filtering a signal representing a hard decision value for a post-equalization signal to generate a second signal; a control section configured to, in the case where the update section is updating the filter coefficients based on the second error, controlling the filter coefficients to be updated based on the first error, when the degree of the second error has exceeded a first threshold; and a generation section configured to generate the post-equalization signal based on the first and second signals.
US08358683B2	Channel equalizer A channel equalizer arranged to receive a data signal encoded by a plurality of amplitude levels, the circuitry including a filter having a plurality of taps, each tap generating an output signal based on a coefficient, an input for receiving an error signal for adapting the coefficients, and an output for outputting a filtered signal; and blind error generation circuitry arranged to generate the error signal, the blind error generation circuitry including: error estimating circuitry arranged to estimate the error of the filtered signal based on maximum likelihood; and adding circuitry coupled to the error estimating circuitry and to the output of the filter and arranged to add at least part of the filtered signal to the error estimated by the error estimating circuitry to generate the error signal.
US08358681B2	Communication apparatus and communication calibration method There is provided a communication apparatus, including a transmission unit that transmits information by a plurality of systems and a reception unit that receives information by a plurality of systems, wherein the transmission unit includes a calibration information generation unit that generates calibration information transmitted for each the system and a calibration information generation notification generation unit that generates a calibration information generation notification indicating that the calibration information has been generated by the calibration information generation unit for each system, and the reception unit includes a calibration information detection unit that starts measurement of time based on reception of the calibration information generation notification and detecting calibration information turned back by the transmission unit for each system after a fixed time passes after starting measurement of time.
US08358676B2	Data transmitting/receiving method and apparatus in UWB communication system A data transmitting/receiving method and apparatus for allocating optimal sub-bands and transmission power levels and transmitting data in a ultra wide band (UWB) communication system. The method includes receiving data through sub-bands of each band group; determining performance ranks of the sub-bands based on error rates and differences of transmitting and receiving power levels of the received data; selecting a predetermined number of sub-bands according to the performance ranks of the sub-bands; generating power level adjustment information based on measured power levels of data of the selected sub-bands; and receiving data according to the selected sub-bands and the power levels.
US08358673B2	Strain balanced laser diode According to the concepts of the present disclosure, laser diode waveguide configurations are contemplated where the use of Al in the waveguide layers of the laser is presented in the form of InGaN/Al(In)GaN waveguiding superstructure comprising optical confining wells (InGaN) and strain compensating barriers (Al(In)GaN). The composition of the optical confining wells is chosen such that they provide strong optical confinement, even in the presence of the Al(In)GaN strain compensating barriers, but do not absorb lasing emission. The composition of the strain compensating barriers is chosen such that the Al(In)GaN exhibits tensile strain that compensates for the compressive strain of InGaN optical confinement wells but does not hinder the optical confinement.
US08358671B2	Photonic clock stabilized laser comb processing Processing a workpiece with a laser includes generating laser pulses at a first pulse repetition frequency. The first pulse repetition frequency provides reference timing for coordination of a beam positioning system and one or more cooperating beam position compensation elements to align beam delivery coordinates relative to the workpiece. The method also includes, at a second pulse repetition frequency that is lower than the first pulse repetition frequency, selectively amplifying a subset of the laser pulses. The selection of the laser pulses included in the subset is based on the first pulse repetition frequency and position data received from the beam positioning system. The method further includes adjusting the beam delivery coordinates using the one or more cooperating beam position compensation elements so as to direct the amplified laser pulses to selected targets on the workpiece.
US08358665B2	Method and apparatus for controlling the presentation of multimedia data from a multiplex signal between devices in a local area network Described herein are various techniques for remotely controlling the presentation of multimedia data contained within a multiplex signal by various devices on a local area network. According to one aspect, a method is provided that allows for controlling the presentation of multimedia data being delivered to one or more devices on a local area network. Control is provided through the steps of receiving at least a portion of a multiplex signal at a control device, determining at the control device the one or more logical channels contained within the multiplex signal, detecting the presence of a controllable device on the local area network, receiving at least a portion of the multiplex signal at the controllable device, and transmitting instructions from the control device to the controllable device that instructs the controllable device to present to a user at least one type of multimedia data associated with one or more of the logical channels of the multiplex signal. According to another aspect, a mobile device is provided that communicates wirelessly over a local area network and includes at least one interface for displaying information and accepting input from a user. Furthermore, the mobile device receives a wireless multiplex signal that comprises one or more logical channels of multimedia data, and issue instructions to at least one multimedia device on the network indicating what multimedia data to consume by instructing the multimedia device to tune into one or more logical channels of the multiplex signal.
US08358662B2	Creating and maintaining traffic engineered database for path computation element An apparatus comprising a node configured to communicate with a path computation element (PCE) and a neighbor node, wherein the node is configured to send a local traffic engineering (TE) information directly to the PCE without sending the local TE information to the neighbor node. Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising establishing a PCE protocol (PCEP) session with a PCE, and sending a TE information directly to the PCE without flooding the TE information. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving a TE information, updating a first TE database (TED) using the TE information, and synchronizing the first TED with a second TED.
US08358657B2	Adaptive coding and modulation for broadband data transmission A process is described to build physical layer frames with a modcode adapted to the signal quality of a destination terminal. Data packets assigned to the same modcode may be sent in the same frame, although packets associated with higher modcodes may be used to complete a frame before switching to the applicable higher modcode for construction of subsequent frames. After an interval, the order of progression is restarted with an out of order packet above a threshold age. Flow control filtering mechanisms and a variable reliability margin may be used to adapt dynamically to the current data traffic conditions.
US08358646B2	Temporary connection number management system, terminal, temporary connection number management method, and temporary connection number management program The present invention makes it possible to connect to and communicate with a connect destination by using a temporary number. In the present invention, a temporary number user terminal (100) registers a temporary number acquired from a SIP account server (300) in a SIP proxy server (400), and connects to and communicates with a connected user terminal (200) by using the temporary number. After the communication is finished, the temporary number is unregistered from the SIP proxy server (400), thereby disabling a connection from the connected user terminal (200). Also, connection conditions are provided by specifying the validity period of connection using a temporary number, the number of times connection can be made, the connect destination to which connection can be made, and the like, and only those calls which meet the connection conditions are accepted, thereby making it possible to restrict the uses of the temporary number.
US08358645B2	Determining a physical location of a VoIP endpoint device utilized to originate an emergency call In one embodiment, a method and system for enabling determination of a physical location of a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) endpoint device utilized to originate an emergency call are described. A network location associated with the VoIP endpoint device is automatically detected. The VoIP endpoint device is coupled with a VoIP network via a port of a network device (e.g., a wireline or a wireless network device). The network location includes an identity of the network device and an identity of the port. The network location is saved and upon initiation of an emergency call, the VoIP endpoint device forwards the network location to a device capable of converting the network location to a physical location.
US08358644B2	Methods and apparatus for generating synchronization/pilot sequences for embedding in wireless signals An embodiment includes a method for generating a set of synchronization/pilot sequences (SPS) by generating a plurality of candidate SPS using different initial conditions. Correlations are performed among the candidate SPS to generate a plurality of correlation values, and a plurality of permutations of the candidate SPS are determined, where each permutation includes a different set of candidate SPS, and wherein each permutation includes a number, D, of candidate SPS. In addition a selected permutation is identified from the plurality of permutations, where the selected permutation corresponds to the set of SPS being generated. A system includes a transmitter adapted to generate a wireless signal in which an SPS is embedded by combining each SPS of the set with phase shifted input data, determining peak-to-average power ratios (PARs) for at least some of the combined signals, and identifying a selected combined signal based on the PARs.
US08358643B2	Modified connection setup for E-UTRA radio resource control A communication method for reducing Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection setup time in an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) includes the step of using an inclusive Signalling Radio Bearer (iSRB) in place of a plurality of individual Signalling Radio Bearers (indSRBs) for transferring signals from Radio Resource Control (RRC) to Medium Access Control (MAC). A Protocol Discriminator (PD) is added to the tail (right side) of each indSRB at the RRC for allowing the MAC to identify each indSRB as received in the iSRB. The PD is needed because the MAC would otherwise be unable to place each indSRB into the appropriate prioritizing queue for trans-mission to the physical layer. The PD is stripped off at the MAC. A preferred embodiment uses the iSRB in place of four individual indSRBs (SRB1, SRB2, SRB3 and SRB4), but in an alternative form the Unacknowledged Mode SRB (SRBI) would not be present in the system and therefore not included in the iSRB.
US08358635B2	Methods and apparatus for implementing NAT traversal in mobile IP Methods and apparatus for establishing communication between a Mobile Node and a Home Agent are disclosed. The Home Agent receives a registration request packet from the Mobile Node, the registration request packet including an IP source address and a Home Agent address. The Home Agent then detects from the registration request packet when network address translation has been performed. When it has been detected that network address translation has been performed, a tunnel is set up between the Home Agent address and the IP source address.
US08358618B2	Method for resuming services in a wireless communication system A method for operating a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication system includes, when a bandwidth request message is received from a Mobile Station (MS), whether a resource allocated to the MS exists is determined. When the resource allocated to the MS does not exist, a resource is temporarily allocated to the MS. A message indicating a network initial entry is transmitted to the MS using the temporarily allocated resource.
US08358611B2	Method for transmitting multiple code words in a multiple antenna system Provided is a method of sending multiple codewords in a wireless communication system using a plurality of transmitting antennas. The method includes the steps of encoding a plurality of parallel information bit streams to generate a plurality of parallel codewords; modulating the plurality of parallel codewords to generate a plurality of parallel modulated symbol streams; performing a DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) on the modulated symbol streams to generate a plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; performing a pre-coding process on the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; mapping the plurality of precoded frequency domain symbol streams to resource elements; performing an IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) on the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams to generate SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols; performing shifting, at a predetermined time interval, on layers at which the plurality of parallel codewords, the plurality of parallel modulated symbol streams, or the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; and transmitting the SC-FDMA symbol.
US08358581B2	Method for adjusting signal delivery bandwidth, media gateway and media gateway controller A method for adjusting a signal delivery bandwidth is provided. The method includes the following steps: A media gateway (MG) receives a command request carrying signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information, and the MG adjusts the signal delivery bandwidth according to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information. An MG and a media gateway controller (MGC) are also provided. By extending the media gateway control protocol (H.248 or MGCP), the delivery bandwidth adjusting information of a signal is transferred while the signal is transferred, the signal is adjusted according to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information, a signal and/or signal list corresponding to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information is transferred simultaneously, and the executing process of the signal remains uninterrupted.
US08358570B2	Method of drawing a pattern for magnetic transfer A method of drawing a pattern for magnetic transfer on a substrate, including the steps of rotating the substrate and scanning the substrate, by an electron beam, in a circumferential direction thereof, deflecting, using a deflection signal, the electron beam in a radial direction thereof, and switching irradiation of the electron beam on and off, so as to create the pattern of a plurality of dots.
US08358566B1	Method and device for detecting a sync mark A method and device for determining frequency error to extend the pull-in range of a timing recovery circuit for a storage device such as an optical disc drive. A code associated with a storage format of the storage device is detected, and the distance between occurrences of the code is determined. The calculated distance is compared with the expected distance to determine the difference. Based on the difference, the frequency error is determined.
US08358558B2	Address control circuit and semiconductor memory device An address control circuit is presented for use in reducing a skew in a write operation mode. The address control circuit includes a read column address control circuit and a write column address control circuit. The read column address control circuit is configured to generate a read column address from an address during a first burst period for a read operation mode. The write column address control circuit is configured to generate a write column address from the address during a second burst period for a write operation mode.
US08358556B2	Internal power supply circuit, semiconductor device, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device To provide an internal power supply circuit that supplies a power supply voltage to an internal circuit of a semiconductor device via an internal power supply wiring, the internal power supply circuit includes a plurality of power supply units connected in common to the internal power supply wiring and an internal-power-supply control circuit that selects either activation or deactivation with regard to at least a part of the power supply units.
US08358555B2	Fuse circuit and control method thereof A fuse circuit includes a plurality of fuse sets configured to perform fuse programming and generate fuse signals in response to fuse programming signals and a fuse control unit configured to generate the fuse programming signals depending upon a level of a programming voltage.
US08358537B2	Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment includes: a memory cell array; word lines each connected to nonvolatile memory cells; and a control circuit. When executing the data reading operation, the control circuit applies to a selected word line connected to a selected memory cell a first voltage obtained by adding a first adjusting voltage to an intermediate voltage between adjoining two of the threshold voltage distributions; applies to first non-selected word lines adjoining the selected word line a second voltage obtained by subtracting a second adjusting voltage from a reading pass voltage; applies to second non-selected word lines adjoining the first non-selected word lines a third voltage obtained by adding the second adjusting voltage to the reading pass voltage; and applies to third non-selected word lines, the third non-selected word lines being non-selected word lines except the first and second non-selected word lines, the reading pass voltage.
US08358536B2	Nonvolatile memory device and method with multiple verification pass voltages A nonvolatile memory device includes an operation voltage generation unit configured to generate a first pass voltage when a verification voltage is higher than a reference voltage and to generate a second pass voltage lower than the first pass voltage when the verification voltage is lower than the reference voltage.
US08358529B2	Conductive metal oxide structures in non-volatile re-writable memory devices A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s).
US08358525B2	Low cost high density rectifier matrix memory A high density memory device is fabricated three dimensionally in layers. To keep points of failure low, address decoding circuits are included within each layer so that, in addition to power and data lines, only the address signal lines need be interconnected between the layers.
US08358524B1	Methods and circuits for limiting bit line leakage current in a content addressable memory (CAM) device A content addressable memory (CAM) device can include a number of bit line. One or more of the bit lines can be connected to storage circuits of CAM cells in a corresponding column. Each CAM cell can include compare circuits that compare a stored value one or more compare data values. An isolation circuit can have a controllable impedance path connected between the bit line and a precharge voltage node and can be controlled by application of a potential at a control node. A control circuit can be coupled to the control node and can switch the isolation circuit from a high impedance state to a low impedance state in response to, and no later than the start of, an access operation.
US08358522B2	Synchronous rectifier gate drive timing to compensate for transformer leakage inductance An apparatus for providing synchronous rectifier gate drive timing is described. The apparatus includes circuitry to receive a first signal. The apparatus also includes circuitry to generate a second signal by modifying the first signal to delay a transition from high to low for a non-zero overlap duration. An output to apply an inverse of the first signal as a gate drive timing of at least a first transistor and to apply the second signal as a gate drive timing of at least a second transistor, where the first transistor is a part of a primary side of a full-bridge synchronous rectifier and the second transistor is a part of a secondary side of the full-bridge synchronous rectifier is also included. The second signal and the inverse of the first signal are high during the overlap duration. Methods and program storage devices are also disclosed.
US08358517B2	Switching power conversion circuit and power supply using same A switching power conversion circuit receives an input voltage and generates an output voltage to a system circuit. The switching power conversion circuit includes a power circuit, a feedback circuit, a control circuit, and an initiation circuit. The power circuit includes a first switch circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal according to a power-status signal and the output voltage. The first switching circuit is conducted or shut off according to the feedback signal under control of the control circuit, so that the input voltage is converted into the output voltage and the first auxiliary voltage by the power circuit. If the power-status signal is in an off status, a ratio of the feedback signal to the output voltage is equal to a first feedback ratio and the magnitude of the first auxiliary voltage is lower than a normal operating voltage value, so that the control circuit is disabled.
US08358506B2	Mechanical arrangement for use within galvanically-isolated, low-profile micro-inverters for solar power installations A mechanical arrangement for use in implementing a galvanically-isolated, low-profile micro-inverter primarily, though not exclusively, intended for use with solar panels. The micro-inverter contains a circuitry assembly having a planar transformer formed of two abutting E-shaped core halves, and a chopper device assembly with all chopper devices mounted to a common thermally-conductive plate. To provide passive cooling, heat conduction paths are established, via separate compressive thermally-conductive pads, from a top surface of a top core half of the transformer and from a bottom surface of the conductive plate to large-area portions of opposing internal surfaces of top and base portions, respectively, of an enclosure. The enclosure portions, once secured together to house the circuitry and chopper device assemblies, exert a physical force through the compressive pads to effectively clamp the core halves together and eliminate air gaps that might otherwise form between abutting portions of the core halves.
US08358497B2	Electrode foil for capacitor, electrolytic capacitor using the same, and method for manufacturing electrode foil for capacitor An electrode foil includes a base made of foil of valve metal, and a rough surface layer made of valve metal provided on a surface of the base. The rough surface layer includes plural tree structures extending d from the base. Each of the tree structures includes plural particles of valve metal linked together, and is branched into plural twigs. This electrode foil provides an electrolytic capacitor with a small size and a large capacitance.
US08358496B2	Electric double-layer capacitor A high reliable electric double layer capacitor is provided by increasing a sealing ability and strength of given portions of collecting terminals. In an electric double layer capacitor including a capacitor proper 1a produced by a plurality of stacked cells and an aluminum laminate film covering the exterior of the capacitor proper, a pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 are provided at opposed portions of the capacitor proper 1a. Each collecting terminal 12 or 13 includes a first bent portion 12b or 13b that is bent to extend along a side surface 1b of the capacitor proper 1a and a second bent portion 12c or 13c that is bent to extend outward from a vertically middle position of the side surface 1b of the capacitor proper 1a. The second bent portions 12c and 13c of the pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 are arranged to constitute a common plane and covered with the aluminum laminate film in such a manner that leading end portions of the pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 protrude to the outside from the aluminum laminate film.
US08358470B2	Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same A zoom lens, including: a front lens group; an aperture stop; and a rear lens group, in which the rear lens group includes: a front lens unit and a rear lens unit, a maximum air interval of the rear lens group being interposed between the front lens unit and the rear lens unit, in which the rear lens unit includes: a first lens which is located on the most object side; a second lens which is located on the most image side, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied: −6.0≦fs1/frr≦−1.0; and −9.0≦fs3/frr≦−2.0, where frr indicates a focal length of the rear lens unit, and fs1 and fs3 indicate a focal length of the first lens and a focal length of the second lens, respectively.
US08358463B2	Micro particle image velocimetry, and particle image-capturing method thereof A particle image-capturing method includes controlling a light-emitting diode unit to emit light so as to illuminate a fluid through an annular condenser, particles in which scattering the light, and controlling an image-capturing unit to capture images of the scattered light through a microscope. A micro particle image velocimetry that performs the method is also disclosed.
US08358452B2	Imaging system and method An imaging system comprises a calibration system adapted to perform a calibration scan of a charged luminescent calibration strip disposed in a scan window of an automatic document feeder. The calibration system is adapted to determine whether an opaque object is disposed within a visible area defined by the scan window from the calibration scan.
US08358451B2	Image reading apparatus and image reading system A conveying device, comprising: a linear conveyance route on which a sheet-like medium is linearly conveyable; a bent conveyance route that is branched from the linear conveyance route and on which the medium is conveyable in a bent manner; a switching member provided at the branched portion and movable into a bent conveyance position for guiding the medium to the bent conveyance route and into a linear conveyance position for guiding the medium to the linear conveyance route, according to a force acting from the medium at a time of coming in contact with the medium; and a variable pressurizing unit configured to make a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the linear conveyance position smaller than a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the bent conveyance position.
US08358433B2	Method of revealing hidden content via handheld display device A method of revealing hidden content associated with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data; retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data including the hidden content associated with the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data and including the hidden content. The opaque display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. The opaque display screen additionally displays the hidden content in real-time as if it were printed on the printed substrate.
US08358429B2	Method of interacting with printed content via handheld display device A method of interacting with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data; and interacting with the display information via the opaque touch-sensitive display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content.
US08358424B2	Distance measuring apparatus, distance measuring method, distance measurement program and computer readable recording medium A distance measuring apparatus comprises: an edge specifying part 101 for specifying the edge of a probe 6 in a secondary portrait appearing on the surface of a work 9 and an image of the probe 6; a straight line inserting part 102 for inserting a straight line along the outer edge of the secondary portrait onto an image, and an overlap determining part 103 for determining an overlap of the edge and the straight line, wherein one or more LED lamps 7, and calculating part for calculating the distance wherein the imaging device and the probe 6 are movably held integrally for the surface of the work 9.
US08358416B2	Methods and apparatus for normalizing optical emission spectra A processing system having a chamber for in-situ optical interrogation of plasma emission to quantitatively measure normalized optical emission spectra is provided. The processing chamber includes a confinement ring assembly, a flash lamp, and a set of quartz windows. The processing chamber also includes a plurality of collimated optical assemblies, the plurality of collimated optical assemblies are optically coupled to the set of quartz windows. The processing chamber also includes a plurality of fiber optic bundles. The processing chamber also includes a multi-channel spectrometer, the multi-channel spectrometer is configured with at least a signal channel and a reference channel, the signal channel is optically coupled to at least the flash lamp, the set of quartz windows, the set of collimated optical assemblies, the illuminated fiber optic bundle, and the collection fiber optic bundle to measure a first signal.
US08358405B2	Measuring apparatus, and liquid collecting and measuring system having the same A blood collecting apparatus includes a main flow path and a pressure generator. The pressure generator is provided in an intermediate position of the main flow path to insert a gas as separators at designated predetermined intervals, thereby to take out blood to be measured, as separated in a time series. The blood can be taken out in minute volumes by inserting the separators consisting of the gas while feeding the blood continuously into the main flow path in this way. And consumption of the blood can be held down, and the amount of collected blood can be minimized. Since the operation to insert the separators is excellent in speed, repeated collection in a short time, i.e. frequency of blood collection, can be secured.
US08358403B1	Remote platform enhanced munitions detection Remote platform enhanced munitions detection can support improved detection of munitions by separating the signal source platform from a detector on a remote mobile platform. The source platform may support a large, complex, or expensive optical laser or radio frequency source. The source platform may also support a remote signal processing system. The electromagnetic source may be used to illuminate munitions or threat material from a standoff distance. The mobile platform may be maneuvered and positioned closer to the measurement target. The mobile platform may be equipped with an appropriate electromagnetic detector to obtain measurement data at different ranges and positions around the measurement target. The mobile platform may also provide an articulating arm with a mirror or reflector to support non-line-of-sight measurements.
US08358402B2	Method of structuring a photosensitive material A method of structuring a photosensitive material is disclosed. The method includes illuminating a first object structure and projecting a pattern of the first object structure onto a photosensitive material such that the projected pattern of the first object structure is focussed at a first focus position with respect to the photosensitive material. The method also includes illuminating a second object structure and projecting a pattern of the second object structure onto the photosensitive material such that the projected pattern of the second object structure is focussed at a second focus position with respect to the photosensitive material. The respective patterns are projected in the same projection direction.
US08358398B2	Single control liquid crystal optical switch and attenuator An optical device is configured to perform both switching and attenuation of an optical beam in response to a single control signal. The optical device includes a liquid-crystal-based beam-polarizing element having polarization-conditioning regions that are controlled using a common electrode. The first polarization-conditioning region conditions the polarization of the input beam in order to separate the input beam into a primary component and a residual component. The second and third polarization-conditioning regions change the polarization of the primary component and the residual component, respectively. The primary component is directed to an output port after it has been attenuated based on its polarization state. The residual component, after passing through the third polarization-conditioning region, has its intensity further reduced based on its polarization state.
US08358394B2	Liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates, a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween, pixel regions formed by gate signal lines and image signal lines formed over the first substrate, a first insulating layer formed over the gate signal lines, thin film transistors connected to the gate signal lines with in a second insulating layer formed thereover, pixel electrodes connected to the thin film transistors, a counter electrode formed of a first transparent conductive layer over the second insulating layer, and a second transparent conductive layer and an external connection terminal disposed outside of the pixel regions. The second transparent conductive layer is formed over the second insulating layer and is electrically connected to the counter electrode and the external connection terminal, and a part of each of the gate signal lines is disposed outside of the pixel regions and is covered by the second transparent conductive layer.
US08358393B2	Thin film transistor array for a liquid crystal display device and related manufacturing and operation methods In one embodiment of an invention concerning liquid crystal display devices, a first pixel electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate may overlap a slit of a second pixel electrode of the TFT array substrate but not overlap another slit of the second pixel electrode. This may help induce a multi-domain electric field without having to precisely position a common electrode of a color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate. This may prevent position errors, enhance display quality, produce a wider viewing angle, and lower color shift sometimes associated with conventional liquid crystal display devices and methods.
US08358391B2	Method to obtain a controlled pretilt and azimuthal angles in a liquid crystal cell We disclose a new method of preparing liquid crystal alignment layers that can produce controllable pretilt angles from near 0 to near 90°. It is based on the stacking of two alignment materials sequentially, with the first one being continuous and the second one being discontinuous leaving part of the first layer exposed.
US08358384B2	Reduced rainbow artifacts in digital light projection systems A projection system can include a color wheel and at least one digital micromirror device. The color wheel can produce different colors of light from a light source. Each color can be produced in sequential order for a predetermined color phase. Each of the digital micromirror device(s) can have a plurality of micromirrors. At least one of the plurality of micromirrors can be activated at different respective portions of each of two consecutive color phases responsive to a control signal. The projection system also can include a lens configured to project light reflected from the at least one digital micromirror device onto a projection surface.
US08358377B2	Image display apparatus and operating method thereof A method of operating an image display apparatus includes generating a thumbnail image based on an input signal, detecting an error in the thumbnail image, and displaying the thumbnail image if no error is detected in the thumbnail image.
US08358372B2	Digital camera curved flat cable A curved flat cable (32) for electrically connecting a cards cage (18) and a charged coupled device (CCD) (12) can be freely rotated coaxially in respect to the cards cage, and includes a curved shaped insulating film and a set of separate plated conductor strips (23, 44) disposed on the curved shaped insulating film.
US08358371B1	Crane block camera system The crane block camera system attaches onto a crane block in order to provide video footage of the area around the crane block. The system attaches onto the crane block and includes electrical generating means thereon. The video footage is transmitted wirelessly where it is received by a receiver and monitor located near the crane operator.
US08358368B2	Image processing device and image processing method thereof for picking up images of scene of high luminance difference An image processing device and an image processing method determine whether the photographic scene has a high luminance difference. If the photographic scene has a high luminance difference, the image processing device and method switch the image pickup unit to a high luminance difference exposure mode. If the photographic scene does not have a high luminance difference, the image processing device and method switch the image pickup unit to a normal exposure mode.
US08358361B2	A/D converter unit for image sensor A high-speed, high-resolution column A/D converter having a noise reduction function to eliminate a fixed pattern noise etc. is provided with a small circuit scale. Each column A/D converter includes a dual-output D/A converter for selecting two reference voltages from among a reference voltage group supplied in common to each column A/D converter, so as to output the two reference voltages to sandwich each sensor signal voltage input to each column A/D converter, along with a charge-redistribution D/A converter having a full scale determined by the above two reference voltages. Thus, the high-speed, high-resolution column A/D converter is achieved with a small circuit scale. Further, by the utilization of high-speed conversion capability, noise reduction is performed through digital calculation after the A/D conversion.
US08358355B2	Digital still camera and image correction method To be capable of correcting a captured image to an image desirable to a user only by using a digital still camera.An RAM 15 storing the image data of an image for which tone correction is to be performed in a standard color space format and a tone correction circuit 35 are provided. The image data is read out from the RAM 15, and the tone correction is performed for the readout image data in the tone correction circuit 35. In automatic tone correction, luminance signals of the image are statistically analyzed to categorize the image, and an appropriate correction curve is used to correct the image.
US08358341B2	Method for intelligent scanning using a total station System and method for scanning an object using a surveying instrument is provided. The method includes designating an area associated with an object to be scanned. Defining one or more sections within the area associated with the object. Scanning a portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to a first section of the area associated with the object and designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section if scan results indicate presence of an object. Designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section for not scanning if the scan results of the portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to the first section do not indicate presence of an object. A remote control device is provided that can control the surveying instrument, receive the scan results, and analyze the scan results for subsequent use.
US08358340B2	Pattern inspection device and method of inspecting pattern A pattern inspection device according to the embodiment, includes: an image picking-up portion for picking-up an image of a pattern formation member in which a plurality of opening patterns are formed so as to obtain a picked-up image of the pattern formation member; a reference image obtaining portion for obtaining a reference image used for comparing with the picked-up image; and a pattern defect detecting portion for matching the center locations of the opening pattern images respectively between the picked-up image and the reference image, forming difference images of the opening pattern images between the picked-up image and the reference image per the opening pattern and detecting the defect of the opening pattern base on the difference images.
US08358332B2	Generation of three-dimensional movies with improved depth control Techniques for creating 3-D movies allow improved control over camera positioning parameters and editing of depth in post-process to provide for a smoother variation in the viewer's convergence distance and a more pleasant viewing experience. A director can define reference parameters related to a desired viewing experience, and camera positioning parameters are derived therefrom. A depth script specifying piecewise continuous variations in reference parameters can be applied in post-process to generate 3-D shots, scenes, or movies. These techniques can be applied in both computer-generated and live-action 3-D movies.
US08358331B2	3D caption display method and 3D display apparatus for implementing the same A 3D caption display method for harmoniously merging and displaying closed caption with 3D image in a 3D display apparatus, and a 3D display apparatus suitable for implementing the method. The 3D display apparatus receives a broadcast signal containing caption data, and obtains caption control commands including a 3D parameter setting command from the caption data. Afterwards, the 3D display apparatus displays a plurality of 3D caption images according to the caption control commands.
US08358330B2	Stereoscopic electronic microscope workstation A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time video signals to a display device. A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time data to a display means. Various embodiments are disclosed including desktop and free-standing workstations. An image processing unit can be implemented, providing for natural orientation of the magnified image of the viewed object, also allowing rotation, cropping, filtering and other image manipulation features. Methods of performing a procedure utilizing the stereoscopic microscope workstation are disclosed, including a method of performing a procedure of simultaneously utilizing both foveal vision and peripheral vision.
US08358329B2	Stereo image reproducing apparatus, stereo image reproduction method, stereo image reproduction program, and recording medium having such program recorded therein The present invention is directed to a stereo image processing apparatus adapted for performing stereoscopic reproduction of images without depending upon header information of file to have ability to recover or restore header information for stereoscopic display which has been broken or missing, which includes an image input unit (1) for inputting plural main images constituting stereo images, a stereo information encoding unit (6) for encoding stereo information for stereoscopic display control with respect to the inputted plural main images into an image like bar code, and an image synthesis unit (8) for synthesizing the inputted plural main images and an encoded image of the stereo information in the state where corresponding areas for respective images are partitioned.
US08358328B2	Multiple video camera processing for teleconferencing A method, an apparatus, and a storage medium with executable code to execute a method including accepting camera views of at least some participants of a teleconference, each view from a corresponding video camera, with the camera views together including at least one view of each participant. The method includes accepting audio from a plurality of microphones, and processing the audio from the plurality of microphones to generate audio data and direction information indicative of the direction of sound received at the microphones. The method further includes generating one or more candidate people views, with each people view being of an area enclosing a head and shoulders view of at least one participant. The method also includes making a selection, according to the direction information, of which at least one of the candidate people views are to be transmitted to one or more remote endpoints.
US08358322B2	Display A display includes a plurality of display elements. Each display element includes two opposed electrodes, a first dielectric layer, a fluid including a plurality of colorants, and a second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer is disposed between the electrodes and has at least one reservoir defined therein. The second dielectric layer exhibits non-linear resistance, and is disposed on at least one of the electrodes and adjacent to the fluid. The fluid is disposed in a space defined between the electrodes, and the plurality of colorants is configured to move in response to an applied electric field.
US08358321B1	Change screen orientation A method, computer program product, and system are provided for orienting content on a display. The method may include identifying one or more features of a user in a captured image. A user orientation axis is determined in the captured image. A content orientation axis corresponding to an orientation direction of a screen content is defined. A determination is made as to whether the content orientation axis and the user orientation axis are parallel or perpendicular. The orientation direction of the screen content is changed to be substantially along the user orientation axis based on the determination of whether the content orientation axis and the user orientation axis are parallel or perpendicular. The screen content is then displayed.
US08358320B2	Interactive transcription system and method A method and system which seamlessly combines natural way of handwriting (real world) with interactive digital media and technologies (virtual world) for providing a mixed or augmented reality perception to the user is disclosed.
US08358319B2	System and method for processing image data using an image processing pipeline of an image signal processor Various techniques are provided herein for processing raw image data acquired using a digital image sensor in an image processing pipeline of an image signal processing system. In one embodiment, the image processing pipeline may first process the raw image data (e.g., Bayer image data) for the detection and correction of defective pixels. Next, the image processing pipeline may process the raw image data to reduce noise. Thereafter, the image processing pipeline may correct lens shading distortion in the raw image data and, subsequently, apply a demosaicing algorithm to convert the raw image data into full color image data (e.g., RGB image data). The color image data may be further processed by the image processing pipeline to correct color and gamma properties prior to being converted into a luma and chroma color space (e.g., YCbCr color space).
US08358316B2	Procedure and device for the texturizing of an object of a virtual three-dimensional geometric model A procedure for texturing an object of a virtual three-dimensional geometric model represented by three-dimensional geometric model data comprised of a three-dimensional object data associated with the object. Facet data is created out of three-dimensional geometric model data representing object surfaces of an object and which will be assigned 3D object data. Texture data is created representing a surface texture of the object surfaces of each object and which is assigned facet data. The three-dimensional object data, facet data and texture data are used to create a textured, three-dimensional representation of the object.
US08358306B2	Re-coloring a color image Technology for re-coloring a region of a color image including determining an original base color in a region of a color image; establishing at least one shading parameter in the region of the color image; and combining a new base color with the at least one shading parameter in the region of the color image thereby producing a re-colored region of the color image.
US08358299B2	Low power circuit and driving method for emissive displays A display system, a driver for driving the display array, method of operating the display system and a pixel circuit in the display system are provided. The driver includes: a bidirectional current source having a convertor coupling to a time-variant voltage, for converting the time-variant voltage to the current. The pixel circuit includes: a transistor for providing a pixel current to a light emitting device; and a storage capacitor electrically coupling to the transistor, the capacitor coupling to a time-variant voltage in a predetermined timing for providing a current based on the time-variant voltage. The method includes: in a first cycle in a programming operation, changing a time-variant voltage provided to a storage capacitor in a pixel circuit, from a reference voltage to a programming voltage, the storage capacitor electrically coupling to a driving transistor for driving a light emitting device; and in a second cycle in the programming operation, maintaining the time-variant voltage at the programming voltage. The method includes: in a programming operation, providing programming data to a pixel circuit from a data line, the pixel circuit including a transistor coupling to the data line and a storage capacitor; and in a driving operation, providing, to the storage capacitor in the pixel circuit via a power supply line, a time-variant voltage for turning on a light emitting device. The pixel circuit, which includes: an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device having an electrode and an OLED layer; and an inter-digitated capacitor having a plurality of layers.
US08358291B2	Stylus An exemplary stylus includes a barrel, two slide mechanisms, two housings and a head. The two housings are slidably coupled to the barrel by the two slide mechanisms. The head is attached to an outer end of one of the housings, and configured to contact a touch screen of an electronic device. The two housings cooperatively surround the barrel when the stylus is in a retracted position, and are slidable along two opposite directions to elongate the stylus.
US08358289B2	Controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen with an infrared data association (IRDA) interface A controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib, the controller arrangement configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. The arrangement further has an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system.
US08358275B2	Partially flexible displays device The present invention provides a partially flexible display device (30) including at least one relatively flexible display region (54) and at least one relatively non-flexible display region (56); whereby the at least one relatively flexible display region (54) and the at least one relatively non-flexible display region (56) share a common base structure comprised of a plurality of layers (60-66) and the at least one relatively non-flexible display region (56) further comprises at least one additional layer (70). The at least one additional layer (70) is added to provide additional display features in the partially flexible display device (30). The additional display features may include, without limitation, a color feature, a front lighting feature, a back lighting feature and a touch sensitivity feature. In this construction, the at least one flexible region (54) and at least one non-flexible region (56) are mechanically interconnected and preferably aligned in the same dimension.
US08358274B2	Control method for generating varying colored lights in keyboard and self-luminous keyboard for realizing the same method The present invention discloses a control method for generating varying colored lights in a keyboard and a self-luminous keyboard for realizing the same method. The control method comprises steps: establishing a driving signal table storing a plurality of backlight driving signals; setting the conditions for outputting the backlight driving signals respectively; detecting a keying signal generated by pressing a key; outputting the backlight driving signal corresponding to the keying signal to drive a backlight unit, or sequentially outputting the backlight driving signals according to the keying signal to drive a backlight unit. The self-luminous keyboard for realizing the same method comprises a memory unit storing the driving signal table and a microcontroller unit detecting the keying signals. The microcontroller unit sequentially outputs the backlight driving signals to drive the backlight unit, or outputs the backlight driving signal corresponding to the keying signal to drive the backlight unit.
US08358272B2	Computer keyboard A computer keyboard, comprising: an operation unit, a processing unit, an output unit, a query unit, and a display unit; wherein the operation unit comprises an editing key, a function key, the editing key is configured to respond to a user input to generate an editing information, the function key is configured to respond to the user input to control the computer keyboard entering an editing mode; and the processing unit is configured to transmit the editing information to an editing software via the output unit, when the computer keyboard is in the editing mode.
US08358269B2	Human interface device (HID) A user may wear the radio frequency human interface device on a body portion and move the body portion over any even and un-even surface that is not touch sensitive to provide inputs. The radio frequency human interface device may sense, encode, and provide the radio frequency signals to a computing system. The computing system may be provisioned with a radio frequency reader that may receive the radio frequency signal and decode the radio frequency signal before responding to the input. Also, a plurality of users may use radio frequency human interface devices to provide inputs to the computing system concurrently.
US08358268B2	Multi-touch detection A multi-touch system is provided. The multi-touch system includes a multi-touch detection area generated by a mobile device and a first communication device, the mobile device and first or second communication device being movable relative to each other. The mobile device is operable to determine a first set of coordinates for a first detectable object within the multi-touch detection area as a function of: a distance between the mobile device and the first communication device, a distance between the mobile device and first detectable object, and a distance between the first communication device and first detectable object.
US08358260B2	Method and apparatus for adaptive black frame insertion A display device may include a flat panel display, and a controller coupled to the flat panel display. The controller may be configured to determine an operating mode for the flat panel display among a plurality of operating modes including at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller may set the flat panel display to utilize a first frame rate and a first inversion mode to save power. In the second operating mode, the controller may set the flat panel display to utilize a second frame rate, a second inversion mode, and a black frame insertion to improve image quality. The second frame rate may be faster than the first frame rate. The second inversion mode and black frame insertion may be mutually configured to maintain a DC balanced operation of the flat panel display.
US08358256B2	Compensated drive signal for electroluminescent display Compensation is performed for initial nonuniformity or aging of drive transistors and electroluminescent (EL) emitters in 3T1C EL subpixels of an EL display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. A readout transistor connected to the EL emitter is used to readout the voltage of the emitter and compensation for ΔVth, ΔVEL, and OLED efficiency loss is performed using a model. Measurements are taken during a frame by driving a target subpixel at a higher luminance for a shorter time, then using the remaining time in the frame to measure. Measurements can be taken with an A/D converter or with a ramp generator and comparator. Compensation is performed for each subpixel individually.
US08358253B2	Video control system, display system control device and video controlling method The present invention generally relates to a video control system, more particularly to a video control system, a display system control device and a video controlling method thereof. The video control system comprises a display system control device for processing all signals in the system and a display device assembly, which is composed of at least one and above intellectual display devices having independent addresses each, which are from 1A to M×N. The display system control device comprises a video bridge, which further comprises at least a video bridge unit, a video switch, an embedded micro-processing module and a storage device. The video controlling method comprises the steps of transmitting video inputs to respective video bridge units, which convert the video inputs to the video format of a video switch and outputting the converted video signals to the video switch; enabling the video switch to receive the video signals and output video output stream to the display device assembly. The video bridge and the video switch of the present invention are applied to adjust the ways of providing video sources, enabling the display device assembly to perform more flexibly and efficiently; the present invention further reduces the whole system and maintenance costs.
US08358246B2	RFID UHF stripline antenna-coupler A stripline antenna-coupler for a RFID system is provided. The coupler is configured to communicate with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler may include at least two conductive strips, at least one terminating load, a dielectric material, a first ground plane, and a second ground plane. Each of the conductive strips extends between the first and second ground planes and the dielectric material from an input end connected to a transceiver to a loaded end connected to the terminating load. The conductive strips may be configured to propagate electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near field region of the conductive strips in a direction generally perpendicular to the conductive strips to couple with a targeted transponder. The coupler may include an enclosure for directing the electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip may have a tapered or non-linear profile such as a modified bow-tie profile.
US08358241B2	Position calculating method and position calculating device A position calculating method includes: estimating a reception frequency and a code phase related to reception of a positioning signal from a positioning satellite as an estimated measurement; acquiring a reception frequency and a code phase on the basis of the positioning signal received from the positioning satellite; setting a value of an error parameter as an observed measurement, which is used in position calculation using a Kalman filter, on the basis of a difference between the observed measurement and the estimated measurement; and calculating a position by performing the position calculation using the error parameter value.
US08358231B2	Tracking analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a self-controlled variable clock A tracking analog-to-digital converter “ADC” with a self-controlled variable clock comprises: a digital register; a digital-to-analog converter “DAC” coupled to said digital register providing an analog feedback signal; a comparator coupled to an analog input signal and said analog feedback signal and providing a comparison signal based on a comparison between said analog input signal and said analog feedback signal, said comparison signal being coupled to the digital register; a means for determining comparator readiness to determine if said comparator is ready, indicating that said comparison signal can be reliably read, said means for determining comparator readiness further comprising a determination of a comparison ready indicator; a means for clocking to generate a clock signal to drive said digital register in response to said means for determining comparator readiness determining that said comparator is ready; and said digital register being configured to count in response to said clock signal based on said comparison signal of the comparator.
US08358223B2	Man overboard self rescue device The vessel control device disclosed herein comprises a channel-mounted, spring-loaded eyebolt that trails a floating line. It also embodies a latch mechanism, a cable release device and an electrical switch.By the action of grabbing the line the man overboard victim (MOB) can stop the vessel by himself; then use the line to reboard.
US08358220B2	Wellbore communication, downhole module, and method for communicating A wellbore communications system comprising a surface computing unit. The surface computing unit comprises a processing module and a communications module, one or more downhole modules arranged within the wellbore, and a wireless communications channel communicatively coupling one or more the downhole modules and the surface computing unit. The surface computer unit and one or more of the downhole modules are configured to encode data with an iterative code prior to transmission on the wireless communications channel.
US08358217B2	Stationary induction apparatus and monitoring device thereof A stationary induction apparatus has: a winding to which AC current is supplied; an electrostatic shield which includes an electrostatic shield member having a hollow and an electrically conductive film wound around the electrostatic shield member, and which is configured to suppress the electric field of the winding; a housing which contains the winding, the electrostatic shield and the insulating fluid; an IC tag which has a sensor arranged in the hollow of the electrostatic shield member and configured to detect position of the electrostatic shield member, and a transmitter unit configured to transmit, by radio, information acquired by the sensor as a high-frequency signal having a frequency much higher than the frequency of the AC current; and a receiver unit which is arranged in the housing, receives the high-frequency signal transmitted by radio from the IC tag and transmits, by wire, the signal outside the housing.
US08358212B2	Multi-modal transponder and method and apparatus to detect same An integral detection and identification system for detecting and identifying an object includes an identification transponder and a presence/absence transponder. The identification transponder includes a first inductive winding wound about a core and electrically coupled to an integrated circuit to transmit an identification signal in response to receipt of an interrogation signal in a first frequency range. The identification signal encodes an identifier stored by the integrated circuit. The presence/absence transponder includes a resonant inductive/capacitive tank circuit having at least a second inductive winding wound about a core and electrically coupled to a capacitor to transmit a presence/absence signal in response to an interrogation signal in a second frequency range. The presence/absence response signal lacks unique identifying information and is physically coupled to the identification transponder to form an integral detection and identification transponder that can selectively be attached to the object.
US08358191B2	Inductor and method for production of an inductor core unit for an inductor An inductor may include an electrical conductor for generating a magnetic field; and at least one inductor core unit which is arranged in the region of the conductor and includes an inductor core composed of a magnetizable material and also at least one air gap, a filling material being introduced at least into part of the air gap for the purpose of mechanical stabilization, wherein the filling material is configured in such a way that it has a coefficient of thermal expansion, the value of which lies in a range of ±70% of the value of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the magnetizable material of which the inductor core is composed.
US08358190B1	Permanent magnet structure for producing a uniform axial magnetic field A wide aperture permanent magnet structure which is useful in creating a highly uniform longitudinal or solenoidal magnetic field in the working region of the magnet and in which the aperture of the structure can be equal in cross-sectional area to the working region of the magnet. The geometry and magnetization direction of the constituent magnets are chosen to maximize the uniformity of the longitudinal or solenoidal magnetic field in the working region of the magnet while minimizing the overall volume and weight of the structure as well as eliminating the need for magnetic pole pieces made of iron or other high permeability materials. The invention can take the form of a cylindrical shell of permanent magnets to create a solenoidal magnetic field, or a parallel surface arrangement to create a longitudinal magnetic field.
US08358189B2	Method and apparatus for activating an electric machine, and electric machine A method of activating an electric machine having a stator, and a rotor which rotates about an axis with respect to the stator; the stator having a plurality of stator segments arranged about the axis; the rotor having modules made of magnetizable material and arranged about the axis; and the method including the steps of connecting the rotor to the stator by means of a bearing; and magnetizing the modules of magnetizable material when the rotor is connected to the stator.
US08358184B2	Stripline filter A stripline filter that suppresses a fundamental wave frequency without increasing the size of a board and in which a harmonic frequency is easily set to a desired frequency. The stripline filter includes a glass layer having a relative dielectric constant lower than that of a dielectric board. A first top surface line is provided on a top surface of the dielectric board and has a resonant open end. A second top surface line and a side surface electrode are provided on the glass layer so as to extend from positions connected to the first top surface line.
US08358178B2	Phase modulation apparatus and method A phase modulation apparatus and method are provided. The phase modulation apparatus includes a storage to store phase modulation setting values corresponding to various communication modes; a phase modulation setting value selector to select, when a communication mode is changed, phase modulation setting values corresponding to the changed communication mode among the phase modulation setting values stored in the storage; and a phase modulator to modulate a phase of a transmission signal using the phase modulation setting values selected by the phase modulation setting value selector. According to the phase modulation apparatus, since a frequency characteristic of a loop filter in a PLL circuit is changed depending on a transmission mode of a communication apparatus and phase modulation is performed using appropriate bandwidths according to various transmission modes, it is possible to prevent noise characteristics from degrading when a PLL bandwidth changes.
US08358175B2	Oscillator architecture having fast response time with low current consumption and method for operating the oscillator architecture An oscillator architecture and a method for powering up/down the oscillator architecture are described. In one embodiment, an oscillator architecture includes a reference generator configured to generate reference signals and an in-phase/quadrature (IQ) oscillator configured to generate oscillation signals based on the reference signals. The reference generator includes a distributed start-up circuitry that includes multiple start-up circuits. The IQ oscillator includes at least one turbo comparator having a low power functional mode and a turbo functional mode. Other embodiments are also described.
US08358174B2	Doherty amplifier The embodiment relates to a Doherty amplifier, wherein in order to perform impedance matching. The embodiment comprises an impedance converter and a connector. The impedance converter includes a plurality of lines having different lengths and disposes between an output end of a carrier amplifier and an output end of a peaking amplifier. The connector connects a line selected from the plurality of lines having different lengths of the impedance converter to the output end of the carrier amplifier and to the output end of the peaking amplifier.
US08358166B2	RMS detector with automatic gain control Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting the RMS value of a signal. The RMS detector uses multiple variable-gain stages and internal gain control to generate an RMS output signal based on an arbitrary signal input. This RMS detector significantly reduces the signal swings seen on a squarer within prior art RMS detectors and reduces the detector's dependency on DC offsets at low signal levels and overload errors at high signal levels. The embodiments of the present invention also improve the accuracy of the RMS detector within large dynamic signal ranges by obviating the operation of a squarer in saturation or out of the squaring region. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are able to more accurately detect RMS values on a signal, operate over relatively higher signal ranges, and better function within different signal modulation schemes, particularly those with large peak-to-average ratios.
US08358162B2	Buffer circuit and duty cycle correction method using same A buffer circuit includes an amplifier circuit amplifying a difference between an input signal and a reference signal, providing a branch current that varies with a duty cycle of the input signal, and outputting a preliminary output signal on the basis of the amplified difference. The buffer circuit also includes a charge pump circuit charging/discharging a control node in response to the branch current to provide a control signal. The buffer circuit also includes a driver circuit configured to control pull-up strength and pull-down strength for the preliminary output signal based on control signal to thereby correct the duty cycle of the preliminary output signal in relation to a target duty cycle.
US08358151B2	Receiver circuitry for receiving reduced swing signals from a channel A receiver for receiving a reduced swing signal from a transmission channel is disclosed, in which the swing of the reduced swing signal is less than the power supply of the receiver and possibly is less than the power supply of the transmitter. The receiver comprises a level shifter for offsetting the reduced swing signal, and an amplifier which receives both the reduced swing signal and its offset to produce a full swing signal output referenced to the power supply of the receiver. The full swing signal can thereafter be buffered, and eventually can be captured by a clock. Optionally, the disclosed reduced swing receiver also contains calibration circuitry for improving the integrity of the full swing signal output, and in particular for countering the effects of process, and in some embodiments temperature, variations, which alter the characteristics of the transistors which make up the receiver circuitry. More particularly, the calibration circuitry compensates for the unbalanced way in which process and temperature variations impact transistors of differing polarities (e.g., n-type and p-type).
US08358134B1	Marker for pipeline apparatus and method Defects in a pipeline may be detected by an in-line inspection tool passing therethrough. However, as the tool travels through the pipeline, errors associated with certain onboard components may accumulate. These errors may reduce the accuracy with which the locations of detected defects can be determined. Accordingly, markers may be positioned at various locations along the pipeline. Each marker may include a radio receiver to receive signal transmitted by an in-line tool passing thereby and one or more magnetic flux detection systems that may detect a magnetic field emanating from the in-line tool. The radio receiver may include an antenna comprising two or more coils connected in series and positioned side-by-side. The flux detection system may include one or more flux concentrators to amplify the strength of the magnetic field. Signals received through the antenna or flux detection system may be used to correct any errors associated with the onboard components charting the progression of the in-line tool through the pipeline.
US08358127B2	Apparatus for measuring magnetic field of microwave-assisted head A measuring circuit system in a magnetic field measuring apparatus of the invention has an amplifier and a band-pass filter connected in sequence on an output terminal side of the TMR element, the band-pass filter is a narrow-range band-pass filter such that a peak pass frequency of the filter that is a center is a basic frequency selected from a range of 10 to 40 GHz and a band width centered around the basic frequency is a narrow range of ±0.5 to ±4 GHz; and with the measuring circuit system, an SIN ratio (SNR) of 3 dB or greater is obtained, the SNR being defined by a ratio of an amplitude S of a high-frequency generated signal induced by the TMR element to a total noise N that is a sum of a head noise generated by the TMR element and a circuit noise generated by the amplifier. With such a configuration, an in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated by a microwave-assisted magnetic head is reliably and precisely measured.
US08358122B2	Current sensor with laminated magnetic core An electrical current sensor (2) comprising a magnetic core (6) with an air gap (14), a magnetic field detector (8) positioned at least partially in the air gap, and a conductive mounting element (10). The mounting element comprises at least first and second fixing extensions (56) extending between opposed outer faces of the magnetic circuit, and a bridge portion (34) interconnecting the fixing extensions and spanning across the air gap. The bridge portion comprises an electrical terminal (42) in electrical contact with a grounding pad (24) of the magnetic field detector.
US08358119B2	Current reference circuit utilizing a current replication circuit A current reference circuit includes a proportional-to-absolute temperature (PTAT) current generator, a band-gap reference circuit and a current replication circuit. The PTAT generator generates a PTAT current. The band-gap reference circuit generates a reference voltage based on the PTAT current and generates a second current by cancelling a first current from the PTAT current. The first current has a zero temperature coefficient and the second current has a positive temperature coefficient. The current replication circuit replicates the first current based on the PTAT current and the second current.
US08358118B2	Current mode boost converter with fixed PWM/PFM boundary A current mode Boost converter is disclosed. The Boost converter operates in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode or a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode. To prevent a load current with various probable magnitudes from varying a decision boundary between the PWM mode and the PFM mode, the Boost converter adaptively adjusts a trigger condition for the PFM mode according to a mean value of an inductor current or AC components of an inductor current of an inductor and a slope compensation current.
US08358112B2	Multiphase transformer for a multiphase DC-DC converter A multiphase DC-DC converter is provided that includes a multiphase transformer, the multiphase transformer including a plurality of input voltage terminals and an transformer output voltage terminal, each input voltage terminal associated with a corresponding phase. Each phase is assigned to an input voltage terminal of the plurality of input voltage terminals to minimize a ripple current at the input voltage terminals of the multiphase transformer.
US08358107B2	Bidirectional power management techniques Power management techniques are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus may include a bidirectional voltage converter circuit, and a control module that selectively operates the bidirectional voltage converter circuit in a charging mode and a delivery mode. The charging mode converts a voltage provided by an interface (e.g., a USB interface) into a charging voltage employed by an energy storage module (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Conversely, the delivery mode converts a voltage provided by the energy storage module into a voltage employed by the interface.
US08358106B2	AC and DC dual input charger An AC and DC dual input charger includes a charger receptacle and a plug connector assembly. The charger receptacle includes a cover, a printed circuit board assembly, at least two AC input components, at least two DC input components and an output member. The cover defines an accommodating chamber and a receiving cavity. The printed circuit board assembly is received in the accommodating chamber and defines an AC charging circuit and a DC charging circuit. The AC input components and the DC input components are mounted to the charger receptacle and electrically connected with the AC charging circuit and the DC charging circuit, respectively. The output member is mounted on the printed circuit board assembly. The plug connector assembly includes an AC plug and a DC plug which can be alternately inserted in the receiving cavity so as to provide corresponding AC and DC charging power for the charger receptacle.
US08358098B2	System and method for power factor correction A first rectifier diode is electrically connected between a first input terminal where an alternating current (AC) power is received and a first output terminal where a direct current (DC) power is output. A second rectifier diode is electrically connected between the first input terminal and a second output terminal. The first and second rectifier diodes rectify first and second portions of the AC power into the DC power, respectively. When switching of a plurality of power factor correction (PFC) switches is enabled, the plurality of PFC switches increases a voltage of the DC power to greater than a peak voltage of the AC power. An inductor is electrically connected between a second input terminal and two of the plurality of PFC switches. When the switching is disabled, first and second bypass diodes provide a current path past the plurality of PFC switches and the inductor.
US08358094B2	Arrangement having an electric machine and method for operating an electric machine The invention relates to a method and arrangement having an electric machine, comprising a stator (4) and a rotor (1) and an infrared temperature sensor, wherein the detection field of the infrared temperature sensor is directed at an outer surface of the rotor (1). The infrared temperature sensor is a thermopile (6) for radiometrically contactlessly detecting a temperature of the rotor (1), the thermopile being arranged in a slot of the stator (4) and being compatible with standard slot-sealing-wedge components of the electric machine with regard to assembly, and thus enables the operational monitoring of the thermal state of an electric machine in a novel manner, such that adapted power states can be achieved.
US08358092B2	Method for control of synchronous electrical motors Method for control of synchronous electrical motors that enables determining the instantaneous motor load angle and rotor speed without using rotor position sensors. The method is realized with solving the set of differential equations that govern the currents in the stator windings of the motor for the time intervals between each two consecutive crossings of the currents in the windings of their set values and deriving relationships between the induced in the windings back-electromotive force voltages and the parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation. The parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation are measured and stored in a memory and based on the derived relationships the values of the back-electromotive force voltages are calculated continuously in time. From the values of the back-electromotive force voltages the motor load angle and rotor speed are calculated and used as feedback signals for the closed-loop control of the motor.
US08358087B2	Alternating turn off timing of a fluorescent lamp starter unit A starter unit (for example, an RF-enabled and replaceable starter unit) has an ability both to turn on and to turn off a fluorescent lamp. The starter unit detects whether a ballast in the circuit with the fluorescent lamp is of a first type (for example, an L-type ballast) or is of a second type (for example, a C-type ballast). If the determination is that the ballast is of the first type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a first way (for example, using C-type timing and then using L-type timing alternatingly). If the determination is that the ballast is of the second type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a second way (for example, using only C-type timing). The same starter unit design is usable both in single-lamp fixtures and in multi-lamp fixtures where a mix of ballast types may be used.
US08358065B2	Display panel package structure and fabricating method thereof A display panel package structure is disclosed, which includes a first substrate, a metal wire layer formed on the first substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal wire layer, a second substrate, a frit formed on an edge of the second substrate for sealing the first substrate and the second substrate, and a conductive layer formed between the frit and the insulating layer corresponding to the frit for conducting a heat when the frit is heated.
US08358061B2	Coating solution for formation of intermediate layer, method for production of organic electroluminescence element, and organic electroluminescence element Disclosed is a coating solution for use in the formation of an intermediate layer in an organic electroluminescence element which comprises at least a pair of electrodes, a light-emitting layer arranged between the pair of electrodes and comprising an organic material, and the intermediate layer arranged between one of the electrodes and the light-emitting layer. The coating solution is produced by dissolving an alkali metal salt.
US08358053B2	Unit, oscillator having unit and electronic apparatus having oscillator A unit comprising a quartz crystal resonator vibratable in a flexural mode and having a base portion including a length less than 0.5 mm, and first and second vibrational arms connected to the base portion, at least one groove being formed in each of two of opposite main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrational arms, and an electrode being disposed on a surface of the at least one groove formed in each of the two of the opposite main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrational arms so that the electrode disposed on the surface of the at least one groove formed in each of the two of the opposite main surfaces of the first vibrational arm has an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrode disposed on the surface of the at least one groove formed in each of the two of the opposite main surfaces of the second vibrational arm.
US08358050B2	Apparatus for use with an acoustic drum to produce electrical signals while muting the sound of the acoustic drum An electronic percussion apparatus for use with an acoustic drum. The apparatus has a base layer of material having a first side for contacting a drum head of an acoustic drum, and an opposite, second side. The apparatus has a top layer of material joined to the base layer of material. A percussion detector is between the top and base layers. The percussion detector generates electrical signals in response to percussion impacts on the top layer. The top and bottom layers each have a thickness that acoustically isolates the drum head from percussion impacts on the top layer, wherein when the electronic percussion apparatus is placed on a drumhead of an acoustic drum and percussion impacts occur on the top layer, the drumhead is acoustically isolated from the percussion impacts and the percussion detector generates electrical signals in response to the percussion impacts on the top layer.
US08358045B2	Winding arrangement for an electrical machine Presented is a winding arrangement for an electric machine that includes a laminated core that includes a yoke that includes a plurality of teeth each having flanks that form first wedge surfaces and a winding support area that has a trapezoidal cross-section. The arrangement further includes a coil winding, and a winding body configured to arrange the coil winding on one of the plurality of teeth. The coil winding has an inner area arranged opposite the first wedge surfaces and represents second wedge surfaces. The arrangement further includes a stop means disposed on the winding body and/or one of the plurality of teeth. The stop means is configured to limit movement of the winding body in a direction toward the yoke. The arrangement further includes a centering means configured to center the winding body on one of the plurality of teeth.
US08358041B2	Electric motor having wire connection structure and wire connection method for the same An electric motor having a wire connection structure includes a stator including a stator coil, a rotor, a motor housing accommodating the stator and the rotor and having a hole, a cable retaining portion formed on the motor housing for retaining end portions of feed cables, a fixing portion formed on the stator, first terminals connected to the stator coil and arranged on the fixing portion in an orientation different from an orientation of the end portions, second terminals each projecting from each of the end portions to face the corresponding first terminal after being inserted into the hole, at least one of the second terminals being bent, and screw members engaged with the fixing portion after being inserted into the corresponding first and second terminals, each of the screw members jointly fastening the first and second terminals to the fixing portion to electrically connect the first and second terminals.
US08358037B2	Circuit configuration for operating a household appliance A circuit for operating a household appliance, having a switching power supply for transforming a grid voltage of a supply grid to a direct current supply voltage, a controller for controlling processes of the household appliance that can be coupled to the switching power supply and supplied by the DC supply voltage, and a button by means of which the switching power supply can be coupled to the supply grid by closing an electrical switch. The switch has two mechanically stable states and can be transitioned from one mechanically stable state to the other by actuating the button and/or by an at least indirect energy input from the controller.
US08358029B2	Rotor-shaft integrated generator drive apparatus A generator drive apparatus includes: a rotor shaft having a generally annular open end; a gear unit including a stationary member and a plurality of intermeshed gears, the gear unit disposed at least partially within the open end and drivingly coupled to the rotor shaft; and an electric power generator mounted to the stationary member and drivingly coupled to the gear set.
US08358025B2	Wave actuated power generation apparatus and method of use A wave-powered electrical generation apparatus including an array of buoyant bodies and at least one energy-generator connected to one or more moveable links and forming a part of each link, each link being configured as a hinge with a first hinge part constituted by or connected to a stator, a second hinge part constituted by or connected to a rotor, and a hinge link shaft pivotly connecting the first and second hinge parts. At least one connection element is provided between adjacent links, wherein each link includes or is coupled to at least one of the array of buoyant bodies.
US08358019B2	Electrical generator and method of generating electricity An environmentally friendly and efficient electrical generator and system for and method of generating electricity comprises a source of power having one or more batteries, an electric motor powered by the batteries, a hydraulic pump operated by the motor to pressurize a fluid, a first hydraulic motor powered by the pump, a rotating shaft attached to the first hydraulic motor, an air pressurized hydraulic system and an output alternator connected to the shaft to generate electricity. In the preferred embodiment, the air pressurized hydraulic system comprises a compressor operatively connected to the shaft to pressurize air, an air amplifying mechanism to increase the flow rate of the pressurized air, a pressurizing tank to increase the pressure of the pressurized air, a hydraulic power unit to pressurize fluid with the pressurized air, a second hydraulic motor powered by the pressurized fluid and a recharging alternator to recharge the batteries.
US08358014B2	Structure and method for power field effect transistor A packaged semiconductor device has a metal plate (1200) with sawed sides (1200c), a flat first surface (1200a) and a parallel second surface (1200b); the plate is separated into a first section (1201) and a second section (1202) spaced apart by a gap (1230). The plate has on the second surface (1200b) at least one insular mesa (1205) of the same metal in each section, the mesas raised from the second plate surface. The device further has an insulating member (1231), which adheres to the first plate surface, bridges the gap, and thus couples the first and second sections together. The device further has a vertical stack (1270) of two power FET chips (1210) and (1220), each having a pair of terminals on the first chip surface (1211 and 1212; 1221 and 1222 respectively) and a single terminal on the second chip surface. The single terminals of chip (1210) and chip (1220) are attached to each other to form the common terminal (1240). The terminal pair (1221) and (1222) is conductively attached to plate (1200) so that terminal (1221) contacts the first plate section (1201) and terminal (1222) contacts the second plate section (1202). The terminal pair (1211) and (1212) is available for attachment to a substrate.
US08358010B2	Method for realizing a nanometric circuit architecture between standard electronic components and semiconductor device obtained with said method A method for realizing a nanometric circuit architecture includes: realizing plural active areas on a semiconductor substrate; realizing on the substrate a seed layer of a first material; realizing a mask-spacer of a second material on the seed layer in a region comprised between the active areas; realizing a mask overlapping the mask-spacer and extending in a substantially perpendicular direction thereto; selectively removing the seed layer exposed on the substrate; selectively removing the mask and the mask-spacer obtaining a seed-spacer comprising a linear portion extending in that region and a portion substantially orthogonal thereto; realizing by MSPT from the seed-spacer an insulating spacer reproducing at least part of the profile of the seed-spacer; realizing by MSPT a nano-wire of conductive material from the seed-spacer or insulating spacer, the nano-wire comprising a first portion at least partially extending in the region and a second portion contacting a respective active area.
US08358006B2	Semiconductor device A semiconductor device having a via chain circuit including a plurality of fine interconnections and an extension interconnection wider than the fine interconnections, having a first end connected to one or more of the fine interconnections and a second end located in an area of the semiconductor device external to the via chain circuit. One or more of the fine interconnections becomes wider gradually towards the connection to the extension interconnection. The extension interconnection is formed in a same layer as the one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection. The one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection is connected to the extension interconnections at a position where the fine interconnections become wider.
US08358003B2	Surface mount electronic device packaging assembly A surface mount electronic device packaging assembly includes a body having an aperture defined therethrough. The aperture is adapted to receive an electronic device therein. The body has a first surface and a second surface. An electrically conductive contact pad is disposed on the first surface of the body. The contact pad is adapted to receive a lead from the electronic device. A thermally conductive base pad is disposed on the second surface of the body. A top surface of the base pad is adapted to receive the electronic device thereon.
US08358002B2	Window ball grid array (BGA) semiconductor packages Embodiments of the present disclosure provide window ball grid array semiconductor packages. A semiconductor package includes a substrate having (i) a first surface, (ii) a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, and (iii) an opening formed between the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate. The semiconductor package further includes a semiconductor die having (i) a first surface and (ii) a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, the first surface of the semiconductor die being electrically coupled to the second surface of the substrate by one or more interconnect bumps; one or more bonding wires that electrically couple the first surface of the semiconductor die to the first surface of the substrate through the opening of the substrate; and a first electrically insulative structure disposed to substantially fill an area between the first surface of the semiconductor die, the second surface of the substrate, and the one or more interconnect bumps. The first electrically insulative structure substantially encapsulates the one or more bonding wires and substantially fills the opening of the substrate.
US08357991B2	Semiconductor device having interconnect structure for MIM capacitor and fuse elements A semiconductor device includes an upper interconnect, a lower interconnect, insulating layers interposed between the upper interconnect and the lower interconnect, a connecting portion that is formed in the insulating layers and connects the upper interconnect and the lower interconnect, and an element that is placed in one of the insulating layers and has a conductive layer connected to the connecting portion. The connecting portion is formed over the lower interconnect and the end portions of the conductive layer of the element, and is in contact with the upper face of the lower interconnect and the upper faces and side faces of the end portions of the conductive layer of the element.
US08357978B1	Methods of forming semiconductor devices with replacement gate structures Disclosed herein are various methods of forming replacement gate structures on semiconductor devices and devices incorporating such gate structures. In one example, the device includes a plurality of gate structures and at least one sidewall spacer positioned proximate each of the gate structures, a metal silicide region in a source/drain region formed in a substrate, wherein the metal silicide region extend laterally so as to contact the sidewall spacer positioned proximate each of the gate structures and a conductive contact positioned between the gate structures that conductively contacts the metal silicide region, wherein the conductive contact has a bottom portion that is wider than an upper portion of the conductive contact.
US08357976B2	Wide bandgap device in parallel with a device that has a lower avalanche breakdown voltage and a higher forward voltage drop than the wide bandgap device An electrical device on a single semiconductor substrate includes: an open base vertical PNP transistor placed in parallel with a wide bandgap, high voltage diode wherein the PNP transistor has a P doped collector region, an N-doped base layer, an N doped buffer layer, and a P doped emitter layer.
US08357970B2	Multi-level charge storage transistors and associated methods Methods of fabricating charge storage transistors are described, along with apparatus and systems that include them. In one such method, a pillar of epitaxial silicon is formed. At least first and second charge storage nodes (e.g., floating gates) are formed around the pillar of epitaxial silicon at different levels. A control gate is formed around each of the charge storage nodes. Additional embodiments are also described.
US08357968B2	Non-volatile memory semiconductor device A non-volatile memory semiconductor device having one end of an electricity supply line ESL arranged over a terminal end TE1 and the other end thereof arranged over a terminal end TE2, the central portion of the electricity supply line ESL being arranged over a dummy part DMY. The terminal end TE1, the terminal end TE2, and the dummy part DMY have substantially the same height, so that most of the electricity supply line ESL arranged from over the terminal end TE1 to over the terminal end TE2 via the dummy part DMY has the same height.
US08357956B2	Solid-state imaging apparatus A solid-state imaging apparatus, controlling a potential on a semiconductor substrate for an electronic shutter operation, includes: a first semiconductor region of the first conductivity type for forming a photoelectric conversion region; a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, formed separately from the photoelectric conversion region, for accumulating carriers; a third semiconductor region of a second conductivity type arranged under the second semiconductor region, for operating as a potential barrier; a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type extending between the first semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate, and between the third semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate; and a first voltage supply portion for supplying a voltage to the third semiconductor region; wherein the first voltage supply portion includes a fifth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type arranged in the pixel region, and a first electrode connected to the fifth semiconductor region.
US08357955B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein a desired circuit is formed by combining and laying out a plurality of standard cells and connecting the cells together, of which the cell length, i.e., the gap between a pair of opposed sides, is standardized, the plurality of standard cells forming the desired circuit include complementary in-phase driven standard cells, each of which includes a plurality of complementary transistor pairs that are complementary in conductivity type to each other and have their gate electrodes connected together, and N (≧2) pairs of all the complementary transistor pairs are driven in phase, and the size of the standardized cell length of the complementary in-phase driven standard cell is defined as an M-fold cell length which is M (N≧M≧2) times the basic cell length which is appropriate to the single complementary transistor pair.
US08357951B2	LED chip having first conduction layer surrounding a bottom surface and a circumferential surface of a second conduction layer An LED (light emitting diode) chip includes a substrate, a first conduction layer formed on a top surface of the substrate, and a second conduction layer formed on the first conduction layer. The first conduction layer extends from a bottom surface of the second conduction layer to a circumferential surface of the second conduction layer, thereby surrounding the bottom surface and the circumferential surface of the second conduction layer. An active layer is sandwiched between the first and second conduction layers, to increase a contact area between the active layer and the first conduction layer and the second conduction layer.
US08357948B2	Light emitting device and lighting system Disclosed are a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting device includes a body, an insulating layer over a surface of the body, at least one electrode over the insulating layer, a light emitting diode connected to the electrode, and a reflective layer over the insulating layer.
US08357947B2	Package for light emitting device and method for packaging the same There are provided a light emitting device package and a method for manufacturing the same. The light emitting device includes: a plurality of barriers provided above a metal circuit board; a plurality of light emitting devices placed in a space between the barriers; and a lens unit provided at an upper side of the barrier. Accordingly, the plurality of light emitting devices can be conveniently seated as a module format, and a luminance can be increased. Also, an efficiency of heat sink can be increase.
US08357942B2	Semiconductor device with a peripheral circuit formed therein In a semiconductor device by which peripheral circuit sections, such as a semiconductor element, a matching circuit section, a bias circuit section, a capacitor element, are placed on and connected to a substrate, the semiconductor element can be grounded, and the semiconductor device which can make heat radiation characteristics of the semiconductor element satisfactory is provided, without providing a via hole into a semiconductor substrate.It includes: a semiconductor element (2) placed on a substrate (1); peripheral circuit sections (30) and (40) placed on the substrate (1) and connected with the semiconductor element (2); an electrode (30e) provided in the peripheral circuit section (30) and grounded; an electrode (30s) for grounding connected to a metal layer (30m), a metal layer (30m) and a source electrode (2s) of the semiconductor element (2); and an electrode (30d) connected to a gate electrode (2g) of the semiconductor element (2).
US08357937B2	Thin film transistor liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes: a first substrate divided into a pixel part and first and second pad parts; a gate electrode and a gate line formed at the pixel part of the first substrate; an active pattern formed as an island on the gate electrode and having a width smaller than the gate electrode; an insulation film formed on the first substrate and having first and second contact holes exposing source and drain regions of the active pattern, respectively; source and drain electrodes formed at the pixel part of the first substrate and electrically connected with the source and drain regions of the active pattern via the first and second contact holes; a data line formed at the pixel part of the first substrate and crossing the gate line to define a pixel region; an etch stopper positioned between the source and drain electrodes and formed as an insulation film; a pixel electrode electrically connected with the drain electrode; and a second substrate attached with the first substrate in a facing manner.
US08357932B2	Test pad structure for reuse of interconnect level masks A test pad structure in a back-end-of-line metal interconnect structure is formed by repeated use of the same mask set, which includes a first line level mask, a first via level mask, a second line level mask, and a second via level mask. The test pad structure includes a two-dimensional array of test pads such that a first row is connected to a device macro structure in the same level, and test pads in another row are electrically connected to another device macro structure of the same design at an underlying level. The lateral shifting of electrical connection among pads located at different levels is enabled by lateral extension portions that protrude from pads and via structures that contact the lateral extension portions. This test pad structure includes more levels of testable metal interconnect structure than the number of used lithographic masks.
US08357931B2	Flip chip semiconductor die internal signal access system and method A device and method for providing access to a signal of a flip chip semiconductor die. A hole is bored into a semiconductor die to a test probe point. The hole is backfilled with a conductive material, electrically coupling the test probe point to a signal redistribution layer. A conductive bump of the signal redistribution layer is electrically coupled to a conductive contact of a package substrate. An external access point of the package substrate is electrically coupled to the conductive contact, such that signals of the flip chip semiconductor die are accessible for measurement at the external access point.
US08357928B2	Recording level gauge type organic light emitting diode Diode for which one of the conducting layers presents a suitable surface resistance so that when a power supply voltage is applied between a connection element and this conducting layer and the other conducting layer, a potential distribution is generated at the surface of this resisting conducting layer which is able to cause light to be emitted by a portion of the surface of the organic light emitting layer which is proportional to this power supply voltage. This diode is advantageously used to visualize the signal value.
US08357920B2	Electronic component, and a method of manufacturing an electronic component An electronic component (100) comprising a matrix (102) and a plurality of islands (103) embedded in the matrix (102) and comprising a material which is convertible between at least two states characterized by different electrical properties, wherein the plurality of islands (103) form a continuous path (104) in the matrix (102).
US08357919B2	Systems, methods, and apparatus for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation. The method includes: coupling a terahertz resonator with an optical resonator, wherein the optical resonator comprises non-linear optical material; directing laser light through the optical resonator to generate terahertz radiation by parametric interaction of the laser light with the optical resonator and the terahertz resonator; and directing the terahertz radiation from the terahertz resonator to an output.
US08357918B2	Apparatus and method for analyzing a fluorescent sample disposed on a substrate An apparatus for analysing a fluorescent sample disposed on a substrate comprises a first processor for producing first and second electrical signals derived from respective first and second light signal components received from a sample and from a substrate. The apparatus produces the first and second electrical signals such that there is a phase difference between phases of the first and second electrical signals. The apparatus comprises a control circuit for producing an attenuation signal for attenuating the second electrical signal.
US08357914B1	UV disinfecting apparatus A disinfecting apparatus comprises a housing, an ultraviolet (UV) light, and a dispensing mechanism. The housing is designed to receive contaminated pens and dispense disinfected pens. The UV light comprises a UVC cold cathode light bulb housed integrally within the housing and an AC power connector. In a preferred embodiment the AC power connector further comprises an ON/OFF switch which controls the UV light bulb. The dispensing means comprises a means of re-obtaining a pen from the housing for subsequent use. Between uses, the pens are immersed in the light of the UV light bulb which helps to kill bacteria and germs associated with illnesses commonly contracted in such public places.
US08357911B2	Particle beam irradiation system and particle beam therapy system The objective is to eliminate the effect of the hysteresis of a scanning electromagnet so that there is obtained a particle beam irradiation system that realizes high-accuracy beam irradiation. There are provided a magnetic-field sensor that measures the magnetic field of a scanning electromagnet and an irradiation control apparatus that controls the scanning electromagnet based on a measurement magnetic field measured by the magnetic-field sensor and target irradiation position coordinates of a charged particle beam. The irradiation control apparatus is provided with an inverse map means that calculates a target magnetic field, based on the target irradiation position coordinates of the charged particle beam; and a compensator that outputs a control input, to the scanning electromagnet, for controlling the magnetic-field error between the target magnetic field and the measurement magnetic field to be the same as or smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
US08357900B2	Thermal infrared detecting device A thermal infrared imaging device includes a diode, a power supply for supplying a constant power supply voltage to an anode of the diode through a first interconnection, a voltage setting circuit for setting a voltage across the diode, and a current read circuit which is connected to a cathode of the diode through a second interconnection and the voltage setting circuit, for reading a current of the diode. The voltage setting circuit controls a voltage of a connection point of the second interconnection and the voltage setting circuit to a voltage obtained by subtracting a voltage drop from a predetermined bias voltage. The voltage drop is generated by resistances of the first and second interconnections, and the diode current.
US08357895B2	Defect inspection apparatus, defect inspection method, and semiconductor device manufacturing method A defect inspection method includes generating and applies a charged beam to a sample with patterns; controlling a shape of the charged beam so that a beam width in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis differs from a beam width in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction, while substantially maintaining a cross-sectional area of the beam; scanning the sample with the charged beam having the controlled shape; and detecting charged particles from the sample by irradiation of the charged beam and detects a defect of the patterns. Assuming that the beam width of the charged beam in the first direction is smaller than that in the second direction, the first direction is set to a direction in which an interval between adjacent patterns becomes a minimum value and the sample is scanned in the second direction.
US08357893B2	Ion mobility sensor system An ion mobility sensor system including an ion mobility spectrometer and a differential mobility spectrometer coupled to the ion mobility spectrometer. The ion mobility spectrometer has a first chamber having first end and a second end extending along a first direction, and a first electrode system that generates a constant electric field parallel to the first direction. The differential mobility spectrometer includes a second chamber having a third end and a fourth end configured such that a fluid may flow in a second direction from the third end to the fourth end, and a second electrode system that generates an asymmetric electric field within an interior of the second chamber. Additionally, the ion mobility spectrometer and the differential mobility spectrometer form an interface region. Also, the first end and the third end are positioned facing one another so that the constant electric field enters the third end and overlaps the fluid flowing in the second direction.
US08357892B2	Mass spectrometer A mass spectrometer that allows easy replacement of an MCP (microchannel plate) and is enabled to secure orthogonality between an incident surface of the MCP and an ion track at high accuracy is provided. A flight tube 2 where ions fly is arranged in a vacuum vessel composed of a vacuum flange 6 and a body 1, and an MCP group 4 is attached to a tail end of the flight tube 2 via an MCP-IN electrode 3. A vacuum flange 6 is attachably and detachably attached to the body 1, and the MCP group 4, by a spring 710 provided on a circuit board 7 for detection attached to the vacuum flange 6, is urged toward an end portion of the flight tube 2 so that its orthogonality with respect to an ion flight track is secured.
US08357885B2	Microwave furnace A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise at least one burner probe. The at least one burner probe may comprise an absorber and a first wave guide configured to transmit microwaves. The absorber may be configured to receive the microwaves from the first wave guide and to convert energy from the microwaves into heat. The system may further comprise a second wave guide and a rotating wave guide. The rotating wave guide may be positioned between the first wave guide and the second wave guide. The rotating wave guide may comprise a plurality of sections configured to rotate about a central axis. The rotating wave guide may be configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees. For example, the rotating wave guide may comprise three sections wherein each one of the three sections may be configured to rotate approximately 30 degrees.
US08357884B1	System of extraction of volatiles from soil using microwave processes A device for the extraction and collection of volatiles from soil or planetary regolith. The device utilizes core drilled holes to gain access to underlying volatiles below the surface. Microwave energy beamed into the holes penetrates through the soil or regolith to heat it, and thereby produces vapor by sublimation. The device confines and transports volatiles to a cold trap for collection.
US08357882B2	Induction heated server An induction heatable server comprises a base element having top and bottom elements, said bottom element having a peripheral wall defining an upwardly opening cavity in which are disposed a heat retentive disc and a ring member which is bonded to the peripheral wall. A top element extends over the ring member and seals the cavity. The top element and ring member are bonded to the peripheral wall of the bottom element to preclude moisture penetration into the cavity.
US08357866B1	Toggle switch cover adapter A weatherproof toggle switch cover adapter assembly comprises a cover plate adapted for placement over a toggle switch and coupling with an electrical junction box. A lever rotationally pivotably coupled with the cover plate is in mechanical communication with the toggle switch through a yoke. When the lever is moved to an on position, the toggle switch also moves to an on position. The yoke comprises two opposing tines defining a yoke spanning gap having a perimeter edge, the yoke spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch. An adapter ring comprising an external perimeter edge and an internal perimeter edge is interposed between the yoke and the toggle switch. The external perimeter edge is in communication with the perimeter edge of the yoke. The internal perimeter edge is inside two opposing tines and is disposed about an adapter spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch.
US08357862B2	Pressurized rotary machine with hermetically sealed connections Pressurized rotary machine comprising a canned or sleeved assembly of which the electrical connections are connected to the outside of the machine by an electric supply duct, the electrical connections passing from the canned or sleeved assembly to the outside via the electric supply duct by passing in succession through first, second and third hermetically sealed bushings, none of these hermetically sealed bushings through which the electrical connections pass being exposed to a pressurized gas.
US08357860B2	Wiring board having a connecting pad area which is smaller than a surface plating layer area A wiring board has predetermined numbers of wiring layers and insulating layers among the respective wiring layers. The wiring board has an external connecting pad and a surface plating layer for connecting to an external circuit is arranged on the external connecting pad. An area of an external connecting pad is smaller than an area of a surface plating layer thereof.
US08357857B2	Cable holding device An exemplary cable holding device includes a supporting member and sliding bars. The supporting member includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced from the first sidewall, and a bottom connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall defines through holes. Each bar slidably extends through a corresponding one of the through holes. The cables pass over ends of the sliding bars between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
US08357855B2	Communication cable of high capacity In communication cable of high capacity, conductor of diameter d is coated by insulation material to form wire of diameter D, plural number of the wire are twisted by pitch p to form pairs, plural number of the pairs are twisted by collective pitch P. The communication cable of high capacity has sheath wrapping the pairs, and impedance (Z) of the wire is from 90 to 110, and, diameter (d) of the conductor is from 0.48 mm to 0.65 mm, and diameter (D) of wire is from 0.8 mm to 1.15 mm, and the pitch (p) is from 7 mm to 30 mm, and the collective pitch (P) is from 40 mm to 150 mm, and relative ratio of diameter of wires to diameter of conductor D/d is from 1.625 to 1.835.
US08357854B2	Push plug system and method A push plug designed to interact with and seal an open end of a length of conduit containing a cable. The plug is comprised of a cap, a neck, and a body. The body contains a number of saw-toothed annular ridges. The plug is manufactured from an elastomeric material which allows the plug to be inserted into a conduit opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the saw toothed ridges which creates a frictional seal which resists removal of the plug. The plug body further contains passages running longitudinally through the center of the plug. These passages allow cable run through the conduit to be drawn through the plug and inserted through a thin, flexible membrane covering the plug cap.
US08357852B2	Latching floor box cover An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame.
US08357830B2	Monoalkylated aromatic compound production A process for producing a monoalkylated aromatic compound in an alkylation reaction zone, comprising providing upstream of said alkylation reaction zone a reactive guard bed having a catalyst of *BEA, MWW, or FAU framework structure and an alkylation feed wherein at least a portion of any reactive impurities are removed from the alkylation feed to form an effluent; and providing the effluent and a first catalytic particulate material which comprises MCM-56 and an alumina binder sized 50-60 mesh and having a ratio of surface area over volume ratio in the range of 241 to 2867 cm-1 and optionally additional alkylating agent to said alkylation reaction zone; and contacting said alkylatable aromatic compound and said alkylating agent with said catalytic particulate material in said alkylation reaction zone maintained under alkylation conditions, to form a product comprised of said monoalkylated aromatic compound.
US08357826B2	Methods and apparatus for synthesis of alcohols from syngas This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.
US08357823B2	Alkylene oxide capped secondary alcohol ethoxylates as fermentation foam control agents Provided are foam control agents and their use for controlling foam in fermentation processes. The foam control agents are of the formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, n and y are as defined herein.
US08357820B2	Process for producing N-protected amino acid The present invention relates to a method for producing N-protected amino acid. Specifically, the present invention provides a method in which a protecting group is introduced to the amino group of an amino acid in a reaction under alkaline condition, and the N-protected amino acid thus generated is then separated from the reaction solution as crystals, without undergoing an extraction step or a concentration step. The present inventors have completed the invention based on the finding that desirable crystals of N-protected amino acids may be obtained without extraction, concentration or recrystallization steps between the initial generation of the N-protected amino acid molecules and the subsequent separation of the crystals, by first adding an water-soluble organic solvent and optionally water to the reaction solution (alkaline) containing the N-protected amino acid, and then neutralizing the solution by an acid.
US08357818B2	Hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds In one aspect, the invention relates to hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds. In particular, disclosed are sterically hindered hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds and improved purity hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds. Also disclosed are processes for making hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds; the products of the disclosed processes; compositions and polymers comprising the disclosed compounds and products of the disclosed processes; and ophthalmic lenses, for example contact lenses, intraocular lenses, artificial cornea, and spectacle lenses, comprising the disclosed compositions, disclosed polymers, disclosed compounds, and products of the disclosed processes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08357817B2	Sulfone hybrid precursor, method of synthesizing same, and uses thereof The present invention relates to a novel sulfone hybrid precursor, to the synthesis method thereof, and to the uses thereof, particularly for preparing proton-exchanging electrolyte membranes as the functional hybrid charge in a host structure; for the manufacture of functional hybrid nanoparticles by sol-gel polymerization; for the use as a fluidifying agent; for the production of surface coverings through chemical grafting by means of sol-gel polymerization; for the use as a hygroscopic agent; and for the use as a bonding or structuring agent.
US08357816B2	Chemical compounds A fungicidal compound of formula (I): where Het is a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing one to three heteroatoms, each independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, the ring being substituted by groups R7, R8 and R9; R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted (C1-4alkyl, optionally substituted (C1-4alkylC(═O), optionally substituted (C1-4alkylC(═O)O, optionally substituted (C1-4)alkoxy(C1-4)alkyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted propargyl or optionally substituted allenyl; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each, independently, hydrogen, halogen, optionally substituted (C1-4)alkyl, optionally substituted (C1-4)alkoxy or optionally substituted (C1-4)alkoxy(C1-4alkyl; R6 is an organic group containing three to thirteen carbon atoms and at least one silicon atom and, optionally, one to three heteroatoms, each independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and is optionally substituted by one to four independently selected halogen atoms; R7, R8 and R9 are each, independently, hydrogen, halogen, C1-3 alkyl, C1-3 haloalkyl, C1-3alkoxy(C1-3)alkyl or cyano, where at least one of R7, R8 and R9 is not hydrogen; and X is O or S; or an N-oxide thereof; and when present, each optional substituent on alkyl moieties, allyl, propargyl and allenyl is, independently, selected from halogen, hydroxy, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxy, ethoxy, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy and trifluorothiomethoxy.
US08357808B2	Process for producing diamine derivative The problem to be solved is to provide an important intermediate for production of an FXa inhibitor. The solution thereto is a process for industrially producing a compound (1) represented by the following formula (1): wherein Boc represents a tert-butoxycarbonyl group.
US08357806B2	Process for synthesizing substituted isoquinolines The present disclosure generally relates to a process for synthesizing optionally substituted 1-chloro-4-methoxyisoquinolines. The present disclosure also relates to intermediates useful in this process.
US08357803B2	Process for the preparation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carbolin-3-carboxylic acid esters The present invention relates to the process of preparation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1/−/-β-carbolin-3-carboxylic acid esters substituted in position 1 of the general formula (I). in the preferred diastereoisomeric form through a single step starting from tryptophan in racemic form and/or its enantiomers and from 3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzaldehyde.
US08357802B2	Process for preparing oxymorphone Methods are provided which include converting oripavine to other opiates, including converting oripavine to naltrexone, buprenorphine, 14-hydroxymorphinone and/or converting 14-hydroxymorphinone to oxymorphone. Purification and salt formation are optionally included.
US08357800B2	Bipyridine metal complexes for use as light-emitting material The present invention relates to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C^N]2M[N^N] comprising two orthometalated ligands (C^N ligands) and a neutral bidentate bipyridine ligand (N^N). Surprisingly, it has been found that when the metal binds both orthometalated chelate C^N ligands and a neutral bidentate bipyridine ligand (N^N), these ligands participate in the emission process, thus greatly improving the red emission efficiency of complexes [C^N]2M[N^N]. The present invention further relates to the use of such light emitting materials and an organic light emitting device comprising such light emitting material.
US08357796B2	PGG separation and purification A simple, inexpensive, and efficient method for separation and purification of the α-and β-forms of penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose (PGG) without the need for HPLC. The methods provided herein are useful for separation α-PGG or β-PGG from a mixture containing α-PGG and β-PGG and other chemicals. The method for separation of α-PGG from a mixture of α-PGG and β-PGG comprises the steps of: adding water to a sample containing 50% or more α-PGG and 50% or less β-PGG; mixing the PGG and water to dissolve the PGG; filtering out any undissolved particles; and allowing the filtered solution to stand undisturbed until crystals form.
US08357795B2	Hyaluronic acid-based gels including lidocaine Disclosed herein are cohesive soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anesthetic agent, for example, lidocaine. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions including lidocaine have an enhanced stability and cohesivity, relative to conventional compositions including lidocaine, for example when subjected to sterilization techniques or when stored for long periods of time. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.
US08357786B2	Method for preparing Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract with increasing damulin A and damulin B contents, and pharmaceutical compositions of the same for treating metabolic disease Disclosed is an AMPK activating material used for improving and treating metabolic syndrome, in which AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a main enzyme for regulating an energy sensor and lipid/glucose metabolism in the body. The activation of AMPK inhibits the synthesis of fat and cholesterol, and accelerates the reduction of body fat and blood glucose, thereby improving obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia. The disclosed AMPK activating material contains, as active ingredients having an improving and treating effect on metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia, a novel compound 2α,3β,12β-trihydroxydammar-20(22)-E,24-diene-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)-β-D-glucopyranoside], named Damulin A, and a novel compound 2α,3β,12β-trihydroxydammara-20,24-diene-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)-β-D-glucopyranoside], named Damulin B. Herein, the contents of damulin A and damulin B (as active indicator ingredients for AMPK activation) can be increased by treating a Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract with high temperature/high pressure. Accordingly, the novel Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract with a significantly increased AMPK activating capability can be used for improving or treating metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia.
US08357783B2	Human anti-mesothelin monoclonal antibodies Disclosed herein are isolated human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human mesothelin with a binding affinity of about 25 nM or less. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acid molecules, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed. The antibodies can be used to detect human mesothelin in a sample. Methods of diagnosing cancer, or confirming a diagnosis of cancer, are disclosed herein that utilize these antibodies. Methods of treating a subject with cancer are also disclosed.
US08357781B2	Neuroactive fragments of APP The application provides novel neuroactive fragments of human amyloid precursor protein (APP). The fragments include sequence from the Aβ region of APP but also extend upstream. The fragments are soluble in aqueous solution most bands are about 10 kDa and above and do not correspond with the expected molecular weight of a dimer or trimer. The fragments and subfragments thereof can be used as immunogens in methods of immunotherapy to treat Alzheimer's and other amyloidogenic diseases characterized by deposits of Aβ in the brain. Antibodies to the part of the fragment upstream from APP or the interface between Aβ and the upstream sequence can also be used in such therapeutic method. The fragments are also useful as markers, which can be detected for diagnosis or prognosis of disease or for screening agents.
US08357773B1	Steam purification of polyimide resins The disclosure relates to a steam stripping process for producing purified polyimides, e.g., polyetherimide homopolymers and polyetherimide copolymers. The process can include contacting an initial polyimide with steam to remove a volatile species from the initial polyimide to produce a purified polyimide. The purified polyimide can have a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 80,000 Daltons. The weight average molecular weight of the purified polyimide can be greater than or equal to 90% of the weight average molecular weight of the initial polyimide. The purified polyimide can have less than 44 ppm of a volatile species, having a molecular weight of less than 250 Daltons. The polyimide can have less than 10 ppm of a metal cation.
US08357769B2	Method for producing polyphenylene ether Disclosed is a method for producing a polyphenylene ether, which comprises a step of preparing a polymerization solution composed of 10-25 parts by mass of a phenolic compound (M) and 75-90 parts by mass of an aromatic solvent (A) with the total of the compound and the solvent being 100 parts by mass, and 0.1-10 parts by mass of a catalyst (C) containing a metal salt; a step of performing an oxidative polymerization of the phenolic compound (M) by passing an oxygen-containing gas through the polymerization solution; a step of stopping the polymerization by mixing an aqueous chelating agent solution into the polymerization solution; a step of subjecting a diphenoquinone compound produced as a by-product to a quinone binding process or removal by reduction; and a step of obtaining a polyphenylene ether by separating the aqueous phase through liquid-liquid separation. In the method for producing a polyphenylene ether, 0.001-0.004 part by weight of an ion catalyst (D) is added into the polymerization solution before the liquid-liquid separation.
US08357755B2	Cross-linkable organosilicon-based compositions Moisture curable one-component organosilicon compositions exhibiting excellent resilience and adhesiveness contain an α-alkoxysilyl-terminated base polymer, aminoalkylalkoxysilane adhesion promoter, and polyolefin bearing succinic anhydride groups.
US08357747B2	Polymer compositions comprising fluoro elastomers and expanded perlite The present invention describes polymer compositions comprising fluoroelastomer and expanded perlite and uses thereof.
US08357746B2	Binding of fibrous material utilizing a water soluble Michael adduct crosslinking agent and polycarboxylic acid Improved binder technology for use with fibrous materials is provided whereby the adjoining fibers of a fibrous material are bound in the absence of a phenol-formaldehyde reaction product. A curable binder composition is provided which comprises a water-soluble Michael adduct crosslinking agent having reactive hydroxyl end groups and a polycarboxylic acid capable of undergoing an esterification reaction. The binding composition is coated on a fibrous material and is heated to achieve crosslinking of hydroxyl end groups of the Michael adduct and carboxylic acid groups of the polycarboxylic acid via an esterification reaction to form a cured water-resistant binder in association with the fibrous material wherein adjoining fibers are bound at cross-over points.
US08357744B2	White light diffusing thermoplastic composition The invention relates to a translucent, white, light-diffusing thermoplastic composition containing both white pigment and refractive index-matched particles. The blend of pigment and particles provides a synergistic effect, resulting in a very high luminous transmission and good diffusion properties.
US08357743B2	Process for making polyester nanocomposites A method for making polyester nanocomposite materials by polymerization in the presence of exfoliated fibrous clay nanoparticles includes dispersing the nanoparticles in a mixture of diol, water, and sodium salt before polymerization, thereby improving the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the final nanocomposite. This results in enhanced mechanical properties, such as modulus, in articles made from the nanocomposite.
US08357737B2	Polyarylene sulfide composition The object of the present invention is to provide a polyarylene sulfide composition having excellent thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, heat resistance and low gas property, which is particularly useful to applications of electric parts such as electric and/or electronic parts or automobile electric parts. The present invention relates to a polyarylene sulfide composition comprising a polyarylene sulfide (a), a metal silicon powder (b), a fibrous filler (c), and preferably a release agent (d) and at least one thermally conductive filler (e) selected from the group consisting of a scale-like boron nitride powder (e1) having a hexagonal structure, a coated magnesium oxide powder (e2) coated with a complex oxide of silicon and magnesium and/or a complex oxide of aluminum and magnesium, a high purity magnesite powder (e3) which is a magnesite comprising magnesium carbonate as a main component and has a magnesium carbonate content of from 98 to 99.999% by weight, and graphite (e4).
US08357733B2	Processes for making silane, hydrophobated silica, silica masterbatch and rubber products The present invention provides a process for making silica-filled rubber masterbatch using silica hydrophobated with a trimethoxy silane coupling agent that is soluble in an alcohol-water solution containing at least about 70 wt % water. One embodiment uses a mixture of trimethoxy silanes, one or more of which react with rubber to bond the silica to the rubber, and one or more of which do not react with rubber, but do hydrophobate the silica. Hydrophobated silica is mixed with latex polymer and incorporated into rubber during coagulation of the latex, which is preferably coagulated with calcium chloride. The present invention further provides a process for making the trimethoxy silane coupling agents. Preferred trimethoxy silane coupling agents include bis-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-disulfide and bis-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide. Rubber products, particularly tires, compounded with the inventive silica masterbatch can be processed for a long time before scorching because the silica masterbatch provides a long scorch time.
US08357731B2	One-package type tooth surface coating material A one-package type tooth surface coating material that is capable of forming, on the surface of a tooth, a cured film having not only a very high strength of adhesion to the tooth surface but also excellent properties such as long-term adhesion, long-term durability, dentinal tubule occlusion and aesthetic appearance, and that has excellent storage stability and can be stored in the form of one package. The one-package type tooth surface coating material includes (A) a polymerizable monomer component containing not less than 5% by mass of an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer; (B) polyvalent metal ions; (C) a volatile water-soluble organic solvent; (D) water; and (E) an effective amount of a photopolymerization initiator; the amount of the polyvalent metal ions (B) and the amount of the volatile water-soluble organic solvent (C) satisfying a specific relationship.
US08357726B2	Devulcanization of rubber and other elastomers A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating radio frequency dielectric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles. The alternating radio frequency dielectric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V.
US08357723B2	Prodrugs containing novel bio-cleavable linkers The invention provides the compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula I or intermediates thereof and one more of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, vehicles or diluents. The invention further provides methods of preparation and methods of use of prodrugs including NO-releasing prodrugs, double prodrugs and mutual prodrugs comprising the compounds of formula I.
US08357720B2	Treatment or prevention of cancer and precancerous disorders The NSAID, sulindac and/or its metabolites and derivatives, in combination with an agent that generates or induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), significantly enhances the killing of abnormal cells but does not affect normal cells. This effect occurs at concentrations of each compound that individually have little or no activity directed against the abnormal cells.
US08357719B2	Muscle relaxant using negatively charged gold nanoparticles with choline A drug having a muscle relaxing effect can be prepared by binding negatively charged gold nanoparticles having a size of 1.4 nm fitted to synaptic clefts to choline through ionic bonds, thereby inducing gold-sulfur bonds in the Cys loop of an acetylcholine receptor in neuromuscular junction, and thus blocking the electric current induced in signal transduction from a nerve to a muscle, thereby blocking neuromuscular transmission chemically and physically. When the reverse is administered after surgery, the gold-sulfur bonds are broken due to the re-flow of the electric current, and thus the gold nanoparticles are again released and metabolized into neuromuscular junction. Further, such muscle relaxing effect can be applied as an anticonvulsant.
US08357716B2	Pyrazole derivatives used as CCR4 receptor antagonists Indazole compounds, processes for their preparation, intermediates usable in these processes, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and their use in therapy.
US08357713B2	Compounds and compositions and methods of use Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08357704B2	Fused heterocyclic compounds as inhibitors of potassium channel function A compound of formula I wherein m, n, A, B, D, E, G, H, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R8, are described herein.
US08357699B2	6-aminoisoquinoline compounds 6-Amino isoquinoline compounds are provided that influence, inhibit or reduce the action of a kinase. Pharmaceutical compositions including therapeutically effective amounts of the 6-aminoisoquinoline compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are also provided. Various methods using the compounds and/or compositions to affect disease states or conditions such as cancer, obesity and glaucoma are also provided.
US08357696B2	Aerosolized fluoroquinolones and uses thereof Disclosed herein are formulations of fluoroquinolones suitable for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials for the treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections. In particular, inhaled levofloxacin specifically formulated and delivered for bacterial infections of the lungs is described. Methods include inhalation protocols and manufacturing procedures for production and use of the compositions described.
US08357692B2	Methods of treatment of bone degenerative diseases Methods of reducing bone loss and treating degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis are disclosed. The methods comprise administration of an agent that inhibits signaling through the IL-17 pathway, such as an antibody or a quinazolinone analogue such as halofuginone.
US08357690B2	Methods of treatment using combination therapy Provided herein are methods of treating a proliferative disease in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of AC220 and a nucleoside analog, a topoisomerase inhibitor or an anthracycline, or a combination thereof.
US08357686B2	Aryl-substituted polycyclic amines, method for the production thereof, and use thereof as a medicament The invention relates to aryl-substituted polycyclic amines of the formula I, especially bicyclic amines, and to the physiologically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives thereof; where the symbols and radicals are explained in the description as well as to pharmaceutical compositions and medical treatments employing these compounds.
US08357681B2	Composition and method for controlling pests The present invention provides a composition for controlling pests comprising, as active ingredients, ethaboxam and a neonicotinoid compound represented by formula (1).
US08357679B2	Hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives The present invention relates to hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives having the general formula I to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and to the use of these hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
US08357676B2	Ansamycin formulations and methods of use thereof Provided herein, inter alia, are solid forms of geldanamycin analogs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a geldanamycin analog and a crystallization inhibitor, methods of making and using such compositions. Additionally, provided are methods for the treatment of cancer, a neoplastic disease state and/or a hyperproliferative disorder, and methods of inhibiting Heat Shock Protein 90 (“Hsp90”).
US08357673B2	4-arylazo-3,5-diamino-pyrazole compounds and use thereof A series of mono- and binuclear 4-arylazo-3,5-diamino-pyrazoles which are useful for inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (preferably CDK9). Hence they can be used as antimitotic-, pro-apoptotic and antiinflammatory drugs, in particular, in chemotherapy of cancer and asthma, therapy of psoriasis and parasitoses as those caused by fungi or protists, treatment of Alzheimer's disease or as antineurodegenerative drugs, or to suppress immunostimulation. These compounds are useful in a variety of utilities, including as intermediates in the preparation of flame-retardants, diagnostic reagents and therapeutics, including antivirals and immunosuppressors.
US08357671B2	High affinity Siglec ligands The invention relates to high affinity Siglec ligands that are useful for isolating cells that express Siglecs and for delivering agents to cells that express Siglecs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating cancer in a mammal that involves administering a Siglec ligand of the invention to the mammal, where the Siglec ligand is linked to a therapeutic agent.
US08357664B2	Antisense antiviral compound and method for treating influenza viral infection The invention provides antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family and in the treatment of a viral infection. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of influenza virus infection in a mammal. The antisense antiviral compounds are substantially uncharged morpholino oligonucleotides having 1) a nuclease resistant backbone, 2) 12-40 nucleotide bases, and 3) a targeting sequence of at least 12 bases in length that hybridizes to a target region selected from the following: a) the 5′ or 3′ terminal 25 bases of the negative sense viral RNA segment of Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B and Influenzavirus C; b) the terminal 25 bases of the 3′ terminus of the positive sense cRNA and; and c) the 50 bases surrounding the AUG start codon of an influenza viral mRNA.
US08357660B2	Methods for inhibiting growth of prolactin-responsive cancer cells with cyclosporine A or other cyclophilin inhibitors Methods are provided for inhibiting growth of prolactin-responsive cancer cells and treating prolactin-responsive malignancies via administration an agent such as cyclosporine A which directly inhibits an enzymatic activity of a cyclophilin.
US08357659B2	Method of treating pain or itching with APETx2 peptide toxin The invention relates to the use of the peptide toxin APETx2 that blocks the ASIC3 cationic channels and that is derived from the Anthopleura elegantissima sea anemone, and to the use of the analogs and derivatives thereof as a drug, particularly as an analgesic pain associated with the activation of ASIC3 (Acid Sensing Ion Channel 3) channels, in particular pain occurring upon an inflammation and potentially upon any painful situation associated with tissue acidosis (ischemiae, fractures, hematoma, oedema, phlyctena, local infections, tissue lesions, ocular wounds, tumours, etc.).
US08357658B2	Medicament for treating Parkinson'S disease The invention relates to the manufacture of a unit dose of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. According to the invention, apamine is used in an amount of between 1 and 10 micrograms inclusive, for the manufacture of a unit dose for subcutaneous injection, every one to six weeks, of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The invention finds use in particular in the field of pharmacy.
US08357656B2	Natriuretic peptide receptor-C agonists This document relates to methods and materials involved in preferentially activating natriuretic peptide receptor-C polypeptides. For example, agonists of natriuretic peptide receptor-C polypeptides as well as methods for activating natriuretic peptide receptor-C polypeptides are provided herein.
US08357655B2	Wound healing peptides and methods of use thereof Methods and compositions for the treatment of wounds in a mammalian subject are provided. Particularly, novel polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids that stimulate keratinocyte and endothelial cell motility and/or proliferation are provided.
US08357644B2	Polyalkylene glycol lubricant composition A lubricant composition useful for automotive engines, comprising: (A) at least one polyalkylene glycol suitable for use as a lubricant in an automotive engine, (B) an additive package which comprises an acid scavenger, wherein the acid scavenger is an aspartic acid ester, aspartic acid amide, a Group V aspartic acid salt, or a combination thereof.
US08357642B2	Functional fluid Provided is a functional fluid including a tetrazole compound (A) and a base oil (B), which may further include a triazole compound (C).
US08357641B2	Food grade compressor/vacuum pump cleaner Embodiments of the invention provide a food grade cleaning oil, such as one of synthetic or mineral oil origin, which can be used for the cleaning, flushing, and lubrication of compressors and vacuum pumps. The cleaner composition can include alkylated aromatics, such as naphthalenes. The cleaner composition can be compounded with additives including one or more of antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, antiwear additives, metal passivators, and anti foam agents that are cleared for incidental food contact.
US08357637B2	Molecules involved in regulation of osteoblast activity and osteoclast activity, and methods of use thereof The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of molecules involved in the differentiation and/or activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of identifying modulators of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis and methods for treating disorders that would benefit from modulation of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis using agents identified as described herein.
US08357634B2	N-alkoxycarboxamides and their use as microbiocides Compounds of formula (I) in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are suitable for use as microbiocides.
US08357628B2	Inorganic/organic hybrid totally porous metal oxide particles, methods for making them and separation devices using them The present invention is a process for making an inorganic/organic hybrid totally porous spherical silica particles by self assembly of surfactants that serve as organic templates via pseudomorphic transformation.
US08357625B2	Catalyst and method for producing carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic anhydride in the presence of the catalyst An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst exhibiting excellent performance particularly in partial oxidation reaction. Another object is to provide a method for efficiently producing carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride through vapor-phase partial oxidation of an organic compound by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst. The catalyst contains (1) diamond; (2) at least one species selected from among Group 5 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide A; and (3) at least one species selected from among Group 4 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide B. The method for producing a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic anhydride includes subjecting an organic compound to vapor phase partial oxidation by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst, wherein the organic compound is an aromatic compound having one or more substituents in a molecule thereof, the substituents each including a carbon atom bonded to an aromatic ring.
US08357624B2	Lens and process for the production thereof A lens formed of a high-refractivity low-dispersion glass and free of fogging and scorching on its optical-function surface, which is obtained by precision press-molding of an optical glass having a refractive index (nd) of over 1.83, an Abbe's number (νd) of 40 or more and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 640° C. or lower and containing no Li2O and has one form of a meniscus form, a biconcave form or a plano-concave form.
US08357620B2	Laser annealing method and laser annealing apparatus An embodiment of the invention provides a laser annealing method, including the steps of radiating a laser beam to an amorphous film on a substrate while scanning the laser beam for the amorphous film, crystallizing the amorphous film, detecting a light quantity of laser beam reflected from the substrate and a scanning speed of the laser beam while the radiation and the scanning of the laser beam are carried out for the amorphous film, and controlling a radiation level and the scanning speed of the laser beam based on results of comparison of the light quantity of laser beam reflected from the substrate, and the scanning speed of the laser beam with respective preset references.
US08357614B2	Ruthenium-containing precursors for CVD and ALD Disclosed are ruthenium-containing precursors and methods of using the same in CVD and ALD.
US08357612B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device A semiconductor device in which a conductor of a bit line may be made as large in thickness as possible to reduce resistance of the bit line and to reduce capacitance across the neighboring bit lines. The device includes a first interlayer film having a first contact metal part accommodated in it, and a second interlayer film. The second interlayer film includes a trench, and is deposited on the first interlayer film. The semiconductor device also includes a metal conductor filled in and protruding above the trench, and a hard mask film deposited on the metal conductor. The semiconductor device also includes sidewalls formed on lateral surfaces of the hard mask film and the metal conductor for overlying the second interlayer film, and a third interlayer film formed above the second interlayer film inclusive of the hard mask film and the sidewalls. The device also includes a contact hole opened through the third interlayer film and the second interlayer film and in the first interlayer film to expose the first contact metal part between the sidewalls. The device further includes a second contact metal part 1 in the contact hole.
US08357609B2	Dual damascene-like subtractive metal etch scheme Metal interconnects are formed with larger grain size and improved uniformity. Embodiments include patterning metal layers into metal interconnects and vias prior to depositing a dielectric layer. An embodiment includes forming metal layers on a substrate, patterning the metal layers to form metal interconnect lines and vias, and forming a dielectric layer on the substrate, metal interconnect lines, and vias, thereby filling gaps between the metal interconnect lines and between the vias. The metal layers may be annealed prior to patterning. A liner may be formed on the sidewalls of the metal interconnect lines and vias prior to forming the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be formed of a porous material with a dielectric constant less than 2.4.
US08357606B2	Resist feature and removable spacer pitch doubling patterning method for pillar structures A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a layer over a substrate, forming a plurality of spaced apart features of imagable material over the layer, forming sidewall spacers on the plurality of features and filling a space between a first sidewall spacer on a first feature and a second sidewall spacer on a second feature with a filler feature. The method also includes removing the sidewall spacers to leave the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature spaced apart from each other, and etching the layer using the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature as a mask.
US08357604B2	Work function adjustment in high-k gate stacks for devices of different threshold voltage In sophisticated semiconductor devices, different threshold voltage levels for transistors may be set in an early manufacturing stage, i.e., prior to patterning the gate electrode structures, by using multiple diffusion processes and/or gate dielectric materials. In this manner, substantially the same gate layer stacks, i.e., the same electrode materials and the same dielectric cap materials, may be used, thereby providing superior patterning uniformity when applying sophisticated etch strategies.
US08357596B2	Method of forming a polycrystalline silicon layer and method of manufacturing thin film transistor A method of crystallizing a silicon layer and a method of manufacturing a TFT, the method of crystallizing a silicon layer including forming a catalyst metal layer on a substrate; forming a catalyst metal capping pattern on the catalyst metal layer; forming a second amorphous silicon layer on the catalyst metal capping pattern; and heat-treating the second amorphous silicon layer to form a polycrystalline silicon layer.
US08357589B2	Method of thinning a structure A method for thinning a structure of at least two assembled wafers, where one of the wafers includes channels on its surface facing the other wafer. In order to cause thinning of the structure, a fluid is introduced into the channels in a supercritical state and the fluid is passed from the supercritical state into the gaseous state. The channels do not open to the outside of the structure, such that the method further includes forming at least one access opening to the channels from the outer surface of the structure and before introducing the fluid in the supercritical state.
US08357586B2	Method for manufacturing SOI wafer Provided is a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer, which is capable of: efficiently removing an ion-implanted defect layer existing in an ion implanted layer in the vicinity of a peeled surface peeled by an ion implantation peeling method; ensuring the in-plane uniformity of a substrate; and also achieving cost reduction and higher throughput. The method for manufacturing an SOI wafer includes at least the steps of: bonding a silicon wafer with or without an oxide film onto a handle wafer to prepare a bonded substrate, wherein the silicon wafer has an ion implanted layer formed by implanting hydrogen ions and/or rare gas ions into the silicon wafer; peeling the silicon wafer along the ion implanted layer, thereby transferring the silicon wafer onto the handle wafer to produce a post-peeling SOI wafer; immersing the post-peeling SOI wafer in an aqueous ammonia-hydrogen peroxide solution; and performing a heat treatment at a temperature of 900° C. or higher on the immersed post-peeling SOI wafer, and/or polishing a silicon film layer of the immersed post-peeling SOI wafer, through CMP polishing by 10 to 50 nm.
US08357576B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method including providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate pattern on the semiconductor substrate such that the gate pattern includes a gate dielectric layer and a sacrificial gate electrode; forming an etch stop layer and a dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate and the gate pattern; removing portions of the dielectric layer to expose the etch stop layer; performing an etch-back process on the etch stop layer to expose the sacrificial gate electrode; removing the sacrificial gate electrode to form a trench; forming a metal layer on the semiconductor substrate including the trench; removing portions of the metal layer to expose the dielectric layer; and performing an etch-back process on the metal layer to a predetermined target.
US08357569B2	Method of fabricating finfet device The present disclosure provides a FinFET device and method of fabricating a FinFET device. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a fin structure on the substrate, forming a gate structure including a gate dielectric and gate electrode, the gate structure overlying a portion of the fin structure, forming a protection layer over another portion of the fin structure, and thereafter performing an implantation process to form source and drain regions.
US08357566B2	Pre-encapsulated lead frames for microelectronic device packages, and associated methods Pre-encapsulated lead frames suitable for use in microelectronic device packages are disclosed. Individual lead frames can include a set of multiple lead fingers arranged side by side with neighboring lead fingers spaced apart from each other by a corresponding gap. An encapsulating compound at least partially encapsulates the set of lead fingers without encapsulating a microelectronic device. The encapsulating compound can generally fill the plurality of gaps between two adjacent lead fingers.
US08357555B2	Method for producing semiconductor optical device A method for producing a semiconductor optical device includes the steps of forming a semiconductor layer; forming a non-silicon-containing resin layer; forming a first pattern in the non-silicon-containing resin layer; forming a silicon-containing resin layer; etching the silicon-containing resin layer to have a second pattern reverse to the first pattern; selectively etching the non-silicon-containing resin layer by a RIE method employing a gas mixture containing CF4 gas and O2 gas, the non-silicon-containing resin layer having the second pattern; and etching the semiconductor layer. In the step of selectively etching the non-silicon-containing resin layer, a side wall of the second pattern in the silicon-containing resin layer and the non-silicon-containing resin layer is formed, the silicon-containing resin layer and the non-silicon-containing resin layer are maintained at a temperature equal to or less than a freezing point of SiF4, and a protective layer containing SiF4 is formed on the side wall of the second pattern.
US08357548B2	Semiconductor wafer metrology apparatus and method A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced.
US08357543B2	Apparatus and method for handling fluids for analysis A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.
US08357540B2	Polymeric substrates with fluoroalkoxycarbonyl groups for amine capture Amino-containing materials can be attached to polymeric materials having a pendant amine capture group that includes a fluoroalkoxycarbonyl group. An amino-containing material can react with the pendant amine capture group by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The product of the reaction is an alcohol and a pendant group that contains a carbonylimino group. The reaction results in the connection of the amino-containing material to the polymeric material. The polymeric materials are often disposed on a surface of a substrate and the connection of the amino-containing material to the polymeric material results in the immobilization of the amino-containing material on the substrate.
US08357534B2	Isolation of human articular cartilage stem cells The invention concerns a human stem cell isolated from the full depth of human cartilage tissue and/or isolated from aged human cartilage; and uses thereof.
US08357532B2	Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.
US08357519B2	Methods and processes for producing esters Methods are provided for producing esters. The methods comprise converting a fermentable carbon source to organic acids by fermentation with organic acid producing microorganisms, followed by catalytic esterification. The methods comprise integrated fermentation, extraction, and esterification reactions wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation are extracted into an extraction solvent and then directly reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. Methods of producing esters are also provided wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation and extracted into the extraction solvent are stripped from the extraction solvent prior to being reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters.
US08357506B2	Method of identifying improved conjugates of biologically active compounds This invention features a method of identifying a compound useful for enhancing efficacy of a therapeutic agent. The method includes incubating a compound in blood cells; separating immune cells from erythrocytic cells; and determining the ratio of the concentration of the compound in the immune cells to the concentration of the compound in the erythrocytic cells; wherein the compound comprises a transportophore and a therapeutic agent, in which the transportophore is covalently bonded to the therapeutic agent via a bond or a linker.
US08357501B2	Tissue protective erythropoietin receptor (NEPOR) and methods of use There is disclosed a molecular composition(s) of a novel tissue protective erythropoietin (EPO) binding receptor protein complex, termed NEPOR. Presence of NEPOR components on a tumor allows EPO to impinge on the survival of associated cells thereby enhancing tumor progression and negatively effecting patient survival. Presence of NEPOR represents a prognostic biomarker for poorer patient outcome. Thus, methods are provided for stratifying patients having a tumor as suitable (i.e. NEPOR not present) or non-suitable (i.e., NEPOR present) for EPO treatment, comprising: (a) isolating a tissue sample from an individual who is receiving or is a candidate for receiving erythropoietin, (b) determining the level of expression of the NEPOR gene(s) (mRNA) and/or the presence of the NEPOR gene product (protein) from the isolated tissue, and (c) correlating the presence of an NEPOR gene expression product or the presence of NEPOR protein to a physiological response to the treatment with erythropoietin. Furthermore, by disclosing the molecular compositions of NEPOR species, there are disclosed methods for rationally identifying/designing NEPOR modulating therapeutics. Methods also are provided for treating neurological insults such as stroke (via enhancement of NEPOR activity) and cancer (via down-regulation of cyto-protective signaling from NEPOR).
US08357500B2	Methods of diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Non-invasive methods for detecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identifying the presence or absence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject utilize one or more biomarkers. The methods can differentiate between subjects with NASH and those with simple steatosis. Kits containing one or more agents for measuring the level of the biomarkers can be utilized to perform the described methods.
US08357490B2	Integrated instrument performing synthesis and amplification, and a system and method thereof An integrated instrument for oligonucleotide synthesis and PCR, and a system and method thereof are disclosed. The integrated instrument is basically composed of two independent modules. The first module is a unit for chemical de novo synthesis of oligonucleotides such as oligonucleotide primers and/or oligonucleotide hybridization probes. The second module is a unit for performing an analytical polymerase chain reaction amplification in real time, i.e. a qPCR. The two modules are operatively linked to each other in such a way that a user can load a nucleic sample to be analyzed into the integrated instrument and perform a PCR reaction by programming the instrument without a previous external synthesis of oligonucleotide amplification primers.
US08357486B2	Methods and compositions for detection of bacteria and treatment of diseases and disorders Described herein are methods for detecting a bacteria in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using bacteria. The methods can be used in conjunction with methods for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cellular proliferation, such as tumors, tumor tissues, metastases, areas of inflammation, immunoprivileged sites or tissues, wounds and infections. Further described are bacteria for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a bacterium. Bacteria described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate radiolabeled compounds by expression of an endogenous gene product that binds to the radiolabeled compound. Additional imaging and therapeutic agents and methods also are described.
US08357478B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photoconductor includes a base, a photosensitive layer formed on the base, and an overcoat layer formed on the photosensitive layer, wherein the overcoat layer includes gallium, oxygen, and hydrogen, and the intensity ratio (IO-H/IGa-O) of a signal IO-H of an O—H bond to a signal IGa-O of a Ga—O bond in an infrared absorption spectrum is about 0.1 or more and 0.5 or less.
US08357470B2	Organic solid electrolyte and secondary battery An organic solid electrolyte comprises a polymer obtained by (co)polymerization of cyanoethyl acrylate and/or cyanoethyl methacrylate, the polymer being doped with an inorganic ion salt. The electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity and is based on a hydroxyl-free polymer so that it may be used to construct a secondary battery which eliminates the risk of gas evolution.
US08357461B1	Earth electromotive force generation method and apparatus A method and apparatus for producing electricity using Earth electromotive force is disclosed herein. The method comprises placing a first electrode into a first section of the Earth, typically a hydrocarbon bearing formation. Next, a second electrode is placed into a second section of the Earth, typically in or proximal a water zone. Further, the first and second electrodes are electrically coupling to a boost converter assembly. The boost converter assembly is adapted to convert an input voltage derived from the first and second electrodes to an output voltage higher than the input voltage. An apparatus and electrical system comprising the various components for harvesting Earth energy are further disclosed.
US08357460B2	Low magnetic interference battery and mobile communication device A communication device, and battery there for, are provided. In at least one of the battery and the communication device is provided a magnetic shield portion for routing magnetic flux away from the receiver when the radio is in operation. The magnetic shield portion can be incorporated into at least one of the battery and the communication device. When the battery is inserted into mobile communications devicemobile communication device, the magnetic shield portion is located substantially between a battery portion, in the battery, and the receiver.
US08357453B2	Humidity-reactive hotmelt adhesive with increased open time The invention relates to moisture-reactive hotmelt adhesive compositions which comprise at least one polyurethane prepolymer P1 being liquid at room temperature containing isocyanate groups and also at least one linear polyurethane P2 being solid at room temperature which comprises polycaprolactone segments, contains hydroxyl groups and has a melt viscosity of 100-300 Pa·s at 170° C. The compositions are notable in particular for a prolonged open time.
US08357447B2	Printable paper; process for producing printable paper; and use thereof A printable paper comprising a water-resistant support having two optionally subbed sides and a single layer on at least one of said optionally subbed sides, wherein said single layer has no substantial compositional variation, has a layer thickness of at least 3 μm, a pore volume of at least 1.2 mL/m2 and comprises at least one porous pigment; a process for producing a printable paper comprising the steps of: (i) optionally providing a water-resistant support having two sides with a subbing layer on at least one side; (ii) providing at least one side of said optionally subbed water-resistant support with a single layer having no substantial compositional variation, said single layer being applied to said optionally subbed water-resistant support as at least one wet aqueous layer in a single pass for each side of said water-resistant support, said at least one aqueous layer comprising at least one latex, at least one pigment, at least one binder and optionally at least one insolubilizing agent, wherein said latex is an anionic acrylic latex or an aliphatic polyurethane latex; and the use in printing of the above-described printable paper or that obtained by the above-described production process.
US08357441B2	Ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition The present invention is an ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition, a method to make said composition and fabricated articles made therefrom. The ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition comprises: (i) an aromatic polycarbonate or an aromatic polyester carbonate, (ii) a graft polymer, (iii) optionally one or more thermoplastic vinyl (co)polymer, (iv) optionally one or more thermoplastic polyester polymer, (v) an aromatic phosphate compound, and (vi) a mixture of a fibril forming polytetrafluoroethylene polymer and a fluorothermoplast.
US08357436B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two characteristics thereof. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that includes a specific compound having 1-pyran-2,5-dyil as a first component, and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a second component , and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08357429B2	Methods for forming articles having apertures and articles having substantially reduced residual compressive stress A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.
US08357415B2	Method for producing orally administrable edible agent of aggregated subtance-containing laminate film form and orally administrable edible agent of aggregated substance-containing laminate film form In pressure bonding edible layers having irregular surfaces due to the presence of aggregated substance so that the irregular surfaces face each other, an edible layer substantially free of any aggregated substance is interposed therebetween. This allows an orally administrable edible agent of aggregated substance-containing laminate film form having a multilayer structure including laminated extremely thin layers to be produced. The multilayer structure by such a pressure bonding technique can satisfy quantitative accuracy required for pharmaceutical preparations, and prevents time constraint in a drying step or the like, thereby providing a producing method with high productivity.
US08357410B2	Frozen dumplings A frozen dumpling is obtained by applying to a dumpling, a first layer of a batter, and a second layer of water or a seasoning solution, wherein the first layer is present in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight relative to the dumpling, and the second layer is present in an amount of 20 to 100% by weight relative to the dumpling, and then freezing the dumpling. Tray-packed frozen dumplings are obtained by placing the dumplings on a tray, and contacting the dumplings with a first layer of batter, and a second layer of water or a seasoning solution, and freezing the dumplings, wherein the first layer is present in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight relative to the dumpling, and the second layer is present in an amount of 20 to 100% by weight relative to the dumpling.
US08357402B2	Flowable wound matrix and its preparation and use This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth.
US08357397B2	Controlled release composition comprising a recombinant gelatin The invention relates to the field of pharmacology. More specific, the invention relates to a controlled release composition. In one of the embodiments, the invention provides a method for preparing a controlled release composition comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of a recombinant gelatin and a pharmaceutical chemically cross-linking said recombinant gelatin to obtain a three dimensional network structure.
US08357393B2	Transdermal delivery rate control using amorphous pharmaceutical compositions A pharmaceutical composition for transdermal delivery comprising one or more physiologically active agents; one or more dermal penetration enhancers; and a volatile pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprising a volatile solvent; and wherein the physiologically active agent and dermal penetration enhancer form an amorphous deposit upon evaporation of the volatile carrier, said amorphous deposit forming a reservoir within the stratum corneum; and (A) wherein the composition has a release rate profile of physiologically active agent so as to provide a ratio of the maximum concentration (Cmax) to the average concentration (Cavg) for the physiologically active agent over the dosage interval within the range of 1 to 10.
US08357390B2	Drug eluting implantable medical device with hemocompatible and/or prohealing topcoat The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with polymer having hemocompatible and/or prohealing moieties appended thereto and to their use in the treatment of vascular diseases.
US08357383B2	Personal care implement containing a stable reactive skin care and cleansing composition Skin care or cleansing implements are described containing a liquid, semi-solid or solid cleansing or skin treatment composition that is releasably associated with the implement. The composition is substantially nonaqueous and has a continuous and a discontinuous phase. Components of the discontinuous phase can react with each other or with water when water is blended with the nonaqueous cleansing or skin treatment composition during consumer use. Methods for treating the skin with the inventive implements are also described.
US08357380B2	Coenzyme Q10-containing composition The coenzyme Q10-containing liquid composition is obtained by dispersing and emulsifying coenzyme Q10 in an aqueous liquid containing a water-soluble substance consisting of octenylsuccinate starch and dextrin, and glycerin. The liquid composition may be dried to prepare a coenzyme Q10-containing solid composition.
US08357375B2	Process for the preparation and use of a bivalent vaccine against morphine-heroine addiction The structural design, preparative methods and chemical composition of two structural formulations of bivalent vaccines against morphine-heroin addiction (morphine-6-hemisuccinyl-EDC-TFCS-tetanus toxoid and 3-O-carboxymethylmorphine-EDC-TFCS-tetanus toxoid), are disclosed. These vaccines are suitable for human use in which they are capable of triggering the synthesis of polyclonal antibodies against morphine opiate and its structural analogue, heroin, through the repeated in vivo administration of these formulations, in active vaccination protocols, in pre-clinical studies in rodents. The active vaccination paradigm through which these immunogens trigger a humoral immune response consolidated with a long-term immunological memory, characterized by the presence of high titers of specific antibodies against these two drugs of abuse, is also disclosed. Furthermore, the present invention reveals the efficacy of these conjugate formulations for triggering a sustained immunoprotection against morphine and heroin addiction using an intravenous self-administration paradigm of these two opiate substances in the rodent. Finally, a discussion is also made on the potential future use of these immunoconjugates in active vaccination protocols for treating both morphine and heroin addiction in the humans.
US08357359B2	Malodor control composition having an acid catalyst and methods thereof A malodor control composition having at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst, and methods thereof are provided. The malodor control composition is suitable for a variety of applications, including use in fabric and air freshening products.
US08357358B2	3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in fragrance compositions. Novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds of the present invention are represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl and [1,3]dioxolane; R′ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and allyl; or R and R′ taken together represent
US08357355B2	Silicone elastomer exfoliating compositions Compositions of the present invention comprise from about 40-99% of an aqueous suspension of silicone elastomer powder in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The compositions are useful as skin exfoliants when mechanical agitation is supplied, for example by rubbing with a hand. After exfoliation, little or no film or residue remains on the skin and washing the treated area is optional. The cosmetically acceptable vehicle may comprise a wide range of beneficial ingredients, cosmetic or dermatological actives and additives. The present invention also encompasses a method of exfoliating skin in need of such treatment.
US08357350B2	Annulus fibrosus detection in intervertebral discs using molecular imaging agents The present invention relates to methods for imaging annulus fibrosus tissue and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using an agent comprising the compound of Formula I, a 13C or 2H enriched compound of Formula I, an 19F-labeled derivative of Formula I, a metal-DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N′″-tetraacetic acid) complex of Formula I, or a radioisotope derivative of Formula I.
US08357349B2	Compounds for treatment of copper overload The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods that can be used to treat pathologies that are due to copper overload or to the presence of reactive oxygen species.
US08357343B2	Star-shaped zinc oxide particles and method for producing the same A method for producing star-shaped zinc oxide particles, the method including heating a solution containing tetrahydroxozincate(II) ion [Zn(OH)4]2−, and diluting the solution containing tetrahydroxozincate(II) ion [Zn(OH)4]2− with a solvent in the course of reaction so that the concentration of zinc ion (Zn2+) after the dilution is adjusted to 0.008 M or lower.
US08357338B2	Apparatus for generating a multi-component compound The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a multi-component compound, in particular for dental purposes, comprising: —At least two cartridges (3), each cartridge (3) adapted for containing a component (4) of the multi-component compound and having a plunger (2) adapted for pressing out its component (4) from the cartridge (3); and—a driving device for said plungers (2) in which the driving speed is adjustable, wherein the driving device comprises a stepping motor (1), and a detector associated with the stepping motor for detecting at least one of a) the steps of the stepping motor and b) The load on the stepping motor. At low revolutions per minute, the stepping motor (1) offers higher torque as compared with the known DC motors, whereas it also offers high revolutions per minute, although with comparatively low torque, sufficient for rapid advance and retraction of the plungers (2).
US08357331B2	Feed back and dose control of distributed decontamination systems A sterilization system includes a plurality of vaporizers that are controlled by a network of interconnected controllers. The network includes a plurality of control units with each control unit controlling an associated vaporizer to adjust independently the rate at which the associated vaporizer injects vaporized sterilant into the different regions of an enclosure. The network also includes a master control unit configured to control each control unit over the network to coordinate the aggregate injection of sterilant vapor.
US08357324B2	Rotomolding process for polyethylene articles The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyethylene hollow articles, which process comprises charging the polyethylene with one or more NO-acyl hindered amine additives containing one or more groups of formula (I), filling this mixture into a mold, heating this mold in an oven to above 280° C., such that the additized polyethylene melts, rotating the mold around at least 2 axes, the additized polyethylene spreading to the walls, cooling the mold while still rotating, opening it, and taking the resultant hollow article out, where the group of formula (I) is where Ra is a monoacyl or diacyl radical; R1-R4 are each C1-C6alkyl; and R5 and R6 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl or C6-C10aryl; or R5 and R6 are together oxygen.
US08357322B2	Process and apparatus for production of colorless transparent resin film A method for producing a colorless transparent resin film by a solution flow casting method containing: flow-casting an organic solvent solution of a polyamic acid or a polyimide on a support; and drying, the method containing at least the following step (1), step (2) and step (3) in this order, and an apparatus therefor: (1) a step of flow-casting an organic solvent solution of a polyamic acid or polyamide on a support, (2) a step of evaporating the organic solvent while blowing a gas having an oxygen content of from 0.001 to 15% by volume at a temperature of from 100 to 170° C. onto the flow-cast material, and releasing as a self-supporting film from the support, and (3) a step of performing the following step (3-1) and step (3-2) in this order: (3-1) a step of lowering a residual ratio of the organic solvent in the self-supporting film while blowing a gas having an oxygen content of 15% by volume or less at a temperature of from 100 to 250° C. onto the film by using at least one dryer of a type of blowing a heated gas, and (3-2) a step of lowering the residual ratio of the organic solvent in the self-supporting film while blowing a gas having an oxygen content of 5% by volume or less at a temperature of from 150 to 400° C. onto the film by using at least one dryer of a type of blowing a heated gas.
US08357320B2	Process for the impregnation of carbon fiber bundles, resin-impregnated carbon fiber bundle, shaped body and intermediate body for silicization A process for the impregnation of carbon fiber bundles enables the carbon fiber bundles to be impregnated with a curable liquid resin without the impregnated fiber bundles sticking together. The fiber bundles are present in a mechanically generated fluidized bed during the impregnation and are held in the fluidized bed until the resin has been cured or at least dried. A resin-impregnated carbon fiber bundle, a shaped body and an intermediate body for silicization are also provided.
US08357316B2	Gamma radiation source One gamma radiation source comprises 75Selenium or a precursor thereof, wherein the 75Selenium is provided in the form of one or more thermally stable compounds, alloys or mixtures with one or more nonmetals which upon irradiation do not produce products capable of sustained emission of radiation which would unacceptably interfere with the gamma radiation of 75Selenium. A further gamma radiation source comprises 75Selenium or a precursor thereof, wherein the 75Selenium is provided in the form of one or more thermally stable compounds, alloys or mixtures with one or more metals or nonmetals, the neutron irradiation of which does produce products capable of sustained emission of radiation which would acceptably complement the gamma radiation of 75Selenium. Further, the gamma radiation source may have components that are separately irradiated before being combined and the components may be of natural isotopic composition or of isotopically modified composition so that the subsequent radiation peaks may also be adjusted in relative frequency.
US08357302B2	Reaction systems with incorporated chromatography units for enhanced product recovery Product yields in chemical reactions that produce a solid product from a liquid reaction mixture are improved by chromatographically separating certain key impurities from the product mixture prior to crystallization, or from the filtrate after crystallization in which case further product is crystallized from the filtrate. The removal of key impurities either before the first crystallization or between the first and second crystallizations facilitates the crystallization of product to produce a higher yield of product.
US08357295B2	Adjustable anchor rod An adjustable anchor rod arrangement for use with an underdrain system that includes the a pair of spaced apart legs and an elongated member adjustably attached to the legs, wherein the legs are adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and the elongated member is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the legs.
US08357290B2	Removing amines from hydrocarbon streams Corrosive amine salts in hydrocarbon streams such as desalted crude oil streams can be prevented or avoided by adding certain amine scavenging chemicals to the streams to remove the amines therefrom. Suitable amine scavengers include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic anhydrides and copolymers of carboxylic anhydrides, aromatic anhydrides, isocyanates, polyisocyanates, and epoxides. The non-corrosive reaction products of the amines and/or ammonia with these scavengers are preferably oil-soluble, non-basic and thermally stable. The amine scavengers bind up and react with the amines and/or ammonia to keep them from reacting with materials such as acids (e.g. HCl) to form corrosive amine salts.
US08357280B2	Electric-field induced phase separation in liquid mixtures The invention is a method of phase separation in liquid mixtures comprising two or more components. The method comprises the steps of inserting the liquid mixture between suitably shaped and positioned electrodes and applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to produce a non-uniform electric field between the electrodes. The phase separation takes place with essentially all electrode geometries and the phase separation is reversible. The method is characterized in that the liquid mixture must contain dissociated positive or negative ions. In this case the phase separation takes place when the applied voltage is a few volts or less and when the temperature is many degrees above the binodal (coexistence) temperature Tc. The invention has many practical applications including: electrical field controlled lubrication, influencing the kinetics and spatial dependence of chemical reactions in liquid environments, controlling the propagation of light, and controlling the opacity of a window.
US08357274B2	Electrochemical biosensor analysis system An electrochemical biosensor analysis system is provided for analyzing a sample liquid, comprising a biosensor having an electrode structure made of at least two electrodes, a test field, covering the electrode structure and capable of absorbing the sample liquid, and a defined sample application surface on the top side of the test field. The system also includes an analysis instrument comprising an evaluation unit for determining the desired analysis data. The analysis instrument comprises an AC resistance measuring device for measuring an AC resistance value between two electrodes of the electrode structure by means of an area compensation measurement. The measured AC resistance value is used, in the determination of the analysis data, as a measure of the partial area of the effective electrode structure area wetted by the sample liquid.
US08357273B2	Analyzer The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) to be used with an analytical tool (2) mounted thereto and used for analyzing a particular component contained in a sample supplied to the analytical tool (2). The analyzer (1) includes at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) including a first and a second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B) which are capable of selecting a mutually contacting state and a non-contacting state, a detector (15) for detecting the state of contact of the first and the second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B), and an abnormality detector (16) for detecting an abnormality of the at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) based on the detection result by the detector (15).
US08357270B2	CO2 utilization in electrochemical systems A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of removing protons and/or producing a base solution comprising hydroxide and carbonate/bicarbonate ions, utilizing carbon dioxide in a cathode compartment that is partitioned into a first cathode electrolyte compartment and a second cathode electrolyte compartment such that liquid flow between the cathode electrolyte compartments is possible, but wherein gaseous communication between the cathode electrolyte compartments is restricted. Carbon dioxide gas in one cathode electrolyte compartment is utilized with the cathode electrolyte in both compartments to produce the base solution with less that 3V applied across the electrodes.
US08357268B2	System for driving and controlling a movable electrode assembly in an electrochemical process tool By providing an enhanced drive system for electrochemical etch process tools, the operational range, as well as the reliability, may be enhanced. For this purpose, a high torque electric motor may be used in combination with an appropriate power transmission, which may be attached to a corresponding tool frame at a height level that is above a corresponding height level at which respective chemicals are provided to the substrate under process. Hence, the probability for contamination by chemicals may be significantly reduced, thereby also reducing maintenance efforts resulting in reduced production costs.
US08357267B2	Film producing method using atmospheric pressure hydrogen plasma, and method and apparatus for producing refined film The present invention has been achieved to provide a method and apparatus for speedily and homogeneously fabricating polycrystalline silicon films or similar devices at low cost. A silicon target is attached to a water-cooled electrode, while a substrate made of a desired material is set on the other, heated electrode. When atmospheric pressure hydrogen plasma is generated between the two electrodes, silicon atoms will be released from the low-temperature target on the side and deposited on the high-temperature substrate. A doped silicon film can be created by using a target containing a doping element. Since there is no need to handle expensive and harmful gases (e.g. SiH4, B2H6 and PH3), the apparatus can be installed and operated at lower costs. In an application of the film producing method according to the present invention, an objective substance can be selectively purified from a target containing a plurality of substances.
US08357266B2	Method and system for controlling a vapor deposition process A method and system for conditioning a vapor deposition target is described. In one illustrative embodiment, a vapor deposition system is operated in which a vapor deposition target is used, the occurrence of electrical arcs in the vapor deposition system is detected, and the vapor deposition target is conditioned by adjusting an output current of a power supply that powers the vapor deposition system and adjusting an interval during which energy is delivered to each arc to deliver substantially the same energy to each arc. In some embodiments, the energy delivered to each arc is approximately equal to the maximum energy that the vapor deposition target can withstand without being damaged. The described method and system significantly reduces the time required to remove impurities from a target and does not require the venting of the vacuum chamber or the removal of the target from the chamber.
US08357254B2	Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing A method of cutting a length of tire tread for a retread tire includes measuring a circumference of the tire casing and cushion gum, and dispensing a length of tire tread from a roll based on the measured circumference. The length of tire tread relative to a tread cutter is adjusted so that the tire tread design at the point where the tread may be cut is between a set of marks formed in the periodically repeating tread design. The tread is then cut along a linear length of the tread disposed within the marks so that the periodically repeating tread pattern appears substantially continuous across a seam defined when the section of tire tread is wrapped around the casing such that the first and second ends meet in abutting relationship.
US08357250B2	Recovery heat treatment to improve formability of magnesium alloys The formability of coiled and annealed (O-temper) magnesium alloy sheet material in high temperature forming operations is sometimes adversely affected by small amounts of cold work introduced into the fine grained material during handling of the coil and unwinding it to obtain blank workpieces for hot stamping, hot blow forming, or the like. When necessary, the formability of the sheet material with regions of hard worked microstructure may be improved by predetermining a recovery heat treatment using small portions of the material in formability tests. The recovery heat treatment, determined for the specific coiled stock, may then be applied to the material of the coil as it is used in making vehicle body panels or the like.
US08357248B2	Copper alloy having high strength, high electric conductivity and excellent bending workability A copper alloy having high strength, high electrical conductivity, and excellent bendability, the copper alloy containing, in terms of mass %, 0.4 to 4.0% of Ni; 0.05 to 1.0% of Si; and, as an element M, one member selected from 0.005 to 0.5% of P, 0.005 to 1.0% of Cr, and 0.005 to 1.0% of Ti, with the remainder being copper and inevitable impurities, in which an atom number ratio M/Si of elements M and Si contained in a precipitate having a size of 50 to 200 nm in a microstructure of the copper alloy is from 0.01 to 10 on average, the atom number ratio being measured by a field emission transmission electron microscope with a magnification of 30,000 and an energy dispersive analyzer. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a copper alloy having high strength, high electrical conductivity, and excellent bendability.
US08357247B2	Martensitic stainless steel for disk brakes A martensitic stainless steel, having high temper softening resistance, for disc brakes is provided. The martensitic stainless steel is not seriously softened by maintaining the steel at more than 600° C. The steel has a hardness of 32 or more or a hardness of 30 or more in HRC after the steel is tempered at 650° C. for one hour or tempered at 670° C. for one hour, respectively. In particular, the martensitic stainless steel for disc brakes contains less than 0.050 mass % carbon, 1.0 mass % or less silicon, 2.0 mass % or less manganese, 0.04 mass % or less phosphorus, 0.010 mass % or less sulfur, 0.2 mass % or less aluminum, more than 11.5 mass % to 15.0 mass % chromium, 0.5 mass % to 2.0 mass % nickel, more than 0.50 mass % to 4.0 mass %. copper, more than 0.08 mass % to 0.6 mass % niobium, and less than 0.09 mass % nitrogen, the remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities. The carbon content, the nitrogen content, the niobium content, the chromium content, the silicon content, the nickel content, the manganese content, and the copper content satisfy the following inequalities (1) and (2): 0.03≦[C]+[N]−13/93×[Nb]≦0.09 (1) 5×[Cr]+10×[Si]+30×[Nb]−9×[Ni]−5×[Mn]−3×[Cu]−225×[N]−270×[C]≦40 (2).
US08357244B1	Method for lifting off photoresist beneath an overlayer A method of removing photoresist beneath an overlayer includes estimating a rapid temperature change for a photoresist layer to produce cracking in the overlayer. The temperature chance is estimated so that the cracking of the overlayer is sufficient to allow a liftoff solution to penetrate below the overlayer during a liftoff step. The method further includes baking the photoresist layer and chilling the photoresist layer after baking to produce the rapid temperature change. The method then includes lifting off the photoresist layer using the liftoff solution.
US08357243B2	Method for testing group III-nitride wafers and group III-nitride wafers with test data The present invention discloses a new testing method of group III-nitride wafers. By utilizing the ammonothermal method, GaN or other Group III-nitride wafers can be obtained by slicing the bulk GaN ingots. Since these wafers originate from the same ingot, these wafers have similar properties/qualities. Therefore, properties of wafers sliced from an ingot can be estimated from measurement data obtained from selected number of wafers sliced from the same ingot or an ingot before slicing. These estimated properties can be used for product certificate of untested wafers. This scheme can reduce a significant amount of time, labor and cost related to quality control.
US08357240B2	Method of making concrete A method of preparing a light weight concrete composition using expanded polymer particles that includes a) replacing from about 10 to about 50 volume percent of the coarse aggregate in the concrete composition with prepuff particles; and b) preparing the concrete composition by combining ingredients comprising 3-40 volume percent cement, 1-50 volume percent fine aggregate, 0-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, 10-22 volume percent water, and 5-40 volume percent of prepuff particles. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.56 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The concrete composition has a density of from about 90 to about 135 lb./ft3 and after it is set for 28 days, has a compressive strength of at least 1800 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.
US08357236B1	Board wax and method of fabricating same A board wax and a method for fabricating the board wax is provided wherein the method includes producing melted ivory beeswax by heating a predetermined amount of ivory beeswax to a temperature of about between 120° F. and 140° F., generating a coconut oil mix by mixing a predetermined amount of refined, bleached, de-scented coconut oil with a predetermined amount of naturally scented coconut oil, creating an ivory beeswax coconut oil combination by combining the melted ivory beeswax with the coconut oil mix and mixing the ivory beeswax coconut oil combination until the ivory beeswax coconut oil combination is substantially clear and processing the ivory beeswax coconut oil combination to generate board wax bars having a predetermined size.
US08357222B2	Magnetic metal powder suitable for use in magnetic recording media and method of manufacturing the powder A metal magnetic powder for a magnetic recording medium is provided whose particles have a metal magnetic phase, composed mainly of Fe or Fe plus Co, and an oxide layer, wherein the average major axis length of the powder particles is 10-50 nm, the average particle volume including the oxide layer is 5,000 nm3 or less, the atomic ratio (R+Al+Si)/(Fe+Co) calculated using the content values (at. %) of the elements contained in the powder particles is 20% or less, where R is rare earth element (Y being treated as a rare earth element). The metal magnetic powder is obtained by using a complexing agent and a reducing agent to elute nonmagnetic constituents after firing. The metal magnetic powder exhibits a large saturation magnetization as for its particle volume while maintaining weatherability comparable to the conventional level and is suitable for a coated-type magnetic recording medium.
US08357218B2	Filter element with percussion band A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation.
US08357182B2	Alignment system with longitudinal support features Some embodiments relate to systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.
US08357170B2	Devices and methods for placing occlusion fasteners Methods and devices are provided for placing occlusion fasteners. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having a shaft configured to be introduced into a body through a scoping device and to deliver a ligating clip to occlude tissue in the body. The scoping device and the shaft can each be flexible, with the shaft configured to be advanced through a working channel of the scoping device. The shaft can have a size configured to allow a plurality of surgical instruments to be concurrently disposed in the scoping device's working channel and for one or more of the surgical instruments to extend beyond a distal end of the scoping device.
US08357166B2	Customized patient-specific instrumentation and method for performing a bone re-cut A number of orthopedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.
US08357155B2	Multielectrode electrosurgical blade An electrosurgical instrument blade includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from each other using electrically insulating materials such that electric current does not flow between at least two of the bipolar alternating current electrodes unless they contact at least one other electrically conductive medium, such as patient tissue. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each have geometric shapes and composition to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed.
US08357142B2	Connector hub assembly The present disclosure relates to a connector hub assembly. The connector hub assembly includes a housing and a retention device. The housing has a connector bank having one or more input ports and one or more output ports, that are defined therein. The input ports are configured to operably connect to one or more first conduits and the output ports are configured to operably connect to one or more second conduits. The retention device is operably coupled to the housing. The retention device includes a flexible membrane that has one or more slits defined therethrough that form flexible segments in the membrane. The flexible segments are configured to selectively secure the connector hub assembly to a sheet-like material when the sheet-like material is fed through the slits.
US08357139B2	Methods and devices for use in performing pulmonary procedures Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.
US08357138B2	Angioplasty method and means for performing angioplasty An angioplasty catheter assembly having an anchoring catheter within a guide catheter such that the anchoring catheter anchors to the guide catheter and the inner wall of a coronary artery; the anchoring catheter has an opening in its tubular wall such that a guide wire and balloon dilatation catheter can be disposed therethrough and extending through the length of the anchoring catheter.
US08357129B2	Skin rejuvenation system and method Skin rejuvenation system and method in which a pure plant collagen carrier is saturated with a solution of collagen, allantoin, amino acid, propanediol, glycerin, algae, plant DNA living cells, epidermal growth factor, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, rose essential, water, and peptide, and the saturated carrier is applied to the skin to be rejuvenated.
US08357121B2	Systems and methods for providing a safety integrated catheter with universal grip A universal gripping surface is provided on an intravenous catheter assembly. The universal gripping surface provides a plurality of surfaces whereby a user may grip the catheter assembly in a desired gripping configuration for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the universal gripping surface includes a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition.
US08357114B2	Drug dispensing device with flexible push rod Drug storage and dispensing devices for dispensing a drug dosage form are disclosed. Devices having a housing defining a nonlinear passageway and a flexible push rod to move within the nonlinear passageway are disclosed. Devices having a flexible push rod coupled to a rotation actuating member at at an end portion thereof are also disclosed.
US08357110B1	Toe curl prevention device and methods An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, a foot sleeve for surrounding the foot and pad, and a strap that surrounds the foot sleeve and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. The apparatus is especially useful for treating toe curl in spinal cord injury patients. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attached at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg. In some embodiments, the pad includes multiple layers having similar or different material properties. A method of preventing toe curl is also provided.
US08357106B2	Analysis device This invention is regard to an analysis device that analyze a specific component in bodily fluid extracted from the skin using an analysis tool. The analysis device comprise a laser beam oscillation section that emits a laser beam for extracting the bodily fluid from the skin, and a detection mechanism that detects whether or not the analysis tool exists at a target position. The analysis device is adapted to emit the laser beam from the laser beam oscillation section when the analysis tool is detected by the detection mechanism.
US08357099B2	Signal quality determination and signal correction system and methods A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes using a mainstream airway adapter and a gas sensing assembly associated with the airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion determines whether the oxygen measurements are of sufficient quality for their intended use, such as for measuring oxygen consumption or metabolic estimations. Quality measurements may be used to improve accuracy of derived metabolic estimations. Methods are provided by which carbon dioxide measurements can be processed and substituted for direct oxygen measurement for all or part of a respiratory cycle.
US08357088B2	Methods and devices for providing access into a body cavity Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical access device to be securely positioned within an opening in tissue to provide access to a body cavity underlying the tissue. An actuator can be rotatably disposed on or in a housing of a surgical access device such that rotation of the actuator relative to the housing is effective to move a cannula of the surgical access device between an insertion configuration in which the cannula has a reduced profile enabling it to easily be inserted into a tissue opening, and an expanded profile enabling it to form an anchor against and/or within the tissue opening.
US08357084B2	Structure for probe insertion An insert structure is proposed for insertion into an orifice, a canal, a tube and the like of a human or animal creature such as an ear canal, an intestinal tract, a gullet, etc. The insert structure comprises at least one longitudinally extending insert member (3) and a plurality of at least nearly perpendicularly extending further members (5, 7, 9), placed longitudinally at a distance to each other along the insert member, the further members (5, 7, 9) being at least of a flexible and/or soft material.
US08357079B2	Devices for initiating positive thinking A device for initiating positive thoughts in an individual wherein the positive thought is not an implanted post-hypnotic suggestion. The device comprises housing for an energy source and an electronic circuit connected to an energy source affixed within the housing. The electronic circuit has an alerting means and a means for controlling the alerting means. The alerting means notifies the individual a determined number of times over a given period in an apparent random manner at a frequency of 10-12 Hz.
US08357075B2	Interactive athletic equipment system Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.
US08357070B2	Method of compensating gear carrier bearing misalignment under load A method of compensating for load-induced twisting of a gear assembly under load that includes a gear on a gear shaft, bearings on each side of the gear that support the gear shaft and a carrier fastened to a stationary support surface that mounts a proximal one of the bearings near the stationary support surface and mounts a distal one of the bearings away from the stationary support surface. The method includes the steps of determining the twisting deflection of a distal bearing axis of rotation for the distal bearing relative to a proximal bearing axis of rotation for the proximal bearing and offsetting the position of the distal bearing axis of rotation relative to the proximal bearing axis of rotation in the carrier opposite the determined deflection under no gear loading.
US08357063B2	Belt type continuously variable transmission, control device for belt type continuously variable transmission, and vehicle A belt type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle such as a motorcycle includes a primary sheave and a secondary sheave each having a pair of flanges axially movable relative to each other. A belt is wound around the sheaves. An actuator controlled by a control device moves the flanges. The control device includes a determination section for determining whether the actual gear ratio of the belt type continuously variable transmission has become a predetermined gear ratio for TOP or LOW, and a first correction section for correcting an operation amount of the actuator based on the determination made by the determination section. Control accuracy in a region where the gear ratio is TOP or LOW is thereby improved.
US08357061B2	Training apparatus A training apparatus for use on a training surface is disclosed. The training apparatus includes a sport-projectile stopping member and an elongated body substantially transverse to the sport-projectile stopping member. The elongated body has a first section, a second section, and a transition section between the first and second sections. A portion of the first section is positioned on the sport-projectile stopping member, and the first section is sized such that the sport-projection stopping member, the first section, the training surface and the transition section define an orifice through which a sport-projectile can pass through.
US08357059B2	Multi-layer golf ball Golf balls consisting of a dual core and a dual cover are disclosed. The surface hardness of the outer core layer is greater than the material hardness of the inner cover layer, and is preferably 75 Shore C or greater.
US08357058B2	Golf club head The present invention is a unique golf club head characterized by a long blade length with a long heel blade length section, while having a small club moment arm and a low center of gravity, and all the benefits afforded therefrom.
US08357053B1	Metal steering coupling support device A steering coupling support device for use in combination with a standard elastic steering coupling in a vehicle. The device features a generally flat disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A center aperture is disposed in a center of the disc, and four outer apertures are disposed in the disk outside the center aperture in a symmetrical manner. The steering coupling support device is constructed from a metal.
US08357047B2	Recovering a persistent storage unit in a wagering game system Systems and methods include detecting the failure or imminent failure of a persistent storage unit for a wagering game machine. Upon detection of the failure, a flag is set to indicate that failed persistent storage unit is being replaced. After replacement, the wagering game machine is restarted. The flag indicating persistent storage unit replacement is read and wagering game machine software assets are automatically loaded onto the replacement persistent storage unit. The software assets to be loaded may be determined from an asset list maintained on the wagering game machine or on a server communicably coupled to the wagering game machine.
US08357044B2	Real-time display of fantasy sports player transaction data An apparatus and method for providing up-to-date statistical information about fantasy sports players is disclosed herein. The volume and type of transactions made by a plurality of users regarding the fantasy sports players are used to generate at least one statistical value for respective players. The statistical values for respective players are provided in an online interface, providing ease of viewing of transaction activity regarding the players and/or facilitating a user's next transactions relative to the transaction activity of the plurality of users.
US08357041B1	Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional cascading symbols game with player selection of symbols A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.
US08357040B2	Templated three-dimensional wagering game features Systems and methods render three-dimensional objects for a wagering game component in accordance with graphical assets that may be downloaded. The graphical assets may include meshes, skins, physics characteristics, shader programs or other graphical assets.
US08357034B2	Gaming system and method providing third party promotions A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable players to earn promotional awards at gaming machines without sacrificing or surrendering player tracking points. The gaming system and method also provide value to players without the casino absorbing the cost of such value. The gaming system and method disclosed herein creates a new type of currency redeemable for a good or service (or a discount on a good or service) associated with a point-of-sale independent of the casino. In one form, the player tracking currency does not cost the casino or the player anything.
US08357032B2	Online blackjack tournaments with option to purchase card counting report Online blackjack tournaments are described which provide a facility by which a player in the blackjack tournament may purchase a card counting report to assist in their play. The card counting report could be purchased with cash or cash equivalent, or with chips assigned to the player for play in the tournament. The player may select the format or content for the card counting report. The report could be purchased for the entire tournament, a round of the tournament, or for one or more hands. In one variation, the card counting report is generated by a central gaming server. In another variation, the card counting report is generated locally by a client process executing on a workstation used by a player to play in the tournament.
US08357015B2	Metal-resin compound member A case comprised of a metal-resin composite body having a connector including a terminal fitting, the connector being integrated with an opening of a wall of a case main body so that the connector sandwiches an edge of the wall. The connector is comprised of a base resin formed by injection molding so as to sandwich the wall. A separately-manufactured connector is welded to the base resin. Forming the base resin on the case main body provides a less complicated configuration of the case compared to a case where a connector is formed directly to the case main body.
US08357004B2	Connector assembly A connector assembly includes a first connector with a positioning portion and a second connector with a latch. A blocking portion is located on a second side of the first connector. The latch defines an oblique latching plane, the positioning portion defines an oblique sliding plane, and the blocking portion defines an oblique blocking plane. If the latch is aligned with the positioning portion and is slid towards the first connector, the oblique direction of the second latching plane is substantially the same as the oblique positioning plane. If the latch is aligned with the blocking portion and is slid towards the first connector, an acute angle is defined between the oblique direction of the second latching plane and the oblique direction of the blocking plane.
US08357003B1	Double-layer card edge connector The invention relates to a double-layer card edge connector includes an electrical connection base and at least one latch member. The latch member has a first main arm and a second main arm arranged in an upper-lower and front-rear manner. A first slit exists between the first main arm and the second main arm. The first main arm includes a first downward pressing portion disposed at a free end of the first main arm and pressing a first electronic card, and a first clamping portion formed through extending from the second main arm and preventing the first electronic card from moving forward. The second main arm includes a second downward pressing portion and a second clamping portion disposed at a free end of the second main arm. The second downward pressing portion presses a second electronic card downward and prevents the second electronic card from moving forward.
US08356999B2	Lever-type connector A lever-type connector has a female housing (30) that can be connected with and separated from a male housing (10) as a lever (50) is rotated. The lever-type connector has first and second cam pins (32, 33). A first gear (51) is rotated as the lever (50) is rotated and has a first cam groove (54) engageable with the first cam pin (32). A second gear (61) is rotated as the first gear (51) is rotated and has a second cam groove (64) engageable with the second cam pin (33). A width of the first cam groove (54) in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the first cam pin (32) exceeds the outer diameter of the first cam pin (32) in conformity with a backlash (S) between the two gears (51, 61). A width of the second cam groove (64) in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the second cam pin (33) is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second cam pin (33).
US08356998B2	Portable information processing device A portable information processing device includes a circuit board portion that has a main body portion side board mounting an electronic circuit thereon and forming a main body portion, and a connector portion side board forming a connector portion for connection to electronic equipment, wherein the main body portion side board mounts an electronic circuit on at least one of a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and is provided with a main body portion side electro-static discharge line which functions as an electro-static discharge surge arrester at an edge portion of a surface on which at least an electronic circuit is mounted, and wherein the connector portion side board is provided with a connector portion side electro-static discharge line which is connected to the main body portion side electro-static discharge line and functions as an electro-static emission portion.
US08356996B2	Motion and orientation simulator The invention relates to a motion and orientation simulator with a cardanic suspension (4) for a cabin (5) that is carried by a heave carriage (3) that can be moved in a straight line in a carriage cage (2), characterized in that the carriage cage (2) is rotatable and that a cable drive is provided for the straight-line movement of the carriage (3) in the carriage cage (2).
US08356991B2	Rotary blow molding machine with movable clamp assemblies and method A continuous blow molding machine includes a mechanism for shifting molds upstream after closing to reduce between-mold flash.
US08356982B2	Reversible system for dividing aerogenerator blades into several parts An aerogenerator blade assembly has a blade with a first side and a second side an insert member positioned therein and therebetween. The insert member has a first surface in toothed engagement with a toothed surface on an inner surface of the first side of the blade, The blade has a first sector and a second sector affixed to the insert member. A first positioning rod is affixed to the first and second sides of the first sector of the blade and with the insert member. A second positioning rod is affixed to the first and second sides of the second sector of the blade and with the insert member.
US08356952B2	Compact container for liquid cosmetic A container for supporting and dispensing a liquid material is disclosed. The container includes a base defining a cavity for supporting a liquid material and an applicator (e.g., a roller ball, etc.) movably supported at the base for allowing a user to selectively dispense the liquid material from the cavity. The applicator has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be exposed to the liquid material when the second portion is exposed to the user. The container also includes a cover coupled to the base for covering the applicator. The cover is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position. The applicator is configured to be manipulated by user in a manner that allows the first portion to become exposed to the user and the second portion to become exposed to the liquid material.
US08356948B2	Structure for mounting camera on vehicle According to one embodiment, there is provided a structure for mounting a camera on a vehicle, including: a base fixed to a vehicle body; a camera; a slide mechanism configured to allow the camera to slide in a sliding direction so as to be detachably engaged with the base; and a spring member configured to generate a pressing force in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction between the base and the camera in an engaged state, thereby holding the camera with respect to the base.
US08356946B2	Interchangeable wheel bearing unit, for example for commercial vehicles and method for assembling a wheel bearing unit The interchangeable wheel bearing unit has a wheel hub and two tapered roller bearings, each having an outer ring and an inner ring, between which a respective row of tapered rollers is situated, and a securing ring in at least one of the inner rings of the tapered roller bearing. To assemble the wheel bearing unit without special tools, each outer ring of the tapered roller bearings has a cylindrical extension, which runs coaxially with the wheel hub axis towards the outer face of the bearing and into which a respective seal is inserted, and a retaining element, which is supported on the corresponding inner ring and axially fixes the outer ring, is located on the opposite face of the respective tapered roller bearing from the seal.
US08356942B2	Sealing device for bearing assembly and wheel support bearing assembly therewith A bearing sealing device is provided between inner and outer members of a wheel support bearing assembly and includes an annular sealing plate of an L shaped section and an elastic sealing member having an elastic body secured to a core metal of a reverse L-shaped section. The sealing plate includes a cylindrical wall, mounted on an outer periphery of the inner member, and a radial wall extending upwardly from one end thereof. The core metal includes a cylindrical wall, mounted on an inner periphery of the outer member, and a radial upright wall extending radially inwardly from one end thereof. The elastic body includes two side sealing lips, arranged radially of the core metal and having their tips held in contact with the radial upright wall. The distance between those side sealing lips is chosen to be equal to or greater than 0.1 mm.
US08356940B2	Wheel bearing apparatus incorporated with a rotational speed detecting apparatus A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotational speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements contained between inner and outer raceway surfaces of the inner and outer members. A pulser ring is fit onto the outer circumference of the inner ring. A cylindrical sensor cap is fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. A mounting portion axially projects from a radially outer portion of the sensor cap. An inserting bore is formed in the mounting portion so that it axially extends at a position corresponding to the pulser ring. A sensor unit is mounted in the inserting bore. A rotational speed sensor is embedded in the sensor unit to oppose the pulser ring, via a predetermined axial air gap. The position of a gate of a mold is set on the mounting portion of the sensor cap.
US08356934B2	Surrogate temperature sensor for a radiant heat source A surrogate temperature sensor (52) for a convection cooled radiant heater system is described. The surrogate temperature sensor has an internal controllable heater (62) and a sensing device such as a thermocouple (64). The surrogate temperature sensor is paired with a furnace/dryer radiant heat source (38). The surrogate's internal heater provides sufficient power to heat the surrogate to the same temperature as the radiant heater. At least one surrogate temperature sensor (52) is positioned to be exposed to the cooling media in a manner similar to the radiant heat source. The surrogate sensor reports its temperature which is indicative of the radiant heater temperature to the cooling controller. The controller responds to this signal and adjusts cooling to maintain the radiant heater at its desired temperature.
US08356928B2	Supply assembly for a beverage machine and machine comprising such an assembly The present invention relates to a supply assembly for use in the manufacture of a machine for preparing a beverage obtained by dissolving a soluble preparation in water. The invention also relates to a beverage machine that comprises said supply assembly. The supply assembly (1) according to the invention comprises a mixing chamber (10) containing a mixer (11) comprising at least one impeller (HA) for mixing a single dose of soluble preparation in a quantity of water in order to obtain said beverage. At least one nozzle (20) is provided for the insertion of said water inside said mixing chamber (10) which comprises an upper opening (15) directly accessible to a user for the manual insertion of a single dose of soluble preparation. The mixing chamber (10) also comprises a lower opening (16) suitable for enabling the supply of the beverage in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (99) of the impeller (HA) that is positioned so as to be faced and adjacent to the lower opening (16) so that, during and as a result of its rotation, it prevents the beverage from escaping.
US08356924B2	Light source apparatus A light source apparatus includes a light source from which, excitation light is emitted, an optical fiber which is optically connected to the light source, and which guides the excitation light, and a wavelength converting member which is optically connected to an emitting end portion of the optical fiber, and which receives the excitation light emitted from the emitting end portion, and makes emerge light of a wavelength area different from a wavelength area of the excitation light. The light source apparatus has a diverging unit which is arranged in an optical path of the excitation light, between the emitting end portion of the optical fiber and the wavelength converting member, and a holding member for holding the emitting end portion of the optical fiber, the diverging unit, and the wavelength converting member.
US08356922B2	Reflector lamp used as daytime running lamp An automotive daytime running lamp assembly includes an incandescent light source received within a reflector member. The reflector member is formed as a surface of revolution about a longitudinal axis and has an enlarged, first end, and a narrowed, second end with an opening that receives at least a portion of a light source therethrough along the longitudinal axis. A sleeve is received over a portion of the light source and at least partially extends through the reflector member opening. A cap received over the second end of the reflector member about the opening is fixedly secured to a disk, preferably by fusing or welding the components together. Likewise, the disk and metal sleeve are fixedly secured or fused/welded together so that the light source is fixed relative to the reflector member. A mounting member is provided for secure optical positioning of the assembly in a fixture of the associated automotive vehicle.
US08356918B2	Compact beam former for induction HID lamp A light distribution assembly includes an electrodeless HID light source providing emitted light along substantially first and second hemispherical zones. A first optical element redirects a portion of light from the first hemispherical zone into a first desired direction in the second hemispherical zone. A second optical element redirects at least a portion of light within the second hemispherical zone. Other optical elements may be added to tailor the light distribution. Various combinations of these components may be used to create the desired illumination pattern.
US08356916B2	Method, system and apparatus for highly controlled light distribution from light fixture using multiple light sources (LEDS) An apparatus, method, or system of lighting units comprising a plurality of lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, each element having an associated optic which is individually positionable. In embodiments of the present invention, one or more optics are developed using optimization techniques that allow for lighting different target areas in an effective manner by rotating or otherwise positioning the reflectors, refractive lenses, TIR lenses, or other lens types to create a composite beam. The apparatus, method, or system of lighting herein makes it possible to widely vary the types of beams from an available fixture using a small number of inventoried optics and fixtures. In some cases, by using a combination of individual beam patterns, a small set of individual optics would be sufficient to create a majority of the typical and specialized composite beams needed to meet the needs of most lighting projects and target areas.
US08356909B2	Illuminated tiling system The invention relates to an illuminated tiling system (100) which comprises back panels (10) with at least one electrically conductive layer (12, 13), plugs (20) with projections (21, 23) that electrically contact the conductive layer(s) (12, 13), and light-tiles (30) with (O)LEDs that can be fixed to the plugs. For an easy tiling, dummy-tiles can first be tiled together with conventional tiles (2) and later be replaced with the light-tiles (30).
US08356908B1	Rotatable dual magnification mirror with internal hoop illuminator and movable reflector ring A mirror includes a frame holding back-to-back a pair of reflective mirror plates having different magnification factors, each plate having a reflective central area and an outer concentric light-transmissive window area. Rotatable pivot joints supporting the frame between opposed arms of a support yoke and enable the frame to be rotated to orient a selected plate in a forward-facing use position. A hoop-shaped printed circuit board having circumferentially spaced apart light emitting diodes (LED's) protruding therefrom is located between inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates. Objects in front of a mirror plates are illuminated by direct LED rays emitted forwardly through the window areas and by indirect LED rays reflected from reflective inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates, and from the forward facing surface of a movable reflector ring within the frame which falls rearward when the frame is rotated.
US08356905B2	Optically enhanced image sequences Enhanced image sequences are provided by a high resolution imaging system (HRIS) for generating an enhanced image, where the system includes a device for outputting an image sequence including a plurality of K source images, each source image including a plurality of pixels; and a projector for projecting, within a period of integration, each of the source images to an optical filter, the filter adapted for providing pixels of each source image as sub-pixels of pixels in the enhanced image. The enhanced images may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. A method and computer program product are provided for generating enhanced images, as well as techniques for fabrication of the HRIS.
US08356901B2	Systems and methods for widefield mapping of the retina Systems and methods for constructing a widefield image of the retina from a plurality of retinal images. In one aspect, the disclosure concerns constructing a widefield image of the retina from a plurality of retinal images, comprising a base image and a plurality of peripheral images. These techniques enable medical observations of retinal phenomena in patients, such retinal vein occlusion, artery occlusion, retinal detachments, intraocular inflammation, ocular tumors, and the like, that were difficult to detect and impossible to quantify under prior art approaches.
US08356899B2	Sleepiness signal detector A sleepiness sign detection apparatus, includes: a head movement detection unit configured to detect a head movement to generate a head movement data; an eye movement detection unit configured to detect an eye movement to generate an eye movement data; an ideal eye movement angular velocity calculation unit configured to calculate an ideal eye movement angular velocity based on the head movement data generated by the head movement detection unit; an eye-rotation angular velocity calculation unit configured to calculate an eye-rotation angular velocity based on the eye movement data generated by the eye movement detection unit; and a sleepiness sign detection unit configured to detect vestibule-ocular reflex (VOR) from the ideal eye movement angular velocity and the eye-rotation angular velocity, and determine a sign of sleepiness based on the vestibule-ocular reflex.
US08356897B2	Method and device for performing online aberrometry in refractive eye correction A device for correcting visual defects of an eye comprises a coherent light source, a beam modification device for shaping and deflecting a beam of the coherent light source, and a wavefront analyzer device for analyzing a wavefront of an optical path in the eye.
US08356893B2	Ink composition containing non-VOC liquid carrier Ink composition including non-VOC liquid carrier and method of making the same are disclosed. A disclosed example ink composition has a viscosity that is below about 70.0 cps and includes non-VOC liquid carrier, dispersing agents and pigment particles having an average size of less than about 10 μm. Also disclosed are method of use and method of making such ink composition containing non-VOC liquid carrier.
US08356892B2	Inkjet inks for printing on both plain and photo-glossy papers An aqueous inkjet ink suitable for priming photo-images on both photo-glossy receivers and plain papers, said ink including at least 50% by weight water, between 0.5% and 8% by weight of 1,2-pentanediol, a humectant distinct from said 1,2-pentanediol, and between 0.2 and 5% by weight of a dispersed pigment colorant, said dispersed pigment colorant exhibiting an average volume weighted 50th percentile particle size of between 0.001 and 0.075 microns.
US08356889B2	Print engine with ink supply conduits extending from a long side of elongate printhead carriage A print engine for an inkjet printer which has a media path extending past a printhead assembly along a paper axis, has an elongate printhead carriage extending transverse to the paper axis, a series of interfaces for supplying ink to respective printhead modules spaced along the printhead carriage such that during use, the printhead modules span the media path and ink conduits connected to the interfaces for feeding ink to the printhead modules. The printhead carriage has a series formations to position the ink conduits such that they all extend away from the interfaces in a direction transverse to the long axis to a common side of the printhead carriage.
US08356872B2	Liquid discharge apparatus and method A liquid discharge apparatus includes a nozzle, a pressure chamber and a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid to the pressure chamber. A discharge pulse generating unit generates a discharge pulse to discharge the liquid. The viscosity of the liquid is no less than 8 millipascal-seconds. The nozzle has a first portion with a discharge side that has an opening area smaller than that of a pressure chamber side and a second portion that communicates with an end portion of the discharge side. An opening area of the second portion is no greater than 1/9 of the opening area of the pressure chamber side. The discharge pulse has a decompression portion that decompresses the liquid to lead a meniscus in the second portion to the first portion and a compression portion that compresses the liquid to discharge the liquid before the meniscus returns to the second portion.
US08356865B2	Refrigerating device with pull-out carrier for refrigerated goods The invention relates to a refrigerator having two telescopic extensions. A carrier for refrigerated goods is held on each telescopic extension by an adapter that bridges the space between the carrier for refrigerated goods and the telescopic extension, the width of the space being at least equal to the width of the telescopic extension.
US08356857B2	Hood pedestrian energy absorber An energy absorbing system includes a hood with inner and outer panels defining a rear edge cavity, and a pair of polymeric energy absorbers in the cavity. The hood and energy absorber are tuned to minimize an HIC value when a pedestrian's head contacts the hood during an impact to absorb energy prior to the hood bottoming out on the plenum of the vehicle. The energy absorber is preferably made of a polymeric material capable of withstanding high temperatures associated with going through a paint over or e-coat process, such as high temperature nylon. The illustrated energy absorber has a hat-shaped cross section and includes criss-crossing flanges tuned to provide an optimal force-deflection curve during impact.
US08356856B2	Front spoiler for a motor vehicle A front spoiler of a motor vehicle is held on the front end part of the vehicle by fastening elements. To reinforce the front spoiler in the central region, reinforcing ribs are provided, which extend into inward and outward formations on the front end part. The reinforcing ribs are preferably vertically aligned plate-shaped structures that extend in the longitudinal direction. To ensure a necessary dimensional stability of the front spoiler during driving, the reinforcing ribs can be supported on the front end part, and the front spoiler itself can be supported on the reinforcing ribs.
US08356855B2	Weather enclosures for golf carts Golf cart weather enclosures have roll-up doors, which coil on spools for storage. The roll-up doors are configured of panels joined by hinges or are configured from sheets of transparent plastic. Each roll-up door has side edges which are received in a pair of spaced vertical tracks extending from the floor to the roof of the golf cart to stabilize the roll-up doors. The spools are rotated either by electric motors and/or springs in a first direction to close the roll-up doors and rotated in the opposite direction to open and store the roll-up doors in the roof.
US08356848B2	Clamp for holding a container by the neck Clamp (1) for holding a container (2) by a neck (3) in a container handling machine, said clamp (1) comprising a pair of resilient arms (5) and a pair of neck grippers (7) provided at respective ends (6) of the arms (5), said arms (5) and said neck grippers (7) being configured to allow the container neck (3) to be laterally engaged between the neck grippers (7), each neck gripper (7) being pivotally mounted on the corresponding arm (5) about a rotation axis (8), and having at least two gripping jaws (9a, 9b) of different dimensions, configured to cooperate with container necks (3a, 3b) of different sizes.
US08356837B2	Roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle with a roll bar configuration of this type A roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle has a cross-member and two roll bars which are mounted on the cross-member in respective pivot axes. The roll bars are each formed as a single part and so as to be stiff per se and can be shifted from a retracted inoperative position into an erected protective position about the pivot axes. The pivot axes are disposed—as seen in the direction of the width of the motor vehicle—at a distance from each other on the cross-member. The roll bar configuration, which takes up a small installation space in the direction of the vehicle height is distinguished in that the roll bars are arranged in the inoperative position—as seen in the vertical direction of the vehicle—level with the pivot axes or on the cross-member there above.
US08356832B2	Method for folding in or folding out an electrically operated trailer coupling, and electrically operated trailer coupling In a method for folding in or folding out an electrically operated trailer coupling for vehicles which can be moved electrically between a folded-out use position and a folded-in rest position with excess force limitation, an actuating device is provided for activating the trailer coupling. A brief actuation of the actuating device results in an automatic adjusting movement of the trailer coupling in the folding-in or folding-out direction. In the method, in the event of a continuous actuation of the actuating device, the excess force limitation threshold is increased during the automatic adjusting process of the trailer coupling, and after the actuating device is released, the automatic adjusting process is continued with the original excess force limitation threshold until the trailer coupling has reached its use or rest position.
US08356827B2	Support structure for axle housing of a towing tractor A support structure for an axle housing of a towing tractor includes a leaf spring forming a part of a suspension, an axle housing which has a contact surface and is supported at opposite ends of the axle housing by the suspension and a spring seat which is separately provided from the leaf spring and the axle housing and disposed between the leaf spring and the axle housing, and the spring seat has a support surface. The axle housing is supported by the spring seat in plane surface contact between the contact surface and the support surface.
US08356816B2	Multi-hand poker with card transformations A method of implementing a wagering game. A first hand of cards is dealt on a first row. Cards can be held or discarded by a player. Cards that are held are transformed into a card with a same face value but a different suit and copied into an additional row. Cards not held are replaced in the first row and the additional row.
US08356800B2	Protective padding A protective padding assembly for covering a section of chain link fence of the character found in sports venues, such as baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields and the like, wherein the section of chain link fence includes a hingeably connected swinging gate. The protective padding assembly uniquely includes a fence covering section, a gate covering section and an intermediate, wedge shaped portion for covering the gate hinges in a manner that will not interfere with opening and closing the gate.
US08356790B2	Stand and electronic device using the same A stand is provided. The stand is connected to a back cover of an object, and comprises a holding element; a positioning element disposed on the holding element; an elastic element having a hole and a first positioning portion, wherein the first positioning portion is engaged with a positioning slot of the back cover; and a fixing element fixing the elastic element to the holding element through the hole.
US08356789B2	Universal accessory mounting system for golf cars and utility vehicles A golf accessory for attaching to an accessory mounting system of a golf car. The accessory mounting system including a bracket that is configured to connectably receive the golf accessory and a mount for attachment to the golf car and configured to connectably receive the bracket. The mount including a base that has a generally vertical surface, an aperture extending generally horizontally into the base from the vertical surface and configured to receive a portion of a fastener coupled with the bracket, and a slotted opening extending into the base and configured to receive a portion of the bracket. The base including a generally horizontal surface and the slotted opening extends generally vertically into the base from the horizontal surface. The golf accessory including a golf-related item, and means for connecting the golf-related item to the bracket.
US08356781B2	Suction device A suction device includes a suction cup, a vertical bar connected with the suction cup, a first support cap having an opening that the vertical bar can be placed through and a first pair of gaps in the rim of the first support cap, a sleeve connected with the first support cap for containing the vertical bar, a linkage unit combined with the sleeve and the vertical bar, for controlling the vertical bar to move in the sleeve to pull the suction cup, to enable the suction functionality, and a second support cap between the suction cup and the first support cap, combined with the first support cap through relative rotation and having a second pair of gaps in the rim of the second support cap. The suction device can firmly attach to a curved surface when the second pair of gaps is under the first pair of gaps.
US08356769B2	Aircraft engine assembly comprising a fan cowl-supporting cradle mounted on two separate elements An aircraft engine assembly including an engine, an engine mounting structure, and a nacelle surrounding the engine and including fan cowls. The mounting structure includes a rigid structure and a forward aerodynamic structure on which the fan cowls are hinged, the forward aerodynamic structure including a cradle provided with an aft mounting mechanism mounted on the rigid structure. The cradle also includes a forward mounting mechanism mounted on a fan case of the engine.
US08356764B2	Continuous flow micro-crusher The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a substrate and first and second disks. The disks are rotatably located over the substrate, each disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The first disk is positioned to interleave one or more of its teeth with the teeth of the second disk. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of one of the disks. Another apparatus comprises at least one disk rotatably located over a substrate and in a well of the substrate, the disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The disk is positioned to provide a maximum distance of less than about 10 microns between each one the teeth and a nearest wall defining the well. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of the disk.
US08356759B2	Low-cost magnetic stripe reader using independent switching thresholds A F/2F waveform generator has a comparator and an analog multiplexer. In a low-cost magnetic card reader application, a magnetic track signal is amplified, filtered, and compared with a threshold signal to create a digital signal output. The analog multiplexer detects changes in state of the digital signal. When a change of state is detected, the analog multiplexer switches among dynamically tunable threshold signals. The selected threshold signal is used for comparison with the magnetic track signal. Switching level detection enables accurate F/2F waveform generation from relatively noisy magnetic track signals, thus improving the robustness of magnetic card readers. The analog implementation eliminates the need for expensive A/D conversion and processing and the design can be readily implemented in a very compact and low-cost package.
US08356758B1	Making storage system having modifiable conductor and memory An electronic storage system includes a substrate with a state region, a transceiver with memory and a controller, and a code circuit disposed over the substrate separate from the transceiver and electrically connected thereto. The code circuit includes a conductor whose electrical or mechanical state can be externally altered. At intervals, the transceiver electrically excites the code circuit and detects the electrical state of an input pad connected to the code circuit. The electrical state corresponds to the excitation and to the electrical or mechanical state of the conductor. The controller stores the detected state or a representation thereof in the memory. In response to a downlink signal, the transceiver transmits an uplink signal representing the stored detected electrical state(s) of the input pad, or the stored representations thereof.
US08356756B2	Smart card module and substrate for a smart card module A chip card module including a substrate with a first side and an opposite second side. Contact areas are arranged on the first side, and a first conductor structure is arranged on the second side, the first conductor structure runs from one contact region to one of a another contact region and a second conductor structure, which is connected to the contact areas by means of a through connection in the substrate, so that the first conductor structure runs at least partly in a central region. The chip card module also includes a chip with connections which are arranged over the central region on the second side of the substrate, one of the connections being connected to the one contact region.
US08356752B2	Electronic inks and displays and image displaying methods An electronic ink containing charged particles includes a combination of resin particles, a pigment, and a charge director. The resin particles exhibit an average particle size less than 1.0 micron and contain a resin that exhibits a molecular weight of 500 to 20,000. The pigment is loaded on the resin particles. The charge director can physically associate with the resin particles. The charged particles may be negative or positive.
US08356747B2	Banknote deposit transaction apparatus and banknote deposit transaction method A banknote deposit transaction apparatus (1) confirms number of deposited banknotes on a per transaction basis. The apparatus includes a bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) that sorts and stacks bundling-object-banknotes among transported banknotes; a bundling-object-banknote counting unit (41A) that counts number of bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) as number of unconfirmed deposited banknotes; a banknote bundling unit (22) that, when the number of stacked bundling-object-banknotes reaches a predetermined number, bundles the bundling-object-banknotes; a tentative confirming unit (101) that performs a tentative confirmation of the number of unconfirmed deposited banknotes in a current transaction among bundled banknotes at a timing of bundling; and a confirming unit that, upon detecting an operation for ending a transaction, confirms the number of tentatively confirmed and unconfirmed banknotes as a total number of banknotes deposited in the current transaction, and performs recording and management of number of banknotes stacked in the bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) as number of loose banknotes of a previous transaction. This reduces the opportunities of unbundling the bundled banknotes in an operation for fault recovery thereby greatly reducing a work burden of an operator.
US08356744B2	Carton with reinforcing insert A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel. The carton includes a reinforcing insert comprising at least a first insert panel foldably connected to a second insert panel. The first insert panel is at least partially in face-to-face contact with at least the top panel and the second insert panel is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the first insert panel.
US08356741B2	Method for producing a blade plating on a blade for a turbomachine The invention relates to a method for producing a blade tip plating (20) on a blade (10) for a turbomachine, in particular on a high-pressure rotating compressor blade for a gas turbine, comprising the following steps: —producing a particle composite material (24) having embedded hard material particles (18); —placing the panicle composite material (24) on a solder (30) applied to the blade tip (16); and—healing the solder (30).
US08356736B2	Portable gadget-holding device A gadget holding device for releasably holding a cell phone, an ipod or other similar gadget on a users clothing, belt or purse. The gadget holding device preferably comprising a clip, a D-ring, and a hanging interlock clasp, wherein the D-ring connects the clip to the hanging interlock clasp that permits the D-ring to rotate relative to the clip and the hanging interlock clasp to rotate and slide relative to D-ring. This configuration releasably holds a gadget and enables easy one-handed release from the gadget holding device. In this way, the gadget-holding device is a sleek, flat, lightweight, fashionable and ultimately inconspicuous way to carry a cell phone, music player or any other gadget on a person comfortably.
US08356732B2	Dispensing device The present invention relates to a dispensing device comprising: —a container (2) for holding a liquid having an opening, and—a dispensing assembly (4) mountable on or in said opening, said dispensing assembly comprising: —a pump (5) having a pump chamber (7) and a pump inlet (6) comprising an inlet valve (9) and a pump outlet (8) comprising an outlet valve (10), and—a liquid supply channel (16), one end of said channel (16) being in fluid communication with said inlet (6), the other end being arranged in a bottom portion of said container (2), wherein a one-way valve (20) is arranged in said channel (16), and wherein an air inlet opening (17) is provided between said inlet valve (9) and said one-way valve.
US08356720B2	Container storage system A container shelving system including two shelf support members and a plurality of shelves, the shelf support members including a chain, a turnbuckle, an adjustable upper bracket and an adjustable lower bracket, each bracket including a first box beam, a second box beam, and a box beam adjustment fastener, the box beams including recesses at each end, the recesses configured to receive the chain; the upper bracket further including a stabilizer perpendicularly connected to an end of the upper bracket; the plurality of shelves each including a plurality of lumber whereby the lumber is configured to sit upon a bracket; whereby the chain is threaded through the first and second cargo rings and the upper and lower brackets and connected and tightened using the turnbuckle such that the shelves may be supported upon the brackets within the shipping container.
US08356709B2	End protector link A nested end protector link for capturing first and second elongate link pins of a multi-link conveyor chain that includes a first link segment having an outer wall in a first vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing convex face, and a rearward-facing concave face and a first pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing convex face and the rearward-facing concave face. A second link segment is integrally-formed with the first link segment and has an outer wall in a second vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing concave face. A rearward-facing convex face is provided and has a second pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing concave face and the rearward-facing convex face.
US08356697B2	Elevator safety system and method An elevator safety system (10) includes a limit switch (32) coupled to a first elevator car (14) and an actuator plate (30) coupled to a governor rope (24) of a second elevator car (16). The actuator plate trips (30) the limit switch (32) when a distance between the first elevator car (14) and the second elevator car (16) goes below a safety threshold distance to stop the first and second elevator cars (14, 16).
US08356696B1	Air-operated device and method for lubricating components with elimination of lubricant waste A system and method for lubricating components where the lubricant is applied in mist form within a substantially enclosed cavity. The cavity contains a draining aperture which collects excess lubricant for subsequent re-use by the system. The cavity is defined by a spray head that includes a base having attached thereto a cover plate with an opening adapted to receive therethrough a component to be lubricated. The cavity and lubrication chamber prevents the escape of excess lubricant. The collection and reuse of excess lubricant provides a closed loop system that reduces lubricant waste.
US08356690B2	Exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine An exhaust apparatus is provided with an exhaust gas pipe for discharging to the atmosphere an exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas pipe has an upstream open end connected to the sound deadening device positioned at the upstream side of an exhaust gas discharging direction, and a downstream open end through which the exhaust gas is discharged to the atmosphere. At least one of the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the exhaust gas pipe has a diameter expansion structure expanded in diameter toward one of the upstream open end and the downstream open end. The exhaust apparatus comprises a plate provided in the diameter expansion structure to be held in opposing relationship with the discharge direction of the exhaust gas and having an open portion formed to pass through the plate in the discharge direction of the exhaust gas.
US08356689B2	Structure for the compositely formed sound box An improved structure for the compositely formed sound box consists of a plastic-made box with one-way opening and intensified rib and inlet components provided inside the box. The main feature is the bubbled one-piece soundproof layer inside the sound box to expand the overall structure of the sound box, reduce the thickness of the sound box, minimize the thickness of the shell, and upgrade the soundproof performance at the same time.
US08356687B2	Vehicle occupant protection method and apparatus A vehicle has a crash detection device for detecting a crash that introduces a force acting in an effective direction into the vehicle. An acceleration device directly or indirectly cooperates with the crash detection device to absolutely accelerate at least one partial mass of the vehicle against the effective direction in which the force is introduced in case of a crash.
US08356686B2	Drifting kart Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.
US08356676B2	Device for extinguishing fires This device comprises a portable reservoir (2) suspended form a helicopter and provided with at least one lower hatch (21) for discharging the extinguishing liquid or water transported. The device comprises a vacuum pump (4) to create a vacuum inside said reservoir (2), a vacuum sensor (75) to regulate the vacuum created inside the reservoir (2) depending on the quantity of water to be loaded, several means to cause the opening of a lower hatch (21) of the reservoir (2) and the loading of water into the reservoir (2) as a result of the suction effect caused by the vacuum, several means for detecting when the reservoir (2) is full and several means for automatically closing the lower hatch (21) when the water load has reached a preset level.
US08356656B2	Heat dissipation device and method A heat dissipation device and a heat dissipation method are provided. The device is disposed in a case having a first opening and a fan for generating a first cooling air flow. The device includes a heat dissipation element and an air-guiding plate. The heat dissipation element has a first region and a second region, and the first cooling air flow flows from the first region towards the second region. The air-guiding plate is disposed in the first region of the heat dissipation element and used for reducing a cross-sectional area of the first cooling air flow flowing in the first region along a flow direction of the first cooling air flow, so as to draw air outside the case into the second region via the first opening to generate a second cooling air flow, thereby lowering a temperature of the case located below the heat dissipation element.
US08356654B2	Methods of forming and installing overhead support systems for movable partition systems Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.
US08356648B2	Calendar binding apparatus and related methods An apparatus is provided for binding a single printed sheet with top and bottom binders to form a single sheet calendar. The apparatus includes a binder feeding mechanism for positioning the top and bottom binders relative to the single printed sheet. The apparatus includes first and second spaced, parallel binding units for respectively securing the top and bottom binders to the single sheet, with the first binding unit having an upper member and a lower member to define a sheet-receiving channel there between. At least one of the upper member or the lower member is heated, and at least one of the upper member or the lower member is controllably movable relative to the other of the upper member or the lower member, to secure one of the binders to the single sheet.
US08356627B2	Three-valves manifold for differential pressure type flow meter A three-valves manifold for a differential pressure type flow meter includes a valve unit and a housing. The valve unit includes a shaft portion, a first valve portion having a first through hole and first to third grooves and a second valve portion having a second through hole and fourth and fifth grooves. The housing includes a space in which the shaft portion and valve portions are rotatably arranged. The first and second through holes and first to fifth grooves are formed at positions such that the first and second through holes communicate differently with first and second inlet and outlet openings of the housing in each of first, second, and third rotational positions.
US08356608B2	Device and method for styling hair Provided are a device and a method for styling hair capable of reducing damage to hair, maintaining the elasticity and texture of the hair, and keeping the hair style for a long period of time. The hair styling device is equipped with an arm body 2 having an arm 2A and an arm 2B connected to each other, an oscillation means 3, and an oscillator 9. The arm body 2 is constituted such that it can retain or release the hair. The oscillation generated from the oscillation means 3 has a predetermined frequency from 1 to 20000 Hz. The oscillator 9 is constituted such that it can slide along the length direction of the arms 2A and 2B and at the same time can transmit the oscillation from the oscillation means to the hair retained by the arm 2 while sliding.
US08356598B2	Apparatus and related method for providing a passage into the body An apparatus and method for providing a passage into the body for use in, among other things, medical procedures, including tracheostomies and cricothyroidectomies is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing a passage into the body includes a first slider unit and a second slider unit operably connected to a slider track for retractable deployment of a scalpel and a tissue spreader attached respectively thereto, and for the auto-retraction of the scalpel due to movement of the second slider unit.
US08356595B2	Apparatus for deploying oxygen masks An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.
US08356594B2	Methods and apparatus for heart failure treatment Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.
US08356583B2	Variable camshaft timing device with hydraulic lock in an intermediate position A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine including a piloted valve in the rotor assembly, movable from a first position to a second position, and detent lines communicating with the advance chamber or the retard chamber are restricted and or blocked when the rotor assembly is in or near an intermediate phase angle position. When the piloted valve is in the first position, fluid is blocked from flowing through the piloted valve. When the piloted valve is in a second position, fluid is allowed to flow between the detent line from the advance chamber and the detent line from the retard chamber through the piloted valve and a common line, such that the rotor assembly is moved to and held in the intermediate phase angle position relative to the housing assembly.
US08356578B2	Waste encapsulating animal litter Disclosed herein is a method for encapsulating solid animal waste with animal litter to eliminate the odor that emanates from the waste material. An additional benefit is that encapsulation hides the solid waste from view. The encapsulated waste resembles a urine clump in the litter box. Performance-enhancing actives are incorporated in the litter composition to provide this benefit.
US08356566B1	Multi-directional marine propulsor apparatus Multi-directional marine propulsors for use with boats having a hull, a keel and a motor with a propeller are disclosed. The propulsor may have a cylindrical housing with fore, aft, port and starboard apertures and define a central axis when the housing is mounted to the boat. The housing may receive the propeller proximate the fore aperture such that the propeller may rotate about the central axis to provide forward thrust. An elliptical diverter gate may be mounted within the housing proximate the aft aperture for vertical rotation between port, central and starboard positions. When the gate is in port, central and starboard positions, forward thrust may exit the port, central and starboard apertures respectively. The elliptical diverter gate may be rotated between the port, central and starboard positions as desired. Alternative multi-directional marine propulsors may be mounted directly onto boat motors.
US08356558B2	Constant contact side bearing A constant contact side bearing (CCSB) for use between a truck and car of a rail car that includes a generally hollow housing that includes a closed bottom end and an open top end. An attachment member is attached to an outside surface of the housing and is positioned in a center region between the top end and the bottom end. A resilient member is positioned inside the housing, and a cap is fitted over resilient member and is sized relative to the housing to enable slidibly moving into the housing.
US08356552B2	Surface tracking rotary pad printing apparatus and method In one aspect of a first embodiment, a rotary pad printing system comprises a controller (400), an image source (498) that provides an image to the controller, a rotary pad (200) that is urged to rotate by a first motive source, a monochrome or color ink source or applicator such as an inkjet (215), and an actuator (235, 730). The system has the ability to print onto a flat or uneven surface (410). The controller actuates the ink source, causing it to deposit an ink image (202) onto a rotating pad wheel (200). As the surface moves, the wheel is held in contact with the surface by an actuator (235) or arm (705). As the wheel turns in contact with the surface, the ink image comes into contact with the surface and transfers to it, thereby printing the ink image onto a flat or uneven surface.
US08356542B2	Slide-on slide stock for firearm A bump stock and interface system for a semi-automatic firearm. The interface system includes first and second bearing elements. A handle is provided with an integral finger rest. The bearing elements are configured to wholly disengage and re-engage from the handle via a straight linear disconnecting motion. In use, the user grasps the handle with one hand and places an index finger of the same hand firmly on the finger rest. When intending to fire a round of ammunition, the user pushes the receiver forward with their other hand so that the trigger collides with the finger. Recoil force quickly separates the trigger from the user's finger on the finger rest. The user again pushes forward the receiver to repeat the firing cycle. A lock can be selectively engaged to prevent longitudinal movement of the firearm relative to the handle, thereby returning the firearm to normal semi-automatic functionality.
US08356538B2	Munition handling apparatus There is disclosed a munition handling apparatus where the conventional ram is replaced with a high pressure fluid actuation. For this the apparatus is provided with a container that incorporates a piston which slides along the container to urge the munition out as the fluid pressure is applied.
US08356526B2	Contamination measurement station and method for a semiconductor substrates transport pod The invention concerns a measurement station for the measurement of particle contamination of a transport pod for the conveyance and atmospheric storage of semiconductor substrates, such pod comprising a casing capable of being closed by means of a removable access door, such station comprising: an interface (5) capable of coupling to a casing of a transport pod (3) instead of the said door, the interface (5) comprising at least one injection nozzle (9) arranged at one mobile end of a pipe protruding from the said interface to direct a jet of gas in a perpendicular direction towards a portion of the wall (13) on the inside (10) of the said casing coupled to the said measurement station, so as to detach particles (11) from the said casing (3) by the impact of the gas jet on the said wall (13), and a measurement device (7) comprising a vacuum pump (17), a particle counter (19), and a measurement conduit (21) of which an inlet (23) leads to the inside (10) of the said casing (3), and of which an outlet (25) is coupled to the vacuum pump (17), the measurement conduit (21) being furthermore connected to the particle counter (19), to connect the inside (10) of the casing of the transport pod (3) coupled to the said measurement station with the particle counter (19). The invention also concerns a method for the measurement of particle contamination of a transport pod for the conveyance and atmospheric storage of semiconductor substrates.
US08356513B2	Anomaly detection apparatus for automatic transmission One embodiment of the present invention provides an anomaly detection apparatus for an automatic transmission, the automatic transmission including an electrically-operated oil pump that is rotationally driven by an electric motor, including: a solenoid that is capable of switching a line pressure of a hydraulic control circuit that controls the automatic transmission between a high pressure and a low pressure; and an oil pressure switch that is turned on or off in response to the line pressure, wherein, in response to an oil pressure command value, whether the oil pressure switch is turned on or off according to the oil pressure command value is determined, and the determination and a load state of the electrically-operated oil pump are compared so as to distinctively determine in which of the solenoid and the oil pressure switch, an anomaly has occurred.
US08356512B2	Alternative fuel concentration estimating system, vehicle comprising alternative fuel concentration estimating system, and alternative fuel concentration estimating method An ECU is used in a motorcycle including an engine E, which combusts in a combustion chamber a blended fuel in which gasoline and ethanol are blended, and a fuel injection device for injecting a fuel with a predetermined fuel injection amount such that an air excess ratio in the combustion chamber is a first predetermined value when an ethanol concentration of the blended fuel is zero. The ECU executes O2 feedback control based on an O2 concentration derived from an output of an O2 sensor. Further, the ECU calculates an actual fuel compensation ratio by dividing a fuel injection amount after the O2 feedback control by a predetermined fuel injection amount, and estimates the concentration of the alternative fuel based on this actual fuel compensation ratio and a first predetermined value stored in the ECU.
US08356508B2	Detector system for fixing to a can bodymaker and method to dynamically measuring ram alignment in a can bodymaker A real time detector system for monitoring ram alignment in a can bodymaker measures ram (10) position immediately before and during impact with the dome forming station (1). Displacement measurements of the ram enable the user to adjust dome (1) position or otherwise correct ram (10) alignment and avoid multiple can failures.
US08356502B1	Material forming machine incorporating quick changeover assembly A mounting block assembly for positionally adjusting machine components. The mounting block assembly comprises a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis. The component interface is capable of supporting at least one component. The mounting block assembly component interface includes a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis.
US08356500B2	Method and device for creating a symbol in a workpiece surface via stamping In a method and a device for creating a symbol in a workpiece surface via stamping (scoring or plastic forming under compressive conditions); the resultant stamping depth is measured and/or regulated constantly by using a distance sensor which is mounted on the stamping needle and is movable therewith. The stamping needle is placed on the workpiece surface before stamping is begun, thereby resulting in a first distance between the distance sensor and the workpiece surface. A second distance between the distance sensor and the workpiece surface is obtained during the subsequent stamping procedure, and when the stamping needle is pressed into the workpiece surface. The stamping depth results from the difference of the two distances.
US08356498B1	Double lock handcuff A handcuff comprising a bolt and a bolt spring which work in combination to double lock the handcuff. The bolt comprises an underside having teeth which are engagable with the teeth of a jaw. The underside of the bolt further comprises a groove through which a stud disposed on a cheek head of the handcuff is positioned to thereby further secure the bolt in position when the handcuff is locked. The bolt further comprises an upper side comprising a groove, a ridge, and a detent. The bolt spring comprises a body bent to form a side wall which bridges a first spring leg portion to a second spring leg portion, wherein the first and second spring leg portions engage with the upper side of the bolt to hold the bolt spring in a first position.
US08356496B2	Apparatus and method for loading items to be washed with an air flow An apparatus for loading items to be washed with an air flow, comprising a substantially closed first channel system for guiding an air flow which loads the items to be washed. A treatment chamber for receiving the items to be washed, a blower for driving the air flow, a heater for heating the air flow before the items to be washed are loaded, and a cooler for cooling the air flow after the items to be washed have been loaded are arranged in the first channel system. Here, the first channel system has outside the treatment chamber and the blower, two branches and which are connected to one another in parallel and can be flowed through in parallel by corresponding parts of the air flow. Here, the heater is arranged in a first branch and the cooler is arranged in a second branch of said branches. The invention likewise relates to a corresponding method.
US08356493B2	Fluorophosphate glass and method of making thereof New and improved compositions of doped fluorophosphate glasses for lasers have a high refractive index (nD) of approximately 1.6 to 1.7, high transmission in the near infrared part of the spectrum and a wide glass forming domain. These glass systems, Ba(PO3)2—Al(PO3)3—BaF2-Dopants, utilize dopants from the group of oxides or fluorides of the rare earth elements Sm, Eu, Nd, Er, Yb, Tm, Tb, Ho and Pr as well as MnO; and mixtures thereof. The composition of glass includes chemical durability, efficiency of laser use in the infrared spectrum and improved duration of luminescence.
US08356492B2	Manufacturing of glass Glass is mass-produced with a glass melting furnace comprising a melting tank, at least a wall surface in contact with molten glass thereof being made of refractory material, at least one pair of electrodes placed so as to be in contact with the molten glass held in the melting tank for ohmically heating the molten glass held in the melting tank; and at least one metallic member, at least a surface of which is made of metal and placed so as to be substantially always in contact with the molten glass held in the melting tank. Every metallic member is, when the melting tank is filled with the molten glass, placed so as to be substantially always outside an electric current flowing region which is formed by the electrodes into the molten glass held in the melting tank.
US08356471B2	Apparatus, system, and method for controlling reductant dosing in an SCR catalyst system According to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for controlling reductant dosing in an SCR catalyst system having a reductant injection system configured to inject reductant into an exhaust gas stream includes a controller, an actual reductant dosing rate module, and a reductant doser compensation module. The controller is configured to determine a reductant dosing rate command representing a desired reductant dosing rate. The actual reductant dosing rate module is configured to determine a predicted actual reductant dosing rate based at least partially on the reductant dosing rate command. The reductant doser compensation module is configured to determine a modified reductant dosing rate command based at least partially on the predicted actual reductant dosing rate. The reductant injection system injects reductant into the exhaust gas stream at a rate corresponding to the modified reductant dosing rate command.
US08356470B2	Method of controlling NOx purification system and NOx purification system An NOx purification system having a selective reduction catalyst, adapted so that even when no ammonia or urea is supplied, NOx is converted to ammonia by a first catalyst including a lean NOx catalyst or a ternary catalyst at ammonia formation control and the ammonia is adsorbed by the selective reduction catalyst disposed downstream and so that by the adsorbed ammonia, there is carried out reduction purification of the NOx contained in the exhaust gas when no ammonia formation control is performed by the selective reduction catalyst. At the ammonia formation control, an ammonia adsorption target amount being a target value of ammonia adsorbed by the selective reduction catalyst is computed, and the ammonia formation control is carried out only when a cumulative value of an ammonia formation amount formed by the first catalyst at the ammonia formation control is under the ammonia adsorption target amount. Consequently, ammonia is stably supplied in just proportion to the selective reduction catalyst.
US08356466B2	Low grade heat recovery system for turbine air inlet A heating and cooling system for inlet air of a gas turbine engine in a combined cycle power plant having a steam turbine. The heating and cooling system may include a fluid coil positioned about the gas turbine engine, a heat exchanger in communication with the fluid coil, and a condenser in communication with the steam turbine and the heat exchanger such that waste heat from the steam turbine is forwarded to the fluid coil.
US08356463B2	Apparatus for forming flexible containers, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers An apparatus for forming flexible containers from a film web, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers. The film web comprises a pair of juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge at which the plies are joined, and an open longitudinal edge at which the plies are not joined.
US08356459B1	Thermal laminates and laminating method for food packaging films The specification discloses a method for forming a packaging film. According to the method, a packaging film base layer is provided having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one additional layer of polymeric material is extrusion coated onto the first side of the base layer. A heat sealable layer is applied onto the second side of the base layer. The method also includes providing a packaging film outer layer having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one of the outer layer first and second sides is capable of being printed thereon and selected packaging information is printed onto at least one side of the outer layer. Preferably, the outer layer is reverse printed on its second side. Finally, the method includes thermally laminating the base layer and outer layer to one another using a combination of heat and pressure. A packaging film and a method for packaging food products with the film are also disclosed.
US08356458B2	Loading and palletizing device for roll trucks, such as dollies, and the associated method Loading arrangement for loading dollies which has a transport station for placing at least two dollies one behind another along their line of transport. The loading arrangement also has movable transport element with engaging structures, which engaging structures are configured to engage and move the dollies to position the dollies at a predetermined distance from one another at a loading station. The dollies are then loaded at the same time at the loading station before the engaging structures move the dollies to a transfer station which transfers loaded dollies out of the loading arrangement.
US08356452B2	Floor panel and method for the manufacture thereof Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of this floor panel.
US08356450B2	Smart panel A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure.
US08356449B2	Floor span connector A connector for connecting wall studs of two adjacent floors in a light frame building structure, the connector having a first attachment tab, a seat member, a diagonally slanted support leg, and a second attachment tab, all substantially planar. The connector is intended to be paired and the paired connectors joined by an elongated tie member that pierces the sill plates of the intervening floor structure.
US08356435B2	Flame simulating device and electric fireplace The present invention discloses a flame simulating assembly for an electric fireplace and an electric fireplace therewith. The flame simulating assembly comprises a light source, a reflection panel, a light shelter with light openings for light penetration, and a simulating fuel-bed located within the cavity of the housing of the flame simulating assembly. The light shelter can be in form of a tube and mounted on a synchronously rotating mechanism which is in turn mounted on a bracket within the housing. The reflection panel has a reflection area in form of a flame. The light shelter forms an acute angel the reflection panel, or the axis of the light shelter is substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The light shelter is below the reflection panel and fitted with it. The imaging screen is positioned above the reflection panel. The light source is positioned within the light shelter, or the light source is positioned outside the light shelter but below the light shelter. Such a structure can significantly reduce the width of a product and produce a light and dark flame effect.
US08356428B2	Article of footwear with flexible reinforcing plate A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate includes a first flange portion corresponding to a big toe of a foot and a second flange portion corresponding to a ball region of a foot. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each include a cleat member.
US08356425B2	Breathable waterproof sole for shoes A waterproof breathable sole for shoes, which comprises, for at least part of its extension, at least two structural layers, a lower one provided with a supporting structure so as to form the tread, and an upper one that is permeable to water vapor. The lower layer has portions that are open onto the upper layer. A coating obtained by means of a plasma deposition treatment for waterproofing is provided on the upper layer. A layer is thus obtained that has structural functions and characteristics of resistance to damage and is at the same time waterproof and breathable.
US08356423B2	Household appliance containing a heat transfer fluid A household appliance includes a drying chamber, a process air loop and a heat pump. The heat pump includes a heat transfer loop containing a heat transfer fluid, an evaporator heat exchanger, a liquefier heat exchanger, a compressor, and a nozzle. The heat transfer fluid has a critical temperature above 60° C., a nominal heat of vaporization at boiling point of at least 220 kJ/kg, a GWP index of less than 150 and a lower flammability level of at least 0.1 kg/m3. Preferably, the household appliance is a dryer for drying wet laundry.
US08356416B1	Archery bow sight with a pin illuminated by a protected optical fiber A sight pin for an archery sight comprises a sight pin member having an integrally formed fiber channel. The fiber channel is arranged to hold the optical fiber in a curvilinear arrangement so that light emergent from the fiber is directed in a rearward direction from a sight reference point on the sight pin member. At least a portion the fiber channel comprises rows of depressions formed on opposing transverse surfaces of the sight pin member that overlap to form transverse passages through the sight pin member. An optical fiber in the fiber channel is exposed by the depressions and passages from transverse directions but protected from a forward direction by a forward-facing surface of the sight pin member.
US08356403B2	Device for assembling vehicle body The present invention relates to a device for assembling a vehicle body, and more particularly to a device for assembling a vehicle body that is capable of corresponding to various models of vehicles in a process of manufacturing a vehicle body.
US08356398B2	Modular hybrid drill bit An earth-boring bit comprising a bit body is configured at its upper end for connection into a drillstring. A fixed blade depends axially downwardly from the bit body. An axially extending slot is formed in the bit body adjacent the fixed blade. A bit leg is received and retained in the slot by engagement between the slot and correspondingly shaped bit leg, wherein the bit leg cannot be removed from the slot except by axial movement relative to the bit body. A rolling cutter is secured to the bit leg at its lower extent. A fastener secures the bit leg against movement relative to the bit body and extends through oblong apertures in the bit leg and into the bit body, the bit leg can be moved axially relative to the bit body to adjust the projection of the rolling cutter relative to the fixed blade.
US08356394B1	Standing valve retrieval tool A standing valve retrieval tool for coupling to a standing valve to allow removal of the standing valve with a tap type puller or a fishing tool. The tool comprises a coupler having a first end and a second end, the first end removably connected to a standing valve within a downhole pump barrel and the second end oriented towards a movable downhole assembly also located within the downhole pump barrel above the standing valve. The coupler has a threaded opening extending within the second end for optionally receiving a tap type puller connector to remove the standing valve and a laterally projecting collar located along the second end for optionally receiving a fishing tool connector to remove the standing valve. The coupler also includes drainage openings extending through the second end for draining debris within the fluid to prevent the threaded opening from becoming plugged.
US08356390B2	Coupling clamping system A clamping system for use in a fluid coupling assembly may include redundant locking features for connecting adjacent ends of fluid conduits such as aircraft fuel lines. The exemplary clamping system may make use of two draw latch mechanisms that each separately apply a spring loaded clamping force to a flex band assembly through corresponding draw springs which oppose one another. Thus, either latch mechanism may provide a draw latch function by providing a clamping force to the flex band assembly, which in turn holds the end flanges of the fluid conduits together, thereby providing a sealing connection to facilitate the transfer of a fluid there between. Using two opposed draw latch mechanisms provides for redundant clamping forces such that the failure of one of the mechanisms does not result in an inadvertent disconnection of the fluid conduits one from the other.
US08356387B1	Bi-fold door structural integrity clamping assembly To the top or bottom edge of a bi-fold door panel near either its pivoting or channel guided mechanisms is attached a base plate with an opening in it through which is passed into the panel either pivoting or track sliding hardware. A clamping plate is attached to the panel's face at that site to provide strong lateral support so that pin wobble is avoided. A backing plate may also be attached to the opposing side of the panel for reinforcement. It is generally necessary to drill some holes in the door to complete the arrangement. If desired, the plates may be welded to one another along an edge or otherwise manufactured as one-piece unified structure. The hardware may be sold in kits for repair or preventive maintenance. Undertaking the steps involved provides a reliable method toward that end.
US08356385B2	Leaf blower with hose retaining device The present invention relates to a backpack leaf blower with a sheppard's hook device mounted on the back pack for the purpose of holding the flexible air hose by rotational force against the hose. The device can be added to an existing backpack or designed into a new device as needed.
US08356384B1	Hard drive assembly tools for evacuating particles A clean and purge tool (CAPT) is provided and includes a nest assembly that stows an open hard disk drive (HDD). The nest assembly is rotated from an upward facing position to a downward facing position to dislodge particles from a media clamp of the HDD. The CAPT also includes a cover hingedly attached to the nest assembly and encloses the HDD. The CAPT also includes a spindle clamp assembly (SCA) mounted on the cover and has a vacuum tube configured to encapsulate the media clamp. The SCA includes an air purge nozzle extending into the vacuum tube. The CAPT dislodges particles from the media clamp when pulses of compressed gas are applied to the media clamp by a compressed gas source via the air purge nozzle and evacuates the particles from the vacuum tube when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum tube by a vacuum source.
US08356382B2	Knife swiper A removably attachable, multifunctional Knife Swiper (10) for a utensil such as a kitchen knife is provided comprising a handle (20), an arm (30), and a wiper (40). The device is shaped in such a fashion as to have minimal effect on normal cutting behavior, and provides several benefits to the user, such as providing means to quickly and more safely remove food remnants stuck to the blade of the knife, and providing means for the user to place a knife with a Knife Swiper attached to it down on a surface so that the knife rests with its blade elevated off the surface.
US08356377B2	Reinforced cup for use with a pig or other downhole tool A reinforced cup for use on downhole devices is disclosed. The reinforced cup is comprised of a cylindrical metal sleeve. Surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the metal sleeve is a flexible mesh cage comprised of a plurality of woven wire strands. A resilient cover is formed around the metal sleeve and flexible mesh cage so that the metal sleeve and flexible mesh fabric are encased by the resilient cover. The flexible mesh cage serves to reinforce the resilient cover.
US08356376B2	Substrate cleaning apparatus, substrate cleaning method, and storage medium To provide a substrate cleaning apparatus capable of effectively removing deposits adhering to at least an end surface of a substrate by means of a sponge-like brush. A substrate cleaning apparatus includes: a spin chuck configured to rotatably hold a substrate W; a motor configured to rotate the substrate W held by the spin chuck; a cleaning-liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a cleaning liquid to the substrate W held by the spin chuck. The cleaning mechanism includes: a brush made of a sponge-like resin, which is brought into contact with at least an end surface of the wafer W during the cleaning; and a brush compressing mechanism configured to compress the brush. The brush is compressed by the compressing mechanism, and cleans at least the end surface of the substrate W.
US08356373B2	Unitary composite/hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a thermoplastic foam(s) and a thermoset material(s) Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.
US08356368B2	Patient lift and transfer device A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.
US08356365B2	Feety grow sleepy A sleeping garment for toddlers that adjusts via a hook and loop connection at one flap per each of the feet to accommodate for the child's growth to extend the usability of the garment for that child as well as to preserve it for subsequent children as a “hand-me-down.” The hook portions are flaps of fabric located at the bottom of the toes and the hook is folded upward to the loops located at the top of the feet to adjust to the rapidly growing size of the child's feet. There are five claims submitted with seven drawings.
US08359661B2	Magnetic device inspection apparatus and magnetic device inspection method Applying an alternating current to a magnetic head as a sample generates an alternate-current magnetic field from the sample. A cantilever includes a probe that is made of a magnetic material or is coated with a magnetic material. The cantilever is displaced when it approaches the sample. Detecting the displacement of the cantilever detects distribution of the magnetic field from the sample. It is possible to fast measure distribution of the magnetic field generated from the sample when a frequency of the alternating current applied to the sample differs from a resonance frequency of the cantilever.
US08359658B2	Secure authoring and execution of user-entered database programming A secure framework for authoring and execution of user-entered database scripts, rules, procedures and other forms of programming is provided. A performance management application is used as an interface between a client data modeling, manipulation or analysis application and one or more data sources or analysis services to prevent malicious or inadvertent implementation of harmful, damaging and/or unauthorized new or modified scripts, rules, procedures or other forms of programming to one or more data sources or data analysis/manipulation services that may be used for retrieving, storing, modifying or using data contained in or affected by the one or more data sources or data analysis/manipulation services.
US08359654B2	Digital content distribution and consumption Digital content distribution and consumption that provides the advantages of digital content being locally stored under user control while concurrently having the widest acceptance by legacy players/platforms (i.e., no need to perform complex software integration) while still remaining compatible with state of the art security in order to satisfy content provider requirements.
US08359645B2	Dynamic protection of unpatched machines A system and method for protecting a computer system connected to a communication network from a potential vulnerability. The system and method protects a computer system that is about to undergo or has just undergone a change in state that may result in placing the computer system at risk to viruses, and the like, over a communication network. The system and method first detect an imminent or recent change in state. A security component and a fixing component react to the detection of the change in state. The security component may raise the security level to block incoming network information, other than information from a secure or known location, or information requested by the computer system. The fixing component implements a fixing routine, such as installing missing updates or patches, and on successfully completing the fixing routine, the security level is relaxed or lowered.
US08359643B2	Group formation using anonymous broadcast information A number of devices co-located at a geographic location can broadcast and receive tokens. Tokens can be exchanged using a communication link having limited communication range. Tokens that are received by a device can be stored locally on the device and/or transmitted to a trusted service operating remotely on a network. In some implementations, the tokens can be stored with corresponding timestamps to assist a trusted service in matching or otherwise correlating the tokens with other tokens provided by other devices. The trusted service can perform an analysis on the tokens and timestamps to identify devices that were co-located at the geographic location at or around a contact time which can be defined by the timestamps. A group can be created based on results of the analysis. Users can be identified as members of the group and invited to join the group.
US08359633B2	Access control system and access control method A system including a providing unit that provides a virtual-desktop-service selected on the basis of an identification information acquired from the terminal apparatus, and sends a message that includes an address of the providing unit and an address of an application program booted by a process of the virtual-desktop-service, a storage unit that stores the identification information associated with the address of the providing unit and an access control information associated with a set of a identification information and an address of an application program, and a relay unit that receives a message sent by the providing unit, acquires an identification information associated with a source address included in the received message, acquires an access control information associated with a set of the acquired identification information and a destination address included in the received message, and controls relaying the message depending on the acquired access control information.
US08359632B2	Centralized account reputation A centralized account reputation system differentiates between illegitimate users and legitimate users using reputation scores associated with the users' online accounts. The system restricts the access of illegitimate users to certain network services while minimizing its negative effects on legitimate users. The system can manage the life cycle of an online account, considering data about the account that is obtained throughout the account network to compute the online account reputation score and allocating access to network services based on the online account reputation score. For example, a reputation score may be embedded in a security token that can be accessed by multiple services on the account network, so that each service can determine the appropriate level of access to be granted to the associated user account based on the reputation score. Various types of online account behavior over time can improve or diminish the online account's reputation.
US08359627B2	Method and apparatus for realizing PVR using home network device A method of realizing a personal video recorder (PVR) using a home network device is provided. A client receives contents and replays the contents in a home network. The client uploads first contents received from a real time broadcasting channel to the server from a time when an external time-shift input is received, terminates the uploading of the first contents if an external replay input is received during the uploading of the first contents, replays the first contents whose uploading is terminated from a portion requested by the external replay input, and simultaneously uploads second contents to the server, received from the real time broadcasting channel at a time when the uploading of the first contents is terminated. A user can watch a live broadcast using a time-shift function such as a PVR via a home network device without a separate PVR.
US08359623B2	Broadcast signal receiving apparatus and control method thereof A broadcast signal receiving apparatus including a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; a communicating unit that performs communication with a mobile apparatus; a signal converting unit that converts the received broadcast signal; and a controller that controls the signal converting unit to convert the broadcast signal into a format corresponding to the mobile apparatus, and controls the communicating unit to transmit the converted broadcast signal to the mobile apparatus.
US08359622B1	Wireless video device for use with a wireless video uplink system A wireless video device comprises: a user interface, optical receiver, processing system, and wireless transceiver. The optical receiver processes optical signals to generate corresponding video data. The user interface receives a user request to establish a wireless video uplink. The processing system processes the user request to generate a system request for the wireless video uplink. The wireless transceiver wirelessly transfers the system request to a wireless access system and wirelessly receives at least one system condition for a grant of the request. The processing system processes the condition to direct the user interface to display the condition. The user interface displays the condition and receives a user acceptance of the condition. The processing system processes the user acceptance to direct the wireless transceiver to wirelessly transfer the video data to the wireless access system. The wireless transceiver wirelessly transfers the video data to the wireless access system.
US08359621B2	System and method for monitoring delivery of media content by a media communication system A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may operate according to, for example, a method involving recording audio feedback from a plurality of subscribers commenting on media content supplied by a media communication system on at least one of a plurality of media channels, detecting one or more trigger words in the recorded audio feedback having an association with a disruption of one or more media services supplied by the media communication system, selecting one or more network elements of the media communication system in at least one transmission path that supplies media services to one or more of the plurality of subscribers that supplied audio feedback matching the one or more trigger words, and directing the selected one or more network elements to record media content on one or more media channels selected from the plurality of media channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08359618B2	Communication apparatus According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a video signal receiver, a video signal output module, a power control signal receiver, and a socket. The video signal receiver is configured to receive a video signal from a first external apparatus. The video signal output module is configured to output, to a second external apparatus, the video signal received from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is configured to receive a power control from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is lower in power consumption than the video signal receiver. A power cable configured to supply power to the second external apparatus is connected to the socket. When the power control signal receiver receives a power control signal for activation, power is supplied to the video signal receiver and the socket.
US08359614B2	Channel hopping scheme for update of data for multiple services across multiple digital broadcast channels Data broadcast over different channels may be updated in a digital broadcast receiving device. The device may include a receiver unit, a processor, memory instructions embodied in the memory for execution on the processor. The instructions may be configured to implement the method for updating data broadcast over different channels. A first digital broadcast signal may be received over a first channel. The receiving device may be tuned to a second channel at a predetermined time to receive a second digital broadcast signal. Selected data may be extracted from the second digital broadcast signal and stored or utilized with the receiving device. An update schedule may be generated for data transmitted with a digital broadcast signal. A broadcast time for an update packet may be determined from a packet header. A schedule packet may be generated containing the broadcast time and broadcast before the update packet.
US08359612B2	Content distribution system using transportable memory devices A portable device includes solid-state memory, an Ethernet and/or wireless network connection, and an HDMI. The portable device receives content guide data from a first server and displays a content guide on a display. In response to a user's selection of a content item, the portable device requests the content item over the Internet from a second server. The portable device receives the content item, stores the content item in solid-state memory, generates display signals that represent the content item, and sends the display signals to a display. The second server may match the content item with relevant advertisements based on keywords associated with the content item and the advertisements. The second server may send selected advertisement URLs to the portable device. Using the URLs, the portable device may obtain the advertisements over the Internet and cause the display to display the advertisements in conjunction with the content item.
US08359610B2	Audience measurement apparatus, system and method for producing audience information of a media presentation Audience measurement methods and systems for producing audience information of a media presentation. At least one embodiment includes a moveable apparatus comprising an audio capturing means for picking up audio from a media presentation distributed to an audience through at least one media rendering device to produce an audio signal, processing means for processing the audio signal to derive the content identification information, user interface means for entering the presence information of panel members, memory means to store the content identification information and the presence information, and communication means for transmitting the content identification information and the presence information for further processing to generate audience information.
US08359593B2	Computer machine migration of file system images using a redo-log file Systems and methods for migration between computing machines are disclosed. The source and target machines can be either physical or virtual; the source can also be a machine image. The target machine is connected to a snapshot or image of the source machine file system, and a redo-log file is created on the file system associated with the target machine. The target machine begins operation by reading data directly from the snapshot or image of the source machine file system. Thereafter, all writes are made to the redo-log file, and subsequent reads are made from the redo-log file if it contains data for the requested sector or from the snapshot or image if it does not. The source machine continues to be able to run separately and simultaneously after the target machine begins operation.
US08359590B2	Computer system and a method of deploying an application in a computer system A computer system has a runtime environment (e.g. Java) and a deployment unit (e.g. in a Spring framework layer) arranged to deploy the application into the runtime environment. The application comprises bundles (e.g. OSGi bundles) with manifest metadata having export statements defining exported packages. The deployment unit comprises a receiver unit to receive the bundles, an extractor unit to examine the metadata and extract the export statements, a converter unit to convert each of the export statements into a corresponding import statement, and a creator unit to add a synthetic bundle having the import statements inserted in its metadata. The deployment unit sets a thread context class loader to delegate class loading to a class loader of the synthetic bundle. Thus, at runtime, classes of the application are only loaded when they are explicitly exported packages as defined by the synthetic bundle.
US08359589B2	Helper thread for pre-fetching data A set of helper thread binaries is created to retrieve data used by a set of main thread binaries. If executing a portion of the set of helper thread binaries results in the retrieval of data needed by the set of main thread binaries, then that retrieved data is utilized by the set of main thread binaries.
US08359587B2	Runtime profitability control for speculative automatic parallelization A compilation method and mechanism for parallelizing program code. A method for compilation includes analyzing source code and identifying candidate code for parallelization. The method includes parallelizing the candidate code, in response to determining said profitability meets a predetermined criteria; and generating object code corresponding to the source code. The generated object code includes both a non-parallelized version of the candidate code and a parallelized version of the candidate code. During execution of the object code, a dynamic selection between execution of the non-parallelized version of the candidate code and the parallelized version of the candidate code is made. Changing execution from said parallelized version of the candidate code to the non-parallelized version of the candidate code, may be in response to determining a transaction failure count meets a pre-determined threshold. Additionally, changing execution from one version to the other may be in further response to determining an execution time of the parallelized version of the candidate code is greater than an execution time of the non-parallelized version of the candidate code.
US08359584B2	Debugging from a call graph A system and method for debugging a computer program by using a call graph. A call graph that represents trace events during execution of a debuggee program may be used as input to a system that enables a user to debug the debuggee program. Mechanisms facilitate conditionally forming clusters of event nodes, a cluster indicative of multiple event nodes corresponding to an execution of a source language statement. During a debugging session, in response to a command to perform a step operation, the nodes of a cluster are processed together so that a step corresponds to multiple events if the multiple events correspond to a single source language statement. A mechanism for inspecting variables is provided. Variable values may be selectively propagated and provided based on the call graph and a static control flow analysis of the debuggee program.
US08359582B2	Compiling and inserting code snippets at runtime Method, computer readable medium, and system for specifying before-compiled code, compiling the before-compiled code into a compiled code snippet, specifying an insertion point in a compiled code block of a computer program, and inserting the compiled code snippet into the compiled code block at the specified insertion point while the computer program is running.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7