Document Document Title
US08396462B2 Method of searching for lost child using two-dimensional bar code
Various embodiments of a searching method for a missing child using a two-dimensional bar code are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include photographing a two-dimensional bar code possessed by a missing child through a missing child prevention program and receiving current position information through a GPS module and stores the received position information. The method may also include transmitting the two-dimensional bar code and the stored position information to a two-dimensional bar-code server, receiving child and guardian information of the missing child from the two-dimensional bar code server, and displaying the received child and guardian information. The method may also include connecting a call to the missing child's guardian by inputting a call connection key.
US08396459B2 Cellular communications system for providing non-real time subscription data and related methods
A cellular communications system may include a plurality of mobile cellular communications devices each associated with a respective user, and at least one cellular base station for wirelessly communicating with the mobile cellular communications devices. The at least one cellular base station may have a capacity associated therewith. The system may also include a central station for determining available capacity of the at least one cellular base station based upon active wireless communications with the mobile cellular communications devices. Moreover, the system may also include a subscription server for cooperating with the central station to provide non-real time subscription data to users on respective mobile cellular communications devices via the at least one cellular base station when the determined available capacity thereof is greater than a threshold.
US08396458B2 Automated device provisioning and activation
Devices and methods are disclosed for determining that a traffic flow of a wireless end-user device is associated with a first service activity that includes a data communication associated with a particular application of a plurality of applications on the wireless end-user device; assigning, to the traffic flow, a flow tag configured to assist in preserving the association of the traffic flow with the first service activity when the traffic flow is processed by one or more device functions that operate on the traffic flow; monitoring an attempted or successful wireless access network service usage associated with the flow tag, the determining, assigning, and monitoring occurring in any order; and, after determining that the traffic flow is associated with the first service activity, applying a first service policy to the attempted or successful wireless access network service usage.
US08396454B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic session placeholder for message collection user interface
A method and apparatus for representing a conversation of related messages is provided. In a message collection user interface for displaying messages sent and received by a communications device, a dynamic session placeholder is used for a respective conversation of related messages. The message collection user interface is displayed including any dynamic session placeholders in the list of messages. As messages from the conversation are occasioned, the dynamic session placeholder is updated. When the message collection is displayed, it is displayed in accordance with the updated session placeholder.
US08396446B2 Two way voice communication through GSM with alarm communication
An alarm system senses alarm conditions on a premises, reports the occurrence of an alarm condition to a remote monitoring facility and for selected alarm conditions establishes two way voice communications with a person at the monitored premises or elsewhere. Multiple modes of communication are available such as public switched telephone (audio or audio modulated data), GSM (cellular audio), GPRS (cellular packet data), GSM/SMS (cellular text), etc. The programmed processor selects the network and communication protocol to rely on data communications if only data reporting is required. When two way voice communications will be required, the processor can select a network (e.g., GSM) that can be used for both data and audio communications.
US08396432B2 Transmitter circuit and communication apparatus
A transmitter circuit is provided which is capable of reducing modulation distortion even when an output power of a power amplifying section 141 is low. A signal generation section 11 generates an amplitude signal and a phase signal. A regulator 12 outputs a current based on the amplitude signal. A phase modulation section 13 phase-modulates the phase signal, and outputs a phase-modulated signal. The power amplifying section 141 receives the current which is based on the amplitude signal and supplied as a bias current from the regulator 12, and amplifies the phase-modulated signal by using the supplied current. Further, to the power amplifying section 141, a predetermined DC voltage is supplied as a collector voltage.
US08396431B2 Mobile station traffic state antenna tuning systems and methods
Wireless communication device antenna matching circuit tuning responsive to power control signals, and, optionally, responsive to received signal quality indicators in a traffic channel. Systems and methods are provided that increase the antenna efficiency in either the transmit frequency or the receive frequency as needed, based on fading and environmental conditions, non-ideal antenna efficiency balance, mobile station forward versus reverse link usage and system forward versus reverse link usage. The antenna efficiency may be changed incrementally or may be optimized completely for the transmit frequency or the receive frequency. The re-balancing is accomplished by tuning the antenna matching circuit. One way to tune the antenna matching circuit is to apply a voltage to a ferro-electric capacitor in the matching circuit, thereby changing the capacitance of the ferro-electric capacitor, thereby changing the impedance of the antenna system.
US08396408B2 Cleaning device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade configured to clean a surface of a rotating subject, a solid lubricant configured to reduce the friction coefficient of the surface of the subject, and a lubricant coating device that includes a coating roller to shave the solid lubricant during normal rotation and a reverse rotation to coat the surface of the subject with the lubricant. The amount of lubricant supplied to the subject during normal rotation of the coating roller is different from a supply amount of the lubricant during reverse rotation of the coating roller, with more lubricant supplied during reverse rotation than during normal rotation.
US08396404B2 Image transfer nip method and apparatus using constant current controls
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for marking an image on a media substrate using an intermediate transfer printing arrangement. Specifically disclosed is an image transfer nip arrangement associated with a secondary transfer of an image which utilizes a constant current source to generate an electric field across the nip and transfer toner from an intermediate transfer surface to a media substrate.
US08396401B2 Developing device with an anti-accumulation section and image forming apparatus including the same
An anti-accumulation section is provided at a section where an inner surface of a developer container abuts a surface of a doctor blade on an upstream side of a rotation direction of a developing roller. An angle between a surface of the anti-accumulation section facing the developing roller and the surface of the doctor blade on the upstream side of the rotation direction of the developing roller is set to be larger than an angle between a circle concentric with a cross section of the developing roller perpendicular to an extending direction of the developing roller and the surface of the doctor blade on the upstream side of the rotation direction of the developing roller at the section where the surface of the anti-accumulation section facing the developing roller and the surface of the doctor blade on the upstream side of the rotation direction of the developing roller abut. This realizes, with a simple configuration, a developing device capable of forming images of high quality without nonuniform development.
US08396399B2 Toner bearing member, developing device, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A toner bearing member is provided which includes a conductive support, an insulation layer provided on the conductive support, multiple electrodes arranged at regular intervals on the insulation layer, a surface layer covering the multiple electrodes, comprising a polymerized compound having a specific unit, and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the conductive support and the multiple electrodes while periodically reversing an electric field generated therebetween.
US08396398B2 Method and toner bottle for image forming apparatus capable of effectively supplying toner to image forming apparatus
The toner bottle exchangeably used in an image forming apparatus. The toner bottle includes a bottle body having a substantially cylindrical shape and configured to contain toner, a gear configured to rotate a part of the toner bottle, a cap attached to the bottle body and including an opening arranged in a circumferential surface of the cap and configured to output toner to a development apparatus of the image forming apparatus, a toner conveyance mechanism arranged in the bottle body and configured to convey the toner to the opening.
US08396396B2 Image forming apparatus, and developing device and developing unit thereof
An image forming apparatus includes developing units designed to have an appropriate developer storage capacity in consideration of developer consumption, and improved convenience of use. The image forming apparatus also includes an image carrier, and plural developing units arranged along a rotating direction of the image carrier to supply developers to the image carrier. The plural developing units include a first developing unit having the largest developer storage capacity and a second developing unit having the second largest developer storage capacity after the first developing unit.
US08396391B2 Electrophotographic color image forming apparatus
A color image forming apparatus for forming a color image on a sheet includes a plurality of cartridge mounting portions for demountably mounting a cartridge each of which includes a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum into a developed image and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image; a single intermediary transfer member which is provided opposed to the drums and onto which the developed images are transferred from the drums; an image forming unit containing the cartridge mounting portions and the intermediary transfer member and movable between a first position for transferring, onto the sheet, the developed images transferred onto the intermediary transfer member from the drums and a second position for permitting mounting and demounting of the cartridges relative to the cartridge mounting portion; an opening for permitting mounting and demounting of the cartridges relative to the cartridge mounting portions of the unit taking the a second position; and an opening-closing member movable between a closing position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening, wherein when the unit takes the first position, the cartridges take attitudes in which the developer is supplied to the developing roller by the weight thereof, and when the unit takes the a second position, the cartridges take attitudes in which the developer is not supplied to the developing roller by the weight thereof.
US08396390B2 Intermediate transfer body and image forming apparatus
An intermediate transfer body is provided. An intermediate transfer body includes an intermediate transfer belt and a belt cleaning section including a cleaning blade. A plurality of projecting portions extending in parallel with a rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt are provided on a surface of an elastic layer of the intermediate transfer belt. The cleaning blade is formed such that a width W1 of one end in a lateral direction thereof is longer than a width W2 of the elastic layer in a width direction of the intermediate transfer belt.
US08396387B2 Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and program
This invention provides an image forming apparatus which performs sleep control for a shift to the sleep mode for each function and provides a user-friendly operation system, and a method of controlling the same. To accomplish this, the image forming apparatus sets a shift time until a power state of the image forming apparatus shifts to the low-power state after execution of image formation; and performs control to shift the power state of the image forming apparatus to the low-power state, when the shift time is not more than the predetermined time, before an elapse of the shift time after execution of image formation by the printing function, while shifting the power state of the image forming apparatus to the low-power state, in response to an elapse of the shift time after execution of image formation by the copying function.
US08396384B2 Apparatus and method of determining the type of paper sheet, and image formation apparatus
According to one embodiment, a sheet type determination apparatus includes a tray, light source, detection unit, database, and operation unit. The tray is configured to hold a sheet bundle formed by stacked sheets. The light source emits illumination light to a first region. The detection unit detects a light intensity distribution of transmitted light emerging from a second region. The transmitted light is generated as the illumination light passes through the sheet bundle, and the second region is different from the first region. The database stores a table describing a relation between reference attenuation rates and types. The operation unit is configured to calculate an attenuation rate of the transmitted light based on the light intensity distribution, and determine a type of the sheets by comparing the attenuation rate with the reference attenuation rates.
US08396380B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus with removed-developer accommodating chamber for receiving developer cleaned from electrophotographic photosensitive drums
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, the apparatus includes a plurality of electrophotographic photosensitive drums; a cartridge which contains a developer and which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cartridge mounting portion for mounting the cartridge; a plurality of cleaning members for removing the developers remaining on surfaces of the electrophotographic photosensitive drums; a removed-developer accommodating container for accommodating the developers removed by the cleaning members, the removed-developer accommodating container being detachably mountable to the main assembly of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the cartridges are disposed along a second direction, and the removed-developer accommodating container are adjacent to the cartridges and extends along the second direction so as to be overlapped at least partly with the cartridges as seen in the axial direction.
US08396375B2 Method and apparatus for bidirectional optical link using a single optical carrier and colorless demodulation and detection of optical frequency shift keyed data
A method for enabling bidirectional data communication using a single optical carrier and a single laser source with the aid of an integrated, colorless demodulator and detector for frequency modulated signals, and a reflective modulator. A receiving optical system holds a technique for demodulation and detection of optical frequency modulated signals, enabling remodulation of the incoming signal to establish bidirectional communication with the transmitting optical system, without introducing a high penalty. A colorless demodulator and detector, which provides the functionality of a periodic filtering device for demodulation of the downstream, and also detection capability. The principle of operation of the CDD relies on the introduction of a comb transfer function with the help of a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier, by providing a reflected feedback signal to the CDD's active element. This periodic transfer function is obtained by an optical cavity and allows for wavelength-independent operation on a given wavelength grid.
US08396372B2 Asymmetric long-haul transmission paths with optical phase conjugation
An apparatus includes a non-solitonic all-optical communication path having serially connected first and second segments. The first segment end-couples to a lumped optical transmitter. The second segment end-couples to a lumped optical receiver. Each segment has a series of spans of transmission optical fibers. The all-optical communication path has an optical phase conjugator that optically end-couples the first segment to the second segment. The optical phase conjugator is positioned away from the path's midpoint.
US08396362B2 Light transmitting and receiving module, method for managing the same, light transmitting and receiving apparatus, and wavelength-multiplexing light transmitting and receiving apparatus
The light transmitting and receiving module includes a light outputting section; alight receiver which receives input light and which outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to a light intensity of the input light; a first variably attenuation controller which variably attenuates the light output from the light outputting section; a second variably attenuation controller which variably attenuates the input light to the light receiver; a first switch which selectively switches a path through which the light from the first variably attenuation controller is output between a light transmitting path and an alternative path different from the light transmitting path; and a second switch which selectively switches light to be output to the second variably attenuation controller between light from an external entity and the light through the alternative path of the first switch.
US08396348B2 Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
US08396345B2 AV information reproducing system and a reproducing method applied to the same system
In a system for reproducing AV information from a recording medium, such as a DVD, not only are usual titles reproduced, but also related information relevant to specific stream information is acquired easily by making use of resources on a computer network. In a reproducing system with the function of reproducing the title information recorded on a DVD and displaying it on the screen of a display section, when the user clicks a Web mark on the screen, the CPU links to a Web server on the Internet via a modem and accesses the Web page related to the stream information on the screen. At that time, the related Web page is the selected information conforming to parental information, or attribute information, set in the system.
US08396338B2 Opto-electric hybrid module and method of manufacturing the same
An opto-electric hybrid module capable of shortening the distance between a light-emitting section or a light-receiving section of a semiconductor chip and a reflecting surface formed in a core to reduce optical losses between an opto-electric conversion substrate section and an optical waveguide section, and a method of manufacturing the same. A recessed portion (3a) is formed in a surface of an over cladding layer (3) of the optical waveguide section (W1). At least part of the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) for opto-electric conversion and at least part of a loop portion (8a) of a bonding wire (8) in the opto-electric conversion substrate section (E1) are positioned within the recessed portion (3a). This brings the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) and the reflecting surface (2a) formed in the core (2) closer to each other.
US08396337B2 Ring resonator based optical isolator and circulator
By introducing magneto-optical garnets with high Faraday rotation and low optical loss in a ring resonator, a nonreciprocal phase shift is generated to split the resonance wavelengths of clockwise and counter-clockwise modes under magnetic field. There are three main applications based on this nonreciprocal effect, optical isolators, optical circulators, and tunable optical filters. The concept of the tunable filters and the design of optical isolators for TE and TM modes are described in the paper. With proper optical ring isolator configurations, optical circulators can be realized.
US08396333B2 Image pickup apparatus, solid-state imaging device, and image generating method
In an image pickup apparatus of the present invention, a CCD 11 in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional array, thereof the number of effective horizontal pixels is H and the number of effective vertical pixels is V; a aspect switching operator 18 that sets one of a plurality of aspect modes including a first aspect mode and a second aspect mode; an image processor 141 that generates first image data for recording in the first aspect mode, and generates second image data for recording in the second aspect mode, wherein the first image data for recording is generated using image data that is generated with pixels being H1 horizontal pixels by V1 vertical pixels included in the pixels on the CCD 11 or image data that is obtained by subjecting said image data to predetermined processing, the second image data for recording is generated using image data that is generated with pixels being H2 horizontal pixels by V2 vertical pixels included in the pixels on the solid-state imaging device or image data that is obtained by subjecting said image data to predetermined processing, and the first image data for recording and the second image data for recording satisfy the following relationships: H2
US08396332B2 Electronic apparatus and face image display method
According to one embodiment, a face image list display process module classifies face images, which are extracted from video content data, into a first face image group belonging to a predetermined attribute section and a second face image group belonging to sections other than the predetermined attribute section. The face image list display process module displays, on a face thumbnail display area, the face images belonging to one group of the first face image group and the second face image group in such a manner that the face images belonging to the one group are distinguished from the face images belonging to the other group of the first face image group and the second face image group.
US08396330B2 Image upscaling based upon directional interpolation
A method for interpolation includes receiving an input image having a plurality of pixels. The edge direction proximate a first pixel of the input image is estimated using a first technique from a plurality of discrete potential directions. An edge direction is selected based upon the estimating the edge direction proximate the first pixel of the input image using a second technique. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon the selected edge direction. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon another technique. An output image is determined.
US08396328B2 Minimal artifact image sequence depth enhancement system and method
Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects in a series of images may be partially or fully realistically drawn or rendered and applied to the occluded areas of the background and then automatically applied throughout the images to generate of minimal artifact or artifact-free secondary viewpoints when translating foreground objects horizontally during 2D->3D conversion.
US08396321B1 Method and apparatus for processing image data from a primary sensor and a secondary sensor
Systems and methods are provided for processing image data captured by a device. In one implementation, a system is provided to process primary image data based on motion of the device during generation of the image data, as detected by a secondary image sensor. In another implementation, a method is provided for processing image data by generating primary image data, generating secondary image data, calculating, using the secondary image data, at least one motion vector based on motion of the device during generation of the primary image data, processing the primary image data based on the at least one motion vector, and outputting the processed primary image data.
US08396318B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a first generating unit which generates, based on feature points detected on a cepstrum from an input image, a point-spread function that represents the degree of blurring generated in the input image; a second generating unit which generates a structure that represents an image obtained by reducing the input image with a size based on the point-spread function and enlarging this with the size, based on the point-spread function; and an updating unit which executes an updating process to update at least either the point-spread function or the structure such that the point-spread function and the structure approximate to a true value, with the updating unit repeatedly executing the updating process to set, of a structure component and a texture component making up the updated structure, the structure component as a new updated structure, and set the updated point-spread function as a new updated target.
US08396314B2 Method and apparatus for inverse quantizing image, and method and apparatus for decoding image
Provided are method and apparatus for inverse quantizing an image, the method including: determining a quantization step correction value for reducing a quantization error, which is a difference between an inverse quantization coefficient, obtained by inverse quantizing a quantization coefficient, and an original value of the transformation coefficient; and inverse quantizing the quantization coefficient using a second quantization step value, the second quantization step value being obtained by correcting a first quantization step value used for inverse quantizing the quantization coefficient using the determined quantization step correction value.
US08396301B2 System and method for document location and recognition
Templates of known forms are stored in computer system. The templates are digitized pixels on which connected component analyses are performed resulting in a first list of components. Five to ten of those components are selected to create an ordered feature list for each form. The computer system then captures an optical image of a form positioned on the top of a stack of forms. The optical image is digitized and stored in the computer (or processor) system as a captured digital image of pixels. A connected component analysis is performed on the captured digital image that results in a second list of image components. Image components on the second list are compared to those on the first list and then each succeeding feature in one of the ordered feature lists. If the comparison is successful, the form is known and other marks on the form may then be processed. If the comparison is unsuccessful, a new feature list is tried.
US08396291B2 Component extraction/correction device, component extraction/correction method, storage medium and electronic equipment
Provided is a component extraction/correction device, comprising: a decomposition unit that decomposes an original image signal into a plurality of frequency bands to generate a plurality of band signals; an extraction unit that extracts a skeleton component from among a plurality of components constituting the band signal; a first correction unit that corrects the extracted skeleton component by using the band signal and one component other than the skeleton component among the plurality of components; and a second correction unit that corrects the one component by using the corrected skeleton component and the band signal.
US08396288B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method for image verification
An information processing apparatus inputs image data and calculates a relative magnitude between coefficient or pixel values of the input image data. The image processing apparatus generates verification data of the image data using the calculated relative magnitude.
US08396283B2 Three-dimensional object detecting device
A three-dimensional-object can be effectively detected. A pair of image capture devices capture a three-dimensional-object and calculate disparity component data of subdivided-image regions, respectively. On a basis of the disparity component data, gray scale values indicative of distances from the image capture device are calculated and a gray scale image in which each region has its corresponding gray scale value is generated. A model of the three-dimensional-object is defined and correlation values is calculated to show the degree of a similarity between the model and the image subdivided regions in the gray scale image. The model is a two-dimensional image with a shaping characteristic when the three-dimensional object is viewed from positions of the image capture devices while each subdivided region of the two-dimensional image has a gray scale value indicative of a distance from the image capture device at a portion corresponding to the three-dimensional object. The correlation values are calculated on a basis of gray scale values of the model and those of the image region in the gray scale image. The model and an image region with the highest correlation value are detected in the gray scale image, so that a three-dimensional image is detected.
US08396278B2 Document processing system using full image scanning
A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.
US08396272B2 Method and apparatus for detection of caries
A method for obtaining an image of tooth tissue directs incident light toward a tooth, wherein the incident light excites a fluorescent emission from the tooth tissue. Specular reflection of incident light from the tooth tissue is reduced. Fluorescence image data is obtained from the fluorescent emission. Back-scattered reflectance image data is obtained from back-scattered light from the tooth tissue. The fluorescence and back-scattered reflectance image data are combined to form an enhanced image of the tooth tissue for caries detection.
US08396271B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing program recording medium, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes: a category area dividing unit that divides each image constituting the time-series images of an object to be examined, which are captured in time series, into category areas including an examined area and an abnormal candidate area, the examined area showing the object to be examined, the abnormal candidate area being possibly an abnormal area showing an abnormal site of the object to be examined; an optical flow calculator that calculates optical flows of the examined area and the abnormal candidate area from images constituting the time-series images; and an abnormal area detector that compares the optical flow of the examined area and the optical flow of the abnormal candidate area, and detects the abnormal candidate area as the abnormal area according to the result of the comparison.
US08396269B2 Image quality assessment including comparison of overlapped margins
Image quality is assessed for a digital image that is a composite of tiles or other image segments, especially focus accuracy for a microscopic pathology sample. An algorithm or combination of algorithms correlated to image quality is applied to pixel data at margins where adjacent image segments overlap and thus contain the same content in separately acquired images. The margins may be edges merged to join the image segments smoothly into a composite image, and typically occur on four sides of the image segments. The two versions of the same image content at each margin are processed by the quality algorithm, producing two assessment values. A sign and difference value are compared with other image segments, including by subsets selected for the orientation of the margins on sides on the image segments. The differences are mapped to displays. Selection criteria determine segments to be re-acquired.
US08396254B1 Methods and systems for estimating a location of a robot
Methods and systems for estimating a location of a robot are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises a robot capturing range images indicating distances from the robot to a plurality of objects in an environment. The method further comprises transmitting to a server a query based on the range images, receiving from the server a mapping of the environment and, based on the distances and the mapping, estimating a location of the robot. In another embodiment, the method comprises receiving from a robot range images of an environment and, based on the range images, determining an inventory of objects in the environment. The method further comprises, based on the inventory, identifying the environment and transmitting to the robot a mapping of the environment.
US08396253B2 Method and apparatus for recognizing location of user
A method of recognizing a location of a user including detecting the user's two eyes and mouth of their face is provided, which includes calculating a ratio of a distance between the two eyes to a distance between a middle point of the two eyes and the mouth, calculating a rotation angle of the face according to the ratio, and detecting a distance between the face and the camera based on the rotation angle.
US08396245B2 Device and method for visualizing positions on a surface
A device and a method are disclosed for visualizing positions on a surface by means of a marking which is produced by an optically detectable radiation. In order to permit a residue-free marking which can be observed with a camera from partly extremely oblique observation directions, the device has an optical waveguide, which is coupled to a radiation source and whose light output region can be located at a desired position of the surface in order to emit optically detectable radiation at the desired position of the surface through the optical waveguide. As a result, the radiation is emitted at the desired position of the surface in various spatial directions.
US08396241B2 Reflector structure, sound field adjusting method, columnar reflector structure, room, program, and various acoustic room designing system
There is provided a sound field adjusting method that can provide an acoustic improvement effect tailored to the characteristics of various acoustic rooms, with small differences in reflection properties between sound receiving points. The diameters of a plurality of columnar reflectors are calculated so as to diffuse sound waves of respective different frequency ranges. An arrangement condition is calculated so that the columnar reflectors having the calculated diameters form a plurality of reflecting surfaces that reflect the sound waves of different frequency ranges in random reflection directions, with random reflection time delays, or in random phases. The plurality of columnar reflectors having respective different diameters are then arranged under the arrangement condition. The arrangement condition is calculated to form a reflecting surface for a sound wave of a higher frequency range near a sound source, and form a reflecting surface for a sound wave of a lower frequency range far from the sound source. A sound absorbing structure by using the internal space of the arranged columnar reflectors provides effective countermeasures against low-range standing waves.
US08396238B2 Cable length adjustment in auditory devices
An In-The-Ear (ITE) device is disclosed. This ITE is adapted for connection to a cable from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, the ITE device including a releasable mechanical retention device for the cable, such that the cable may be customized in length and may be attached to the retention device.
US08396222B2 Key distribution system
A key distribution system for controlling access to content by rendering devices, comprising an epoch module to provide epochs, each epoch including service key periods, a service key module to provide a batch of service keys, a group module to provide group keys for each epoch such that each rendering device is assigned a group key grouping together the devices having the same group key, thereby defining groups, in different epochs the devices are grouped differently, an encryption module to encrypt, for each epoch, each service key in the batch of service keys, individually with each group key yielding a plurality of group-key-encrypted service keys from each service key, and a delivery module to distribute to the devices, for each one of the epochs, the group-key-encrypted service keys for the batch of service keys and the group keys of the one epoch. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08396214B2 Method and apparatus for centrally managed encrypted partition
A method and apparatus for protecting a remote computer connected through a network to a main computer, by creating a cryptokey on the main computer, supplying the cryptokey to the remote computer and mounting a partition on the remote computer using the cryptokey. The cryptokey is not persistently stored on the remote computer but rather saved in its memory, and the connection of the remote computer to the main computer is periodically tested. Once the remote computer is disconnected, the encrypted partition is unmounted and the cryptokey is erased form the memory, thus disabling access of an attacker to data stored in the encrypted partition. The method incorporates swap partition encryption using a cryptokey created each time during the boot of the remote computer.
US08396212B2 Method and apparatus for generating a key stream
A method of generating a key stream for a precomputed state information table. The method comprises initializing a counter and an accumulator with non-zero values; combining state information identified by the counter with the accumulator; swapping state information identified by the counter with state information identified by the accumulator; combining the two pieces of state information; outputting the state information identified by the combination as a byte of the key stream; adding a predetermined number odd number to the counter; and repeating the above steps to produce each byte of the key stream.
US08396206B2 Multi-channel communication device and methods for reducing echoes by inserting a training sequence under a spectral mask
Embodiments of a multi-channel audio communication device and methods for reducing echoes are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, echo-reduction circuitry may insert training signals into digital audio signals at or below a noise floor and in a non-audible portion of the frequency spectrum based on a spectral mask. Training signals may be generated from spectrum estimates and training sequences. An adaptive filter may generate echo-cancellation signals using filter coefficients generated fawn the training sequences and return-path signals. The echo cancellation signals may remove echo signals from the return-path signals.
US08396204B2 Call center resource allocation
A method for determining call center resource allocation can include modeling call center performance over an operations time period using a computer. A number of replicas of the modeled call center performance are simulated, using the computer, over a planning time period, each replica having random contact arrivals and contact service times following a stochastic arrival and service process according to a probability distributions of inter-arrival time and service time. Multiple iterations of each simulation are run on the computer to optimize call center resource allocation. A particular simulation iteration is tested against a criterion of convergence, and call center resource is allocated based on the particular simulation iteration with a successful criterion of convergence.
US08396199B2 Method and apparatus for providing personal mobility features in a telecommunications environment
Personal mobility, multiparty control, and device augmentation features are provided within a voice-over-Internet protocol environment, such as a distributed feature composition (DFC) telecommunications architecture. The personal mobility features allow a caller to be identified to a callee using a desired identifier in place of an identifier of the device from which a call is made. Such personal mobility features are made available in multiparty calling environments and after mid-call moves. Device augmentation features provide enhanced calling options to a device that may otherwise be unequipped to provide such options, thus enabling personal mobility and multiparty control features across a wide variety of telecommunications devices.
US08396193B2 System and method for voice activated signaling
A system for facilitating communications with an automated response system includes a database for storing an address book entry. The address book entry includes a location name and contact number for a location that employs an automated response platform that does not accept voice commands. The address book entry also includes at least one stored voice command related to a navigation command of the automated response platform and one stored associated assigned keystroke for the command. A voice response signal digital signal processor receives a voice input from a user corresponding to the stored voice command. A telephonic signal generator is included, such that when the user utters the voice input corresponding to the stored voice command, the system recalls the stored associated assigned keystroke and delivers a signal corresponding to the keystroke as a telephonic signal to the automated response platform.
US08396187B2 X-ray inspection tool
The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus and a method for inspecting a surface of a work piece. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprising a number of tracks, a support structure, connection system, and controller is disclosed. The number of tracks are configured for placement along a path. The support structure is configured to move on the number of tracks. The X-ray system is moveably connected to the support structure. The X-ray system is configured to send a plurality of X-rays toward a work piece and is configured to move along an axis through the support structure. The connection system is configured to removably connect the number of tracks to the work piece using a vacuum applied to a surface of the work piece. The controller is configured to activate and deactivate the X-ray system based on an amount of vacuum applied to the surface of the work piece.
US08396184B2 X-ray CT system and control method for same
An X-ray CT system of an embodiment includes the following. An imaging region data acquisition part is configured to acquire a first imaging region and a second imaging region that have different widths from each other in the body axial direction based on a scanogram as imaging regions for performing scan imaging. An irradiation field control part is configured to obtain irradiation fields for the first and the second imaging regions, and control an irradiation field regulating part corresponding to the relative positions by a moving part so as to realize the irradiation fields obtained for each the imaging region. An X-ray control part is configured to control an X-ray generating part corresponding to the relative positions by the moving part so as to irradiate X-rays to the first and the second imaging regions for the scan imaging.
US08396182B2 Method and apparatus to shield a nuclear fuel assembly with removable debris shield in upper tie
A method to capture, retain and remove debris falling into a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly including a bundle of fuel rods mounted below an upper tie plate and housed in a hollow metal channel, the method includes: inserting a debris shield in the upper tie plate; maintaining the shield in the upper tie plate and above the fuel rods, and water rods, while the fuel bundle assembly is in an operating nuclear reactor core; capturing debris falling in the fuel assembly on the debris shield; after capturing the debris, removing the fuel bundle assembly with the inserted debris shield from the nuclear reactor core to a maintenance/fuel inspection pool and thereafter removing the debris shield from the upper tie plate, cleaning and then reinserting the cleaned debris shield back into the upper tie plate, and moving the fuel bundle assembly from the maintenance/fuel inspection pool back into the nuclear reactor core.
US08396179B2 Frame synchronizing device and method
Disclosed is a frame synchronizing device and method for a binary data transmission system wherein digital data are transmitted as a serial bit stream organized into frames, each frame including a pre-defined frameheader, wherein said serial bit stream is inputted into a serial input portion of a serial input parallel output shift register means having at least as many stages as the number of bits of a frame, and said frames are outputted in a consecutive order from a parallel output portion of said shift register means. The particularity of the present invention is that it is detected whether or not a frameheader is present in the output of said parallel output portion, and, if not, the outputting of a frame from said parallel output portion is delayed by at least one time period which is needed for shifting a bit in said serial input portion from a stage to a next one, until synchronization is reached.
US08396176B2 OFDM receiving device and OFDM receiving method
An OFDM receiving device for settling a problem of complicated configuration is provided, in that the OFDM receiving device receives an OFDM signal where no smaller than one specific sub-carriers among plurality of sub-carriers are modulated by a known modulation signal sk(t), and includes a converting means for converting the received OFDM signal into the received signals for each sub-carrier, an extracting means for extracting the ingredient caused by a frequency drift and a phase noise based on received signal rk(t) of the specific sub-carrier and the known modulation signal sk(t), and a compensating means for H) compensating the received signal of the sub-carrier using the extracted ingredient.
US08396170B2 Utilization of a known portion of a payload to decode a payload having a known and an unknown portion
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in which a payload is received, the payload having a known portion and an unknown portion. The payload is decoded through correlation, where correlation includes the generation of a plurality of payload hypothesis based on possible combinations of the unknown portion and using the known portion and the generation of a metric value based on each of the plurality of payload hypothesis. The received payload is selected through a determination of the payload hypothesis having a largest generated metric value.
US08396164B2 Receiving device including impedance control circuit and semiconductor device including impedance control circuit
A receiving device includes a receiving circuit and an impedance control circuit. The receiving circuit receives a signal transmitted through a communication line. The impedance control circuit is coupled with the receiving circuit and has a detecting part. The detecting part detects a physical value of the signal and the physical value includes at least one of a voltage, an electric current, and an electric power. The impedance control circuit changes an input impedance based on the detected value so that a ringing of the signal is reduced.
US08396159B2 Message synchronization over a stochastic network
Methods and apparatus to communicate between a local component and a remote component, where the local component is connected to the remote component using a non-deterministic communication link. A local clock is synchronized with a remote clock to within a maximum offset. A rate message from the remote component is received at the local component, where the rate message includes a first time stamp. A data rate is adjusted using the rate message when the time of the local clock substantially matches a time determined using the first time stamp. A data message is sent to the remote component using the adjusted data rate, where the data message includes a second time stamp for use in processing data in the data message. In some implementations, the time determined using the first time stamp is also determined using information about a communication link delay and/or a clock offset.
US08396152B2 Feedback channel design for multiple-input multiple-output communication systems
A data-optimized communication system provides support for legacy access terminals, such as access terminals operating under the 1xEV-DO standard. The system also supports multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications with access terminals configured to support MIMO. A number of MIMO spatial signatures are predefined or negotiated. MIMO rank and an identifier of the spatial signature determined at the MIMO access terminal are sent on the I-Branch and Q-Branch of the existing 1xEV-DO structure. In one embodiment, 1-bit rank and 3-bit spatial signature are transmitted through the I-Branch as a 4-bit symbol, replacing the data rate control (DRC) channel. In another embodiment, a 4-bit spatial signature is transmitted through the I-Branch, also replacing the DRC channel. A 2-bit rank is transmitted together with a 4-bit DRC channel through the Q-Branch. The 2-bit rank and the DRC channel can be distinguished because they are sent using different orthogonal codeword Walsh covers.
US08396145B2 Method and device for notching the transmission band of an analog signal, in particular for a detect and avoid (DAA) operation mode of an MB-OFDM system
A transmission band of an analog signal including successive symbols to be transmitted is notched, where each symbol includes sub-carriers to be modulated. In particular, in each symbol the sub-carriers corresponding to a part of the transmission band to be notched are suppressed. In addition, in each symbol a chosen part of the remaining sub-carriers to be modulated is also suppressed.
US08396139B2 Method and apparatus for sending information via silent symbol coding over under-utilized channels in wireless systems
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for sending information over under-utilized channels in wireless systems. In one embodiment, a method for use in a cellular system in which a channel allocated to a primary user is underutilized at times, comprises: creating a unique 0-1 valued permutation code to transmit bits of a secondary user on a channel of the primary user; creating one or more codewords based on a first set of symbols to be transmitted for the primary user and the permutation code; and transmitting the one or more codewords on the channel.
US08396135B2 Video coding method and device
A video coding method, comprising the following steps: a) successive images (F) of a video sequence are coded to generate coding parameters, b) the coding parameters are included in an output stream (Φ) to be transmitted to a station (B) including a decoder (2), c) back channel information on reconstruction of the images of the video sequence by the decoder is received from said station, d) the back channel information is analyzed in order: d1) to identify a reconstructed image that includes a portion that has been lost in the decoder, d2) to identify in the subsequent coded images between said reconstructed image and a current image to be coded an image portion that refers to said lost portion identified in the step d1), e) said current image of the video sequence is coded in a coding mode that is a function of the identification or non-identification of a lost portion in the step d).
US08396132B2 Moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method
A moving picture coding apparatus (10a) according to the present invention includes a level analyzer (100a) that decides the maximum number of intra frame pixels which can be coded (Nfpx) and the maximum number of storage pixels which can be stored in a picture memory of a decoding apparatus (Nspx) on the basis of a level identifier (Lst) indicating a coding level that is designated by the user, thereby judging whether coding of an input image is possible or not and calculating the maximum number of reference pictures (Nrpn) as the number of reference candidate pictures which can be referred to at inter picture prediction coding, on the basis of the maximum number of intra frame pixels (Nfpx) and the input image size (the number of vertical pixels (Nhpx) and the number of horizontal pixels (Nwpx)). A decoding apparatus to which a bit stream from the moving picture coding apparatus (10a) is supplied can always decode the bit stream satisfactorily, and perform inter picture prediction decoding corresponding to the inter picture prediction coding on the coding end. Consequently, memory areas of a coding apparatus and a decoding apparatus that are adapted to a coding method in which there is no restraint on the capacity of the memory area can be designed.
US08396131B2 Method and system for obtaining motion vectors and boundary strengths of an image
A method and a system for obtaining motion vectors and boundary strengths of an image are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: S202, determining motion vector prediction direction information and motion vector calculation method information of a block to be decoded currently according to a type of the block to be decoded currently and a type of a macroblock/sub-macroblock in which the block to be decoded currently is located; S204, obtaining related information needed to calculate a motion vector of the block to be decoded currently using the motion vector prediction direction information according to the motion vector calculation method information; and S206, calculating the motion vector of the block to be decoded currently using the related information obtained, and calculating a boundary strength of the block to be decoded currently using the motion vector of the block to be decoded currently.
US08396129B2 Apparatus and method for single-pass, gradient-based motion compensated image rate conversion
A mipmap generator generates pairs of mipmaps that are each of a lower resolution that its respective source image. A single-pass, gradient-based motion vector generator generates an image motion vector map having values that represent the motion trajectories for pixels in the first and second source images. An image interpolator generates an interpolated image based on the source images and the image motion vector map. A motion detector generates a motion factor map based on a pair of mipmaps from those generated by the mipmap generator that represents a detected degree of motion between the first and second source images. The blending module generates a blended, upconverted new image using the motion factor map, the interpolated image and one of the first and second motion maps.
US08396122B1 Video codec facilitating writing an output stream in parallel
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a video codec that facilitates parallel processing operations is implemented on a graphics processing unit or other hardware device. The codec encodes video frames by dividing a frame into macroblocks and processing the macroblocks in parallel either via plane fitting operations or by motion estimation adjustments. A gathering operation writes the data of each macroblock onto an output stream in a parallel processing operation to accelerate writing the output from the memory of the graphics processing unit to a main memory of a hardware system.
US08396120B2 Robust single-pass variable bit rate encoding
An encoding manager facilitates robust single-pass variable bit rate video encoding of a video sequence. Before encoding the video sequence, the encoding manager determines the size of a buffer to use for keeping track of over/under used bits generated during encoding. The encoding manager uses the target bit rate for the video sequence and the length of the video sequence to determine the size of the buffer. After allocating bits to a frame of the sequence, the encoding manager determines the quant to use to encode that frame. The determination of a quant to use to encode a frame is informed by the fullness of the buffer. The encoding manager adjusts the quant to use (and thus the aggressiveness of its encoding) in response to the amount of overflow generated thus far by the encoding of the video sequence.
US08396119B1 Data sample compression and decompression using randomized quantization bins
A method for compressing data samples using randomized quantization bins is disclosed. The method generally comprises steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may generate a size signal having a quantization step size corresponding to the data samples in an input signal using a compression circuit. The data samples generally reside in a range of numbers. Step (B) may generate the randomized quantization bins in the range based on a pseudorandom process. Step (C) may generate a plurality of quantized samples in a compressed signal by quantizing the data samples based on the randomized quantization bins.
US08396115B2 Video encoding method, video decoding method, video encoding apparatus, video decoding apparatus, video encoding program, and video decoding program
A video processing system is provided with video encoding apparatus 1 and video decoding apparatus 2. The encoding apparatus 1 outputs a maximum delay time that is incurred by backward prediction, in addition to encoded data D1 resulting from encoding of video data D0. The decoding apparatus 2 effects input of the maximum delay time that is incurred by backward prediction, in addition to encoded data D1 from the encoding apparatus 1. Then the decoding apparatus 2 decodes the encoded data D1 with reference to the input maximum delay time to generate motion video data D2.
US08396114B2 Multiple bit rate video encoding using variable bit rate and dynamic resolution for adaptive video streaming
A video encoding system encodes video streams for multiple bit rate video streaming using an approach that permits the encoded bit rate to vary subject to a peak bit rate and average bit rate constraints for higher quality streams, while a bottom bit rate stream is encoded to achieve a constant chunk rate. The video encoding system also dynamically decides an encoding resolution for segments of the multiple bit rate video streams that varies with video complexity so as to achieve a better visual experience for multiple bit rate streaming.
US08396113B2 Data receiving device and method for shortening channel switching time in digital multimedia broadcasting system
Provided is a data receiving device and method for shortening a channel switching time in a DMB system. The device includes a CDM channel for receiving a broadcasting signal from a DMB satellite, demodulating the broadcast signal, and generating a MPEG2-TS packet. a GOP buffer for receiving the MPEG2-TS packet, checking whether or not the received MPEG2-TS packet is a key frame, and, when it is determined that the received MPEG2-TS packet is the key frame, initializing the buffer and storing the received MPEG2-TS packet as a GOP unit, a channel switch for switching a channel of a DMB service to the GOP buffer, an A/V reproducing buffer for buffering a predetermined amount of A/V data to reproduce the A/V data of the GOP buffer; and an A/V decoder for receiving and decoding the A/V data.
US08396112B2 Circuitry and method for transferring data, and circuitry and method utilizing clock pulses
A variable power supply voltage generator generates a variable power supply voltage Vvar and supplies it to other circuits. A transmitting circuit 130 (or 140), operative at the variable power supply voltage Vvar, generates multi-value analog signals Smulti and transmits them to other circuits. A receiving circuit 140 (or 130), operative at the variable power supply voltage Vvar, receives the multi-value analog signals Smulti and subjects them to A/D conversion to generate multi-value digital signals. The threshold voltage generator generates threshold voltages used for A/D conversion from the variable power supply voltage Vvar or from a signal having a voltage value proportional to that of the variable power supply voltage Vvar and supplies them to the receiving circuit. An analog clock generator 120 generates an analog clock signal having a cyclical analog waveform. In response to the analog clock signal, a clock pulse generator 150 generates a clock pulse signal having a cycle period of 1/N of the cycle period of the analog clock signal. The clock-synchronous circuits 130, 140 operate synchronously with the clock pulse signals generated by the clock pulse generator 150.
US08396097B1 IIR sliding window integrator and search engine delay component for reducing the preamble size of a discovery burst
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device includes: a first frequency search engine configured to receive input values and determine a frequency of a signal to be within a first frequency band; a second delay component configured to store at least a portion of the plurality of input values; and a second frequency search engine configured to determine the frequency of the signal to be within a second band that is a subset of the first band. The first frequency search engine includes: a shift register configured to store bits of the input values; a combining circuit configured to combine bits of the plurality of input values; a first delay component configured to serially store a plurality of accumulator values; and a feedback circuit configured to add a function of the first delay component output to a next accumulator value to obtain a modified next accumulator value.
US08396095B2 Method for decoding a composite radio signal and corresponding receiver
The present invention relates to a method for decoding a composite radio signal at a receiver in an OFDM based radio communication system, said composite radio signal being a superposition of at least two signals sent by at least one transmitter, each signal having signal properties, in particular modulation scheme, coding scheme, said at least two signals being transmitted using the same radio resource on a set of frequency subchannels of said OFDM system.According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: gathering at said receiver information on said signal properties of the respective signals comprised in said composite radio signal; selecting, depending on said signal properties of said respective signals, the signal to be decoded first out of said composite radio signal; decoding said signal to be decoded first according to its signal properties, and subtracting the contribution of said signal to be decoded first from said composite radio signal.
US08396092B2 Vertically emitting, optically pumped semiconductor comprising an external resonator and frequency doubling on a separate substrate
An optically pumped semiconductor apparatus having a surface-emitting semiconductor body (1) which has a radiation passage area (1a) which faces away from a mounting plane of the semiconductor body (1), and an optical element (7) which is suitable for directing pump radiation (17) onto the radiation passage area (1a) of the semiconductor body (1).
US08396090B2 Window mounted beam director
A laser system employs a window integrated in the surface of a weapon platform. A high energy laser is mounted in the weapon platform to provide a laser beam which is received by a Coude' path for internal direction of the beam. A beam director receives the laser beam from the Coude' path and employs an outer steering assembly and an inner steering assembly to cooperatively provide pointing of a centerline of the laser beam at a substantially single location on the window for a full conical field of regard.
US08396080B2 Method of processing control information in a mobile communication system
A method of processing control information in a mobile communication system is disclosed, by which an RRC connection setup can be quickly completed and by which control information can be processed without an unnecessary standby of a mobile terminal. The present invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of protocol data units transmitted plural time from a transmitting side via one common logical channel by an RLC (radio link control) entity operating in a UM (unacknowledged mode) and having a receiving window and a timer, re-ordering a plurality of the received protocol data units using sequence numbers of a plurality of the received protocol data units, the receiving window and the timer, reassembling at least one service data unit by processing a plurality of the re-ordered protocol data units, and delivering the at least one service data unit.
US08396074B1 Methods for providing additional information for a mobile-originated short message
Methods for appending additional device, location, and/or presence information to a mobile-originated short message are taught herein. One such method for appending additional device information includes receiving a MO short message at a message center. The MO short message includes a content request. Message center sends a query to a subscriber directory for device information corresponding to the device of the requesting subscriber. The subscriber directory searches for the device information and generates a response to be sent to the message center, the response including the device information. The subscriber directory sends the response to the message center, which appends the device information to the MO short message. The message center then sends the short message to the destination, for example, a content provider. Methods for appending location and/or presence information are also taught.
US08396065B1 Packet reflection identification in CPE devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus can be used to filter packet reflections. In various implementations, packets received on a subscriber side of a device having a source address identifying a service provider device can be dropped. In other implementations, portions of packets forwarded to a subscriber side of a device can be cached and compared to portions of packets received on a subscriber side of the device.
US08396064B2 Frame aggregation
A packet network employs frame aggregation to reduce the number of physical-layer frames employed to transfer a given amount of user data. A packet network might employ physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in accordance with one or more IEEE 802.11 standards. Frame aggregation combines several separate, higher-layer frames with user data into one PHY-layer frame, thus increasing the amount of user data per PHY-layer frame transmitted. Frame aggregation improves the efficiency by reducing both PHY-layer overhead and MAC-layer overhead.
US08396058B2 Media packet networking appliance sending diversity packets to second proxy
In one form of the invention, a process of sending real-time information from a sender computer (103) to a receiver computer (105) coupled to the sender computer (103) by a packet network (100) wherein packets (111,113) sometimes become lost, includes steps of directing (441) packets (111) containing the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path (119) in the packet network (100) to the receiver computer (105), and directing packets (113) containing information dependent on the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path diversity path (117) in the packet network (100) to the same receiver computer (105). Other forms of the invention encompass other processes, improved packets and packet ensembles (111,113), integrated circuits (610), chipsets (DSP 1721, MCU), computer cards (1651), information storage articles (1511,1611), systems, computers (103,105), gateways (191,193), routers (131,133), cellular telephone handsets (181,189), wireless base stations (183,187), appliances (1721,1731,1741), and packet networks (100), and other forms as disclosed and claimed.
US08396047B2 Apparatus and method for communicating and processing a reference signal based on an identifier associated with a base station
A wireless communication device receives at least a section of a subframe from a base station in a wireless communication system. The subframe includes transmission resources multiplexed onto subcarriers of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols. A first set of OFDM symbols includes a reference signal and at least a second set of OFDM symbols includes information other than the reference signal (e.g., channel-coded data). The wireless device determines which OFDM symbols of the subframe constitute the first set of OFDM symbols based on an identifier associated with a base station that transmitted the subframe. The wireless device may then process the reference signal from the OFDM symbols that are determined to be the first set of OFDM symbols. The wireless device may also determine which OFDM symbols of the subframe constitute the second set of OFDM symbols and process non-reference signal information from OFDM symbols of the second set.
US08396034B2 Method for determining cell identity in wireless communication system and apparatus therefor
A method of determining a cell identity in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining a segment ID and a sequence index from an SA-preamble (secondary advanced preamble) sequence received from a base station and determining the cell identity using the segment ID and the sequence index. In this case, the cell identity corresponds to one SA-preamble sequence and a cell identity adjacent to the cell identity corresponds to an SA-preamble sequence having a complex conjugate relation of the one SA-preamble sequence.
US08396024B2 Cooperative communications using multiple access points to improve data integrity
A method (300, 400, 500, 600) of communicating with a subscriber station (102). Responsive to determining that a supplemental communication link with the subscriber station is desirable, at least a second access point (106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116) can be identified to establish the supplemental communication link with the subscriber station. Information can be communicated to the second access point. The information can identify the subscriber station and a pilot zone in which downlink supplemental data is to be transmitted from the second access point to the subscriber station. Downlink supplemental data (150) also can be communicated to the second access point. The downlink supplemental data can improve integrity of data transmitted from a first access point (104) to the subscriber station when the downlink supplemental data is transmitted to the subscriber station from the second access point.
US08396023B2 Frequency-domain interlacing in a multi-carrier frequency-hopping radio
A ‘smart’ sub-channel hopping control mechanism executes one or more sub-channel selection discriminators to enable the communications controller of a spectral reuse transceiver to delineate on which of a plurality sub-channels the spectral reuse transceiver may transmit, so as to substantially improve FEC performance.
US08396020B2 Point-to-multipoint service communication
Among a plurality of point-to-multipoint control channels provided by a cell, a particular point-to-multipoint control channel is selected according to a preferred way of receiving the point-to-multipoint service. Control information related to the point-to-multipoint service is received through the selected point-to-multipoint control channel, and then the point-to-multipoint service is received according to the control information.
US08396016B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a code division multiple access system
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting data to access terminals by an access node in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system operating at least 128 Medium Access Control Identifiers (MAC IDs) in one sector. A preamble set for transmitting a multi-user packet (MUP) is configured to a specific access terminal, information on the preamble set is provided to the terminal, and data is transmitted to an access terminal having a MAC ID of 128 or higher using a preamble corresponding to the MAC ID. If a specific access terminal has a MAC ID of 128 or higher, the preamble set includes at least one preamble with which the access terminal determines whether the MUP is received. The access node provides information on the preamble set to the access terminal during session configuration.
US08396003B2 Control of radio process
An apparatus controlling multiple radio processes for simultaneous operation At least one of the radio processes uses a substantially continuous transmitter. A controller is configured to determine an interference level and change parameters in the transmitter in order to reduce the interference level. Parameters controlled by the controller include the transmission frequency, modulation method, signal level and a received signal quality.
US08396002B2 Apparatus and methods for communicating with a call group
The disclosed embodiments provide apparatus and methods for establishing a group communications session with selected ones of a plurality of communications devices that define a call group. The apparatus includes a dispatch module operable to receive event information and communication device information associated with each of the plurality of communications devices. The dispatch module is further operable to define the members of the call group based on a predetermined relationship between their respective device information and the event information. Additional embodiments include apparatus and methods for dispatching event information to such an ad hoc call group.
US08395985B2 Time alignment in multicarrier OFDM network
A base station receives uplink signals from a wireless device and transmits at least one time alignment command computed based, at least in part, on timing of the received uplink signals. The time alignment command comprises a time adjustment value and an index identifying a carrier group.
US08395980B2 Optical head device, optical information device, and information processing device
When information is recorded or reproduced on or from an optical information medium having three or more recording layers using blue light, interference by another layer light is reduced and, when information is reproduced from an optical information medium using red light, an S/N ratio is held excellently high.An optical head device includes a first laser light source (1) which emits blue light, a second laser light source (2) which emits red light, an objective lens (11) which focuses the blue light onto a recording layer of a first optical disc (12) or focuses the red light onto a recording layer of a second optical disc (13), a photodetector (9) which receives the blue light reflected by the recording layer of the first optical disc (12) or the red light reflected by the recording layer of the second optical disc (13) and outputs an electric signal in accordance with an amount of the received blue light or red light, and a wavelength selective light blocking region (7x) which blocks a predetermined range of the blue light including an optical axis thereof to prevent the predetermined range from reaching the photodetector (9), and transmits the red light.
US08395973B2 Waveguide, recording head, and recording device
Incident light can be efficiently converted into near-field light whose spot size is small. A waveguide 10 includes: a metallic member 11 made of a metallic material; and a dielectric member 12 made of a dielectric material. The metallic member 11 includes a first interface 16 and a second interface 18 so as to sandwich the dielectric member 12. The first interface and the second interface are provided so that an inter-interface distance therebetween may decrease from ends 16c and 18c to ends 16d and 18d. The first interface 16 and the second interface 18 have flections P16 and P18, respectively.
US08395968B2 Providing indoor location, position, or tracking of a mobile computer using building information
Providing indoor location, position, or tracking of a mobile computer using building information is disclosed. The mobile computer determines the dimensions of a room in a building using range determination or a range finder in the mobile computer. The determined dimensions of the room are compared to the building information to locate, position, or track the mobile computer in the building.
US08395967B2 Vector migration of virtual source VSP data
A walkaway VSP survey is carried out with receivers located in a borehole under a salt overhang. Redatuming of the multicomponent data to virtual sources in the borehole followed by vector Kirchhoff migration using a simple velocity model provides an accurate image of the salt face.
US08395966B2 Separating seismic signals produced by interfering seismic sources
A technique includes obtaining seismic data acquired by seismic sensors of a composite seismic signal that is produced by the firings of multiple seismic sources. The technique includes modeling the seismic data as being a function of models for the sources and linear operators and defining desired constraints on the models. The technique includes simultaneously determining the models based on the modeling and the desired constraints. The datasets are generated based on the determined models. Each dataset is indicative of a component of the composite seismic signal and is attributable to a different one of the seismic sources.
US08395963B2 Data security for dynamic random access memory at power-up
A circuit and method erase at power-up all data stored in a DRAM chip for increased data security. All the DRAM memory cells are erased by turning on the transistors for the DRAM storage cells simultaneously by driving the wordlines of all the cells to an activated state. With all the devices turned on, the data stored in the memory cells is erased as the voltage of all the cells connected to a common bitline coalesce to a single value. In a preferred embodiment, the wordlines are all turned on simultaneously during a power on reset period. Preferably a power on reset signal is used to drive each logic gate of the pre-decoder portion of the address decoder in order to assert all the wordlines.
US08395947B2 Increased DRAM-array throughput using inactive bitlines
A memory device with increased communication bandwidth is described. In this memory device, control logic routes data signals from a memory array using inactive bitlines in response to a read command. These data signals are then placed on an adjacent unused input/output (I/O) line or routing channel, as opposed to a proximate I/O line that is in use. For example, unused bitlines located on the top and bottom of the memory array may be used to route data signals to adjacent local I/O lines. In particular, the data signals can be placed on unused local I/O lines which are associated with adjacent bitline sense amplifiers. The resulting increased communication bandwidth can overcome the constraints imposed by the limited number of local I/O lines in the memory device without appreciably increasing the chip size, power consumption, or cost.
US08395930B2 Method of programming variable resistance element and nonvolatile storage device
A method includes applying a first polarity writing voltage pulse to a metal oxide layer to change its resistance state from high to low into a write state, applying a second polarity erasing voltage pulse different from the first polarity to the metal oxide layer to change its resistance state from low to high into an erase state, and applying an initial voltage pulse having the second polarity to the metal oxide layer before first application of the writing voltage pulse, to change an initial resistance value of the metal oxide layer. R0>RH>RL and |V0|>|Ve|≧|Vw| are satisfied where R0, RL, and RH are the resistance values of the initial, write, and erase states, respectively, of the metal oxide layer, and V0, Vw, and Ve are voltage values of the initial, writing, and erasing voltage pulses, respectively.
US08395928B2 Threshold device for a memory array
A threshold device including a plurality of adjacent tunnel barrier layers that are in contact with one another and are made from a plurality of different dielectric materials is disclosed. A memory plug having first and second terminals includes, electrically in series with the first and second terminals, the threshold device and a memory element that stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles. The threshold device is operative to impart a characteristic I-V curve that defines current flow through the memory element as a function of applied voltage across the terminals during data operations. The threshold device substantially reduces or eliminates current flow through half-selected or un-selected memory plugs and allows a sufficient magnitude of current to flow through memory plugs that are selected for read and write operations. The threshold device reduces or eliminates data disturb in half-selected memory plugs and increases S/N ratio during read operations.
US08395927B2 Memory cell with resistance-switching layers including breakdown layer
A memory device in a 3-D read and write memory includes memory cells. Each memory cell includes a resistance-switching memory element (RSME) in series with a steering element. The RSME has a resistance-switching layer, a conductive intermediate layer, and first and second electrodes at either end of the RSME. A breakdown layer is electrically between, and in series with, the second electrode and the intermediate layer. The breakdown layer maintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state. In a set or reset operation of the memory cell, an ionic current flows in the resistance-switching layers, contributing to a switching mechanism. An electron flow, which does not contribute to the switching mechanism, is reduced due to scattering by the conductive intermediate layer, to avoid damage to the steering element. Particular materials and combinations of materials for the different layers of the RSME are provided.
US08395919B2 Photovoltaic inverter system and method of starting same at high open-circuit voltage
A power inverter system includes a DC to AC inverter configured to convert DC voltage from a DC power source to AC voltage. A DC link couples the DC power source and the inverter. An inverter pre-charger operates to pre-charge the inverter to achieve a desired DC link voltage prior to connecting the power inverter system to an AC power grid. A phased lock loop synchronizes the pre-charged inverter to the AC power grid prior to connecting the power inverter system to the AC power grid. The pre-charged inverter regulates the DC link voltage to about the minimum voltage level that allows control of AC grid currents via the inverter subsequent to connecting the power inverter system to the AC grid. The inverter operates in a maximum power point tracking control mode only subsequent to a first voltage transient caused by connecting the DC power source to energize the power inverter system.
US08395917B2 Redundant parallel non-isolated input converters
A redundant AC-DC power supply system and method is disclosed. A first AC-DC power converter is configured to generate a first output voltage and a first relay is configured to selectively couple and decouple the first AC-DC power converter to an output of an output circuit. A second AC-DC power converter is configured to generate a second output voltage. A second relay is configured to selectively couple and decouple the second AC-DC power converter to the output. A controller is configured to operate the first and second AC-DC power converters and the first and second relays to provide redundant sources of power for the output and to mitigate circulating current flow between the first and second AC-DC power converters.
US08395910B2 Buck-boost power converter circuits, methods and systems
Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.
US08395907B2 Multi-sensor alarm apparatus, system and/or method for securing articles
A multi-sensor alarm apparatus, may prevent and/or may deter a theft and/or a removal of one or more articles from a display stand. A base, a main body and a head unit are provided. The base and the main body are secured to the display stand. The multi-sensor alarm apparatus monitors an integrity of the attachment of the main body to the base with a separation sensor. Further, the multi-sensor alarm apparatus monitors sensors connected to the head unit and/or to the main body. The sensors may be removed and/or added as needed depending on the articles to be secured.
US08395901B2 Vertically-stacked electronic devices having conductive carbon films
Vertically-stacked electronic devices having conductive carbon films are disclosed. The vertically-stacked devices exhibit non-linear current-versus-voltage response over a voltage sweep range in various embodiments. The vertically-stacked devices may be assembled into arrays where the vertically-stacked devices may be electrically addressed independently of one another. Uses of the vertically-stacked electronic devices and arrays as two-terminal memory devices, logic units, and sensors are disclosed. Crossbar arrays of vertically-stacked electronic devices having conductive carbon films and nanowire electrodes are disclosed.
US08395896B2 Redundant cooling systems and methods
Redundant cooling systems and methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for redundant cooling system of computer systems and other electronics may comprise thermally connecting a cooling fluid to one or more heat-generating components to absorb heat from the heat-generating components during operation. The method may also comprise thermally connecting the cooling fluid to a primary coolant and a secondary coolant. The method may also comprise exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and the primary coolant or the secondary coolant to remove heat from the cooling fluid even if one of the cooling sources is unavailable.
US08395895B2 Image reading device
An image reading device, and more particularly an image reading device having a cooler capable of preventing introduction of impurities and reducing vibration and noise. The image reading device includes a body having a reading unit, and a cooler disposed in the body cooling the reading unit. The cooler includes a housing, a cooling unit disposed in the body and moving air into the body, a filter member disposed apart from the cooling unit and removing dust contained in the air, and a damper member having one side supported by the filter member and the other side supported by the cooling unit.
US08395894B2 Protective enclosure for electronic device
Disclosed is a three-layer protective enclosure that provides resistance to water, dust, dirt, and bump protection for sensitive computers. In one embodiment, an inner membrane layer is provided, which is a thin, flexible layer that protects portions of a computer and allows the user to interact with keyboards, push buttons and other interactive features of the computer. A protective hard shell fits tightly over the membrane and provides additional sealing and rigidity to the protective enclosure. A stretchable cushion layer is placed over the hard shell which conforms to the hard shell and seals moisture, dust and dirt from entering the hard shell. The stretchable cushion layer provides cushioning and also allows access to certain controls on the computer. In another embodiment, a touch screen cover may be used with, or without, a membrane over other portions of the computer.
US08395880B2 High density capacitor array patterns
A thin-film device system includes a substrate and a plurality of pillars. The plurality of pillars project from a surface of the substrate. Each of the plurality of pillars have a perimeter that includes at least four protrusions that define at least four recessed regions between the at least four protrusions. Each of the at least four recessed regions of each of the plurality of pillars receives one protrusion from an adjacent one of the plurality of pillars. A thin-film device is fabricated over the plurality of pillars.
US08395866B1 Resilient flying lead and terminus for disk drive suspension
A disk drive suspension circuit has copper signal conductors connected by vias through an insulative layer to respective stainless steel flying leads. The stainless steel flying leads are activated and plated with one or more metals, with a final layer over the flying lead being a layer such as gold, suitable for bonding to form bond pads. The gold bond pads may be attached using thermosonic welding, solder ball bonding, or other suitable methods to an electrical component such as wires or a the disk drive's pre-amp circuit.
US08395865B2 Thermally insulated suspension load beam
A suspension load beam for use in supporting a transducer head in a data storage system includes a front beam section, a rear beam section, and a middle beam section. The front beam section is configured to connect to a slider assembly carrying a transducer head. The rear beam section is configured to connect to an actuator arm. The middle beam section is located between the front beam section and the rear beam section. The middle beam section comprises a top thermal insulation layer, a bottom thermal insulation layer and a rigid layer between the top and bottom thermal insulation layers.
US08395862B2 Disk drive device with motor coil wiring arrangement to reduce thickness and suppressed torque decrease
The disk drive device includes a base member, a hub, a bearing unit which is arranged on the base member and which rotatably supports the hub, and a spindle drive unit which drives the hub to rotate. The spindle drive unit includes a stator core having a salient pole, a coil wound around the salient pole and a magnet opposed to the salient pole. The hub formed of magnetic material includes an outer cylinder portion engaged with an inner circumference of a recording disk and an inner cylinder portion to which an outer circumference of the magnet is fixed. The base member having a wire hole through which a wire from the coil passes, and a concavity that is formed at a bottom surface of the base member wherein the wire passes through the wire hole along a bottom face of the base member to a wiring member at the concavity.
US08395861B2 Disk drive device having fluid dynamic bearing with porous member at position in which lubricant is charged
A disk drive device includes a fixed body section, a rotating body section, a bearing unit and a drive unit. The bearing unit includes a shaft that is a rotation center, a sleeve that has an accommodating portion in which the shaft is accommodated and that permits relative rotation around the shaft, a radial space defined by an inner wall surface of the sleeve-accommodating portion and an outer wall surface of the shaft, first and second radial dynamic pressure grooves that generate a radial dynamic pressure in at least one of the inner wall surface of the sleeve and the outer wall surface of the shaft that define the radial space, a lubricant charged into the radial space, and a porous filter that is disposed in at least a portion of the charging space in which the lubricant is charged, for capturing foreign matter contained in the lubricant.
US08395859B2 Method of detecting touchdown of magnetic head using timestamps, and magnetic disk drive to which the method is applied
According to one embodiment, a method of detecting contact of a magnetic head with a magnetic disk by changing the dynamic flying height of the magnetic head in a magnetic disk drive is disclosed. The method can change control of a spindle motor configured to rotate the magnetic disk, from feedback control to open loop control. The method can detect a change in rotational speed of the magnetic disk during the open loop control. The method can detect contact of the magnetic head with the magnetic disk based on the detected change in the rotational speed.
US08395855B2 Shape memory alloy actuation apparatus
A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a plurality of resilient flexures that guide movement of the movable element along the optical axis. A shape memory alloy actuator biassed by the resilient flexures and an additional resilient biassing element is arranged to drive movement of the camera lens element. An end-stop limits movement of the camera lens element at a position where the shape memory alloy actuator has a predetermined length that is above the length corresponding on the local maximum resistance by an amount not greater than 15% of the difference between (i) the length corresponding to the local maximum resistance and (ii) the length corresponding to the local minimum resistance.
US08395851B2 Optical lens system
The present invention provides an optical lens system comprising, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a fourth lens element; and a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric and at least one inflection point being formed on the image-side surface. Such arrangement of optical elements can effectively minimize the size of the optical lens system, lower the sensitivity of the optical system, and obtain higher image resolution.
US08395847B2 Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes sequentially from an object side a first lens group having a negative refractive power; a diaphragm; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power. Zoom from a wide angle edge to a telephoto edge is performed by displacement of the second lens group along an optical axis, toward the object side. Correction of imaging plane variation accompanying the zoom, is performed by displacement of the first lens group along the optical axis. The second lens group includes sequentially from the object side, a positive first lens having at least on aspheric surface and a positive second lens. Furthermore, a first condition υd21>63 and a second condition υd22>70 are satisfied, υd21 being the Abbe number for a d-line in the first lens of the second lens group and υd22 being the Abbe number for a d-line in the second lens of the second lens group.
US08395835B2 Barrier and image display device with the same
A 3D image display device with a 2D or 3D image mode switching barrier is provided. The image display device includes an image panel, color change regions spaced apart from each other in a repetitive pattern and selectively change into light transmission regions or light blockage regions, and a barrier having the color change regions.
US08395834B2 Deflecting mirror for deflecting and scanning light beam
The deflecting mirror includes a fixed base member; a mirror having a reflection surface; a support member swingablly supporting the mirror; a pair of driving beam members, each having a first end connected with the fixed base member and a second end connected with the support member to support the support member from both sides; and a piezoelectric member fixed to each driving beam member and extending from the first or second end of each driving beam member while having length not longer than about half the length of the driving beam member. The piezoelectric member and the driving beam members constitute piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph structure. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric member, the driving beam members are driven at the same time in the same direction, thereby vibrating the support member in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface of the mirror, resulting in swinging of the mirror.
US08395826B2 Scanning device
A scanning device comprising a first image sensor, a second image sensor module and a housing. The first image sensor module has a first image array sensor for scanning information from a first side of media. The second image sensor module is mounted opposite the first image sensor module so that the media can move to a scanning region between the first image sensor module and the second image sensor module. The second image sensor module has a second image array sensor for scanning information from a second side of the media. A housing is attached to the second image sensor module. When the media moves to the scanning region between the first image sensor module and the second image sensor module and exits the scanning region, when the media reenters the scanning region, the media impacts a convex region of the housing that causes the second image sensor module to move with respect to the first image sensor module and to thus provide sufficient separation distance between the second image sensor module and the first image sensor module to allow the media to re-enter the scanning region.
US08395823B2 Device capable of reading plural documents, method of controlling the device, and program
Provided is a device that prevents unauthorized copying of a document to which copy inhibition information is added.
US08395822B2 Image processing method combining compression and watermark techniques
An image processing method combining compression and watermark techniques is provided. In the method, a block is taken as a unit, and two ordered dither arrays mutually conjugate are used to code an original image, so as to insert information of a watermark into the original image during the coding process. Accordingly, the method generates a compressed image gives consideration to the compression ratio, the image quality and the data safety. On the other hand, the method also provides a procedure to extract the watermark from the compressed image, in order to verify whether the compressed image has been modified illegally.
US08395820B2 Image processing apparatus for printing in black coloring material based on attribute information
An image processing apparatus which sends attribute information to an output correction unit configured to determine based on the attribute information whether to print with only a black coloring material (K) or to print with a plurality of coloring materials (CMYK), includes an attribute change unit configured to make a determination to perform processing for changing the attribute information of compressed data, whose rendering color is monochrome and which is compressed by a compression format (MMR) for compressing a monochromatic image, from an attribute which is printed with a plurality of coloring materials to an attribute which is printed with only a black coloring material, and to perform the processing for changing the attribute information based on the determination.
US08395817B2 Image processing apparatus and method determines attributes of image blocks based on pixel edge intensities relative to normalized and fixed thresholds
An image processing apparatus determines the attribute of a pixel block, which is composed of a prescribed number of pixels extracted from image data, and the attribute of an area in which each pixel of the pixel block belongs. Then, based upon the determined attribute of the image block and the determined attribute of the area in which each pixel belongs, the apparatus subjects the image data to processing, pixel by pixel.
US08395808B2 Divisional print control
The technique of the present invention enhances the workability of bonding and improves the finish in poster printing. The procedure first sets multiple areas adjacent to one another in an image expressed by master image data, where each of the multiple areas corresponds to each unit page to be printed. The procedure then enlarges each of the adjacent areas by preset dimensions (corresponding to an enlarged area in marginless printing) and sequentially extracts image data included in each enlarged area. The procedure subsequently magnifies the extracted image data by a predetermined magnification to generate each piece of page image data. The area actually printed is a little greater than the size of each sheet of printing paper. This arrangement thus enables an image part, for example, each part of a letter ‘A’, to be printed to the top, bottom, left, and right sides of each sheet of printing paper. The image part printed in each sheet of printing paper is continuous with the image part printed in an adjoining sheet of printing paper.
US08395793B2 Apparatuses and methods that use a stamp function to register and edit a stamp
In an information processing apparatus that uses a stamp function to register and edit a stamp, the stamp function is used to set a variable character string or image as variable stamp information. When a document is printed in a printer, print data is generated by affixing the preset variable stamp information to the document.
US08395785B2 Hybrid sensor
A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The system projecting a pattern onto the feature and imaging the pattern where the pattern intersects with the feature, where the pattern is a series of lines that are encoded to identify at least one line of the series of lines.
US08395778B2 Soot number determining device and method for determining a soot number
A soot number determining device has an intake line for taking in a soot-containing gas through a filter paper that has been introduced into the intake line. A transport apparatus transports a soot spot, which is produced at an intake position by virtue of the gas being taken in on the filter paper, by transporting the filter paper further to an evaluation position. A device is used to determine the extent of blackening of the filter paper.
US08395775B2 Fluorescent agent concentration measuring apparatus, dose control apparatus, administration system, fluorescent agent concentration measuring method, and dose control method
A fluorescent agent accumulation concentration measuring apparatus is configured to include a single-wavelength LED to radiate excitation light to a test bottle loaded in the inside, a barrier filter to transmit only fluorescence from the test bottle, a photoreceptor to receive the fluorescence through the barrier filter and output an electric signal, a detection processing circuit to conduct signal processing of the electric signal from the photoreceptor and detect the fluorescence intensity, and an operation circuit 26 to compare the detection result from the detection processing circuit with an analytical pattern stored in a pattern storage portion and calculate the peak time of the accumulation concentration in a tissue of a sample in the test bottle.
US08395773B2 Optical devices and methods for measuring samples
Optical devices and methods for measuring samples while minimizing stray light are described. Such methods and devices are applicable to multiple fluid chambers with multiple sources as an integrated optical element. Light sources can be embedded onto a chip or microarray with multiple chambers, or can be part of an instrument arrangement.
US08395772B2 Sensor, a table and lithographic apparatus
A sensor for an immersion system is disclosed. The sensor comprises: a sensing device, a transparent layer and an opaque patterning layer. The sensing device is configured to sense a property of a beam of radiation. The transparent layer is configured to allow the passage of a beam of radiation therethrough. The transparent layer covers the sensing device. The opaque patterning layer is configured to impart a pattern to the beam of radiation. In the patterning layer is an opening in which is located an infilling material. The infilling material is transparent to the beam of radiation and has a similar refractive index to that of the transparent layer.
US08395770B1 Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus
Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. Chemical analysis instruments employed in some embodiments include capillary and gel plane electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, flow cells for liquids and aerosols, and surface detection instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.
US08395769B2 Method for analysis of pathogenic microorganisms using raman spectroscopic techniques
A method for assessing the presence of a pathogenic microorganism in a sample. A sample is illuminated to thereby produce a first plurality of interacted photons which may be scattered, emitted, reflected and/or absorbed by the sample. The first plurality of interacted photons are assessed to thereby generate a Raman data set representative of the sample. This Raman data set is analyzed to thereby determine at least one of: the presence of a pathogenic microorganism in said sample and the absence of a pathogenic microorganism in said sample. The Raman data set may comprise at least one of a Raman spectrum and/or a Raman chemical image representative of the sample. The analysis may comprise comparing said Raman data set to at least one reference Raman data set representative of a known sample. This may be achieved using a chemometric technique.
US08395765B2 Wavelength monitor
In a wavelength monitor that monitors a wavelength of laser light emitted from at least two semiconductor lasers formed in parallel on a semiconductor substrate, the wavelength monitor includes a collimating lens that collimates laser light from each of the semiconductor lasers, an etalon that is arranged so that laser light collimated by the collimating lens is capable of entering and has a periodicity, and a photodetector that receives laser light transmitted through the etalon and detects a light intensity, wherein a beam propagation angle in the etalon of laser light emitted from each of the semiconductor lasers becomes a predetermined angle obtained by formula 1.
US08395763B2 Method of testing a passive optical element
A passive optical element defining an optical propagation path is tested by coupling a buffer fiber between an input of the propagation path and an optical time domain reflectometer. The OTDR launches optical radiation into the buffer fiber via one end thereof, measures power level of return light received at the OTDR via the buffer fiber, and creates an OTDR signature representing power level of return light as a function of distance from the end of the buffer fiber. The OTDR selects a first marker point by applying data reduction to a portion of a segment of the OTDR signature corresponding to the buffer fiber, selects a second marker point downstream of the input of the optical propagation path, and calculates a first power difference value as difference between a power level at the first marker point and a power level at the second marker point.
US08395762B2 Apparatus and method for measuring chromatic dispersion
Highly accurate measurement of chromatic dispersions of a device under test that is an optical component is enabled with a simple structure comprising: propagating pump light having a wavelength λpump and probe light having a wavelength λprobe through the device; calculating the generation efficiency of the idler light with respect to the wavelength λpump by measuring the power of idler light having a wavelength λidler output from the device according to four-wave mixing generated in the device; seeking the frequency difference or wavelength difference between the pump light and the probe light that makes an extremum of generation efficiency of the idler light; calculating phase mismatch among the pump light wavelength having such frequency difference or wavelength difference, the probe light wavelength, and the idler light wavelength; and on the basis of such calculation results, calculating the chromatic dispersion of the device at the wavelength λpump.
US08395758B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
While one ends of ropes are respectively tied to a −Y side leg section and a +Y side leg section of a frame caster, the other ends of the ropes hang down in a −Z direction via a plurality of pulleys fixed to the upper sections of frames that are each separated from an apparatus main body, and a weight having a weight corresponding to a half the weight to be reduced is tied to each of the other ends. In this case, even if the apparatus main body oscillates in vertical or lateral directions (normal directions of the pulleys) owing to the action of a vibration isolation table, the position of the weight only vertically moves by rotation of the pulleys, and the reduced amount of the apparatus weight does not vary. Further, since any coil springs are not used, sympathetic vibration with the apparatus main body and the vibration isolation table does not occur, which allows the attenuation characteristics of the vibration isolation table to be improved. Therefore, the exposure apparatus can be increased in size without inducing the cost rise.
US08395753B2 Microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The disclosure relates to a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, as well as related components and methods. In some embodiments, a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes an illumination system and a projection objective, where the illumination system can illuminate an object plane of the projection objective and the projection objective can produce the image of the object plane on an image plane. A polarization-dependent transmission can be produced in the illumination system such that, for at least one polarization distribution in respect of the light impinging on the object plane, a non-homogeneous intensity distribution in the object plane is obtained. The non-homogeneous intensity distribution can afford a homogeneous intensity distribution in the image plane by virtue of polarization-dependent transmission properties of the projection objective.
US08395751B2 Method and apparatus for pre-firing cues during a digital cinema presentation
Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cueing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined prefire interval.
US08395746B2 Display device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device where expansion of a frame portion over a substrate, which results from formation of a lead wiring over an active matrix substrate, is minimally suppressed to realize a narrow frame. According to one feature of a display device of the present invention, a chamfer portion is formed at least at an end portion of an active matrix substrate having a pixel portion of a pair of substrates disposed to be opposed to each other, and wirings (a source line, a gate line, a storage capacitor line, a leading out wiring, and the like) over the active matrix substrate are electrically connected by a common wiring formed in the chamfer portion.
US08395732B2 Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell; a first polarizer placed on one side of the liquid crystal cell; a second polarizer placed on another side of the liquid crystal cell; a biaxial optical element placed between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer; and a negative C plate placed between the second polarizer and the biaxial optical element. A direction of an absorption axis of the first polarizer is substantially perpendicular to a direction of an absorption axis of the second polarizer. A refractive index ellipsoid of the biaxial optical element has a relationship of nx>nz>ny and a direction of a slow axis of the biaxial optical element is substantially parallel to the direction of the absorption axis of the first polarizer. A refractive index ellipsoid of the negative C plate has a relationship of nx=ny>nz. A wavelength dispersion value (D1) of the biaxial optical element and a wavelength dispersion value (D2) of the negative C plate satisfy a relationship of D1≧D2.
US08395727B2 VA mode liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a VA-mode liquid-crystal display device comprising a front-side polarizing element (14), a rear-side polarizing element (12), a VA-mode liquid-crystal cell (LC) disposed between the front-side polarizing element and the rear-side polarizing element, and a first retardation region (16) comprising one or more retardation layers between the rear-side polarizing element and the VA-mode liquid-crystal cell, wherein the first retardation region satisfies 0 nm≦Re(590)≦10 nm, and |Rth(590)|≦25 nm. Re(λ) means retardation (nm) in plane at a wavelength λ nm, and Rth(λ) means retardation (nm) along the thickness direction at a wavelength λ nm.
US08395719B2 Display device and light source block used therein
A display device and a light source block used therein are provided. The display device includes the light source block, a film set, and a display panel. The light source block has a reflective surface, a film supporter intersecting the reflective surface at an edge, and a panel supporting surface. The film supporter connects an end of an extremity surface, and the panel supporting surface connects the other end of the extremity surface. The film set is disposed on the film supporter, and the display panel is disposed on the panel supporting surface. The display panel has a display area and a light-shielding unit disposed outside the display area. The edge between the reflective surface and the film supporter falls into a vertical projection of the light-shielding unit.
US08395713B2 Multi-screen television receiver remote control system, remote controller and operation method, multi-screen television receiver and operation method, recording media, and program
A multi-screen television receiver remote control system includes a multi-screen television receiver including a plurality of television receivers, and a remote controller for controlling the multi-screen television receiver. In the multi-screen television receiver remote control system, the remote controller includes a determining section, a manipulating section, a remote control command generating section, and a transmitting section. The multi-screen television receiver includes a receiving section, a recognizing section, and an executing section.
US08395700B2 Image displaying device and method, and image processing device and method
The quality of moving picture image with a large moving amount is prevented from deterioration due to moving compensation type frame rate conversion (FRC) processing. The image display device is comprised of an FRC unit (10) that interpolates an image signal subjected to moving compensation processing between frames so as to convert the number of frames of the input image signal, a moving amount judging unit (14) that judges whether a moving amount of the input image signal between the frames is larger than a predetermined value or not, and a control unit (15). The FRC unit (10) is provided with a moving vector detecting unit (11e) that detects a moving vector between the frames of the input image signal, an interpolation vector evaluating unit (11f) that allocates an interpolation vector between the frames on the basis of the moving vector information and an interpolation frame generating unit (12d) that generates an interpolation frame from the interpolation vector. In the case where the moving amount between the frames of the input image signal is larger than the predetermined value, the control unit (15) sets the moving vector detected by the moving vector detecting unit (11e) to be zero-vector, and it invalidates the moving compensation processing of the FRC unit (10).
US08395692B2 Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion units disposed on an imaging surface of a substrate; and a plurality of inner-layer lenses that are disposed in correspondence with each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units on the upper side of the photoelectric conversion units and are formed in shapes protruding in directions toward the photoelectric conversion units, wherein each of the plurality of inner-layer lenses is formed to have different lens shapes in the center and in the periphery of the imaging surface.
US08395684B2 Noise reduction apparatus, method and program for controlling same, image sensor and digital camera
Image data pixels indicative of the pixels in a noise-reduction target area having a size of 5×5 pixels is extracted from a plurality of types of CCD-RAW data having red, green and blue color components. A filter for reducing uncorrelated noise is calculated. Uncorrelated noise is removed by performing a filter operation using the calculated filter while correlativity of the CCD-RAW data is maintained. These processing steps are repeated for one frame of CCD-RAW data. After uncorrelated noise has been removed, spatial pixel processing such as an aperture correction is applied.
US08395674B2 Long-distance image capture device
A device for taking long-distance images includes, successively: an assembly, formed of spherical mirrors, having a first focal length, an optical relay assembly designed to render afocal the optical combination of this optical relay assembly and the assembly of spherical mirrors, a lens unit and an image sensor placed in the focal plane of the lens unit; the optical relay assembly being designed, for at least one focal length of the lens unit, to form the image from the exit aperture of the assembly constituted of mirrors on the entrance aperture of the lens unit. Preferably, the optical relay assembly is designed to form an image from the exit aperture of the spherical mirrors assembly in the entrance aperture of the lens unit.
US08395662B1 Aviation emergency response system
The aviation emergency response system includes a number of ground subsystems located on an airport, and a number of subsystems installed in an aircraft. The ground subsystems may include dispensers along the edges of the runway(s) for dispensing foam, water, and/or deicing fluid, and an array of cameras installed along the runway edges. Low lateral retaining dams may be provided along the edges of the runway(s), and appropriate drainage is also provided for the runway. A tire-puncturing apparatus may also be installed in the surface of the runway, and energy-absorbing overruns are provided at the runway ends. A control center including appropriate monitoring and control systems is also provided on the airport. Aircraft may be equipped with external cameras for monitoring the condition of the aircraft in flight, and corresponding annunciator systems placed in the aircraft cockpit for appropriate response(s) by the flight crew.
US08395660B2 Three-dimensional movie browser or editor
A three-dimensional movie browser or editor is disclosed. In one aspect, video frames are quads in space. A movie plays at full quality by moving the quads in space at a speed of the movie and having a camera follow the quads. A focus frame in the movie is put forward by a cover-flow/dock like expansion around it. Video frames are loaded at a resolution and with an interval that depends on their position regarding a focus point or the optical flow between the frames.
US08395657B2 Method and system for stitching two or more images
A method and system for stitching two or more images to generate a resultant image of good quality is disclosed. The disclosed method and system represents a way to stitch two or more images captured through fisheye lenses. The method and system converts two fisheye hemispherical images to two triangles, which are thereafter stitched together to form a rectangular image. Herein each single pixel in the hemispherical images at the beginning represents one single pixel in the resultant rectangular figure at the end of the process. Thus, the resultant stitched image comprises of the same concentration of pixels at the end as was in the initial images to be stitched and occupies lesser storage space than equirectangular images or videos.
US08395653B2 Videoconferencing endpoint having multiple voice-tracking cameras
A videoconferencing apparatus automatically tracks speakers in a room and dynamically switches between a controlled, people-view camera and a fixed, room-view camera. When no one is speaking, the apparatus shows the room view to the far-end. When there is a dominant speaker in the room, the apparatus directs the people-view camera at the dominant speaker and switches from the room-view camera to the people-view camera. When there is a new speaker in the room, the apparatus switches to the room-view camera first, directs the people-view camera at the new speaker, and then switches to the people-view camera directed at the new speaker. When there are two near-end speakers engaged in a conversation, the apparatus tracks and zooms-in the people-view camera so that both speakers are in view.
US08395650B2 System and method for displaying a videoconference
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a videoconference includes receiving a first video feed. The first video feed includes a first plurality of video signals, each video signal from at least one source and originating from one or more sites. The method also includes assigning for a videoconference each video signal of the first plurality of video signals to a zone of a plurality of zones of a display window. Each zone of the plurality of zones is able to display one video signal at a time. The method further includes, for each zone of the plurality of zones of the display window to which more than one video signal has been assigned, switching the current video signal to be displayed in the zone to another video signal assigned to the zone based on a switching protocol.
US08395644B2 Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
The exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a liquid crystal display device and a driving method thereof. The liquid crystal display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises: a liquid crystal display panel wherein data lines and gate lines are disposed crosswisely each other; a controller modulating a first color input data and a second color input data with a first modulation width, and modulating a third color input data and a fourth color input data with a second modulation width higher than the first modulation width; a panel driving circuit supplying a first modulated color data, a second modulated data and a third modulated data to the liquid crystal display panel for a first period, and supplying the first modulated color data, the third modulated color data and a fourth modulated color data to the liquid crystal display panel for a second period; and a backlight device irradiating lights corresponding to the first, second and third modulated color data to the liquid crystal display panel for the first period, and irradiating lights corresponding to the first, third and fourth modulated color data to the liquid crystal display panel for the second period.
US08395642B2 Method for virtual image synthesis
A method synthesizes virtual images from a sequence of texture images and a sequence of corresponding depth images, wherein each depth images stores depths d at pixel locations I(x, y). Each depth image, is preprocessed to produce a corresponding preprocessed depth image. A first reference image and a second reference image are from the sequence of texture images. Then, depth-based 3D warping, depth-based histogram matching, base plus assistant image blending, and depth-based in-painting are applied in order to synthesize a virtual image.
US08395639B2 Color processor, color processing method and computer readable medium
The color processor includes: a conversion source color data acquiring part acquiring a conversion source color dataset in a first color space; a color data pair acquiring part acquiring color data pairs each composed of color datasets in the first and second color spaces, the color datasets being used to calculate a color conversion characteristic model; a color conversion characteristic model calculator assigning weight to the color dataset in the first color space, according to a color difference distance from the conversion source color dataset, and calculates the model by use of color data pairs each including a weighted color dataset in the first color space; and an evaluation value calculator calculating an evaluation value indicating an evaluation on influence of the color data pairs on color conversion accuracy of the model. The color conversion characteristic model calculator adjusts the weight according to the evaluation value, when calculating the model.
US08395634B2 Method and apparatus for processing information
An information processing apparatus for encoding image data, includes a filter unit for performing a filtering operation on the image data in a layer fashion to generate a plurality of subbands including coefficient data segmented on a per frequency band basis, an intermediate data storage unit for storing intermediate data generated in the middle of the filtering operation of the filter unit, a coefficient storage unit for storing the coefficient data generated in the filtering operation of the filter unit, and a coefficient rearranging unit for performing a rearranging operation to rearrange the coefficient data stored on the coefficient storage unit so that the coefficient data is output in a predetermined order. The intermediate data storage unit writes and reads data thereon at a speed higher than the coefficient storage unit and being smaller in storage capacity than the coefficient storage unit.
US08395632B2 Sharing a data buffer
A computer-program product may have instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform operations including managing execution of application functions that access data in a shared buffer; determining if a first instruction that is stored at a first memory location causes, upon execution, data to be read from or written to the shared buffer; and when it is determined that the first instruction causes data to be read from or written to the shared buffer, 1) identify one or more replacement instructions to execute in place of the first instruction; 2) store the one or more replacement instructions; and 3) replace the first instruction at the first memory location with a second instruction that, when executed, causes the stored one or more replacement instructions to be executed.
US08395630B2 Format conversion apparatus from band interleave format to band separate format
A format conversion apparatus which converts image data of a band interleave format into image data of a band separate format is provided. The apparatus includes a memory which stores image data of a band interleave format; and a converting module which reads the memory by increasing a read address of the memory for each stride, and converts the image data of the band interleave format into image data of a band separate format.
US08395628B2 Method for acquiring graphics device interface invocation by using filter driver
A method for intercepting graphics device interface invocations by using filter driver which is transparent to graphics device interface engine and real display driver is disclosed. The method comprises steps of duplicating DDI function table returned from said real display driver, modifying DDI functions of said real display driver required for capturing screen update, creating auxiliary buffer area as updating buffer area for said screen update, and further processing said updating buffer area. With the method of the present invention, the support to video and 3D acceleration in the local computer can be realized by means of software, and the user can be provided with high-quality picture and display effect. Compared with the Mirror system in the prior art, since the present invention doesn't employ the Mirror system, the graphics device interface engine of the inventive system are not aware of the existence of the filter driver, the video and 3D acceleration function of the graphic card still remains. As a result, the function can be supported in the system, and applications employing video and 3D acceleration can be executed normally.
US08395627B2 Spline technique for 2D electronic game
A technique for generating splines in two dimensions for use in electronic game play is disclosed. The technique includes generating a computer graphic of a shape to be animated that is formed by one or more splines. The shape also includes at least one joint. When the position or orientation of the joint is changed, the orientation and/or position of the splines corresponding to the joint are changed resulting in changes to the shape.
US08395601B2 Touch sensing system and display apparatus employing the same
A touch sensing system which senses a touch position on a screen, including a light source to emit light; a light deflection unit to deflect the light emitted from the light source, a light guide plate which is arranged opposite to the screen and guides the light deflected by the light deflection unit to different positions on the screen according to an incident position, a light detector to receive at least part of the light reflected in a touch position on the screen, and a controller to calculate the touch position on the screen based on a point of time when the light detector detects the light.
US08395600B2 User interface device
A user interface device detects a fingertip placed on an imaging range. The imaging range is located or arranged so that a user inserts and place a hand along a predetermined direction. A device detects a tip area corresponding to the fingertip from the imaging range. The device determines whether the detected tip area is a finger or not. The determination can be performed by evaluating a size of the tip area, for example, whether the width is in an appropriate range or not. If the tip area is verified as a finger, a position of the fingertip is calculated. According to the device, it is possible to determine whether it is a finger or not by using a relatively simple algorithm. As a result, it is possible to eliminate objects other than finger and to provide sufficient accuracy for detecting the fingertip.
US08395599B2 Low voltage capacitive touchscreen charge acquisition and readout systems, circuits and methods for high system noise immunity
Various embodiments of capacitive touchscreen driving and sensing circuits are disclosed, where during a first phase the mutual capacitance between a given drive electrode and a given sense electrode is charged up to a first charge value corresponding substantially to a drive voltage times the mutual capacitance. During a second phase the charge storage capacitor is charged up to a value corresponding approximately to a difference in touchscreen capacitance network charges occurring during the first and second phases. The first and second phases do not overlap in time. Dark frame signals may also be acquired from the touchscreen to calibrate differences in touchscreen capacitance network charges.
US08395597B2 Method and device for providing an equi-potential touch screen
Disclosed is a method (50) and device (100) for providing an equi-potential touch screen. The method can include: providing (52) a capacitive touch screen including transmit electrodes and receive electrodes combined to form a grid structure configured to provide capacitive signals that allow position of touch to be resolved; and driving (54) a substantially central transmit electrode with equi-potential connection points. The method (50) and device (100) provide a touch screen device which allows drive lines to be split on either side of the touch screen device, while being highly linear. For example, the frame area surrounding the touch screen can be made narrower or thinner, for minimal real estate and optimizing design layout.
US08395588B2 Touch panel
A touch panel includes a light guide including a first face for detecting the position of an object in contact therewith and a second face opposite the first face, and a line sensor for receiving light emitted from a side face of the light guide plate, wherein, of light irradiated from the second face side, the light guide guides toward the side face the portion of light reflected by the object.
US08395580B2 Method for driving electrophoresis display device, electrophoresis display device, and electronic apparatus
There is provided a method for driving an electrophoresis display device equipped with a plurality of pixel electrodes, each of the pixel electrode being provided for every pixel, a common electrode provided to oppose the plurality of pixel electrodes, and an electrophoresis element containing electrophoresis particles, the electrophoresis element being sandwiched by the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode. The method includes driving the electrophoresis element and updating a display by a common voltage swing drive method in which a rectangular wave in which a first potential and a second potential are repeated is applied to the common electrode for not less than one cycle during a display update time in which the first potential or the second potential for moving the electrophoresis particles is applied to each of the pixel electrodes. A frequency of the rectangular wave is not less than 20 Hz.
US08395568B2 Light emitting, photovoltaic or other electronic apparatus and system
The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
US08395567B2 Display device and method of controlling the same
A display device including pixels has formed therein at least two driving blocks each made up of pixel rows, and includes: a signal line driving circuit that outputs a signal voltage to an output line disposed in each of pixel columns; and a selector circuit that controls a selector disposed in each of the columns for providing a signal voltage outputted from the output line to one of a first signal line and second signal line disposed in each of the columns, and selectively provides a standard voltage or the signal voltage outputted from the output line to one of the first signal line or the second signal line. Each of the pixels includes a current control unit and an organic EL element. Pixels in the k-th driving block are connected to the first signal line and pixels in the (k+1)-th driving block are connected to the second signal line.
US08395565B2 Tagged multi line address driving
A circuit for a flat panel display includes an image data storage and processing block, a display and timing controller block, an image pixel matrix containing a multitude of row and column arranged pixel elements, one or more controlled row and column driver blocks, and a tagged multi line addressing (TMLA) pixel element display operation. That TMLA operation comprises a decomposition of image data by searching all lines of an image for groups of identical lines by tagging each of these lines with a unique code and thus decomposes image data into multi line and single line domain data in such a way, that lines with matching tags, indicating their common and identical contents, are outputted as image data into related groups of the multi line domain with no left over residual image data and thus the related groups in the single line domain data are all zeroes.
US08395560B2 Satellite antenna device
A satellite antenna device is provided. The satellite antenna device includes a body, a wave guide, and a dielectric member. The wave guide is connected to the body. The dielectric member is connected to the wave guide, wherein the dielectric member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion has a protruding structure, the protruding structure is formed surrounding a central axis of the wave guide, the second portion has a concave structure, and the concave structure corresponds to the protruding structure, and is matched therewith.
US08395557B2 Broadband antenna having electrically isolated first and second antennas
A broadband antenna includes a first antenna element having first and second ends spaced apart by a surface thereof. A second antenna element is substantially co-planar with the first antenna element, the second antenna element having first and second ends spaced apart by a surface thereof. The first end of the second antenna element is spaced apart from the second end of the first antenna element by a first air gap. A conductive structure is spaced apart from the first end of the first antenna element by a second air gap, the conductive structure being configured to provide for structural excitation of the antenna over a lower frequency range of an available broadband antenna bandwidth, such as may be a continuous operating bandwidth.
US08395552B2 Antenna module having reduced size, high gain, and increased power efficiency
A broadband integrated circulator antenna (BICA) module for receiving and transmitting signals with high efficiency and high gain. The BICA can have a bandwidth of over 70% of a radar band and can operate in frequencies from UHF to S-band and above. The BICA has a stack configuration that includes a low profile antenna, a reflecting layer or a metamaterial substrate layer, and a circulator. The circulator is placed proximal to antenna, which greatly reduces the size of the BICA. The circulator can be a stripline Y-junction ferrite circulator and the antenna can be a coaxial center fed bow-tie antenna. The reflecting layer or metamaterial substrate layer can comprise electronic bandgap metamaterial and a high permeability ferrite substrate. The high permeability ferrite substrate can be cobalt substituted Z-type barium hexaferrite.
US08395549B2 Triple band antenna
A triple band antenna includes a feed-in portion, a first radiating portion, a second radiating portion, a third radiating portion and a grounding portion. The first radiating portion is connected to a first side of a first end of the feed-in portion. A second end of the second radiating portion is connected to a second side of the first end of the feed-in portion. The third radiating portion is connected to a third end of the second radiating portion. The grounding portion is located at two sides of the feed-in portion.
US08395545B2 Method and system for utilizing reduced functionality processing channels in a GNSS receiver
A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver comprising one or more regular channel circuits and one or more sniff channel circuits may be operable, utilizing the sniff channel circuits, to monitor power levels of currently visible GNSS satellites which are not being utilized by the regular channel circuits. An alternative GNSS satellite from the currently monitored GNSS satellites may be selected by the GNSS receiver based on the monitored power levels. GNSS signals received from the selected alternative GNSS satellite may be processed by a regular channel circuit. The GNSS receiver may be operable to detect, for example, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) or carrier-to-noise density ratios (C/N0s) of the currently visible GNSS satellites utilizing the sniff channel circuits. The sniff channel circuits may not be utilized to generate GNSS measurements so that functionality of each of the sniff channel circuits may be reduced.
US08395538B2 High speed resistor-DAC for SAR DAC
A singled-ended, successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter convert an analog input voltage to a digital representation comprising m upper order bits and a number of lower order bits. The SAR ADC comprises SAR logic, a resistive network, multiple switches, and first and second LSB capacitors. The switches also comprises two sets of switches coupled to the resistive network, each set of switches is configured to couple a selected tap to each of the first and second LSB capacitors. When determining the lower order bits, the SAR logic is configured to control the sets of switches to change the first and second taps from one cycle in which one of the lower order bits is determined to a next cycle in which the next of the lower order bits is determined so that the voltage of both taps changes by a decreasing amount with each succeeding bit being determined.
US08395537B2 Methods for compressing and decompressing mifare applications
MIFARE applications (MIA) are organized in at least one sector comprising sector data being arranged in data blocks and a sector trailer. A compressing method for MIFARE application comprises: searching for consecutive occurrences of same data values in the sector data and replacing the detected consecutive data having the same data value by a sequence comprising said data value and a number indicating the number of consecutive sector data having that data value; and/or searching for all different sector trailer values and replacing all sector trailers by references to respective ones of the different sector trailer values.
US08395531B2 Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly
Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a retrofitted traffic control assembly configured to reinforce a traffic signal assembly in high wind conditions is provided. The reinforcement devices include connection assemblies for reinforcing the portion of a traffic control assembly positioned between a traffic signal disconnect hanger and an upper span wire, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more stiffening members may be placed in, on, or adjacent to a traffic signal and/or a traffic signal disconnect hanger to further reinforce the traffic signal assembly.
US08395523B2 Method and system for preventing fuel theft
A method and system for preventing fuel theft includes one or more tamper detection sensors mounted on a fuel dispenser, the tamper detection sensors being operable to detect dislocation of one or more portions of the fuel dispenser's shell. A dispenser security controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more tamper detection sensors and is operable to generate a trigger signal in response to receiving a tamper detection signal from the one or more tamper detection sensors. A dispenser transaction-termination switch is electrically coupled to the fuel dispensing circuit and in signal communication with the dispenser security controller and is operable to simulate a fuel pump handle hang up and/or a transaction not-authorized condition in response to a trigger signal from the dispenser security controller.
US08395520B2 Device for monitoring voltage of motherboard
A device for monitoring a voltage of a motherboard includes a first monitoring circuit, a second monitoring circuit, and an indicating circuit. The first and monitoring circuits are connected to output a control voltage. A value of the control voltage is determined according to a value of the voltage of the motherboard. The control voltage is reduced to control the indicating circuit. The indicating circuit indicates whether the voltage of the motherboard is normal.
US08395517B2 Filter monitoring device
A filter monitoring device which detects variances in pressure of fluid flowing through a filter element in a filter assembly includes (1) an indicator for conveying data of changes in the differential pressure of the fluid in the filter assembly and (2) a temperature sensor for transmitting data showing any changes in temperature of the fluid being filtered. A microcontroller converts data received about changes in differential pressure and temperature sensing means to digital format and transmits the data along two differential digital lines to a driver and output connector.
US08395515B2 Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. One or more data gathering stations positioned at various locations through the facility receive the dispense event information from the individual badges when they come within range. The dispense event information may then be transferred to a local or remote computer for analysis and reporting on hand hygiene events taking place within the facility.
US08395514B2 Optical system and method for detecting optical system obscuration in a vehicle
An optical system is proposed which is configured to detect an obscuration of the optical components and to optionally initiate measures, which either warn the driver and/or activate a heater which reduces the detected obscuration of the image. The system is controlled by a method for detecting an obscuration, which comprises a high reliability for detecting obscurations through the evaluation of additional sensors.
US08395511B2 Reminder device for eliciting behavioral response in a vehicle
A reminder device for alerting or triggering the memory of a vehicular occupant includes one or more visual, auditory and tactile indicators which the occupant associates with the presence of a person, pet, plant or inanimate object located in the vehicle.
US08395507B2 H-field shaping using a shorting loop
In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region).
US08395505B2 Subset selection of RFID tags using light
Methods and apparatuses for selecting a subset of RFID tags are provided in some embodiments. These methods and apparatuses utilize the susceptibility to light by persistent nodes found in passive tags. Light can be used to intentionally reduce persistence times in a particular subset tags or even an individual tag. Then, persistent nodes can be used as a selection criterion to distinguish previously illuminated tags from non-illuminated tags. In other embodiments, a power circuit receives a RF input source and generates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The circuit includes a bias circuit to supply a gate to source bias, which is independent of the DC output voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage multiplier circuit that is coupled to the bias circuit. The voltage multiplier circuit has MOS transistors with one transistor to receive the gate to source bias.
US08395501B2 Dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment and auto-calibrating smoke detection for reduced resource microprocessors
A hazardous condition detection system with a sensor package employing a reduced resource microprocessor capable of dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment having volatile and non-volatile memory which receives periodic raw sensor readings from the sensor package and preprocesses each received periodic raw sensor reading by employing at least three distinctive filtering constants which are compared to alarm thresholds stored in memory to generate an alarm condition signal when ionization levels in the ambient environment exceed stored thresholds.
US08395495B2 Methods and apparatus for transmitting data relating to mobile device
A location mechanism for a mobile device, in which an electronic communication including a code is received at the mobile device and the code is parsed from within the received electronic communication. The code parsed from within the electronic communication is used to determine whether to classify the received electronic communication as a coded electronic communication, and the received electronic communication is classified as a coded electronic communication based on results of the determination. In response to classification of the electronic communication as a coded electronic communication, a process is initiated that facilitates location of the mobile device. For instance, volume control settings at the mobile device may be overridden and an audible alert at the device may be invoked, and/or a response electronic communication that includes location information indicative of a current location of the communication device may be generated and sent.
US08395476B2 Consumable holder with taxonomy
A consumable holder is provided for use with the appliance configured to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article. The consumable holder is configured to communicate with the appliance using a well formed command according to a taxonomy dataset.
US08395471B2 Electronic component
An electronic component having a coil includes a laminated body formed by laminating a plurality of magnetic body layers. The coil is formed by connecting coil electrodes in the laminated body. Nonmagnetic body layers are disposed on the laminated body to have a gap with the coil when seen in a plan view from a coil axis direction of the coil. The embodiment of an electronic component has a stair-like direct-current superposition characteristic.
US08395470B2 Asymmetrical planar transformer having controllable leakage inductance
An asymmetrical planar transformer having controllable leakage inductance is provided. The asymmetrical planar transformer includes a circuit board, a winding rack, a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a magnetic core assembly. Via hole is formed on circuit board. Winding rack includes several annular plates, a tubular shell, and a through hole. The first, second, and third annular plates are arranged in parallel. Position of through hole is corresponding to that of via hole. Primary winding is disposed between first and second annular plates, and is electrically connected with circuit board. Secondary winding, with annular shape, is disposed between second annular plate and third annular plate, and is electrically connected with circuit board. Magnetic core assembly includes magnetic column which is passed through via hole of circuit board and through hole of winding rack. Through hole is extended through secondary winding, first annular plate, second annular plate, and third annular plate.
US08395445B2 Power amplifier, non-linear distortion correcting method of power amplifier and radio communication device
The invention intends to supply a power amplifier enable to correct a distortion correctly by linearizer corresponding to each amplifier if plural amplifiers are used at any operation points. A power amplifier according to the invention includes a number of amplifiers connected with multiple stages and a number of linearizers connected with multiple stages and correcting non-linear distortions of the amplifiers. In the invention, a distortion in the amplifier of a former stage is corrected by the linearizer of a later stage.
US08395443B2 Doherty amplifier
A Doherty amplifier includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a transmission line, a synthesizer, and an output load. The first amplifier amplifies an RF input signal according to a voltage applied to a supply terminal thereof. The second amplifier amplifies a peak component of the RF input signal according to a voltage applied to a supply terminal thereof. The transmission line is coupled to an output terminal of the first amplifier. The synthesizer is coupled to an output terminal of the transmission line and an output terminal of the second amplifier. It is set such that the voltage applied to the supply terminal of the first amplifier is lower than the voltage applied to the supply terminal of the second amplifier, and that an impedance value of the transmission line is smaller than a value twice an impedance value of the output load.
US08395437B2 Charge pump circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
Provided is a charge pump circuit which is preferably used for reducing noise generated when electric charges are accumulated in a capacitor of the charge pump circuit. A load driving system 1 includes a charge pump circuit 2, a clock generation circuit 4, an amplifier circuit 6, and a load 8. The charge pump circuit 2 includes capacitors C1 and C2, a transistor PTr3 which is a P-channel MOS transistor and controls current supply to the C1, switching elements SW1 to SW3, and a supply current control circuit 20. The charge pump circuit 2 switches the SW1 to SW3, to thereby perform the accumulation of electric charges to the C1 and the transfer of the accumulated electric charges to the C2 for generating a negative power source. The supply current control circuit 20 includes a transistor PTr4, a switching element SW4, and a transistor NTr6 which forms a current mirror with a transistor NTr5 which constitutes an output stage of the amplifier circuit 6. The C1 is charged with a supply current which is positively correlated with a load current via the NTr6, the SW4, the PTr3, and the PTr4.
US08395413B2 Logic circuit without enhancement mode transistors
Embodiments of circuits, methods and systems for powering various stages of a logic circuit are disclosed. Some embodiments include a circuit having a logic circuit with an input stage and an output stage; a heterojunction bipolar transistor configured to provide a first switched supply voltage to power components of the input stage; and a depletion mode field effect transistor configured to provide a second switched supply voltage to power components of the output stage. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
US08395411B2 Constant impedance line driver with digitally controlled edge rate
A constant impedance driver provides controlled output slew rates. The driver includes a plurality of buffers, each with an output impedance that is multiple of the output impedance of the driver. Outputs of buffers are coupled in parallel to form the output of the driver. Inputs to the buffers are coupled to an input signal or delayed versions of the input signal. The buffer inputs may be selectively coupled to taps of a delay line to provide selected slew rates on the output of the driver. The buffers may be selectively enabled to change or calibrate the output impedance of the driver.
US08395404B2 Electronic device including electronic part and wiring substrate
An electronic device includes an electronic part and a wiring substrate. The electronic part includes a rewiring substrate, a semiconductor chip, and solder bumps arranged in a matrix form. The wiring substrate includes a wire and lands arranged in a matrix form corresponding to the solder bumps. Each of the lands is coupled with corresponding one of the solder bumps so as to form connection portions. The connection portions include nonfunctional connection portions that do not provide an electric connection between the semiconductor chip and the wire. The lands forming the nonfunctional connection portions include a power source land and a ground land arranged next to each other in a row direction or a column direction. The lands that are arranged next to the lands forming the nonfunctional connection portions in the row direction or the column direction are set to signal lands.
US08395396B2 Sanitary dispenser with capacitive sensor
A sanitary dispenser, particularly a paper or towel dispenser, contains a housing, in which a sanitary product to be dispensed and a discharge unit for the sanitary product to be dispensed can be arranged. An electric motor is provided for the discharge unit, the electric motor being activatable in a non-contact manner by a capacitive sensor from outside of the housing. The sensor capacitance of the capacitive sensor is formed by a planar electrode disposed inside the housing and by a surface of a body part and/or an object arranged outside of the housing.
US08395394B2 System and method for power system component testing
A method of testing a power system component is disclosed. The method includes coupling a test set to the power system component and displaying a test form on a display integral with the test set. The method also comprises inputting at least a first test control parameter into the test form using an interface integral with the test set. The method also comprises stimulating the power system component using the test set to produce a first response of the power system component, wherein the stimulating is performed based at least in part on the first test control parameter. The method also comprises displaying a first test result in the test form on the display, wherein the first test result is based on the first response.
US08395391B2 Method and apparatus for locating a parallel arc fault
Methods to determine the location of an arc fault include a first method utilizing the inherent resistance per unit length of the wire. A second and a third method utilize an inherent inductance per unit length of the wire. The second method derives the inherent inductance from the output voltage and a rate of current rise. The third method derives the inherent inductance from a resonant frequency of an oscillating current. The information is useful to locate a fault emanating from a wire member of a wiring harness used to distribute power about an aircraft.
US08395390B2 Method and apparatus for charging a battery
A method of testing a battery including several steps described herein is provided.
US08395389B2 Lamp with metering device
A generator generates electricity by non-combustion means. A battery stores the generated electricity. An electrical appliance is powered by the stored electricity. A metering device tallies an operating parameter indicative of the amount of electrical energy consumed by the appliance. A housing supports the generator, the battery, the appliance and the metering device. A device, including the generator, the battery, the metering device and the housing, is manually portable.
US08395388B2 Circumferentially spaced magnetic field generating devices
A downhole induction resistivity assembly that comprises a downhole tool string component. The tool string component comprises an induction transmitter. The transmitter is adapted to induce an induction field in the surrounding formation. A first induction receiver is spaced apart from the transmitter and is adapted to measure the induction field. A magnetic field generating mechanism is disposed circumferentially adjacent the transmitter and adapted to guide the transmitter's signal into the formation.
US08395373B2 Phasor estimation during current transformer saturation
A method, device and computer program product for determining at least one property of a current (Ip) running through the primary winding of a transformer operating in saturation using an unreliable detected current (Is) running through the secondary winding of the transformer. According to the invention a first reliable extreme point (EP1) of a cycle of the current in the secondary winding is detected and compared with an absolute time reference. Based on the comparison a first property of the current running through the primary winding in the form of the phase angle is then determined.
US08395370B2 Capacitive coupling based sensor
A capacitive coupling based sensor is disclosed. In some embodiments, a sensor comprises a transmitter and a receiver that are configured to be capacitively coupled when a coupling condition is satisfied as well as a circuit configured to determine whether a received signal that is received by the receiver matches a transmitted signal that is transmitted by the transmitter.
US08395368B2 Adaptive voltage position DC-DC regulators and the method thereof
The present invention discloses an adaptive voltage position DC-DC regulator and the method thereof, the regulator comprising a main circuit and a control circuit which includes a sensing unit, a feedback unit, a comparing unit, a PWM generator and a driver. The regulator realizes the adaptive voltage position control with simple internal circuit and fewer pins.
US08395365B2 Non-linear PWM controller
In one embodiment, the controller of these teachings includes a nonlinear controller component capable of providing an amplitude determining input signal to a control signal providing component, the control signal providing component providing output having a predetermined amplitude substantially over one time interval from a number of time intervals or output having a predetermined average amplitude substantially over one time interval from a number of time intervals, the amplitude determining input signal corresponding to at least one predetermined system state variable. The nonlinear controller component is operatively connected to receive as inputs at least one predetermined system state variable. A relationship between the amplitude determining input signal and at least one predetermined system state variable is obtained by a predetermined method.
US08395363B2 High voltage generation circuit, puncture device, and blood test device
A high voltage generation circuit for laser puncture in which the voltage for laser puncture can be boosted up to the laser oscillation level in a short time with low power loss. The high voltage generation circuit drives a laser unit for puncturing the skin by oscillating laser light. In the high voltage generation circuit, a capacitor is charged to supply power to the laser unit. A booster circuit supplies a current to the capacitor, and a voltage measurer measures the voltage of the capacitor. A controller controls the booster circuit based on an instruction from a user or the voltage of the capacitor to start precharge of the capacitor with a first current value at a first timing, and to start main charging of the capacitor with a second current value higher than the first current value at a second timing, later than the first timing.
US08395358B2 Method for managing the heat in an electric battery
The invention relates to a method for managing the heat in an electric battery including a plurality of elements for generating electric power, the method including, when recharging said battery from an external power source, preconditioning said battery at an average temperature T0 and, when using said battery, determining the absolute value ΔT2 of the difference between the temperature T0 and the average temperature T of said battery, wherein said method includes activating a heat-conditioning device of the battery when the difference ΔT2 is higher than a setpoint C2, said setpoint being established on the basis of the state of charge (SOC) of said battery.
US08395357B2 Charging system and method for managing electric quantity of battery
A method for managing electric quantity of a battery is disclosed. The method includes charging a battery normally with a 4.2V voltage when a temperature of the battery is lower than a first threshold temperature; charging the battery continuously when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first threshold temperature and lower than a second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is lower than a first threshold voltage. On the contrary, the battery is not charged any more when the temperature of the battery is between the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is higher than the first threshold voltage or a first capacity. If the temperature of the battery is higher than a second threshold temperature, the battery is not charged any more regardless of the battery voltage.
US08395355B2 Power supply system and vehicle with the system
A vehicle includes a charging unit receiving electric power from an external power source and externally charging a power storage unit. When a connector unit is coupled to the vehicle and a state ready for charging by the external power source is attained, a controller predicts degradation ratio of the power storage unit at the time point of completion of external charging based on degradation characteristic of the power storage unit in connection with SOC and battery temperature obtained in advance, and sets target state of charge of each power storage unit based on the battery temperatures so that the predicted degradation ratio does not exceed tolerable degradation ratio at the time point of completion of external charging. Then, the controller controls corresponding converters such that SOCs of power storage units attain the target states of charge.
US08395345B2 Valve control device
In opening/closing control for the valve mechanism to which the return torque is applied in an opening direction or a closing direction of the valve, provided are a position control system for outputting a q-axis current command based on a position deviation between a target position command directed to the brushless DC motor and the coarse present position of the motor obtained by using the position detection sensor of a pulse output type, and a current control system in which a virtual current feedback is built for outputting a phase voltage command without a current sensor based on the q-axis current command and the coarse present position of the motor obtained by using the position detection sensor of the pulse output type.
US08395334B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a drawer having a door and a receiving box attached thereto. The drawer may be automatically moved in forward and backward directions. A supply of standby voltage may be intercepted by a drawer driving mechanism when the door is closed so as to reduce power consumption and improve response time to drawer opening and closing commands.
US08395332B2 Light emitting device for AC power operation
Disclosed is an improved light-emitting device for an AC power operation. An AC light-emitting device according to the present invention employs a variety of means by which light emission time is prolonged during a ½ cycle in response to a phase change of an AC power source and a flicker effect can be reduced. For example, the means may be switching blocks respectively connected to nodes between the light emitting cells, switching blocks connected to a plurality of arrays, or a delay phosphor. Further, there is provided an AC light-emitting device, wherein a plurality of arrays having the different numbers of light emitting cells are employed to increase light emission time and to reduce a flicker effect.
US08395331B2 Automatic dropout prevention in LED drivers
A system and method is provided for preventing a dropout of an LED current. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a voltage source, a first circuit, a second circuit, a controller, and at least one LED. The first circuit receives a reference voltage from the voltage source, receives set-point current data from the controller, and uses the reference voltage and the set-point current data to produce a threshold voltage. The threshold voltage is then provided to the second circuit, where it is converted into an output current, which is drawn through the LED. The second circuit then compares the threshold voltage to an output voltage corresponding to the output current, and provides an output to the controller. The controller then uses the output to determine whether a dropout has occurred. If a dropout has occurred, then second set-point current data is provided to the first circuit.
US08395322B2 Phase and frequency control of a radio frequency generator from an external source
A first radio frequency (RF) generator includes a first RF power source that generates an RF power output. A first sensor generates at least one sensor signal based on the RF power output. A first signal processing unit generates magnitude and phase signals associated with the at least one sensor signal. A second signal processing unit generates a first control signal to control a frequency and a phase of the first RF power source based on the magnitude and phase signals. The first RF power source determines, based on the magnitude signals, whether to generate the RF power output in response to the first control signal or in response to a second control signal received from a second RF generator.
US08395319B2 Encapsulated light-emmitting device
An encapsulated light-emitting device including a light-emitting system including an electroluminescent active layer positioned on a protective substrate and between two electrodes, a protective cover for the electroluminescent layer, attached to the substrate, a sealant sealing against liquid water and water vapor, a surround over the circumference of the device, made of at least one metal part or made of at least one plastic or glass part having a metal portion, the metal part or metal portion being used at least for a first electrical connection to one of the electrodes, or including at least one electroconductive layer deposited over one of the edges of the side of the substrate or of the cover and jutting out, between the surround and the substrate or the cover, for a first electrical connection to one of the electrodes.
US08395318B2 Diamond insulated circuits and associated methods
Methods and devices for cooling electronic circuits having at least one heat source are disclosed and described. One such thermally dynamic electronic device may include a layer of diamond material coated on a support substrate, and circuitry disposed on the layer of diamond material, the diamond material being configured to accelerate movement of heat away from the circuitry. Although the diamond material may be any known diamond material that functions to accelerate heat transfer, in one aspect the diamond material may be diamond-like carbon. In one specific aspect, the diamond-like carbon may be amorphous carbon. In another aspect, the diamond material may be crystalline diamond.
US08395303B2 Impedance matching piezoelectric transformer
To provide a piezoelectric transformer which can reduce the capacity of an input unit and realize a impedance matching with a drive circuit of an input side. A piezoelectric transformer includes: a piezoelectric substrate (11) having both main surfaces of a rectangular shape; and input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) and output side electrodes (14, 17) formed on the both main surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate (11). A pair of opposing input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) are arranged on the both surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate (11) in the first input unit (A1) and the second input unit (A2). At least one of the pair of input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) is a partial electrode arranged at the center portion of the main surface of the piezoelectric substrate (11) in the first input unit (A1) and the second input unit (A2).
US08395301B1 High power single crystal piezoelectric transformer
A piezoelectric transformer includes a single crystal relaxor ferroelectric element poled along a [0 11] direction and selected from the group consisting of PZN-PT, PMN-PZT, PZN-PT and PMN-PT. The element has two opposed surfaces substantially perpendicular to the [0 11] direction with an input electrode and an output electrode positioned on one surface. The output electrode is isolated from electrical communication with the input electrode. A ground electrode is positioned on the second, opposed surface. Input electrical energy results in piezoelectric change in the element that is mechanically coupled through the element to generate piezoelectric output energy.
US08395296B2 Tape structure with conductive outer side and electrically insulating inner side
A wrapped stator coil for use in a generator. The wrapped stator coil includes an electrical conductor bar, a laminate tape structure, and a conductive structure. The laminate tape structure is disposed about the electrical conductor bar and includes an insulative first layer adjacent the conductor bar and a conductive second layer bonded to the first layer. The conductive structure includes a first end portion, an intermediate portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is in contact with the electrical conductor bar. The intermediate portion is in contact with the conductive second layer and is not in contact with the electrical conductor bar. The insulating layer is disposed about the conductive structure and the laminate tape.
US08395286B2 Linear vibrator
The linear vibrator includes a base forming a hollow space, a suspension fixed on the base, and an oscillating portion suspended in the hollow space by the suspension. The suspension defines a flat part, a connecting portion bent downward from the flat part, and a spring portion extended horizontally in a direction parallel to flat part from the end of the connecting portion. The suspension is directly connected with the outside component, thereby transmitting the vibration to the outside component rapidly.
US08395284B2 High-power switching module and method for the generation of switching synchronism in a high-power switching module
A high-power switching module for directly feeding pulse energy to a load includes a plurality of series-connected switching stages. Each switching stage includes a semiconductor switch; a snubber capacitor and a synchronizing resistor; and a control network configured to act on the semiconductor switch and to be supplied with auxiliary power and switching pulses from a pulse driver so as to influence a switching of the semiconductor switch. The control network includes at least one control resistor, a control diode, an auxiliary diode, an auxiliary capacitor configured to decouple and store the auxiliary power so as to maintain an offset voltage at the semiconductor switch, and an adjustable time-delay element series connected to the control diode and connected in parallel with the control resistor. The adjustable time-delay element is configured to variably set the offset voltage for the semiconductor switch that determines the switching of the semiconductor switch.
US08395283B2 Wireless energy transfer over a distance at high efficiency
Described herein are embodiments of a source resonator optionally coupled to an energy source, and a second resonator, optionally coupled to an energy drain that may be located a distance from the source resonator. The source resonator and the second resonator may be coupled to provide κ/sqrt(Γ1Γ2)>0.2 via near-field wireless energy transfer among the source resonator and the second resonator over distances up to at least the characteristic size of a resonator.
US08395282B2 Wireless non-radiative energy transfer
The electromagnetic energy transfer device includes a first resonator structure receiving energy from an external power supply. The first resonator structure has a first Q-factor. A second resonator structure is positioned distal from the first resonator structure, and supplies useful working power to an external load. The second resonator structure has a second Q-factor. The distance between the two resonators can be larger than the characteristic size of each resonator. Non-radiative energy transfer between the first resonator structure and the second resonator structure is mediated through coupling of their resonant-field evanescent tails.
US08395279B2 Shadow detection apparatus using fiber optics for solar-based power generation plants
A solar-based power generation system may include an array of components responsive to solar radiance. The components may be disposed over respective locations on a field. The system may further include a plurality of optical fibers having respective first ends coupled to the array of components and arranged to receive solar radiance. The plurality of optical fibers may have respective second ends arranged to output respective optical signals indicative of respective levels of solar radiance over the respective locations of the field. Opto-electrical circuitry may be coupled to receive the respective optical signals from the plurality of optical fibers and generate a respective signal indicative of a shadow condition present over at least one or more of the respective locations of the field.
US08395274B2 Integrated power unit as energy storage device for electrical power system
A power unit connected to a power distribution bus operates in one of several modes to either store excess electrical energy from the power distribution or supply electrical energy to the power distribution bus to account for a detected demand/need. The power unit includes turbomachinery having components connected via a shaft, a generator connected to convert rotational energy associated with the turbomachinery to electrical energy for distribution on the bus, and a motor connected to convert electrical energy distributed by the bus to motive energy used to accelerate the turbomachinery components. A power controller monitors the voltage on the distribution bus. In response to excess voltage on the distribution bus, the power controller connects the motor to the bus to cause the excess electrical energy to be converted to motive energy that is used to accelerate the turbomachinery. In response to a voltage shortage on the distribution bus, the power controller connects the generator to the bus to convert rotational energy stored by the turbomachinery to electrical energy that is supplied to the bus.
US08395270B2 Etching composition for an under-bump metallurgy layer
In an etching composition for an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer and a method of forming a bump structure, the etching composition includes about 40% by weight to about 90% by weight of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight of an aqueous basic solution including ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) or tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight of an alcohol compound, and about 2% by weight to 30% by weight of an ethylenediamine-based chelating agent. The etching composition may effectively etch the UBM layer including titanium or titanium tungsten and remove impurities. A method of forming a bump structure may employ such an etching composition.
US08395261B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an electrode pad provided on a semiconductor chip, the electrode pad includes aluminum (Al) of between 50% wt. and 99.9% wt. and further includes copper (Cu), a coupling ball that primarily includes Cu, the coupling ball being coupled to the electrode pad so that a CuAl2 layer, a CuAl layer, a layer including one of Cu9Al4 and Cu3Al2, and the coupling ball are vertically stacked in this order on the electrode pad, and an encapsulating resin that includes a halogen of less than or equal to 1000 ppm, the encapsulating resin covering at least the electrode pad and a junction between the electrode pad and the coupling ball.
US08395256B2 Packaging for low-cost, high-performance microwave and millimeter wave modules
Microwave or millimeter wave system packaging having a system with a baseplate, transition board and cover. The baseplate includes microwave or millimeter wave components attached thereto. The transition board includes a first connector attached to a first side thereof and operatively connected to the components, and a second connector attached to a second side thereof and operatively connected to the components through the board. The cover and baseplate form a cavity containing the board and components, and the second connector may be operatively connected to a third connector such as a printed circuit board disposed outside of the cavity and on a higher level assembly. The transition board may further include a fourth connector operatively connected to the components for providing a signal to an external component or device or receiving a signal from an external component or device.
US08395253B2 Hermetic surface mounted power package
A semiconductor package which includes a substrate formed from AlN and electrical terminals formed from tungsten on at least one surface of the substrate by bulk metallization to serve as electrical connection to a component within the package.
US08395252B1 Integrated MEMS and CMOS package and method
An apparatus for packaging MEMS and ICs can include a semiconductor substrate, one or more MEMS devices, an enclosure, and one or more bonding structures. The semiconductor substrate can be bonded to a portion of the surface region. The semiconductor substrate can include one or more integrated circuits. Also, the semiconductor substrate can have an upper surface region. The one or more MEMS devise can overlie an inner region of the upper surface region formed by the semiconductor substrate. The enclosure can house the one or more MEMS devices. The enclosure can overlie a first outer region of the upper surface region. Also, the enclosure can have an upper cover region. The one or more bonding structures can be provided within a second outer region of the supper surface region.
US08395250B2 Plasma processing apparatus with an exhaust port above the substrate
In a chamber of a plasma processing apparatus, a cathode electrode and an anode electrode are disposed at a distance from each other. The cathode electrode is supplied with electric power from an electric power supply portion. The anode electrode is electrically grounded and a substrate is placed thereon. The anode electrode contains a heater. In an upper wall portion of the chamber, an exhaust port is provided and connected to a vacuum pump through an exhaust pipe. In a lower wall portion of a wall surface of the chamber, a gas introduction port is provided. A gas supply portion is provided outside the chamber.
US08395249B2 Sealed cavity
Embodiments disclosed herein generally include methods of sealing a cavity in a device structure. The cavity may be opened by etching away sacrificial material that may define the cavity volume. Material from below the cavity may be sputter etched and redeposited over and in passageways leading to the cavity to thereby seal the cavity. Material may be sputter etched from above the cavity and redeposited in the passageways leading to the cavity as well. The sputter etching may occur in a substantially inert atmosphere. As the sputter etching is a physical process, little or no sputter etched material will redeposit within the cavity itself. The inert gases may sweep out any residual gases that may be present in the cavity after the cavity has been opened. Thus, after the sputter etching, the cavity may be substantially filled with inert gases that do not negatively impact the cavity.
US08395248B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor device includes a lead frame 1 having a first lead 6, a second lead 7 and a third lead 8. A power transistor 2 is placed on the first lead 6, and the power transistor 2 is connected to the first lead 6. The power transistor 2 has a drain electrode on one side opposite to a first lead 6 side, and this drain electrode is connected to a Cu chip 3 on the power transistor 2. The Cu chip 3 is connected to the second lead 7 via Al wires 4. As a result, during wire bonding of the Al wires 4, it becomes possible to absorb shocks due to wire bonding by the Cu chip 3, or disperse pressure due to wire bonding by the Cu chip 3, or diffuse heat due to wire bonding by the Cu chip 3.
US08395243B2 Surface passivation by quantum exclusion using multiple layers
A semiconductor device has a multilayer doping to provide improved passivation by quantum exclusion. The multilayer doping includes a plurality M of doped layers, where M is an integer greater than 1. The dopant sheet densities in the M doped layers need not be the same, but in principle can be selected to be the same sheet densities or to be different sheet densities. M−1 interleaved layers provided between the M doped layers are not deliberately doped (also referred to as “undoped layers”). Structures with M=2, M=3 and M=4 have been demonstrated and exhibit improved passivation.
US08395240B2 Bond pad for low K dielectric materials and method for manufacture for semiconductor devices
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having improved contact structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of gate structures formed on a portion of the substrate, forming an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the gate structures, and forming a first copper interconnect layer overlying the substantially flat surface region of the interlayer dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer overlying the first copper interconnect layer, forming a second copper interconnect layer overlying the dielectric layer, and providing a copper ring structure enclosing an entirety of an inner region of the dielectric layer, the copper ring structure being provided between the first copper interconnect layer and the second copper interconnect layer to maintain the inner region of the dielectric layer. In addition, the method includes forming a bonding pad structure overlying a region within the inner region of the dielectric layer.
US08395237B2 Group nitride bipolar transistor
A bipolar transistor includes: a substrate; a collector and a base layer with a p-conductive-type, an emitter layer with an n-conductive-type. The collector layer is formed above the substrate and includes a first nitride semiconductor. The base layer with the p-conductive-type is formed on the collector layer and includes a second nit ride semiconductor. The emitter layer with the n-conductive-type is formed on the base layer and includes a third nitride semiconductor. The collector layer, the base layer and the emitter layer are formed so that crystal growing directions with respect to a surface of the substrate are in parallel to a [0001] direction of the substrate. The first nitride semiconductor includes: InycAlxcGa1-xc-ycN (0≦xc≦1, 0≦yc≦1, 0
US08395234B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has: a signal pad; a power supply line; a ground line; an inductor section whose one end is connected to the signal pad; a terminating resistor connected between the other end of the inductor section and the power supply line or the ground line. The semiconductor device further has: a first ESD protection element connected to a first node in the inductor section; and a second ESD protection element connected to a second node whose position is different from that of the first node in the inductor section.
US08395233B2 Inductor structures for integrated circuit devices
An IC device (100) includes an IC body (106) having a base layer (108) and first and second upper layers (114, 116) on the base layer. The IC body includes a cavity region (104) extending through said base and first upper layers and at least a portion of said second upper layer. In the IC device, a portion of said second upper layer in the cavity region comprises a planar inductive element (102) having first and second contacting ends (140, 142). In the IC device, at least one support member (128, 130, 132) extends at least partially into said cavity region from said IC body in at least a first direction parallel to said base layer and intersects at least a portion of said planar inductive element.
US08395228B2 Integration process to improve focus leveling within a lot process variation
A method of improving the focus leveling response of a semiconductor wafer is described. The method includes combining organic and inorganic or metallic near infrared (NIR) hardmask on a semiconductor substrate; forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the combined organic NIR-absorption and the inorganic or metallic NIR-absorption hardmask; and forming a photoresist layer on the ARC layer. A semiconductor structure is also described including a substrate, a resist layer located over the structure; and an absorptive layer located over the substrate. The absorptive layer includes an inorganic or metallic NIR-absorbing hardmask layer.
US08395227B2 MEMS device having a movable electrode
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a semiconductor substrate, a MEMS including a fixed electrode and a movable electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate through an insulating layer, and a well formed in the semiconductor substrate below the fixed electrode. The well is one of an n-type well and a p-type well. The p-type well applies a positive voltage to the fixed electrode while the n-type well applies a negative voltage to the fixed electrode.
US08395223B2 Coaxial transistor structure
The present invention discloses a coaxial transistor formed on a substrate, particularly a coaxial metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (CMOSFET). The chips or substrates of the CMOSFETs can be stacked up and connected via through-holes to form a coaxial complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (CCMOSFET), which is both full-symmetric and full-complementarily, has a higher integration and is free of the latch-up problem.
US08395220B2 Nanomesh SRAM cell
Nanowire-based devices are provided. In one aspect, a SRAM cell includes at least one pair of pass gates and at least one pair of inverters formed adjacent to one another on a wafer. Each pass gate includes one or more device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the pass gate device layers surrounding the nanowire channels. Each inverter includes a plurality of device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the inverter device layers surrounding the nanowire channels.
US08395215B2 Germanium field effect transistors and fabrication thereof
Germanium field effect transistors and methods of fabricating them are described. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a germanium oxide layer over a substrate and forming a metal oxide layer over the germanium oxide layer. The germanium oxide layer and the metal oxide layer are converted into a first dielectric layer. A first electrode layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer.
US08395214B2 Floating body field-effect transistors, and methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors
In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
US08395211B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type semiconductor region provided thereon in which first conductive type first pillar regions and second conductive type second pillar regions alternately arranged; second conductive type second semiconductor regions provided on second pillar regions in an element region to be in contact with first pillar regions therein; gate electrodes each provided on adjacent second semiconductor regions and on one of the first pillar region interposed therebetween; third semiconductor regions functioning as a first conductive type source region provided in parts of the second semiconductor regions located under side portions of the gate electrodes; and a second conductive type resurf region which is a part of a terminal region surrounding the element region and which is provided on first pillar regions and second pillar regions in the part of the terminal regions.
US08395210B2 DMOS transistor and method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides a DMOS transistor in which a leakage current is decreased and the source-drain breakdown voltage of the transistor in the off state is enhanced when a body layer is formed by oblique ion implantation. After a photoresist layer 18 is formed, using the photoresist layer 18 and a gate electrode 14 as a mask, first ion implantation is performed toward a first corner portion 14C1 on the inside of the gate electrode 14 in a first direction shown by an arrow A′. A first body layer 17A′ is formed by this first ion implantation. The first body layer 17A′ is formed so as to extend from the first corner portion 14C1 to under the gate electrode 14, and the P-type impurity concentration of the body layer 17A′ in the first corner portion 14C1 is higher than that of a conventional transistor.
US08395209B1 Single-sided access device and fabrication method thereof
A single-sided access device includes an active fin structure comprising a source contact area and a drain contact area separated from each other by an isolation region therebetween; a trench isolation structure disposed at one side of the active fin structure, wherein the trench isolation structure intersects with the isolation region between the source contact area and the drain contact area; a sidewall gate disposed under the isolation region and on the other side of the active fin structure opposite to the trench isolation structure so that the active fin structure is sandwiched by the trench isolation structure and the sidewall gate, wherein the sidewall gate has multi-fingers that engage with the active fin structure; and a gate dielectric layer between the sidewall gate and the active fin structure.
US08395204B2 Power semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device, includes an element unit including a vertical-type MOSFET, the vertical-type MOSFET in including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer, a fourth semiconductor layer, a fifth semiconductor layer sequentially stacked in order, an impurity concentration of the second semiconductor layer being lower than the first semiconductor layer, an insulator covering inner surfaces of a plurality of trenches, the adjacent trenches being provided with a first interval in between, and a diode unit including basically with the units of the element unit, the adjacent trenches being provided with a second interval in between, the second interval being larger than the first interval.
US08395195B2 Bottom-notched SiGe FinFET formation using condensation
An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate and a germanium-containing semiconductor fin over the substrate. The germanium-containing semiconductor fin has an upper portion having a first width, and a neck region under the upper portion and having a second width smaller than the first width.
US08395178B2 Light emitting device package and method of fabricating the same
A light emitting device package and a method of manufacturing the light emitting device package are provided. A base is first provided and a hole is formed on the base. After a light emitting portion is formed on the base, a mold die is placed on the light emitting portion and a molding material is injected through the hole. The mold die is removed to complete the package.
US08395168B2 Semiconductor wafers and semiconductor devices with polishing stops and method of making the same
Semiconductor wafers, semiconductor devices, and methods of making semiconductor wafers and devices are provided. Embodiments of the present invention are especially suitable for use with substrate substitution applications, such in the case of fabricating vertical LED. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of making a semiconductor device, the method comprising providing a substrate; forming a plurality of polishing stops on the substrate; growing one or more buffer layers on the substrate; growing one or more epitaxial layers on the one or more buffer layers; and applying one or more metal layers to the one or more epitaxial layers. Additionally, the steps of affixing a second substrate to the one or more metal layers and removing the base substrate using a mechanical thinning process may be performed.
US08395167B2 External light efficiency of light emitting diodes
A method to improve the external light efficiency of light emitting diodes, the method comprising etching an external surface of an n-type layer of the light emitting diode to form surface texturing, the surface texturing reducing internal light reflection to increase light output. A corresponding light emitting diode is also disclosed.
US08395165B2 Laterally contacted blue LED with superlattice current spreading layer
A laterally contacted blue LED device involves a PAN structure disposed over an insulating substrate. The substrate may be a sapphire substrate that has a template layer of GaN grown on it. The PAN structure includes an n-type GaN layer, a light-emitting active layer involving indium, and a p-type GaN layer. The n-type GaN layer has a thickness of at least 500 nm. A Low Resistance Layer (LRL) is disposed between the substrate and the PAN structure such that the LRL is in contact with the bottom of the n-layer. In one example, the LRL is an AlGaN/GaN superlattice structure whose sheet resistance is lower than the sheet resistance of the n-type GnA layer. The LRL reduces current crowding by conducting current laterally under the n-type GaN layer. The LRL reduces defect density by preventing dislocation threads in the underlying GaN template from extending up into the PAN structure.
US08395164B2 Multilayered semiconductor wafer and process for manufacturing the same
Silicon carbide substrate wafers are prepared by transferring a monocrystalline silicon layer from a donor wafer onto a handle wafer, the silicon layer being implanted with carbon and annealed to form a monocrystalline SiC layer prior to or after transfer of the silicon layer.
US08395162B2 Semiconductor device with multi-layer gate electrode
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a semiconductor region made of a material to which conductive impurities are added, an insulating film formed on a surface of the semiconductor region, and an electroconductive gate electrode formed on the insulating film. The gate electrode is made of a material whose Fermi level is closer to a Fermi level of the semiconductor region than a Fermi level of Si in at least a portion contiguous to the insulating film.
US08395161B2 Display device
At least two TFTs which are connected with a light emitting element are provided, crystallinities of semiconductor regions composing active layers of the respective TFTs are made different from each other. As the semiconductor region, a region obtained by crystallizing an amorphous semiconductor film by laser annealing is applied. In order to change the crystallinity, a method of changing a scan direction of a continuous oscillating laser beam so that crystal growth directions are made different from each other is applied. Alternatively, a method of changing a channel length direction of TFT between the respective semiconductor regions without changing the scan direction of the continuous oscillating laser beam so that a crystal growth direction and a current flowing direction are different from each other is applied.
US08395146B2 Composition and organic insulating film prepared using the same
Disclosed is a composition, an organic insulating film including the same, an organic thin film transistor including the organic insulating film, an electronic device including the organic thin film transistor and methods of fabricating the same. In the composition, an organic polymer material having a carboxyl group and an organic silane material having an electron-donating group are included to thus realize a structure which may further stabilize an unreacted crosslinking material. Thereby, a hysteresis phenomenon may be decreased and transparency may be increased, thus making it possible to assure stability upon exposure to air. Accordingly, the lifetime of the organic thin film transistor may be lengthened.
US08395145B2 Top-emitting organic light-emitting device
A top-emitting organic light-emitting device (OLED) including a reflective first electrode layer; a semitransparent second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer; and an organic layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, wherein the organic layer comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an emission layer between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the sum of the thicknesses of the emission layer and the second layer is about 0.15 to about 0.30 times the thickness of the entire organic layer. The top-emitting OLED may have high efficiency, and thus driving voltage may be reduced.
US08395141B2 Compound semiconductors
Semiconductor emitting devices that offset stresses applied to a quantum well region and reduce internal fields due to spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor emitting device includes a quantum well region comprising an active layer that emits light and at least one barrier layer disposed adjacent the active layer, a means for impressing an electric field across the quantum well region to inject carriers into the quantum well region, and a means for impressing an offset electric field across the quantum well region to offset the polarization field formed in the quantum well region.
US08395135B2 Device and a method for curing patterns of a substance at a surface of a foil
A device is described for curing patterns of a substance at a surface of a foil. The device a carrier facility for carrying the foil within an object plane, a photon radiation source arranged at a first side of the object plane for emitting photon radiation in a wavelength range for which the foil is transparent, and a first and a second concave reflective surface arranged at mutually opposite sides of the object plane for mapping photon radiation emitted by the photon radiation source into the object plane. Therein the photon radiation source is arranged between the first concave reflecting surface and the object-plane. The photon radiation of the photon radiation source is concentrated into the object plane by the first and the second concave reflective surface.
US08395132B2 Ion implanting while growing a III-nitride layer
A method that includes implantation of dopants while a III-nitride body is being grown on a substrate, and an apparatus for the practice of the method.
US08395110B2 Encoder apparatus using liquid to suppress detection failure
An encoder apparatus comprises a first scale member with a scale region on which a scale is arranged; a detector that detects light from the scale region; and a retaining member with a retaining surface that is arranged so as to face a surface of the first scale member including the scale region via a predetermined gap, and that retains a liquid at least between the retaining surface and the first scale member.
US08395109B2 Motion sensor for detecting bending or pivoting
A motion sensor having a coiled member, light emitter, and light detector. The coiled member is bendable in response to lateral forces applied thereto. The coiled member defines an internal open ended channel having a first end opposite a second end. The emitter is adjacent the first end and emits light into the channel. At least a portion of that light travels through the channel toward the second portion. An amount of light reaching the detector is determined at least in part by how much the coiled member is bent. The detector is adjacent the second end and receives light from the channel. The detector is configured to transmit a signal indicating an amount of light received. The signal may be used by a motion capture system to animate a computer generated animation. Multiple motion sensors may be incorporated into a glove and positioned to detect bending of finger joints.
US08395103B2 Avalanche impact ionization amplification devices
A semiconductor photodetector may provide charge carrier avalanche multiplication at high field regions of a semiconductor material layer. A semiconductor current amplifier may provide current amplification by impact ionization near a high field region. A plurality of metal electrodes are formed on a surface of a semiconductor material layer and electrically biased to produce a non-uniform high electric field in which the high electric field strength accelerates avalanche electron-hole pair generation, which is employed as an effective avalanche multiplication photodetection mechanism or as an avalanche impact ionization current amplification mechanism.
US08395100B2 Microwave heating construct with elevatable bottom
A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
US08395095B2 Electrothermal transfer device and electrothermal transfer method
An electrothermal transfer device includes a substrate, a plurality of electrothermal components and a heating circuit. The electrothermal components are disposed on a surface of the substrate and arranged in a pattern. The heating circuit is electrically connected to the electrothermal components. In an electrothermal transfer method, at first, a transfer substrate is disposed on a workpiece substrate. Then, the electrothermal transfer device is disposed on the transfer substrate so that the electrothermal components contact with the transfer substrate. Thereafter, the heating circuit is used to heat the electrothermal transfer components so that the transfer substrate is heated to be transferred to the workpiece substrate. The electrothermal transfer device and the electrothermal transfer method can reduce cost.
US08395090B2 Image heating apparatus having a fixing member and first and second external heating members or rollers contacting an external surface of the fixing member at different positions
A fixing apparatus includes a fixing member for fixing an unfixed toner image on a sheet at a nip, a nip forming member for forming the nip cooperatively with the fixing member, a first heater for heating an external surface of the fixing member by contacting the external surface of the fixing member at a first position, and a second heater provided at a position upstream of the nip and downstream of the first position in a rotational direction of the fixing member, and for heating an external surface of the fixing member by contacting the external surface of the fixing member at a second position. The first heater has a thermal capacity larger than the second heater.
US08395088B2 Heat generating element and electric auxiliary heater for a motor vehicle with heat generating element
A heat generating element for heating air in an electric auxiliary heater of a motor vehicle includes at least one PTC heating element and an insulating housing surrounding the PTC heating element as well as electric strip conductors lying against the PTC heating element at opposite sides. The housing is embodied in two parts with a housing shell element and a shell counter element which are lying against each other with the interposition of a sealing strip and sealingly surround the at least one PTC heating element. The present invention further relates to an electric auxiliary heater for a motor vehicle with a layer composition held in a frame, comprising the at least one heat generating element.
US08395084B2 Laser irradiation apparatus and laser irradiation method
A laser beam having homogeneous intensity distribution is delivered without causing interference stripes of a laser to appear on an irradiation surface. A laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator passes through a diffractive optical element so that the intensity distribution thereof is homogenized. The beam emitted from the diffractive optical element then passes through a slit so that low-intensity end portions in a major-axis direction of the beam are blocked. Subsequently, the beam passes through a projecting lens and a condensing lens, so that an image of the slit is projected onto the irradiation surface. The projecting lens is provided so that the slit and the irradiation surface are conjugated. Thus, the irradiation surface can be irradiated with the laser having homogeneous intensity while preventing the diffraction by the slit.
US08395080B2 Welding method and welding apparatus
A welding method includes sandwiching a first base material and a second base material between a first block and a second block, the first and second base materials being made of a light-transmitting resin, and welding the first and second base materials to each other by making a laser beam enter the second base material through a front surface of the second base material toward the first block from outside an outline of the second block at an acute entry angle with respect to the front surface of the second base material and by focusing the laser beam on the first and second base materials between the first and second blocks.
US08395070B2 Electrical contact point device for use in a plasma arc cutting torch
Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.
US08395068B2 Device and method for controlling welding angle
An object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling a welding angle which is capable of resolving restrictions occurred when a conventional float type welding angle control device is used to manufacture a welded pipe, and giving full play to the ability of such a float type welding angle control device, by adopting a new mechanism for supporting and adjusting a fin roll. When the welding angle is controlled by inserting the fin roll between opposing edges of a band steel at a position located in an upstream side of squeeze rolls, the fin roll is attached to a link mechanism in which two arms are coupled so as to be pivotable within a plane defined by a pipe manufacturing line direction and a perpendicular direction thereof, and positions of gripping points of the arms are changed to adjust a position of the fin roll within the plane. Not only the mechanism of the device is simplified and an installation space can be reduced, but also the usage environment of the device and burdens for the maintenance work are considerably improved.
US08395067B2 Switchgear and switchgear operating mechanism
According to an embodiment, a switchgear operating mechanism has a roller pin rotatably fixed to a leading end of a latch lever. A latch is fixed to a solenoid lever at a position different from the rotation axis of the solenoid lever, and has a leading end engageable with the roller pin. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the cutoff state, the solenoid lever is pushed by an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so as to be rotated in an opposite direction to the biasing direction of the solenoid lever return spring, and the latch lever is rotated by a biasing force of the roller pin to release an engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch, which causes a cutoff spring to discharge its energy to rotate the latch lever.
US08395066B2 Flashlight with a pushbutton switch
A flashlight is described comprising a flashlight body comprising a tube with a first end and a second end, the tube configured to hold at least one battery; a bulb holder for holding an illumination source at the first end of the tube; and a circuit interruption and completion device forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode, the device comprising a pushbutton switch which is manually actuated between at least a first closed mode and a second mode. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight. The switch requires at least one of a force of less than about 1000 gf and a stroke of less than 4 mm to be operably actuated.
US08395060B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a housing defining an interior space with an opening, a lid, a first locking member, a restricting member, and a second locking member. The lid is coupled to the housing to close and unclose the opening. The first locking member is coupled to the lid and movable in a first direction between a closed position to lock the lid over the opening and an open position to unlock the lid from over the opening. The restricting member is mounted to the lid and movable between a restricting position to prevent the first locking member from moving to the open position and a retracted position to permit the first locking member to move to the open position. The second locking member is coupled to the lid and movable in the first direction to allow the restricting member to switch between the restricting position and the retracted position.
US08395059B2 Electromagnetic wave shielding material, and method for manufacturing same
The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave shielding material including a transparent substrate and a convex pattern layer composed of a conductive composition formed in a prescribed pattern on the transparent substrate, wherein the conductive composition contains conductive particles and a binder resin; and in observation of a transverse cross section of the convex pattern layer by electron microscopic photography, at least a part of the conductive particles has a fused continuation and a method for manufacturing the same. The electromagnetic wave shielding material and the method for manufacturing the same include a configuration capable of achieving a lower surface resistivity in an electromagnetic wave shielding material which is required to achieve a much more reduction in a line width of the pattern, specifically, a reduction to a line width of not more than 30 μm, and more preferably not more than 15 to 20 μm and a treatment method capable of reducing the surface resistivity by an easy and short-time treatment.
US08395048B2 Wire material, electronic device, and capacitor
A wire material includes at least two branch structures disposed so as to be continuous with each other, each of the branch structures including a conductor and a pair of branching conductors connected to the conductor. The branching conductors may be connected to a front surface and a back surface of an end of the conductor. The conductors may be in the form of a foil.
US08395040B1 Methods and systems to process input of stringed instruments
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method and system for electronic sensing of string instrument input. The method includes receiving a first signal from a peak detection circuit. The peak detection circuit is operable to sense string activation. A second signal is received from one or more capacitive sensors. The second signal may include finger placement information. The method further includes processing the first and the second signals to generate an audio signal and outputting the audio signal.
US08395032B1 Maize variety hybrid X13B627
A novel maize variety designated X13B627 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 X13B627 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B627 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B627, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B627. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B627.
US08395025B2 Soybean variety A1024249
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024249. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024249. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024249 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024249 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08395024B2 Stress-inducible plant promoters
The present invention discloses and claims stress-inducible plant promoters, DNA constructs with such promoters, transgenic plants containing such promoters and DNA constructs, isolated DNAs encoding such promoters, and methods of making and using such promoters, DNA constructs, transgenic plants, and isolated DNAs.
US08395019B1 Maize variety hybrid X00A012
A novel maize variety designated X00A012 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 X00A012 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A012 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A012, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A012. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A012.
US08395015B2 Absorptive article
An absorptive article in which a terminal section of a sensor is less likely to be damaged in production, packaging, and transportation. An output terminal (115) of a sensor member (110) is placed at a side end of a front edge (180) of a urine pad (100). The side end of the front edge (180) is constructed only from a front face sheet (105) and a rear face sheet (106). The front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are not joined together and are separably arranged. When the urine pad (100) is not in use, the output terminal (115) is covered by the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106). In use, the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are separated in the thickness direction and the output terminal (115) of the sensor member (110) is exposed.
US08395011B2 Segmented skin treatment systems and methods
Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a predetermined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.
US08395005B2 Production of 1-butene and propylene from ethylene
A process for producing propylene and 1-butene is disclosed. The process comprises dimerizing ethylene in the presence of a dimerization catalyst to produce a dimerization mixture comprising 1-butene and 2-butenes. The dimerization mixture is distilled to produce a 1-butene stream containing 1-butene and ethylene, a 2-butenes stream, and a heavy stream. The 2-butenes stream is reacted with ethylene in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to produce a metathesis mixture comprising propylene, ethylene, and 2-butenes. Propylene is separated from the metathesis mixture.
US08395000B2 Method for producing fluorinated organic compounds
Disclosed are methods for producing fluorinated organic compounds, including hydrofluoropropenes, which preferably comprises converting at least one compound of formula (I): CF3CHXCH2X  (I) to at least one compound of formula (II) CF3CZCHZ  (II). where X is independently Cl, Br, I or F, and Z independently is H or F. In certain preferred embodiments, each Z is different.
US08394996B2 Method for producing aldehyde functional compounds
The invention relates to a method for producing aldehyde functional compounds by a cross-metathesis reaction of an olefinic compound having at least one hydroxy group and at least one C—C double bond with at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid or at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst at a maximum temperature of 180° C. and in the presence of at least one reagent that acts as a protective group-forming compound in relation to the aldehyde group of the aldehyde functional compounds.
US08394994B2 Method for producing of 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one
The present invention relates to [1] a process for producing a 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one represented by the following general formula (2), which includes the step of subjecting a 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)cycloalkan-1-one to dehydration and isomerization in the co-existence of an acid and a platinum group metal catalyst, and [2] a process for producing an alkyl(3-oxo-alkylcycloalkyl)acetate which is useful as a perfume material, using the 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one: wherein n is an integer of 1 or 2; and R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms with the proviso that R1 and R2 may form a ring through a carbon atom adjacent thereto.
US08394988B2 Production of acetic acid with high conversion rate
A process for producing acetic acid comprising the steps of reacting carbon monoxide and at least one of methanol and a methanol derivative in a first reactor under conditions effective to produce a crude acetic acid product; separating the crude acetic acid product into at least one derivative stream, at least one of the at least one derivative stream comprising residual carbon monoxide; and reacting at least a portion of the residual carbon monoxide with at least one of methanol and a methanol derivative over a metal catalyst in a second reactor to produce additional acetic acid.
US08394978B2 Sulfonated organophosphine compounds and use thereof in hydroformylation processes
A compound comprising a sulfonated triorganophosphine of formula R1R2PR3[SO3M)]n, wherein R1 and R2 are selected individually from alkyl, aralkyl, and alicyclic groups; wherein R3 represents a branched divalent or polyvalent, alkylene or alicyclic radical that is bonded to the phosphorus atom and to one or more sulfonate substituents, and further wherein R3 does not contain any aryl moieties; M represents a monovalent cation; and n is an integer representing a total number of sulfonated substituents. The compound is useful as a ligand in transition metal-ligand complex catalysts that are capable of catalyzing the hydroformylation of an olefinically-unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form one or more corresponding aldehyde products. The ligand is incapable of alkyl-aryl exchange, thereby leading to reduced ligand usage and improving ligand and transition metal, e.g., rhodium, recovery and recycling, as compared with prior art ligands.
US08394976B2 Surface functionalised nanoparticles
Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for the production of surface functionalised nanoparticles, such as semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles incorporating surface-bound functional groups suitable for enabling the dots to be incorporated into silicone polymers.
US08394964B2 Methods of synthesizing factor Xa inhibitors
Described herein are novel methods of preparing a compound of Formula II or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method is for preparing betrixaban or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described are compositions comprising substantially pure betrixaban free base or salt thereof.
US08394960B2 Thiazole carboxamide derivatives and their use to treat cancer
The present invention relates to novel Heterocyclic Ether or Thioether Derivatives, compositions comprising the Heterocyclic Ether or Thioether Derivatives, and methods for using the Heterocyclic Ether or Thioether Derivatives for treating or preventing a proliferative disorder, an anti-proliferative disorder, inflammation, arthritis, a central nervous system disorder, a cardiovascular disease, alopecia, a neuronal disease, an ischemic injury, a viral infection, a fungal infection, or a disorder related to the activity of a protein kinase.
US08394951B2 Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof
This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US08394944B2 Dual-purpose primers and probes for providing enhanced hybridization assays by disruption of secondary structure formation
The present invention provides primers and probes to be used in a method of enhancing hybridization of a probe to a target nucleotide sequence when the target sequence is capable of forming intramolecular secondary structures that interfere with hybridization of the probe to the target sequence. In particular, the invention includes a primer for amplifying a target nucleotide sequence, wherein at least a portion of the target nucleotide sequence can form an intramolecular secondary structure. The primer of the invention includes a primer nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the target nucleotide sequence that does not form a secondary structure, and a blocking sequence substantially complementary to at least a portion of the secondary structure-forming region of the amplified target nucleotide sequence, wherein the blocking sequence hybridizes to a portion of the secondary structure-forming region of the amplified target nucleotide sequence and blocks the formation of the secondary structure.
US08394934B2 Method and process for synthesis of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides
A method is disclosed for synthesizing 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides (d4Ns) from a nucleophile-mediated elimination, such as a telluride-mediated elimination reaction. After substitution of 2,2′-anhydronucleosides with a nucleophile, such as a telluride monoanion, a telluride intermediate is formed, and its elimination leads to formation of the olefin products (d4Ns). This disclosure describes this telluride-assisted (or nucleophile-assisted) reaction and how to facilitate the substitution and elimination in order to form d4Ns.
US08394932B2 Survival motor neurons (SMN) gene: a gene for spinal muscular atrophy
The present invention relates to the discovery of the human survival motor-neuron gene or SMD gene, which is a chromosome 5-SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) determining gene. The present invention further relates to the nucleotide sequence encoding the SMN gene and corresponding amino acid sequence, a vector containing the gene encoding the SMN protein or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene and transformant strains containing the SMN gene or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene.
US08394925B2 Fc variants with altered binding to FcRn
The present application relates to a variant Fc region comprising the double mutation 428L/434S that increases serum half-life and the numbering is according to the EU index.
US08394903B2 Initiation system for the anionic polymerization of conjugated dienes, and method for preparing diene elastomers
The present invention relates to a novel initiating system for the preparation of a living diene elastomer functionalized at the chain end by an amine group by anionic polymerization. The novel initiating system comprises an organolithium compound and a tin amide.The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of modified elastomers comprising an amine group at the chain end. These modified elastomers prove to be particularly advantageous in reinforced rubber compositions for tyres as they confer improved dynamic and mechanical properties in the vulcanized state.
US08394899B2 Fine particle-dispersed polyol composition, method for producing polymer polyol, and method for producing polyurethane resin
A polyol composition comprising a polyol (a) and resin fine particles (b) dispersed in the polyol (a), and a method for producing the polyol composition are provided, wherein the resin fine particles (b) are particles such that an arithmetic standard deviation by volume of a particle size distribution of the particles, derived from respective values in 85 divisions of a range of 0.020 to 2000 μm determined by a laser diffraction/scattering particle size distribution analyzer, is not more than 0.6. A resin fine particle-dispersed polyol composition that, even if the resin particles dispersed in the polyol have a small particle diameter, allows the production of a polyurethane resin having an excellent mechanical strength such as elongation at break, and a method for producing the same, are provided.
US08394892B2 High performance thermoplastic elastomer composition
The present invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of component (A), 10 to 100 parts by weight of component (B), 50 to 200 parts by weight of component (C), and 5 to 30 parts by weight of component (D). Component (A) is a propylene polymer having a melting point of 155° C. or more. Component (B) is a crystalline propylene-ethylene copolymer. Component (C) is an ethylene-α-olefin rubber having Mooney Viscosity of 30 to 100(ML1+4, 125° C.). Component (D) is a hydrogenated product of block copolymer comprising blocks of aromatic vinyl compound units and blocks of conjugated diene compound units.
US08394885B2 Composition for building protection applications based on alkylalkoxy-siloxanes having improved water repellency properties
The present invention relates to a composition for imparting water repellency to porous mineral substrates and for producing a water repellency effect on the surface of the substrate and to a process for the preparation of such a composition, said composition being based on at least one silane oligomer, at least one hydrolysis or condensation catalyst, at least one fluorine-containing polymer, optionally water and/or at least one organic solvent, optionally at least one emulsifier and optionally further auxiliaries.
US08394884B2 Coating material and container coated with the coating material
A coating material includes a first aqueous dispersion (A) and a second aqueous dispersion (B) wherein a dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A) has an average particle diameter of 1 to 20 μm and a dispersoid of the second aqueous dispersion (B) has an average particle diameter 1/100 to ⅕ of that of the dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A), and the mass ratio (the aqueous dispersion (A)/the aqueous dispersion (B)) of the dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A) to the dispersoid of the second aqueous dispersion (B) is 2/1 to 100/1. Also provided is a container, which is coated with the coating material and has excellent properties.
US08394883B2 Vulcanizable blend comprising partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene branched polymers
A raw elastomeric composition includes: (a1) from 30 to 90% by weight of a partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene random elastomeric copolymer; (a2) from 10 to 70% by weight of one or more diene rubbers; (b) from 10 to 150 phr of silica; (c) from 0.1 to 20 phr of a coupling agent based on silane; (d) from 0.1 to 10 phr of a vulcanization agent; wherein the partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene random copolymer has a structure which has nodes statistically distributed in the macromolecule, from which polymeric chains branch out, the bond between the nodes and the branches being a carbon-carbon bond.
US08394871B2 Aqueous ink for inkjet recording
The present invention provides [1] a water dispersion for ink-jet printing containing chain-like particles each containing anionic organic pigment particles and a cationic polymer, wherein the ratio of organic pigment primary particles forming the chain-like particles to all the pigment primary particles contained in the water dispersion is 10% by number or more; [2] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing the water dispersion; [3] a method for producing a water dispersion for ink-jet printing as described above in [1]; and [4] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing a water dispersion produced through the method. The water dispersion and water-based ink for ink-jet printing of the present invention realize excellent optical density.
US08394867B2 Polypropylene resin foamed bead and molded article therefrom
Improved polypropylene resin foamed beads that without detriment to the excellence in properties, such as compression properties and heat resistance, characterizing the polypropylene resin foamed beads, can provide a polypropylene resin foamed bead molded article with equal properties by an molding conducted at low heating temperature. There are disclosed polypropylene resin foamed beads composed of a polypropylene resin of 115 to 135° C. melting point and 500 MPa or higher Olsen flexural modulus. The amount of ash at the surface of the foamed beads is 3000 wt. ppm or less (including 0). With respect to the foamed beads, in the first DSC curve obtained by heating 1 to 3 mg of polypropylene resin foamed beads from room temperature to 200° C. at a temperature elevation rate of 10° C./min by the use of a differential scanning calorimeter, there appear not only one or more endothermic peak (Pa) having the peak temperature within a temperature zone not higher than the melting point of the resin but also one or more endothermic peak (Pb) having the peak temperature within a temperature zone exceeding the melting point of the resin and not lower than 130° C. The total calorific value of the endothermic peak (Pb) is in the range of 2 to 12 J/g. Further, there is disclosed a foamed bead molded article obtained by molding the above foamed beads.
US08394861B2 Gasification of carbonaceous materials and gas to liquid processes
Herein disclosed is a method of producing synthesis gas from carbonaceous material, the method comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising carbonaceous material and a liquid medium; (b) subjecting the mixture to high shear under gasification conditions whereby a high shear-treated stream comprising synthesis gas is produced; and (c) separating a product comprising synthesis gas from the high shear-treated stream. Herein also disclosed is a method for producing a liquid product. The method comprises forming a dispersion comprising gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid phase in a high shear device, wherein the average gas bubble diameter is less than about 1.5 μm; contacting the dispersion with a multifunctional catalyst to form the liquid product; and recovering the liquid product. In an embodiment, the liquid product is selected from the group consisting of C2+ hydrocarbons, C2+ oxygenates, and combinations thereof.
US08394858B2 Cyclohexane derivatives and uses thereof
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08394856B2 (-)-Hydroxycitric acid for controlling inflammation
The invention teaches that supplementation with (−)-hydroxycitrate constitutes a novel means of reducing inflammation and is useful for preventing, treating and ameliorating conditions involving inflammation. The discovery that HCA has inflammation-moderating effects allows for the creation of novel and more efficacious approaches to preventing and ameliorating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis and a variety of other conditions that involve excessive inflammation. Inasmuch as one element common to advancing years is an increased level of generalized inflammation, the invention further lends itself to reducing or delaying this aspect of aging, one factor in what is known as sarcopenia. Furthermore, this discovery makes possible the development of adjuvant modalities which can be used to improve the results realized with other treatment compounds while at the same time reducing the side effects normally found with such drugs. HCA delivered in the form of its potassium salt is efficacious at a daily dosage (bid or tid) of between 750 mg and 10 grams, preferably at a dosage of between 3 and 6 grams for most individuals. A daily dosage above 10 grams might prove desirable under some circumstances, such as with extremely large or resistant individuals, but this level of intake is not deemed necessary under normal conditions.
US08394848B2 Compounds that modulate intracellular calcium
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.
US08394845B2 Method of using combination preparation comprising angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Disclosed herein is a combination therapy and a combination preparation of an angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor characterized in that the angiotensin-II-receptor blocker is absorbed substantially later than the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. As the angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor are released at different times, the present combination therapy prevents competitive inhibition between the two drugs and side effects, as well as simultaneously provides synergistic effects for each active ingredient and convenience of taking the drugs.
US08394844B2 EP4 agonist
Provided is a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a straight chain alkyl group having a carbon number of 1-3, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 -4, an alkoxyalkyl group, an aryl group, a halogen atom or a haloalkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has, unlike known PGI2 analogs, a selective EP4 agonist action, and a medicament containing the compound, which is useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of immune diseases, diseases of the digestive tract, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, ophthalmic diseases, renal diseases, hepatic diseases, bone diseases, skin diseases and the like.
US08394842B2 Benzothiazoles having histamine H3 receptor activity
Certain novel benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles, e.g., 2-(piperazin-1-yl)benzothiazoles and 2-(piperazin-1-yl)benzoxazoles, optionally substituted in the 3 and/or 4 positions of the piperazine rings,! of the general formula (1): having histamine H3 antagonistic activity can be used in pharmaceutical compositions.
US08394839B2 Rationally improved isoniazid and ethionamide derivatives and activity through selective isotopic substitution
The present invention relates to the use of isotopically labeled derivatives of isoniazid, ethionamide and related compounds as effective therapy for the treatment of mycobacterial diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
US08394836B2 Indoles and their therapeutic use
Compound of formula (I) are ligands of the CRTH2 receptor, useful inter alia for treatment of inflammatory conditions. Wherein X is —SO2— or *—SO2NR3— wherein the bond marked with an asterisk is attached to Ar1; R1 is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, CN or CF3; R2 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; R3 is hydrogen, C1C8alkyl or C3-C7cycloalkyl; Ar1 is phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group selected from furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl, wherein the phenyl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from fluoro, chloro, CN, C3-C7cycloalkyl, —O(C1-C4alkyl) or C1C6alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms; and Ar2 is phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group selected from pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl, wherein the phenyl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from fluoro, chloro, CN, C3-C3-C7cycloalkyl, —O(C1-C4alkyl) or C1C6alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms.
US08394831B2 Carbonylamino-derivatives as novel inhibitors of histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, L, Q, X, Y and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US08394830B2 Quinolines and their therapeutic use
Compounds of formula (I) are CRTH2 ligands, useful in the treatment of, for example, asthma and COPD wherein: R1 is halogen or cyano; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; R3 and R4 are independently —OR6, C1-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; R5 is hydrogen or halogen; R6 is C1C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, either of which being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; X is —CH2—, —S—, or —O—; one of Y and Y1 is hydrogen and the other is OR6, —C(═O)R7, NR8SO2R6 or a heterocyclic group selected from those referred to in the specification; and R6, R7 and R8 are as defined in the specification.
US08394823B2 Triazolopyridine compounds useful as DGAT1 inhibitors
Disclosed are triazolopyridine compounds of the following Formula (I); or stereoisomers or salts thereof. Also, disclosed are methods of using the compound in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes and atherosclerosis, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of Formula (I) or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08394821B2 Activated blood coagulation factor inhibitor
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel salt form of a compound that exhibits an inhibitory effect on activated blood coagulation factor X, and is useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic drug for thrombotic diseases, and crystals thereof. The present invention provides N1-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N2-((1S,2R,4S)-4-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-2-{[(5-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2-yl)carbonyl]amino}cyclohexyl)ethanediamide tartrate and crystals thereof, as a novel salt form of N1-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N2-((1S,2R,4S)-4-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-2-{[(5-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2-yl)carbonyl]amino}cyclohexyl)ethanediamide and crystals thereof.
US08394816B2 Methods of using [3.2.0] heterocyclic compounds and analogs thereof in treating Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Disclosed are methods of treating Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia comprising administering to the animal, a therapeutically effective amount of a heterocyclic compound of Formula I.
US08394815B2 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles and their use as anti-microbial agents
The present invention provides therapeutically effective 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole compounds, methods of preparing the same, and compositions comprising the compounds alone or in combination with other agents. The present invention further provides for the use of the compounds as anti-microbial agents. The anti-microbial properties of the compounds include anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal activity.
US08394813B2 Active agent delivery systems and methods for protecting and administering active agents
The present invention relates to active agent delivery systems and more specifically to compositions that comprise amino acids, as single amino acids or peptides, covalently attached to active agents and methods for administering conjugated active agent compositions.
US08394811B2 Hydrazide compounds as thyroid hormone receptor modulators and uses thereof
A method of identification of compounds that modulate thyroid hormone activity, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof for such purposes are disclosed. The compounds may be selected from the group consisting of: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to aberrant thyroid hormone activity, such as hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.
US08394806B2 2-phenyl pyrazines as tubulin inhibitors
Compounds of general formula (I), (II), (III) and (V) are described for use in modulating microtubule polymerisation and in the treatment of associated disease states. Use of compounds (I), (III) and (V) in the treatment of kinase-associated disease states is also described. Further described are novel compounds of formula (II), (III) and (V).
US08394805B2 Compounds
Novel compounds of which the following is exemplary:
US08394801B2 Quinoxaline derivatives and their use for treating benign and malignant tumour disorders
The invention provides quinoxalines of the general formula I which are used as medicaments preferably for treating tumour disorders, in particular in cases of drug resistance to other active compounds and in cases of metastasic carcinoma. The possible applications are not limited to tumour disorders.
US08394783B2 Polysaccharide gel formulation having multi-stage bioactive agent delivery
Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide.
US08394779B2 Methods of modulating angiogenesis via TRPV4
The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, the formation of CE networks and angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purpose of treating angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders, particularly when the diseases or disorders are directly related aberrant angiogenesis. Inhibition is achieved by inhibiting TRPV4 activity, such as the levels of TRPV4 expression, calcium influx through TRPV4, and/or the intracellular signaling from TRPV4 via β1 integrin activation.
US08394776B2 Use of ursolic acid saponin,oleanolic acid saponin in preparation of increasing leucocytes and/or platelet medicine
The invention provides the use of ursolic acid saponin and oleanolic acid saponin of formula (I) in preparing medicaments for increasing leucocytes and/or platelets. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition containing the same compound. The invention utilizes the cheap and accessible ursolic acid and oleanolic acid which are widely present in natural plants as raw materials, introduces monosaccharyls or oligosaccharyls by structural modification. It is proved by pharmacological tests that the compound of formula (I) have an activity of obviously increasing leucocytes and/or platelets.
US08394773B2 Use of an alkyl glycoside or of a mixture of alkyl glycosides having anti-ageing and/or calming properties as active agents in cosmetic compositions, and methods of cosmetic care using said compositions
The present invention relates to a novel use of alkyl glycosides and of mixtures of alkyl glycosides having anti-ageing and/or calming properties as active agents in cosmetic compositions, and to methods of cosmetic care using the said compositions.
US08394772B2 Glycoside derivative and uses thereof
This invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I): wherein the variables are defined as herein above, which are useful for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the sodium D-glucose co-transporter (SGLT), e.g. diabetes. The invention also provides methods of treating such diseases and conditions, and compositions etc. for their treatment.
US08394766B2 Cellular activation insulin therapy
Diabetic and other patients are treated using an aggressive form of Pulsed Insulin Therapy in which a pre-treatment blood sugar level in the patient of at least 250-300 mg/dL, and the patient is treated with at least first and second cycles, each cycle comprising (1) pulsing a recombinant human insulin to the patient in concentrations of more than 10% to achieve a target intra-treatment blood sugar level (BSL) swing of more than 100 mg/dL, and (2) raising the blood sugar level to at least 250-300 mg/dL.
US08394760B2 Multifunctional nanostructures, methods of synthesizing thereof, and methods of use thereof
A nanostructure and methods of synthesizing same. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanospecies, a hydrophobic protection structure including at least one compound selected from a capping ligand, an amphiphilic copolymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the nanospecies, and at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein conjugated to the hydrophobic protection structure, wherein the at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein has at least one binding site.
US08394745B2 Lube base oil, process for production thereof, and lubricating oil composition
The present invention provides a lubricating base oil comprising saturated components of 90% by mass or greater, wherein the proportion of cyclic saturated components among the saturated components is not greater than 40% by mass, and by having a viscosity index of 110 or higher and an iodine value of not greater than 2.5. The lubricating base oil of the invention exhibits excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics and heat and oxidation stability while also allowing additives to exhibit a higher level of function when additives are included. The lubricating base oil of the invention is suitable for use in various lubricating oil fields, and is especially useful for reducing energy loss and achieving energy savings in devices in which the lubricating base oil is applied.
US08394742B2 Methods, compounds and compositions with genotype selective anticancer activity
This invention is directed to methods for screening and identification of compounds capable of selectively eliminating cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations, including but not limited to mutations, deletions, hypermethylations, and other types of gene silencing. This invention is also directed to novel compounds that selectively eliminate cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations. Furthermore, this invention is directed to methods for production and therapeutic use of compounds that selectively eliminate cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations.
US08394732B2 Sintered cordierite glass-ceramic bodies
Disclosed is the preparation of sintered cordierite-based glass-ceramic bodies via a procedure which uses three all natural starting materials which are white sand, kaolin clay and magnesite. These three raw materials are combined in relative amounts which form, upon subsequent mixing and heating, a specific mixture of oxides of silicon, aluminum and magnesium. Upon melting at 1500-1550° C., this combination of raw materials forms transparent brown glass which after solidification by quenching is then crushed and reduced to grains having a median particle size less than 65 microns. These brown glass grains are consolidated, for example by compaction, to form a green body for sintering. Sintering of the green body at temperatures between about 1000° C. and 1375° C. for from 2 to 5 hours produces glass-ceramic bodies containing a polycrystalline material which comprises mostly material of the cordierite crystal structure.
US08394726B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and substrate processing apparatus
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: loading a substrate into a reaction chamber; supplying reactive gases into the reaction chamber and processing the substrate; and unloading the processed substrate from the reaction chamber, wherein the step of processing the substrate includes: a first film formation step of setting the substrate to a first temperature and forming a first silicon film including impurity atoms on the substrate and a second film formation step of setting the substrate to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, and forming a second silicon film that includes no impurity atoms or has an impurity concentration lower than that of the first silicon film on at least the first silicon film.
US08394725B2 Systems and methods for forming metal oxide layers
A method of forming (and apparatus for forming) a metal oxide layer, preferably a dielectric layer, on a substrate, particularly a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, using a vapor deposition process and ozone with one or more metal organo-amine precursor compounds.
US08394723B2 Aspect ratio adjustment of mask pattern using trimming to alter geometry of photoresist features
A method for adjusting the geometry of photomask patterns is provided. Such adjusted pattern can be employed to achieve pattern doubling in subsequent layers. A patterned photoresist mask is provided over an underlayer. A polymer layer is placed over the mask. The mask is selectively trimmed to generate individual mask features having an increased aspect ratio. Subsequent pattern layers can be formed on the trimmed mask pattern to generate a hard mask having increased pattern density. The hard mask is selectively etched and the material of the trimmed mask pattern is removed. The underlayer is then etched to achieve pattern transfer from the hard mask to the underlayer to achieve a final double density pattern.
US08394722B2 Bi-layer, tri-layer mask CD control
A method for controlling critical dimension (CD) of etch features in an etch layer disposed below a functionalized organic mask layer disposed below an intermediate mask layer, disposed below a patterned photoresist mask, which forms a stack is provided. The intermediate mask layer is opened by selectively etching the intermediate mask layer with respect to the patterned photoresist mask. The functionalized organic mask layer is opened. The functionalized organic mask layer opening comprises flowing an open gas comprising COS, forming a plasma, and stopping the flowing of the open gas. The etch layer is etched.
US08394718B1 Methods of forming self-aligned through silicon via
A method for forming a through silicon via (TSV) in a substrate may include forming a dielectric layer on the substrate; forming an opening through the dielectric layer and into the substrate using a single mask over the dielectric layer; expanding the opening in the dielectric layer, undercutting the single mask, to form an expanded upper portion; removing the single mask; and filling the opening, including the expanded upper portion, with a conductor. A resulting structure may include a substrate; a dielectric layer over the substrate; and a self-aligned through silicon via (TSV) extending through the dielectric layer and the substrate.
US08394717B2 Semiconductor package with a reduced volume and thickness and capable of high speed operation and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip provided with a bonding pad disposed over a surface thereof; a through electrode passing from the surface to a second surface opposing the first surface and connected electrically with the bonding pad; and a redistribution disposed at the second surface and connected electrically with the through electrode. An embodiment of the present invention is capable of significantly reducing the thickness and volume of the semiconductor package. It is also capable of high speed operation since the path of the signal inputted and/or outputted from the semiconductor package is shortened. It is capable of stacking easily at least two semiconductor packages having a wafer level, and it is capable of significantly reducing parasitic capacitance.
US08394714B2 Anti-reflective coatings for micro-fluid applications
Micro-fluid ejection heads have anti-reflective coatings. The coatings destructively interfere with light at wavelengths of interest during subsequent photo imaging processing, such as during nozzle plate imaging. Methods include determining wavelengths of photoresists. Layers are applied to the substrate and anodized. They form an oxidized layer of a predetermined thickness and reflectivity that essentially eliminates stray and scattered light during production of nozzle plates. Process conditions include voltages, biasing, lengths of time, and bathing solutions, to name a few. Tantalum and titanium oxides define further embodiments as do layer thicknesses and light wavelengths.
US08394712B2 Cavity-free interface between extension regions and embedded silicon-carbon alloy source/drain regions
A gate stack is formed on a silicon substrate, and source/drain extension regions are formed around the gate stack. A dielectric spacer is formed around the gate stack. A pair of trenches is formed around the gate stack and the dielectric spacer by an etch so that sidewalls of the source/drain extension regions are exposed. Within each trench, an n-doped silicon liner is deposited on the sidewalls of the trenches by a first selective epitaxy process so that the interface between the dielectric spacer and the source/drain extension region is covered. Within each trench, an n-doped single crystalline silicon-carbon alloy is subsequently deposited to fill the trench by a second selective epitaxy process. A combination of an n-doped single crystalline silicon liner and an n-doped single crystalline silicon-carbon alloy functions as embedded source/drain regions of an n-type field effect transistor (NFET), which applies a tensile stress to the channel of the transistor.
US08394709B2 Process for producing photovoltaic device and deposition apparatus
A process for producing a high-performance photovoltaic device by depositing a high-quality crystalline silicon layer, and a deposition apparatus for depositing the high-quality crystalline silicon layer. A process for producing a photovoltaic device that comprises forming a crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic layer comprising an i-layer on a substrate using a plasma-enhanced CVD method, wherein formation of the i-layer comprises an initial layer deposition stage and a bulk i-layer deposition stage, and the initial layer deposition stage comprises depositing the initial layer using a silane-based gas flow rate during the initial layer deposition stage that is lower than the silane-based gas flow rate during the bulk i-layer deposition stage, with the deposition time for the initial layer deposition stage set to not less than 0.5% and not more than 20% of the total deposition time for the i-layer, and with the SiH* emission intensity during the initial layer deposition stage not, more than 80% of the stabilized SiH* emission intensity during the bulk i-layer deposition stage.
US08394707B2 Method of splitting of brittle materials with trenching technology
One aspect of the invention relates to a method for splitting an object made of brittle material into at least two pieces. The object has a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite to each other. The method includes etching at least one trench in at least one of the surfaces so as to form at least one line on the surface. The method also includes splitting the object into separate pieces along the line.
US08394702B2 Method for making dual gate oxide trench MOSFET with channel stop using three or four masks process
A semiconductor device and fabrication methods are disclosed. The device includes a plurality of gate electrodes formed in trenches located in an active region of a semiconductor substrate. A first gate runner is formed in the substrate and electrically connected to the gate electrodes, wherein the first gate runner surrounds the active region. A second gate runner is connected to the first gate runner and located between the active region and a termination region. A termination structure surrounds the first and second gate runners and the active region. The termination structure includes a conductive material in an insulator-lined trench in the substrate, wherein the termination structure is electrically shorted to a source or body layer of the substrate thereby forming a channel stop for the device.
US08394699B2 Memory arrays and methods of fabricating memory arrays
A memory array includes a plurality of memory cells formed on a semiconductor substrate. Individual of the memory cells include first and second field effect transistors respectively comprising a gate, a channel region, and a pair of source/drain regions. The gates of the first and second field effect transistors are hard wired together. A conductive data line is hard wired to two of the source/drain regions. A charge storage device is hard wired to at least one of the source/drain regions other than the two. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated, including methods of fabricating memory arrays.
US08394691B2 Semiconductor devices having stressor regions and related fabrication methods
Apparatus for semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure involves forming a gate structure overlying a region of semiconductor material, wherein the width of the gate structure is aligned with a <100> crystal direction of the semiconductor material. The method continues by forming recesses about the gate structure and forming a stress-inducing semiconductor material in the recesses.
US08394690B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device having a Ge- or SiGe-fin structure includes a convex-shaped active area formed along one direction on the surface region of a Si substrate, a buffer layer of Si1-xGex (0
US08394685B2 Etching method and manufacturing method of thin film transistor
The amorphous silicon film is formed over the microcrystalline silicon film, and plasma treatment is performed on the amorphous silicon film in a mixed gas atmosphere of H2 and Ar at a pressure higher than 1000 Pa, so that etching is performed to expose the microcrystalline silicon film. In the etching, the etching rate of the amorphous silicon film and that of the microcrystalline silicon film is large.
US08394680B2 Layout for semiconductor device and method of fabricating the semiconductor device
In a layout for a semiconductor device, each active region comprises a first active region, a right active region on the right side of the first active region, a left active region on the left side of the first active region, an upper active region on the upper side of the first active region and a lower active region on the lower side of the first active region, wherein the first active region, the right active region, the left active region, the upper active region and the lower active region each have an inclined portion having a bit-line contact region; and first and second portions having a storage node contact region, first and second ends formed on left and right ends of the inclined portion at a predetermined tilt angle with respect to the inclined portion, the active region being intersected by two word lines and one bit line.
US08394678B2 Semiconductor chip stacked body and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of chip sealing bodies stacked on a wiring substrate with a connection terminal. The chip sealing body includes a semiconductor chip having a semiconductor integrated circuit, a pad and a conductive connecting material, and a resin sealing the semiconductor chip. The chip sealing body is shaped into a cubic form in which a portion of the conductive connecting material except an end portion located on an external device side and all surfaces of semiconductor chip is sealed by the resin and the end portion of the conductive connecting material located on the external device side is exposed from the cubic form. A conductive bonding wire connects the end portions of the conductive connecting materials and the connection terminal respectively. A resin sealing material seals the plurality of chip sealing bodies, the conductive bonding wire, and the wiring substrate.
US08394667B2 Methods of forming memory cells, and methods of patterning chalcogenide-containing stacks
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Chalcogenide is formed over a plurality of bottom electrodes, and top electrode material is formed over the chalcogenide. Sacrificial material is formed over the top electrode material. A plurality of memory cell structures is formed by etching through the sacrificial material, top electrode material and chalcogenide. Each of the memory cell structures has a cap of the sacrificial material thereover. The etching forms polymeric residue over the sacrificial material caps, and damages chalcogenide along sidewalls of the structures. The sacrificial material is removed with an HF-containing solution, and such removes the polymeric residue off of the memory cell structures. After the sacrificial material is removed, the sidewalls of the structures are treated with one or both of H2O2 and HNO3 to remove damaged chalcogenide from the sidewalls of the memory cell structures.
US08394661B2 Structuring device for structuring plate-like elements, in particular thin-film solar modules
A structuring device is for structuring a plate-like element. A solar module and/or a thin-film solar module comprises a plurality of structuring tools which are configured respectively for introducing a track into the plate-like element, characterised by a first structuring unit which has a plurality of these structuring tools, at least two structuring tools of this first structuring unit being configured such that two first tracks which extend parallel to each other and at a constant spacing from each other can be introduced into the plate-like element with said structuring tools (first track group SG1), and also a second structuring unit which has a plurality of these structuring tools, at least two structuring tools of this second structuring unit being configured such that two second tracks which extend parallel to each other and at a constant spacing from each other can be introduced into the plate-like element with said structuring tools (second track group SG2), the first and/or the second structuring unit being configured and/or being able to be controlled such that the spacing of the first track group from the second track group can be configured variably.
US08394658B2 Methods of using a silicon nanoparticle fluid to control in situ a set of dopant diffusion profiles
Disclosed are methods of forming multi-doped junctions, which utilize a nanoparticle ink to form an ink pattern on a surface of a substrate. From the ink pattern, a densified film ink pattern can be formed. The disclosed methods may allow in situ controlling of dopant diffusion profiles.
US08394648B2 Method of fabrication of photonic biosensor arrays
This invention relates to a method for the fabrication of photonic biosensor arrays and applications of arrays produced by the method in the biomedical field. A method for the fabrication of a biosensor array for plasmon resonance-based sensing of a plurality of different biological targets simultaneously, the method comprising: (i) providing a transparent substrate; ii) providing seed metallic nanoparticles in the form of a colloid; (iii) depositing said colloid as discrete metallic islands on the transparent substrate, each of said metallic islands comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles; (iv) washing the substrate in order to remove unadhered material; (v) developing the substrate in a growth solution, which solution comprises a salt of the same metal which is present in the form of discrete metallic islands on the substrate, a reducing agent, a capping agent and optionally a surfactant; (vi) washing the developed substrate; and (vii) functionalising each of said metallic islands with a different functionalising molecule using a common chemical process to attach said different functionalising molecules to said metallic islands.
US08394647B2 Reducing non-covalently bound polysaccharide on supports
Methods and reagents are disclosed for reducing an amount of non-covalently bound polysaccharide on a support. The method comprises contacting a support comprising both covalently bound polysaccharide and non-covalently bound polysaccharide with an aqueous solution comprising an amount of a chaotropic agent effective to remove non-covalently bound polysaccharide from the support.
US08394642B2 Universal sample preparation system and use in an integrated analysis system
The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.
US08394640B2 Study of polymer molecules and conformations with a nanopore
The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.
US08394639B2 Biomarkers for renal disease
The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing a renal disease in a patient or for predicting the risk of a patient for developing a renal disease. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for diagnosing a renal disease in a patient, comprising determining the level of a ubiquitin fragment having a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 6188 (ubiquitin m/z 6188), or the level of a nucleic acid encoding ubiquitin m/z 6188, in a sample derived from said patient, wherein the substantial absence or a reduced level of less than 25% of ubiquitin m/z 6188 or the nucleic acid encoding ubiquitin m/z 6188 compared to a control is indicative of the renal disease in said patient.
US08394638B2 Administering a therapeutic agent with more than one taggant
A system may include a means for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; a means for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and a means for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant.
US08394637B2 Handheld analyzer for testing a sample
The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.
US08394636B2 Remote control method, remote control system, status informing device and control apparatus
The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote control method which allows a technician, etc. in a support center to remote-control a clinical specimen processing device, and a remote control system, a status informing device and a control apparatus used for such a method. The remote control method of the present invention, which is a remote control method for remote-controlling the clinical specimen processing device that processes a clinical specimen, is designed so that an image of the clinical specimen processing device is picked up by an image pickup device, and the image picked up by the image pickup device is supplied to a control apparatus located at a remote place from the clinical specimen processing device through a communication network so that the picked-up image is displayed on the control apparatus.
US08394631B2 Mixed cell populations for tissue repair and separation technique for cell processing
The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use. In such embodiments, the final composition is a substantially purified and concentrated cell mixture suspended in a physiologic solution suitable for immediate use in humans without further washing, volume reduction, or processing. Embodiments are also applicable to harvesting (and/or washing) particles within a liquid or solution within a chamber.
US08394630B2 Producing a mammalian pluripotent cell population from mammalian blastomere-like stem cells (BLSCs)
Disclosed are novel stem cells of non-embryonic origins and the uses thereof.
US08394627B2 Home test kit for detecting fecal blood
A home test kit for detecting fecal blood includes a scoop device for collecting a fecal sample, a luminescent for mixing with the sample, a hollow container for containing the sample, water and the luminescent, or luminol during use of the kit. A base may be provided for supporting the container during testing, and the container may include an integrally formed lid. Detection of the blood in the sample is possible because the luminescent undergoes a light-producing reaction that involves, as a reactant or catalyst, blood or blood components or products. The blood is thus visible, or glows in darkened surroundings. The kit is compact, easy to use, and formed from biodegradable material for easy disposal.
US08394605B2 Genetically programmed expression of proteins containing the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine
The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel sythetases molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing containing the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine and translation systems. The invention further provides methods for producing modified proteins (e.g., lapidated proteins) through targeted modification of the phenylselenocysteine residue in a protein.
US08394602B2 Luminescent method for measuring endotoxin
The present invention provides a method comprising allowing a reaction of a sample, a reagent containing Factor C, which can be activated by binding with endotoxin, and a synthetic luminescent substrate comprising a luminescent substrate bound to a peptide, for release of the luminescent substrate from the synthetic luminescent substrate, allowing a luminescent enzyme to act on the luminescent substrate released in the luminescent substrate release step, for measurement of the luminescence intensity, and quantifying the level of endotoxin in the sample based on a measured value obtained in the luminescence measuring step, the method enabling endotoxin to be simply and quickly measured at a level that cannot be detected in conventional methods for endotoxin measurement, without use of any dedicated measuring device.
US08394600B2 Methods, immunoassays and devices for detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies
Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for a membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.
US08394599B2 Methods and compositions for risk stratification
The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.
US08394596B1 Antibodies and assays for beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine
Antibodies against β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (“BMAA”) their production, use and related kits; also the immunogens and methods used to obtain the antibodies.
US08394590B2 Capture agents and related methods and systems for detecting and/or sorting targets
Polynucleotide-encoded capture agents for target detection and in particular modular polynucleotide-capture agents comprising a target binding component, a scaffold component and an encoding component formed by standardized molecular units that can be coupled and decoupled in a controlled fashion, and related compositions methods and systems.
US08394589B2 Methods for diagnosing scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C by detecting mutations in TRPV4
The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting mutations in transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 (TRPV4). In particular, mutations are detected in TRPV4 to detect diseases such as scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy (SPSMA) and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type IIC (HMSN IIC) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C (CMT2C).
US08394582B2 Identification of fetal DNA and fetal cell markers in maternal plasma or serum
The present invention relates to the identification of fetal specific nucleic acids and fetal cell markers in maternal plasma or serum. In particular, the present invention relates to methods which rely on the analysis of polymorphic alleles of a population to determine an allele which is possessed by the fetus but absent from the mother. Fetal specific alleles identified using the methods of the invention can be used to quantify fetal DNA from maternal plasma or serum. In addition, antigens encoded by alleles identified using the methods of the invention can be targeted in methods of isolating or detecting fetal cells.
US08394576B2 Method for patterning a photosensitive layer
The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
US08394575B2 Formulations for environmentally friendly photoresist film layers
Environmentally friendly thick film layers for a micro-fluid ejection head and micro-fluid ejection heads are disclosed. The environmentally friendly thick film layer includes a negative photoresist layer derived from a composition comprising a multi-functional epoxy compound, a low molecular weight polymeric difunctional epoxy compound, a monomeric difunctional epoxy compound, a methide-based photoacid generator that does not contain antimony, a chromophore and an aryl ketone solvent. Optionally the photoresist layer contains an adhesion enhancer. The negative photoresist layer is environmentally friendly and provides good resolution, well defined critical dimensions, straight side walls, and a large processing window.
US08394547B2 Fuel cell bipolar plate exit for improved flow distribution and freeze compatibility
A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack.
US08394546B2 Fuel cell system and control method thereof
A fuel cell system having a fuel cell for causing reactant gas to be electrochemically reacted to generate power, a reactant gas supply path for supplying reactant gas to the fuel cell, a reactant gas recirculation path for recirculating exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell and combining the recirculating exhaust gas with reactant gas flowing through the reactant gas supply path to the fuel cell, and a pump unit disposed in the reactant gas recirculation path to pump the recirculating exhaust gas through the reactant gas recirculation path. A pump-tempering apparatus increases the temperature of the pump unit and a controller controls the pump-tempering apparatus. After the controller receives a fuel cell system stop signal, the controller controls the pump-tempering apparatus such that the temperature of the pump unit becomes higher than the temperature of piping in the reactant gas recirculation path.
US08394545B2 Fuel cell system and operating method thereof
The present invention includes a fuel cell (11), a fuel gas supplying device (16), an oxidizing gas supplying device (17) and a control apparatus (20) and further includes at least one of a temperature control device (19) which controls the temperature of the fuel cell (11) and a humidifying device (24) which humidifies at least one of the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell (11), wherein: the control apparatus (20) controls at least one of the temperature control device (19), the humidifying device (24), the fuel cell (11) and the fuel gas supplying device (16) to cause the temperature of the fuel cell (11) to be equal to at least one of the dew point of the fuel gas and the dew point of the oxidizing gas, before cutting off an electrical connection between the fuel cell (11) and a load; and then the control apparatus (20) cuts off the electrical connection between the fuel cell (11) and the load.
US08394534B2 Layer-layer lithium rich complex metal oxides with high specific capacity and excellent cycling
Lithium rich and manganese rich lithium metal oxides are described that provide for excellent performance in lithium-based batteries. The specific compositions can be engineered within a specified range of compositions to provide desired performance characteristics. Selected compositions can provide high values of specific capacity with a reasonably high average voltage. Compositions of particular interest can be represented by the formula, xLi2MnO3.(1−x)LiNiu+ΔMnu−ΔCowAyO2. The compositions undergo significant first cycle irreversible changes, but the compositions cycle stably after the first cycle.
US08394528B2 Lithium polymer battery
A lithium polymer battery where the corrosion or the electrical short resulting from contact of the metal film of the cut region of external material with the connecting lead or the terminal of the adjacent protective circuit cover can be prevented. The lithium polymer battery comprises: a chargeable and dischargeable bare cell; a protective circuit cover installed on one side surface of the bare cell so as to be electrically coupled to the bare cell; and a holder cap installed between the protective circuit cover and the bare cell so as to block contact between the bare cell and a terminal of the protective circuit cover.
US08394527B2 Galvanic cell for an accumulator
The galvanic cell according to the invention comprises at least one current conductor and a casing. Said casing at least partially surrounds said galvanic cell. A contact area is assigned to said casing. The casing is at least partially materially engaged with the current conductor via the contact area. The casing comprises at least one first layer and one second layer. The materials of said first layer and said second layer of the casing are different in respect to at least one chemical material.
US08394526B2 Cylindrical battery and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention mainly relates to a cylindrical battery provided with a wound-type electrode plate group, and to a manufacturing method thereof. An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method by which a cylindrical battery can be produced at high productivity, without a welding electrode attaching to a current collector plate during connection of the current collector plate to a battery case. In the present invention, the maximum diameter of a hollow cylindrical portion of an electrode plate group is ⅙ or more and 2/6 or less of that of the electrode plate group; and a current collector having one first projection and a plurality of second projections are used. The one projection and the plurality of second projections are disposed on a face of the current collector plate facing an inner bottom face of the battery case, and protrude toward the inner bottom face side of the battery case. The height of the first projection is higher than that of the second projection. Further, the welding electrode used during connection of the current collector plate to the battery case has a maximum diameter of 60% or more and 100% or less of that of the hollow cylindrical portion of the electrode plate group, and is 4 mm.
US08394513B2 Body coated with hard material
The invention relates to a body which is coated with hard material and has a plurality of layers applied by means of CVD, wherein the outer layer comprises Ti1-xAlxN, Ti1-xAlxC and/or Ti1-xAlxCN where 0.65≦x≦0.9, preferably 0.7≦x≦0.9, and this outer layer has compressive stresses in the range from 100 to 1100 MPa, preferably from 400 to 800 MPa, and a TiCN or Al2O3 layer is arranged under this outer layer.
US08394511B2 Compound for forming organic film, and organic light emitting device and flat panel display device including the same
A compound for use in an organic light emitting device is represented by The compound has excellent electrical properties and charge transporting characteristics, and is therefore useful as a material for a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an emission layer of phosphorescent and fluorescent devices for emitting light of all colors, including red, green, blue, and white. Organic light emitting devices using the compounds have high efficiency, low driving voltages, and high brightness.
US08394508B2 Plated article having metal thin film formed by electroless plating
A plated article has an alloy thin film formed on a substrate and having a catalytically active metal (A) for electroless plating and a metal (B) capable of undergoing displacement plating with a metal ion contained in an electroless plating solution, and a metal thin film formed on the alloy thin film by electroless displacement and reduction plating. The alloy thin film of the catalytically active metal (A) and the metal (B) capable of displacement plating has a composition comprising 5 at % to 40 at % of the metal (A). The metal thin film formed by electroless displacement and reduction plating is a metal thin film having a thickness no greater than 10 nm and a resistivity no greater than 10 μΩ·cm. Preferably, the metal (B) has a barrier function with respect to a metal of the metal thin film.
US08394490B2 Structural color body
A film-like structural color body comprises a front surface layer disposed on a front surface side, a back surface layer disposed on a back surface side, and an intermediate layer disposed between the front surface layer and the back surface layer, the front surface layer, the back surface layer and the intermediate layer contain block copolymers and have micro-phase separated structures including lamellar micro domains, each of the micro domains has a wave-like shape having amplitudes in the thickness direction of the structural color body, a maximum value of predetermined distances in the micro domains of the front surface layer and a maximum value of predetermined distances in the micro domains of the back surface layer are larger than the wavelength in the visible light range, and predetermined distances in the micro domains of the intermediate layer are equal to or less than the wavelength in the visible light range.
US08394478B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with release liner
A release liner formed of a highly recyclable polypropylene-based resin sheet and capable of assuring excellent operability over a wide range of environmental temperature is provided. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet with release liner is also provided. A PSA sheet with release liner according to the present invention comprises a PSA sheet including a support and a PSA layer; and a release liner formed of a polypropylene-based resin sheet which is obtained by molding into a sheet a polypropylene-based resin composition containing a nucleating agent. The PSA sheet with release liner provides excellent operability even in a high temperature environment of, for example, about 35° C. The PSA sheet with release liner is preferably applicable in an attachment operation wherein the PSA sheet is attached to an adherend while the liner is released from the PSA sheet.
US08394473B2 Metal-coated polymer article of high durability and vacuum and/or pressure integrity
Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The invention can also be employed as a repair/refurbishment technique. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage.
US08394472B2 Structural component with tubular section
A structural component with a tubular section, particularly a structural component of a fluid line, has at least two materials with different stiffness and/or creeping strength, wherein the materials include thermoplastic synthetic materials and wherein the material having the greater stiffness and/or creeping strength is embedded in the other material. The tubular section has a continuous annular surface which extends coaxially with the longitudinal center axis of the structural component and has the same material which has been injection molded over the annular surface in a predetermined quantity ratio relative to the outer material, or between 40% and 100% of the annular surface are composed of the same injection molded material and are distributed in uniform spacings in circumferential direction of the annular surface.
US08394471B2 Electrically-conductive hose
Tubular polymeric composite for articles such as tubing and hoses. The composite is formed of a tubular first layer of a thermoplastic block polyether amide resin (PEBA) filled with a more structured carbon black particulate filler to render it electrically-conductive, and a tubular second layer of a thermoplastic polyamide, polyester, polyolefins, or other thermoplastic resin compatible with the PEBA resin of the first material, and which second material optionally may be filled with a less structured carbon black particulate filler to render it electrically-conductive.
US08394468B2 Polymerizable compound and liquid crystal composition including it
Provided is a polymerizable compound with large solubility in a liquid crystal composition and high reactivity irradiated by ultraviolet in the longer wavelength range. Provided is a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced between at least two of the characteristics. Provided is the polymerizable compound wherein at least one of a 1,3-phenylene structure and a 2,7-fluorenediyl structure is introduced to the polymerizable compound to give stable displays by forming a polymer with a high degree of polymerization in a PSA device production process using longer wavelengths, the liquid crystal composition includes the compound, and the liquid crystal display device contains the composition.
US08394451B2 Connection elements comprising a molded adhesive bar
The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar.
US08394445B2 Shortening compositions and methods of making and using the same
Described herein are shortening compositions having reduced levels of saturated and trans fats. The compositions comprise cellulose fibers, a hard fat and a liquid oil. Also provided are methods of preparing such compositions and use thereof.
US08394438B2 Molded meat jerky
A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed.
US08394426B2 Composition comprising an extract of hardy kiwi for preventing or treating baldness disorders or seborrheic skin disorders
The present invention relates to a use of a crude extract, non-polar solvent soluble extract or purified extract of the hardy kiwifruit for the preparation of therapeutic agent for treating and preventing baldness disorder and seborrheic skin disease in human and mammal, and health care food, food additives, feed additives, cosmetic composition comprising the same. The hardy kiwifruit reduced blood DHT level, promoted the formation of hair root in mouse model experiment, and inhibited the falling out of hair and improved seborrheic skin disease of volunteers such as keratigenous skin, seborrhea etc.
US08394424B2 Topical phytotherapeutic compound for the treatment of herpes based on Uncaria tomentosa and extraction process for obtaining a vegetal extract from Uncaria tomentosa
The present invention concerns a phytotherapic compound for the treatment of herpes based on Uncaria tomentosa characterized by the presence of: (a) A therapeutically efficient amount of an Herbal Extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC Rubiaceae, (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, (c) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and, (d) optionally, pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. It also concerns a process of extraction for obtaining the Herbal Extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC Rubiaceae, active ingredient of the phytotherapic compound for the treatment of herpes of the present invention.
US08394423B2 Compositions comprising apocynin, ginkgo and ginger and uses thereof
A composition comprising ginkgo biloba or extract or component thereof; apocynin; and a gingerol. The composition may be used to treat diseases such as CF and COPD.
US08394415B2 Modified release analgesic suspensions
A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular propionic acid derivatives such as ibuprofen, along with a second active ingredient having a shorter therapeutically effective plasma concentration duration, such as phenylephrine, and methods of administering the same are provided. This method provides improved therapeutic effect, in particular pain relief along with decongestant relief, over extended time periods.
US08394414B2 Method for drug delivery to the pulmonary system
Drug delivery to the pulmonary system has been achieved by encapsulation of the drug to be delivered in microparticles having a size range between 0.5 and ten microns, preferably in the range of two to five microns, formed of a material releasing drug at a pH of greater than 6.4. In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery system is based on the formation of diketopiperazine microparticles which are stable at a pH of 6.4 or less and unstable at pH of greater than 6.4, or which are stable at both acidic and basic pH, but which are unstable at pH between about 6.4 and 8. Other types of materials can also be used, including biodegradable natural and synthetic polymers, such as proteins, polymers of mixed amino acids (proteinoids), alginate, and poly(hydroxy acids). In another embodiment, the microparticles have been modified to effect targeting to specific cell types and to effect release only after reaching the targeted cells.
US08394413B2 Spherical ferrite nanoparticles and method for producing the same
Spherical ferrite nanoparticles produced by a method that includes the steps of: preparing a first aqueous solution containing a disaccharide, an alkaline, an oxidation agent, seed particles and divalent iron ions; and conducting particle growth in the first aqueous solution to produce the spherical ferrite nanoparticles.
US08394411B2 Papillomavirus pseudoviruses for detection and therapy of tumors
Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP).
US08394406B2 Once daily formulations of tetracyclines
Disclosed are once-daily formulations containing tetracyclines, especially doxycycline. Such formulations are useful, for instance, for the treatment of collagenase destructive enzyme-dependent diseases, such as periodontal disease and acne, and acute and chronic inflammatory disease states, such as rosacea and arthritis.
US08394402B2 Compositions and methods for the sustained release of beta-alanine
Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Also provided are compositions formulated for the sustained release of free beta-alanine. Also provided is a dietary supplement formulated, for example, as a solid food product, an edible suspension, liquid or semi-liquid as described herein.
US08394395B2 Use of a cosmetic composition for the care of fatty skin
The present invention relates to the use of chrysin in a cosmetic composition for the care of fatty skin. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method for the prophylaxis or therapy of fatty skin that comprises the application onto the skin of a chrysin-containing cosmetic composition.
US08394388B2 Mycobacterial mutants affecting host apoptosis
Provided are recombinant mycobacteria having a mutation in an nlaA gene or in a nuoG gene. Also provided are isolated and purified nlaA proteins and nuoG proteins from a mycobacterium. Additionally provided are isolated and purified nucleic acids comprising a recombinant nlaA gene or a recombinant nuoG gene. Further provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal and methods of making a recombinant mycobacterium using the nlaA gene or the nuoG gene.
US08394374B2 Optimized antibodies that target HM1.24
The present disclosure describes antibodies that target HM1.24. In various aspects, the antibodies have specific CDR, variable, or full length sequences, have modifications with the parent antibody, or include at least one one modification relative to a parent antibody that alters affinity to an FcγR or alters effector function as compared to the parent antibody. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and methods of using the antibodies are also disclosed.
US08394369B2 Chondrocyte therapeutic delivery system
Methods and compositions for producing therapeutic agents using chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express the therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.
US08394366B2 Thermosensitive polymers for therapeutic use and methods of preparation
A process for preparing a thermosensitive polymer from a microemulsion is provided. The microemulsion comprises a monomer capable of forming a thermosensitive polymer and a polymerizable surfactant. Additional comonomers may be included in the microemulsion to vary the properties of the polymers produced. The resulting thermosensitive polymers may be nanoporous. The polymers according to the invention are suitable for use in medical applications, including use as a wound dressing and for delivery of cells to a graft site.
US08394363B2 Cosmetic rinsable mask type composition for skin care
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition of rinse-off mask type for the care of the skin, characterized in that it comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer or copolymer of water-retaining type, in the form of particles in the substantially completely hydrated state, said particles having, in the dry or nonhydrated state, a mean particle size of between 5 and 100 μm, advantageously between 20 and 50 μm, in particular between 20 and 30 μm.
US08394362B2 Gem difluorinated C-glycopeptides, their preparation and their use for the preservation of biological materials and/or in cryosugery
The invention concerns a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of formula (I) in which N is an integer between 1 and 5, R4=H, AA1, AA1-AA2 and R5=OH, AA1, AA1, AA2, with AA1, and AA2 are independents groups and represent amino acids with a non-functionalized side chain and R1, R2, R3 are independent groups and one of them is equal to formula (II), in which n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′=H, OR, N3, NR′R″, SR″′, where R=H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group, R′, R″′═H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, C(═O)−Bn, R″′=H, alkyl, acetate group, R6 is notably a group H, CH3, CH2OH, CH2-Glycoside group, CH2-OGP in which GP is a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tertbutyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group,; and R7=OH, OGP′, NH2, N3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ is or not a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group, and RB is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function. It applies notably to preservation of biological materials and to cryosurgery.
US08394358B2 Wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket spray repellant and nest pesticide
Methods for killing insects and a nest are disclosed. The methods may be used to disrupt a colony of nest-dwelling insects. The insects may include wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets.
US08394353B2 Catalyst containment unit
A catalyst containment unit, includes two concentric perforate members defining an annular space in which a particulate catalyst may be placed, and process fluid-impermeable end members mounted on the ends of the perforate members, wherein one end member extends across the unit to provide a closed end and the other end member closes the annular space thereby providing an open end through which gases may enter or exit the unit, and suspending means attached to one or both end members for securing the unit within an ammonia oxidation vessel. The unit may be suspended, for example, below a precious metal ammonia oxidation gauze pack and may contain a particulate ammonia oxidation catalyst or nitrous oxide abatement catalyst. A catalyst combination includes a precious metal ammonia oxidation catalyst gauze on a supporting framework and a particulate catalyst disposed in a catalyst containment unit.
US08394348B1 Three-way catalyst having a upstream multi-layer catalyst
Disclosed herein is a layered, three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides being separated in a front and rear portion is disclosed. Provided is a catalytic material of at least two front and two rear layers in conjunction with a substrate, where each of the layers includes a support, all layers comprise a platinum group metal component, and the rear bottom layer is substantially free of a ceria-containing oxygen storage component (OSC).
US08394340B2 Microfluidic test module with low mass electrochemiluminescent probe spots
A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.
US08394336B2 Biochemical assay
A biochemical assay is provided comprising a substrate being capable of binding at least a target analyte and eventually other constituents contained in a biological sample, a test zone on the substrate for sample application, a non-immobilized conjugate reagent provided in the test zone for labeling the analyte, the conjugate reagent being capable of specific binding to the analyte but remaining unbound to the substrate, and a flow path for transporting a washing liquid through the test zone and washing an excess of unbound conjugate reagent away from the test zone. The test zone is also a detection area for detecting the labeled analyte.
US08394332B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus
An exhaust gas purification apparatus in which layout restriction is lessened to be able to further achieve space-saving is proposed. The exhaust gas purification apparatus includes a first cylindrical housing in which an oxidation catalytic converter and a PM collection filter are contained and a second cylindrical housing in which a reducing catalytic converter and an ammonia oxidation catalytic converter are contained. The exhaust gas purification apparatus further includes a communicating pipe that connects between far end portions of both the housings, and a nozzle that is disposed in the communicating pipe and injects liquid reducing agent in exhaust gas. The two housings are closely disposed such that axis lines thereof are arranged substantially parallel. The communicating pipe is disposed such that an axis line thereof is arranged substantially parallel with the axis lines of the housings. A flow passage of the exhaust gas from the first housing to the second housing is folded by the communicating pipe.
US08394325B2 Magnetic beads for reducing leukocyte interference in immunoassays
Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor.
US08394310B2 Corner-consolidating inflatable method for manufacturing composite structures
An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.
US08394308B2 Mold method
An apparatus and method for producing an article by molding is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes a mold with an upper part, a lower part and at least one mold cavity, and has a vacuum clamping ring with a least one closable vent, which is arranged between the upper part and the lower part. The mold cavity is at least partially filled with a mold material. The vent is closed, and the mold cavity is filled with a thermoplastic or thermoset material.
US08394305B1 Cellulose-based masterbatch with networked structure, application thereof and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a cellulose-based fiber with a networked structure. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, a tri-functional cross-linking agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.
US08394293B2 Thiophene derivatives, and LC media containing same
The present invention relates to thiophene derivatives, to processes and intermediates for the preparation thereof, to the use thereof for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in liquid-crystal (LC) media and LC displays, and to LC media and LC displays comprising same.
US08394291B2 Process for making fluorinated lithium vanadium polyanion powders for batteries
Processes produce a lithium vanadium fluorophosphate or a carbon-containing lithium vanadium fluorophosphate. Such processes include forming a solution-suspension of precursors having V5+ that is to be reduced to V3+. The solution-suspension is heated in an inert environment to drive synthesis of LiVPO4F such that carbon-residue-forming material is also oxidized to precipitate in and on the LiVPO4F forming carbon-containing LiVPO4F or CLVPF. Liquids are separated from solids and a resulting dry powder is heated to a second higher temperature to drive crystallization of a product. The product includes carbon for conductivity, is created with low cost precursors, and retains a small particle size without need for milling or other processing to reduce the product to a particle size suitable for use in batteries. Furthermore, the process does not rely on addition of carbon black, graphite or other form of carbon to provide the conductivity required for use in batteries.
US08394289B2 Composition for etching treatment of resin molded article
A composition for the etching treatment of a resin molded article. The composition is composed of an aqueous solution containing 20 to 1,200 g/l of an inorganic acid, 0.01 to 10 g/l of a manganese salt, and 1 to 200 g/l of at least one component selected from the group consisting of halogen oxoacids, halogen oxoacid salts, persulfate salts, and bismuthate salts. The etching composition of the invention is an etching solution capable of forming a plating film having a good adhesion to various resin molded articles made of ABS resins or the like, and can be used in place of chromic acid mixtures. The composition is highly safe so that the liquid waste is easily disposed of.
US08394286B2 Thiol and thioether stabilizers for fluoroolefins
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one thiol or thioether, or mixtures thereof. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08394281B2 Method of manufacturing nozzle plate and inkjet head
A method of manufacturing an inkjet head includes: forming an inlet and a pressure chamber in an upper substrate, the inlet penetrating the upper substrate and providing a passage for an inflow of ink, and the pressure chamber formed as a recess in one side of the upper substrate; forming a manifold and an ink channel in a middle substrate, the manifold configured to be connected with the inlet, and the ink channel penetrating the middle substrate and configured to be connected with the pressure chamber; forming a straight portion and a nozzle in a plate substrate, the straight portion configured to be connected with the ink channel, and the nozzle connected with the straight portion; forming a hydrophobic layer on one side of the plate substrate, the hydrophobic layer having a window formed therein, and the window opening the nozzle by a circumference greater than a circumference of an end of the nozzle; and stacking in order and attaching the upper substrate, the middle substrate, and the plate substrate.
US08394279B2 Method for regenerating a filter aid
Methods for regenerating filter aids which comprise inorganic, natural or semisynthetic filter aids. The method comprises subjecting the filter aid to a first treatment with an aqueous alkaline solution, treating the filter aid with enzymes, treating the filter aid with a surfactant, and subjecting the filter aid a second treatment with the aqueous alkaline solution. The enzyme treatment and the surfactant treatment steps may be carried out simultaneously or in any order.
US08394275B2 Liquid-chromatography conduit assemblies having high-pressure seals
A method for making a liquid-chromatography apparatus includes inserting two inner conduits into an intermediate tube, inserting the intermediate tube into an outer tube, forming a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and forming a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits. A liquid-chromatography apparatus includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube disposed in the outer tube, two inner conduits disposed in the intermediate tube, a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits.
US08394273B2 Method and system for surface water treatment
A method, apparatus, and system for removing contaminants from a body of surface water. The method and apparatus may include tubular members such as hollow-fiber components. The tubular members have a reactive gas diffused through wall of the member. Contaminants in the water can be removed when the reactive gas reacts with bacteria on the tubular member.
US08394272B2 Method for removing the contamination of C,N utilizing heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
This invention relates to a method that uses heterothrophic ammonia oxidation bacteria (HAOB) to remove carbon and nitrogen pollutants in wastewater. The method includes the cultivation of the heterotropic bacteria in an activated sludge environment and the removal of carbon and nitrogen from the wastewater. According to the physiological characteristics of HAOB and the principles of combined oxidation of carbon and nitrogen, the method is able to achieve simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen under the condition that the cells do not grow. The process is able to be carried out in the temperature range of 6-40° C. No excess sludge is produced in the process. The invention is able to control the process and product composition of anaerobic ammonia oxidation through the control of organic carbon source, and is able to realize zero-accumulation of NO3−N in the nitrification process. The invention can fully utilize existing activated sludge systems to remove carbon and nitrogen. Therefore there is no need to build new facilities, and all carbon and nitrogen removal processes can be finished in a single reactor.
US08394268B2 Double chamber water purification device
A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.
US08394264B2 Method for stabilizing heating oil or diesel oil, particularly heating oil or diesel oil from the depolymerization of hydrocarbon-containing residues, or pyrolysis oil
In order to keep diesel or heating oil obtained by fractional distillation, in particular after depolymerization of residues, or pyrolysis oil that was obtained by pyrolysis of rubber or organic substances, permanently clear and light, first, the process of discoloration (darkening) is allowed and then a second distillation is carried out, through which a permanently clear and light heating, diesel or heavy oil is obtained.
US08394253B2 Electrolytic system and method for generating biocides having an electron deficient carrier fluid and chlorine dioxide
A method for electrolytically generating a biocide having an electron deficient carrier fluid and chlorine dioxide, including providing a carrier fluid; providing a pair of electrodes interposed by a semi-permeable membrane within a vessel for creating a first passageway and a second passageway, an anode electrode of the pair of electrodes disposed in the first passageway, cathode electrode of the pair of electrodes disposed in the second passageway; flowing the carrier fluid through the vessel; applying an electric potential to the pair of electrodes to produce an oxidative acidic fluid, a reductive alkaline fluid, and anodic gases in the container; removing the fluids and gases from the vessel; mixing a portion of the anodic gases with the reductive alkaline fluid to produce a hypochlorite solution; and mixing a chlorite brine with the hypochlorite solution, followed by the introduction of additional oxidative acidic fluid to release the biocide.
US08394250B2 Electro-blotting devices, systems, and kits and methods for their use
The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.
US08394243B1 Sputtered cobalt oxide for perpendicular magnetic recording medium with low media noise
Method of incorporating atomic oxygen into a magnetic recording layer by sputtering a target containing an oxide of cobalt. The oxide of cobalt may be sputtered to provide a readily dissociable source of oxygen which may increase the concentration of free cobalt atoms (Co) in the magnetic recording layer and also increase oxide content in the magnetic recording layer.
US08394238B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing security paper
An apparatus for manufacturing security paper, comprising at least one main forming roller, which is provided with a lower portion or forming portion, which is arranged inside a forming box that contains a paper paste, an upper portion or deposition portion, which is arranged below a collecting wire that can move along an advancement direction and is designed to receive, at a collecting face, the sheet formed on the forming roller, and a device for depositing security elements that is arranged upstream of the main forming roller along the advancement direction of the collecting wire and is adapted to deposit the security elements at the collecting face.
US08394230B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus is provided with a replacement time detecting unit, which detects the status of residual charges which attract a semiconductor wafer and detects a time when an electrostatic chuck is to be replaced, at a time when a direct voltage application from a direct current source is stopped and the semiconductor wafer is brought up from the electrostatic chuck.
US08394225B2 Method of manufacturing wiring substrate
Two stacked bodies, each having a metal layer provided on a first metallic foil with carrier via a first insulating layer, are prepared. The first metallic foil with carrier has a metallic foil provided on a carrier plate via a peeling layer. A joined body is formed by jointing the stacked bodies such that the carrier plates are joined via a joining layer. First conductor patterns are formed by patterning the metal layers on both sides of the joined body. Second metallic foils with carrier are provided to the first conductor patterns of the joined body such that the first conductor patterns are opposed to the metallic foils via second insulating layers. Two substrates are formed by peeling the carrier plates with carrier from the peeling layers. Second conductor patterns which are connected electrically to the first conductor patterns are formed from the metallic foils of the substrate.
US08394219B2 Method of manufacturing a molded door skin from a flat wood composite, door skin produced therefrom, and door manufactured therewith
A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.
US08394218B2 Method for making a multi-lumen catheter having a separated tip section
The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.
US08394207B2 Cylinder jacket and method for producing the same
The invention relates to a method for producing a cylinder jacket, comprising the following steps: producing a cylindrical starting product from a steel material having a carbon content of not more than 0.8% by weight and a ferritic or ferritic/pearlitic structure; enriching, by carburization, the surface layer of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical starting product with carbon in the form of carbides that are deposited on the grain boundaries; slowly cooling the cylindrical starting product in such a manner that a pearlitic structure having a carbide network is formed in the surface layer; finishing the cylindrical starting product to give a cylinder jacket. The invention also relates to a cylinder jacket produced by said method.
US08394194B1 Single crystal reo buffer on amorphous SiOx
A method of forming a layer of amorphous silicon oxide positioned between a layer of rare earth oxide and a silicon substrate. The method includes providing a crystalline silicon substrate and depositing a layer of rare earth metal on the silicon substrate in an oxygen deficient ambient at a temperature above approximately 500° C. The rare earth metal forms a layer of rare earth silicide on the substrate. A first layer of rare earth oxide is deposited on the layer of rare earth silicide with a structure and lattice constant substantially similar to the substrate. The structure is annealed in an oxygen ambience to transform the layer of rare earth silicide to a layer of amorphous silicon and an intermediate layer of rare earth oxide between the substrate and the first layer of rare earth oxide.
US08394181B2 Selectively permeable material, method for producing selectively permeable membrane structure, selectively permeable membrane structure, and air conditioning system
A permselective material has a polymer having an organosiloxane skeleton and containing a dispersed solid additive. When oxygen and nitrogen are passed through a membrane having the permselective material, the relation between the permeability coefficients [cm3·cm·sec−1·cm−2·cmHg−1] of oxygen and nitrogen at a temperature of 23±2° C. under a pressure difference of 1.05 atm to 1.20 atm through the membrane is expressed by Formula (1): 0.94 ≤ P ⁡ ( O 2 ) P ⁡ ( N 2 ) < 1 ( 1 ) where P(O2) denotes the permeability coefficient of oxygen, while P(N2) denotes the permeability coefficient of nitrogen.
US08394178B2 Apparatus for separating oxygen from ambient air
An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.
US08394176B2 Polyimide gas separation membrane and gas separation method
Disclosed are a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one species of organic vapor is separated and recovered from an organic vapor mixture using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide composed of a tetracarboxylic acid component consisting of an aromatic ring-containing tetracarboxylic acid and a diamine component comprising 10 to 90 mol % of a combination of (B1) 3,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether and (B2) 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether at a B1 to B2 molar ratio, B1/B2, ranging from 10/1 to 1/10, and 10 to 90 mol % of other aromatic diamine.
US08394167B2 Cordierite aluminum magnesium titanate compositions and ceramic articles comprising same
Disclosed are ceramic bodies comprised of composite cordierite aluminum magnesium titanate ceramic compositions and methods for the manufacture of the same.
US08394162B2 Dust collector
A dust collector of the present invention includes a main body, a first dust container, and two lifting apparatuses. The main body includes a shell, an expandable pipe, and a lid. The expandable pipe, which is vertically expandable, is connected between the shell and the lid. The first dust container is detachably disposed on the main body and is used to be selectively covered by the lid. The two lifting apparatuses respectively include a base, a linking up mechanism, and an operating rod. The two bases are respectively fixed on two sides of an outer wall surface of the shell. The operating rod is movably disposed on the base. One end of the linking up mechanism is disposed on the operating rod, and the other end is fixed on the lid. Thereby, the lifting apparatus can horizontally lift the lid.
US08394160B2 Filter device, especially air filter for an internal combustion engine
A filter device (10), especially an air filter for an internal combustion engine, includes a main filter element (22) arranged in a filter housing (12). The main filter element is flown through by a fluid to be filtered. The main filter element (22) is a multi-bellows filter having radially nested filter bellows (32, 34). Between the filter bellows (32, 34) a flow space (44) for the fluid is formed communicating with an end face of the main filter element (22), wherein each one of the filter bellows (32, 34) is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the main filter element (22) there is a seal (36) between one of the filter bellows (32, 34) and the filter housing (12). The main filter element (22) is forced seal-tightly against the filter housing (12) by a lateral insert (38) insertable into a housing receptacle (66) of the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is seal-tightly forced by means of a locking device (74) against the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is sealed by means of a two-component synthetic seal (36, 96, 98) relative to the filter housing (12,104).
US08394158B2 Air cleaner
An air cleaner is provided with: a case in which a filter element is housed and which has an opening; a cover that covers the opening of the case to be opened or closed; a hinge structure having a hinge formed to the cover and a hinge receiver formed to the case to be engaged with the hinge in a detachable manner such that the cover is pivotal around the hinge with respect to the case; and an engagement maintaining mechanism provided to side surfaces of the case and the cover so as to maintain the engagement between the case and the cover in a range in which the cover closes the case and in a range in which the cover is opened by a predetermined angle.
US08394157B2 Filter for gas generator
A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator, by which a filter having a good shape retaining property can be obtained, is provided. A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator in which a tubular material is formed by knitting copper-plated iron wires, molten plated copper is adhered to an intersecting portion of the iron wire to fix the intersecting portion, wherein the method comprises a molding step for producing a tubular material by knitting the copper-plated iron wires, and a heat processing step in which the above tubular material is kept at a temperature not less than a melting point of copper but less than the temperature of sintering of the iron, and is then cooled.
US08394150B2 Prosthetic liner with proximal seal
A prosthesis suspension assembly comprising: a prosthetic socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end and an interior surface complementally configured to a residual limb of an amputee, an interface or liner for receiving the residual limb and fittingly received in the socket, a distal outer surface of the liner comprises a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material such as fabric and a proximal outer surface comprising an elastomeric material, a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal outer surface of the liner and a proximal outer surface of the socket, and a locking pin connected to a distal end of the liner and lockingly retained in a hole in the distal end of the socket and including an air passage therethrough with a one-way valve therein for permitting the exit of air from an interstitial volume occupied buy said compressible material to atmosphere upon ambulation.
US08394145B2 Expandable intervertebral spacer and method of posterior insertion thereof
An expandable intervertebral spacer has a plurality of arms. The arms can be retracted or extended. The spacer has a width that is narrower than the width between the nerve roots near the posterior approach to an intervertebral space. Once inserted into the intervertebral space, the arms can be deployed. The deployed arms expand the height and width of the spacer. Once deployed, the spacer stabilizes two adjacent vertebrae. The arms are interconnected mechanically to deploy simultaneously.
US08394138B2 Multi-strand helical stent
A stent including a stent wire comprising a plurality of filaments twisted into a bundle having a helix, the stent wire bent into a pattern having a plurality of substantially straight wire sections separated by a plurality of bends. The pattern of the stent wire is spirally wound about a central axis in the same direction as the helix formed by the plurality of filaments. Each of the filaments in a bend have a cylindrical cross-section where at least one of the plurality of filaments is displaced and spaced from an immediately adjacent filament in the bend.
US08394135B2 Introducer for endovascular grafts and stents
An introducer assembly for introducing a stent-graft (70) or other device into a vessel of a patient includes a pre-shaped curved cannula (60) made preferably of a shape memory material. The curved cannula can pull the proximal end (74) of the stent-graft (70) against the inner side wall of the vessel thereby to ensure a good leak free connection at this point. The assembly is particularly useful in deploying stent-grafts into the aortic arch.
US08394121B2 Intracardiac implant for delivery of alarmins and methods thereof
The invention provides a cardiovascular occluder for treating a cardiovascular abnormality comprising a frame and an alarmin or an alarmin activator bound to the surface of the frame. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing the cardiovascular occluder and methods of treating cardiovascular abnormalities by delivering the cardiovascular occluder.
US08394117B2 Handheld apparatus for creating a puncture wound
The invention relates to a method for creating a puncture wound for obtaining a sample of a body fluid from a body part in which a skin opening is created at a puncture site in the epidermis in a skin-opening step. Then, in a sample collection step a sample collection puncture is executed by using a puncture element with which the skin opening is deepened with the puncture element, thereby creating a puncture wound for obtaining the sample. The invention also relates to a handheld apparatus for implementing this method.
US08394111B2 Endoscopic treatment instrument and retaining device
The endoscopic treatment instrument includes an insertion portion; a treatment portion; and a control portion. The treatment portion includes a pair of forceps members; a tip cover; a distal end holding portion that is fixed to a distal end of the insertion portion; a distal end locking member that restrains a relative movement by locking the tip cover onto the distal end holding portion; and a distal end release member that is provided on an operational member by which the pair of forceps members is opened and closed and that releases an engagement made by the distal end locking member between the tip cover and the distal end holding portion at least when the pair of forceps members is closed.
US08394109B2 Systems and methods for spinal fixation
A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant. The at least one flexible member is configured to retain the surgical screw implant. The mating feature is configured to control axial movement of the surgical screw implant.
US08394108B2 Screw driver for a multiaxial bone screw
A screwdriver for driving a multi-axial its distal end for engaging the head of the bone screw for joint rotational movement. The screw driver includes an outer retention sleeve within which the inner shaft rotates freely. The outer retention sleeve releasably attaches to the yoke of the bone screw. In another configuration, the screwdriver comprises a screw engagement member affixed to the shaft for joint rotational movement therewith, the screw engagement member comprising a stop sized to seat within a slot of the bone screw yoke, the stop being configured to rotate the yoke upon rotation shaft. A releasable retention member is provided on the screw engagement member for releasably attaching the screwdriver to the bone screw.
US08394107B2 Guide for spinal tools, implants, and devices
A guide device is provided for use with a spinal fixation element that has at least one pair of thru bores formed therein. The guide device generally includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guide member is coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and it includes at least one pathway extending therethrough, and at least one alignment element that is positioned distal of the guide member. Each alignment element(s) is adapted to interact with a spinal fixation element to position the guide member with respect to the spinal fixation element such that the each pathway in the guide member is aligned with a corresponding thru bore formed in the spinal fixation element. The guide member can then be used to guide tools, devices, and/or implants through each pathway in the spinal fixation element and into bone.
US08394104B2 Method and apparatus for use in balancing ligaments of a knee
An apparatus for use in performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a patient includes at least one femoral paddle and a tibial paddle. At least one of the femoral paddle and the tibial paddle is movable away from the other. The apparatus also includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a force applied to the femoral paddle or the tibial paddle. The apparatus may be communicatively coupled to a computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system.
US08394102B2 Surgical tools for treatment of spinal stenosis
Described herein are pullwire handle devices for securing to a tissue-penetrating pullwire. In some embodiments, the device includes a handle body, a pullwire lock configured to removably lock the pullwire handle device onto a pullwire within the handle body, and a tip containment element configured to retain the distal tip of the pullwire. In some embodiments, the handle body further comprises a storage chamber configured to store a distal portion of the pullwire. Also described herein are methods for capturing a pullwire using a pullwire handle device. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of inserting the distal end of a pullwire into the pullwire handle device, advancing the pullwire further into the pullwire handle device while the distal portion of the pullwire is contained within the pullwire handle device, and locking the distal portion of the pullwire within the pullwire handle device.
US08394098B2 Modular fracture fixation plate system
A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one fragment plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one fragment plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and fragment plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.
US08394097B2 Osteosynthesis device
Intramedullary osteosynthesis device is capable of adopting a profiled H-shape in a closed introductory state in order to be easily implantable and an X-shape in an open implanted state for good fixation in the bone.
US08394091B2 Magnetically steerable catheter assembly
A magnetically steerable catheter system and method of using the system is provided. The system comprises an outer elongated, flexible member having a proximal and distal end, an inner elongated, flexible, member having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner member slidably disposed within the outer member. The system further comprises an electromagnet disposed on the distal end of one of the outer member and inner member, and a magnetically attractive element disposed on the distal end of another of the outer member and inner member. The magnetically attractive element is configured for magnetically interacting with the electromagnet to deflect the distal end of the inner member.
US08394089B2 Electrosurgical instrument and system
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical generator, the instrument having a longitudinal axis and including at least first, second and third electrodes. The electrodes are spaced from each other by one or more insulating members therebetween, the spacing between the first and third electrodes being greater than that between the first and second electrodes. The electrosurgical generator includes a source of radio frequency energy capable of producing either a coagulating RF waveform or a cutting RF waveform and has first second and third output connections connected to the first, second and third electrodes respectively of the electrosurgical instrument. The generator further includes a switching means, and a controller, the controller being such that when a cutting RF waveform is selected, the switching means directs the cutting RF waveform between the first and second output connections and hence the first and second electrodes. When a coagulating RF waveform is selected, the switching means directs the coagulating RF waveform between the first and third output connections and hence the first and third electrodes.
US08394084B2 Apparatus for patterned plasma-mediated laser trephination of the lens capsule and three dimensional phaco-segmentation
System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.
US08394082B2 Medical system
A medical system includes an insertion slave apparatus to be inserted into a body, a treatment slave apparatus to be inserted into the body together with the insertion slave apparatus to treat an object, an insertion master portion having a similar figure to the insertion slave apparatus and including a movable portion, wherein the insertion slave apparatus is to perform following actuation according to operation input to the insertion master portion, a treatment master portion to be operated by an operator, wherein the treatment slave apparatus is to perform following actuation according to operation input to the treatment master portion, and a connecting portion coupling the insertion master portion and the treatment master portion to each other, wherein the movable portion is to be moved through the connecting portion to operate the insertion master portion by holding and operating the treatment master portion.
US08394079B2 Medical delivery systems and apparatus
A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter.
US08394074B2 Undergarment for incontinent person and treatment device connected to an undergarment
The present invention relates to an undergarment (1) comprising: a supporting part (2) which surrounds at least the hips and the top of each thigh; and a flexible collecting bag (10) positioned in the crotch.
US08394072B2 Injection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applications
A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
US08394068B2 Flush syringe assembly
Syringe assemblies for use in flush applications are provided. Syringe assemblies according to one aspect of the present invention include a plunger rod and a syringe barrel that incorporate one or more pulsing elements on the plunger rod or barrel that are rotatable to create pulsatile movement or continuous and unimpeded movement a plunger rod within a syringe barrel. One or more embodiments pertain to syringe assemblies permit both pulsatile movement of the plunger rod within the barrel and continuous and unimpeded movement of the plunger rod in the distal direction along substantially the entire length of the syringe barrel upon application of force to the plunger rod in only the distal direction. Methods of flushing a catheter are also provided.
US08394064B2 Catheter introducer
The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.
US08394054B2 Robotic catheter system
A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.
US08394048B2 Vesicular shunt for the drainage of excess fluid
A transvesicular drainage device configured to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in the human body into the bladder. The device may be used to treat ascites or any fluid collection within the body of a human or of a non-human mammal.
US08394044B2 Walking assist device
The present invention provides a walking assist device including a seat member (1) where a user (P) sits astride; and a support member (2L, 2R) which is provided at a bottom side of the seat member (1); wherein the walking assist device includes a connection portion (106) which connects the seat member (1) to the support member (2L, 2R) in such a way that the seat member (1) is able to swing laterally around a spindle (106a) located at a middle portion of the anteroposterior width of the seat member (1) which the user (P) contacts. Therefore, the resistance force from the seat portion that the user (P) is subject to when the user (P) swings the hip to walk is reduced, thereby improving the usability of the walking assist device.
US08394041B2 Body massager
One embodiment provides a body massager with a backrest, a lower torso massager, and an upper torso massager. The upper torso massager extends from the backrest for imparting a massage effect to the upper torso of the user. A biasing member is connected to the backrest and the upper torso massager for urging the upper torso massager into contact with the user. Another embodiment provides a body massager with a housing having a first guide oriented generally in a longitudinal direction of the housing. A carriage cooperates with the guide for limited longitudinal translation. A motor translates the carriage along the guide. A second guide is canted relative to a longitudinal direction of the housing. A massage member is supported on the carriage and cooperates with the second guide such that as the carriage is translated along the guide, the massage member is translated transversely relative to the carriage.
US08394033B2 Biopsy device
Biopsy devices, as well as related methods and systems, are disclosed.
US08394027B2 Multi-plane/multi-slice processing for 2-D flow imaging in medical diagnostic ultrasound
A volumetric method for 2-D flow imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Flow data for a volume is acquired. For more rapid acquisition, broad beam transmission and reception along many scan lines distributed in the volume is used. The volumetric flow data is filtered, such as by calculating statistical information, to generate a planar/2-D flow image. The statistical information from the three-dimensional flow data is used to determine the display values for the flow imaging.
US08394012B2 Device for use for the treatment of hemorrhoid prolapse
A device for use for the treatment of a hemorrhoid prolapse, particularly by HAL surgery, attaching a tightening suture, or a rubber band ligation, using a tube having a tube shell wall and a closing device having a closure shell wall enclosing a hollow space. The tube shell wall is supported displaceably and/or rotatably in the hollow space of the closure shell wall, and the tube shell wall and the closure shell wall can be inserted into a rectum of a patient. The tube shell wall has at least one tube wall opening, and the closure shell wall has at least one closure shell opening which can be at least partially aligned with one another in an open position with a web arranged thereof protruding at least partially into the tube shell opening and/or into the closure shell opening.
US08394007B2 Inclined beamline motion mechanism
A radiotherapy particle emitter positioning device is provided. The positioning device includes first and second arcuate support frames, a mounting carriage and a drive arrangement. The first and second arcuate support frames each include a drive track arrangement defining an arcuate carriage guide path. The mounting carriage is configured for supporting the radiotherapy particle emitter. The mounting carriage is mounted to and supported by the support frames. The mounting carriage is connectable to the drive track arrangements and moveable along the carriage guide path. The mounting carriage also includes the drive arrangement. The drive arrangement engages the drive track arrangements for driving the mounting carriage along the drive track arrangements and the carriage guide path.
US08394002B2 Treadmill with automatic speed control, control module of the same and control method of the same
The present invention provides a treadmill with an automatic speed control function, including: a body having a belt for supporting an exerciser; an exerciser detecting portion installed in a predetermined area of the body to detect movement of the exerciser; a driving motor coupled to the body to drive the belt; a control portion for generating a control signal for adjusting a rotation speed of the driving motor based on a signal received from the exerciser detecting portion; and a motor driving portion for adjusting the rotation speed of the driving motor according to the control signal received from the control portion, wherein a provision braking torque provided corresponding to the control signal is varied as the rotation speed of the driving motor is reduced. The treadmill quickly follows acceleration or deceleration of an exerciser, realizes a feeling like what an exerciser has while exercising on the ground to thereby improve an exerciser's exercising feeling, accepts various exercising patterns of an exerciser, resolves a problem in that a motor driving portion is tripped due to a load caused by quick deceleration, and pre-processes measured values of an exerciser's position to resolve a problem in that a speed of a belt can not be controlled due to measurement errors contained in measured values.
US08393993B2 Wind turbine comprising at least one gearbox and an epicyclic gearbox
The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising at least one gearbox. The gearbox comprises one or more sensors for measuring condition values of the wind turbine, and is characterized in that the one or more sensors are mounted on one or more rotating parts of the gearbox. The invention further relates to an epicyclic gearbox comprising a gearbox housing, one or more gearbox parts rotating in relation to the housing, and one or more sensors for measuring condition values of the gearbox. The epicyclic gearbox is characterized in that, the one or more sensors are mounted on one or more of the rotating parts of the gearbox.
US08393985B2 Variable-speed belt drive and variable-speed drive device equipped with such a variable-speed drive unit
A variable-speed drive unit, in particular for a variable-speed drive device, such as a riding mower, includes at least one belt transmission between two pulleys, each mounted on a shaft, each pulley including variably-spaced flanges. In this variable-speed drive unit, each pulley has a flange that equipped with a loading device that tends to exert, in a permanent manner and in the active state of the transmission, an axial effort in the direction in which the flanges move toward the pulley to clamp the belt between the flanges, whereby one of the pulleys has a loading device that exerts a lesser axial effort than the other device, and whereby one of the pulleys also includes, independently of the loading device, a manual control element for drawing together or separating flanges that can exert on the flange a slight control effort corresponding essentially to the power difference of the loading devices.
US08393983B1 Expandable broadhead with pivot arms or sliding arm for retracting and expanding attached cutting blades
An arrow broadhead having a pair of cutting blades held in a retracted position during arrow flight and extending outwardly in an expanded position upon arrow contact. The subject broadhead includes a pair of pivot arms or sliding arm received in an elongated groove in a cutting blade housing body. The pivot arms or sliding arm are attached to one end of the cutting blades. The cutting blades are folded into the groove during arrow flight. Upon target contact, the pivot arms or sliding arm pivot the cutting blades outwardly from opposite sides of the groove into an expanded position for increased cutting and penetration in the target.
US08393962B2 Storage medium storing game program and game device
A game device issues a notification that the player is prompted to input a voice. After the notification is issued, voice data representing a voice signal, having a predetermined time length, which is inputted to a voice input element, is repeatedly acquired. Furthermore, each time the voice data is acquired, it is determined whether or not the acquired voice data satisfies a predetermined selecting condition. Thereafter, only voice data, which is determined to satisfy the selecting condition, is stored as selected voice data. The game device outputs, when a game image showing a game character speaking is displayed on the display, a sound effect representing a voice of the game character by using at least a portion of the selected voice data.
US08393955B2 Player wagering account and methods thereof
A system for adding funds to a handheld gaming machine. The system includes a portable digital wallet that wirelessly communicates with a handheld gaming machine (“handheld”). The digital wallet stores an amount of funds or funds associated with a remotely stored player account, and is used by the player to add credits to a handheld. The credit meter may be stored remotely, though the player perceives that the funds are actually being transferred via the digital wallet. Other funding techniques include a kiosk that accepts cash or credit/debit cards and dispenses tickets or other media that encodes information representing an amount of funds. The player uses this media to add credits to the handheld. The media may be player-dependent such that the player's identity is somehow linked to the media or it may be player-agnostic such that the player's identity is not linked to the funds associated with the media.
US08393941B2 Abrasive tool
The present invention relates to an abrasive tool, of the type suitable to be mounted on a machine tool, comprising at least a bearing structure with abrasive material, the said bearing structure being provided with at least a grid (6) with abrasive material, the grid (6) partially protruding or emerging from a body (7) without abrasive material.
US08393928B2 Fin attachment structure
To provide a fin attachment structure capable of facilitating the attachment/detachment of a fin and also of making the attachment of the fin robust, wherein if the fin comes into contact with human body from behind during surfing, the impact of the fin can be eliminated to restrict the damage to the human body to an extreme minimum and thus safety is improved. The above problem can be solved by a fin attachment structure, in which a groove part in which a fin is attached is provided on the bottom surface of a board and further a pin is provided across the groove parts in the nose direction, plungers are provided at the opposing positions on both side surfaces of the groove in the tail direction,wherein the fin has a hook slot that hooks the fin around the pin at the attachment base portion in the nose direction and a recess portion is provided on the fin side surface corresponding to an projection portion of the plunger when the fin is attached, and thereby, the hook slot of the fin is booked around the pin so that the fin can pivot freely and at the same time, the fin is sandwiched and held by the plungers.
US08393927B1 Marker buoy
According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention can have a housing with a cap on one end. A flag support and a flag can project from the cap. A sleeve can be movable between the ends of the housing. A mechanical assembly is contained within the housing, and includes a rod, a plug, a tensioner and a reel. The tensioner can control the amount of tension on a line that is dispensed from the marker buoy. The line self-dispenses under the load of a weight connected to the line. The sleeve, operable in a first position, helps to maintain a vertical orientation of the housing within the water. Yet, the sleeve in a second position can prevent unwinding of the reel and maintain the flag in a storage position.
US08393920B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector including an insulator body, a shield, and an upper and lower rows of terminals held in the insulator body. One of the two rows of terminals is a row of low speed circuit terminals, and the other one is a row of high speed circuit terminals. The row of high speed circuit terminals includes two pairs of high speed differential signal terminals, and each of the high speed differential signal terminals has a contact portion, an insertion portion and a connection portion between the contact portion and the insertion portion. A part of the connection portion of the high speed differential signal terminal is folded away from the low speed circuit terminal to form a folding section. It increases the space between the high speed differential signal terminal and the low speed circuit terminal and effectively reduces the capacitive coupling crosstalk therebetween.
US08393914B2 Lighting connector devices and uses thereof
A multi-way connector connects a plurality of lighting apparatuses together, wherein connector comprises a plurality of lighting connectors, each lighting connector comprising an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and a lower housing, which has a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions, the lower housing being connectable with the upper housing to form each lighting connector by coupling at least one of the interlocking grooves with at least one of the interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes; a multi-way connecting portion configured to permit power and/or signals to pass between and among the plurality of lighting connectors; and plural flexible connectors electrically connecting each lower housing with the multi-way connecting portion.
US08393912B2 Standard receptacle connector with plug detecting functions and sink-type receptacle connector with plug detecting functions
A standard receptacle connector has an insulating housing, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals, a plug detecting terminal and a shell. The first and second terminals and the plug detecting terminal are mounted on the insulating housing. The shell covers the insulating housing and all of the terminals. The plug detecting terminal is capable of being connected to a controlling circuit incorporated in a PCB on which the standard receptacle connector is mounted and selectively activates the controlling circuit to provide power to an external plug connector that is inserted in and connected to the standard receptacle connector.
US08393909B1 Electrical card connector using a tray ejectable by an insertion pin
An electrical card connector includes a housing defining a front insertion opening, one or a number of terminal sets, a tray insertable through the front insertion opening into the housing and having one or a number of card-carrying portions, a recess, a stop wall at one side of the recess, a pin hole and a pin guide formed between the recess and the insertion hole, an elastic member, and an elastic interference device mounted in the housing and extending to the accommodation chamber for interfering with the recess and stopping against the stop wall and having an actuation portion. The elastic interference device is forced away from the recess and the stop wall for enabling the tray to be ejected out of the housing by the elastic member upon insertion of an insertion pin into the pin hole to push the actuation portion.
US08393908B2 Card edge connector assembly with rotatable card ejecting device
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing defining a central slot expanding along a transverse direction with a plurality of contacts disposed therein, and a pair of side arms disposed at opposite ends thereof. A pair of card ejecting devices are assembled on the side arms, each comprising an ejecting member attached to the side arm and an operation member which can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the card edge connector. The ejecting member comprises a block portion projecting into the central slot and moving along a front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the transverse direction by the urging of the operation member.