Document Document Title
US08363349B2 Recording medium controller and method thereof
According to one embodiment, a recording medium controller includes a recording medium, an input module, a reading module, and a writing module. The recording medium includes a write area and an escape area. The write area includes track groups. Each of the track groups is a unit for writing data and includes tracks. The input module receives a write command for data. The reading module reads data stored in the escape area and data from a first track group of the track groups. The writing module writes data received for the write command to the escape area, and writes merged data obtained by merging the data read from the escape area and the data read from the first track group to each track of a second track group of the track groups by using a shingle recording technique in which adjacent tracks are partly overlapped with each other.
US08363346B2 Magnetic head and disk drive with same
According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for perpendicular recording includes a first magnetic core includes a main pole configured to produce a recording magnetic field, and a return pole configured to reflux magnetic flux from the main pole to form a magnetic circuit in conjunction with the main pole, a first coil configured to excite magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit, side shields arranged individually on opposite sides of the main pole transversely relative to a track so as to be magnetically separated from the main pole and formed integrally with the return pole, a second magnetic core configured to form a physically closed magnetic path, a part of which comprises the return pole, and a second coil wound around the second magnetic core and configured to excite magnetic flux in the closed magnetic path.
US08363343B2 Lens barrel having an eccentricity adjusting mechanism
A lens barrel having an eccentricity adjusting mechanism, the lens barrel includes a first lens frame, a second lens frame, an engaging part, a plate spring, a circumferential direction groove, a guiding groove, a screw hole, a set screw, a tool insertion hole. The first lens frame is disposed in an fixed barrel of the lens barrel, integrally holds a plurality of lenses, and has openings on front and rear end of the first lens frame in an optical axis direction. The second lens frame that holds a part of the plurality of lenses to be subjected to eccentricity adjustment and is inserted from one of the openings to be disposed and held in the first lens frame.
US08363339B2 Imaging lens, imaging device, portable terminal, and method for manufacturing imaging lens
An imaging lens (LN) includes at least one lens block (BK), and an aperture stop (ape). The lens block (BK) includes a plane-parallel lens substrate (LS) and a lens (L) formed of different materials. In the imaging lens (LN), a first lens block (BK1) disposed at the most object-side exerts a positive optical power, and said at least one lens block is contiguous only with one of the object-side and image-side substrate surfaces of the lens substrate (LS).
US08363336B2 Lens barrel
A lens barrel that is capable of miniaturizing an image pickup apparatus by decreasing an area that is occupied by transmission mechanisms. A lens group is movable along a first optical axis. A cam barrel moves the lens group. A first transmission mechanism transmits a driving force of a driving source to the cam barrel. A bending optical element is movable along a second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. An element driver moves the bending optical element between a taking position and an escape position along the second optical axis. A second transmission mechanism transmits a driving force of a driving source to the element driver. The second transmission mechanism is arranged within an arrangement area of the first transmission mechanism when viewing in the direction of the first optical axis.
US08363335B1 Optical lens system
An optical lens system comprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with a positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, one of the object-side surface and an image-side surface being aspheric; a stop; a second lens element with a negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface, one of the object-side surface and an image-side surface being aspheric; a third lens element with a positive refractive power having a concave image-side surface, one of an object-side surface and the image-side surface being aspheric. Focal lengths of the first, second and third lens elements are f1, f2, f3, respectively, they satisfy the relations: 0.4<|f1|/|f2|<1.0; 0.5<|f2|/|f3|<1.3. If |f1|/|f2| and |f2|/|f3| satisfy the above relations, it can provide a wide field of view and improve the resolution. Contrarily, the performance and resolution of the optical lens system will be reduced.
US08363325B2 Dual view display system
A dual view display system that displays two different images in different directions using a single display device. The dual view display includes a first optical element overlaying a first portion of the pixels and configured to direct light emitted from the first portion of the pixels toward a first direction, a second optical element overlaying a second portion of the pixels and configured to direct light emitted from the second portion of the pixels toward a second direction distinct from the first direction, and an optical barrier arranged between the first optical element and the second optical element effective to prevent light from propagating therebetween.
US08363324B2 Lens positioning system
Systems and methods to position most precisely a lens system of an optical device are disclosed. Embodiments of these electrical sensors comprise capacitive sensors, inductive sensors and resistive sensors to measure the actual position of a lens system with a precision of at least 1 μm. Read-out circuits using double-correlated sampling structures are providing the position signals from the electrical sensors to a controller. The controller compares the actual position signals with a set-signal representing a target position of the lens signal and issues a signal to a motor to get the lens system moved to the target position. A variety of motors/actuators can be used to move a slider carrying the lens system to the position desired.
US08363317B2 Method and apparatus for focusing a microscope
A microscope includes a member supported for movement relative to a base along a path of travel, and optics on the member for imaging a region that includes a location for a specimen. The method and apparatus involve: effecting relative movement of a cam operatively coupled to one of the member and the base with respect to a cam follower operatively coupled to the other of the member and the base in a manner so that the cam follower slides along a cam surface on the cam; and responding to the sliding movement of the cam follower along the cam surface by effecting relative movement of the cam and cam follower in a manner that in turn effects movement of the member along the path of travel relative to the base.
US08363316B2 Digital holographic microscopy
An optical configuration for a digital holographic microscope and a method for digital holographic microscopy are presented. In one embodiment, digital off-axis holograms are obtained using a cube beam splitter (110) to both split and combine a diverging spherical wavefront emerging from a microscope objective (108). When a plane numerical reference wavefront is used for the reconstruction of the recorded digital hologram, the phase curvature introduced by the microscope objective (108) together with the illuminating wave to the object wave can be physically compensated.
US08363311B2 Optical amplifier and a method of light amplification
An optical amplifier has a pump and an “anti-pump” for reducing a variation of the amplifier gain with the input optical power. The wavelength of “anti-pump” light is longer than the wavelength of the optical signal being amplified, so that the optical signal serves as a pump for the “anti-pump” light, whereby an optical loss variation with the signal power at the signal wavelength is created, which reduces optical gain variation with the signal power. To compensate for gain loss due to the anti-pump light, two and three stages of amplification can be used.
US08363307B2 Multicolor light emitting device incorporating tunable quantum confinement devices
A multicolor light emitting optical device is a programmable, multifunctional, general-purpose, solid-state light source. The device can use any of several light sources, including LEDs. The device couples a light source and a tunable optical converter composed of a quantum confinement device to produce a tunable, monochromatic light emission. The output wavelength of the optical device can be selected from within a tunable range of the optical (visible, near infrared, or near ultraviolet) spectrum on demand, in real time. The optical device is capable of serving as a tunable light source, a “true color” pixel, and a replacement for bi-color, tri-color, and multi-color light-emitting diodes. The optical device has particular, but not exclusive, application as an indicator light, in room lighting, and as a picture element in video displays.
US08363300B2 Large aperture polymer electro-optic shutter device and method of manufacturing same
A large-aperture direct-view high-speed electro-optic shutter includes an electro-optic polymer material constructed to form a Pockels cell and an integrated photoconducting semiconductor switch. A chromophore-doped polymer material or chromophore copolymer, wherein the chromophore is oriented within the polymer material, exhibits a linear electro-optic effect when an electric field is applied to the device. In one embodiment, the polymer host material comprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate polymer hosts. The optically active chromophore comprising one or more coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene or tolane derivatives is incorporated within the polymer host, forming a guest-host polymer. In another embodiment, the chromophore is chemically bonded to the monomer that forms the polymer, resulting in an optically active copolymer. The electro-optic shutter device is then activated by incident light through the photoconducting semiconductor switch, rendering the Pockels cell to have an optical density of at least 3.0.
US08363298B2 Diffraction gratings with tunable efficiency
The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for modulation of the optical intensity using electro-wetting (EW) diffraction gratings in the electronic devices with an electrical control signal. The EW diffraction gratings can be components of an element (e.g., a display) of the electronic device. Applications may include but are not limited to color displays, projection displays, front illuminating displays, field sequential displays, auto-stereoscopic displays, etc. Also, applications in areas other than displays are possible.
US08363290B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus that feeds a document over a reading glass and optically reads an image of the document at a reading position. A rotary brush type cleaner is located above the reading glass to face the reading position. The cleaner cleans the reading glass while rotating downstream in a document feeding direction. In accordance with a selected reading mode, the frequency of cleaning operations performed by the cleaner, and the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the cleaner are changed.
US08363285B2 Image forming apparatus and print processing method to print an image on recording medium based on print data
An image forming apparatus to print an image on a recording medium based on print data. The image forming apparatus includes a storing unit to store the print data, an image processing unit to perform image processing on image data included in the print data; a printing operation specification unit to specify implementation of a printing operation; a marking unit to embed marking data in the image data, a marking printing operation specification unit to specify implementation of a marking printing operation, a printing operation implementation unit to implement the printing operation or the marking printing operation, a print data determination unit to determine whether or not the print data includes a setting for the marking printing operation, and a printing operation change unit to change a printing operation performed by the printing operation implementation unit.
US08363278B2 Method and apparatus capable of producing FM halftone dots in high speed
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus capable of generating frequency-modulation halftone dots in high speed and belongs to the field of the digital image halftone. In the prior art, read-write operation is usually carried out many times in error rows during processing each pixel so that halftone dots are generated in low speed. In the method according to the present invention, the error generated by the current pixel is buffered in a register file and the final accumulated error values are written in the error rows only after all of the relative pixels are processed. Thus, read-write operation is carried out only once in the error rows for processing each pixel. The present invention also provides an apparatus to implement the method. The apparatus comprises an error row memory, an error buffer register file, a gray generation circuit, a threshold comparison circuit, an error generation circuit, an error buffer register file control circuit, and an error row control circuit. The method and apparatus according to the present invention decrease the steps in operation and improve the speed for generating the frequency-modulation halftone dots.
US08363276B2 Printer and printing method on the basis of calibration of primary colors mixture
A printer performs calibration in which a reference primary color ink is mixed with at least one additional primary color ink to approximate a predetermined target primary color. The printer includes an acquisition section, a predicting section, an optimizing section and a printing unit. The acquisition section acquires spectral reflectances of the reference primary color ink printed on a base, the additional primary color ink printed on the base, and the base. The predicting section calculates predicted spectral reflectance of a mixture of the primary color inks by dividing a product of the spectral reflectances of the primary color inks by the spectral reflectance of the base raised to the power obtained by subtracting 1 from a total number of the inks. The optimizing section optimizes an ink-amount set of the mixture so that the predicted spectral reflectance is approximated to spectral reflectance of the target primary color.
US08363274B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and head device
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of controllers which controls a nozzle group forming an image on an image forming medium on the basis of image data; and a plurality of distribution units which is connected to one or more controllers and transmits the image data, which is used to control the nozzle group controlled by the controller, to the controller. A first distribution unit, which is the uppermost unit, to a second distribution unit, which is the lowermost unit, are connected such that upper and lower distribution units are connected to each other in a communicable way, and the first distribution unit is connected to an external apparatus in a communicable way.
US08363273B2 Printing system
Method of computing a convex hull in a predetermined color space, comprising determining a print attribute value range pertaining to a reference print attribute value, selecting base NP (Neugebauer Primary) area coverages, comprising area coverages of single NPs and combined NPs, having print attribute values in the print attribute value range, printing and measuring patches corresponding to the base NP area coverages, computing linear combinations of the base NP area coverages, and assigning one of the base NP area coverage or the linear combination of base NP area coverages to the corresponding color, depending on which is closest to the reference print attribute value.
US08363272B2 Image forming system and method for re-rasterizing and re-generating image data
Disclosed is an image forming system, in which the printer controller is capable of performing the re-RIP (Regeneration Raster Image Processing) in conformity with the revised page order accepted from the image forming apparatus. When determining that the re-RIP is necessary, the image forming apparatus transmits a regeneration request including revised page order information, changed from the original page order, to the printer controller. Receiving the regeneration request, the printer controller reapplies the rasterization processing to the print data while using the data stored in advance in the storage section, to regenerate the revised image data corresponding to the page information, and then, transmits the revised image data to the image forming apparatus. Receiving the revised image data regenerated in response to the regeneration request, from the printer controller, the image forming apparatus employs the revised image data for performing the image forming operation in regard to the print job.
US08363271B2 Image processing method and apparatus for executing error diffusion when the obtained image data is read by a scanner
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus includes obtaining image data from a detachable memory unit, estimating whether the obtained image data is image data read by a scanner, and in a case where it is estimated that the obtained image data is image data read by the scanner, performing control not to execute predetermined screen processing on the image data.
US08363263B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a region determination unit detecting attributes of image data generated by a reading unit; an image modification unit generating attribute data based on the results of the determination performed by the region determination unit; an image conversion processing circuit performing resolution conversion processing on the image data of a pixel of interest; and an attribute conversion processing circuit performing resolution conversion processing on the attribute data of the pixel of interest. The attribute resolution converter employs attribute data identical to the attribute data before being subjected to the attribute resolution conversion processing as the attribute data for the pixel of interest following the attribute resolution conversion processing, and employs the attribute data after being subjected to the attribute resolution conversion processing as the attribute data for neighboring pixels to the right and left of the pixel of interest following the attribute resolution conversion processing.
US08363258B2 Content transmission device, content transmission method, and computer program used therewith
A content transmission device for transmitting content, whose copying is controlled, includes an authentication section for performing an authentication procedure between the content transmission device and a content receiving device, a first copy-control-information processing section for processing first copy control information describing copy control information concerning the content, a second copy-control-information processing section for processing second copy control information including content information different from the first copy control information, and a content transmission section for generating and transmitting, to the content receiving device, a packet including a header including the first copy control information and the second copy control information, and a payload obtained by encrypting the content with a predetermined content key.
US08363254B2 Document management system
This disclosure discloses a document management system comprising: a scan apparatus provided with an optical reading device configured to optically read a paper medium to be processed and to create image data corresponding to said paper medium; a radio frequency identification (RFID) label producing apparatus configured to produce an RFID label to be affixed onto said paper medium, having a tag communication device that carries out radio communication to an RFID tag circuit element provided with an IC circuit part storing information and a tag antenna that transmits and receives information in reading by said optical reading device; and a database configured to store said image data corresponding to said paper medium and tag identification information of said RFID tag circuit element provided at said RFID label corresponding to said paper medium in association with each other, provided inside said scan apparatus or separately from said scan apparatus.
US08363252B2 Image forming device, and activation method, activating or deactivating program on package basis
An image forming device includes an information storage part which stores sales package information and function package information. A function package information updating part increments, when activation of a sales package is performed, an activation component number of each of program components of the sales package in the function package information, and sets a flag of one of the program components to an activated state when the flag of one of the program components prior to the activation indicates a deactivated state. A starting information updating part registers a component identifier of one of the program components into starting information when the flag of one of the program components is changed from the deactivated state to the activated state by the activation.
US08363251B2 Image forming apparatus, print data generation method and computer program for forming an image with halftone processing that uses constraint data
An image forming apparatus that converts image data into print data is provided. The apparatus includes a conversion unit configured to generate first and second print data from the image data using an error diffusion method, each piece of second print data corresponding to one of the plurality of passes; and a printing unit configured to print the second print data. The conversion unit converts the image data into the first print data using the error diffusion method, generates constraint specifying the non-print pixels in the first print data as non-print pixels in the second print data, and converts the image data into the plurality of pieces of second print data, each piece of second print data being used in one of the plurality of passes, through an error diffusion method with the constraint. The printing unit prints the second print data in each of the plurality of passes.
US08363250B2 Appending identification information to a print job before it is transmitted to a printing device
A printing system has a host apparatus including a generating unit that generates print data and an output unit that outputs the print data generated by the generating unit, and a printing apparatus having an input unit that receives the print data output by the output unit and a printing unit that performs printing based on the print data received by the input unit. The printing system can include an appending unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and a control unit.
US08363249B2 Method of printing regions larger than the print swath using a handheld printer
A method of printing comprising the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe printer relative to a surface and swiping the printer across the surface; (ii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a graphic image onto the surface, the position-coding pattern and the graphic image being superimposed; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining, during the swipe, absolute positions of the printhead using imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern and the graphic image.
US08363233B2 Image processing apparatus, control method, program, and storage medium
To facilitate setting information input by the user of an image processing apparatus, there is provided a control method that includes inputting setting information for each function of the apparatus on a displayed screen, and, when the user issues a recording instruction, storing the input setting information in correspondence with the function, and, in a case where the user issues a recording stop instruction, storing stop information in correspondence with the function. Setting control of setting information is commenced for each function in response to a setting instruction from the user, in a case where the setting information has been stored, control is performed to set the setting information, and when the stop information has been stored, input of setting information by the user is awaited and then the setting information is set.
US08363227B2 Measurement apparatus and method of manufacturing optical system
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a wavefront of light traveling from a member to be measured, the apparatus including a first reference surface, a second reference surface configured to function as a reference surface for the first reference surface, an optical system configured to form a first interference pattern of light traveling from the member to be measured and light traveling from the first reference surface, and a second interference pattern of light traveling from the first reference surface and light traveling from the second reference surface, a detection unit configured to detect the first interference pattern and the second interference pattern, respectively, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a wavefront of light traveling from the member to be measured based on the first interference pattern and the second interference pattern detected by the detection unit.
US08363222B2 Particulate tester with mixer for analytical application
A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.
US08363215B2 Methods for employing stroboscopic signal amplification and surface enhanced raman spectroscopy for enhanced trace chemical detection
In one embodiment, a method and system is provided for detecting target materials using a combination of stroboscopic signal amplification and Raman spectroscopy techniques.
US08363214B2 Surface inspection apparatus
A surface inspection apparatus for observing an edge portion of an object to be inspected includes an illumination device that irradiates an illumination light to the edge portion; and an observation device that forms an image of an observation region of the edge portion illuminated with the illumination light. The illumination device emits a first irradiation beam and a second irradiation beam as the illumination light. The first irradiation beam is incident at approximately right angles to the edge portion for compensating brightness of the image and the second irradiation beam is obliquely incident laterally to the observation region of the edge portion for generating a shadow depending on a surface state of the observation region.
US08363211B2 Sensor device and method for detecting the motion of a vehicle
A sensor device for detecting a motion state of a motor vehicle. The sensor device includes at least one laser unit having a light source for emitting coherent light which is transmitted in the direction of a roadway surface, and an interference detector which is designed to detect at least one measurement variable which characterizes interference between the light scattered at the surface and the light of the light source. The measurement variable represents a speed component of the sensor device and/or a distance between the sensor device and the roadway surface. The laser unit is coupled to an evaluation device which is designed to determine, from the measurement variable, at least one variable which characterizes the motion state of the vehicle, in particular a speed component of the center of gravity of the vehicle, a rotational angle or a rotation rate of the vehicle.
US08363207B2 Exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device using same
The exposure apparatus of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that illuminates an original with light from a light source so as to project a pattern of the original onto a substrate via a projection optical system for exposure, the exposure apparatus comprising a first shutter that shields light passing through a clearance between the light source and the projection optical system, and a control device that controls the opening and closing of the first shutter. While replacing a first original with a second original after an exposure operation has been completed by using the first original, the control device controls the first shutter such that the temperature of the projection optical system approaches closer to the projection optical system's saturation temperature that has been previously obtained via the second original.
US08363204B2 Brightness and color enhancement film for LED TV and monitor
The present invention relates to an optical enhancement film, more specifically, to a cholesteric reflective polarizer film, which is characterized by matching and compensating the emitting spectrum of a white LED backlight for LCD TVs and Monitors. The film not only enhances the brightness of the LED-backlit displays by light recycling effect but also increases the color rendering quality of the LED-backlit displays by phase balancing effect.
US08363203B2 Liquid crystal display with rewriting image and heat diffusing section contact bottom surface of display section and electronic apparatus having the same
A liquid crystal display includes a display section performing display using a liquid crystal, a substrate disposed to face a bottom surface of the display section and having a circuit for driving the liquid crystal mounted thereon, and a heat diffusing section disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the display section and a top surface of the substrate and having thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of air.
US08363200B2 Display element, electronic paper using the element, and electronic terminal using the element
A display element comprises: a pair of substrates disposed opposite to each other; a liquid crystal enclosed between the pair of substrates; a wall structure which is formed to surround a pixel region and which is in contact with both of the pair of substrates; and an opening section which is an opening provided in a part of the wall structure to allow the liquid crustal to flow out of the pixel region.
US08363196B2 Display device with covering layer on end surface of organic interlayer film
A display device includes a substrate having display portion and peripheral portion, a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of drain signal lines formed over the substrate, a plurality of switching elements connected to the plurality of gate signal lines and the plurality of drain signal lines and formed over the substrate, and a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the plurality of switching elements and formed in the display portion. An organic interlayer film is formed in the display portion and the peripheral portion, and a covering layer is formed on the organic interlayer film in the peripheral portion and the insulating film includes at least one of a plurality of recesses and protuberances.
US08363188B2 Array substrate of liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof
An array substrate of an LCD and a fabricating method thereof are provided. A first insulating layer is formed on the substrate. A TFT and a hardened liquid crystal layer are provided in a pixel region of the substrate. A second insulating layer is formed in the pixel region around the hardened liquid crystal layer such that the second insulating layer and the hardened liquid crystal layer are substantially planar. A first alignment layer is formed between the hardened liquid crystal layer and the first insulating layer. A pixel electrode is formed on the second insulating layer and the hardened liquid crystal layer and contacts a drain region of the TFT through a hole in the first insulating layer. A second alignment layer is formed on the entire substrate over the second insulating layer and the hardened liquid crystal layer.
US08363186B2 Thin film transistor array panel and liquid crystal display including the same
A thin film transistor includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor formed on the substrate; a first color filter and a second color filter formed on the thin film transistor and each having a through hole; a capping layer formed on the first color filter and the second color filter; and a pixel electrode formed on the capping layer and connected to the thin film transistor through the through hole, wherein the capping layer formed on the first color filter has a first opening exposing the through hole of the first color filter, the size of the first opening is larger than the size of the through hole, the capping layer formed on the second color filter has a second opening disposed inside the through hole of the second color filter, and the size of the second opening is smaller than the size of the through hole. Accordingly, the capping layer completely covers the green color filter which prevents damage to the green color filter in a dry etching process, and also prevents changes of a color coordinate.
US08363177B2 Liquid crystal display with point illuminator bonded to liquid crystal panel thereof
An exemplary liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate, and a point illuminator. The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates. The light guide plate is disposed on a side of the second substrate that is not in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and includes a light incident surface. The point illuminator is rigidly bonded to the side of the second substrate that is not in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and faces the light incident surface of the light guide plate, such that the position of the point illuminator is fixed relative to the light guide plate.
US08363174B2 Lateral ion pumping in liquid crystal displays
The present invention relates to the removal of ion contaminations from liquid crystal layers in liquid crystal display devices. The ions are removed by means of so called ion pumping, which utilizes the anisotropic viscosity of liquid crystals. The ions are pumped up and down in the liquid crystal layer by means of an alternating electric filed. The alternating electric field simultaneously alters the alignment of directors in the liquid crystal. The viscosity in the liquid crystal is related to the director directions, and the ions are thereby moved in non-closed trajectories. The inventive ion pumping can be further improved using an asymmetric or biased alternating electric field.
US08363172B2 Liquid crystal motor making use of flow of liquid crystal
A liquid crystal motor, which makes use of the flow of liquid crystal, is provided. A mechanism for causing a flow of liquid crystal comprising (i) a channel “L” defined by at least one wall surface “B,” (ii) liquid crystal “LC” which is put in the channel “L” and movable along said at least one wall surface “B”, and (iii) a means for turning the molecules “m” of the liquid crystal “LC” in a plane intersecting said at least one wall surface “B.” The mechanism makes use of the flow of the liquid crystal “LC” which is caused when the molecules “m” of the liquid crystal “LC” are turned. When the means for turning the molecules “m” of the liquid crystal “LC” turns the molecules “m” of the liquid crystal “LC” in a plane intersecting said at least one wall surface “B,” the liquid crystal “LC” flows along said at least one wall surface “B.” The flow of the liquid crystal “LC” can easily be utilized for making object-moving devices, sensors, actuators, etc.
US08363169B2 Auto-calibrating demodulator, associated method and TV receiver
A demodulator comprises a reference voltage generating circuit for generating a reference voltage, a reference resistor for converting the reference voltage to a reference current, a current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) for receiving a digital code and generating an output signal, a comparison apparatus for comparing the reference voltage with the output signal to generate a comparison output, and a calibration apparatus for updating the digital code according to the comparison output to calibrate the IDAC.
US08363161B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for synchronization of audio and video signals
Methods of processing an audiovisual signal that has a video portion and an audio portion are described. One example includes detecting a video synchronization event in the video portion and, in response to the detecting, embedding a marker relating to the video synchronization event into a serial data stream carrying the audio portion. The serial data stream includes a series of packets, each packet having (A) a preamble that includes a synchronization sequence, (B) an auxiliary data field, and (C) a main data field.
US08363156B2 Single-lens 2D/3D digital camera
A single-lens 2D/3D camera has a light valve placed in relationship to a lens module to control the light beam received by the lens module for forming an image on an image sensor. The light valve has a light valve area positioned in a path of the light beam. The light valve has two or more clearable sections such that only one section is made clear to allow part of the light beam to pass through. By separately making clear different sections on the light valve, a number of images as viewed through slightly different angles can be captured. The clearable sections include a right section and a left section so that the captured images can be used to produce 3D pictures or displays. The clearable sections also include a middle section so that the camera can be used as a 2D camera.
US08363151B2 Focus-adjustment signal generating apparatus and method, and imaging apparatus and method, with manual focus adjustments
A focus-adjustment signal generating apparatus includes a filter to extract a high-frequency component at a specific frequency or higher from a luminance signal of an input video signal, a comparator to compare an absolute value of the high-frequency component with a specific reference value, to output a first detection signal when the absolute value is equal to or larger than the reference value whereas a second detection signal when the absolute value is smaller than the reference value, an extender to extend an output period of the first detection signal according to a period indicated by a period-length setting signal, to output an extended first detection signal, and a selector to select a first chrominance difference signal indicating a specific color in response to the extended first detection signal whereas a second chrominance difference signal indicating an achromatic color in response to the second detection signal, the first or the second chrominance difference signal being output as a focus-adjustment signal.
US08363145B2 Mobile apparatus
A mobile apparatus is provided with: a display module configured to display an image; a camera disposed on a same side as a side on which the display module is provided and configured to capture a camera image including a user's face; a motion detecting module configured to detect a motion state and a stop state of the mobile apparatus; an image controller configured to determine a face orientation of the user's face from the camera image and control a display orientation of the image to be displayed in the display module; and a camera activating module configured to activate the camera when the motion detecting module detects a change from the motion state to the stop state, and to turn off the camera when the image controller completes a determination on the face orientation.
US08363144B2 Operator control unit with tracking
An apparatus equipped with an electronic camera, lensed optics, and a visual display in communication with the optics. An analog or digital video signal is conveyed to an operator of the apparatus through the visual display. The apparatus includes an embedded processor to track the orientation and position of the apparatus. Orientation and position information of the apparatus is used to dynamically recalculate display information. In addition, the apparatus may be in communication with a remote device having digital camera optics. Orientation and position information of the apparatus may be conveyed to the remote device to alter the orientation and position of the associated electronic camera optics. The global position and orientation data is refined through the use of a machine vision algorithm. Accordingly, data conveyed to the operator of the apparatus is in relation to the orientation and position of the apparatus and/or the associated orientation and position of the remote device.
US08363143B2 View finder device, fixture adapter for the same
A view finder device for enabling an ordinary video camera to be used for broadcast use. The view finder device includes a control signal input for receiving control signals including a video-select signal; a camera video signal input for receiving a camera video signal from a video camera; an interrupt video signal input for receiving an interrupt video signal from a video interrupt source which is different from the video camera; a video selector for displaying either the camera video signal or the interrupt video signal, according to the video-select signal; a display controller for controlling display of a video selected by the video selector; and a control signal output for outputting the control signals after the video-select signal is removed therefrom.
US08363139B2 Imaging device having hierarchical buses
A data transfer circuit includes at least one transfer line transferring digital data, at least one data detecting circuit connecting to the transfer line, multiple holding circuits holding a digital value corresponding to the input level and transferring the digital value to the transfer line, and a scanning circuit selecting the multiple holding circuits, wherein the multiple holding circuits are laid out in parallel, and the transfer line is placed in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the parallel layout of the holding circuit and connects to the data detecting circuit placed in the orthogonal direction.
US08363129B2 Imaging device with aberration control and method therefor
An image processing method and apparatus operable for processing images is disclosed. The image processing method allows for drawing any given image in an output image on which various types of image processing have been performed. Such various types of image processing are, for example, correction of an image having distortion due to the distortion aberration of an imaging lens, an image having unnatural perspective distortion of a subject due to high-angle or overhead photography, generation of an output image with the viewpoint changed from the viewpoint of a captured image, mirror-image conversion of a captured image, and electronic zooming. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an imaging apparatus that uses the image processing method.
US08363113B2 Terminal and blogging method thereof
Disclosed are a terminal and a blogging method thereof. In the blogging method, a preview image displayed through a camera is recognized to acquire information of the preview image. It is determined whether there is a stored blog that has background information that is identical to the information of the preview image, and if a stored blog has background information that is identical to the information of the preview image, contents of the stored blog that uses the preview image as its background are imported and the imported contents are displayed on the preview image.
US08363112B2 Terminal, camera unit, and terminal camera unit system
A portable terminal selectively includes either a camera unit which has an image pickup section and is formed with an engagement part or a cover unit formed with the same engagement part as the camera unit. An attachment part for engaging with the engagement part is provided in a main body of the portable terminal.
US08363111B2 Resolution test device and method thereof
A resolution test device and a method thereof are provided. The resolution test method is adapted for testing a resolution of a camera device. The resolution test method includes providing a graph to the camera device, capturing a test image shot by the camera device, shifting an analyzing window a specific distance in a first direction from a static area to a first area on the test image, analyzing the first area to generate a first high-pass element, shifting the analyzing window back to the static area, shifting the analyzing window the specific distance in a second direction from the static area to a second area on the test image, analyzing the second area to generate a second high-pass element, generating a third high-pass element according to the first and the second high-pass element, and defining the resolution of the camera device according to the third high-pass element.
US08363110B2 System and method for addressing audiovisual equipment issues
A system and method for addressing audiovisual equipment issues are disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a display device having a housing component at least partially defining an interior space. In some cases, a memory may be fixed within the interior space, and the memory may be storing a first set of display parameters and a second set of display parameters. The system may also include a diagnostic tool located within the interior space. The tool may be operable to assist a user in resolving a display-related issue by engaging in a diagnostic routine that includes a communicative interaction with a remotely located network node.
US08363100B2 Three dimensional display systems and methods for producing three dimensional images
Embodiments include aircraft systems, display systems, and methods for displaying three dimensional (3D) images. A backlight is controlled to sequentially alternate between activating a first set of light producing elements of the backlight and activating a second set of light producing elements of the backlight, where light produced by the first set of light producing elements is refracted by a lens system into a left eye viewing envelope, and light produced by the second set of light producing elements is refracted by the lens system into a right eye viewing envelope. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is controlled synchronously with the backlight in order to selectively pass or block portions of the light produced by the backlight in order to produce one or more left eye image frames in the left eye viewing envelope and one or more right eye image frames in the right eye viewing envelope.
US08363088B2 Telepresence display configuration
Telepresence display configuration useful for video conferencing. The telepresence display configurations include a video display and a mat. The mat is spaced apart from the video display and has an opening having an inner perimeter configured to frame a viewing surface of a video display.
US08363087B2 Television receiver with a TV phone function
A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.
US08363086B1 Initiating communications using short-range wireless communications
In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed to techniques for initiating communications from a computing device based on messages received from short-range wireless devices. The computing device may receive, via short-range wireless communication, a message from a short-range communication device, the message including contact information of a remote computing device that is external both to the computing device and to the short-range communication device, location information associated with the short-range communication device, and authentication information usable by the computing device to authenticate the short-range communication device. Responsive to receiving the message from the short-range communication device, the computing device may authenticate the short-range communication device based on the authentication information. Responsive to the authenticating, the computing device may automatically initiate communications with the remote computing device based on the contact information. Computing device may communicate the location information associated with the short-range communication device to the remote computing device.
US08363085B2 Scene background blurring including determining a depth map
Different distances of two or more objects in a scene being captured in a video conference are determined using an auto-focus sweep of the scene. A depth map of the scene is generated based on the auto-focus sweep. At least one of the objects is identified as a foreground object or a background object, or one or more of each, based on the determining of the different distances. The technique involves blurring or otherwise rendering unclear at least one background object or one or more portions of the scene other than the at least one foreground object, or combinations thereof, also based on the determining of distances.
US08363077B2 Transfer medium manufacturing method and transfer medium
A transfer medium manufacturing method which manufactures a transfer medium in which a color material capable of being transferred to a target is attached to a base material, includes attaching first liquid containing the color material to the base material to form a colored layer, and attaching second liquid containing resin on the first liquid attached to the base material during the step of attaching the first liquid before the first liquid is dried, thereby forming a resin layer and forming a colored resin layer where the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed with each other.
US08363075B2 Thermal transfer printhead and printing system using such a printhead
A printhead and print system is provided that includes a printer and a control unit connected by a cable. The printhead has a printed circuit board that is modified to include a digital thermometer having a non-volatile memory programmed with the printhead resistance. The control unit reads the printhead resistance directly from the printhead which improves print quality and eliminates the need for manual entry of the printhead resistance when the printhead is replaced. The modified printhead also uses fewer wires in the cable, allowing the cable to be made thinner and more manageable, and increasing the accuracy of temperature measurements conveyed thereover.
US08363067B1 Processing multiple regions of an image in a graphics display system
There is described a method and circuit for independently processing a plurality of regions of an image to be displayed on a display device. The circuit comprises a plurality of transformation modules; a multiplexer having a plurality of inputs and an output for selectively transmitting one of the output values from one of the plurality of transformation modules, and a selector line; and a selection module operatively connected to the selector line of the multiplexer and configured to determine a position of the pixel in the image and identify a transformation module corresponding to a region with a highest priority level for a pixel position, and cause the multiplexer to output the output value from the identified transformation module as the post-transformation pixel for display on the display device.
US08363065B2 Method of graphically indicating on a wireless communications device that map data is still being downloaded
Displaying a map on a wireless communications device includes downloading map data from which the map is to be rendered, rendering portions of the map for which the map data has been fully downloaded, and then graphically overlaying on a portion of the map for which the map data has not yet been fully downloaded a graphical indication, such as hatching, crosshatching or shading, to indicate that further map data is being downloaded. This hatching, crosshatching, shading, or writing informs the user that further map data is being downloaded and that not all of the map features have been rendered yet.
US08363064B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, and computer-readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, an image-element group determining unit and a shape changing unit. The receiving unit receives (i) a command to form a blank space and (ii) information specifying a position where the blank space is to be formed in a drawing space for displaying a drawn image. The image-element group determining unit determines, as an image-element group, image elements having a predetermined relation with each other and being drawn in the drawing space. The shape changing unit performs a shape changing process collectively for the image elements of image-element group. The shape changing process includes at least one of (i) a process of moving image elements of the image-element group so as to move the image-element group away from the specified position where the blank space is to be formed, and (ii) a process of reducing the image elements of the image-element group
US08363056B2 Content generation system, content generation device, and content generation program
A content generation system includes a host terminal and an encode terminal. The host terminal has: a lecture material display unit for displaying a lecture material on a desk top; and a desk top image transmission unit for transmitting a desk top image. The encode terminal has: a lecturer imaging data generation unit which generates lecturer imaging data by capturing a lecture performed by the lecturer; an animation data generation unit which generates animation data from the image on the desk top received from the host terminal in synchronization with the lecturer imaging data; and a content data transmission unit which transmits content data containing the lecturer imaging data and the animation data.
US08363054B2 Localized layout and routing in an interactive diagramming system
Embodiments are directed to determining an appropriate neighborhood region for updating a node layout of an interactive diagramming system. A computer system receives an input indicating at least one change to various selected nodes displayed in the interactive diagramming system, where the changes to the selected nodes affect the positions of the other nodes on the node layout. The computer system traverses adjacent node edges to determine s minimal node neighborhood to which the node changes are to be applied. The computer system accesses diagram parameters that identify diagram and node characteristics and determines the minimal neighborhood region based on both the determined number of adjacent nodes and the accessed parameters. The computer system also updates the position of the selected node and the updated positions of those nodes and corresponding edges that are determined to be within the neighborhood region.
US08363044B2 Switching display update properties upon detecting a power management event
Systems and methods provide automatic switching of display update properties such as screen resolution, pixel depth, and refresh rate in response to a power management event. The display update property may be decreased when power is switched from AC power to DC power, for example, when the system is unplugged from a wall outlet and is running on battery power.
US08363039B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including an upper substrate, a lower substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and m×n liquid crystal cells (where m and n are a positive integer) arranged in a matrix format according to a crossing structure of m/2 data lines and 2n gate lines, a plurality of chip on films (COFs) on which source driver integrated circuits (ICs) supplying a data voltage to the data lines are mounted, a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to input terminals of the COFs, and a gate drive circuit directly mounted onto the lower substrate, the gate drive circuit supplying a gate pulse to the gate lines.
US08363025B2 Touch screens
A touch screen control system comprising a touch screen having first and second conductive layers arranged to be brought together by touching of the screen. A detection system is arranged to detect a contact position at which the screen is touched by monitoring electrical signals from at least one of the layers. The system further comprises an antenna, and the detection system includes a proximity sensing signal generator arranged to generate a proximity sensing signal to be transmitted between the antenna and the first layer via a user of the system. The detection system is further arranged to receive the transmitted proximity sensing signal and determine therefrom the distance between a part of the user and the touch screen.
US08363022B2 Mobile terminal and operating method of the mobile terminal
A mobile terminal and an operating method of the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes a transparent conductive layer configured to have a plurality of cells whose charge quantity varies in response to a touch signal, the cells being electrically isolated from one another; a plurality of pressure sensors configured to be laid over the transparent conductive layer, the pressure sensors calculating a pressure level of the touch signal and identifying a point of detection of the calculated pressure level; and a controller configured to determine whether there are two or more cells in the transparent conductive layer where a charge quantity variation is detected, wherein, if there are two or more cells in the transparent conductive layer where a charge quantity variation is detected, the controller identifies the positions of the corresponding cells and performs operations corresponding to the identified cell positions. Therefore, it is possible to effectively detect even a multi-touch input using the pressure sensors.
US08363005B2 Liquid crystal panel with light sensor and liquid crystal display device using the same
An exemplary liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a light sensor disposed at an inner side of the first substrate, and a black matrix disposed at an inner side of the second substrate. The light sensor includes a light-sensing unit, and the black matrix includes a semi-transparent film corresponding to the light-sensing unit. A liquid crystal display device employing the liquid crystal panel is also provided.
US08362998B2 Drive circuit, display device provided with such drive circuit and method for driving display device
While an output signal of a flip-flop is inactive in a shift register, NAND circuits of clock pulse extracting sections prevent the performing of conduction switching operation in accordance with periodic level change of clock signals between a logical derivation path for High output and a logical derivation path for Low output, by input of the output signal.
US08362991B2 Apparatus and method for driving liquid crystal display device
Discussed are an apparatus and method for driving a liquid crystal display device, which can improve picture quality by changing a driving mode displaying images according to setting information from a user or to an image characteristic. An apparatus for driving a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel including a plurality of pixel regions to display images, and a liquid crystal panel driving controller for performing either a black data addressing method for time-division driving the liquid crystal panel or a gate pulse modulation method for converting a level of a gate-on voltage supplied to the liquid crystal panel, according to setting information from a user or a moving image or still image characteristic of a currently displayed image.
US08362984B2 Method for controlling a display panel by capacitive coupling
A method comprising emission periods during which a predetermined emission voltage, which presents a first polarity, is applied and sustained at the control terminal of at least one driver of said panel, and depolarization periods during which a predetermined depolarization voltage, which presents a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity, is applied and sustained at the control terminal of at least one driver of said panel, the address signals of the circuits of said panel being transmitted by capacitive coupling of the address electrodes to the control terminals of these circuits. The invention makes it possible to use conventional and inexpensive means of controlling the address electrodes.
US08362983B2 Organic light emitting display and manufacturing method thereof
A pixel including: an organic light emitting diode for emitting light in accordance with a received driving current; a first transistor including a gate for receiving a voltage corresponding to a data signal, the first transistor being for transferring the driving current in a direction from a source of the first transistor to a drain of the first transistor; a second transistor for transferring the data signal in accordance with a scan signal; a first capacitor for storing a voltage corresponding to the data signal and for applying the voltage corresponding to the data signal to the gate of the first transistor; and a second capacitor for controlling the voltage stored in the first capacitor, wherein an outside portion of the first capacitor has a plurality of bents.
US08362972B2 Head-mounted display
A headphone (3) has LEDs indicating whether a head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye. In the case shown in the attached figure, the LED of L showing that the display is used for the left eye is lit. Whether the head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye is indicated by the LEDs, and depending on whether it is used for the left eye or for the right eye, audio outputted from the headphone (3) is switched over between the left and the right. Independent of whether the head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye, audio for the right ear is outputted for the right ear and audio for the left ear is outputted for the left ear.
US08362966B2 Multi-directional receiving antenna array
Techniques for providing multi-directional receiving antenna arrays are described herein. According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna array including multiple antennas and an orientation system. The orientation system includes multiple orientation marks and multiple alignment marks. At least one of the multiple antennas is configured to be positioned toward a respective station transmitter location based at least partially on an alignment of one of the multiple orientation marks relative to one of the multiple alignment marks.
US08362958B2 Aperture antenna
An aperture antenna for transmitting a circularly polarized signal is provided. The aperture antenna includes an antenna substrate, a feed conductor and an antenna ground layer. The feed conductor is microstrip-fed or coplanar-wave-guide-fed. The antenna ground layer has an aperture, the aperture has a feed portion, a signal turning point, a first edge and a second edge, the first edge connects the feed portion to the signal turning point in a first direction, and the second edge connects the feed portion to the signal turning point in a second direction, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the aperture antenna transmits the circularly polarized signal, a traveling wave travels on the first edge, and at least one standing wave is formed on the second edge.
US08362955B2 Antenna system
A beamformer is arranged to receive an input from a first antenna element and from at least one other antenna element and to generate at least a first and second output beam. The first and second output beams are combined at a connecting port such that signals received at the first antenna element are constructively combined at the connecting port and signals received at another antenna element or elements are destructively combined at the connecting port, so that a receiver connected to the connecting port may receive signals from the first antenna element and may not receive signals from the other antenna element or elements. The arrangement may also be used to transmit a signal which is fed into the connecting point from the first antenna element and not from the other antenna element or elements.
US08362954B2 Array antenna, tag communication device, tag communication system, and beam control method for array antenna
Provided are an array antenna capable of miniaturizing an array antenna while reducing side lobes, a tag communication device and tag communication system provided with the array antenna, and a beam control method for the array antenna. When XY coordinates and a feeding phase of each antenna element (21a to 21d) are defined as the antenna element (21a) (0, Y1)·φ1, the antenna element (21b) (−X1, 0)·φ2, the antenna element (21c) (X2, 0)·φ3, the antenna element (21d) (0, −Y2)·φ4, wavelengths of λ, and directivity directions of θ, each of the feeding phases is set so that the following conditional equations φ1=φ4, φ2=2π·X1·sin(θ)/λ+φ1, φ3=φ1−2π·X2·sin(θ)/λ are all satisfied.
US08362951B2 Carrier phase processing in discontinuous satellite positioning system tracking
Disclosed is an apparatus, system and method for location determination following a search discontinuity utilizing early sampling of a satellite positioning system signal to determine a common code phase offset, pseudorange rate and mode of location calculation.
US08362946B2 Millimeter wave surface imaging radar system
A short range millimeter wave surface imaging radar system. The system includes electronics adapted to produce millimeter wave radiation scanned over a frequency range of a few gigahertz. The scanned millimeter wave radiation is broadcast through a frequency scanned transmit antenna to produce a narrow transmit beam in a first scanned direction (such as the vertical direction) corresponding to the scanned millimeter wave frequencies. The transmit antenna is scanned to transmit beam in a second direction perpendicular to the first scanned direction (such as the horizontal or the azimuthal direction) so as to define a two-dimensional field of view. Reflected millimeter wave radiation is collected in a receive frequency scanned antenna co-located (or approximately co-located) with the transmit antenna and adapted to produce a narrow receive beam approximately co-directed in the same directions as the transmitted beam in approximately the same field of view. Computer processor equipment compares the intensity of the receive millimeter radar signals for a pre-determined set of ranges and known directions of the transmit and receive beams as a function of time to produce a radar image of at least a desired portion of the field of view. In preferred embodiment the invention is mounted on a truck and adapted as a FOD finder system to detect and locate FOD on airport surfaces.
US08362940B2 Successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter, and operating clock adjustment method therefor
A successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter includes: a digital-to-analog converter to generate an analog voltage based on an input voltage sampled in accordance with a sampling clock and a digital code; a comparator to receive the analog voltage; a controller to generate the digital code based on an output of the comparator; a delay circuit to delay a signal based on the output of the comparator and to feed back the delayed signal to a reset terminal of the comparator; an adjustment circuit to count a number of edges of a signal generated in a loop that feeds back the delayed signal, and to adjust an amount of delay of the delay circuit based on a count value; and a sampling clock generation circuit to generate the sampling clock based on the signal generated in the loop and the external clock signal.
US08362933B2 Time-to-digital converter and operating method
Provided are a TDC having a pipeline or cyclic structure and an operating method thereof. The TDC includes a first stage block and a second stage block. The first stage block detects a first bit of a digital code for a time difference between first and second input signals. The second stage block detects a second bit of the digital code for a time difference between first and second output signals of the first stage block. The first stage block amplifies a time difference between first and second delay signals for the first and second input signals to generate the first and second output signals, and transfers the first and second output signals to the second stage block.
US08362928B2 Keypad assembly
A keypad assembly using a waveguide for guiding lights emitted from light emitting devices is disclosed. The keypad assembly includes a switch board having a plurality of dome switches. The keypad also includes a plurality of key buttons; a plurality of light emitting devices included in the switch board; a waveguide formed under the key buttons, the waveguide having a predetermined refractive index to allow lights emitted from the light emitting devices to travel according to an internal total reflection condition; a plurality of reflecting patterns formed in the waveguide to reflect the light traveling through the waveguide toward the key buttons; and an auxiliary layer formed on the surface of the waveguide, the auxiliary layer having lower refractive index than that of the waveguide to make a constant total reflection condition.
US08362926B2 Method and apparatus for providing and using public transportation information
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for providing and using transportation information of various types of public vehicles. A public transportation information encoding method according to the present invention creates identifying information on a type of public transportation means and on stations pertaining to service line of the public transportation means, and further creates connection information for particular stations among the stations wherein citizens are able to use the same or different type of public transportation means on other stations near to the particular stations. The created information including the connection information is organized to status information which is then incorporated into a transfer message. Thusly constructed messages are transmitted wirelessly.
US08362924B2 Method for running vehicles detecting network and system thereof
Provided are a method for running a network for vehicle detection and a system thereof. Each vehicle detecting device is classified into a plurality of groups based on information provided from the vehicle detecting devices and control information that activates or deactivates components of the corresponding vehicle detecting devices is set for each group based on the information. Power of a signal transmitting the information is set for each vehicle detecting device.
US08362918B2 System and methods for monitoring energy consumption and reducing standby power
A power saving system and method for the home appliances and home network devices is provided. The system provides an energy consumption monitoring and standby power saving system that is connected to home appliances and that may detect the amount of power consumed by corresponding home appliances. The system includes one or more energy saving nodes which approve application or shut-off power to a corresponding home appliances, and an energy saving server that is connected to each of the energy saving nodes and collects status information of the corresponding home appliances including said amount of power consumption from said nodes.
US08362917B2 Device for determining communications parameters and method of operation
A device and method for determining communications parameters such as signal strength is provided. The device includes a plurality of meters, each having an associated transceiver configured to receive a different communications protocol. Communications signals are received by a communications module and transmitted to the plurality of meters. The plurality of meters provide an indication of a signal parameter, such as signal strength for example, to allow the operator to decide which communications protocol the end device should use.
US08362912B2 Method and apparatus for preventing hitting in a restricted zone during game play
An apparatus for preventing hitting in a restricted zone during game play includes a signal generator for signaling the location of a restricted zone in a playing area contained by a barrier. A proximity detector receives the signal generated by the signal generator. An indicator indicates when the proximity detector is within the restricted zone, the signal generator and the indicator being carried by a player.
US08362910B2 Digital electronic apparatus
A digital electronic apparatus includes a touch display panel, an active touch pen and a power shortage reminding module. The active touch pen is suitable for inputting signals to the touch display panel. The power shortage reminding module is disposed in one of the touch display panel and the active touch pen. The power shortage reminding module is suitable for monitoring a remaining power of the active touch pen and prompting the touch display panel to send out a reminding signal for charging the active touch pen, and therefore, the active touch pen can be timely charged, which prevents the power of the active touch pen be exhausted in use.
US08362904B2 Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
US08362894B2 Methods and systems for providing departure notification from a travel assistance system
Methods and systems for providing a departure notification from a travel assistance system are disclosed. A source location, a destination location and a desired destination arrival time are received at a travel assistance system. At least one travel parameter operable to affect departure time from the source location to the destination location is received at the travel assistance system. A departure time from the source location that enables arrival at the destination location at approximately the desired destination arrival time based on the source location, the destination location, the desired destination arrival time and the at least one travel parameter is determined. A departure notification is issued from the travel assistance system to a client system. The departure notification includes the departure time.
US08362893B2 Display device for cargo-handling vehicles
The issue is to show displayed items on a display device of a cargo-handling vehicle, where only a display device having a small display space can be used, so that operations accompanying the operating sequence of the cargo-handling vehicle can be performed. The device has a tilt angle sensor, which detects forward tilt or backward tilt by a mast provided at the front of the cargo handling vehicle, a hydraulic pressure sensor, which measures the supply hydraulic pressure to a lift cylinder that is provided on the mast and raises and lowers a fork, and a calculation unit, which converts the cylinder supply hydraulic pressure detected by said hydraulic pressure sensor to the weight of the cargo loaded on the aforementioned fork. A selection display area is also provided, which selectively displays the tilt angle and the weight in the same location outside of the vehicle speed display area. When the vehicle's power is turned on and the tilt angle sensor detects forward tilt or backward tilt continuing for a predetermined period of time when the aforementioned mast is tilting forward or tilting backward, the tilt angle is displayed. When the application of pressure in a direction to raise the fork is detected, continuing for a predetermined period of time, the weight of the loaded cargo calculated by the calculation unit is displayed, with priority given to display of the tilt angle.
US08362890B2 Object detecting apparatus
An object detecting apparatus includes a sensor, a noise determining portion, a detected result determining portion and a warning portion. The sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave reflected by an object. The noise determining portion determines existence or nonexistence of a noise signal received by the sensor for a plurality of detecting areas by using a different threshold value for each of the plurality of detecting areas. The detected result determining portion validates or invalidates an object detected result of the sensor for each of the detecting areas based on existence or nonexistence of the noise signal determined by the noise determining portion for each of the detecting areas. The warning portion warns about the object detected result for a detecting area that is validated by the detected result determining portion.
US08362882B2 Method and apparatus for providing Haptic feedback from Haptic textile
A method and apparatus for generating haptic feedback over a surface of a haptic textile are disclosed. The flexible haptic structure includes a group of sensing circuits and a haptic textile. The sensing circuits, such as touch sensitive detector or motion detector, provide at least one activating signal in accordance with a sensed event. The haptic textile is structured with interlaced woven threads and/or yarns and capable of generating haptic feedback in response to the activating signal.
US08362871B2 Geometric and electric field considerations for including transient protective material in substrate devices
A substrate device includes a layer of non-linear resistive transient protective material and a plurality of conductive elements that form part of a conductive layer. The conductive elements include a pair of electrodes that are spaced by a gap, but which electrically interconnect when the transient protective material is conductive. The substrate includes features to linearize a transient electrical path that is formed across the gap.
US08362868B2 Plane coil
A plane coil which reduces an increase of an effective resistance in a high-frequency area and is made thinner is provided. The plane coil is equipped with plural conductive wires which are parallel to each other, wherein the conductive wires are arranged in a plane and spirally wound, and coil ends of the respective conductive wires are electrically connected to each other at coil lead-out portions and thus are connected in parallel. The conductive wires are arranged in plane, so that a coil thickness does not increase, and the coil is made thinner. Moreover, the plural conductive wires are connected in parallel, an increase of an effective resistance due to an influence of a skin effect in a high-frequency area is reduced.
US08362863B2 System and method for magnetization of rare-earth permanent magnets
The present disclosure is generally directed towards magnetization of permanent magnets using superconducting magnetizers. For example, in one embodiment, a superconducting magnetizer assembly is provided. The assembly includes a coil pack having an inner coil including a first superconducting magnet material, the coil being configured to generate a first magnetic field in response to an electric current supplied to the coil, and an outer coil including a second superconducting magnet material, the outer coil being disposed about the inner coil and being configured to generate a second magnetic field in response to an electric current supplied to the outer coil. The coil pack also includes a container configured to house the inner and the outer coils.
US08362860B2 Superconducting apparatus
A superconducting apparatus includes a superconducting member generating a magnetic field when an electric power is supplied to the superconducting member, a permeable yoke into which a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the superconducting member permeates, and a conductive portion cooled to a low temperature state by a low temperature portion and cools the permeable yoke by thermally making contact therewith.
US08362841B2 Conversion circuit from single phase signal to differential phase signal
A differential amplifier showing a suppressed output offset is disclosed. The differential amplifier includes a pair of differential transistors, a pair of cascode transistors, and a reference generator. One of differential transistors receives an AC signal, while, the other of differential transistors receives an average voltage of the AC signal. The reference generator receives the average voltage of the AC signal and outputs a bias commonly provided to the cascode transistor. The bias is raised by a substantially constant level from the average voltage, which compensates the output offset of the differential amplifier.
US08362825B2 Sub-stage for a charge pump
A sub-stage for a charge pump includes a dc input pin, a dc output pin, a first radio frequency (rf) input pin configured to receive a first differential signal, a second rf input pin configured to receive a second differential signal, a first transistor having first, second and third terminals, a second transistor having first, second and third terminals, a first bias voltage source, and a second bias voltage source. The third terminal of the first transistor is configured to receive the second differential signal from the second rf input pin and a first offset voltage signal from the first bias voltage source. The third terminal of the second transistor is configured to receive the second differential signal from the second rf input pin and a second offset voltage signal from the second bias voltage source.
US08362821B2 Charge carrier stream generating electronic device and method
An electronic device comprising a generator for generating a stream of charge carriers. The generator comprises a bipolar transistor having an emitter region, a collector region and a base region oriented between the emitter region and the collector region, and a controller for controlling exposure of the bipolar transistor to a voltage in excess of its open base breakdown voltage (BVCEO) such that the emitter region generates the stream of charge carriers from a first area being smaller than the emitter region surface area. The electronic device may further comprise a material arranged to receive the stream of charge carriers for triggering a change in a property of said material, the emitter region being arranged between the base region and the material.
US08362819B1 Synchronizing multi-frequency pulse width modulation generators
A “quasi-master-time-base” circuit is used to periodically resynchronize the individual PWM generators to a know reference signal. This quasi-master-time-base will be at the lowest frequency relative to all of the PWM output frequencies, wherein all of the PWM output frequencies are at the same frequency or at an integer multiple frequency(ies) of the quasi-master frequency. This “quasi-master-time-base” circuit allows for minor timing errors due to user PWM configuration errors and/or update errors, and still yields stable PWM signal outputs that remain synchronized to each other.
US08362816B2 Reducing an EMI effect by preventing the diffuse width with the SSCG from being limited by the jitter standard value in a structure in which the PLL circuit is mounted
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a recording unit which records image data on a recording medium; a first spread spectrum clock generator receiving a first clock signal, providing the first clock signal with frequency diffusion to have a first predetermined frequency diffusion width, and outputting a second clock signal; a PLL circuit outputting a third clock signal synchronously oscillating at a frequency obtained by multiplying the frequency of the first clock signal; an image processing unit receiving the third clock signal, and outputting the processed image data in synchronism with the third clock signal; a speed conversion unit receiving the second and third clock signals, and receiving and outputting the image data in synchronism with the second clock signal; andan input and output control unit outputting the image data to the recording unit in synchronism with the second clock signal.
US08362814B2 Data processing system having brown-out detection circuit
A data processing system includes a brown-out detection circuit with a first resistive element, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a comparator. The first resistive element has a first terminal coupled to a first power supply voltage terminal, and a second terminal. The first transistor has a first current electrode coupled to the second terminal of the first resistive element, a control electrode, and a second current electrode. The second transistor has a first current electrode coupled to the second current electrode of the first transistor, a control electrode, and a second current electrode coupled to a second power supply voltage terminal. The comparator has a first input terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first resistive element, a second input terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first resistive element, and an output terminal for providing a brown-out detection signal.
US08362807B2 Offset compensation for sense amplifiers
A sense amplifier having compensation circuitry is described. The compensation circuitry includes at least one pair of compensation transistors. When compensation is desired, one or a combination of the bulk of the at least one pair of compensation transistors is provided with one or a combination of compensation voltages.
US08362804B2 Differential signal generating device with low power consumption
A differential signal generating device includes a control circuit and a differential signal driver receiving a single-ended signal. The control circuit receives a source signal and generates a control signal corresponding to a first mode when the source signal conforms with a first pre-defined state, and corresponding to a second mode when the source signal conforms with a second pre-defined state. Variations of the source signal are related to signal content of the single-ended signal. The differential signal driver is coupled to the control unit for receiving the control signal therefrom. The differential signal driver outputs a differential signal output according to the single-ended signal when the control signal corresponds to the first mode. The differential signal driver outputs a non-differential signal output when the control signal corresponds to the second mode.
US08362801B1 Method of programming a safety component
A method for a singular programming a programmable component in an electronic circuit includes providing a plurality of programmable components connected between each other in an electronic chain arrangement; providing an interface adapted to connect the programmable components to an external controller wherein the controller is adapted to program the programmable components; isolating and programming a safety component by setting an output pin in the safety component to logical state zero at first power up of the electronic circuit and logical state zero causes input and output data lines from the interface to be connected just to the safety component; and setting the output pin in the safety component to logical state one wherein the logical state one causes input and output data lines from the interface to disconnect from the safety component and connect to the electronic chain of the plurality of programmable components excluding the safety component.
US08362798B2 Programmable logic device having an embedded test logic with secure access control
An improved configuration for a programmable logic device and an improved method for configuration of a programmable logic device are provided. A programmable logic device such as field programmable logic device is configured to include an application logic, an embedded test logic that monitors the application logic, and an access control logic that grants access to an external device to embedded test data provided that an access control requirement is met that is based upon a key stored in a memory and information received from the external device.
US08362795B2 Semiconductor device capable of verifying reliability
A semiconductor device includes an integrated semiconductor circuit unit, a chip guard-ring disposed along an outer portion of the semiconductor device, and a reliability verifying unit disposed between the integrated semiconductor circuit unit and the chip guard-ring. The reliability verifying unit is configured to delay a reliability verifying signal to detect a fault while in a reliability detecting mode.
US08362792B2 Manufacturing method of probe card and the probe card
A manufacturing method for probe card according to the present invention includes following processes. A film is formed on the surface of a circuit board. A connecting terminal and joint member are formed by etching the film, and the surface of the joint member is polished. An inspection contacting structure is assembled. The inspection contacting structure is moved proximity to a circuit board. The lower surface of a contactor and joint member are attached so as to contact the front end of a probe penetrating and passing through the contactor to the connecting terminal.
US08362789B2 Impedance-based arc fault determination device (IADD) and method
Embodiments according to the present invention provide an Impedance-based Arc-Fault Determination Device (IADD) and method that, when attached to an electrical node on the power system and through observations on voltage, current and phase shift with a step load change, determine the effective Thevenin equivalent circuit or Norton equivalent circuit at the point of test. The device and method determine the expected bolted fault current at the test location of interest, which enables calculation of incident energy and the assignment of a flash-hazard risk category.
US08362783B2 Method for verifying a completeness of an antenna
A method verifies a completeness of an antenna disposed on a window. The antenna is electrically conductive and has a first end and a second end spaced from each other. The method comprises the step of placing the window on a fixture for supporting the window. The method also includes the steps of automatically aligning a distributing probe and the first end of the antenna and automatically aligning a receiving probe and the second end of the antenna. The method further includes the step of activating a current source to pass an electrical current from the distributing probe to the receiving probe through the antenna. The method also includes the step of indicating passage of the electrical current from the antenna to the receiving probe with the indicator to verify a completeness of the antenna.
US08362775B2 Magnetic resonance whole body antenna system, elliptically polarized with major ellipse axis tilted/non-horizontal at least when unoccupied by an examination subject
A magnetic resonance system obtaining magnetic resonance exposures of an examination subject, has an examination tunnel, a whole-body antenna with two connection terminals. The whole-body antenna cylindrically extends around the examination tunnel along a longitudinal axis. The system has a radio-frequency supply device in order to respectively supply the whole-body antenna with radio-frequency signals for emission of a radio-frequency field in the examination tunnel. The radio-frequency supply device has a radio-frequency generator for generation of a radio-frequency signal, a signal splitter that divides a radio-frequency signal coming from the radio-frequency generator into two partial signals that are phase-shifted by 90° relative to one another. Two radio-frequency feed lines are connected with the two connection terminals of the whole-body antenna. Via these radio-frequency feed lines, the two partial signals are fed into the whole-body antenna. The whole-body antenna has an intrinsic transmission characteristic such that a radio-frequency field is emitted that is elliptically polarized in a defined manner in a plane lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (at least in the unloaded state of the examination tunnel).
US08362773B2 System and method for modeling gradient coil operation induced magnetic field drift
A system and method for modeling gradient coil operation induced magnetic field drift include a computer programmed to acquire a pulse sequence to be applied during an MR scan and determine a power spectrum of a plurality of gradient pulses of the pulse sequence. The computer is also programmed to calculate a drift of the magnetic field attributable to application of the plurality of gradient pulses by the plurality of gradient coils during application of the pulse sequence and apply the pulse sequence during the MR scan. The computer is further programmed to acquire MR data based on application of the pulse sequence, correct the acquired MR data based on the calculated drift of the magnetic field, and reconstruct an image based on the corrected MR data.
US08362763B2 Circuit assembly and method for programming a hall sensor having an upstream controller
A method for programming a Hall sensor having a controller in which the Hall sensor or a programmable circuit component integrated therein is programmed by clocking or modulating a Hall sensor power supply voltage (VDD). A clocked or modulated controller power supply voltage (VBAT) is applied to the controller in clocked or modulated form; and where the clock or modulated Hall sensor power supply voltage (VDD) is applied to the Hall sensor by the controller as a function of the clocked or modulated controller power supply voltage (VBAT).
US08362761B2 Rotation angle detector
A rotation angle detector for detecting rotation angle of a rotator to be measured is provided. The detector includes a magnet which is fixed to the rotator to be measured and is rotated with the rotator to be measured and plural magnetic detection means respectively arranged at a prescribed angle, for detecting intensity of magnetic field generated by the magnet and outputting signals of electric charge based on the intensity of magnetic field. The detector further includes drive means for driving the plural magnetic detection means, where the drive means is capable of simultaneously changing magnetic sensitivities of the plural magnetic detection means in the same ratio. The detector further includes rotation angle calculation means for calculating rotation angle of the rotator to be measured based on signals output from the plural magnetic detection means.
US08362756B2 Digital boost feedback voltage controller for switch-mode power supplies using pulse-frequency modulation
A controller produces high-side and low-side control signals. The high and low-side signals are used to switch high-side and low-side transistors in the power stage to control the voltage across the power stage output capacitor of the power stage. A boost feedback charge pump receives the low or high-side signal to increase the charge on a charge pump output capacitor. The controller is configured to send Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) high and low-side signals that control the voltage on the power stage output capacitor and charge the charge pump output capacitor. The controller is also configured to send boost feedback (BFB) high and low-side signals that charge the boost feedback capacitor, but are designed to not significantly change the charge on the power stage output capacitor.
US08362755B2 Current-mode control type DC-DC converter and control method therefor
A current-mode control type DC-DC converter includes a switching transistor turned on with a clock signal output in predetermined cycles, an inductor supplied with electric current when the switching transistor is turned on, an error amplifier circuit to output an error voltage that is an amplified difference between a predetermined reference voltage and a divided output voltage of the DC-DC converter, a slope voltage generation circuit to generate a slope voltage by performing slope compensation on an inductor current, a PWM comparator to compare the slope voltage with the error voltage and generate a reset pulse to turn off the switching transistor when the slope voltage reaches the error voltage, and a slope voltage maintenance mechanism to keep the slope voltage at the ground voltage from when the reset pulse is generated to when a subsequent clock signal is generated.
US08362753B2 Switching power supply circuit
A switching power supply circuit includes a power circuit, a switching circuit and a load. The switching circuit includes a first filter module, a power processing unit, a stability module, and a second filter module. The first filter module receives a voltage signal from the power circuit and sends a filtered first voltage signal to the power processing unit; the power processing unit outputs a second voltage signal, the stability module stabilizes the second voltage signal and sends a third voltage signal to the second filter module; the second filter module filters the third voltage signal and sends a drive voltage to the load. In response to the second voltage signal instantaneously changing from high to low or low to high, during the change in current, power of the second voltage signal is stored in the stability module and released through the second filter module.
US08362748B2 Voltage comparison circuit
A voltage comparison circuit makes a comparison between a first voltage and a second voltage. A resistor and a constant current source are provided in series between the first voltage and the ground voltage. A comparator receives the second voltage via one input terminal (non-inverting input terminal), and the voltage at a connection node between the aforementioned resistor and the constant current source via the other input terminal (inverting terminal). The first voltage is preferably used as the power supply voltage for the comparator.
US08362745B2 Method and apparatus for harvesting energy
An energy harvesting circuit includes one or more broadband or narrow band antennas to detect WIFI (wireless fidelity) or other RF (radio frequency) signals. The signals are rectified and voltage multiplied, and the resultant DC voltage is provided to a power management circuit. The output of the power management circuit charges a lithium battery or other storage device within the energy harvesting circuit. The energy stored in the battery or storage device is provided through a DC/DC converter circuit to a USB output connector to power or recharge the batteries of an external electronic device connected to the USB output connector of the energy harvesting circuit.
US08362743B2 Device for mechanically and electrically connecting a portable, battery-operated apparatus and portable, battery-operated apparatus
A device is provided for mechanically and electrically connecting a portable, battery-operated apparatus in order to operate the apparatus and/or to charge its battery. The device includes a receiving area for the apparatus as well as a first coil arrangement, which is disposed on, in or under the receiving area and which is designed for interaction with a second coil arrangement of the apparatus, when the apparatus is disposed in a predefined position on the receiving area. Finally, the device exhibits a first coupling element, which, in interaction with a second coupling element of the apparatus, the apparatus can be moved into the predefined position after being placed on the receiving area. The first coupling element exhibits at least a first component, which is designed for magnetic coupling with a respective second component of the apparatus.
US08362736B2 Blower motor for HVAC systems
A blower motor assembly having a variable speed motor that is suitable for direct, drop-in replacement in a residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that employs a PSC motor. The blower motor assembly includes at least a neutral input and two hot AC line connections, one for connection to the heating power source and the other to the cooling power source. A sensing circuit senses which of the inputs is energized by sensing either voltage or current on the inputs. The sensing circuit delivers a corresponding signal to a motor controller to control the speed of the variable speed motor. The blower motor assembly may also be equipped with additional hot AC inputs, more than one neutral line, and several sensing circuits for sensing current or voltage in the hot inputs and/or the neutral lines for controlling various aspects of the variable speed motor.
US08362732B2 Motor phase winding fault detection method and apparatus
A method of detecting a phase winding fault in a multi-phase electric machine is executable via a motor controller, and includes measuring feedback signals of the machine, including each phase current, and generating reference phase voltages for each phase. The method includes calculating a predetermined voltage value using the feedback signals and reference phase voltages, and comparing the voltage value to a corresponding threshold to determine the fault. A control action is executed when the voltage value exceeds the corresponding threshold. The voltage value is one or more of: a ratio of a normalized negative sequence voltage to a modulation index, an RMS voltage for each phase, and total harmonic distortion of each phase current. An apparatus detects the fault, and includes a motor controller and an algorithm as set forth above. The apparatus may include a voltage inverter for generating a multi-phase alternating current output for powering the machine.
US08362727B2 Control device for synchronous motor
A control technology for a synchronous motor for suppressing rotational pulsation caused by variation in individuals without making a control algorithm complex is provided. In a motor drive system which is a control device for a synchronous motor, in order to suppress the pulsation component of N times as high as the AC frequency for driving the synchronous motor, a controller in which the phase property of the disturbance response of the controller with respect to the pulsation frequency is within ±45° is arranged. Therefore, the torque pulsation component generated from distortion in induction voltage or variation between phases is suppressed.
US08362721B2 Battery powered mechanized raise climbing system
A battery powered raise climber system is provided that uses Lithium ion batteries to drive a single or double electric drive for an existing raise climber. The batteries offer a faster, safer, quieter and cleaner way to move workers and their equipment to and from the work face in a raise and eliminates the need for adding lengths of hose as the raise climber ascends and eliminates the emission of harmful inhalants. The battery powered system also enables high efficiency area lighting to be used at the work face, and as the raise climber descends in the raise, the electric drives can reverse operation to recharge the batteries.
US08362716B2 Drive apparatus for frame deflection and method
A frame drive circuit for a CRT device having a deflection processor (14) which develops a deflection processor output signal includes a frame coil (16) having a first core half (12) and a second core half (18), and a first driver (20) and a second driver (22). The deflection processor output signal is applied to each of the first driver (20) and the second driver (22). Each of the first driver (20) and the second driver (22) are selectively operative independently of each other to develop respectively a first coil drive signal (24 OUT) and a second coil drive signal (26 OUT) as a function of the deflection processor output signal. The first coil drive signal (24 OUT) and the second coil drive signal (26 OUT) are applied to a respective one of the first coil half (12) and said second coil half (18).
US08362714B2 LED illumination system with a power saving feature
An LED illumination system includes a control circuit having a timing unit, a control unit and a PWM signal generating unit. The timing unit divides an operating period of an LED lamp into a plurality of time segments, and outputs a clock signal at a start of each time segment to the control unit. The control unit outputs different controlling signals corresponding to the clock signals to the PWM signal generating unit, which in turn generates different PWM signals with different duty cycles. A constant current circuit electrically connects the control circuit to the LED lamp. The constant current circuit outputs different electric currents to the LED lamp according to the PWM signals, to thereby control the LED lamp to emit light having different light intensities at the various time segments of the operating period.
US08362710B2 Direct AC-to-DC converter for passive component minimization and universal operation of LED arrays
Disclosed herein is a power converter circuit for a LED lighting device. The power converter includes a pair of input terminals adapted to be connected to a signal source, at least one LED, a first circuit adapted to supply current to the at least one LED and including: a first bi-directional switch connected between one input terminal and one side of the at least one LED, and a second bi-directional switch connected between the other side of the at least one LED and the other input terminal, and a second circuit adapted to supply current to the at least one LED and including: a third bi-directional switch connected between the other input terminal and the one side of the at least one LED, and a fourth bi-directional switch connected between the one input terminal and the other side of the at least one LED.
US08362702B2 Local dimming control method and apparatus of edge-type backlight module
A local dimming control method and apparatus of an edge-type backlight module are provided. The edge-type backlight module has a plurality of backlight units positioned at at least one side of a display area. The local dimming control apparatus includes: a configuration unit, for dividing the display area into a plurality of display blocks; and a local dimming control unit, coupled to the configuration unit, for setting respective backlight intensities of the display blocks through controlling a plurality of luminance settings of the backlight units. The local dimming control method includes: dividing the display area into a plurality of display blocks; and performing a local dimming control operation to set respective backlight intensities of the display blocks through controlling a plurality of luminance settings of the backlight units.
US08362700B2 Solar powered light assembly to produce light of varying colors
A garden light (10) having a body (11) with a post (12), the lower end of which is provided with a spike (13). The upper end of the post (12) receives a lens assembly (14). Secured to the lens assembly (14) is a cap assembly (24) that has three LEDs that are activated to produce a varying color light.
US08362699B2 Interwoven wire mesh microcavity plasma arrays
Embodiments of the invention provide for large arrays of microcavity plasma devices that can be made inexpensively, and can produce large area but thin displays or lighting sources Interwoven metal wire mesh, such as interwoven Al mesh, consists of two sets of wires which are interwoven in such a way that the two wire sets cross each other, typically at πght angles (90 degrees) although other patterns are also available Fabrication is accomplished with a simple and inexpensive wet chemical etching process The wires in each set are spaced from one another such that the finished mesh forms an array of openings that can be, for example, square, rectangular or diamond-shaped The size of the openings or microcavities is a function of the diameter of the wires in the mesh and the spacing between the wires in the mesh used to form the array of microcavity plasma devices.
US08362697B2 Display apparatus
There is provided a display apparatus that can improve the protective function and light utilization efficiency of organic EL devices and that has a simple structure. The display apparatus includes a plurality of organic EL devices formed on a substrate and a protective layer formed on the organic EL devices. The protective layer includes a first protective layer made of an inorganic material, a second protective layer made of a resin and having a microlens formed therein, and a third protective layer made of an inorganic material.
US08362694B2 Organic light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, display unit, and electronic device
An organic light emitting device capable of securing favorable electric connection between an auxiliary wiring layer and a second electrode without using a pixel separation mask, a method of manufacturing the same, a display unit, and an electronic device are provided. In the organic light emitting devices, for example, the auxiliary wiring layer, a first electrode as an anode, an insulating film between pixels, an organic layer including a light emitting layer, and the second electrode as a cathode are formed in this order over a substrate. In a region of the organic layer corresponding to the auxiliary wiring layer, an aperture is provided. On the auxiliary wiring layer, a connection section having a plurality of convex sections is formed. In the aperture of the organic layer, the auxiliary wiring layer and the second electrode are electrically connected by the connection section.
US08362689B2 Phosphors and light-emitting devices using the same
The present invention relates to novel phosphors, which are represented by a formula of (A1-xMx)8D12O24S2, wherein x, A, M and D are defined the same as the specification. In addition, the present invention further provides a light-emitting device using the above novel phosphors.
US08362688B2 Light emitting device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting device in which, even when a material with high reflectivity such as aluminum is used for an electrode, a layer containing oxygen can be formed over the electrode without increasing contact resistance and a manufacturing method thereof. According to the present invention, a feature thereof is a light-emitting element having an electrode composed of a stacked structure where a conductive film having high reflectivity such as aluminum, silver, and an alloy containing aluminum or an alloy containing silver, and a conductive film composed of a refractory metal material is provided over the conductive film, or a light-emitting device having the light-emitting element.
US08362686B2 Substrate bearing an electrode, organic light-emitting device incorporating it, and its manufacture
A substrate bearing, on one main face, a composite electrode, which includes an electroconductive network which is a layer formed from strands made of an electroconductive material based on a metal and/or a metal oxide, and having a light transmission of at least 60% at 550 nm, the space between the strands of the network being filled by an electroconductive fill material. The composite electrode also includes an electroconductive coating, which may or may not be different from the fill material, covering the electroconductive network, and in electrical connection with the strands, having a thickness greater than or equal to 40 nm, of resistivity ρ1 less than 105 Ω·cm and greater than the resistivity of the network, the coating forming a smoothed outer surface of the electrode. The composite electrode additionally has a sheet resistance less than or equal to 10Ω/□.
US08362685B2 Light-emitting device
Disclosed is a light-emitting device (1) including a light-emitting element (2) emitting primary light, and a light converter (3) absorbing a part of the primary light emitted from the light-emitting element (2) and emitting secondary light having a longer wavelength than the primary light. The light converter (3) contains a green light-emitting phosphor (4) and a red light-emitting phosphor (5). The green light-emitting phosphor (4) is composed of at least one phosphor selected from a divalent europium-activated oxynitride phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: EuaSibAlcOdNe and a divalent europium-activated silicate phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: 2(Ba1-f-gMIfEug)O.SiO2, while the red light-emitting phosphor (5) is composed of at least one phosphor selected from tetravalent manganese-activated fluoro-tetravalent metalate phosphors substantially represented by the following formulae: MII2(MIII1-hMnh)F6 and/or MIV(MIII1-hMnh)F6. Consequently, the light-emitting device (1) has excellent color gamut (NTSC ratio).
US08362678B2 Lamp structure and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
A lamp according to one or more embodiments includes a tube which forms a light-emitting space, an electrode main body which is disposed in the tube, and an emitter surface metal layer which includes an alkali metal oxide and/or an alkaline earth metal oxide, and covers the electrode main body. The emitter surface metal layer may include cesium (Cs) and may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of beryllium oxide (BeO), magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), strontium oxide (SrO), barium oxide (BaO), cesium oxide (CsO) and radium oxide (RaO). Therefore, discharge may be easily activated because of a high secondary electron emission coefficient. Thus, a light-emitting efficiency may be enhanced and dark start characteristics may be improved.
US08362667B2 Multi-stage sliding structure of handheld device
A multi-stage sliding structure of a handheld device includes a first sliding block, a second sliding block, and an engagement structure. The first sliding block has at least one first groove for containing a first magnetic strip. The second sliding block has at least one second groove. The second groove is for containing at least two second magnetic strips which are continually spaced apart in the second groove, and the directions of magnetic poles of the second magnetic strips correspond with directions of respective magnetic poles of the first magnetic strip. The engagement structure includes two structures disposed near outer sides of the first and the second grooves respectively, and is for enabling the first and the second sliding blocks to engage with each other and slide with respect to each other.
US08362663B2 Terminal box for centrifugal switch of motor and motor with the same
A terminal box, including at least a box (51) having a receiving part (10), a movable control rod (7), multiple electric contacts (8), a thermostat (9) having a terminal (91), and a wiring mechanism (12). The movable control rod (7) is disposed on the box (51) and partially extends therefrom. The electric contacts (8) are disposed in the box (51). The thermostat (9) is disposed on end surface of the box (51). The receiving part (10) operates to receive the thermostat (9). One end of the electric contact (8) extends from the box (51) and forms a connecting part (81). A separating plate (11) is disposed between the connecting part (81) and the thermostat (9). One end of the wiring mechanism (12) is connected to the connecting part (81), and the other end thereof bypasses the outside of the separating plate (11) and is connected to the terminal (91). If the thermostat experiences temperature detection failure, users of the motor can easily remove the wiring mechanism, and timely switch off the power supply connected to the motor via an external protection circuit thereby preventing the motor from being burned out.
US08362661B2 Ventilated rotor and stator for dynamoelectric machine
A laminated rotor and stator are provided for a dynamoelectric machine. The rotor includes at least one end flange having a plurality of cooling apertures and at least one rotor inner vent lamination having a plurality of cooling apertures. At least one rotor outer vent lamination has a plurality of cooling apertures in communication with a first plurality of radially oriented ventilating slots. The end flange, rotor inner vent lamination and rotor outer vent lamination are configured together into a rotor lamination stack, and the plurality of cooling apertures form a generally axial cooling passage for a flow of a cooling medium.
US08362651B2 Efficient near-field wireless energy transfer using adiabatic system variations
Disclosed is a method for transferring energy wirelessly including transferring energy wirelessly from a first resonator structure to an intermediate resonator structure, wherein the coupling rate between the first resonator structure and the intermediate resonator structure is κ1B, transferring energy wirelessly from the intermediate resonator structure to a second resonator structure, wherein the coupling rate between the intermediate resonator structure and the second resonator structure is κB2, and during the wireless energy transfers, adjusting at least one of the coupling rates κ1B and κB2 to reduce energy accumulation in the intermediate resonator structure and improve wireless energy transfer from the first resonator structure to the second resonator structure through the intermediate resonator structure.
US08362646B2 Safety device for plug and play solar energy system
An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.
US08362645B2 Method to reduce system idle power through system VR output adjustments during S0ix states
An electronic device includes a power control circuit to generate a power mode signal and a plurality of voltage regulators to receive the power mode signal. Each voltage regulator reduces an output voltage in response to the power mode signal, and the reduced output voltage of each voltage regulator is used to power a different circuit of or function to be performed in the electronic device.
US08362643B2 Battery-based grid energy storage for balancing the load of a power grid
The present invention provides a battery-based grid energy storage for balancing the load of an power grid, wherein the energy storage comprises: a battery array; a bi-directional inverter unit; the bi-directional inverter system is configured to charge battery array using power from the power grid, or conversely, to transmit power from battery array to the power grid; a monitor system configured to detect the load, frequency and phase of the power grid, and control the bi-directional inverter system to charge battery array using power form the power grid, or conversely, transmits power from battery array to the power grid in accordance with the frequency and phase of the power grid so as to balance the load of the power grid, and meet the requirements during peak hours of electric power consumption.
US08362633B2 Wind turbine generator with a control unit for controlling a rotation speed of a main shaft
A wind turbine generator includes a hydraulic pump rotatable by a main shaft, a hydraulic motor connected to a generator, and a high pressure oil line and a low pressure oil line which are arranged between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. An operation mode selection unit switches an operation mode between a normal operation mode and a low rotation speed operation mode depending on environment conditions. The low rotation speed operation mode has a rated rotation speed of the main shaft lower than that of the normal operation mode, at least one of a rated displacement of the hydraulic pump and a rated pressure of the high pressure oil line that are greater than that of the normal operation mode and a rated output of a generator substantially same as that of the normal operation mode.
US08362627B2 Reducing underfill keep out zone on substrate used in electronic device processing
Electronic devices and methods for fabricating electronic devices are described. One method includes providing a substrate with a die attach area, and forming a layer on the substrate outside of the die attach area. The layer may be formed from a fluoropolymer material. The method also includes coupling a die to the substrate in the die attach area, wherein a gap remains between the die and the die attach area. The method also includes placing an underfill material in the gap and adjacent to the layer on the substrate. Examples of fluoropolymer materials which may be used include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin (PFA). Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08362615B2 Memory and manufacturing method thereof
A memory and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The memory includes a dielectric layer, a polysilicon layer, a first buried diffusion, a second buried diffusion, a charge storage structure and a gate. The polysilicon layer is disposed on the dielectric layer and electrically connected to at least a voltage. The first buried diffusion and the second buried diffusion are separately disposed in the surface of the polysilicon layer. The charge storage structure is disposed on the polysilicon layer and positioned between the first buried diffusion and the second buried diffusion. The gate is disposed on the charge storage structure.
US08362612B1 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A first insulation layer is formed on a semiconductor die, a redistribution layer electrically connected to a bond pad is formed on the first insulation layer, and a second insulation layer covers the redistribution layer. The second insulation layer is made of a cheap, non-photosensitive material. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the semiconductor device can be reduced.
US08362609B1 Integrated circuit package and method of forming an integrated circuit package
An integrated circuit package is described. The integrated circuit package comprises a substrate having a plurality of sides, where each pair of adjacent sides forms a corner; a die coupled to a first surface of the substrate; a lid having a first portion positioned over the die and a plurality of foot portions, each foot portion of the plurality of foot portions being coupled to the first surface of the substrate at a corresponding corner of the substrate, where a side of the integrated circuit package above the substrate and between two associated foot portions has an opening; and a plurality of contact elements coupled to a second surface of the substrate. A method of forming an integrated circuit package is also shown.
US08362608B2 Ultra wideband hermetically sealed surface mount technology for microwave monolithic integrated circuit package
An ultra wideband hermetically sealed surface mount package for a microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) is provided including: an integrated circuit; a package body being mounted with the integrated circuit and comprising a plurality of first dielectrics formed in a multilayer, a first line unit mounted to a circuit substrate and is electrically connected with an external circuit, a second line unit upwardly extended from the first line unit and is electrically connected with the first line unit, a third line unit extended to the right angle from the second line unit and is electrically connected with the second line unit, and a bonding unit that electrically connects the third line unit and the mounted integrated circuit; and a package cover being formed on the package body to seal the integrated circuit and comprising a plurality of second dielectrics formed in a multilayer.
US08362599B2 Forming radio frequency integrated circuits
Method of forming a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) is provided. The RFIC comprises one or more electronic devices formed in a semiconductor substrate and one or more passive devices on a dielectric substrate, arranged in a stacking manner. Electrical shield structure is formed in between to shield electronic devices in the semiconductor substrate from the passive devices in the dielectric substrate. Vertical through-silicon-vias (TSVs) are formed to provide electrical connections between the passive devices in the dielectric substrate and the electronic devices in the semiconductor substrate.
US08362596B2 Engineered interconnect dielectric caps having compressive stress and interconnect structures containing same
A dielectric capping layer having a dielectric constant of less than 4.2 is provided that exhibits a higher mechanical and electrical stability to UV and/or E-Beam radiation as compared to conventional dielectric capping layers. Also, the dielectric capping layer maintains a consistent compressive stress upon post-deposition treatments. The dielectric capping layer includes a tri-layered dielectric material in which at least one of the layers has good oxidation resistance, is resistance to conductive metal diffusion, and exhibits high mechanical stability under at least UV curing. The low k dielectric capping layer also includes nitrogen content layers that contain electron donors and double bond electrons. The low k dielectric capping layer also exhibits a high compressive stress and high modulus and is stable under post-deposition curing treatments, which leads to less film and device cracking and improved device reliability.
US08362592B2 Tiled substrates for deposition and epitaxial lift off processes
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to epitaxial lift off (ELO) films and methods for producing such films. Embodiments provide a method to simultaneously and separately grow a plurality of ELO films or stacks on a common support substrate which is tiled with numerous epitaxial growth substrates or surfaces. Thereafter, the ELO films are removed from the epitaxial growth substrates by an etching step during an ELO process. The tiled growth substrate contains the epitaxial growth substrates disposed on the support substrate may be reused to grow further ELO films. In one embodiment, a tiled growth substrate is provided which includes two or more gallium arsenide growth substrates separately disposed on a support substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion within a range from about 5×10−6° C.−1 to about 9×10−6° C.−1.
US08362591B2 Integrated circuits and methods of forming the same
A three-dimensional integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate where the substrate has an opening extending through a first surface and a second surface of the substrate and where the first surface and the second surface are opposite surfaces of the substrate. A conductive material substantially fills the opening of the substrate to form a conductive through-substrate-via (TSV). An active circuit is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, an inductor is disposed on the second surface of the substrate and the TSV is electrically coupled to the active circuit and the inductor. The three-dimensional integrated circuit may include a varactor formed from a dielectric layer formed in the opening of the substrate such that the conductive material is disposed adjacent the dielectric layer and an impurity implanted region disposed surrounding the TSV such that the dielectric layer is formed between the impurity implanted region and the TSV.
US08362590B2 Power semiconductor component including a potential probe
A power semiconductor component including a semiconductor body and two load terminals is provided. Provided furthermore is a potential probe positioned to tap an electric intermediate potential of the semiconductor body at a tap location of the semiconductor body for an electric voltage applied across the two load terminals, the intermediate potential being intermediate to the electric potentials of the two load terminals, but differing from each of the two electric potentials of the two load terminals.
US08362585B1 Junction barrier Schottky diode with enforced upper contact structure and method for robust packaging
A semiconductor junction barrier Schottky (JBS-SKY) diode with enforced upper contact structure (EUCS) is disclosed. Referencing an X-Y-Z coordinate, the JBS-SKY diode has semiconductor substrate (SCST) parallel to X-Y plane. Active device zone (ACDZ) atop SCST and having a JBS-SKY diode with Z-direction current flow. Peripheral guarding zone (PRGZ) atop SCST and surrounding the ACDZ. The ACDZ has active lower semiconductor structure (ALSS) and enforced active upper contact structure (EUCS) atop ALSS. The EUC has top contact metal (TPCM) extending downwards and in electrical conduction with bottom of EUCS; and embedded bottom supporting structure (EBSS) inside TPCM and made of a hard material, the EBSS extending downwards till bottom of the EUCS. Upon encountering bonding force onto TPCM during packaging of the JBS-SKY diode, the EBSS enforces the EUCS against an otherwise potential micro cracking of the TPCM degrading the leakage current of the JBS-SKY diode.
US08362577B2 Resonator including a microelectromechanical system structure with first and second structures of silicon layers
A resonator with a microeletromechanical system structure has a transistor with a gate electrode, a capacitor with an upper and lower electrode, a substrate, a first and second structure of the microelectromechanical system structure, a first silicon layer of the first structure and the upper electrode formed above the substrate, a second silicon layer of the second structure and the gate electrode unit formed above the substrate, and an insulating film formed above the capacitor and the transistor, the insulating film having an opening for placement of the second structure.
US08362571B1 High compressive stress carbon liners for MOS devices
Transistor architectures and fabrication processes generate channel strain without adversely impacting the efficiency of the transistor fabrication process while preserving the material quality and enhancing the performance of the resulting transistor. Transistor strain is generated is PMOS devices using a highly compressive post-salicide amorphous carbon capping layer applied as a blanket over on at least the source and drain regions. The stress from this capping layer is uniaxially transferred to the PMOS channel through the source-drain regions to create compressive strain in PMOS channel.
US08362568B2 Recessed contact for multi-gate FET optimizing series resistance
A transistor, which can be referred to as a multi-gate transistor or as a FinFET, includes a gate structure having a length, a width and a height. The transistor further includes at least one electrically conductive channel or fin between a source region and a drain region that passes through the width of the gate structure. The channel has a first height (h1) within the gate structure that is less than the height of the gate structure, and has a second height (h2) external to the gate structure, where h2 is less than h1. The transistor further includes a silicide layer disposed at least partially over the at least one channel external to the gate structure. Reducing the fin height external to the gate structure is shown to beneficially reduce parasitic resistance.
US08362565B2 Memory element with small threshold voltage variance and high-speed logic element with low power consumption
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer; an element isolation region formed in the semiconductor layer for separation between a memory element part and a logic element part; first and second field-effect transistors formed in the memory element part and having first and second gate electrodes on a first surface side of the semiconductor layer and a second surface side opposite to the first surface, respectively, and having a source and drain region in common with each other; a third field-effect transistor formed in the logic element part and having a third gate electrode on the second surface side; and first and second insulating films formed on the semiconductor layer to cover the first field-effect transistor and the second and third field-effect transistors, respectively. The first field-effect transistor and the second field-effect transistor are fully-depleted field-effect transistors. The first gate electrode and the second gate electrode are electrically connected.
US08362559B2 Hybrid molecular electronic devices containing molecule-functionalized surfaces for switching, memory, and sensor applications and methods for fabricating same
This invention is generally related to a method of making a molecule-surface interface comprising at least one surface comprising at least one material and at least one organic group wherein the organic group is adjoined to the surface and the method comprises contacting at least one organic group precursor with at least one surface wherein the organic group precursor is capable of reacting with the surface in a manner sufficient to adjoin the organic group and the surface. The present invention is directed to hybrid molecular electronic devices having a molecule-surface interface. Such hybrid molecular electronic devices may advantageously have either a top or bottom gate electrode for modifying a conductivity of the devices.
US08362553B2 Multifunctional tape
A method includes forming elongate structures on a first substrate, such that the material composition of each elongate structure varies along its length so as to define first and second physically different sections in the elongate structures. First and second physically different devices are then defined in the elongate structures. Alternatively, the first and second physically different sections may be defined in the elongate structures after they have been fabricated. The elongate structures may be encapsulated and transferred to a second substrate. The invention provides an improved method for the formation of a circuit structure that requires first and second physically different devices to be provided on a common substrate. In particular, only one transfer step is necessary.
US08362540B2 Integrated circuit package with reduced parasitic loop inductance
A multi-layer integrated circuit package includes a switched-mode power supply circuit including a plurality of transistors which form part of a main current loop of the switched-mode power supply circuit. The plurality of transistors are arranged in one or more layers of the integrated circuit package. The package further includes a conductive plate arranged in a different layer of the integrated circuit package than the plurality of transistors. The conductive plate is in close enough proximity to at least part of the main current loop so that a current can be electromagnetically induced in the conductive plate responsive to a change in current in the main current loop.
US08362531B2 Method of patterning semiconductor structure and structure thereof
Method of patterning a semiconductor structure is disclosed. The method involves crystallographic etching techniques to enhance a patterned monocrystalline layer as a hard mask. In one embodiment, the method includes bonding a monocrystalline silicon layer to a non-crystalline protective layer; patterning the monocrystalline layer to form a hard mask; enhancing the pattern of the hard mask; stripping the hard mask after conventional etching of protective layer; and forming a gate oxide thereon. The enhanced patterning of the hard mask is performed with crystallographic etching to replace optical effects of rounding and dimension narrowing at the ends of a defined region with straight edges and sharp corners. A resulting structure from the use of the enhanced patterned hard mask includes a layer of composite materials on the substrate of the semiconductor structure. The layer of composite materials includes different materials in discrete blocks defined by straight edges within the layer.
US08362523B2 Integrated circuit devices having high density logic circuits therein powered using multiple supply voltages
Integrated circuit devices include a substrate having a semiconductor substrate region therein containing multiple well regions of different conductivity type. A first semiconductor well region of first conductivity type is provided in the semiconductor substrate region. This first semiconductor well region has a first plurality of transistor regions therein arranged in a first zig-zag pattern extending across the semiconductor substrate region. A second semiconductor well region of second conductivity type is also provided in the semiconductor substrate region. This second semiconductor well region has a second plurality of transistor regions therein arranged in a second zig-zag pattern extending across the semiconductor substrate region. This second zig-zag pattern is intertwined with the first zig-zag pattern. A plurality of first transistors of second conductivity type are provided in the first plurality of transistor regions and a plurality of second transistors of first conductivity type are provided in the second plurality of transistors regions.
US08362520B2 Sub-pixel nBn detector
A method of making a two-dimensional detector array (and of such an array) comprising, for each of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of individual detectors, forming an n-doped semiconductor photo absorbing layer, forming a barrier layer comprising one or more of AlSb, AlAsSb, AlGaAsSb, AlPSb, AlGaPSb, and HgZnTe, and forming an n-doped semiconductor contact area.
US08362519B2 Semiconductor device
The present teachings provide a semiconductor device comprising: an IGBT element region, a diode element region and a boundary region provided between the IGBT element region and the diode element region are formed in one semiconductor substrate. The boundary region comprises a second conductivity type first diffusion region, a first conductivity type second diffusion region, and a second conductivity type third diffusion region. A first drift region of the IGBT element region contiguously contacts the first diffusion region of the boundary region, and a second drift region of the diode element region contiguously contacts the first diffusion region of the boundary region. A first body region of the IGBT element region contiguously contacts the second diffusion region of the boundary region, and a second body region of the diode element region contiguously contacts the second diffusion region of the boundary region.
US08362513B2 Surface mount LED and holder
A surface mount LED for attaching an LED to a substrate using a conventional reflow soldering technique. The surface mount LED according to this invention includes an LED and a holder. The LED includes a plurality of leads. The holder supports the LED and includes a plurality of feet arranged at approximately equal intervals around the perimeter of a base of the holder. Each lead is wrapped around a respective foot. The resulting wrapped lead forms a contact point corresponding with a solder pad layout for attaching the surface mount LED to a substrate.
US08362509B2 Solid state lighting device including heatsink formed by stamping and/or die shaping
A solid state lighting device includes a device-scale stamped heatsink with a base portion and multiple segments or sidewalls projecting outward from the base portion, and dissipates all steady state thermal load of a solid state emitter to an ambient air environment. The heatsink is in thermal communication with one or more solid state emitters, and may define a cup-like cavity containing a reflector. At least a portion of each one sidewall portion or segment extends in a direction non-parallel to the base portion. A dielectric layer and at least one electrical trace may be deposited over a metallic sheet to form a composite sheet, and the composite sheet may be processed by stamping and/or progressive die shaping to form a heatsink with integral circuitry. At least some segments of a heatsink may be arranged to structurally support a lens and/or reflector associated with a solid state lighting device.
US08362499B2 Solid state emitter packages including accessory lens
A solid state emitter package may include at least one electrically conductive path associated with the solid state emitter package that is not in electrical communication with any solid state emitter of the solid state emitter package, with such electrically conductive path being susceptible to inclusion of a jumper or a control element. A solid state emitter package includes a principally red solid state emitter having peak emissions within 590 nm to 680 nm, a principally blue solid state emitter having peak emissions within 400 nm to 480 nm, and at least one of a common leadframe, common substrate, and common reflector, with the package being devoid of any principally green solid state emitters having peak emissions between 510 nm and 575 nm.
US08362494B2 Electro-optic device with novel insulating structure and a method for manufacturing the same
An electro-optic device is disclosed. The electro-optic device includes an insulating layer, a first semiconducting region disposed above the insulating layer and being doped with doping atoms of a first conductivity type, a second semiconducting region disposed above the insulating layer and being doped with doping atoms of a second conductivity type and an electro-optic active region disposed above the insulating layer and between the first semiconducting region and the second semiconducting region. The electro-optic active region includes a first partial active region and a second partial active region and an insulating structure in between. The insulating structure extends perpendicular to the surface of the insulating layer such that there is no overlap of the first partial active region and the second partial active region in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the insulating layer. A method for manufacturing is also disclosed.
US08362493B2 Configurations of a semiconductor light emitting device and planar light source
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a base portion having a concave portion formed in one of major surfaces thereof; and a light emitting element mounted on a bottom surface of the concave portion of the base portion. The base portion comprises a side wall portion that surrounds the light emitting element. The light emitting element is covered with a resin portion filled in the concave portion. At least a part of an upper surface of the resin portion is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the concave portion than an upper surface of the side wall portion.
US08362491B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
An LCD device is disclosed, to minimize the signal distortion by decreasing the instability of voltage in a-Si:H TFT of a gate driving signal output unit, which includes a signal controller for outputting first and second control signals Q and /Q; a pull-up transistor between a clock signal terminal CLK and a gate driving signal output terminal for receiving the first control signal Q, the pull-up transistor having a first gate electrode, a first source electrode and a first drain electrode, wherein the pull-up transistor has an asymmetric structure in a first area of the first source electrode overlapped with the first gate electrode and a second area of the first drain electrode overlapped with the first gate electrode; and a pull-down transistor connected between the gate driving signal output terminal and a ground voltage terminal, wherein the pull-down transistor receives the second control signal.
US08362486B2 Solid state image pickup device and method of producing solid state image pickup device
Forming a back-illuminated type CMOS image sensor, includes process for formation of a registration mark on the wiring side of a silicon substrate during formation of an active region or a gate electrode. A silicide film using an active region may also be used for the registration mark. Thereafter, the registration mark is read from the back side by use of red light or near infrared rays, and registration of the stepper is accomplished. It is also possible to form a registration mark in a silicon oxide film on the back side (illuminated side) in registry with the registration mark on the wiring side, and to achieve the desired registration by use of the registration mark thus formed.
US08362482B2 Semiconductor device and structure
A semiconductor device including a first layer including first transistors, wherein first logic circuits are constructed by the first transistors, and wherein the first logic circuits include at least one of Inverter, NAND gate, or NOR gate; and a second layer overlaying said first layer, the second layer including second transistors, wherein second logic circuits are constructed by the second transistors; wherein each logic circuit in the first logic circuits has inputs and at least one first output, the inputs are connected to the second logic circuits; wherein each logic circuit in the second logic circuits has a second output, and wherein the first transistors include first selectors adapted to selectively replace at least one of the at least one first outputs with at least one of the second outputs.
US08362466B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
A light-emitting element includes a light-emitting layer having a two-layer structure in which a first light-emitting layer containing a first light-emitting substance and a second light-emitting layer containing a second light-emitting substance, which is in contact with the first light-emitting layer, are provided between an anode and a cathode. The first light-emitting layer is separated into two layers of a layer provided on the anode side and a layer provided on the cathode side. The layer provided on the anode side contains only a first light-emitting substance, or a first organic compound of less than 50 wt % and the first light-emitting substance of 50 wt % to 100 wt %. The layer provided on the cathode side contains a second organic compound and the first light-emitting substance. The second light-emitting layer, which is provided in contact with the first light-emitting layer, contains the second light-emitting substance and a third organic compound.
US08362464B2 Organic nanofiber structure based on self-assembled organogel, organic nanofiber transistor using the same, and method of manufacturing the organic nanofiber transistor
An organic nanofiber including a gelled organic semiconductor compound. Also disclosed is an organic semiconductor transistor and a method of manufacturing an organic semiconductor transistor.
US08362463B2 Organometallic complexes
Organometallic complexes are provided having at least one charge transporting ligand, and methods for making the same, as well as devices and sub-assemblies including the same.
US08362460B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor devices on a group IV substrate with controlled interface properties and diffusion tails
A multi junction solar cell having epitaxially-deposited III/V compounds on vicinal group IV substrates and method for making same. The solar cell includes an AlAs nucleating layer on a Ge substrate. The group IV substrate contains a p-n junction whose change of characteristics during epitaxial growth of As-containing layers is minimized by the AlAs nucleating layer. The AlAs nucleating layer provides improved morphology of the solar cell and a means to control the position of a p-n junction near the surface of the group IV substrate through diffusion of As and/or P and near the bottom of the III/V structure through minimized diffusion of the group IV element.
US08362455B2 Storage node of a resistive random access memory device with a resistance change layer and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a resistive random access memory device and a method of manufacturing the same. The resistive random access memory device includes a switching device and a storage node connected to the switching device, and the storage node includes a first electrode and a second electrode and a resistance change layer formed of Cu2-XO between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08362438B2 Use of hybrid collimation for interleaved emission and transmission scans for SPECT
Two different collimation geometries are interleaved. Each collimation geometry samples a transaxial slice through the object being imaged. The even slices are of the same fan-beam geometry as the central head, but the odd slices are of different collimation geometry. Each slice covers an axial range that is the same as the pixel size of the solid-state detector, and aligns with the corresponding pixels in the axial direction.
US08362424B2 Mass spectrometer
An ion-ion reaction cell is provided comprising a plurality of electrodes forming an ion guide. A transient DC voltage wave is applied to the electrodes in order to load reagent anions into the ion guide. Analyte cations are then subsequently transmitted through the ion-ion reaction cell by a subsequent transient DC voltage wave. Ion are arranged to undergo ion-ion reactions within the reaction cell and the resulting fragment ions which are formed within the reaction cell are then subsequently translated out of the reaction cell by means of a transient DC voltage wave.
US08362423B1 Ion trap
An ion trap 1 comprises a magnetic field generator 2 arranged to generate a magnetic field and an array 3 of electrodes arranged to generate an electrostatic field including a turning point in electrical potential at a location where the magnetic field is substantially homogeneous. The array of electrodes 3 is planar and parallel to the direction of the magnetic field at the location, with the result that the ion trap can be described as a coplanar waveguide Penning trap.
US08362421B2 Use ion guides with electrodes of small dimensions to concentrate small charged species in a gas at relatively high pressure
The present invention is based on the observation that radio frequency (RF) electric fields in multi-pole lenses with small rod diameters in the range of 1 mm enables strongly concentrating ions suspended in a gas at pressures much higher than previously used for ion manipulation, including atmospheric pressure. Other lens configurations are described, including one based on the funnels of U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,628, and another on the coiled wire system of Hutchins et al. (1999). The finding provides a method to increase the concentration of ions transmitted to mass spectrometers and other analyzers, both from volatile or involatile species in solution, hence increasing their analytical sensitivity. It also enables improved charging efficiencies of neutral volatile species existing in the gas phase.
US08362414B2 Method and apparatus for providing a sample for a subsequent analysis
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing a sample for a subsequent analysis of the sample, particularly for analyzing biomolecules, comprising the following steps: generating a free micro liquid jet in an environment having a predetermined pressure, wherein the micro liquid jet contains a carrier liquid and the sample to be analyzed, and dispersing the micro liquid jet into droplets containing the sample, wherein the environment surrounding the micro liquid jet is a gaseous environment in which the pressure is above vacuum conditions.
US08362411B1 Solar tracker motor having a fixed caliper and a translating caliper each with an electromagnetic brake system
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for an accurate and cost-effective method for rotating a solar array disk for tracking the movement of the sun. According to various aspects, a motor includes a fixed caliper and a translating caliper positioned adjacent to one another. Electromagnetically controlled brakes on the translating caliper grip the solar array disk while adjacent, but spaced apart, electromagnets on the fixed caliper and the translating caliper are energized to create an attractive force that pulls the translating caliper with the solar array disk toward the fixed caliper. After reaching the fixed caliper, brakes on the fixed caliper are engaged with the disk, brakes on the translating caliper are released from the disk, and the translating caliper is pushed back to the starting location where the process repeats until the desired rotation is completed.
US08362404B2 Open warming cabinet
A container configured to establish an air flow curtain at an open end thereof is provided. The container includes a housing defining an internal volume with opposed five mutually perpendicular walls and an open end allowing access to the internal volume. A heater and a fan are disposed within the housing. An assembly is removably positioned within the internal volume of the housing and configured to be removed from the internal volume in a single motion without any external tools, the assembly comprises five mutually perpendicular walls and an open end allowing access to an internal volume within the assembly. When the assembly is positioned within the housing, a first plenum is defined within a space between the rear wall of the assembly and the rear wall of the housing, and a second plenum in fluid communication with the first plenum is defined within a space between the lower wall of the assembly and the rear wall of the housing. An outlet of the second plenum urges air flowing therethrough across the combined open ends of the housing and the assembly.
US08362401B2 Heater
A toner-fixing heater includes a substrate elongated in a first direction, a resistor formed on the substrate, a wiring portion connected with the resistor, and a protective film covering the resistor. The resistor includes two belt-like portions elongated in the first direction and spaced away from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The resistor or the wiring portion includes a conductive portion for passing an electric current in the second direction. The conductive portion may have an edge extending in nonparallel to the first direction and the second direction, or may include a first layer and a second layer formed on the first layer, where the first layer is closer to the substrate than the second layer, and the edges of the second layer are located inward of the edges of the first layer as viewed in the first direction.
US08362399B2 Windshield heater
A windshield heater for heating the bottom section of a vehicle windshield includes a heating element located proximate the windshield selectively energized by direct current from the electrical circuit of the vehicle. The heater may be a heating element directly adhered to the windshield. Alternatively, the heater may include a sleeve enveloping the length of the heating element and a corresponding length of compressible material to lodge the heater between the windshield and the adjacent section of a dashboard to place the heating element proximate the windshield.
US08362395B1 Hand held MIG welding spark shield
A welding shield includes a frusto-conical metal shield member, open at top and bottom, and including a wall opening for welding gun access. A lens is removably mounted in the top of the shield member, and a horizontal metal screen is removably mounted within the shield member between wall opening and lens. A circumferential base around the bottom is of a flexible and nonflammable material for effective closure around a weld work area. The work area is viewable, magnified, by the lens. The welding shield is lightweight for easy movement and placement by one available hand of the user.
US08362384B2 Anti-buckling housing for spring within a switch assembly
A switch assembly includes a cover connected to a base to form a switch housing and a toggle switch movably connected to the housing. The toggle switch has a lower portion disposed within the housing and a handle disposed externally of the housing such that movement of the handle moves the toggle switch between off and on positions. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first end of the spring is connected to the base and a second end of the spring is connected to the lower portion of the toggle switch. A spring housing is disposed over at least a portion of the spring to prevent buckling of the spring when the spring moves with the toggle switch. By substantially preventing spring buckling, the switch assembly is safer and has a longer life.
US08362381B2 Switch mechanism and electronic device
A switch mechanism having a switch button(s) to be pushed, a support board having a projecting portion(s) at a position corresponding to the switch button(s), and a switching assembly that is provided between the switch button and the support board and that switches an electrical connection state with the projecting portion in a state where the switch button is pushed. The support board having a through hole(s) around a position corresponding to the projecting portion. The through hole(s) is(are) formed such that the projecting portion is displaced in a pushing direction of the switch button in the state where the switch button is pushed.
US08362371B2 Key assembly for an electronic device having one-piece keycaps and multi-touch preventing supports
According to one aspect, a keypad for an electronic device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of external contact portions defining a full row of the keypad. Each external contact portion corresponds to one of the switches and includes at least one of a text-entry character and a functional character. Each of the external contact portions is movable to actuate the corresponding switch. The keypad further includes a plurality of keycap supports. Each keycap support is disposed between adjacent external contact portions. After one of the external contact portions has been moved to actuate the corresponding switch, at least one of the keycap supports engages the keycap having the one of the external contact portions to inhibit the keycap from actuating at least one of the other switches.
US08362367B2 Multilayer printed wiring board and method for manufacturing multilayer printed wiring board
A method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board suitable for forming fine conductive circuits. A multilayer printed wiring board is formed with a first insulative material and a first conductive circuit formed on the first insulative material. A second insulative material is formed on the first insulative material and the first conductive circuit, and has an opening portion that reaches the first conductive circuit. A second conductive circuit is formed on the second insulative material and a via conductor is formed in the opening portion and connecting the first conductive circuit and the second conductive circuit. An insulative thin film is formed on at least part of the side surface of the first conductive circuit, and the via conductor is directly connected to the surface of the first conductive circuit exposed through the opening portion.
US08362364B2 Wiring board assembly and manufacturing method thereof
A wiring board assembly includes a rectangular plate-shaped wiring board having a plurality of resin insulation layers and conduction layers alternately laminated together to define opposite first and second main surfaces and a plurality of connection terminals arranged on the first main surface for surface contact with terminals of a chip and a rectangular frame-shaped reinforcing member fixed to the first main surface of the wiring board with the connection terminals exposed through an opening of the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member has a plurality of structural pieces separated by slits extending from an inner circumferential surface to an outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing member.
US08362358B2 Electrical transmission cable
The present invention relates to an electrical transmission device. The device comprises a tube containing a liquid conducting material therein. A first and a second connector element are connected to a first and a second end portion of the tube, respectively, such that the liquid conducting material is contained in the tube in a sealed fashion. The first connector element receives an electrical signal and providing the same to the liquid conducting material for transmission to the second connector element. The second connector element receives the electrical signal from the liquid conducting material and provides the received electrical signal. The electrical signal provided by the second connector element has substantially a same phase coherence than the electrical signal received at the first connector element.
US08362356B2 Intermetal stack for use in a photovoltaic device
A donor silicon wafer may be bonded to a substrate and a lamina cleaved from the donor wafer. A photovoltaic cell may be formed from the lamina bonded to the substrate. An intermetal stack is described that is optimized for use in such a cell. The intermetal stack may include a titanium layer in contact with the lamina, which reacts to form titanium silicide, a non-reactive barrier layer to check the silicide reaction, a low-resistance layer, and an adhesion layer to help adhesion to the receiver element.
US08362348B2 Electronic musical apparatus for generating a harmony note
Tone pitch information is extracted from the received input note information. A scale is determined on the basis of retrieved tonality information. A reference scale note is determined on the basis of the extracted tone pitch information and the determined scale. A tone pitch of a harmony note is determined by counting scale notes which form the determined scale from the determined reference scale note until reaching a scale note designated by the retrieved degree information.
US08362347B1 System and methods for guiding user interactions with musical instruments
A system and methods guide a user toward performing actions. Embodiments include a guidance system for helping a user play a musical instrument, a musical gaming system where users attempt to play music in accordance with the guidance instructions, and other systems or devices requiring particular user inputs. Through novel combinations of sensor inputs and processing, electronic musical instruments allow simulation of acoustic instruments including but not limited to a Trombone, Trumpet, and Saxophone. Sensor inputs are configured to trigger playback and transitioning of sound and control its various attributes alone, or in combination. To guide a user to interact with these and other instruments and devices, indicators are presented on a display. Indicators prompt actions such as touching, blowing, producing sound, shaking, and tilting, or a combination thereof. Indicators can be configured to prepare a user to take an action.
US08362345B1 Musical instrument accessories and methods for using same
Musical instrument accessories are provided that can include a substantially planar board at least partially complimenting the rear face of the musical instrument. A portion of the board can define at least one substantially planar leg coupled to the board and moveable between at least two positions with respect to the board, the first position wherein the leg is received within the board to complete the board, and the second position wherein the leg is extended from the board to form a support for the musical instrument. The accessory can also include one or more adhesion elements along one side of the board. Methods for supporting a musical instrument are provided that can include adhering the board to a rear face of a musical instrument, storing the musical instrument in a case with the leg in the first position, and supporting the musical instrument with the leg in the second position.
US08362337B1 Maize variety hybrid X03A190
A novel maize variety designated X03A190 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03A190 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03A190 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03A190, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03A190. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03A190.
US08362333B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV699725
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV699725. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV699725, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV699725 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV699725 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV699725.
US08362332B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV165560
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV165560. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV165560, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV165560 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV165560 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV165560.
US08362326B2 Lettuce named gun slinger
A novel lettuce cultivar, designated GUN SLINGER, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar GUN SLINGER, to the plants of lettuce line GUN SLINGER and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar GUN SLINGER with itself or another lettuce line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce lines derived from the cultivar GUN SLINGER.
US08362324B2 Nucleic acid sequences to proteins involved in tocopherol synthesis
Nucleic acid sequences and methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered tocopherol content and compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the tocopherol levels in plants, and in providing desirable tocopherol compositions in a host plant cell.
US08362321B2 Methods and materials for increasing starch biosynthesis in plants
The subject invention concerns materials and methods for providing plants or plant tissue with increased starch biosynthesis. Increased starch biosynthesis provides for increased yield. One aspect of the invention concerns polynucleotides that encode a mutant plant large subunit of AGPase. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide of the invention encodes a plant AGPase large subunit having an amino acid mutation wherein the cysteine amino acid corresponding to amino acid position 424 of wild type maize AGPase large subunit is substituted with an amino acid that results in increased AGPase activity when provided in an AGPase enzyme. In a specific embodiment, the cysteine corresponding to amino acid position 424 of wild type maize AGPase large subunit is substituted with a valine amino acid. The subject invention also comprises a mutant plant large subunit of AGPase encoded by a polynucleotide of the invention. Characterization of kinetic and allosteric properties indicates increased starch yield is provided when the polynucleotides of the invention are expressed in plants such as monocot endosperms.
US08362293B2 Process for producing isocyanates
An object of the present invention is to provide a process allowing long-term, stable production of isocyanates at a high yield without the various problems found in the prior art during production of isocyanates without using phosgene. The present invention discloses a process for producing an isocyanate by subjecting a carbamic acid ester to a decomposition reaction in the presence of a compound having an active proton and a carbonic acid derivative.
US08362291B2 Acrylic and methacrylic esters of poly(trimethylene ether) glycol
Novel (meth)acrylic ester of poly(trimethylene ether) glycol compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an ester (a monoester, a diester or mixtures thereof) of a polytrimethylene ether glycol and at least one polymerization inhibitor.
US08362289B2 Mixture for recovery utilization or transfer of carbon dioxide
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mixture for recovery utilization or transfer of carbon dioxide gas. According to the present invention, disclosed is a mixture containing carbon dioxide and an alkyltin alkoxide composition containing carbon dioxide complex of an alkyltin alkoxide, the mixture having a composition with a specified ratio.
US08362279B2 Process for pure duloxetine hydrochloride
A process for the preparation of pure Duloxetine hydrochloride comprises the steps of: a) reacting 1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethanone with dimethylamine hydrochloride, b) purifying the component in a solvent, c) reducing the component with an alkali metal borohydride, d) resolving the compound with a chiral acid, and treating the obtained compound with weak inorganic base, e) reacting the compound to give Duloxetine oxalate salt and f) converting the Duloxetine salt into its hydrochloride salt. Further the purifications of the obtained compound and of two intermediate products are described.
US08362269B2 Preparation of 1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-2,5′-bi-1H-benzimidazole
The invention relates to a process for preparing 1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-2,5′-bi-1H-benzimidazole of formula (I)
US08362267B2 Benzophenone thiazole derivatives useful for inhibiting formation of microtubule and method for producing the same
Disclosed are a novel thiazole-containing benzophenone derivative represented by formula 1, and an isomer thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a hydrate thereof and a solvate thereof, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the derivative, a use of the derivative as therapeutic agent and a method for preparing the derivative. The benzophenone thiazole derivatives inhibit formation of microtubules and eliminate actively proliferating cells of malignant tumors to control general cell proliferation. In formula 1, R, R1 and R2 are defined as above.
US08362264B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of disease associated with Trp-p8 expression
Provided are small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators, including Trp-p8 agonists and Trp-p8 antagonists, and compositions comprising small-molecule Trp-p8 agonists as well as methods for identifying and characterizing novel small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators and methods for decreasing viability and/or inhibiting growth of Trp-p8 expressing cells, methods for activating Trp-p8-mediated cation influx, methods for stimulating apoptosis and/or necrosis, and related methods for the treatment of diseases, including cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and/or prostate cancers as well as other diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, that are associated with Trp-p8 expression.
US08362262B2 Compositions to effect neuronal growth
Compositions containing neurogenic agents for inhibition of neuron death and inducing proliferation of neural cells are disclosed.
US08362258B2 Transition metal mediated oxidation of hetero atoms in organic molecules coordinated to transition metals
The present invention is directed to a process for the catalytic oxidation of the thioether 5-methoxy-2-((4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl)methylthio)-1H-benzimidazole to its sulfoxide: 5-methoxy-2-((4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl)methylsulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazole comprising: reacting the thioether with: 1) a transition metal catalyst; and, 2) an oxygen source; wherein the thioether is oxidized to a sulfoxide and wherein one of either the R and S enantiomers is formed to an enantiomeric excess.
US08362252B2 Carbostyril compound
The present invention provides a carbostyril compound represented by General Formula (1) or a salt thereof, wherein A is a direct bond, a lower alkylene group, or a lower alkylidene group; X is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R4 and R5 each represent a hydrogen atom; the bond between the 3 and 4 positions of the carbostyril skeleton is a single bond or a double bond; R1 is a hydrogen atom, etc; R2 is a hydrogen atom, etc; and R3 is a hydrogen atom, etc. The carbostyril compound or salt thereof of the present invention induces the production of TFF, and thus is usable for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders such as alimentary tract diseases, oral diseases, upper respiratory tract diseases, respiratory tract diseases, eye diseases, cancers, and wounds.
US08362250B2 Fluorescent dyes and compounds, methods and kits useful for identifying specific organelles and regions in cells of interest
The present invention provides dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and cellular organelles. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes provided in this invention can comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been substituted with specific groups to provide beneficial properties.
US08362248B2 Substituted pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl derivatives as modulators of metabolism and the treatment of disorders related thereto
The present invention relates to certain substituted pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl derivatives of Formula (Ia) that are modulators of metabolism. Accordingly, compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of metabolic-related disorders and complications thereof, such as, diabetes and obesity.
US08362239B2 Heteroaromatic phthalonitriles
Disclosed are an oligomer and a phthalonitrile monomer having the formulas: M is a metal or H. The value n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 for the oligomer and greater than or equal to 0 for the phthalonitrile monomer. Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected aromatic- or heterocyclic-containing groups. Ar1, Ar2, or both are heteroaromatic or heterocyclic groups containing a nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen heteroatom. Also disclosed are thermosets and pyrolyzed materials made from the phthalonitrile monomer.
US08362237B2 Optical-isomer separating agent for chromatography and process for producing the same
A novel optical-isomer separating agent for chromatography is provided which has, as a chiral selector, a macrocyclic amide compound having the ability to function as a chiral shift agent. The optical-isomer separating agent for chromatography is formed by bonding, with a carrier by chemical bonding, a specific ring structure containing an asymmetry recognition site, an amide group as a hydrogen-bond donor site, and a hydrogen-bond acceptor site.
US08362236B2 Macrocyclic compound
The present invention provides a novel class of compounds that have the activity of inhibiting HSP90 enzyme and are useful as anti-cancer agents or such, and compounds that are useful as synthetic intermediates thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides compounds represented by the following formula (1), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, L1, L2, and L3 are as defined in the specification.
US08362233B2 Stabilized immune modulatory RNA (SIMRA) compounds
The invention relates to the therapeutic use of novel stabilized oligoribonucleotides as immune modulatory agents for immune therapy applications. Specifically, the invention provides novel RNA-based oligoribonucleotides with improved nuclease and RNase stability and that have immune modulatory activity through TLR7 and/or TLR8.
US08362226B2 Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic sugar transporter genes and enzymes from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods
Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for transporting sugars across cell membranes using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.
US08362222B2 Fungal protease and use thereof
The present invention is related to a fungal serine protease enzyme useful in modification, degradation or removal of proteinaceous material, which enzyme comprises an amino acid sequence of the mature Tr Prb1 enzyme having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 or a variant thereof having similar activity. The serine protease is obtainable from Trichoderma. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease, such as plasmid pALK2650 comprising the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 10 of the full length enzyme deposited in E. coli RF8052 under accession number DSM 22635. Said protease is useful as an enzyme preparation applicable in detergent compositions and for treating fibers, for treating wool, for treating hair, for treating leather, for treating food or feed, or for any applications involving modification, degradation or removal of proteinaceous material at low or moderate temperature ranges.
US08362219B2 Open channel solid phase extraction systems and methods
The invention provides, inter alia, methods of extracting an analyte from a solution comprising the steps of: passing a solution containing an analyte through an extraction channel having a solid phase extraction surface, whereby analyte adsorbs to the extraction surface of said extraction channel; purging bulk liquid from said extraction channel; and eluting the analyte by passing a desorption solvent through the channel. In some embodiments, the analyte is a protein. The invention further provides reagents, channels, columns and instrumentation related to this and other methods.
US08362218B2 Peptides targeting TNF family receptors and antagonizing TNF action, compositions, methods and uses thereof
The present invention provides modulators of TNF, particularly peptides and their derivatives, particularly GEP peptides, which antagonize TNF and TNF-mediated responses, activity or signaling. The invention provides methods of antagonizing TNF and the modulation of TNF-mediated diseases or responses, including inflammatory diseases and conditions. Compositions of GEP peptides, including in combination with other inflammatory mediators, are provided. Methods of treatment, alleviation, or prevention of TNF-mediated diseases and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, Chrohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, inflammatory lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are provided.
US08362215B2 Antibodies immunoreactive with heregulin-coupled HER3
Antibodies which specifically bind heregulin-coupled HER3, at a site distinct from the heregulin binding site, are described. These antibodies are particularly useful in treating cancer.
US08362213B2 Anti-FcRH5 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of use
Anti-FcRH5 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of using anti-FcRH5 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided.
US08362207B2 Multi-level specific targeting of cancer cells with IL-13
A compound comprising, in combination: a cell surface binding ligand or internalizing factor, such as an IL-13Rα2 binding ligand; at least one effector molecule (e.g., one, two, three or more effector molecules); optionally but preferably, a cytosol localization element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule; and a subcellular compartment localization signal element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule (and preferably with said cytosol localization element between said binding ligand and said subcellular compartment localization signal element). Methods of using such compounds and formulations containing the same are also described.
US08362200B2 Rotor/stator device and method for salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions
A process for the salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions in a rotor/stator assembly is disclosed. The rotor/stator assembly includes a casing, a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the casing, a rotor having a conical surface affixed to the rotor shaft, and a stator affixed to the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor. The conical surface faces a surface of the stator to form an adjustable shear gap, which is surrounded by an annular space. A polymer dispersion is fed into the assembly and conveyed through the shear gap. During this conveyance, the polymer dispersion is precipitated at a predetermined shear rate and a predetermined shear deformation. The polymer dispersion is discharged from the assembly through an outlet neck, and the assembly is flushed with water using one or more ports formed in at least one of a pipeline coupled to the axial feed neck, the stator, and the casing.
US08362199B2 Borazine-based resin, process for its production, borazine-based resin composition, insulating film and method for its formation
Interlayer insulating films 5,7 (insulating films) provided in a memory capacitor cell 8 are formed between a gate electrode 3 and a counter electrode 8C formed on a silicon wafer 1. The interlayer insulating films 5,7 comprise a borazine-based resin, having a specific dielectric constant of no greater than 2.6, a Young's modulus of 5 GPa or greater and a leak current of no greater than 1×10−8 A/cm2.
US08362198B2 Resin particle and process for production thereof
There is provided a method for producing a resin particle capable of unprecedentedly realizing both excellent heat resistant keeping property and melting property. The present invention is a method for producing a resin particle (X) comprising the step of treating a resin particle (B) containing a resin (A) composed of a crystalline part (a) containing, as an essential constitutional component, a polyester (p1) not containing an aromatic ring or a polyester (p2) containing an aromatic ring, and produced by polycondensation of a polyol component and a polycarboxylic acid component, and a noncrystalline part (b), with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (C), and removing (C), wherein a heat of fusion measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the obtained (X) satisfies the following relational formula (1): 0≦H2/H1≦0.9  (1) [in the relational formula (1), H1 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the initial temperature elevation measured by DSC; and H2 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the second temperature elevation measured by DSC].
US08362195B2 Ionically conductive polymer for use in electrochemical devices
An ionically conductive polymer has the chemical structure 1 as shown herein. Examples of the polymer include 4,4′-(4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing carboxylic acid backbone, and sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone from carboxylic acid containing sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone). The polymer has intrinsic ion conducting properties so that it is effectively conductive even under low water conditions. In one embodiment, the polymer has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10−5 S/cm at a temperature of 120° C. when the polymer is substantially anhydrous.
US08362193B2 Reagents for directed biomarker signal amplification
Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.
US08362191B2 Polyamide resin and hinged molded product
A polyamide resin comprising a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit comprising an adipic acid unit and a diamine constitutional unit comprising a pentamethylenediamine unit and a hexamethylenediamine unit wherein a weight ratio of the pentamethylenediamine unit to the hexamethylenediamine unit being in the range of 95:5 to 60:40; a vibration-welded molded product having an excellent vibration welding strength, a hinged molded product and a binding band having an excellent low-temperature toughness, and a filament having an excellent transparency which are obtained from the polyamide resin; and a hinged molded product comprising a polyamide resin constituted of an adipic acid unit and a pentamethylenediamine unit.
US08362189B2 Catalyst mixture and method for the production of polyesters with high viscosity
Provided are a catalyst mixture and also a method for the production of a polyester melt with high viscosity, the granulate obtained therefrom having an intrinsic viscosity of >0.70 dl/g and an L* color >70 and the b* color being between −5 and +5. The catalysts being used during the production are not based on heavy metals but on titanium compounds. Also no components of catalysts based on heavy metal are added. The granulate can be processed further in any way, e.g. to form bottles, containers, films, foils or fibers.
US08362187B2 Phenol resin powder, method for producing the same, and phenol resin powder dispersion liquid
Disclosed is a thermofusible and thermosetting phenol resin powder having an average particle diameter of not more than 20 μm and a single particle ratio of not less than 0.7. This phenol resin powder preferably has an average particle diameter of not more than 10 μm, a variation coefficient of the particle size distribution of not more than 0.65, a particle sphericity of not less than 0.5 and a free phenol content of not more than 1000 ppm. Also disclosed are a dispersion liquid of such a phenol resin powder, and a method for producing a phenol resin powder having such characteristics.
US08362184B2 Butene/α-olefin block interpolymers
Embodiments of the invention provide a class of mesophase separated butene/α-olefin block interpolymers with controlled block sequences. The butene/α-olefin interpolymers are characterized by an average block index, ABI, which is greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4. Preferably, the block index is from about 0.2 to about 1. In addition or alternatively, the block butene/α-olefin interpolymer is characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (‘TREF’), wherein the fraction has a block index greater than about 0.3 and up to about 1.0 and the butene/α-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4.
US08362182B2 Process for producing cation exchangers
Strongly acidic cation exchangers with high mechanical, osmotic and oxidation stability can be prepared by sulfonating bead polymers formed from one or more vinylaromatic monomer(s), one or more crosslinker(s) and from 0.2 to 20% by weight of one or more vinyl ethers and/or vinyl esters.
US08362175B2 Beta-amino ester compounds and uses thereof
Hair treatment compositions are disclosed comprising a β-amino ester compound in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, such as a spray or cream. In embodiments, the compounds include a polybutadiene moiety. Methods of treating hair with the compositions to impart volume, texture and definition are also disclosed.
US08362171B2 Norbornene monomers with an epoxy group and polymer material thereof
Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups and polymer materials thereof are disclosed. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are highly active for ring-opening-metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and the molecular weight and PDI value of the obtained polymers are controllable.
US08362165B2 Process for the production of polymer microparticles
The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a high-quality polymer microparticle having uniform particle size of the order of several micrometers to tens of micrometers by inverse suspension polymerization at high productivity while keeping excellent dispersion stability without causing aggregation among particles. The process is one for the production of polymer microparticles by inverse polymerization of a vinyl monomer and is characterized in that the inverse suspension polymerization is conducted dividing at least two steps, an oil-soluble oxidizing agent and a water-soluble reducing agent are used as a polymerization initiator, and the oil-soluble oxidizing agent is fed after the water-soluble reducing agent is fed.
US08362157B2 Polylactic acid composition and molding comprising the composition
The invention aims at providing a polylactic acid composition having specific thermal characteristics and gas barrier properties and at obtaining a polylactic acid composition comprising PLLA and PDLA which composition can form moldings (such as stretched film) excellent in surface smoothness, transparency, heat resistance, and toughness. Specifically, a polylactic acid composition characterized by exhibiting a peak of 30 mJ/mg or above in DSC as determined by cooling at a rate of 10° C./min after the lapse of 10 min at 250° C., preferably a polylactic acid composition characterized by exhibiting a peak (1)/peak (2) ratio of 0.5 or below wherein the peak (1) and peak (2) correspond to a peak of Tm of 150 to 180° C. and a peak of Tm of 200 to 240° C. respectively in DSC as observed in the second heating (namely, re-heating from 0° C. at a rate of 10° C./min which follows the cooling at a rate of 10° C./min conducted after the lapse of 10 min at 250° C.).
US08362154B2 Metathesis of nitrile rubbers in the presence of transition metal complex catalysts
A novel process for the metathetic degradation of nitrile rubbers is provided which uses specific transition metal complex catalysts showing an increased activity.
US08362153B2 Polyisobutenyl sulfonates having low polydispersity
The present invention provides for polyisobutenyl sulfonates, methods for preparing them, and composition employing them; wherein said polyisobutenyl sulfonates have improved low temperature and high temperature viscometric properties. The polyisobutenyl sulfonates are prepared by sulfonating polyisobutene and reacting the polyisobutenyl sulfonate with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, wherein the polyisobutene is characterized by having at least 90 mole percent methyl-vinylidene, a number average molecular weight of about 350 to 5,000, and a ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight Mw/Mn of from about 1.01 to about 1.4.
US08362149B2 Golf ball material, golf ball and method for preparing golf ball material
The invention provides a golf ball material composed of an ionomeric resin composition obtained by melt-blending under applied heat one or more compounds selected from among UV/EB-curable materials with, in the presence of a peroxide, a non-ionomeric thermoplastic resin and an ionomeric resin; or of an ionomeric resin composition obtained by using, instead of the ionomeric resin, an acid-containing polymer base of the ionomeric resin and subjecting the acid-containing polymer composition similarly prepared by melt-blending under applied heat to an acid-neutralizing reaction with a metal ionic species. Methods for preparing such a material, and golf balls which include as a component therein a molding made of the golf ball material are also provided. The golf ball material has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, and can thus be used to obtain high-performance golf balls endowed with an excellent abrasion resistance, scuff resistance, durability and flexibility without a loss of rebound.
US08362147B2 Thermoplastic resin composition and molded body thereof
A thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention capable of improving the strength and surface gloss of a molded article is comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (a) and 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of a core-shell polymer composition (b), wherein the core-shell polymer composition (b) is obtained by polymerizing a shell-constituting component in the presence of a core obtained by polymerizing a core-constituting component, the core-constituting component contains 70% to 99.95% by weight of an alkyl acrylate having an alkyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, 0.05% to 10% by weight of a polyfunctional monomer, and 0% to 20% by weight of a monomer copolymerizable with the alkyl acrylate and/or the polyfunctional monomer, the total amount of which is 100% by weight, the polyfunctional monomer is one or more selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycol diacrylate and polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate, and the molecular weight of a component soluble in methyl ethyl ketone and insoluble in methanol of the core-shell polymer composition (b) is 500,000 or higher.
US08362140B2 Pigment-dispersed composition, colored photosensitive composition, photocurable composition, color filter, liquid crystal display device, and solid-state image pickup device
A pigment-dispersed composition includes (a) a high-molecular compound containing at least one kind of repeating unit selected from repeating units each represented by the following Formula (I) or (II), (b) a pigment, and (c) an organic solvent, wherein, in Formulae (I) and (II), R1 to R6 each represent a hydrogen atom or another group; X1 and X2 each represent —CO—, —C(═O)O—, —CONH—, —OC(═O)—, or a phenylene group; L1 and L2 each represent a single bond or a divalent organic linking group; A1 and A2 each represent a monovalent organic group; m and n each represent an integer of from 2 to 8; and p and q each represent an integer of from 1 to 100. Also disclosed is a pigment-dispersed composition containing (A) a graft high-molecular polymer in which acrylic acid is copolymerized at a proportion of from 5% by mass to 30% by mass in the main chain thereof, (B) a pigment, and (C) an organic solvent.
US08362130B2 IR-absorbing Intaglio ink
Pasty ink for the engraved steel die printing process, having a viscosity value above 3 Pa·s, preferably above 5 Pa·s at 40° C., and comprising an infrared absorbing material, wherein said infrared absorbing material is a transition element compound whose IR-absorption is a consequence of electronic transitions within the d-shell of transition element atoms or ions.
US08362125B2 Hot melt adhesive
Hot melt packaging adhesives comprising a base polymer component, a tackifier component and a wax component, which wax component comprises a soy wax, and are described.
US08362123B2 Solidifying adhesives having silane cross-linking
A one-component moisture-curing adhesive containing at least one flowable polyoxyalkylene or polyacrylate prepolymer with at least one hydrolyzable silane group, at least one inert additive solid at room temperature selected from hydrocarbon resins, polyesters or polyamides with a softening point of 40 to 150° C., together with auxiliary substances and additives.
US08362121B2 Crosslinkable rubber composition and cross-linked rubber
A crosslinkable rubber composition comprising 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of an aromatic secondary amine-based anti-aging agent and 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of a polyamine-based crosslinking agent with respect to 100 parts by weight of a nitrile rubber including an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile unit and an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoester unit, and with iodine value of 120 or less. The present invention can provide a crosslinkable rubber composition, providable of a cross-linked rubber excellent in a variety of properties such as mechanical strength and small in compression set, and a cross-linked rubber obtained by cross-linking the rubber composition.
US08362118B2 Rubber composition for use in tires
A rubber composition for use in tires including from 60 to 120 parts by weight of a silica having a CTAB specific surface area of from 70 to 175 m2/g and from 3 to 25 parts by weight of an aromatic modified terpene resin excluding terpene phenol resins per 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber including from 30 to 80 weight % of a terminal-modified styrene-butadiene rubber and from 10 to 50 weight % of a butadiene rubber. An average glass transition temperature of the diene rubber is −55° C. or lower and an average glass transition temperature of a component formed from the diene rubber, the aromatic modified terpene resin, and an optional plasticizer is −45° C. or lower.
US08362114B2 Thermoplastic compositions containing microspheres
A composition including a poly(biphenylether sulfone) and microparticles. A composition including a poly(aryl ether sulfone), a polyetherimide and/or a polycarbonate, and high crush strength glass hollow microspheres having a crush strength greater than 15,000 psi. Articles made from the compositions. Aircrafts, cars and other vehicles comprising compounds made from the compositions.
US08362111B2 Synthetic stone of high translucence, method of its production and use
Stone is formed from 5 to 60% by weight of polymerised, low-viscosity, transparent or low-colour-resin, 20 to 90% by weight of spherical alumina trihidrate Al2O3.3H2O containing less regular particles containing, advantageously 0 to 100% by weight of a transparent or translucent substitute of alumina trihydrate, and/or with 0 to 20% or pre-prepared particulate, filled resin of a chosen colour, and/or mineral particles and less than 2% by weight of luminophor. These individual components are mixed intensely whilst extracting included gaseous parts. Extraction is carried out whilst mixing, and/or after mixing, and/or before mixing. The mixture is initiated by introducing a starter and intensely mixing it into the mixture. The mixture is poured into a mould or onto a moving endless belt. The cured synthetic stone is removed from the mould or the hardened composite is taken off the the belt. Synthetic stone can be used in products as a light carrier.
US08362109B2 Pencil lead for writing, drawing and/or painting devices
A polymer-bonded pencil lead for writing, drawing, and/or painting devices, including at least one polymer binder, one wax, and at least one filler. The pencil lead includes 0.5 to 2.5% by weight palm oil.
US08362108B2 Transfer ink jet recording aqueous ink
An aqueous ink for a transfer ink jet recording method including applying to an intermediate transfer member a reaction liquid which forms an increased viscosity ink image by coming into contact with a coloring material in the ink, applying the ink to the intermediate transfer member by an ink jet device to form an intermediate image, and bringing a printing object into contact with the intermediate transfer member to transfer the image to the object. The aqueous ink contains a coloring material which is a polymer dispersion pigment dispersed in the aqueous medium with a polymer having a hydroxyl group in its structure as a dispersant, a nonionic surfactant which is an alcohol ether surfactant a 1% aqueous solution of which has a cloud point of 33° C. or less and which has a C4-C30 alkyl group and a propyleneoxy group in its structure, and an aqueous medium.
US08362103B2 Resin composition, dry film, and processed product made using the same
The invention provides a resin composition which develops excellent flame retardance after curing in spite of its being free from halogen-containing compounds and antimony compounds, which are liable to cause environmental load, and which can give a film meeting the recent sever demands for higher flexing resistance and insulation reliability. Specifically, the invention provides a resin composition which comprises (A) a polyimide precursor and (B) an adduct of an organophosphorus compound represented by formula (1) with a compound having four or more (meth)acrylate groups. It is preferable that the resin composition further contain (C) a phosphazene compound.
US08362092B2 Organic/inorganic compositive dispersant including inorganic clay and organic surfactant
The present invention provides an organic/inorganic compositive dispersant and a method for producing the same. The compositive dispersant comprises a complex of inorganic clay and an organic surfactant. The compositive dispersant is produced by reacting inorganic clay with the organic surfactant in a solvent to generate a complex. The inorganic clay is layered or platelet. The organic surfactant is an anionic surfactant such as alkyl sulfates, a nonionic surfactant such as octylphenol polyethoxylate and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, or a cationic surfactant such as fatty (C12˜C32) quaternary ammonium salts and fatty (C12˜C32) quaternary ammonium chlorides.
US08362091B2 Foamable vehicle and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
A hygroscopic pharmaceutical composition includes at least one hygroscopic substance at a concentration sufficient to provide an Aw value of at least 0.9 and an antiinfective agent. A foamble pharmaceutical carrier includes about 50% to about 98% of a polar solvent selected from the group consisting of a polyol and PEG; 0% to about 48% of a secondary polar solvent; about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of a surface-active agent; about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent; and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US08362067B2 3-aminoalkyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one derivatives, preparation thereof and therapeutic use thereof
The present invention relates to novel 3-aminoalkyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one derivatives, to their preparation and to their therapeutic application.The compounds of the present invention correspond to the formula (I): in which the variables are as set forth in the specification. These compounds exhibit a strong affinity and a high selectivity for human arginine-vasopressin (AVP) V1a receptors and some compounds additionally exhibit a strong affinity for AVP V1b receptors.
US08362063B2 Arylsulfonamide based matrix metalloprotease inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): said compound is inhibitor of MMP-2, and/or MMP-8, and/or MMP-9, and/or MMP-12 and/or MMP-13, and thus can be employed for the treatment of a disorder or disease characterized by abnormal activity of MMP-2, and/or MMP-8, and/or MMP-9, and/or MMP-12 and/or MMP-13. Accordingly, the compound of formula (I) can be used in treatment of disorders or diseases mediated by MMP-2, and/or MMP-8, and/or MMP-9, and/or MMP-12, and/or MMP-13. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition.
US08362060B2 Crystalline forms of an alkoxyimidazol-1-ylmethyl biphenyl carboxylic acid
The invention provides crystalline salt forms of 4′-{2-ethoxy-4-ethyl-5-[((S)-2-mercapto-4-methylpentanoylamino)methyl]-imidazol-1-ylmethyl}-3′-fluorobiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds, and methods of using the crystalline compounds to treat diseases such as hypertension.
US08362059B2 Anti-fungal formulation
Provided herein are compositions and formulations comprising an antifungal agent. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising luliconazole in an amount effective for the treatment of onychomycosis are provided. Also provided are methods for treating dermatomycoses and onychomycosis using the compositions and formulations.
US08362052B2 Isoindolin-1-one derivative
The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I): (wherein R, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen or halogen atom; R5 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or lower alkyl or together represent oxo; X represents C(O) or the like; Y represents an oxygen atom or the like; Z represents a hydrogen atom or the like; R represents 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl having 1-3 hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen atoms, contained within a ring, or the like) or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08362050B2 Compounds and methods for modulating G protein-coupled receptors
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with or mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, in particular G protein-coupled receptor 120.
US08362048B2 Selective sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor modulators and methods of chiral synthesis
Compounds that selectively modulate the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor are provided including compounds which modulate subtype 1 of the S1P receptor. Methods of chiral synthesis of such compounds is provided. Uses, methods of treatment or prevention and methods of preparing inventive compositions including inventive compounds are provided in connection with the treatment or prevention of diseases, malconditions, and disorders for which modulation of the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor is medically indicated.
US08362042B2 Stable R(+)-lansoprazole amine salt and a process for preparing the same
A stable R-(+)-lansoprazole alkylamine salt and a process for preparing the salt.
US08362032B2 Bicyclic derivatives as modulators of ion channels
Bicyclic derivatives having formula (I) and a composition thereof are useful as ion channel antagonists:
US08362031B2 Lonidamine analogues and treatment of polycystic kidney disease
Lonidamine derivatives can be useful in methods of treating, inhibiting, and/or preventing polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Accordingly, lonidamine derivatives can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount for inhibiting, and/or preventing polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the subject. This can include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the lonidamine derivatives for inhibiting CFTR and/or Hsp90 or biological pathway thereof. Also, the method can include administering the lonidamine derivatives in a therapeutically effective amount for inhibiting ErbB2, Src, Raf-1, B-Raf, MEK, Cdk4, NKCC1, or combinations thereof. For example, the therapeutically effective amount of the lonidamine derivatives can be configured so as to provide a concentration in or adjacent to a kidney cell of about 0.25 uM or more or less.
US08362027B2 Iontophoretic preparation for treatment of breast cancer and/or mastitis
The present invention is to provide means to treat breast cancer and/or mastitis by topically administering a non-steroidal antiinflammatory analgetic agent and/or an anticancer agent and allowing them efficiently to arrive into the mammary gland. The present invention provides an iontophoretic preparation for treating breast cancer and/or mastitis which contains a non-steroidal antiinflammatory analgetic agent and/or an anticancer agent as an active ingredient and has a donor to be applied on a nipple part for topical administration of the active ingredient from the nipple part to the mammary gland by application of electric potential.
US08362011B2 Tricyclic triazolic compounds
The present invention relates to new tricyclic triazolic compounds having a high affinity for sigma-1 receptor as well as to the process for the preparation thereof, to composition comprising them and to their use as medicaments according to compounds of formula (I), Wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the description.
US08361993B2 Hydroxy-bisphosphonic acid derivatives as vector targeting bone tissue
The present invention relates to hydroxy-bisphosphonic acid derivatives corresponding to general formula (I): in which: -n and m denote, independently of one another, an integer ranging from 1 to 4, —X denotes an oxygen atom or an N—R3 group, —R1 and R3 denote, independently of one another, a linear or branched C1 to C6 alkyl group, and —R2 denotes a residue of a molecule of therapeutic or diagnostic interest, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said derivatives, and also the method for the preparation thereof and the therapeutic or diagnostic use thereof.
US08361990B2 Glucosamine and glucosamine/anti-inflammatory mutual prodrugs, compositions, and methods
Mutual prodrugs of glucosamine, and derivatives and analogs of glucosamine and an anti-inflammatory agent, compositions thereof, and methods for, e.g., treating disorders and conditions by administration of the compositions are provided. Topical compositions of glucosamine, and derivatives and analogs of glucosamine are also provided.
US08361985B2 Short hairpin RNA for gene knockdown of NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and its application on pharmaceutics
A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for gene knockdown the genetic expression of NR1 subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor comprises a first fragment sharing homologous nucleotides among the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptor; a second fragment having complementary sequence to the first fragment; and a connecting fragment having any base in repeated arrangement, and connecting to the first and second fragments. Also, a method of treatment for pathological pain, by applying the shRNA described above to subcutaneous tissues of living organisms for gene knockdown the genetic expression of the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptor in hypoderm.
US08361970B2 Growth factor binding molecules
Growth factor binding molecules having a plurality of peptide loops attached to a non-peptide organic scaffold, preferably having pseudo-six amino acid peptide loops with four amino acid sidechains. The growth factor binding molecules specifically bind various growth factors and are suitable for treating a subject having tumors or restinosis. In one embodiment a platelet-derived growth factor binding molecule is disclosed that is used to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis in solid tumors.
US08361969B2 Designer cyclic peptides—HIV gp120 antagonists and their applications
The present invention is concerned with a novel composition of matter—a cyclic peptide derived from computer modeling studies that modulates the structure and function of the HIV main envelope protein gp120. The compound is capable of binding to the CD4-binding region of gp120 (this defines it as a CD4 mimic), and can be used for the purposes of: (1) controlling and preventing HIV infections, (2) detecting, isolating and purifying gp120. Contrary to examples of prior art that involved CD4 mimics being either small molecules or macromolecules, the present invention is concerned with the class of “large small molecules” that may offer a satisfactory balance between the activity and drug-like properties. Modified variants of the prototype compound that can be reasonably considered its derivatives are also claimed.
US08361965B2 Recombinant chimeric protein of neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirugen, and pharmaceutical composition thereof
A chimeric protein containing neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirugen, the chimeric protein having an amino acid sequence that includes FPRPGSGG (SEQ ID NO:21) Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the chimeric protein, which can be used for treating or preventing cerebral injury and cerebral edema, or for inhibiting platelet aggregation.
US08361960B2 Periostin-induced pancreatic regeneration
A method for regenerating pancreatic tissue using recombinant periostin protein, a nucleic acid encoding said periostin and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said periostin are disclosed. Isolation of a nucleic acid encoding a periostin isoform, panc, is also taught.
US08361956B2 Recombinant APases nucleic acid sequences
The various embodiments herein provide nucleic acid sequences isolated from Pseudomonas putida strain P13 encoding a family of APases including a phytase and a sugar phosphatase which are highly active at a temperature of 60° C. and at a broad range of pH and withstand the harsh conditions of food processing and digestive system of animals. The enzymes are active at a wide temperature range of 20° C. to 75° C. and at a pH of 5. The embodiments also provide a method of production of the APases. The embodiments also provide a method of isolation and cloning of the APases.
US08361949B2 Treatment enabling the removal of a coating and/or stain from a construction material
The invention relates to a treatment that can be used to remove a coating and/or stain from a construction material, such as anti-graffiti treatment. The inventive treatment uses a beta-dicarbonyl product.
US08361948B2 Paint stripper
A paint stripper composition includes from about 70 to about 76 percent by volume of methylene chloride, from about 10 to about 14 percent by volume of isopropanol, from about 5 to about 8 percent by volume of formic acid, from about 1.5 to about 2.5 percent by volume of OP-10, from about 1 to about 2.5 percent by volume of phenol, and from about 2 to about 4 percent by volume of ozocerite, based upon 100 percent by volume of the total composition.
US08361946B2 Detergent composition
The invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous detergent dispersion comprising mixing at least one silane compound, colloidal silica particles, and a detergent to form an aqueous detergent dispersion comprising silanized colloidal silica particles. The invention also relates to a dispersion obtainable by the method and to the use thereof.
US08361938B1 Stuck pipe and well stimulation additive and method
An aqueous or oil-based mixture containing a non-toxic, low pH, antimicrobial, acidic composition having a pH between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.5 with and without a proppant is used as a subterranean well stimulation additive. Without a proppant, the LpHAC stimulation additive is used for acidization. In another embodiment, with a proppant, the LpHAC stimulation fluid is used in hydraulic fracturing. As a well stimulation fluid, it involves the injection of specially engineered fluids and other materials into the well bore at rates that actually cause the cracking or fracturing of the reservoir formation to create fissures or cracks in the formation to increase fluid flow of underground resources from the reservoir into the well bore.
US08361917B2 Rare earth aluminoborosilicate glass composition
The invention relates to aluminoborosilicate-based glasses suitable for use as a solid laser medium. In particular, these aluminoborosilicate-based laser glasses exhibit broad emission bandwidths of rare earth lasing ions. Although not entirely understood, the broadening of the emission bandwidth is believed to be achieved by the presence of significant amounts of lanthanide ions in the glass matrix. In addition, because of the high values of Young's modulus, fracture toughness and hardness, the rare earth aluminoborosilicate glass system according to the invention is also suitable as transparent armor window material.
US08361908B2 Modified surface material, method for preparing same and uses thereof
The use of at least one diazonium salt bearing an initiator function, for forming an undercoat obtained by grafting a graft derived from the diazonium salt and bearing an initiator function at the surface of a conductive or semiconductive material on the undercoat, and for forming on the undercoat a polymeric layer obtained by polymerization, in particular free radical polymerization, in situ of at least one monomer, initiated from the initiator function.
US08361907B2 Directionally etched nanowire field effect transistors
A method for forming a nanowire field effect transistor (FET) device includes depositing a first semiconductor layer on a substrate wherein a surface of the semiconductor layer is parallel to {110} crystalline planes of the semiconductor layer, epitaxially depositing a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer, etching the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer to define a nanowire channel portion that connects a source region pad to a drain region pad, the nanowire channel portion having sidewalls that are parallel to {100} crystalline planes, and the source region pad and the drain region pad having sidewalls that are parallel to {110} crystalline planes, and performing an anisotropic etch that removes primarily material from {100} crystalline planes of the first semiconductor layer such that the nanowire channel portion is suspended by the source region pad and the drain region pad.
US08361901B2 Die bonding utilizing a patterned adhesion layer
An electronic package and method and system for forming the electronic package. The electronic package has a first substrate including a first electronic device and including through-holes extending through an entire thickness of the first substrate. The electronic package has a second substrate bonded to the first substrate, metallizations formed in the through-holes of the first substrate to connect to components of the first electronic device, and a patternable substance disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and adhering the first substrate and the second substrate together in regions apart from the metallizations. The method and system form through-holes extending through an entire thickness of the first substrate, deposit and pattern an adherable substance on the second substrate in a pattern having openings which expose connections for a second electronic device of the second substrate, align and attach the first substrate and the second substrate together, and form metallizations in the through-holes to connect to the connections for the second electronic device.
US08361889B2 Strained semiconductor-on-insulator by addition and removal of atoms in a semiconductor-on-insulator
A method of forming a strained semiconductor-on-insulator (SSOI) substrate that does not include wafer bonding is provided. In this disclosure a relaxed and doped silicon layer is formed on an upper surface of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. In one embodiment, the dopant within the relaxed and doped silicon layer has an atomic size that is smaller than the atomic size of silicon and, as such, the in-plane lattice parameter of the relaxed and doped silicon layer is smaller than the in-plane lattice parameter of the underlying SOI layer. In another embodiment, the dopant within the relaxed and doped silicon layer has an atomic size that is larger than the atomic size of silicon and, as such, the in-plane lattice parameter of the relaxed and doped silicon layer is larger than the in-plane lattice parameter of the underlying SOI layer. After forming the relaxed and doped silicon layer on the SOI substrate, the dopant within the relaxed and doped silicon layer is removed from that layer converting the relaxed and doped silicon layer into a strained (compressively or tensilely) silicon layer that is formed on an upper surface of an SOI substrate.
US08361888B2 Method for manufacturing SOI wafer
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer wherein an HCl gas is mixed in a reactive gas at a step of forming a silicon epitaxial layer on an entire surface of an SOI layer of the SOI wafer having an oxide film on a terrace portion. As a result, it is possible to provide the method for manufacturing an SOI wafer that can easily grow the silicon epitaxial layer on the SOI layer of the SOI wafer having the oxide film on the terrace portion, suppress warpage of the SOI wafer to be manufactured, reduce generation of particles even at subsequent steps, e.g., device manufacture, and decrease a cost for manufacturing such an SOI wafer.
US08361887B2 Method of programming electrical antifuse
An antifuse having a link including a region of unsilicided semiconductor material may be programmed at reduced voltage and current and with reduced generation of heat by electromigration of metal or silicide from a cathode into the region of unsilicided semiconductor material to form an alloy having reduced bulk resistance. The cathode and anode are preferably shaped to control regions from which and to which material is electrically migrated. After programming, additional electromigration of material can return the antifuse to a high resistance state. The process by which the antifuse is fabricated is completely compatible with fabrication of field effect transistors and the antifuse may be advantageously formed on isolation structures.
US08361885B2 Group-III nitride semiconductor laser device, method of fabricating group-III nitride semiconductor laser device, and method of estimating damage from formation of scribe groove
A method of fabricating group-III nitride semiconductor laser device includes: preparing a substrate comprising a hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor and having a semipolar principal surface; forming a substrate product having a laser structure, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, where the laser structure includes a semiconductor region and the substrate, where the semiconductor region is formed on the semipolar principal surface; scribing a first surface of the substrate product in a direction of an a-axis of the hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor to form first and second scribed grooves; and carrying out breakup of the substrate product by press against a second surface of the substrate product, to form another substrate product and a laser bar.
US08361883B2 Laser processing method
A laser processing method which can highly accurately cut objects to be processed having various laminate structures is provided. An object to be processed comprising a substrate and a laminate part disposed on the front face of the substrate is irradiated with laser light L while a light-converging point P is positioned at least within the substrate, so as to form a modified region due to multiphoton absorption at least within the substrate, and cause the modified region to form a starting point region for cutting. When the object is cut along the starting point region for cutting, the object 1 can be cut with a high accuracy.
US08361878B2 Method for preparing cerium oxide, cerium oxide prepared therefrom and CMP slurry comprising the same
The present invention relates to a method for preparing cerium oxide which enables preparation of cerium oxide showing improved polishing performance, cerium oxide prepared therefrom, and CMP slurry comprising the same.The method for preparing cerium oxide comprises the step of contacting cerium oxide with primary alcohol to increase specific surface area of the cerium oxide 10% or more.
US08361866B2 Modifying work function in PMOS devices by counter-doping
A semiconductor structure comprising an SRAM/inverter cell and a method for forming the same are provided, wherein the SRAM/inverter cell has an improved write margin. The SRAM/inverter cell includes a pull-up PMOS device comprising a gate dielectric over the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode on the gate dielectric wherein the gate electrode comprises a p-type impurity and an n-type impurity, and a stressor formed in a source/drain region. The device drive current of the pull-up PMOS device is reduced due to the counter-doping of the gate electrode.
US08361857B2 Semiconductor device having a simplified stack and method for manufacturing thereof
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip formed of a conductive material, a connector terminal around the semiconductor chip, which is formed of a same material for forming the semiconductor chip, an insulating member for electrically insulating the semiconductor chip from the connector terminal, and a first connection member for electrically coupling the semiconductor chip with the connector terminal. Simplified step of manufacturing the connector terminal may further simplify the steps of manufacturing the semiconductor device.
US08361853B2 Graphene nanoribbons, method of fabrication and their use in electronic devices
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure including a nanoribbon-containing layer of alternating graphene nanoribbons separated by alternating insulating ribbons. The alternating graphene nanoribbons are parallel to a surface of an underlying substrate and, in some embodiments, might be oriented along crystallographic directions of the substrate. The alternating insulating ribbons may comprise hydrogenated graphene, i.e., graphane, fluorinated graphene, or fluorographene. The semiconductor structure mentioned above can be formed by selectively converting portions of an initial graphene layer into alternating insulating ribbons, while the non-converted portions of the initial graphene form the alternating graphene nanoribbons. Semiconductor devices such as, for example, field effect transistors, can be formed atop the semiconductor structure provided in the present disclosure.
US08361849B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device in which a plurality of conductive lines having a fine pitch and a uniform thickness can be formed is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of first conductive patterns in a insulation layer as closed curves, forming a plurality of mask patterns on the insulation layer, the mask patterns exposing end portions of each of the first conductive patterns, and forming a plurality of second conductive patterns in the insulation layer as lines by removing the end portions of each of the first conductive patterns.
US08361848B2 Precise resistor on a semiconductor device
A method includes forming a polysilicon layer on a substrate; and patterning the polysilicon layer to form a polysilicon resistor and a polysilicon gate. A first ion implantation is performed on the polysilicon resistor to adjust electric resistance of the polysilicon resistor. A second ion implantation is performed on a top portion of the polysilicon resistor such that the top portion of the polysilicon resistor has an enhanced etch resistance. An etch process is then used to remove the polysilicon gate while the polysilicon resistor is protected by the top portion.
US08361841B2 Mold array process method to encapsulate substrate cut edges
Disclosed is a mold array process (MAP) method to encapsulate cut edges of substrate units. A substrate strip includes a plurality of substrate units arranged in a matrix. Scribe lines are defined between adjacent substrate units and at the peripheries of the matrix where pre-cut grooves are formed along the scribe lines with a width greater than the width of the scribe lines. An encapsulant is formed on the matrix of the substrate strip to continuously encapsulate the substrate units and the scribe lines to enable the encapsulant to fill into the pre-cut grooves to further encapsulate the cut edges of the substrate units. The cut edges of the substrate units are still encapsulated by the encapsulant even after singulation processes where substrate units are singulated into individual semiconductor packages to prevent the exposure of the plated traces of the substrate units to enhance the moisture resistance capability of the semiconductor packages.
US08361837B2 Multiple integrated circuit die package with thermal performance
A method of assembling a multi-die package is achieved. A heat spreader is disposed on a printed circuit substrate. At least one integrated circuit die is disposed on a top side of the heat spreader and at least one other integrated circuit die is disposed on a bottom side of the heat spreader wherein the dies are connected to the substrate by wire bonds. Thermal solder balls are electrically connected to solderable pads of the heat spreader through the open holes of the substrate, so as to couple the heat spreader to function as a ground plane. Some of the ground pads of the dies can be bonded onto the heat spreader and the others bonded onto the substrate. Alternatively, all of the dies could only be connected to the substrate by wire bonding, and not connected to the heat spreader.
US08361836B2 Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion element
A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element and a photoelectric conversion element manufactured by the manufacturing method. The method includes the steps of forming a p-type impurity diffusion layer by diffusing boron into a silicon substrate, forming an oxidation control mask on a surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in an area corresponding to an area where an electrode for p-type is to be formed, forming a thermal silicon oxide film on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer, exposing part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer by removing the oxidation control mask formed on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in the area corresponding to the area where the electrode for p-type is to be formed, and forming the electrode for p-type on the part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer exposed by the removal of the oxidation control mask.
US08361832B2 Contact for memory cell
A contact for memory cells and integrated circuits having a conductive layer supported by the sidewall of a dielectric mesa, memory cells incorporating such a contact, and methods of forming such structures.
US08361827B2 Assembly techniques for solar cell arrays and solar cells formed therefrom
An assembly technique for assembling solar cell arrays is provided. During the fabrication of a solar cell, openings through the semiconductor layer are etched through to a top surface of the backmetal layer. The solar cells include an exposed top surface of the backmetal layer. A plurality of solar cells are assembled into a solar cell array where adjacent cells are interconnected in an electrically serial or parallel fashion solely from the top surface of the solar cells.
US08361826B2 Method of manufacturing a thin film solar cell
A method of manufacturing a thin film solar cell includes steps of preparing a substrate on which unit cells are defined, forming transparent conducive layers on the substrate and corresponding to the unit cells, respectively, the transparent conductive layers spaced apart from each other with a first separation line therebetween, forming light-absorbing layers on the transparent conductive layers and corresponding to the unit cells, respectively, the light-absorbing layers spaced apart from each other with a second separation line therebetween, forming a third separation line in each of the light-absorbing layers, the third separation line spaced apart from the second separation line, forming a reflection material layer by disposing a silk screen over the third separation line and applying a conductive paste, and forming reflection electrodes corresponding to the unit cells, respectively, by sintering the reflection material layer.
US08361820B2 Manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device
An objective is simplification of a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device or the like. In a manufacturing method of a thin film transistor, a stack in which a first conductive film, an insulating film, a semiconductor film, an impurity semiconductor film, and a second conductive film are stacked in this order is formed, and the first conductive film is exposed by first etching and a pattern of the second conductive film is formed by second etching. Further, after thin film transistors are formed, a color filter layer is formed so that unevenness caused by the thin film transistors or the like is relieved; thus, the level difference of the surface where the pixel electrode layer is formed is reduced. Alternatively, a color filter layer is selectively formed utilizing the unevenness caused by thin film transistors or the like.
US08361815B2 Substrate processing method and method for manufacturing liquid ejection head
A substrate processing method including the steps of disposing a substrate having a recess in such a manner that the face having the recess is upward in the gravity direction, and applying a resist to the recess and face having the recess to form a resist film thereon, and disposing the substrate having the resist film formed thereon in such a manner that the face having the recess is downward in the gravity direction, and applying a liquid capable of dissolving the resist to the resist film to adjust the thickness of the resist film. A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head is also provided.
US08361808B2 Capillary flow solid phase assay
Methods, materials, apparatus and systems are described for performing capillary flow assay. In one aspect, a system includes a sample collection unit to collect a sample liquid and a sample testing and storing unit to interface with the sample collection unit to test and store the collected sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample inlet shaped to receive the collected sample from the sample collection unit, and a sample well positioned below the sample inlet to retain at least a portion of the sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample housing unit to store a remainder of the sample liquid not retained in the sample well, and an analyte testing unit housing shaped to receive an analyte detecting unit to test a presence of a target analyte in the sample liquid.
US08361805B2 System and method for automated sample introduction
A method, system and apparatus for an automated sample introduction system, utilizing a demountable direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (d-DIHEN) is provided which incorporates an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the measurement of the phosphorus content in acid-digested nucleotides and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). An external pulse-free peristaltic pump provides samples from a container via a probe, and the pump is stopped when the probe is removed from the container.
US08361800B2 Diagnostic means and methods using troponin T and NT-proBNP
The present invention relates to diagnostic means and methods. Specifically, the present invention encompasses a method of diagnosing the cause of cardiac necrosis in a subject comprising determining the amount of a cardiac troponin and the amount of a BNP-type peptide in a sample from a subject suffering from cardiac necrosis and comparing the amount of the cardiac troponin and the amount of the BNP-type peptide to reference amounts, whereby the cause of the cardiac necrosis is to be diagnosed. The present invention further relates to a method of determining whether a subject suffering from cardiac necrosis is susceptible for a therapy against initial heart failure and to a method for determining whether a subject suffering from cardiac necrosis is susceptible for a therapy against coronary heart disease. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses, devices, and kits.
US08361795B2 Hepatopoietin and use thereof
Provided are a hepatopoietin PCn (HPPCn) and its homologous proteins, which can promote hepatocyte proliferation in vitro, promote liver regeneration in vivo, inhibit the growth of tumor cells and promote the apoptosis of tumor cells. The hepatopoietin PCn (HPPCn) and its homologous proteins are useful for the treatment of acute and chronic liver injury, or the treatment of liver fibrosis.
US08361793B2 Monoclonal antibodies against gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor
Monoclonal antibodies against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor induce cellular apoptosis of various cancer cells expressing this surface receptor. The monoclonal antibodies and their humanized forms, or fragments thereof, can serve as anti-cancer agents for the treatment of cancer in humans, and can function as analogs of GnRH to affect regulation of reproductive functions or fertility in humans.
US08361779B2 Buffer compounds
A method of buffering a chemical or biological composition, comprising adding to the composition an effective buffering amount of at least one protonated or un-protonated amine-quaternary ammonium compound having a general formula: wherein the variables R, G, n and k are as defined herein.
US08361774B2 Recombinant type II restriction endonuclease, NmeAIII, and a process for producing the same
A protein is described that has an amino acid sequence characterized by at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 24, the protein being capable of recognizing a sequence consisting of 5′-GCCGAG-3′ within the double-stranded DNA and cleaving the substrate predominantly at 21/19 nucleotides from the recognition site. A method is also described that utilizes the protein for creating a DNA tag for use as a unique identifier for paired end sequencing of DNA or serial analysis of gene expression.
US08361767B2 BGL7 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same
The present invention provides a novel β-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl7, and the corresponding BGL7 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL7, recombinant BGL7 proteins and methods for producing the same.
US08361766B2 Continuous single vessel butanol synthesis by fermentation
The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed.
US08361765B2 Enzymic method for the enantioselective reduction of keto compounds
The invention relates to an enzymatic method for the enantioselective reduction of organic keto compounds to the corresponding chiral hydroxy compounds, an alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus minor and a method for the enantioselective production of (S)-hydroxy compounds from a racemate.
US08361762B2 Increased isoprene production using the archaeal lower mevalonate pathway
The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.
US08361761B2 Process for preparing dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and intermediates therefor
A process for production of cyclopropyl-fused pyrrolidine-based inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV is provided which employs a BOC-protected amine of the structure prepared by subjecting an acid of the structure to reduce amination by treating the acid with ammonium formate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, dithiothreitol and partially purified phenylalanine dehydrogenase/formate dehydrogenase enzyme concentrate (PDH/FDH) and without isolating treating the resulting amine of the structure 2 with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate to form the BOC-protected amine.
US08361760B2 Microbial production of 3-hydroxyacids from glucose and glycolate
The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3-hydroxyacids such as 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.
US08361745B2 Human growth and differentiation factor GDF-5
This invention relates to the production and use of pharmaceutical growth factor compositions with novel characteristics, e.g., improved solubility and controlled release characteristics under physiological conditions. Compositions of one or more precursor proteins of growth factors of the GDF family provoke morphogenic effects, such as growth, differentiation, protection and regeneration of a variety of tissues and organs, e.g., bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves and skin. These compositions can be advantageously used for the healing of tissue-destructive injuries and for the prevention or therapy of degenerative disorders.
US08361743B2 Biological production of zeaxanthin and carotenoid biosynthesis control
The present invention relates to the isolation of carotenoids and in particular the xanthophyll zeaxanthin (zeaxanthin-β,β-Carotene-3,3′-diol) and optionally other carotenoids such as lycopene, β,β-carotene, 3′-hydroxyechinenone β-cryptoxanthin and the colourless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene from a marine bacterium belonging to the genus Algibacter which is capable of producing the aforementioned compounds. The present invention also provides a strain of Algibacter which is capable of producing significant levels of carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin at high purity, as well as methods of using the Algibacter strain and uses of the carotenoids produced.
US08361736B2 Ex vivo methods for targeting or depleting acute myeloid leukemia cancer stem cells
Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
US08361732B2 Combination of sPLA2 activity and oxPL/apoB cardiovascular risk factors for the diagnosis/prognosis of a cardiovascular disease/event
The use of a combination of sPLA2 activity and OxPL/apoB cardiovascular risk factors for the diagnosis/prognosis of a cardiovascular disease/event or for the monitoring of a cardiovascular disease.
US08361731B2 Ezrin assay method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer
A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of the Ezrin tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer using at least one anti-Ezrin monoclonal antibody directed against an Ezrin epitope chosen from the epitopes of sequence SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4+SEQ ID No. 5, SEQ ID No. 6+SEQ ID No. 7 and SEQ ID No. 8. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.
US08361727B2 3′OH-unblocked, nucleotides and nucleosides base modified with labels and photocleavable, terminating groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing
Provided are novel nucleotides, nucleoside, and their derivatives described herein, that can be used in DNA sequencing technology and other types of DNA analysis. In one embodiment, the nucleotide or nucleoside with an unprotected 3′-OH group is derivatized at the nucleobase to include a fluorescent dye attached via a linker to a photocleavable terminating group. The photocleavable-fluorescent group is designed to terminate DNA synthesis as well as be cleaved so that DNA oligomers can be sequenced efficiently in a parallel format. The design of such rapidly cleavable fluorescent groups on nucleotides and nucleosides can enhance the speed and accuracy of sequencing of large oligomers of DNA in parallel, to allow rapid whole genome sequencing, and the identification of polymorphisms and other valuable genetic information, as well as allowing further manipulation and analysis of nucleic acid molecules in their native state following cleavage of the fluorescent group.
US08361726B2 Method of detecting tumor-associated DNA in plasma or serum with a premalignant solid tumor
This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions. The invention permits the detection of extracellular, tumor-associated nucleic acid in the serum or plasma of humans or other animals recognized as having a neoplastic or proliferative disease or in individuals without any prior history or diagnosis of neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention provides the ability to detect extracellular nucleic acid derived from genetic sequences known to be associated with neoplasia, such as oncogenes, as well as genetic sequences previously unrecognized as being associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention thereby provides methods for early identification of colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma and all other malignancies carrying tumor-related mutations of DNA and methods for monitoring cancer and other neoplastic disorders in humans and other animals.
US08361723B2 Keratin 8 mutations are risk factors for developing liver disease of multiple etiologies
Keratin 8 and 18 (K8/K18) mutations are shown to be associated with a predisposition to liver or biliary tract disease, particularly noncryptogenic hepatobiliary disease. Unique K8/K18 mutations are shown in patients with diseases including but without limitation to viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, alcoholic cirrhosis and other acute or chronic toxic liver injury, cryptogenic cirrhosis, acute fulminant hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cystic fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, diseases that are linked with cryptogenic cirrhosis, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and the like. Livers with keratin mutations had increased incidence of cytoplasmic filamentous deposits. Therefore, K8/K18 are susceptibility genes for developing cryptogenic and noncryptogenic forms of liver disease. Mutant alleles are associated with disease susceptibility, and their detection is used in the diagnosis of a predisposition to these conditions.
US08361712B2 Contamination-free reagents for nucleic acid amplification
Methods and kits for generating contamination-free reagents and reagent solutions for use in nucleic acid amplification are provided. Methods include processing of polymerase solutions, nucleotide solutions and primer solutions to render contaminating nucleic acid inert. The methods employ the proofreading activity of the polymerase and/or exonucleases to de-contaminate the reagents and reagent solutions. Methods and kits for contamination-free nucleic acid amplification are provided.
US08361711B2 Tools and methods useful in characterising the immunotoxic activity of xenobiotic substances
A method is described for the characterization of a tested substance, particularly useful in the study of its toxicity, and in particular immunotoxicity. Also described are cell lines and nucleic acids useful in its procurement, which may be used to embody said method, particularly in obtaining cell-chip collections destined for immunotoxicity assays.
US08361708B2 Human virus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and uses thereof
The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.
US08361702B2 Resin composition for laser engraving, resin printing plate precursor for laser engraving, relief printing plate and method for production of relief printing plate
A resin composition for laser engraving comprising a binder polymer contains at least one polyester (A) selected from the group consisting of a polyester containing a hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinic acid), and derivatives thereof.
US08361699B2 Method for performing electron beam lithography
The present invention relates to a method for performing high speed electron beam lithography (EBL). An electron beam source (EBS), capable of emitting an electron beam towards the energy sensitive resist, forms a first pattern (P1) on the substrate, the first pattern defining a first direction (D1) on the substrate. The electron beam source then forms a second pattern (P2) on the substrate. The energy and/or dose delivered to the energy sensitive resist during the exposure of the first and the second pattern is dimensioned so that the threshold dose/energy of the energy sensitive resist is reached on the overlapping portions of the first and the second patterns (P1, P2). The invention provides a high speed technique for the production of substrates with high quality developed patterns, e.g. hole or dot arrays, by electron beam lithography. Each hole or dot may be defined by the mutually overlapping portions of the first and second pattern, e.g. exposed lines forming a grid, instead of addressing each dot or hole separately.
US08361698B2 Method of fabricating photo mask for organic light emitting display and photo mask so fabricated
A method of fabricating a photo mask for an organic light emitting display comprises forming a light shielding layer on a transparent substrate, coating the light shielding layer with an electron beam resist, performing exposure on the electron beam resist by a vector scan method in accordance with a specific pattern and using an electron beam having a predetermined accelerating voltage, developing the exposed electron beam resist to form an electron beam resist pattern having the specific pattern, and etching the light shielding layer using the electron beam resister pattern as an etching mask. The specific pattern has a shape corresponding to transistors included in a pixel of an organic light emitting display and elements that constitute a capacitor.
US08361687B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
The electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a substrate and a photosensitive layer disposed on the substrate, wherein a surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor contains fluorine-containing polymer particles and a dispersion aid for the fluorine-containing polymer particles, and the surface layer has convex portions with diameters of from 200 μm to 500 μm spaced at an average interval of from 600 μm to 950 μm.
US08361679B2 Phase shift masks
A phase shift mask having a first region and a second region in a transverse direction includes a transparent layer, a phase shift pattern disposed in the first region, a transmittance control layer pattern disposed in the second region, and a shading layer pattern disposed on the transmittance control layer pattern. The phase shift pattern has a first pattern including a transparent material and a second pattern including metal. The phase shift mask may prevent haze effects through a cleaning process using an alkaline cleaning solution.
US08361671B2 Solid electrolyte fuel-cell device
The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte fuel-cell device wherein a plurality of fuel cells are formed on a single plate. A plurality of cathode layers are formed on one surface of the flat plate-like solid electrolyte substrate, and a plurality of anode layers on the opposite surface thereof, and each fuel cell is formed from a pair of the cathode layer and the anode layer. An electromotive force extracting lead wire is attached to the cathode layer, and a lead wire is attached to the anode layer. The plurality of fuel cells are connected in series by electrically connecting the cathode layer of one fuel cell to the anode layer of an adjacent fuel cell. Flames formed by combustion of a fuel such as a methane gas are supplied to the entire surface of each anode layer, and air is supplied to each cathode layer.
US08361668B2 Devices for managing heat in portable electronic devices
Embodiments of the invention relate to a heat management system for a portable electronic device. The system includes at least one fuel cell, at least one electrical power consumer electrically connected to the at least one fuel cell, an endothermic fuel system configured to provide fuel to the at least one fuel cell and at least one thermal transmission path thermally coupling the at least one electrical power consumer and the endothermic fuel system. At least a portion of heat produced by the electrical power consumer is transferred to the endothermic fuel system.
US08361666B2 Fuel cell apparatus, vehicle including the fuel cell apparatus, and power management method for a system equipped with fuel cell unit
Variation of the amount of power to be produced by a fuel cell unit is limited in accordance with a relationship between an output voltage of the full cell unit and an oxidization-reduction potential of catalyst of a fuel cell of the fuel cell unit. The amount of power to be used to charge or discharged from a battery is then corrected according to the limited variation of the amount of power to be produced by the fuel cell unit 40, so as to meet the required system power output.
US08361658B2 Cathode material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using it
A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, characterized in that the negative electrode material comprises a composite particle including solid phases A and B, the solid phase A being dispersed in the solid phase B, and the ratio (IA/IB) of the maximum diffracted X-ray intensity (IA) attributed to the solid phase A to the maximum diffracted X-ray intensity (IB) attributed to the solid phase B satisfies 0.001≦IA/IB≦0.1, in terms of a diffraction line obtained by a wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurement of the composite particle.
US08361651B2 Active material for rechargeable battery
A magnesium battery includes a first electrode including an active material and a second electrode. An electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte includes a magnesium compound. The active material includes an inter-metallic compound of magnesium and bismuth.
US08361649B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining cell wall integrity using a high yield strength outer casing
A method and apparatus is provided in which a pre-formed secondary can comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material is positioned around the pre-formed battery case, the pre-formed secondary can inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.
US08361645B2 Protective circuit module and secondary battery having the same
A secondary battery includes a plurality of bare cells including a first bare cell and a second bare cell and a protective circuit module spaced above the plurality of bare cells. A first lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the first bare cell, the first lead plate having a first foot plate electrically connected to the first bare cell. A second lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the second bare cell, the second lead plate having a second foot plate attached to the second bare cell and arranged generally diagonally from the first foot plate with respect to the protective circuit module.
US08361640B2 Magnetic recording medium having ion-implanted parts
Embodiments of the present invention provide recording area separated magnetic recording media (DTMs, BPMs) allowing magnetic heads to fly lower. According to one embodiment, the recording area separated magnetic recording media are configured so that magnetic recording layers have parts with the relatively higher element ratio of a ferromagnetic material, and parts with the lower element ratio of the ferromagnetic material, occurring periodically in the in-plane direction, and the average height from the substrate surface of the parts with the relatively higher element ratio of a ferromagnetic material is higher than the average height from the substrate surface of the parts with the lower element ratio of the ferromagnetic material. In producing recording area separated magnetic recording media with the element ratio of a ferromagnetic material relatively lowered by ion implantation, preliminarily etching the part to be ion implanted makes the height after ion implantation relatively lower than the non-implanted part.
US08361637B2 Organic electroluminescent device including substituted N-phenylcarbazole-containing compound
An organic electroluminescent is provided and includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer, between the pair of electrodes, including a light emitting layer. The device comprising, in the at least one organic layer, a compound represented by formula (I): where Qs each independently represents a t-butyl group or a trimethylsilyl group; when the compound has a plurality of Rs, the Rs each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cyano group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group; and n stands for 1 or 2.
US08361636B2 Luminescent polymer
A luminescent polymer comprising a triarylene repeat unit which comprises a triarylene of general formula (I) which is substituted or unsubstituted and an arylene repeat unit -[-Ar-]- that is different from the triarylene repeat unit wherein X, Y, and Z are each independently O, S, CR2, SiR2 or NR and each R is independently alkyl, aryl or H.
US08361631B2 Polymer blend containing intermediate transfer members
An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a polymer blend of a polymethacrylimide and a polysulfone, a polymethacrylimide and a polyphenylsulfone, or a polymethacrylimide and a polyethersulfone and optionally a conductive component.
US08361626B2 Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymers having organic soft segments
Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide, block copolymers having organic soft segments and methods of making the copolymers are provided.
US08361619B2 Process for preparing nanocrystalline mixed metal oxides
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nanocrystalline mixed metal oxide particles from at least two different starting compounds, comprising the steps of a) introducing a stoichiometric mixture of the starting compounds into a reaction chamber by means of a carrier fluid, b) subjecting the starting compound to a pulsating thermal treatment in a treatment zone under a pulse in the reaction chamber, c) formation of nanocrystalline mixed metal oxide particles, d) the removal from the reactor of the nanocrystalline mixed metal oxide particles obtained in steps b) and c), wherein the stoichiometric mixture of the starting compounds takes place at a temperature of >50° C. Further, the present invention relates to a nanocrystalline mixed metal oxide, in particular for use as a catalyst, obtainable by the process according to the invention.
US08361618B2 Refrigerant releasing composite
A composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite or combinations of two or more thereof having bonded thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal comprising alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a coating composition sealing one or more layers of the substrate and/or the exterior composite surface configured to prevent release of internal gaseous refrigerant therethrough at ambient temperatures and pressure and capable of penetration of gaseous refrigerant therethrough from the composite interior at temperatures causing internal gas pressures of 15% or more above exterior pressure for such refrigerant release.
US08361611B2 Diffusively light reflective paint composition, method for making paint composition, and diffusively light reflective articles
A diffusively reflective paint composition is disclosed for use in reflectors in lighting fixtures. The paint is formed by blending macroporous polymeric particles with a paint carrier. The macroporous polymeric particles are formed by reducing a reflective macroporous sheet material. The paint can further comprise solid or hollow microspheres. The paint can be applied to a variety of substrates to form diffusely reflective articles.
US08361608B1 Electrically-conductive nanocomposite material
An electromagnetically active composite has an electrically-nonconductive host matrix and electrically-conductive nanostrand bodies embedded in a substantially uniform distribution throughout the host matrix. Each of the nanostrand bodies comprises a volume containing at least one nanostrand of filamentary metal. Adjacent nanostrand bodies that are sufficiently mutually proximate will interact electromagnetically with each other. The filamentary metal of the one or more nanostrands in each of the nanostrand bodies occupies a deminimus fraction of the overall volume occupied by the at least one nanostrand that comprises each of the nanostrand bodies. The filamentary metal is chosen from among the group of metals that includes nickel, nickel aluminides, iron, iron aluminides, alloys of nickel and iron, and alloys of nickel and copper. Individual nanostrands of the nanostrand bodies have an average diameter in a range of from about 10 nanometers to about 4000 nanometers, and the average diameter of the nanostrand bodies is in a range of from about one micron to about 3000 microns.
US08361607B2 Organic resin laminate
An organic resin laminate comprising an organic resin substrate and a multilayer coating system thereon has UV-shielding property and high mar resistance. The multilayer coating system includes an outermost layer (I) resulting from plasma polymerization of an organosilicon compound, a lower layer (II) of a silicone coating composition comprising composite oxide nanoparticle dispersion, silicone resin, curing catalyst, and solvent, and optionally a bottom layer (III) of acrylic resin.
US08361606B2 Composite comprising at least one hard component and at least one soft component
The present invention relates to a plastics composite encompassing at least one hard component whose modulus of elasticity is greater than or equal to 1000 MPa and one soft component whose modulus of elasticity is less than or equal to 500 MPa, where the hard and the soft component have electrical conductivity, and where the bond strength of the composite is at least 0.5 N/mm2.
US08361604B2 Methods and systems for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces
Methods and apparatuses for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces to support members are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for processing a microfeature workpiece including a plurality of microelectronic dies comprises forming discrete blocks of material at a first side of a support member. The blocks are arranged on the support member in a predetermined pattern. The method also includes depositing an adhesive material into gaps between the individual blocks of material and placing a first side of the workpiece in contact with the adhesive material and/or the blocks. The method further includes cutting through a second side of the workpiece to singulate the dies and to expose at least a portion of the adhesive material in the gaps. The method then includes removing at least approximately all the adhesive material from the support member and/or the workpiece with a solvent.
US08361603B2 Ink composition, ink composition for inkjet recording, inkjet recording method, and printed article obtained by inkjet recording method
The present invention provides an ink composition containing: a polymer having a polyoxyalkylene group and a partial structure selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a siloxane skeleton and a long-chain alkyl group; a polymerizable compound; and a polymerization initiator.
US08361599B2 Durable optical element
A durable optical film or element includes a polymerized structure having a microstructured surface and a plurality of surface modified colloidal nanoparticles of silica, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Display devices including the durable microstructured film are also described.
US08361598B2 Substrate anchor structure and method
An electrical structure and method of forming. The electrical structure includes a first substrate, a first dielectric layer, an underfill layer, a first solder structure, and a second substrate. The first dielectric layer is formed over a top surface of the first substrate. The first dielectric layer includes a first opening extending through a top surface and a bottom surface of said first dielectric layer. The first solder structure is formed within the first opening and over a portion of the top surface of said first dielectric layer. The second substrate is formed over and in contact with the underfill layer.
US08361589B2 Structural reinforcement system
Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, an expandable material, and an adhesive. The expandable material and the adhesive are placed within the carrier such that when the expandable material expands, the adhesive moves to be positioned to bond the rigid carrier to the cavity walls.
US08361588B2 Rotating device
The present invention comprises a rotating device which comprises two pairs of disks. Each pair has a first disk in a first plane and a second disk in a second plane rigidly joined to the first disk. The second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the first disk in each pair are detachably attached to one another and the second disk in each pair are detachably attached to one another so that each pair connectedly rotates with respect to each other. Their respective circumferential edges are in contact with one another.
US08361579B2 Coloured pipes for transporting disinfectant-containing water
This invention relates to the use of a colored polyethylene pipe for transporting water containing disinfectant. The pipe is prepared from a polyethylene resin, that is produced with one or more single site catalyst systems, and that comprises blue pigments and anti-UV additive.
US08361572B2 Coated medium for inkjet printing
A coated medium for inkjet printing, which includes a supporting substrate and a coating layer formed on at least one side thereof. The coating layer includes at least one binder and at least two different inorganic pigments: modified calcium carbonate (MCC) and either precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or clay.
US08361570B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes an alignment sustaining layer formed of a photopolymerized material on each of surfaces of a pair of alignment films which are closer to a liquid crystal layer. The alignment sustaining layer is configured to regulate a pretilt azimuth of a liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer during absence of an applied voltage. A nematic liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer comprise a liquid crystal compound having a terphenyl ring system as an indispensable component, and the liquid crystal layer further comprises part of a photopolymerizable compound. A content of the photopolymerizable compound relative to the nematic liquid crystal material is less than 0.015 mol %.
US08361569B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a 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 at least two of the characteristics. The invention 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 is a liquid crystal composition that has a nematic phase and includes a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a large optical anisotropy as a first component, and a specific four-ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and is a liquid crystal display device containing this composition.
US08361566B2 Method of fabrication of fibers, textiles and composite materials
A method of growing a plurality of free-standing structures comprises providing a plurality of free-standing structures, each free-standing structure having a first end coupled to a substrate, and a terminal end; providing at least one laser beam, the laser beam having a beam waste at a point proximate to the terminal end of the free-standing structure; and moving one of the plurality of freestanding structures or the beam waste to provide a growth zone proximate to the terminal end of each of the free-standing structures such that the free-standing structures grow into the growth zones by addition of decomposing precursor components. The growth rates of each of the free-standing structures are substantially the same.
US08361561B2 Method of manufacturing silicon film by using silicon solution process
Provided may be a method of manufacturing a silicon (Si) film by using a Si solution process. According to the method of manufacturing the Si film, the Si film may be manufactured by preparing a Si forming solution. The ultraviolet rays (UV) may be irradiated on the prepared Si forming solution. The Si forming solution may be coated on a substrate and a solvent in the Si forming solution may be coated on the substrate. An electron beam may be irradiated on the Si forming solution from which the solvent is removed.
US08361557B2 Solvent-containing pigmented coating compositions and use thereof for producing multicoat paint systems and process for improving the flop of effect paint systems
Disclosed are pigmented coating compositions comprising at least one inorganic particle (N) having a primary particle size of 1 to 800 nm, at least one binder (B), at least one color and/or effect pigment (D), and one or more organic solvents (E), and at least one wax or one waxlike compound (W), wherein the inorganic particles (N) are at least partly modified with a stabilizer (S) which has groups (S1) which are able to interact with the surface of the inorganic particles (N), and one or more hydrophobic substructures. Also disclosed are processes for producing multicoat paint systems and also to the use thereof and also processes for enhancing the flop of multicoat paint systems by using the pigmented coating compositions.
US08361555B2 Hydroxy alkyl isocyanurates
This invention relates to hydroxy alkyl isocyanurates, coating compositions comprising hydroxy alkyl isocyanurates and methods for producing hydroxy alkyl isocyanurates. Dried and cured coating compositions containing the hydroxy alkyl isocyanurates provide excellent durability, gloss and distinctness of image.
US08361546B2 Facilitating adhesion between substrate and patterned layer
Systems and methods for adhering a substrate to a patterned layer are described. Included are in situ cleaning and conditioning of the substrate, and the application of an adhesion layer between the substrate and the patterned layer, as well as forming an intermediate layer between adhesion materials and the substrate.
US08361544B2 Thin film electronic device fabrication process
A thin film electronic device fabrication process includes providing an electronic device on a substrate, a first reactant gaseous material, a second reactant gaseous material, an inert gaseous material; and a delivery head through which the reactant gaseous materials and the inert gaseous material are simultaneously directed toward the electronic device and the substrate. One or more of the reactant gaseous materials and the inert gaseous material flows through the delivery head. The flow of the one or more of the reactant gaseous materials and the inert gaseous material generates a pressure to create a gas fluid bearing that maintains a substantially uniform distance between the delivery head and the substrate. Relative motion between the delivery head and the substrate causes the second reactant gaseous material to react with at least a portion of the electronic device and the substrate that has been treated with the first reactant gaseous material.
US08361537B2 Expandable medical device with beneficial agent concentration gradient
An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device, which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.
US08361532B2 Recombined whole grain wheat having visually indistinguishable particulate matter and related baked products
A recombined whole grain flour for use in preparing whole grain products such that whole grain particulates provide minimal visual impact to the whole grain product. By selectively controlling the particle size of the milled bran and germ constituents used in the recombined whole grain flour, the visual and color impact associated with bran and germ particulates can be substantially eliminated from the whole grain product. In particular, whole grain products such as whole grain breads, dough products, mixes and biscuits can be made with recombined whole grain flour. Whole grain products made with recombined whole grain flour are advantageous in that they incorporate the health advantages associated with whole grains while eliminating the characteristic, visual color differences noticeable within a whole grain crumb due to visually identifiable bran and germ particulates found in traditional whole grain products.
US08361531B2 Glyceride composition for use as coating fat
A composition comprising triglycerides may be used as a coating fat. The triglyceride content of the composition comprises: SSS in an amount of from 10 to 20%; SUS in an amount of from 25 to 65%; SSU in an amount of from 20 to 50%; SU2 in an amount of less than 15%; and S2U in an amount of greater than 70%; wherein: the weight ratio of SUS:SSU is from 0.5:1 to 3.0:1; S is a saturated fatty acid residue having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms; U is an unsaturated fatty acid residue having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms; and all percentages are by weight based on the total triglycerides present in the composition.
US08361527B2 Beverage cartridge
A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.
US08361521B2 Compositions comprising lipophilic extracts of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia for the prevention and treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis
The present invention relates to compositions consisting of a combination of lipophilic extracts of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia, obtained by extraction with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions, which are useful for the prevention and treatment of oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis.
US08361517B2 Composition for regulating lipid metabolism
This invention concerns a composition for regulating lipid metabolism and methods that may be used in the food industry as well as in the nutraceutical and therapeutic fields. In particular, the invention involves food additives or supplements, a composition containing these and the use thereof, in particular for revitalizing a subject's metabolism, in particular, that of human beings.
US08361511B2 Tasteless nutritional supplement containing free amino acids
A nutritional composition includes proteinaceous material and micronutrients, wherein at least 90 wt % of the proteinaceous material and micronutrients is coated with a fat-containing layer containing at least 90 wt % of edible fat, based on the total weight of the layer, and having a SFC of more than 95% at 30° C., wherein the proteinaceous material includes at least 90 wt % free amino acids, based on its proteinaceous weight content, the micronutrients and proteinaceous material in the coated particulate material forming separate particles, and wherein the coated particulate material and the coating are free from phospholipids. It is preferred that the coating is made from hydrogenated palm oil.
US08361506B2 Fast release dosage forms for antibiotics
A multiparticulate, pharmaceutical dosage form containing at least one antibiotic which is sparingly wettable with aqueous media or sparingly soluble in aqueous media and a combination of carrageenan and tricalcium phosphate and optionally sucrose ester. Also, an administration system having this dosage form arranged in a drinking straw with at least one barrier device for single administration, optionally together with a conveying liquid.
US08361502B2 Compositions and methods for the expansion and differentiation of stem cells
The instant invention provides methods and compositions for the expansion and differentiation of stem cells.
US08361499B2 Controlled release hydrocodone formulations
A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.
US08361497B2 Multi-phase, multi-compartment, capsular delivery apparatus and methods for using the same
A multi-compartment capsule, comprising, a first receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a first physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; and a second receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a second physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; wherein said first physical state of said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said second physical state of said ingredient of said second receiving chamber; and said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said ingredient of said second receiving chamber.
US08361487B1 Ant controllers and method for application thereof
The present invention provides an excellent ant controller for protecting wooden materials such as trees, board fences, sleepers, etc. and structures such as shrines, temples, houses, outhouses, factories, etc. from termites, and for controlling ants doing harm to crops or humans, which contains as active ingredient thereof a hydrazine derivative represented by general formula (I) [wherein A represents one of formulas (II), (III), (IV), and (V), (wherein R4 and R5 are H, C1-C6 alkyl, etc.; X is 1 to 5 substituents selected from H, halogen and (halo) C1-C6 alkyl); R1 is H or C1-C6 alkyl; R2 and R3 are H, OH, C1-C6 alkyl, phenylcarbonyl, etc.; Y is 1 to 5 substituents selected from H, halogen, nitro and cyano; Z is halogen, cyano, C1-C6 alkyl, etc.; and W is O or S]; and a method for application of the ant controller.
US08361482B2 Recombinant BCG tuberculosis vaccine designed to elicit immune responses to mycobacterium tuberculosis in all physiological stages of infection and disease
A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
US08361465B2 Use of anti-sphingosine-1-phosphate antibodies in combination with chemotherapeutic agents
The present invention relates to use of anti-S1P antibodies in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for treatment and/or prevention of cancer, tumor growth, metastasis and/or growth of metastatic tumors.
US08361444B2 Aerosolized fosfomycin/aminoglycoside combination for the treatment of bacterial respiratory infections
A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass median aerodynamic diameter predominantly between 1 to 5μ, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.
US08361443B2 Peptide-based compounds
The invention relates to new peptide-based compounds for use as diagnostic imaging agents or as therapeutic agents wherein the agents comprise targeting vectors which bind to integrin receptors.
US08361442B2 Oxime conjugates and methods for their formation and use
The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed.The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations. A method for forming the chiral polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a suitable reagent to form the chiral polyketal. A method for use in chiral separations includes the incorporation of the chiral polyketals in the mobile phase during a chromatographic separation, or into chiral stationary phases such as gels.The present invention further relates to chiral polyketals as a source for chiral compounds, and methods for generating such chiral compounds.
US08361437B2 Multimodal nanoparticles for non-invasive bio-imaging
Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.
US08361433B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing hydrogen-containing gas
There is provided a technique for manufacturing a hydrogen-containing gas. An oxygen-containing gas is mixed with a feed gas obtained by mixing steam with a hydrocarbon fuel, this mixture is introduced into a catalytic reaction chamber, and a partial oxidation reaction and a steam reforming reaction are conducted to obtain a hydrogen-containing gas. In this reforming, an antechamber of the catalytic reaction chamber is heated up to a self-ignition temperature in a first catalyst section, where the self-ignition temperature is the temperature at which a mixed gas self-ignites during the advection period required for the mixed gas to move from a mixing chamber to the catalytic reaction chamber, with this temperature being at least a minimum partial-oxidation temperature and lower than a minimum steam reforming temperature.
US08361432B2 Reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for improving decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur
Disclosed is a reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for increasing the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur. The reactor, the retained catalyst structure, and the method include a retained catalyst structure arranged and disposed for contacting a first stream and a second stream in a reactor including a catalyst. The catalyst increases the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and facilitates the removal of hydrogen sulfide in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream. The first stream includes liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and dissolved hydrogen sulfide. The second stream includes an inert gas or a low oxygen-containing gas.
US08361430B2 Method and system for producing graphene and graphenol
This disclosure includes a process that unexpectedly can produce very inexpensive graphene and a new compound called graphenol in particulate or dispersions in solvents. The process can also produce graphene layers on metallic and nonmetallic substrates. Further, the graphenol and graphene can be utilized to form nanocomposites that yield property improvements exceeding anything reported previously.
US08361429B2 Polycrystalline diamond materials and related products
Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to an HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a PCD material includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains that exhibit a substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution characterized, at least in part, by a parameter θ that is less than about 1.0. θ = x 6 · σ , where x is the average grain size of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution, and σ is the standard deviation of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution.
US08361425B2 CO2 absorption method
A method for removing CO2 in a exhaust gas from combustion of carbonaceous material, in which method the exhaust gas is brought in countercurrent flow with a liquid CO2 absorbent in a contact section of an absorption column, to produce a CO2 depleted exhaust gas that is released into the atmosphere and a CO2 rich absorbent that is withdrawn from the absorption column, wherein the exhaust gas is introduced into the absorption column at a temperature above about 90 and the exhaust gas is cooled in the absorption column by countercurrent flow of the liquid absorbent in the absorption column, is described.
US08361423B2 Exhaust gas after-treatment device and method of use
A method of operating an exhaust gas after-treatment device with a substrate having a catalyst thereon directs exhaust gas through a first portion of the substrate during a cold-start of the after-treatment device, where the first portion of the substrate less than an entirety of the substrate. After light-off of the catalyst in the first portion of the substrate, exhaust gas is directed through the entirety of the substrate. An exhaust gas after-treatment device for carrying out the method includes a flow control device having a cold start configuration and a light off configuration, wherein the cold start configuration directs exhaust gas through the first portion of the substrate, and the light off configuration directs exhaust gas through the entirety of the substrate.
US08361411B2 Tool for sensor arrangement with snap-off segments
A tool for a sensor includes a first portion having an elongated channel that extends therealong for accommodating the sensor, and a second portion with an end slot that accommodates an end portion of the sensor, the sensor having one or more wire electrodes embedded between two substrates. One or both of the substrates has transaxial scoring for facilitating the snapping off of segments to expose a clean portions of the wire electrodes. One or both of the tool portions has a rounded end portion. The end slot of the second portion is dimensioned to correspond to an axial dimension of a segment that is to be snapped off from the sensor. The first tool portion has a shoulder and handle portions, the shoulder portion having a greater thickness than the handle portion, and the handle portion having a thickness that is less than the width of the sensor.
US08361404B2 Cyclonic reactor with non-equilibrium gliding discharge and plasma process for reforming of solid hydrocarbons
A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding are discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.
US08361394B2 Calibration system and dye kit and their uses for characterizing luminescence measurement systems
A calibration system characterizes luminescence measurement systems, in particular spectrally resolving, wide-field and/or confocal imaging systems. The calibration system has a baseplate with at least one flow-through channel, wherein the at least one channel is formed as a sample chamber for the luminescence measurement system, at least one reservoir in communication with the at least one channel and adapted to receive a liquid, and at least one focusing device integrated into a baseplate for setting a defined measurement beam focus of the luminescence measurement system to be calibrated by using a focusing surface.
US08361386B2 Enzyme detection
An enzyme detection product (1) for detecting the presence of an enzyme in a sample. The product (1) comprises: a reaction zone (16) for receiving the sample; a visualization zone (10) for presenting a signal in response to the detection of the activity of the enzyme; and a membrane (11). The membrane (11) is interposable between the reaction zone (16) and the visualization zone (10) and prevents passage from the reaction zone (16) to the visualization zone (10) the components having a size greater than a threshold size. The reaction zone (16) comprises a reactant capable of reacting with the enzyme in order to generate a reaction product having a size less than a threshold size.
US08361385B2 Modular assay plates, reader systems and methods for test measurements
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
US08361376B2 Process of making a three-dimensional object
An optical three-dimensional shaped item excelling in the smoothness of molding end face. There is provided a three-dimensional shaped item composed of, superimposed one upon another, multiple cured resin layers having a given configurational pattern formed by irradiating with actinic energy rays a molding face consisting of an actinic energy ray curable resin composition, wherein at least part of an uneven region of molding end face of the three-dimensional shaped item, the degree of unevenness thereof is reduced to smoothness by segregation of a component contained in the actinic energy ray curable resin composition and/or a substance derived from the component. Also, there is provided an actinic energy ray curable resin composition for the three-dimensional shaped item.
US08361368B2 Smart devices based on a dynamic shape memory effect for polymers
Certain polymer materials, including perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, have been found to be capable of being deformed from an initial permanent shape into three or more temporary shapes. An article thus formed from such a polymer material may be used initially in a final temporary shape. As the article is progressively heated, the polymer composition reverts successively from its final temporary shape through its intermediate temporary shapes. If a suitable temperature is reached, the original permanent shape is recovered. The article may be devised to serve successive functions in each of its several shapes.
US08361360B2 Method for controlling a tablet press
A method for controlling a tablet press comprises the steps of consecutively supplying material into each die of a die table 1, subjecting the material to a pre-compression and a main-compression, whereby the main-compression is performed under substantially constant compression force and variable resulting tablet thickness of the individual tablets, and measuring a weight value representative of the weight of the material fed into the die. The quantity of material supplied to each die is regulated on the basis of a deviation between a previously measured weight value and a first set value. The weight value is measured during pre-compression of the material located in each die. A rotary tablet press is also disclosed.
US08361359B2 Tire vulcanizer
In a tire vulcanizer configured to perform opening and closing of a mold using an efficient ball screw shaft or the like, a top mold mounting member holding a top mold is lifted and lowered by rotating the ball screw shaft with a driving mechanism to vertically lift and lower a ball nut, and the lifting and lowering of the top mold mounting member is stopped by fixing the ball screw shaft by the de-excitation of an electromagnetic brake connected directly to the ball screw shaft, independently from the driving mechanism. According to such a structure, the opening and closing of the mold can be stopped, even if abnormality of the driving mechanism or the brake occurs.
US08361354B2 Optical film, method of manufacturing the optical film, polarizing plate protective film, polarizing plate using the protective film, and liquid crystal display
A method of manufacturing an optical film comprising: extruding a melted substance comprising a thermoplastic resin and irregularly shaped particles from a casting die on a support to form the optical film, wherein the casting die is equipped with, in the order from an upstream of an extruding direction of the melted substance: an inlet portion through which the melted substance flows in; a manifold portion; and a slit portion comprising a extending portion and a land portion, the melted substance being ejected from the land portion, wherein cross-sectional shapes of the extending portion satisfies A1
US08361353B2 Method for making novel compositions capable of post fabrication modification
The invention relates to a novel method for preparing materials whose properties can be manipulated after fabrication. In this process, a base material is created in a manner that provides spaces or voids which can then be filled with a modifying composition. The method is particularly useful in the manufacture of light adjustable optical elements such as intraocular lenses.
US08361351B2 Additive for dielectric fluid
A dielectric fluid comprising hydrocarbon liquid admixed with an ester-based compound, wherein the ester-based compound is present in an effective amount to impart breakdown inhibiting properties to a paper insulation material when the dielectric fluid is in contact with the paper material.
US08361345B2 Compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, polymer and film
A compound represented by formula (I) is disclosed. P1 and P2 represent a polymerizable group; m1 and m2 represent an integer of from 1 to 10, “A” represents a divalent group having a 5- to 18-membered aromatic hydrocarbon ring or a 5- to 18-membered aromatic hetero ring, L3 and L4 represent a C1-10 alkyl group or a C1-10 alkoxy group, k1 and k2 represent an integer of from 0 to 4, X1, X2, X3 and X4 represent —O—, —S—, —NH—, —NR— or —SiR0R00—, n1 and n2 represent 0 or 1, provided that at least one of them is 1; and L1a, L1b, L2a and L2b represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, —CN, —NC, —NCO, —NCS, or —OCN, provided that those in which both of X2 and X3 represent —O—, those in which one of X2 and X3 represents —O— and another represents —NH— or —NR— are excluded only when n1 is 1, both of L1a and L1b are hydrogen atoms, n2 is 1, and both of L2a and L2b are hydrogen atoms, or only when n1 is 1, both of L1a and L1b are hydrogen atoms, and n2 is 0.
US08361341B2 Magnetorheological compositions including nonmagnetic material
A magnetorheological composition includes a mixture of a carrier medium and a particle component disposed in the carrier medium. The particle component includes a magnetic material and a nonmagnetic material. The nonmagnetic material is present in the particle component in an amount of from about 5 to about 95 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the particle component. The particle component is present in the magnetorheological composition in an amount of from about 20 to about 80 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the magnetorheological composition. The magnetorheological composition has an on-state yield stress at magnetic saturation of from about 0.1 to about 100 kPa.
US08361323B2 Methods for use of aniline copolymers
Aniline copolymers and methods of making these copolymers are disclosed herein. The copolymers can, for example, be used for removing metal ions from a sample.
US08361321B2 Perforated graphene deionization or desalination
A separation arrangement isolates chlorine, sodium and possibly other ions from water. The ion-laden water is applied to at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to pass water molecules and to not pass the smallest relevant ion. The deionized water flowing through the perforated graphene sheet is collected. The ions which are not passed can be purged. In another embodiment, the ion-laden water is applied to a first graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to block chlorine ions and through a second graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to block sodium ions. The concentrated chlorine and sodium ions accumulating at the first and second perforated graphene sheets can be separately harvested.
US08361320B2 Biological fluid filtration apparatus
Biological fluid filtration systems including biological fluid filtration devices capable of filtering blood or blood products, including the removal of leukocytes from the blood or blood product. Each system includes a means to automatically drain the biological fluid upstream of the biological fluid filtration media disposed in the biological fluid filtration device. Both single sided and double sided biological fluid filtration devices are disclosed, including double sided biological fluid filtration devices with a solid partition wall with a first independent fluid flow path on one side of the partition wall, and a second independent fluid flow path on the other side of the partition wall. Draining means include vent filtration devices, diaphragm draining devices, and biological fluid filtration devices that include an integral diaphragm. The biological fluid filtration devices include low hold-up volume filter underdrains that purge in excess of 95% of the initial air in the device before liquid begins to flow from the outlet, thereby allowing the devices to be used in bed side applications. Variable surface area biological fluid filtration devices are disclosed that further reduce hold-up volume.
US08361317B2 Filter device for a motor vehicle
A filter device for a motor vehicle has a filter element with a porous ceramic support body provided with one or more passages for receiving a liquid to be filtered and filter membranes formed on inner walls of the passages. The liquid to be filtered passes through the filter membranes into the support body and exits from the support body through a circumferential surface of the support body. At least one compensation element is arranged at an end face of the support body. The compensation element is elastically deformable for providing an additional liquid volume that is generated when the liquid expands due to freezing.
US08361315B2 Filtration and air supply device used in an aquatic equipment
A filtration and air supply device(3) used in an aquatic equipment(2) ,comprising filtration system with air supply, including filtration box(31), water pump(33), filter cartridge(32), air pump(7), air inlet tube(8), air duct(36). The characteristics of this filtration and air supply device(3) are: Said filtration and air supply device(3) locates inside the aquatic equipment(2). Box wall(310) is with grids(312). Water pump(33) locates in one side of the filtration box(31), and filter cartridge(32) locates in the other side of the filtration box(31). Bottom slab(9) is equipped with air inlet hole(38) and water pump power cord inlet hole(40). The bottom of air inlet hole(38) connects the air pump(7) through air inlet tube(8). The upper part of air inlet hole(38) connects air outlet hole (318) through air duct(36). No-return valve(37) locates between air duct(36) and air outlet hole(318). Outside of the air outlet hole(318) is equipped with air filter hood(315).
US08361299B2 Multichannel preparative electrophoresis system
The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.
US08361297B2 Bottom-up assembly of structures on a substrate
Examples of the present invention include methods of assembling structures, such as nanostructures, at predetermined locations on a substrate. A voltage between spaced-apart electrodes supported by substrate attracts the structures to the substrate, and positional registration can be provided the substrate using topographic features such as wells. Examples of the present invention also include devices, such as electronic and optoelectronic devices, prepared by such methods.
US08361292B2 Method for analyzing hemoglobin by capillary electrophoresis and additive used therein
The present invention provides a method for analyzing hemoglobin by capillary electrophoresis, that allows the apparatus to be smaller in size, allows a highly precise analysis to be obtained, and allows the analysis to be performed in a short period of time. The analytical method of the present invention are methods for analyzing hemoglobin by capillary electrophoresis, comprising: a sample-providing step of providing a sample containing hemoglobin; a capillary tube-providing step of providing a capillary tube containing a buffer solution; and an electrophoresis step of carrying out electrophoresis of the sample, by introducing the sample into the buffer solution in the capillary tube, and applying a voltage across both ends of the capillary tube; wherein the electrophoresis is carried out following at least one of modes (A) and (B) below: (A) the electrophoresis is carried out with a surfactant (a) added to the buffer solution, the surfactant (a) being a non-ionic surfactant having an alkyl group as a hydrophobic portion and a sugar as a hydrophilic portion; and (B) the electrophoresis is carried out with a surfactant (b) added to the sample, the surfactant (b) being a betaine-type amphoteric surfactant.
US08361284B2 Reducing the height of a defect associated with an air bearing surface
A method for reducing the height of a defect associated with an air bearing surface of a hard disk drive slider is disclosed. The technology initially ion mills for a first period of time at a first angle relative to an air bearing surface of a disk drive slider to remove a first portion of the air bearing surface. Then the technology ion mills for a second period of time at a second angle relative to an air bearing surface of the disk drive slider to remove a second portion of the air bearing surface. The second portion of the air bearing surface comprises a defect wherein the ion milling at the second angle reduces the height of the defect with respect to the air bearing surface.
US08361280B2 Process for distillatively obtaining pure 1,3-butadiene from crude 1,3-butadiene
A process is proposed for distillatively obtaining pure 1,3-butadiene from crude 1,3-butadiene in a plant comprising one or more distillation columns, comprising supply of a feed stream of crude 1,3-butadiene to the one distillation column or the first of the plurality of distillation columns, the one distillation column or the plurality of distillation columns having a flange with an internal diameter of ≧80 mm, comprising two mutually opposite plane-parallel surfaces (1) with an intermediate seal (2) which seals the interior of the one distillation column or of the first of the plurality of distillation columns from an intermediate space (3) on the atmosphere side between the two mutually opposite plane-parallel surfaces (1), and the intermediate space (3) on the atmosphere side between the two mutually opposite plane-parallel surfaces (1) being closed off from the atmosphere to form a chamber, wherein the chamber is purged continuously during the operation of the plant with a low-oxygen gas or a low-oxygen liquid comprising 1% by weight of molecular oxygen or less, based on the total weight of the low-oxygen gas or of the low-oxygen liquid.
US08361279B2 Extraction bedplate and method for manufacturing an extraction bedplate
An extraction bedplate includes a body and a plurality of apertures through the body. Each of the plurality of apertures includes a first end and a second end wider than the first end. At least three obtuse angles are in each of the first and second ends. A method for manufacturing an extraction bedplate includes creating a plurality of apertures through a body wherein each aperture comprises a first end, a second end wider than the first end, and at least three obtuse angles in each of the first and second ends.
US08361277B2 Evaporator and method of operation thereof
An evaporator is provided for evaporation of liquid from a solution or liquid mixtures, together with methods of operation of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a chamber (1); a liquid reservoir (3) for holding a heat transfer liquid exposed to the interior of the chamber; a support (6) for supporting a container (8) in the chamber, such that the liquid sample in the container is exposed to a fluid path (15) for connection to a condenser (16), the fluid path being separated from the chamber interior, and at least a portion of the container is closely thermally coupled to the chamber interior; and means (4) for heating the heat transfer liquid in the reservoir to create heat transfer liquid vapor, which in use condenses and releases latent heat of vaporization to the liquid sample in the container. As the temperature of the sample is dependent on the saturated vapor temperature of the liquid in the reservoir, the temperature of the samples is reliably limited, thereby avoiding overheating. High levels of heat energy may be delivered controllably to the samples, enabling a high evaporation rate to be achieved at relatively low temperature.
US08361267B2 Adhesive chuck, and apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same
An adhesive chuck, and an apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a first adhesive chuck inside the chamber and having a plurality of adhesive protrusions to adhere to a first substrate conveyed from an outside into the chamber via an intermolecular attractive force, and a driving unit to move the first substrate adhered to the first adhesive chuck and a second substrate toward each other to be compressed and assembled to each other. The apparatus can achieve adhesion and separation of a substrate with minimal power consumption, enhancing an to operating efficiency. Additionally, the adhesive chuck can overcome a problem of spot generation on a display panel caused by remaining static electricity. Furthermore, since the adhesive chuck is almost free from a problem of electric instability, it can exhibit high stability and efficiency and can be fabricated at lower costs.
US08361254B2 Steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom
Maraging steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 3.0 to 8.0% Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The composition may be a first layer of a composite plate, and may have a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a composition comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 1.0 to 3.0 Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The first layer may have a hardness value ranging from 58 to 64 RC, and the second layer may have a hardness value ranging from 48 to 54 RC. The first layer may be formed employing powdered metallurgical techniques. Articles formed from the compositions include armored plate.
US08361247B2 High strength corrosion resistant steel
A quenched and tempered high strength, corrosion resistant steel suitable for aircraft landing gears and structures, having a unique combination of mechanical and corrosion resistant properties: ultimate tensile strength of 295 to 305 ksi, yield strength of 225 to 235 ksi; elongation of 12 to 13.5%, reduction of area of 34 to 36%, Charpy v-notch impact toughness energy of about 14 to 16 ft-lb, fracture toughness of 55 to 60 ksiVin, and corrosion resistance in salt spray test.
US08361245B2 Steel excellent in resistance to sulfuric acid dew point corrosion
The present invention provides a steel material able to secure a superior corrosion resistance in a sulfuric acid dew point corrosive environment of exhaust gas obtained by burning high S-containing fuel, containing, by mass %, C: ≦0.010%, Si: ≦0.10%, Cu: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: ≦0.030%, S: ≦0.050%, and Al: ≦0.10% and comprising a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. Further, this steel contains one type or two types or more of Sb, Sn, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Nb, V, Ti, and B.
US08361240B2 Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
A substrate processing apparatus includes liquid tanks, a conveyor mechanism that dips multiple semiconductor substrates, arranged with provision of spaces, collectively into liquids in the liquid tanks, and water vapor spray nozzles disposed in gaps between the multiple semiconductor substrates so as to face rear surfaces of the semiconductor substrates. Heated water vapor is sprayed out of the water vapor spray nozzles onto the respective rear surfaces of the multiple semiconductor substrates prior to dipping the semiconductor substrates into the liquid in the liquid tanks.
US08361230B2 Magnetic mask holder
Aspects of the present invention are directed to a mask holder for especially large-surface substrates, especially for the micro-structuring of organic electroluminescent materials (OLED) for the production of OLED screens, displays and the like by means of vacuum-coating processes, with a substrate carrier for receiving the substrate during coating processes, with the substrate carrier comprising one or more magnets and the mask features a frame of magnetic material, such that the frame of the mask is held by means of the magnets of the substrate carrier relative to the substrate to be coated.
US08361224B2 Colloidal photonic crystals using colloidal nanoparticles and method for preparation thereof
The present invention relates to colloidal photonic crystals using colloidal nanoparticles and a method for the preparation thereof, wherein by adding a viscoelastic material into a solution containing the colloidal nanoparticles when preparing the colloidal photonic crystals, a uniform volume contraction occurs due to the elasticity of the viscoelastic material even when a nonuniform volume contraction occurs while drying a dispersion medium in the colloidal solution. Thus, it is possible to prepare 2 or 3 dimensional colloidal photonic crystals of large scale with no defects in less time.
US08361223B2 Method for measuring liquid level in single crystal pulling apparatus employing CZ method
Provided is a method for reliably and easily measuring a liquid level by selecting an optimal reflection method from among a plurality of reflection methods, depending on growing conditions of a pulled single crystal. The method comprises: setting a plurality of measuring methods having different ways of determining the liquid level; creating, in advance, information that associates with a gap between the outer peripheral face of the single crystal and a predetermined position located between a heat shield and the outer peripheral face of the single crystal; determining the gap in accordance with manufacturing conditions; selecting a measuring method associated to the determined gap, on the basis of the information; and measuring the liquid level of a melt surface in use of the selected measuring method.
US08361222B2 Method for producing group III nitride-based compound semiconductor
In the production of GaN through the flux method, deposition of miscellaneous crystals on the nitrogen-face of a GaN self-standing substrate and waste of raw materials are prevented. Four arrangements of crucibles and a GaN self-standing substrate are exemplified. In FIG. 1A, a nitrogen-face of a self-standing substrate comes into close contact with a sloped flat inner wall of a crucible. In FIG. 1B, a nitrogen-face of a self-standing substrate comes into close contact with a horizontally facing flat inner wall of a crucible, and the substrate is fixed by means of a jig. In FIG. 1C, a jig is provided on a flat bottom of a crucible, and two GaN self-standing substrates are fixed by means of the jig so that the nitrogen-faces of the substrates come into close contact with each other. In FIG. 1D, a jig is provided on a flat bottom of a crucible, and a GaN self-standing substrate is fixed on the jig so that the nitrogen-face of the substrate is covered with the jig. A flux mixture of molten gallium and sodium is charged into each crucible, and a GaN single crystal is grown on a gallium-face under pressurized nitrogen.
US08361220B2 Strength improvement admixture
A strength improvement admixture composition is provided that increases the compressive strength of cementitious compositions without negatively increasing the setting time. The admixture comprises the components of a polycarboxylate dispersant, a set retarder, and a strength improvement additive.
US08361219B2 Air-curing expanded concrete composed of binder-containing mixtures
The invention relates to an expanded concrete composed of binder-containing mixtures, preferably having binders composed of Portland cement as specified in DIN EN 197 or of mixtures of hydraulic, latent-hydraulic and/or pozzolanic binders, having binders, water with a fraction of 20-60% by mass based on the mass of the binder in the mixture, chemical gas-forming agent, preferably in the form of aluminum powder, at 0.05-0.25% by mass, based on the mass of the binder, for forming mostly air pores in the expanded concrete, wherein the gas-forming agent in the form of a powder forms a mixture of different particle sizes, concrete additives such as in particular microsilica and/or flyash with a fraction of 0.5-25% by mass, based on the mass of the binder, concrete admixtures of mostly liquefying character and at a fraction of 0.5-5% by mass, based on the mass of the binder, wherein the distribution of the air pores of different sizes in the matrix of the expanded concrete, depending on its consistency, makes possible a compressive strength up to 30 N/mm2 after curing, and the expanded concrete is air-curing at atmospheric pressure under normal ambient temperature. In addition, a method is proposed of producing such an expanded concrete, and also a test method of determining the fresh concrete properties of an expanded concrete according to the invention.
US08361213B2 Ink composition and image recording method
The present invention provides an ink composition comprising pigment particles covered with a water-insoluble resin, resin particles, a water-soluble organic solvent, water, and a solid wetting agent in an amount of 5% by mass or more.
US08361211B2 Inkjet recording liquid
An inkjet recording liquid includes: water; at least one colorant; and a water-soluble organic solvent having an SP (solubility parameter) value of 27.5 or less at a content of 70 mass % or more with respect to the total amount of water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent having an SP value of 27.5 or less includes at least one water-soluble organic solvent having a molecular weight of from 240 to 1400 and represented by the following Formula (1) at a content of 70 mass % or more with respect to the amount of the water-soluble organic solvent having an SP value of 27.5 or less. R-An-OH   Formula (1) In Formula (1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a group derived from a sugar alcohol having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; each A independently represents an ethyleneoxy group or a propyleneoxy group; and n represents an integer of from 3 to 24.
US08361197B2 Structure provided with zeolite separation membrane, method for producing same, method for separating mixed fluids and device for separating mixed fluids
There is provided a zeolite separation membrane-provided article having gaps or pores larger than pores inherent to zeolite crystals and controlled within an appropriate range and being capable of achieving both high permeability and high separability for components with small difference in adsorption properties or a component having a smaller molecular diameter than the diameter of the pores, a method for producing the same, a method for separating mixed fluids, and a device for separating mixed fluids. The zeolite separation membrane-provided article is provided with a zeolite membrane having an N2 gas permeation speed at room temperature of 1.0×10−6 mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1 or more and a permeation speed ratio of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene/N2 at room temperature of 0.17 or more and being free from dyeing caused by the impregnation with Rhodamine B.
US08361193B2 System and method for electrostatic air filtering in an automotive vehicle
A system and method is provided for electrostatic air filtering in automotive vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The system includes an electrical distribution system and an electrostatic filtering system having discharge electrodes and an accumulation electrode. The distribution system is in high-voltage electrical communication with the filtering system as well as an electric motor and a high-voltage energy storage device in the vehicle. In operation, the distribution system distributes high-voltage electric power to the filtering system. The filtering system receives the high-voltage electric power to generate a high-voltage electrostatic potential between the accumulation electrode and the discharge electrodes to remove particulates from air flowing through a region of the electrostatic filtering system.
US08361192B2 Methods and systems for recovering rhenium from a copper leach
Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution.
US08361191B2 Low acid leaching of nickel and cobalt from lean iron-containing nickel ores
In various aspects, the invention provides processes that use relatively low levels of acid to leach lean nickel ores, including processes that provide relatively high levels of extraction of nickel and cobalt from nickel laterite ores, in conjunction with relatively low levels of iron extraction.
US08361182B2 Filter cartridge with centerboard, dust collectors, and methods
An air filter cartridge is provided including an air filter media construction having a first, outlet end, flow face and an opposite, second, inlet end, flow face. The filter media construction includes fluted media secured to a facing media sheet. The filter media is closed to flow of unfiltered air completely therethrough. A centerboard is provided. The centerboard has a media portion embedded within the media construction. The centerboard has first and second opposite sides. The media portion that is embedded within the media defines an aperture arrangement extending completely through the centerboard from the first side to the second side. An adhering sealant secures the centerboard to the media construction. At least some adhering sealant extends through the aperture arrangement.
US08361179B2 Cyclone separator device for gas-oil separation
This cyclone device performs diphasic gas-oil separation to remove oil from the recirculated crank cases of an internal combustion engine. Mounted such that it can move vertically inside the cyclone is a body (7) exhibiting symmetry of revolution, particularly one of cylindro-conical overall shape. The body (7) delimits, with the walls of the cylindrical collecting zone (2) and/or of the conical zone (3) for recuperating the liquid oil, an annular gap (13) such that the passage cross section can vary according to the self-adjusting heightwise position of the body (7), as a function of the gas flow rate. The speed of the gases thus remains constant for variable gas flow rates.
US08361155B2 Soft tissue impaction methods
Methods of providing soft tissue impaction using anchored implants are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soft tissue impaction provided by the anchored implants can facilitate intervertebral disc reconstruction. A method of soft tissue impaction includes displacing soft tissue from within a defective region of an anulus into a nuclear disc space of an intervertebral disc as it is driven within an outer surface of an adjacent vertebral body.
US08361140B2 High strength low opening pressure stent design
A stent has a plurality of expansion columns that extend in a radial direction to form a circumference of the stent and interconnected in the axial direction to form an overall axial length of the stent. Each expansion column has a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells that alternates along the expansion column with at least one first cell. Each first cell has at least two facing walls extending in the radial direction that have a first width. The second cells each have at least two facing walls that extend in the radial direction which have a second with greater than the first width. The first cell uses less force to open than the second cell, but upon opening provides increased radial strength by creating a substantially vertical cell wall.
US08361139B2 Medical devices having metal coatings for controlled drug release
Medical devices having a plurality of nanoparticles disposed over a surface of the medical device. The nanoparticles have a core comprising a therapeutic agent and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises a metal. A barrier layer is disposed over the nanoparticles. The barrier layer is water-permeable and comprises a metal that may be different from the metal used in the nanoparticle shells. In certain embodiments, the metal in the barrier layer undergoes galvanic corrosion. Also disclosed are medical device having a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, with nanoparticles and a barrier layer being disposed over the reservoir; and medical devices having multiple barrier layers and multiple reservoirs containing therapeutic agents.
US08361124B2 Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.
US08361103B2 Low profile IVC filter
Intravascular filtering devices for placement within a blood vessel are disclosed. An intravascular filter in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of elongated filter legs biased to radially expand from a collapsed position to a conical-shaped position when deployed in a blood vessel. Each of the filter legs may include a hook region configured to engage the vessel wall. The filter legs may vary in length and/or cross-sectional diameter. In certain embodiments, the dimensions and/or orientation of the hook regions can be configured to allow the filter device to be collapsed into a relatively small introducer catheter or sheath.
US08361094B2 Atherectomy devices and methods
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and methods relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. In some variations, the methods include providing a vascular device comprising a catheter body, a cutter assembly, a drive mechanism, a torque shaft, a conveyor mechanism, and a deflecting mechanism. The methods may further include operating the drive mechanism to cut occlusive material, operating the deflecting mechanism to deflect the distal end of the catheter body, and rotating the distal end of the catheter body to sweep the cutter assembly.
US08361082B2 Marker delivery device with releasable plug
A marker delivery device includes an elongated delivery cannula which has a distal end section, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in the distal end section in communication with the inner lumen. At least one elongated fibrous marker body is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula. The at least one elongated fibrous marker body includes a plurality of bioabsorbable polymeric strands. The strands are compressed to a compressed configuration and bound together in the compressed configuration with a polymer binding agent prior to insertion into the elongated delivery cannula. A releasable plug is disposed within a distal portion of the inner lumen and distal to the at least one elongated fibrous marker body so as to at least partially occlude the discharge opening in the distal end section.
US08361072B2 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps
Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide.
US08361069B2 Energized needles for wound sealing
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a first and a second set of needle like structures. Each set of needle like structures is functional for puncturing the skin of a patient on opposing sides of a wound or cut. Each needle comprises a body and a pointed portion at a distal end. The distal end is structured to form a sealing surface with an opposing needle on a needle of the other set. The sealing surfaces are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the sealing surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy therebetween. The first and second set of needle like structures are movable from a first position where the needles are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position where the first and second sets of needles members are closer to one another. A mechanical force applied to or within a housing is utilized to move the needles sets from the first position to the second position.
US08361056B2 System with a reservoir for perfusion management
A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
US08361054B2 Apparatus and methods for containing and delivering therapeutic agents
The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for containing and delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through the container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure source may be selectively in fluid communication with either a first hollow tube and the container so that therapeutic agent is urged into a catheter, or with a second hollow tube and a catheter so that a fluid from the pressure source bypasses the container and enters the catheter.
US08361051B2 Calibrated medicine mixing assembly and associated method
The calibrated medicine mixing assembly preferably includes a primary reservoir having a primary cavity adapted to receive the fluid. The primary reservoir preferably including calibrated fluid level indicia displayed on an outer surface. Such an assembly may further include a secondary reservoir preferably having a secondary cavity adapted to receive the powder agent. The secondary reservoir preferably including calibrated level indicia displayed on its outer surface. The secondary reservoir is further removably positioned into the primary reservoir such that a major surface area of the secondary reservoir is completely submerged inside the primary reservoir. A plurality of orifices may preferably be formed along a top region of the secondary reservoir, the orifices further situated inside the primary reservoir, thereby causing the secondary cavity to be in fluid communication with the primary cavity when the secondary reservoir is situated within the primary reservoir.
US08361048B2 Refastenable absorbent product with overlaid side panels and method of making same in the machine direction
A prefastened absorbent garment is manufactured with its longitudinal axis in the machine direction. A web of garment chassis material extending in the machine direction is overlaid with a side panel web. The side panel web is attached at opposite width borders of the chassis web and has one or more complementary fasteners opposing each other in the longitudinal axis direction of the garment chassis web. The garment can be folded to place the complementary fasteners in releasable engagement and individuated from the combined chassis and side panel webs.
US08361041B2 Optically guided feeding tube, catheters and associated methods
The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.
US08361038B2 Systems and methods for providing a flow control valve for a medical device
The present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device, the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device, while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device. These systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body, the septum and the pusher.
US08361034B2 Method and apparatus for securing a line to a patient
Apparatus for securing a line (112), comprising at least one sleeve (110) of variable length capable when lengthened of gripping the line and when shortened of sliding along the line, the device further comprising release means (214, 216) arranged to shorten the sleeve on application of a compressive force to the release means in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.
US08361030B2 Disposable infusion device with occlusion detector
A disposable wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament and a cannula having a distal end that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient The device further comprises a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament along a path to the cannula when actuated and a lock-out that precludes actuation of the pump when an occlusion occurs within the path to the distal end of the cannula.
US08361029B2 Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
An apparatus includes a movable member and a valve coupled to the movable member. The movable member is configured to be disposed within a housing of a medical device and has a first end portion and second end portion. A portion of the first end portion is configured to define a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber. The first end portion defines an opening configured to be in fluid communication between the gas chamber and an area outside the gas chamber. The second end portion is configured to be coupled to a needle configured to deliver a medicament into a body. The valve is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber and the area outside the gas chamber through the opening defined by the first end portion of the movable member.
US08361027B2 Drug delivery device
A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to undergo incremental advancement. The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.
US08361024B2 Administration feeding set
An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The set includes tubing for flow of fluid along a fluid pathway and a mounting member on the tubing adapted to engage the flow control apparatus. The mounting member has at least two receiving portions co-axial with the fluid pathway. The set also includes one or more identification members selectively positioned on one or more of the at least two receiving portions of the mounting member to permit identification of the administration feeding set as having a particular functional configuration different from another functional configuration.
US08361022B2 Apparatus for transdermal delivery of parathyroid hormone agents
An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.
US08361017B2 Balloon catheter
A balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable and deflatable balloon fixed to the catheter tube and a refolding device for folding the balloon onto the catheter tube during balloon deflation, wherein the refolding device includes at least one flap arrangement being fixed on the catheter tube and being disposed within the balloon.
US08361010B2 Infusion pump including pain controlled analgesic (“PCA”) apparatus
An infusion pump includes: a housing, a pump actuator supported by the housing, electronics configured to control the pump actuator, a pain controlled analgesic (“PCA”) input device, a cord having a remote end connected to the PCA input device and a local end connected to the housing, a remote integrated circuit; and a local integrated circuit in communication with the electronics and the remote integrated circuit so as to provide operational information concerning the PCA input device to the electronics.
US08361008B2 Device for liquid medical substance venous administration
A method for administering a liquid medical substance in a vein. The method comprises inserting a plurality of tubular ducts into a target venous lumen, conducting a liquid medical substance via at least one of the plurality of tubular ducts (106, 215, 419, 602) for the administering thereof toward a venous wall (110, 410) at the target venous lumen in an ejection pressure, quantity and direction, and withdrawing a residue of the liquid medical substance from the target venous lumen, in a suction pressure, quantity and direction, for the conducting thereof via at least one different of the plurality of tubular ducts (130, 240, 400). A relation between the ejection pressure, quantity and direction and the suction pressure, quantity and direction limits the extent of the administering within the venous lumen to a predefined space.
US08360994B2 Arrangement for body fluid sample extraction
An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.
US08360988B2 Catheter air management system
An air management system is described for removing and reintroducing a desired amount of air into an air passage of a pressure measurement catheter. More specifically, the system includes a cylindrical housing, check valves in communication with the housing and an moveable shaft with multiple sealing members along its length. As the shaft is moved within the housing, a piston member causes the residual air in the catheter air passage to be evacuated to a defined negative pressure. Further movement of the shaft causes a piston member to inject a predetermined volume of air into the catheter air passage. In this respect, periodic adjustments of the piston member returns the volume of air in a variable volume chamber to one that is unaffected by residual volume in the chamber and that provides an optimum volume of air to maximize the time the sensor can function accurately between recharging events.
US08360983B2 Apnea type determining apparatus and method
An apnea classification system provides for apnea monitoring and differentiation based on several sleep apnea related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such sleep apnea related parameters allows the apnea classification system to differentiate among the different types of apnea and hypopnea and to identify an occurrence of periodic respiration. This information may then be used to determine the best method of therapy, or adjust current therapy parameters to more effectively treat a subject.
US08360979B2 Apparatus and method for ultrasonic color imaging
This invention discloses a method and apparatus for ultrasonic color imaging applicable in medical diagnoses and industrial inspections. Multiple color parameters calculated via evaluating a plurality of characterizing properties of the ultrasonic signal attributable to an image point are employed to specify the color of the image point. The produced color image simultaneously exhibits the interior distributions of multiple physical properties of the target under ultrasound inspection, provides much richer interior information of the target than what traditional, single imaging parameter based ultrasonic imaging can provide. The invention enables far more and easier-to-perceive information to be communicated to image viewer's brain, significantly improves the efficiency of image reading, the capability of abnormality discrimination, and the accuracy and reliability of ultrasound inspection. While retaining the traditional capability of locating acoustic interfaces, the disclosed ultrasonic color imaging also provides an effective approach of expressing continuous acoustic medium bodies that prior arts were incapable of delivering.
US08360973B2 Process for acquiring scanned image data relating to an external body portion and/or a product applied thereto
A process is disclosed for acquiring scanned image data relating to an external body portion and/or a product applied to the external body portion. The process includes placing a transfer member in contact with an external portion of an individual to obtain a transfer image on the transfer member. The transfer image of the transfer member is scanned with an optical image scanner to obtain scanned image data. The scanned image data may be sent from a first computer associated with the scanner to a second computer at a remote location. An image corresponding to the scanned image data may be displayed and viewed to analyze a characteristic of the external body portion and/or a characteristic of a product applied to the external body portion. The process may also involve determining a recommendation of a treatment for the external portion and providing this recommendation. Another aspect relates to evaluating the product applied to the external body portion. In addition, the process may include monitoring the status of the external body portion during treatment.
US08360968B2 Endoscopic sheath with illumination
A protective sheath adapted to cover an elongate medical probe. The sheath includes an elongate sheath adapted to receive an insertion tube of a medical probe and isolate the insertion tube from body tissue and at least one light generating element mounted on the sheath.
US08360966B2 Lens drive control apparatus, lens drive apparatus and endoscope system
A lens drive control apparatus of the present invention controls a lens drive system that has a lens frame that holds a lens so as to be movable forward and backward in an optical axis direction of an optical lens, and a transmitting member that transmits to the lens frame a driving force generated by a strain deformation of a shape memory alloy member that exhibits a predetermined hysteresis characteristic between a temperature and an amount of deformation. The lens drive control apparatus includes a control section that, at a timing at which an instruction that causes the lens frame to move forward or backward stops, performs control that changes a temperature of the shape memory alloy member to a temperature belonging to a dead zone of the predetermined hysteresis characteristic.
US08360964B2 Wide angle HDTV endoscope
A wide angle HDTV endoscope includes at least two optical imaging channels. Lenses close each channel at the distal end of the endoscope. The imaging channels each have a different field of view in complementary directions, and have overlapping or cross-over field of view areas. Received images are transmitted along the longitudinal axis of the imaging channels of the endoscope to a camera head that contains a wide screen image sensing device. An external light source provides the required lighting and an image processing device can provide necessary software algorithms to format the images and to control any overlapping or cross-over field of view areas to obtain a single display image. In another arrangement, optical blocking elements provided at the proximal end of the endoscope or within the imaging channels eliminate portions of one or more images from the imaging channels so that at the cross-over areas only a single image is provided to the imaging device.
US08360963B2 Imaging system with two imaging modalities
An imaging system with two modalities has a catheter with an optical lens system situated at an end of the catheter and optically connected to optical guide. The lens system has a numerical aperture which is changeable between a first aperture and a second larger numerical aperture. The imaging system also has an imaging unit for optical imaging with the catheter. First and second imaging modalities are optically connectable with the optical lens system of the catheter. The imaging system can change between imaging in two modes: (1) the first numerical aperture of the optical lens system and the first imaging modality of the imaging unit, and (2) the second numerical aperture of the optical lens system and the second imaging modality of the imaging unit.
US08360957B2 Method of treating erectile dysfunction
The present invention is a novel method of using an elastic band comprising a tubular member constructed in the form of a closed loop, to restrict the flow of blood to the corpora cavernosa, resulting in occlusion of the dorsal veins in the penis and allowing blood to be trapped in the corpus cavernosum to enhance sexual performance and treat erectile dysfunction.
US08360954B2 Apparatus for examining and curing urinary incontinence, and for exercising bio-feedback of women vagina muscles
An apparatus for examining and curing urinary incontinence and exercising the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal muscles using bio-feedback including a controller main body, a probe, and a bio-feedback device. The probe includes: an insert frame extending in a longitudinal direction thereof; an insert expansion part surrounding adjacent to a front end of the insert frame and expandable therearound; an air supply path connected to the interior of the insert expansion part to supply air; a handle engaged with the insert frame; a fixing means for fixing the insert expansion part to the insert frame or the handle; a valve installed at the air supply path; and a PTC ceramic heater and a vibration motor installed at the insert frame. An elastic member includes a magnet, an insertion depth adjustment part, and leg support parts installed at the insertion depth adjustment part. The bio-feedback device includes a sound generating means, and an image display means. The main body includes a controller for controlling each component, a motorized air pump, an air flow detection sensor, a pressure detection sensor, a spring air cylinder, a solenoid air injection valve, an air tank, etc. Therefore, it is possible for a user to readily perform examination and treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle (vagina muscle) reinforcement exercise using bio-feedback.
US08360953B2 Transferring and holding device for high-risk neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients
A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support.
US08360951B2 Point of care radioactive material stranding system
A point-of-care seed stranding device for automating assembly of brachytherapy seed strands for implantation in patients. The device includes a number of features to reduce the potential for mistakes by the user, as well as to reduce the potential for damaging the radioactive seeds during the stranding process. Tactile feedback may be provided to prevent exertion of too much force in the packing step of the stranding process, as well as to indicate that the seed and/or strand cartridges are empty and need to be replaced. The device may also include a mechanism for holding seeds or spacers in place to allow automated packing of seeds or spacers having corresponding geometries. The device may also be provided with a seed counter which can be employed to preset the number of seeds in a strand and which disables the device from dispensing or packing additional seeds once the preset number of seeds has been packed into the strand. Also, methods for automated assembly of seed strands including the steps of setting the number of seeds, dispensing seeds and spacers, packing seeds and spacers and transferring assembled strands to another device.
US08360945B2 Automatic tool storing mechanism
An automatic tool storing mechanism which has a plurality of magazines, a transporting device, and a tool exchanging part. Each magazine holds a number of pots each provided with tools. The transporting device transports tool-mounted pots one by one between the position close to the magazine and the waiting position close to the main spindle. The tool exchanging arm takes out an unused tool from the pot which is waiting at the waiting position and attaches it to the main spindle and also removes the used tool from the main spindle and places it in the pot. (FIG. 3)
US08360942B2 Core muscle strengthening
The method and system of this invention provides for core muscle strengthening. The method comprises the step of: providing an apparatus (10) that provides resistance and assistance during core muscle training using dynamic therapeutic movement for chest, back, abdominal and leg musculature to strengthen and condition muscles of the axial skeleton and lower extremities of a performing user. In one embodiment, the method also is for non-invasive physical therapy.
US08360934B2 Method of controlling an exercise apparatus
A method for controlling an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions to move a first tag from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. The final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.
US08360931B2 Power take-off clutch synchronizing system
A power take-off (PTO) is used to selectively run a secondary device. The PTO includes a clutch assembly having first and second clutch members that are selectively engaged with each other to drive the secondary device. The first clutch member is associated with a driving input and rotates at an input speed. An accumulator is in power communication with the secondary device and is used to provide power to temporarily drive the second clutch member via the secondary device such that a speed of the second clutch member can be synchronized with the input speed for clutch engagement.
US08360928B2 Drive apparatus for vehicle
A drive apparatus for a vehicle includes a differential action limiting device for selectively switching a differential device in a differential state and a locked state, with the differential device and the differential action limiting device being disposed between a first electric motor and a second electric motor.
US08360925B2 Multi-speed transmission with compound and simple planetary gear sets and with layshafts
A transmission is provided that includes a first compound planetary gear set and a second simple planetary gear set. An input member, an output member and the planetary gear sets are arranged coaxially with one another to define a first axis of rotation. A first and a second layshaft are arranged coaxially with one another to define a second axis of rotation. A first set of intermeshing gears transfer torque from the input member to the first layshaft. A second set of intermeshing gears transfer torque from the second layshaft to the second planetary gear set. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish multiple forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08360907B2 Hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission
A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and an orifice (25) that is provided in an oil passage (24) between the fail-safe valve (19) and the drive pulley (21). Then, a hydraulic pressure in the oil passage (24) on the drive pulley (21) side of the orifice (25) is supplied to the first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) as a feedback pressure.
US08360906B2 Basketball having indicia to enhance visibility
A spheroidal ball includes a body having three grooves that define divisions on the ball. The ball includes a first color and a second color that contrasts with the first color. The second color may be applied in various regions, areas, or sections of the ball to enhance the visibility of the ball in use.
US08360903B2 Method of selecting preferred customized equipment parameters for golf clubs
A method of selecting preferred customized equipment parameters for golf clubs, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise collecting a primary data set comprising a plurality of actual golf-equipment parameters and a plurality of actual player-skill evaluation data; providing a plurality of secondary data sets, each comprising a first subset including a plurality of reference golf-equipment parameters and a plurality of reference player-skill evaluation data, and a second subset including a plurality of potential customized golf-equipment parameters; comparing the first subset of each of the plurality of secondary data sets with a corresponding subset of the primary data set; selecting all secondary data sets wherein the first subsets match the corresponding subset of the primary data set; identifying, from the second subsets of all the secondary data sets wherein the first subsets match the corresponding subset of the primary data set, the plurality of potential customized golf-equipment parameters belonging to a specific secondary data set; and designating the plurality of potential customized equipment parameters belonging to the specific secondary data set as the plurality of preferred customized golf-equipment parameters.
US08360890B2 Online gaming cheating prevention system and method
A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming, including a first online gaming server computer system configured to gather information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming; a second online gaming server computer system configured to receive the information; and a central database configured for aggregating the received information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by the first online gaming server computer system along with information stored on the central database regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming server computer systems. The aggregated information from the central database regarding cheaters detected is made available to the second online gaming server computer system, and cheaters identified in the aggregated information are prevented from online gaming on the second online gaming server computer system based on the aggregated information from the central database.
US08360889B2 Game system, game apparatus therefor, communication apparatus therefor, computer program therefor, and data management method therefor
A game system (100) has plural game terminals (200) and a communication apparatus (300). The communication apparatus (300) receives an end notification indicating the end and a state of a play and stores a state data set (254) including a play data item indicating a result of the play and a time data item indicating a point in time corresponding to a point in time at which the end notification was received. The game terminal (200), by transmitting a state request, receives a state data set (254) stored in the communication apparatus (300) at that point in time and reads a play data item within the state data set after a delay period has passed since a point in time indicated by a time data item within the state data set, to output information corresponding to a state of a play indicated by the play data item.
US08360888B2 External control of a peripheral device through a communication proxy in a wagering game system
Example embodiments are directed to external control of peripheral devices through a communication proxy of an electronic wagering game machine in a wagering game network. In a particular embodiment, an electronic wagering game machine includes a central processing unit (CPU); at least one peripheral device in data communication with the CPU; and a data communication interface in data communication with the CPU to enable data communication with an external system via an external system interface, the data communication interface including a first communication mode to control data communication between the external system and the at least one peripheral device, the data communication interface including a second communication mode to enable a communication proxy that optionally relinquishes control of the data communication between the external system and the at least one peripheral device.
US08360886B2 Controlling interaction between protected media
A method, server system, and computer program storage product are disclosed. At least a first unique identifier from a first remote processing system is received. The first unique identifier is associated with a first remote software package that is on the first remote processing system. The first unique identifier and a second unique identifier are compared. The second unique identifier is associated with a second remote software package that is on a second remote processing system. The first unique identifier indicates that the first remote software package is one of a parent and a child copy of a software package executable. The second unique identifier indicates that the second remote software package is one of a parent and a child copy of the software package executable. An operation of at least one of the first remote software package and the second remote software package is authorized based upon the comparing.
US08360881B2 Interactive game for an electronic device
An interactive game allows a player to play a “handclapping” game on a device with a touch screen interface (mobile phone, tablet or other such device) with a 3D model or a 2D model of an animal, a person, or any other character. The player must successfully mimic the moves of the 3D or 2D model/character to progress in the game. Specifically the player must match his moves by touching the screen with his finger or fingers with the moves made by the animal, a person, or any other character, which is also touching its appendages to specific areas of the touch screen.
US08360878B2 Bifurcated electronic display gaming system, apparatus, and method for displaying a primary game when closed and for displaying a secondary game when opened
A gaming system enables a gamer to sequentially play primary and secondary games. The gaming system comprises a primary gaming apparatus having a bifurcated electronic (e.g. liquid crystal or organic light emitting diode) display and a secondary gaming apparatus positioned behind the bifurcated electronic display relative to the gamer. The bifurcated electronic display enables (1) primary gaming when in a closed position, and (2) secondary gaming when in an open position. In other words, the secondary gaming apparatus is viewable when the bifurcated electronic display opens. The primary gaming apparatus effects or provides visually perceptible substantially seamless primary game imagery across the junction of the bifurcated electronic display. Various alternative embodiments and gaming methods are further disclosed as being supporting of the essential gaming system.
US08360877B2 Input of message to be exchanged between game apparatuses connected together for communication thereamong
Multiple game machines communicating with one another progress a game while exchanging messages with one another. A screen showing the progress state of the game is displayed on a first LCD included in each game machine. When the progress state of the game displayed on the first LCD becomes a predetermined game situation, an icon prestored in association with the game situation is displayed in an icon display area provided on a second LCD having a touch panel provided on the front side thereof. When a player touches the displayed icon using a stylus, message buttons prestored in association with the game situation of the touched icon are displayed on the second LCD. When the player touches any one of the displayed message buttons with the stylus to select it, a message corresponding to the selected message button is input.