Document	Document Title
US08670376B2	Multi-carrier grant design Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate assigning resources for an anchor carrier and an additional carrier with a grant message. The grant message communicated with an anchor carrier can include resource information a plurality of carriers. Moreover, the systems and methodologies that facilitate identifying control information for an anchor carrier and/or an additional carrier based upon an operating mode, wherein the operating mode is a legacy mode or an extended mode. Based on the operating mode, particular resources associated with control regions are monitored for control information for respective anchor carrier(s) or additional carrier(s).
US08670372B2	System and method for scheduling and transferring data through a transmission system A system and method for dynamically dividing the capacity of a fixed time division multiplexing (TDM) frame between physical channels for data transmission. According to various embodiments, a time frequency frame is divided into a plurality of subframes, and each of the plurality of subframes are divided into a plurality of corresponding slots. The plurality of slots are then selectively time shifted such that a defined time shift exists between corresponding slots in each subframe within the time frequency frame. For any slots or slot portions which have been selectively shifted beyond the end of the time frequency frame, such slots or slot portions are cyclically shifted to the beginning of the frame. Service data is then written into the slots of the time frequency frame, and the frame containing the service data can then be transmitted. Initialization and service access processes for a receiver are also provided.
US08670363B2	Method and apparatus for sending scheduling information for broadcast and multicast services in a cellular communication system Techniques for supporting broadcast, multicast, and unicast services in a cellular system are described. A Node B may multiplex data for broadcast and multicast services and data for unicast services on radio resources available for transmission. The Node B may periodically send scheduling information used to determine the radio resources carrying the broadcast and multicast services. In one design, the Node B may time division multiplex the data for the broadcast and multicast services and the data for the unicast services. The scheduling information may convey time unit(s) used for each broadcast or multicast service. In another design, the Node B may map the data for the broadcast and multicast services to time frequency blocks. The scheduling information may (i) convey the time frequency block(s) used for each broadcast or multicast service or (ii) point to control information conveying the time frequency block(s) used for each service.
US08670361B2	Apparatus and method for control in wireless communication system The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling an uplink (UL) in a wireless communication system, wherein packet scheduling is performed on the data packet of a mobile station to allocate multiple bursts, the parameters of the mobile station and the multiple bursts are verified, and the parameters are used to determine the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) level and transmission power level for the multiple bursts.
US08670360B2	Method and system for transmitting a signal comprising preamble and a data frame A system, a device, and a method for transmitting a signal (11) comprising a preamble and a data frame (13) by preamble sampling in a communications network including a plurality of nodes (1a, 1b), said preamble including a numbered sequence of microframes (19).
US08670346B2	Packet classification method and apparatus Apparatus for performing packet classification of data packets belonging to a packet flow through a packet data network. The apparatus comprises an ingress interface for receiving packets of said packet flow, and an active filter for disturbing one or more of said packets or for otherwise disturbing a characteristic of said flow. An egress interface is provided for sending the packets including a disturbance towards a destination. A monitor is also provided for monitoring said packet flow and/or one or more associated packet flows received by the apparatus to detect subsequent reactions in the flow/s to the disturbance, while a flow classifier is provided for attempting to classify the flow into one of a set of defined classes according to a detected reaction.
US08670344B2	Methods and arrangements for cell stability in a cellular communication system A method for assisting load scheduling in a wireless communication system comprises computing of an estimate of a noise floor measure for received uplink radio signals and a neighbor cell interference power is estimated. An interference whitening of the received uplink radio signals is performed based on frequency domain equalizing or frequency domain pre-equalizing. A useful signal power after interference whitening is determined and a first user noise floor compensation factor is derived. A noise rise measure is calculated based at least on the useful signal power after interference whitening, the noise floor compensation factor, the noise floor measure and the estimated neighbor cell interference power.
US08670335B2	Reduced power transmission Reduced power transmission is described. In embodiments, networked devices communicate via a network connection. A characteristic of the network connection between the networked devices can be determined, and an output amplitude of a signal that is indicative of the communications between the network devices can be adjusted based on the characteristic of the network connection. Power consumption that is utilized for the communications between the network devices is reduced based on the adjustment of the output amplitude of the signal.
US08670327B2	Relay device A relay device includes a switch for switching a combination of an input for receiving traffic data and an output for sending the traffic data; a congestion information processing section for obtaining congestion information indicating a degree of congestion of each of a plurality of traffics from an adjacent relay device, and congestion information of each traffic in the relay device; a congestion information comparison section for finding information on a congestion level which quantitatively indicates difficulty of flowing of each traffic on a transmission route based on the congestion information obtained from the adjacent relay device and the congestion information of the relay device; a transmission scheduling adjustment section for assigning a transmission band of a bus to each traffic based on the congestion level; and a switch assignment section for shifting the switch based on a result of the assignment of the transmission band of the bus.
US08670326B1	System and method for probing multiple paths in a network environment An example method is provided and can include initiating a probe session at a source network element; identifying multiple paths from the source network element to a destination network element in a network; transmitting packets from the source network element along the multiple paths; compiling a list of network characteristics associated with the multiple paths; and selecting a particular one of the multiple paths for packet routing based on the network characteristics.
US08670320B2	Quality of service routing architecture A quality of service routing architecture is provided which includes a network router configured to route network data traffic. The architecture may further include a routing communication protocol for to sending router control information from the network router to other network routers, the routing communication protocol having a quality of service level attribute. There may be a routing communication protocol decoding module on the network router. The routing communication protocol decoding module may identify incoming routing control communications and determine the quality of service level attribute of the incoming routing control communications. The network router can also include a quality of service forwarding module for determining a next hop router value based on the quality of service level attribute and forwarding data according to the next hop value determination.
US08670309B2	Method and apparatus for preventing activation of a congestion control process The invention comprises a method and apparatus that prevents the activation of a congestion controlling process that would otherwise be activated in response any packet loss condition. The congestion controlling process is inhibited when a congestion parameter associated indicates that the packet loss condition is not caused by congestion.
US08670308B2	Meters with multiple network interfaces An energy meter system includes an energy meter with metering circuitry that is enabled to collect metrology data relating to energy usage. Communications circuitry in the energy meter is configured to selectively communicate the metrology data to a head end server over an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network and a home area network (HAN).
US08670299B1	Enhanced service status detection and fault isolation within layer two networks An example method includes monitoring a layer two network with a first network device that operates within the network. The method also includes discovering a second network device that operates within the network by receiving an extended continuity check message (CCM) transmitted from the second network device. The extended CCM transmitted from the second network device indicates to other network devices that a service instance is available on the second network device, and includes an indication of one or more network devices from which the second network device has received CCMs for the service instance. The method further includes determining that bidirectional connectivity exists between the first network device and the second network device when the indication includes the first network device as one of the network devices from which the second network device has received CCMs for the service instance.
US08670288B2	Velocity model for well time-depth conversion Systems and methods create a velocity model for well time-depth conversion. In one implementation, a system optimizes a time-depth relationship applied to data points from a single well to estimate coefficients for a velocity function that models the data points. The system optimizes by reducing the influence of outlier data points, for example, by weighting each data point to decrease the influence of those far from the velocity function. The system also reduces the influence of top and bottom horizons of geological layers by applying data driven techniques that estimate the velocity function without undue dependence on the boundary conditions. The system can optimize estimation of a rate of increase in velocity to enable the velocity function to go through a data point on each top horizon. The system may also estimate each base horizon from trends in the data points and adjust the velocity function to go through a data point on each base horizon.
US08670284B2	Semiconductor device, control method thereof and data processing system Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device comprising a global bit line, a first local bit line coupled to normal memory cells, a second local bit line coupled to redundant memory cells first and second hierarchical switches, a precharge circuit precharging the global bit line, a redundancy determination circuit determining whether or not an accessed address matches a defective address, and a control circuit. In a standby state, the global bit line and the second local bit line are precharged through the second hierarchical switch. In an active state, the first local bit line is precharged through the first hierarchical switch, subsequently when the redundancy determination circuit determines that the addresses do not match, the second hierarchical switch is inactivated to access the normal memory cells, and when the redundancy determination circuit determines that the addresses match each other, the first hierarchical switch is inactivated to access the redundant memory cells.
US08670282B2	Redundancy circuits and operating methods thereof A memory circuit includes a group of memory arrays and at least one redundancy bit line. The group of memory arrays includes a first memory array coupled with a first input/output (IO) interface and a second memory array coupled with a second IO interface. The at least one redundancy bit line is configured to selectively repair the group of memory arrays.
US08670281B2	Circuit for memory cell recovery An apparatus and method for combating the effects of bias temperature instability (BTI) and other variability in a memory cell. Bit lines connecting to a memory cell contain two alternate paths that criss-cross to connect a lower portion of a first bit line to an upper portion of a second bit line, and to connect a lower portion of the second bit line to an upper portion of the first bit line. Alternative to activating transistors on the bit lines to read and write to the memory cell, transistors on the alternative paths may be activated to read and write to the memory cell from the opposite bit line. In this fashion, the memory cell may be read through the bit lines to a sense amplifier where the bit values are latched. While the bit values remain latched in the sense amplifier, the transistors on the bit lines are deactivated and the transistors on the alternate paths are activated. When the word line is accessed, the bit values will be written into the opposite sides of the memory cell, reversing the biases.
US08670279B2	Non-volatile memory device and program method thereof A method for programming a non-volatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells includes verifying whether the memory cells are programmed or not by applying a program verification bias voltage, which is calculated and stored during an initialization operation preformed before the programming of the memory cells, after a program voltage is applied to word lines of the memory cells.
US08670273B2	Methods for program verifying a memory cell and memory devices configured to perform the same A method for program verify is disclosed, such as one in which a threshold voltage of a memory cell that has been biased with a programming voltage can be determined and its relationship with multiple program verify voltage ranges can be determined. The program verify voltage range in which the threshold voltage is located determines the subsequent bit line voltage. The subsequent bit line voltage may be less than a previous bit line voltage used to program the memory cell.
US08670271B2	Magnetic stack having assist layers A magnetic tunnel junction having a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, each having an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and an out-of-plane magnetization orientation, the ferromagnetic free layer switchable by spin torque. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a ferromagnetic assist layer proximate the free layer, the assist layer having a low magnetic anisotropy less than 700 Oe and positioned to apply a magnetic field on the free layer.
US08670270B2	Method of operating phase-change memory One or more embodiments may be related to a method of operating a phase-change memory element, comprising: providing the phase-change memory element, the phase-change memory element having a first terminal and a second terminal; causing a first current through the memory element from the first terminal to the second terminal; and causing a second current through the memory element from the second terminal to the first terminal, wherein the causing the first current programs the memory element from a first resistance state to a second resistance state and the causing the second current programs the memory element from the first resistance state to the second resistance state.
US08670269B2	Resistive memory device and method of writing data using multi-mode switching current A method of writing data in a resistive memory device includes performing a test operation to distinguish normal memory cells from weak memory cells, during a write operation directed to normal memory cells using a write current and during a weak write operation directed to weak memory cells using a higher write current.
US08670268B2	Magnetoresistive element and magnetic memory using the same According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first and second magnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and a variable magnetization. The second magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and an invariable magnetization. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer includes third and fourth magnetic layers, and a second nonmagnetic layer formed between the third and fourth magnetic layers. The third magnetic layer is in contact with the first nonmagnetic layer and includes Co and at least one of Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W.
US08670263B2	Data holding device A data holding device according to the present invention includes a loop structure portion LOOP for holding data using a plurality of logic gates (NAND3 and NAND4) connected in a loop, a nonvolatile storage portion (NVM) for storing in a nonvolatile manner the data held in the loop structure portion (LOOP) by using the hysteresis characteristics of ferroelectric elements, a circuit separating portion (SEP) for electrically separating the loop structure portion (LOOP) and the nonvolatile storage portion (NVM), and a set/reset controller (SRC) for generating a set signal (SNL) and reset signal (RNL) based on data stored in the nonvolatile storage portion (NVM), wherein the plurality of logic gates are each set and reset to an arbitrary output logic level in accordance with the set signal (SNL) and reset signal (RNL).
US08670261B2	Stub minimization using duplicate sets of signal terminals A microelectronic structure has active elements defining a storage array, and address inputs for receipt of address information specifying locations within the storage array. The structure has a first surface and can have terminals exposed at the first surface. The terminals may include first terminals and the structure may be configured to transfer address information received at the first terminals to the address inputs. Each first terminal can have a signal assignment which includes one or more of the address inputs. The first terminals are disposed on first and second opposite sides of a theoretical plane normal to the first surface, wherein the signal assignments of the first terminals disposed on the first side are a mirror image of the signal assignments of the first terminals disposed on the second side of the theoretical plane.
US08670260B2	Multiple inverter and active power filter system A multiple inverter and an active power filter system are disclosed in the invention, said multiple inverter can decrease the volume and harmonics, increase the efficiency and decrease the cost, and can be applied to various occasions. The technical scheme is: the filter assembly in the multiple inverter is installed at the output inductor of the multiple inverter for filtering the harmonics.
US08670257B2	Power conversion apparatus A power conversion apparatus includes a power converter, a voltage detector, a current detector, a detection voltage adjustor, and a controller. The power converter is configured to convert power from a power source into alternating-current power and is configured to output the alternating-current power to a power system. The voltage detector is configured to detect a voltage of the power system. The current detector is configured to detect a direct-current component of a current between the power converter and the power system. The detection voltage adjustor is configured to add a bias corresponding to the direct-current component to the voltage detected by the voltage detector, so as to generate a voltage detection signal, and is configured to output the voltage detection signal. The controller is configured to control the power converter to output an alternating-current voltage corresponding to the voltage detection signal.
US08670250B2	Common mode noise reduction apparatus and method An embodiment common mode noise reduction apparatus comprises a common mode choke, a balance inductor, a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The common mode choke is placed between an input dc source and a primary side network of an isolated power converter. The balance inductor is coupled between an upper terminal of a primary winding of the isolated power converter and a negative terminal of the input dc source. The first capacitor is coupled between the upper terminal of a primary side of a transformer and an upper terminal of a secondary side of the transformer of the isolated power converter. The second capacitor is coupled between a lower terminal of the primary side of the transformer and a lower terminal of the secondary side of the transformer of the isolated power converter.
US08670229B2	Handheld electronic device A handheld electronic device includes a first body, a second body stacked with the first body, a first plate between the first and second body and fixed to the first body, a second plate between the first plate and second body and fixed to the second body, a first locating structure, and a second locating structure. The first plate includes a sliding slot and a rib transversely disposed in the sliding slot and extended along the sliding slot. An edge of the second plate includes a sliding block clamped on the rib, so the second plate can move along the sliding slot. The first locating structure is disposed on the first plate and located on a moving path of the second plate. The second locating member is disposed on the sliding block, and adapted to interfere with the first locating structure on a locking position of the moving path.
US08670227B2	Signal transmission device A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a switch button, a data connector and a cover. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The switch button is attached/disposed on the linked unit. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The cover has a storage device to accommodate and cover the data connector. The cover rotates and expands according to the second shaft and the second elastomer.
US08670225B2	Data logging device for supply chain management A portable electronic data logging device for tracking information in a supply chain comprises electronics, a tethered communication interface and a housing. The electronics sense an environmental input and store data relating to the environmental input over a timescale. The tethered communication interface permits electronic communication of the data from the electronics to an external computer system. The housing encloses the electronics and includes an electronics compartment and an outer casing. The electronics compartment stores the electronics and includes an opening to permit the tethered communications interface to extend from the electronics compartment. The outer casing has a perimeter extending at least partially beyond the electronics compartment to form a channel into which the tethered communication interface can be stowed such that the tethered communication interface does not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the outer casing when not in use.
US08670205B1	Hybrid drive changing power mode of disk channel when frequency of write data exceeds a threshold A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a disk channel including a head actuated over a disk, the disk comprising a plurality of data sectors, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) comprising a plurality of memory segments. Write commands are received from a host, wherein the write commands comprise write data. When a frequency of the write data exceeds a threshold, an operating mode of the disk channel is changed to change a power consumption rate of the disk channel.
US08670203B2	Method for manufacturing magnetic tape with servo signal written therein, magnetic tape with servo signal written therein, and servo writer To manufacture a perpendicular magnetic recording-type magnetic tape having a servo signal written therein by a write head having a magnetic gap, a perpendicular direct-current erasing step in which a magnetic tape is magnetized in one direction that is one of two opposite thickness directions of the magnetic tape is performed before a signal writing step in which a servo signal is written in the magnetic tape by outputting a pulsed signal to the write head.
US08670193B2	Optical system and optical apparatus using the same An optical system includes a negative lens unit including one or more negative lenses located closest to an object side, and a positive lens unit having positive refractive power including a plurality of lenses on an image side of the negative lens unit. When the one or more negative lenses are denoted by negative lenses LNi (i=1, 2, . . . ) in order from the object side, and a portion of lenses among the plurality of the lenses constituting the positive lens unit is denoted by lenses LAj (j=1, 2, . . . ) in order from the object side, a focal length fni of the negative lens LNi, a refractive index Nni of a material thereof, a focal length fAj of the lens LAj, a refractive index NAj, and partial dispersion ratio θgFAj of a material of the lens LAj are set to satisfy respective predetermined conditions.
US08670191B2	Imaging lens system This invention provides an imaging lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens having a concave image-side surface; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface, at least one surface thereof having at least one inflection point; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the third lens. The on-axis spacing between the first lens and second lens is T12, the focal length of the imaging lens system is f, and they satisfy the relation: 0.5<(T12/f)×100<15.
US08670190B2	Imaging lens system This invention provides an imaging lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens having a concave image-side surface; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface, at least one surface thereof having at least one inflection point; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the third lens. The on-axis spacing between the first lens and second lens is T12, the focal length of the imaging lens system is f, and they satisfy the relation: 0.5<(T12/f)×100<15.
US08670187B2	Zoom lens A zoom lens includes sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, an aperture stop, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power. The first lens group includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The second lens group includes sequentially from the object side, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens. The third lens group includes sequentially from the object side a front group having a positive refractive power, a middle group having a negative refractive power, and a rear group having a positive refractive power. The front group is formed by a positive aspheric lens. The middle group is includes a cemented lens formed by a positive lens and a negative lens.
US08670185B2	Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side: a first lens unit having positive refractive power which does not move for varying magnification; a magnification-varying lens unit including at least two lens units which move for varying magnification; an aperture stop; and an imaging lens unit having positive refractive power which does not move for varying magnification, in which: the first lens unit includes, in order from the object side, a first sub-lens unit having positive refractive power, a second sub-lens unit having negative refractive power, and a third sub-lens unit having positive refractive power; the second sub-lens unit is driven to the object side so as to perform focus adjustment to an object at a short distance; and the following expression is satisfied: 0.07
US08670182B2	Alkali-free cover glass composition, and light extracting member using same A glass composition and a light extracting member using the same is provided, where the glass composition does not substantially contain a lead oxide and an alkali metal oxide and has a glass transition temperature of 530° C. or less and acid resistance property. An alkali-free cover glass composition is also provided which does not substantially contain a lead oxide and an alkali metal oxide; has a refractive index (nd) of 1.7 to 2.3; has a glass transition temperature of 530° C. or less; has a dissolution depth of less than 1.3 μm as measured by an acid dipping weight loss measurement method; and contains 8 to 25% of Nb2O5 in terms of mol % on the basis of an oxide thereof.
US08670180B2	Wavelength beam combining laser with multiple outputs A system and method for producing a multi-output laser by reconfiguring and apportioning a plurality of electromagnetic beams produced by various wavelength beam combining techniques. The reconfiguring of beams includes individual rotation and selective repositioning of one or more beams with respect to beam's original input position.
US08670167B2	Color gamut determination with neugebauer-primary area coverages for a print system Method of determining a color gamut of a predetermined print system, comprising determining ink restrictions of the print system, generating all NP states of the print system, generating a convex hull of area coverages of NPs that do not exceed said ink restrictions, determining which NP states are outside of the convex hull, mapping NP states that are outside of the convex hull onto the convex hull, re-expressing the mapped NP states as area coverages of NPs, and sampling the convex hull in a colorimetrically predetermined way.
US08670166B2	Method of automatic white balance adjustment for scanner A method of automatic white balance adjustment for a scanner is described hereinafter. First, a light source provides a white light to make the scanner scan a document and get an initial image of the document. Secondly, red, green and blue chromatic values of a background color are obtained in the initial image. Next, a factor is calculated based on the chromatic values and a calibration value which is stored in a calibration sheet. Lastly, the scanner automatically adjusts a brightness ratio of the red, green and blue lights of the light source according to the factor, and then rescans the document to get a final image which has a processed background color. Therefore, the final image having the background color close to white is in favor of identification. Furthermore, the adjustment is executed in the process of the scanner rescanning the document so that the step of executing adjustment by software can be eliminated.
US08670162B2	Facsimile job managing apparatus, facsimile transmission processing method, and facsimile transmission processing system According to one embodiment, a facsimile job managing apparatus includes a storing unit, a storage control unit, a history-display-user-interface providing unit, and a transmission processing unit. The storage control unit causes the storing unit to store image data transmitted by facsimile and the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing in association with each other. The history-display-user-interface providing unit provides a client terminal with a history display user interface for acquiring the image data transmitted by facsimile and the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing from the storing unit, displaying a thumbnail image of the image data transmitted by facsimile and outcome information indicating the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing in association with each other, and displaying a retransmission button in association with a thumbnail image of image data unsuccessfully transmitted by facsimile. If the retransmission button is selected in the client terminal, the transmission processing unit transmits image data corresponding to a thumbnail image related to the retransmission button by facsimile.
US08670158B2	Image processing apparatus and method for reducing gradation level of image An image processing apparatus includes a first generation portion that generates a first low-gradation image by performing a first process on an input image to reduce the number of gradations of the input image, a second generation portion that generates a second low-gradation image by performing a second process on the input image to reduce the number of gradations of the input image, a density detector that detects a density of the input image, a determination portion that determines, based on the density, a ratio at which the first low-gradation image and the second low-gradation image are blended together, and a mixing portion that blends the first low-gradation image and the second low-gradation image in accordance with the ratio.
US08670157B2	Dot growth system and method The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing isolated dots of an image to be printed by a printer. The method includes detecting whether pixels corresponding to an isolated dot in the image are in an on state. A first sum of pixels that are in an on state in a first pixel ring surrounding the pixels corresponding to the isolated dot when the pixels in the isolated dot are detected to be in the on state is determined. The first sum of pixels in the first pixel ring that are in the on state is compared with a first threshold sum. A first number of pixels in at least a second pixel ring either comprising of or surrounding the pixels corresponding to the isolated dot are turned on when the first sum of pixels in the on state is less than the first threshold sum.
US08670153B2	Attribute driven gamut mapping via a minimized multi-objective cumulative cost function What is disclosed is a novel system and method for mapping out-of-gamut colors to a device's gamut to improve image quality in a color document reproduction device involves performing the following. First, an out-of-gamut color xi, which is intended to be mapped to a boundary surface of a color gamut of a color marking device, is selected. A gamut mapping function is also selected. The selected gamut mapping function is intended to be applied to the selected out-of-gamut color point. At least one performance attribute is then selected for the color marking device and a multi-objective cumulative cost JT is determined based upon a combination of costs Jgm and Js. The multi-objective cumulative cost JT is then iteratively driven to a minimum. Once the minimum has been determined, a gamut mapping of the selected out-of-gamut color can then be performed using the minimized multi-objective cumulative cost. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08670148B2	Image processing apparatus, job management method for the same, and recording medium having recorded thereon job management program Upon reception of a job, a control unit of an image processing apparatus executes processing for judging whether any cancellation factor exists. If there is no cancellation factor, the control unit outputs pages relating to the job, stores page information thereof, and updates execution history information after outputting all the pages. If there is any cancellation factor, the control unit performs only preparation for output of the pages, stores page information obtained through the preparation, and updates cancellation history information after storing the page information of all the pages. A message as a result of evaluation of the cancellation history information is displayed on an operation panel. The message prompts an administrator to change management condition as needed.
US08670146B1	Using bit arrays in incremental scanning of content for sensitive data A method for incremental scanning of documents may include identifying documents to be scanned for sensitive information according to at least one data loss prevention (DLP) policy, the documents being associated with a bit array. The method may further include generating a key of a documents and applying, for each document, a set of functions to the key of the document, where outputs of the functions map the key to positions in the bit array. The method further includes identifying a subset of the positions in the bit array that correspond to the outputs of the functions in the set of functions, the subset of the positions to indicate whether the document has been scanned.
US08670137B2	Method and apparatus for printing using synchronization signal A method and apparatus for printing using a synchronization signal are provided. Printing processes are performed in the apparatus by determining points in time for performing the printing processes based on a synchronization signal so that it is possible to reduce a waiting time for printing.
US08670136B2	Image forming apparatus with specialized initialization including an engine, a controller and image generation unit for driving an image forming element An image forming apparatus includes: a controller and an engine. The controller includes a first memory configured to store therein first setting information for driving the image forming element. The engine includes: an image generation unit configured to drive the image forming element; a second memory configured to store therein second setting information for driving the image forming element; and an initialization processor configured to initialize the image generation unit based on the second setting information before a communication between the controller and the engine is established, to compare the first setting information with the second setting information after the communication between the controller and the engine is established, and to execute an initialization of the image generation unit based on the first setting information when the first setting information does not correspond to the second setting information.
US08670135B2	Information processing apparatus and control method when installing a printer driver An installer of the driver B according to the present invention searches a print queue of the driver A corresponding to a printer controlled by the install target driver B, determines whether an output destination of the searched print queue is a remote printer, and if it is determined that the output destination of the print queue is the remote printer, ends install processing without making an update request for the print queue to the operating system.
US08670128B2	Profile measuring apparatus A shape determining device (X) splits the original light beam from a light source (Y) into two light beams, directs the light beams to the front and back surfaces of the object (1) to be determined, and performs optical heterodyne interference using the split light beams at the front and back surfaces of the object (1) to be determined. In the shape determining device (X), each of the split light beams is further split into a main light beam and a subordinate light beam, the subordinate light beam interferes with the main light beam at each of the front and back surfaces before and after the illumination of the object (1) to be determined, the signals after the interference are phase-detected, and the difference between the phases acquired by the phase detection is detected at each of the front and back surfaces of the object (1) to be determined. In the shape determining device (X), optical modulation for performing the optical heterodyne interference is performed before the optical heterodyne interference of the split light beams after the split light beams are directed to the front and back surfaces of the object (1) to be determined. Furthermore, in the shape determining device (X), a measurement optical system before the phase detection and after the split light beams are directed to the front and back surfaces of the object (1) to be determined is maintained integrally.
US08670122B2	Surface plasmon resonance measuring device A SPR measuring device is proposed. The measuring device includes a circularly polarized heterodyne light source that produces a circularly polarized heterodyne light beam, a beam splitting element that splits the circularly polarized heterodyne light beam into a reference beam and a signal beam, a first light sensing unit that receives a reference light intensity of the reference beam, a SPR sensor that receives the signal beam and reflects a reflected signal beam, a second light sensing unit that receives a reflected light intensity of the reflected signal beam and a processing circuit that calculates a phase difference between the reference light intensity and the reflected light intensity. A phase change caused by SPR of an incident light is sensitively represented by the circularly polarized heterodyne light beam. Thus tiny changes in physical quantities of analytes are measured easily.
US08670119B1	Apparatus having surface-enhanced spectroscopy modules According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a perimeter wall extending between a first end and a second end of the perimeter wall along a first axis, in which an interior surface of the perimeter wall forms a hollow core extending along the first axis. The perimeter wall has openings at both the first end and the second end and light is to pass through the perimeter wall. The apparatus also includes a plurality of SES modules positioned around an inner circumference of the perimeter wall in a spaced arrangement with respect to each other to allow light to enter into the hollow core in gaps between the plurality of SES modules, in which each of the plurality of SES modules is positioned substantially across from a gap.
US08670118B2	Diffraction based overlay metrology tool and method of diffraction based overlay metrology Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for determining overlay of a pattern on a substrate with a mask pattern defined in a resist layer on top of the pattern on the substrate. A first grating is provided under a second grating, each having substantially identical pitch to the other, together forming a composite grating. A first illumination beam is provided under an angle of incidence along a first horizontal direction. The intensity of a diffracted beam from the composite grating is measured. A second illumination beam is provided under the angle of incidence along a second horizontal direction. The second horizontal direction is opposite to the first horizontal direction. The intensity of the diffracted beam from the composite grating is measured. The difference between the diffracted beam from the first illumination beam and the diffracted beam from the second illumination beam, linearly scaled, results in the overlay error.
US08670115B2	Inspection method and inspection apparatus The inspection conditions of a known inspection apparatus necessary for inspection are such that wafers are individually prepared for respective layer types and layer thicknesses, and standard particles having different sizes are applied to all of the wafers. Moreover, the wafers to which standard particles have been applied and which have been prepared for the respective layer types and layer thicknesses are inspected by the inspection apparatus to determine the optimal inspection conditions for the respective layer types and layer thicknesses. Therefore, there are problems that it requires long time and involves high cost to determine the inspection conditions. In the invention, the relation between the layer thickness and the scattering intensity in the inspection apparatus is calculated. The scattering intensity is divided into a plurality of intensity regions, and the inspection conditions optimized for the respective divided regions are determined. The inspection conditions are shared in each divided intensity region, whereby the time and cost necessary to determine the inspection conditions can be dramatically reduced.
US08670102B2	Display panel A display panel includes an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The active device array substrate includes a substrate and further includes a pixel array, signal lines, and first and second repairing lines all disposed on the substrate. The signal lines electrically connect the pixel array. The first repairing line includes first and second line segments respectively located on first and second sides of the pixel array. The first side is substantially perpendicular to the second side. The first and second line segments are electrically connected. The second repairing line includes third and fourth line segments respectively located on third and second sides of the pixel array. The third side is substantially parallel to the first side. The fourth and third line segments are electrically connected. The opposite substrate above the active device array substrate does not cover the first and third line segments.
US08670101B2	Display device A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate, a plurality of gate lines formed on the substrate, a plurality of data lines formed on the substrate, a plurality of switching elements connected to the gate lines and the data lines, a plurality of clock signal transmitting lines formed on the substrate, and a gate driver connected to the gate lines and the clock signal transmitting lines. A direction of each of the clock signal transmitting lines is changed approximately ninety degrees in a first region and a second region. The regions are disposed between an edge of the substrate and the gate driver. A symmetry is present between portions of the clock signal transmitting lines arranged in the first region and the second region.
US08670092B2	Display device and method for manufacturing the same A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a sealing material. The first substrate includes an active area and a driving circuit. The driving circuit has a first side facing the active area and a second side opposite to the first side. The second substrate includes a mask layer. A projection of the mask layer on the first substrate at least overlaps the driving circuit from the second side to the first side. The sealing material is between the second substrate and the first substrate, used for sealing the second substrate and the first substrate, and located beside the second side of the driving circuit.
US08670089B2	Display device, manufacturing method thereof, and color adjusting method used thereon A display device, a manufacturing method thereof, and a color adjusting method used thereon are provided. The display device includes a blue light source and a display panel which includes a substrate having a color adjusting layer, a blue filter layer, and an inner polarizer disposed thereon. The color adjusting layer includes a plurality of color excitation units, wherein each color excitation unit contains a plurality of wavelength transformation materials. The blue filter layer allows only blue light to pass therethrough and absorbs other color light. The blue light passes through the inner polarizer and the blue filter layer to reach the color excitation units. The blue light further excites the wavelength transformation materials to generate different color light. A part of the different color light is transmitted to and absorbed by the blue filter layer.
US08670088B2	Optical sheet comprising a base composed of a stack of transmissive sheets, and a back-light device and liquid crystal device incorporating the optical sheet An optical sheet is provided. The optical sheet includes: a light-transmissive base; and an optical functional layer provided to at least one surface of the base, in which the base is composed of a stack of transmissive sheets bonded while placing an adhesive material layer in between.
US08670085B2	Display device having decreased bezel width Disclosed is a display device with small thickness and good aesthetic exterior appearance, which comprises a liquid crystal display panel for displaying images; a backlight unit for supplying light to the liquid crystal display panel; and a support member for supporting the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit, wherein the support member comprises a set cover for receiving the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit, the set cover functioning as an external cover; and a guide frame for guiding the position of the liquid crystal display panel and backlight unit, wherein the guide frame and liquid crystal display panel are connected with each other by a connection member provided therebetween. At this time, the lower and lateral sides of the display device are covered without using upper and external cases to cover the upper edge of display device. Thus, the entire thickness of the display device is decreased; the bezel width of the display device is also decreased; and the entire step coverage of the display device is removed, whereby the front of the display device is recognized as one structure, to thereby allow the good aesthetic exterior appearance of the display device.
US08670081B2	Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a data line formed on a substrate including a pixel region; a source electrode extending from the data line; a drain electrode separated from the source electrode; a pixel electrode contacting the drain electrode and formed of a transparent conductive material in the pixel region; an organic semiconductor layer on the source and drain electrodes; a first gate insulating layer of an organic insulating material on the organic semiconductor layer; a second gate insulting layer of an inorganic insulating material on entire surface of the substrate including the first gate insulating layer; a gate line formed on the second gate insulating layer and crossing the data line to define the pixel region; and a gate electrode on the second gate insulating layer extending from the gate line and corresponding to the organic semiconductor layer.
US08670080B2	Liquid crystal display device The drain lines are such that one drain line is formed for every two pixels adjacent to each other within the same pixel row, the gate lines are formed of a first gate line connected to one of the two pixels connected to the same drain line within the same pixel row and a second gate line connected to the other pixel, the pixel electrode is formed of a first linear electrode inclined in a plus direction from the first direction, and a second linear electrode inclined in a minus direction from the first direction, in a region in which the pixel electrode is superimposed over the common electrode, and each pixel has the first and second gate lines and thin film transistor formed in a region between the region of the first linear electrode and the region of the second linear electrode.
US08670079B2	Video display device A video display device displays an image of an input video signal. In the video display device, the video signal is supplied to a frequency component analyzing device, and the frequency component analyzing device extracts a frequency of each of frequency bands from video information of one screen with respect to the image. An image quality control circuit of the video display device performs an image quality control of the image based on the extracted frequencies of the respective frequency bands.
US08670072B1	Method and apparatus for streaming media data processing, and streaming media playback equipment The present invention provides a streaming media data processing method. The method includes: based on a stream index in streaming media data, separating the streaming media data stream into audio stream data and video stream data and respectively buffering them in an audio stream data queue and a video stream data queue; respectively decoding audio data buffered in the audio stream data queue and video data buffered in the video stream data queue; based on a play callback timestamp of the decoded audio data and a system time of a streaming media playback equipment, determining an audio/video synchronization time; based on a comparison result between a video frame timestamp and a sum of the determined audio/video synchronization time and a video refresh time, processing and displaying each frame in the decoded video stream data according to a predetermined processing method in accordance with the comparison result. The method may avoid the asynchrony between video and audio steams resulted from the asynchrony between audio time and the system time and, at the same time, the synchronization between the video time and the system time when displaying the stream data, which may greatly reduce the repeated video pauses in the video display.
US08670070B2	Method and system for achieving better picture quality in various zoom modes A method and system are provided in which a video image may be scaled from a first to a second video format. The scaling may be a non-uniform scaling such as an anamorphic scaling. When panning associated with the scaled video image is detected, one or more end portions of a current frame of the scaled video image may be adjusted, the adjustment being based on one or more frames of the scaled video image that are previous to the current frame. The adjustment may result from combining information from the corresponding end portion of previous frames with the information of the current frame. One or more end portions that are opposite to the ones adjusted may also be adjusted based on one or more frames of the scaled video image that are subsequent to the current frame. The panning detected may be horizontal, vertical, or a combination thereof.
US08670066B2	Method of acquiring an image in a transparent, colored container A vision system useful in acquiring images includes: a light dome having a window and a perimeter; an annular light curtain positioned within and radially inwardly from the perimeter of the light dome such that an annular gap is formed between the light dome and the light curtain; and a light ring positioned to illuminate the gap between the light dome and the light curtain. The light curtain and window are sized and positioned such that no direct light from the light ring reaches the window. The system further comprises a camera having a lens facing the window to acquire images of an object on a side of the window opposite the camera. The images acquired by the camera can then be compared to stored images to determine whether the identity of the objects (which may be pharmaceutical tablets) is as expected.
US08670064B2	Image capturing apparatus and control method therefor An image capturing apparatus capable of switching between an optical viewfinder and live view which involves periodically reading out an image signal out of an image sensor and sequentially displaying the image signal on a display unit, comprises a phase difference focus control unit that performs auto focus control using a phase difference detection method; a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of focus detection areas used for the auto focus control; an electronic zoom unit that changes an angle of view; and a control unit that causes the phase difference focus control unit to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area if the selected focus detection area is located within the changed angle of view, otherwise not to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area.
US08670059B2	Photoelectric conversion device having an n-type buried layer, and camera A photoelectric conversion device comprises a p-type region, an n-type buried layer formed under the p-type region, an element isolation region, and a channel stop region which covers at least a lower portion of the element isolation region, wherein the p-type region and the buried layer form a photodiode, and a diffusion coefficient of a dominant impurity of the channel stop region is smaller than a diffusion coefficient of a dominant impurity of the buried layer.
US08670057B2	Image capturing device and image capturing method An image capturing device includes a photodetector including a plurality of pixels, each having a photoelectric conversion unit outputting electric charges depending on received light, charge accumulation units accumulating the electric charges, and a drain electrode that discards the electric charges, a finite impulse response filter which is applied to images, a controller controlling the pixels so as to distribute the electric charges that are output by the photoelectric conversion units to the charge accumulation units and to the drain electrodes at a distribution ratio depending on a weight coefficient of a corresponding delay period of the finite impulse response filter at each delay period, and reading the electric charges accumulated in the charge accumulation units after a whole delay period of the finite impulse response filter elapses, and an image processor generating the images based on the electric charges that are read by the controller.
US08670050B2	Image processing device and method for determining similarities between two images A computerized method determines similarities between a first image and a second image. The first image is converted into a first grayscale image, and the second image is converted into a second grayscale image, where a number of pixels of the second image is not less than a number of pixels of the first image. Each pixel of the first grayscale image is matched with a pixel of the second grayscale image to create a pixel pair sequence. A similarity value indicating the similarities between the first image and the second image is calculated according to the grayscale value of each pixel in the pixel pair sequence S.
US08670047B2	Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image processing method, and program An image processing apparatus includes an imaging operation state acquiring unit that acquires imaging operation state information representing imaging operation states at the time of an imaging operation for a plurality of images that are consecutively generated in a time series, an image processing unit that performs image processing, which is used for generating a synthesized image representing transition in a specific operation of an observed subject included in the plurality of images, based on the acquired imaging state information for the plurality of images, and an image synthesis unit that generates a synthesized image by synthesizing the plurality of images for which the image processing has been performed.
US08670043B2	Image processing apparatus for detecting a color flicker in an image Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus including a color-flicker detection processing section configured to detect generation of color flickers from a plurality of images taken at different exposure times, wherein the color-flicker detection processing section: acquires a ratio of any specific one of a plurality of color signals of the taken images to another one of the color signals; obtains an evaluation value of the color flickers from the acquired ratio; and determines whether or not the color flickers have been generated on the basis of the magnitude of the evaluation value.
US08670038B2	Projection display device and method of controlling the same A projection display device adapted to display a projection image based on external image data input externally, includes: a projection section; an image data storage section adapted to store projection image data; an image control section adapted to execute an image data obtaining process; an image capturing section adapted to capture a projection area including the projection surface to generate a captured image; and a correction amount determination section adapted to execute a correction amount determination process for determining a correction amount, wherein the image control section halts the image data obtaining process during a period in which the correction amount determination section is executing the correction amount determination process, and after the correction amount determination process is terminated, makes the projection section display a temporary projection image obtained by correcting an image data previously stored in the image data storage section, and resumes the image data obtaining process.
US08670025B2	Display device and control method A stereoscopic video display system includes a display device for displaying stereoscopic video, an image pickup element for generating image data, a position determiner for processing the image data received by the image pickup element to determine position information of at least one object identified in the image data, and a plurality of light output sections each having one or more light transmitters. Each light transmitter is configured to output timing signals having a signal strength based on the determined position information. The stereoscopic video display system also includes at least one set of shutter eyeglasses including a light receiving section for receiving timing signals output from at least one of the light transmitters of the light output sections.
US08670023B2	Apparatuses and methods for providing a 3D man-machine interface (MMI) An electronic interaction apparatus for providing a 3D MMI is provided with a processing unit. The processing unit determines a first length between an object positioned at a first time and a surface formed by two digital camera modules, and a second length between the object positioned at a second time and the surface. Also, the processing unit determines a third length between the object positioned at a third time and the surface, and determines a depth in a virtual 3D space corresponding to the object positioned at the third time according to the first length, the second length, and the third length. Particularly, the virtual 3D space is displayed in a display screen, the third time is later than the first time and the second time, and the third length is longer than the first length and shorter than the second length.
US08670022B2	Mobile terminal and method for controlling operation of the mobile terminal A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the operation of the same are provided. In the method, a screen including a preview image of a camera is displayed on a display module. Then, a preview window is set in a region of the screen and a predictive image of a three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image, which can be generated using images of a subject corresponding to the preview image, is displayed on the preview window. Thus, when images are captured to obtain a 3D stereoscopic image, the user can easily operate the camera using such a 3D stereoscopic image preview function.
US08670017B2	Remote presence system including a cart that supports a robot face and an overhead camera A tele-presence system that includes a cart. The cart includes a robot face that has a robot monitor, a robot camera, a robot speaker, a robot microphone, and an overhead camera. The system also includes a remote station that is coupled to the robot face and the overhead camera. The remote station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The remote station can display video images captured by the robot camera and/or overhead camera. By way of example, the cart can be used in an operating room, wherein the overhead camera can be placed in a sterile field and the robot face can be used in a non-sterile field. The user at the remote station can conduct a teleconference through the robot face and also obtain a view of a medical procedure through the overhead camera.
US08670009B2	Two-sided thermal print sensing An apparatus and method for identifying a type of media installed in a two- or dual-sided thermal printer is provided. In one embodiment, one or more functions of the dual-sided thermal printer may be enabled or disabled depending on the identified media type.
US08670000B2	Optical display system and method with virtual image contrast control A method includes generating a light pattern using a display panel and forming a virtual image from the light pattern utilizing one or more optical components. The virtual image is viewable from a viewing location. The method also includes receiving external light from a real-world environment incident on an optical sensor. The real-world environment is viewable from the viewing location. Further, the method includes obtaining an image of the real-world environment from the received external light, identifying a background feature in the image of the real-world environment over which the virtual image is overlaid, and extracting one or more visual characteristics of the background feature. Additionally, the method includes comparing the one or more visual characteristics to an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value and controlling the generation of the light pattern based on the comparison.
US08669997B2	Display apparatus and method of controlling the same A display apparatus according to this invention performs control so as to reduce the difference between image data input to a display unit and an image which is displayed on a display surface and acquired by an acquisition unit, based on the image data and the image.
US08669977B2	Hierarchical mesh quantization that facilitates efficient ray tracing Compression methods and systems that encode the bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) and the triangles of a scene in one compact data structure. Efficient on-the-fly decompression is performed and may be used in interactive ray tracing. Quantized vertices and triangle strips may be stored in BVH leaf nodes. The local vertex positions and vertex indices may use a small number of bits that are encoded in bit strings. During traversal, the geometry may be decoded by an optimized algorithm allowing for random access with minimal overhead.
US08669973B2	Liquid crystal display element, liquid crystal display device, and method for displaying with liquid crystal display element A liquid crystal display element, a liquid crystal display device, and a method for displaying with a liquid crystal display element, wherein picture element electrodes (30) and a common electrode (36) are provided, each of a plurality of sub-picture elements (22) is provided with the common electrode (36) and a corresponding one of the picture element electrodes (30) in such a manner that the sub-picture elements (22) have different distances (a first distance d1 and a second distance d2) between the common electrode (36) and their corresponding ones of the picture element electrodes (30), display in a low gray scale region is carried out by means of a first sub-picture element (22a) that is a sub-picture element (22) in which the distance is short, display in a middle gray scale region is carried out by means of a second sub-picture element (22b) that is a sub-picture element (22) in which the distance is long, and display in a high gray scale region is carried out by means of the first sub-picture element (22a) and the second sub-picture element (22b).
US08669972B2	Liquid crystal display panel driving method, liquid crystal display device, and liquid crystal display driver including driving and setting a counter electrode for common inversion driving A driving method of a liquid crystal display panel having a source line and a counter electrode, includes driving the counter electrode to a first potential, driving the, counter electrode to a second potential being different from the first potential, setting the counter electrode and the source line to a third potential by short-circuiting the counter electrode and the source line to an interconnection having a potential between the first potential and the second potential, and driving the source line to a potential corresponding to an image data. The setting of the counter electrode and the source line to the third potential occurs in a period of one frame.
US08669969B2	Scan driver and flat panel display device including the same A scan driver includes a plurality of stages. Each of the plurality of stages includes an odd-numbered scan unit, an even-numbered scan unit, and a signal shift unit. The scan driver can selectively perform progressive scan and interlaced scan by varying logic levels of mode signals and clock signals applied to the stages.
US08669961B2	Bending threshold and release for a flexible display device A flexible display device and a method for accurately recognizing a user's flex input bending of the flexible display device is described. The present invention is able to discard unintentional flexing of the flexible display device while being able to accurately recognize a user's intended flex input command based on a number of bending degree thresholds. A first bending threshold must be overcome in order to initially recognize a user's flex input as a valid flex input command. Then the user's flex input must fall below a second bending threshold in order to cease the recognition of the user's flex input as a valid flex input.
US08669954B2	Touch panel A touch panel includes a substrate, scan lines, data output lines, a signal processing unit and touch sensing units. Each touch sensing unit includes a sensing electrode, a reference capacitor, an output circuit and a reset circuit. The sensing electrode is disposed in a breach of the sensing electrode. The reference capacitor, the output circuit and the reset circuit are disposed on the substrate and in the breach. The output circuit, the reset circuit, the reference capacitor and the sensing electrode are electrically coupled to a reference point. The output circuit is configured to output touch signals to the corresponding data output line. The signal processing unit is configured to obtain electric potential of the data output line and perform a corresponding processing step. When the touch sensing unit is out of working, the reference point is reset to a predetermined electric potential.
US08669951B2	Optical touch panel and touch display panel and touch input method thereof An optical touch panel includes a substrate, a single planar light generator, at least a retro reflector device, and a single photo sensor array. The substrate has a surface. The single planar light generator is disposed outside the surface of the substrate for generating a planar light, where the illuminating range of the planar light covers the range of the surface of the substrate. The retro reflector device is disposed on a side of the substrate for reflecting the planar light. The single photo sensor array is disposed outside the surface of the substrate for sensing the reflected planar light and generating reflected light distribution information.
US08669947B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer program There is provided an information processing apparatus according to the present invention including a detection unit for detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of a finger on an operation panel, and a moving control unit for changing the moving amount of an object on a display unit for a finger's unit moving amount depending on the moving direction of the finger which moves the object displayed on the display unit. According to the present invention, the moving amount of the object within a display region changes based on the moving direction of the finger to be operated on the operation panel. In this manner, the object moving amount is corrected depending on the finger moving direction, thereby eliminating the factors for reducing the operability during the object moving operation and improving the operability.
US08669933B2	Liquid crystal display, electronic device, and method for controlling brightness of illumination unit of liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display panel, an illumination unit for the liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of photodetectors, and a control unit Cnt to control the brightness of the illumination unit. The photodetectors are TFT ambient light photosensors LS1 to LS3, for example, which produce outputs that require time to reach a predetermined value, which the time is correlated with the intensity of ambient light. Detection circuits coupled to the photodetectors include circuits (Cmp1 to Cmp3) logically inverted when an output from the TFT ambient light photosensors LS1 to LS3 reaches a predetermined value. The control unit Cnt includes a discrimination implement Maj that determines that the intensity of ambient light has changed when outputs from the majority of the detection circuits are logically inverted. The above-mentioned structure provides a liquid crystal display that does not use plurality of interface circuits nor A/D converters, nor experience frequent malfunctions for automatic control of the brightness of the illumination unit according to the intensity of ambient light.
US08669927B2	Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof An LCD device improving picture-quality and a driving method thereof are disclosed.The LCD device and the driving method thereof generates analog normal driving gamma values and analog black data driving gamma values according to a driving mode selection signal which designates any one of a normal driving mode and a black data driving mode. Also, the LCD device and the driving method thereof provides RGB data voltages compensated with any one of the analog normal driving gamma values and the analog black data driving gamma values. In other words, the LCD device and the driving method thereof allow the normal driving gamma values to be used in the normal driving mode and the black data driving gamma values to be used in the black data driving mode. Therefore, brightness in the black data driving mode can maintains almost equally to that in the normal driving mode. As a result, the deterioration of picture-quality can be prevented.
US08669916B2	Vertically interleaved distributed antenna system A vertically interleaved in-building distributed antenna system is described. The in-building distributed antenna system includes a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radio. The MIMO radio includes a first branch connector and a second branch connector. The in-building distributed antenna system further includes a first branch transport medium coupled to the first branch connector and a second branch transport medium coupled to the second branch connector. The in-building distributed antenna system further includes a plurality of antennas. The plurality of antennas includes one or more first branch antennas coupled to the first branch transport medium and one or more second branch antennas coupled to the second branch transport medium. The first branch antennas are vertically interleaved with the second branch antennas in the structure.
US08669909B2	Antenna, antenna apparatus, and communication apparatus The claimed invention discloses an antenna including: a magnetic core (11); a coil winding section (14a, 14b) in which a conductive wiring line is wound around the magnetic core; and an adjustment section (13) connected to one end of the coil winding section. The adjustment section (13) is disposed at an end part of the magnetic core (11) and includes a plurality of adjustable conductive wiring lines (13b-13d) formed by dividing a conductive wiring line connected to one end of the coil winding section (14a, 14b) into multiple conductive wiring lines in a direction intersecting with a winding axis direction of the coil winding section (14a, 14b).
US08669900B2	Global navigation satellite antenna systems and methods A method for reducing multipath when determining a location of a stationary or near stationary position, includes receiving a signal from an antenna moving continuously with respect to the stationary or near stationary position, the signal including a multipath component, processing the received signal including the multipath component, wherein multipath error in the received signal is reduced during the processing and determining a location of the stationary or near stationary position based on the processed received signal with the multipath error reduced.
US08669899B2	Base station almanac assisted positioning A database provides base station almanac information pertaining to more than one network mode of communication. A wireless device accesses this database through a centralized server or network, or via the base station, base station controller or the like, with which it is currently communicating.
US08669892B2	Digital-to-analog converter resolution enhancement using circular buffer A system and method for generating an analog signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, system includes a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer configured to receive and store a plurality of digital values written to the FIFO buffer. The system further includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to read the digital values from the FIFO buffer and configured to convert the digital values to an analog signal. The FIFO buffer is configured to operate in a first mode in which writes to the FIFO buffer are inhibited and current digital values stored in the FIFO buffer are provided to the DAC in a repeating sequence.
US08669891B2	Systems and methods for ADC based timing and gain control Various embodiments of the present invention provide circuits, systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes: an analog to digital converter circuit, a target response circuit, and a timing circuit. The analog to digital converter circuit is operable to receive a data input and to provide corresponding digital samples synchronous to a sampling phase. The sampling phase corresponds to a phase feedback. The target response circuit is operable to provide an expected output corresponding to a known input. The timing circuit is operable to generate the phase feedback based at least in part on values derived from the expected output.
US08669888B2	Hangeul input keypad and method using the same The present invention relates to a Hangeul input keypad and a method using the same. Basic consonants and basic vowels are assigned to the Hangeul input keypad, the number of the basic consonant-assigned keys is less than that of the basic vowel-assigned keys, the consonant keys and the vowel keys are disposed separately, and a shift key converting the basic consonants to extended consonants is disposed adjacent to the consonant keys to which the basic consonants convertible to the extended consonants are assigned.The Hangeul input keypad and method according to the present invention improves speed of Hangeul input, provides convenience in operation of consonant keys and a shift key, and ease of a user's learning of the Hangeul input method by optimizing the disposition of the consonants and vowels.
US08669886B2	Data entry module A data entry module includes a flexible substrate, a fence circuit formed on the flexible substrate and including at least one trace routed in a meandering manner, an insulating layer formed on the fence circuit, a substrate spaced from the insulating layer, and a switch circuit including a plurality of switch elements each including two contact pads separately disposed on the substrate and the insulating layer. The fence circuit is configured to cover the switch circuit for preventing the interrogation of the switch circuit.
US08669877B2	Oil level inspection system for railroad car truck using image processing A system for inspecting an oil level in each part of a railroad car truck includes: an imaging unit that obtains an image of an oil level gauge; an oil level inspection unit that inspects whether or not the oil level in each part of the railroad car truck is within a predetermined range based on the image of the oil level gauge obtained by the imaging unit; a voice input unit adapted for an inspector to input, via voice, an inspection result; a voice processing unit that determines whether or not the inspection result inputted via the voice input unit is good based on the inputted inspection result, and converts a determination result into displayable data; a display unit that displays an oil level inspection result and the determination result; and a storage unit that stores, as data, the oil level inspection result and the determination result.
US08669874B2	Systems and methods for stirring electromagnetic fields and interrogating stationary RFID tags RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, RFID interrogators and RFID tags remain stationary during interrogation. Regions of low energy due to interference from either additional antenna or reflections from RFID tags and objects can impede or prohibit the reading of RFID tags residing in such regions. Stirring of the generated electromagnetic field is a method of moving around the regions of low energy, where tags can not be read, during the interrogation process. Mechanical stirring is accomplished by introducing a conductor into the electromagnetic field and moving it about in the field. Solid state stirring is accomplished by introducing a variable conductor into the field and varying the conductivity of the variable conductor. Mathematical stirring is accomplished by use of a plurality of antenna and controlling the phase difference between the antenna in a configuration known as phased antenna arrays.
US08669873B2	Inventory and anti-theft alarm system An inventory and antitheft alarm tag utilizes RFID technology. The system provides either real time or time of scan inventory and theft control while monitoring the time and date of each lock/unlock event and the sequence of these events.
US08669870B2	Location dependent monitoring for stolen devices A system and method for controlling the surveillance conducted by lost or stolen electronic devices dependent upon the location of such electronic devices is provided. A data repository contains data that specifies, for each of a plurality of geographic regions (e.g. legal jurisdictions), a set of surveillance methods that are permissible in the respective region. At least some of the geographic regions have different respective sets of permissible surveillance methods than others. A computer system is operable to communicate with the devices over a computer network, and programmed to use received information regarding a location of a potentially lost or stolen device, in combination with the data in the computer data repository, to cause the potentially lost or stolen device to initiate surveillance according to the set of permissible surveillance methods (and/or other actions) corresponding to the location.
US08669864B1	Methods for remote assistance of disabled persons A mobile terminal is used to assist individuals with disabilities. A mobile terminal such as a “smartphone” or other commercially available wireless handheld device may be loaded with software. The software may be configured to: (i) store criteria for managing communications between a disabled user of the mobile terminal and a remote caregiver, (ii) determine whether a criterion is satisfied, and if so (iii) initiate a communication from the mobile terminal to the remote caregiver, and (iv) receive a response from the remote caregiver. Thus, through this software, the mobile terminal may dynamically facilitate communications with specific remote caregivers based on specific situations that may confront disabled individuals.
US08669859B2	Safety detection alarm device A safety detection alarm device for a ladder includes a control alarm unit and a sensor unit. A load sensor module, a voltage detection sensor module or an angle detection sensor module of the sensor unit is installed on the ladder. The load sensor module of the sensor unit is to detect the weight of the load. The voltage detection sensor module is to detect and sense the load of the electricity and current. The angle detection sensor module is to detect the angle of the ladder. A light alarm module or a sound alarm module is used to send an alarm to warn the user that the load, electricity or current of the ladder is over or the ladder is unstable. The present invention is safe for use and provides a better function for use.
US08669841B2	Semiconductor ceramic composition for NTC thermistors A semiconductor ceramic composition for use as a component of the body of NTC thermistors contains at least manganese and cobalt as main ingredients and both aluminum and titanium as additional ingredients for resistance adjustment by annealing. It becomes easier to adjust the resistance of the composition by annealing when the titanium content is equal to or lower than about 9.2 parts by weight on a TiO2 basis relative to 100 parts by weight of the main ingredients.
US08669838B2	Transformer having assembled bobbins and voltage transformation module having the transformer The present invention provides a transformer having assembled bobbins and a voltage transformation module having the transformer. The transformer includes a base, bobbins, secondary windings and two magnetic cores. The base is provided with a penetration hole. The bobbins are disposed in the base and each has an annular groove, a hollow portion corresponding to the penetration hole, and protrusions formed on a surface of the bobbin. The protrusions form a gap between the two adjacent bobbins when the two adjacent bobbins are assembled with each other. The secondary windings are disposed between the bobbins and each has a through-hole corresponding to the hollow portion. The two magnetic cores penetrate the penetration hole of the base, the hollow portions of the bobbins, and the through-holes of the secondary windings to assemble them together.
US08669836B2	Magnetic trigger mechanism A magnetic trigger mechanism with a yoke with armature opening. The armature is coaxially surrounded by a coil having an excitation coil, which is acted on by a force of a preloaded spring and which remains in a first end position due to magnetic holding force of a permanent magnet when there is no current flowing through the excitation coil. The permanent magnet is arranged at a first end of the armature and the second end position of the armature being achieved by a brief flow of current through the excitation coil together with the accompanying lowering of the magnetic holding force and the spring force. The first end of the armature is guided in the coil body, and the second end position, which faces the armature opening, is guided by a centering ring, the highly permeable centering ring rests against the yoke at the armature opening and can move.
US08669834B2	Substrate integrated waveguide A substrate integrated waveguide (10) comprises a top conductive layer (14) and a bottom conductive layer (15) provided on either sides a substrate (11). At least one wall (12, 13) of conductive material is provided in the substrate (11) to define, together with the top and bottom layers (14, 15), the waveguide. The at least one wall (12, 13) comprise a multitude of thin conductive wires densely arranged close to each other in the substrate (11) and having respective short ends connected to the top and bottom layers (14, 15). The high number of wires per surface unit in the wall (12, 13) effectively prevent significant amount of power leakage through the wall (12, 13) during operation of the substrate integrated waveguide (10).
US08669833B2	Three-dimensional metamaterial having function of allowing and inhibiting propagation of electromagnetic waves In a metamaterial, a dielectric layer includes a host medium and dielectric bodies disposed in rows with predetermined intervals therebetween is sandwiched between a pair of conductive mesh plates each having holes, thereby forming a functional layer including dielectric resonators corresponding to the dielectric bodies. The metamaterial is configured by laminating the functional layers. The holes and the dielectric resonators are positioned coaxially and an electromagnetic wave is propagated in each of the functional layers in a propagation direction perpendicular to a multi-layered laminate surface such that the metamaterial function as a left-handed metamaterial in relation to the propagation direction perpendicular to the multi-layered surface.
US08669827B2	Integrated circulators sharing a continuous circuit The present invention is directed to a circuit assembly that includes an integrated circulator assembly. The circuit assembly has a first substrate, which contains a continuous circuit trace that includes a circulator component from the circulator assembly and at least one electrical component from the circuit assembly. A second substrate is disposed beneath the first substrate and includes a cladding on one surface. The second substrate contains an aperture that accepts a ferrite element, which is axially aligned with the circulator component of the circuit trace. A conductive material is placed across the ferrite element so that it forms a continuous ground plane with the cladding, which is common to the entire circuit trace. The circulator assembly also contains a magnet bonded to the ferrite element. The circulator assembly may also include a yoke disposed below the magnet to shield the circulator from external magnetic fields.
US08669822B2	Resonator A method of manufacturing a MEMS resonator formed from a first material having a first Young's modulus and a first temperature coefficient of the first Young's modulus, and a second material having a second Young's modulus and a second temperature coefficient of the second Young's modulus, a sign of the second temperature coefficient being opposite to a sign of the first temperature coefficient at least within operating conditions of the resonator. The method includes the steps of forming the resonator from the first material; applying the second material to the resonator; and controlling the quantity of the second material applied to the resonator by the geometry of the resonator.
US08669817B2	Self-calibrating relaxation oscillator based clock cycle A technique and corresponding circuitry are presented for a process independent, self-calibrating relaxation based clock source. The technique and circuitry presented here can reduce the time and cost needed for calibration significantly. The relaxation based clock source produces a clock signal whose frequency is dependent upon a trim value. Starting from an initial trim value, the clock signal is generated, its frequency is compared with a reference clock frequency value, and the trim value is correspondingly adjusted up or down a bit at a time. After this process has continued for a while, min-max logic is used to determine the maximum and minimum trim values and, based on these, the final trim value for the clock is set. This calibration process can also be used to extract whether, and by how much, the implementation on silicon of a particular chip lies in the fast or slow process corners.
US08669811B2	Radio-frequency power amplifier with fast envelope tracking A radio-frequency power amplifier with envelope tracking, comprising: a power RF amplifying device for amplifying a RF signal; and a switching DC/DC converter, comprising a switching device and a rectifying device, for providing said power RF amplifying device with a DC power supply at a voltage level proportional to an envelope of said RF signal; wherein said switching device is a RF power transistor; characterized in that said rectifying device, and preferably also said power RF amplifying device, is also a transistor of a same technology, connected as a two-terminal device. Preferably, said power RF amplifying device is also a transistor of said same technology. A low-pass filter can also be provided for reducing the bandwidth of the envelope signal on which the PWM signal driving the DC/DC converter depends.
US08669806B2	Low voltage antifuse programming circuit and method A circuit for programming a fuse is disclosed. The circuit includes a voltage supply terminal (Vp) and a latch circuit comprising a p-channel transistor and an n-channel transistor (208-214). A semiconductor controlled rectifier (206) in the circuit includes at least one terminal of the p-channel transistor. A fuse (200) is coupled between the voltage supply terminal and the semiconductor controlled rectifier. The fuse is programmed in response to the semiconductor controlled rectifier.
US08669802B2	Wide range level shift system A wide range level shift system receives an input signal with a first voltage level and a second voltage level. The wide range level shift system transforms the input signal to an output signal with a third voltage level and a fourth voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is smaller than the second voltage level, the second voltage level is smaller than the third voltage level, and the fourth voltage level is smaller than the first voltage level. The wide range level shift system reduces the number of transistors required, the layout area of the transistors, and the power consumption.
US08669801B2	Analog delay cells for the power supply of an RFID tag A delay circuit for an RFID tag includes a power supply input and a power supply output and one or more delay circuits in cascade connection between the power supply input and the power supply output. A first delay circuit includes a passive circuit, a second delay circuit includes a ramp circuit, and a third delay circuit includes a current mirror circuit.
US08669792B2	Voltage mode driver using pre-emphasis and de-emphasis signals A driver comprises, an input block for receiving one or more data signals and one or more control signals; a data control block for processing the data signals and the control signals to determine one or more modified control signals, wherein the modified control signal is determined as a function of one or more de-emphasis signals, one or more pre-emphasis signals, and the control signals; and a driver block for receiving the modified control signals and generating one or more output data signals.
US08669786B1	Clock phase shift detector A clock phase shift detector circuit may include a phase detector that receives a first and a second clock signal, whereby the phase detector generates a phase signal based on a phase difference between the first and the second clock signal. A first integrator is coupled to the phase detector, receives the phase signal, and generates an integrated phase signal. A second integrator receives the first clock signal and generates an integrated first clock signal. A comparator is coupled to the first and the second integrator, whereby the comparator receives the integrated phase signal and the integrated first clock signal. The comparator may then generate a control signal that detects a change between the phase difference of the first and the second clock signal and an optimized phase difference based on an amplitude comparison between the integrated phase signal and the integrated first clock signal.
US08669785B2	Logic circuits using neuristors Logic circuits using neuristors is described. In an example, a circuit includes a plurality of neuristors each producing an output voltage spike in response to a super-threshold input voltage. A plurality of impedances couple the plurality of neuristors to form at least one input and an output, the output selectively providing an output voltage spike based on a logical operation of at least one input voltage at the at least one input.
US08669777B2	Assessing connection joint coverage between a device and a printed circuit board The present disclosure relates to assessing coverage of a connection joint, such as a solder joint, between a device and a printed circuit board (PCB). In accordance with various embodiments, a PCB includes a conductive thermal pad adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to an exposed pad of a component by an intervening connection joint to establish a thermal path to dissipate thermal energy from the component. An isolated test via that extends through the conductive thermal pad in non-contacting relation thereto, the test via adapted to mechanically and electrically contact said intervening connection joint. A coverage characteristic of the intervening connection joint can be determined in relation to application of an electrical signal to the test via.
US08669776B2	Core circuitry, input and output buffers, and four bypass switches An integrated circuit includes switching circuits for selectively connecting the bond pads to functional core logic and isolating the bond pads from second conductors, and the switch circuits for selectively connecting the bond pads to the second conductors to provide bi-directional connections between the bond pads on opposite sides of the substrate and isolating the bond pads from the functional core logic.
US08669772B2	Obscured feature detector housing A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.
US08669770B2	Selectively actuating wireless, passive implantable sensor A wireless sensor having a primary passive electrical resonant circuit that has an intrinsic electrical property that is variable in response to a characteristic of a patient and a secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In one aspect, the primary passive resonant circuit can be positioned into a tuned position in response to the actuation of the secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In a further aspect, in the tuned position, the primary passive electrical resonant circuit, in response to an energizing signal produced by an ex-vivo source of RF energy, is configured to generate a sensor signal characterized by a resonant frequency that is indicative of the characteristic.
US08669768B2	High-voltage pulse test system The present invention relates to a device for system components of a high-voltage impulse test system, preferably for quality assurance of power transformers. According to the invention, a common base frame having only one main electrode common to the system components is proposed for the spatial collection of the system components.
US08669766B2	Carbon aerogel based electrode for electric field measurements in water The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for detecting electric potential difference in water. A first electrode comprising a first electrode body is configured to be in electrical contact with the water when the device is disposed in the water. A second electrode comprising a second electrode body is configured to be in electrical contact with the water when the device is disposed in the water. An electrical connection exists amongst the first electrode, the second electrode, and a voltage measuring device. At least one of the first electrode body and the second electrode body is formed at least partially of a carbon aerogel material.
US08669764B2	Microfluidic cell and a spin resonance device for use therewith A microfluidic cell comprising: a microfluidic channel (32) for receiving a fluid sample; and a sensor (30) located adjacent the microfluidic channel; wherein the sensor comprises a diamond material comprising one or more quantum spin defects (34). In use, a fluid sample is loaded into the microfluidic cell and the fluid is analyzed via magnetic resonance using the quantum spin defects.
US08669763B2	Multi-axis fluxgate magnetic sensor A ring-shaped first ring-shaped magnetic core, a first excitation coil wound on the first ring-shaped magnetic core, two detection coils wound on the first ring-shaped magnetic core in such a manner that respective input axes of the detection coils are orthogonal to each other, two signal detection/feedback units that detect outputs of the detection coils and feed output signals back to the detection coils, and a first excitation circuit that supplies an excitation current to the first excitation coil are provided, a second ring-shaped magnetic core, a compensation coil wound on the second ring-shaped magnetic core, and a compensation signal generation unit that generates, from an output of a detection coil, a compensation current to be applied to the compensation coil, are further provided, and the second ring-shaped magnetic core and the compensation coil are disposed in positions and directions so that a compensation magnetic field created by the compensation coil cancels interference between magnetic fields generated by two detection coils wound on the first ring-shaped magnetic core.
US08669757B2	Fibre monitoring apparatus and method An electric field sensor comprises an insulating substrate, a plurality of non-contacting electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of conductors coupled to the electrodes, and extending transversely through the substrate. The electrodes comprise a first electrode portion, and a second electrode portion interlaced with the first electrode portion. The conductors comprise a first conductor portion and a second conductor portion. The first portion of the conductors are coupled to the first electrode portion. The second portion of the conductors are coupled to the second electrode portion.
US08669751B2	Power supply controller with input voltage compensation for efficiency and maximum power output A controller for regulating an output of a power supply includes a logic block and an oscillator. The logic block generates the drive signal to control switching of a power switch in response to a clock signal. The clock signal has a frequency that decreases responsive to a time period of the drive signal, where a decrease in the time period of the drive signal represents an increase in an input voltage of the power supply. The oscillator is coupled to generate the clock signal in response to a waveform having an amplitude swing. The oscillator alters the waveform in response to the time period of the drive signal.
US08669749B2	Switching power supply unit A switching power supply unit of a non-insulated, synchronous rectification type converts a voltage input to an input terminal into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage. The unit includes an inductor, a plurality of output switching elements, a plurality of rectifying switching elements, a switching element control circuit, a switching regulator integrated circuit, and a plurality of buffer circuits. The output switching elements, the rectifying switching elements, the switching element control circuit and the buffer circuits are integrated on the switching regulator integrated circuit.
US08669747B2	Constant on-time switching regulator, and control method and on-time calculation circuit therefor The present invention discloses a constant on-time switching regulator, a control method therefor, and an on-time calculation circuit for calculating an on-time period of a constant on-time switching regulator. The on-time calculation circuit calculates on-time according to practical conditions. It includes: a driver gate receiving a gate signal of a power switch in a switching regulator, the driver gate operating between high and low levels of a first reference voltage and ground; a low pass filter receiving an output from the driver gate and generating a second reference voltage, a ratio between the second reference voltage and the first reference voltage being substantially the same as a duty ratio of the gate signal; and an on-time generator comparing the second reference voltage with a ramp signal to determine an on-time of the power switch.
US08669746B2	On-load tap changer comprising semiconductor switching elements The invention relates to an on-load tap changer comprising semiconductor switching elements for uninterrupted switching between winding taps of a tapped transformer. According to the invention, contact bars are provided which extend in the direction of the path of the fixed tap contacts and can be contacted using contact bridges that can be jointly moved by a contact slide in such a way that direct electrical connections to the charge diverter and electrical connections to the inputs and the output of the semiconductor switching elements can be established.
US08669742B2	Battery pack, charging system including the battery pack, and method of controlling the charging system A battery pack, a charging system including the battery pack, and a method of controlling the charging system are disclosed. The battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells and a protection circuit for protecting the battery cells. The protection circuit includes an analog front end (AFE) integrated circuit (IC) and a microcomputer. The AFE IC is for supplying an operating voltage of a microcomputer to the microcomputer and to a charging device. Thus, when the battery pack is charged, an abnormal operation of the AFE IC can be detected by the charging device and the charging of the battery pack stopped, thereby preventing an explosion of the battery pack.
US08669738B1	Power recovery controller The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. Each pulse in the series includes ringing oscillations that includes a main pulse and a group of ringing decaying pulses. The group of ringing decaying pulses includes pulses with gradually smaller amplitudes over time until the pulses completely die out.
US08669735B2	Image display apparatus having function of charging external device and charging method thereof An image display apparatus having a function of charging an external device and a charging method thereof are provide. The image display apparatus includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface which is connected to an external device through a power supply line and a data transmission line, and a main controller which, if the external device is connected, activates one of the power supply line and the data transmission line according to a type of the external device. Accordingly, the image display apparatus controls a USB terminal to selectively perform a charging operation or a data transmission operation.
US08669725B2	Fan control system capable of modulating a rotational speed of a fan and method thereof A fan control system includes a host device including a detecting unit for detecting a component so as to generate a detecting signal. The host device further includes BIOS for storing relationship information between the detecting signal and a rotational speed of a fan and for generating a rotational signal according to the detecting signal and the relationship information. The fan control system further includes a fan device including a fan and a fan driving unit for driving the fan. The fan device further includes a rotational speed modulating unit for controlling the fan driving unit to drive the fan to rotate at a second rotational speed outside a first range when a first rotational speed corresponding to the rotational signal according to the relationship information is within the first range.
US08669721B2	Solid state light source based lighting device and lighting system A lighting device is capable of realizing a stable dimming control in a wide range of light output. The lighting device includes a DC power circuit for providing power to a switching element of the lighting device. A current controller switches the switching element to enable a current to flow from the DC power circuit through a solid state light source and maintain the current from the DC power circuit through the solid state light source current controller at a predetermined current. The current controller includes a first switching controller operable to change a width of an on-pulse provided to the switching element and a second switching controller operable to determine a burst-on time during which the on-pulses determined by the first switching controller are provided to the switching element. The burst-on time is longer than an on-pulse period of the first switching controller.
US08669720B2	Method and apparatus for a switch having a light pipe for combined LED display and light level sensing An electrical wiring device includes a manually adjustable switch, a light emitting diode (LED), a light level sensor, and a microcontroller. The wiring device also optionally includes an occupancy sensor. Light level is sensed through a light pipe and light is emitted by the LED through the same light pipe. When the manually adjustable switch is positioned to energize a load, the LED is deactivated and ambient light level is sensed by light sensors through the light pipe. The ambient light level is compared to a minimum ambient light level to determine if the load will be energized. Alternatively, the LED is deactivated and the ambient light level is sensed through the light pipe when the switch is positioned to de-energize the load. This ambient light level is stored and compared to the minimum ambient light level at a time when the switch is later positioned to energize the load.
US08669717B2	Exterior illumination and emergency signaling system and related methods LEDs that provide street illumination are used to create emergency signals. This facilitates simple retrofitting of existing streetlighting infrastructure. In one embodiment, a streetlight comprises an LED set that itself comprises or consists of a plurality of LEDs collectively producing a white light output. The streetlight also includes a receiver for receiving a signal of an alarm condition, and a controller for (i) disabling the LED set during a daylight period, (ii) maintaining the normal operating mode during a lighting period distinct from the daylight period, and (iii) in response to the alarm condition detected by the receiver, de-activating at least one of the LEDs to produce a non-white (e.g., red or amber) output signaling the alarm condition.
US08669713B2	Method for setting and adjusting light emitted from an adjustable lighting device, adjustable lighting device and light-adjusting circuit thereof A method for setting and adjusting light emitted from an adjustable lighting device is disclosed. The adjustable lighting device includes a timing unit and a non-volatile memory (NVM) module for storing a record data which includes a memory flag changeable between a set state and a reset state, and a plurality of light setting values. In the method, the adjustable lighting device is configured to allow a user to select an illumination state of the light, and to change the memory flag in the record data to the set state and to store the record data with a corresponding one of the light setting values when a elapsed time counted by the timing unit is longer than a predetermined threshold time period.
US08669712B2	Method for data path creation in a modular lighting system It is disclosed a method for operating a lighting system, which lighting system comprises a plurality of lighting modules, each of which comprises at least one communication unit, via which the respective lighting module is adapted to communicate with at least one neighboring lighting module. A control device may be adapted to communicate control signals to at least one of the lighting modules and each of the lighting modules may be adapted to further communicate control signals communicated to the lighting module to a neighboring lighting module. The method comprises assigning a communication unit of each of a plurality of lighting modules to be an active communication unit associated with a minimum control signal path length value with respect to all of the communication units of the lighting module, as measured from the control device to the communication unit, whereby optimal control signal data paths, each data path being adapted to communicate control signals from the control device to a lighting module, may be formed. It is further disclosed a lighting system adapted to perform the method.
US08669707B2	Electronic control gear for operating at least one LED and/or at least one discharge lamp An electronic control gear for operating at least one of at least one LED and at least one discharge lamp is provided. It may include a first terminal for coupling to a phase of an AC voltage supply; a second terminal for coupling to the neutral conductor of the AC voltage supply; a control input for coupling in a control signal of a control apparatus; a first output for coupling to the LED; a second output for coupling to the discharge lamp; a first driver circuit for the LED; a second driver circuit for the discharge lamp; an evaluation apparatus for evaluating the control signal at the control input, the evaluation apparatus comprising a microcontroller, which activates said driver circuits depending on the control signal, wherein a first capacitance is coupled between the second terminal and the control input.
US08669698B2	Wavelength converter and semiconductor light emitting device According to an embodiment, a wavelength converter includes a resin allowing light emitted from a light source to pass through, a plurality of particle-shaped fluorescent substances dispersed in the resin, and fillers dispersed in the resin with a particle diameter smaller than the fluorescent substance. The fluorescent substances absorb the light emitted from the light source and emits fluorescence having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the light emitted from the light source; and a distribution of the fillers has higher density near the fluorescent substance than a density at a middle position between the fluorescent substances adjacent to each other.
US08669686B2	Rotor and method of manufacturing the rotor A rotor of the invention includes a core made of laminated steel sheets and formed with a rotation-transmitting-member mounting end face (a wall surface of a through hole for shaft) extending over a lamination direction and a rotation transmitting member (a shaft) mounted to the rotation-transmitting-member mounting end face of the core. The core is formed with a welding end face (a wall surface of a through hole for welding) extending over the lamination direction and in a position adjacent to a rotation-transmitting-member mounting end face. A welded trace is formed in the welding end face, extending to the rotation transmitting member and over the lamination direction of the core. The invention can easily achieve size reduction and weight reduction of a rotary machine and manufacture a rotor in the reduced number of working processes.
US08669684B2	Winding frame with magmate and stator core with the same The present invention relates to a stator core including at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies each formed by coupling at least two or more unit cores to each other, each unit core consisting of a tooth portion having a coupling slot and a coupling projection formed along both ends thereof and connected to adjacent unit core by means of a connection portion formed at each of both end portions of the tooth portion, wherein the at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies are fitting-connected to each other by means of the coupling slots formed at one side ends thereof and the coupling projections formed at the other side ends thereof to form the stator core having a round shape.
US08669682B2	Synchronous rotating electrical machine with permanent magnets and flux concentration A synchronous rotating electrical machine is disclosed, of the type including a stator (10) and a rotor (11). The rotor is of the flux concentration type and includes a plurality of alternate North and South poles formed from permanent magnets (PM). The magnets are housed in slots (E1) arranged in the magnetic body of the rotor. The rotor includes, for each permanent magnet, a magnetic circuit allowing the circulation of a defluxing magnetic flux. This magnetic circuit has a magnetic reluctance of the defluxing circuit (Rf) determined as a function of an internal magnetic reluctance of the magnet (Ra) such that the ratio (Rf/Ra) of the magnetic reluctance of the defluxing circuit on the internal magnetic reluctance of the magnet (Ra) is within a range of predetermined values guaranteeing the magnet against a risk of demagnetization. This range of predetermined values is from approximately 0.3 to approximately 3 depending on the type of magnet.
US08669679B2	Linear vibrator There is provided a linear vibrator, including: a fixed part providing an interior space having a predetermined size; at least one magnet disposed in the interior space and generating magnetic force; a vibration part including a coil facing the magnet and generating electromagnetic force through interaction with the magnet and a mass body; and an elastic member coupled to the fixed part and the vibration part to mediate vibrations of the vibration part and having a damping increasing portion attached to a predetermined region of a surface thereof.
US08669667B1	Method for generating electricity An electrical generating method is provided that generates electricity when bending of a first flexible plurality of conductors, a second flexible plurality of conductors and a flexible magnetic field source causes movement of the conductors relative to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source.
US08669661B2	Metal line and via formation using hard masks A device includes a dielectric layer, a metal line in the dielectric layer, and a via underlying and connected to the metal line. Two dummy metal patterns are adjacent to the metal line, and are aligned to a straight line. A dummy metal line interconnects the two dummy metal patterns. A width of the dummy metal line is smaller than lengths and widths of the two dummy metal patterns, wherein the width is measure in a direction perpendicular to the straight line. Bottoms of the two dummy metal patterns and the dummy metal line are substantially level with a bottom surface of the metal line.
US08669651B2	Package-on-package structures with reduced bump bridging A device includes a package substrate including a first non-reflowable metal bump extending over a top surface of the package substrate; a die over and bonded to the package substrate; and a package component over the die and bonded to the package substrate. The package component includes a second non-reflowable metal bump extending below a bottom surface of the package component. The package component is selected from the group consisting essentially of a device die, an additional package substrate, and combinations thereof. A solder bump bonds the first non-reflowable metal bump to the second non-reflowable metal bump.
US08669643B2	Wiring board, semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing wiring board A wiring board includes a silicon substrate with a through hole communicating with first and second substrate surfaces. A capacitor includes a capacitor part mounted on an insulating film covering the substrate first surface and including a first electrode on the insulating film, a first dielectric layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the first dielectric layer. A multilayer structure arranged on a wall surface defining the through hole includes the insulating film on the through hole wall surface, a first metal layer on the insulating film formed from the same material as the first electrode, a second dielectric layer on the first metal layer formed from the same material as the first dielectric layer, and a second metal layer on the second dielectric layer formed from the same material as the second electrode. The multilayer structure covers a penetration electrode in the through hole.
US08669626B2	Optical sensor, optical sensor array, optical sensor driving method, and optical sensor array driving method An optical sensor that is a transistor which includes a gate electrode including a semiconductor material where the carrier concentration is 1.0×1014/cm3 to 1.0×1017/cm3, an active layer including a semiconductor layer to form a channel by carriers of the same type as the gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate insulating film, wherein intensity of irradiated light is detected by a change in a value of current flowing between the source electrode and the drain electrode when the light is irradiated onto a depletion layer formed in the gate electrode; an optical sensor array, an optical sensor driving method, and an optical sensor array driving method are provided.
US08669621B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a first insulated gate field effect transistor, a second insulated gate field effect transistor, a bipolar transistor, a first element isolation structure formed on a main surface above a pn junction formed between an emitter region and a base region, a second element isolation structure formed on the main surface above a pn junction formed between the base region and a collector region, and a third element isolation structure formed on the main surface opposite to the second element isolation structure relative to the collector region, in which the semiconductor device further includes a bipolar dummy electrode formed on at least one of the first element isolation structure, the second element isolation structure and the third element isolation structure and having a floating potential.
US08669612B2	Technique for forming the deep doped columns in superjunction A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed and starts with a semiconductor substrate having a heavily doped N region at the bottom main surface and having a lightly doped N region at the top main surface. There are a plurality of trenches in the substrate, with each trench having a first extending portion extending from the top main surface towards the heavily doped region. Each trench has two sidewall surfaces in parallel alignment with each other. A blocking layer is formed on the sidewalls and the bottom of each trench. Then a P type dopant is obliquely implanted into the sidewall surfaces to form P type doped regions. The blocking layer is then removed. The bottom of the trenches is then etched to remove any implanted P type dopants. The implants are diffused and the trenches are filled.
US08669606B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing thereof An embodiment of the invention includes a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate with a trench; a tunnel insulating film covering an inner surface of the trench; a trap layer in contact with the tunnel insulating film on an inner surface of an upper portion of the trench; a top insulating film in contact with the trap layer; a gate electrode embedded in the trench, and in contact with the tunnel insulating film at a lower portion of the trench and in contact with the top insulating film at the upper portion of the trench, in which the trap layer and the top insulating film, in between the lower portion of the trench and the upper portion of the trench, extend and protrude from both sides of the trench so as to be embedded in the gate electrode, and a method for manufacturing thereof.
US08669594B2	Integrated circuit including cross-coupled transistors having gate electrodes formed within at least twelve gate level feature layout channels First and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a semiconductor device. Each diffusion region is electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of cross-coupled transistors are defined to extend over the diffusion regions in only a first parallel direction, with each gate electrode fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. The first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner relative to the first parallel direction, such that no single line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second p-type diffusion regions. At least a portion of the first n-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second n-type diffusion region are formed over a common line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction.
US08669592B2	Compound semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same A compound semiconductor multilayer structure is formed on a Si substrate. The compound semiconductor multilayer structure includes an electrode transit layer, an electrode donor layer formed above the electron transit layer, and a cap layer formed above the electron donor layer. The cap layer contains a first crystal polarized in the same direction as the electron transit layer and the electron donor layer and a second crystal polarized in the direction opposite to the polarization direction of the electron transit layer and the electron donor layer.
US08669564B2	Light emitting device with encapsulated reach-through region A light emitting device (10) comprises an elongate first body (12) of a semiconductor material. A transverse junction (18) is formed in the first body between a first n+-type region (12.1) of the first body and a second p-type region (12.2). A third p+-type region (12.3) is spaced from the first region by the second region. A second body (22) of an isolation material is provided immediately adjacent at least part of the second region to at least partially encapsulate the first body. A terminal arrangement (28) is connected to the first body and is arranged to reverse bias the junction (18) into a breakdown mode. The device is configured such that a depletion region associated with the junction (18) extends through the second region (12.2) and reaches the third region (12.3) before the junction (18) enters the breakdown mode.
US08669561B2	High-voltage semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a first conductivity type semiconductor layer that is formed on the substrate and is made of silicon carbide; an active area formed on a surface of the semiconductor layer; a first semiconductor area of a second conductivity type formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer to surround the active area; a second semiconductor area, provided to adjoin an outer side of the first semiconductor area on the surface of the semiconductor layer and surround the first semiconductor area, in which a second conductivity type impurity area having the same impurity concentration and the same depth as those of the first semiconductor area is formed in a mesh shape; a first electrode provided on the active area; and a second electrode provided on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08669545B2	Light emitting device having sub barrier layers with varying energy bands, light emitting device package and lighting system including the light emitting device package A light emitting device includes an active layer including a quantum barrier and a quantum well, a first conductive type semiconductor layer disposed at one side of the active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer disposed at the other side of the active layer, wherein the first conductive type semiconductor layer or the second conductive type semiconductor layer includes a main barrier layer, and the main barrier layer includes a plurality of sub barrier layers and a basal layer disposed between the plurality of sub barrier layers. The plurality of sub barrier layers includes a first section in which energy band gaps of the plurality of sub barrier layers are increased and a second section in which energy band gaps of the plurality of sub barrier layers are decreased.
US08669544B2	High efficiency broadband semiconductor nanowire devices and methods of fabricating without foreign catalysis Amongst the candidates for very high efficiency solid state light sources and full solar spectrum solar cells are devices based upon InGaN nanowires. Additionally these nanowires typically require heterostructures, quantum dots, etc which all place requirements for these structures to be grown with relatively few defects and in a controllable reproducible manner. Additionally flexibility according to the device design requires that the nanowire at the substrate may be either InN or GaN. According to the invention a method of growing relatively defect free nanowires and associated structures for group IIIA-nitrides is presented without the requirement for foreign metal catalysts and overcoming the non-uniform growth of prior art non-catalyst growth techniques. According to other embodiments of the invention self-organizing dot-within-a-dot nanowire and dot-within-a-dot-within-a-well nanowire structures are presented.
US08669543B2	System and method for generating extreme ultraviolet light, and laser apparatus An extreme ultraviolet light generation system used with a laser apparatus may be provided, and the extreme ultraviolet light generation system may include: a chamber including at least one window for at least one laser beam and a target supply unit for supplying a target material into the chamber; and at least one polarization control unit, provided on a laser beam path, for controlling a polarization state of the at least one laser beam.
US08669541B2	Hadron treatment planning with adequate biological weighting Treatment planning methods are provided that determine the variability of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a beam line and calculate, among other things, what intensity of hadron beam such as a proton or a carbon ion beam should be applied to achieve a desired biological dose at treatment site of a patient afflicted with a medical condition. Typically, three or four RBE values at three or four corresponding spacially-dispersed intervals along the beam line are calculated. In one embodiment, two RBE values for the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) region of the treatment site; one for the proximal section and one for the declining distal section is calculated. A third and different RBE value may be determined for the distal edge region of the SOBP. A fourth value may also be calculated for a pre-SOBP region.
US08669537B2	Charged particle beam writing apparatus and method A charged particle beam writing apparatus and a charged particle beam writing method capable of shortening the time necessary to generate shot data and improving writing throughput. A graphic pattern defined in write data is divided into graphics represented in shot units. The divided graphics are temporarily stored in a memory and are distributed to their corresponding subfield areas while developing position information defined in a state of being compressed to write data. When each pattern is written by multi-pass writing, graphics divided at a first pass are used for distribution to subfield areas after a second pass.
US08669534B2	Electrostatic lens for charged particle radiation Provided is an electrostatic lens for charged particle radiation with a lens performance relatively comparable to that of a magnetic type lens. A plurality of electrodes arranged on the incident side of charged particles form a first electric field area, wherein orbit radii of the charged particles are reduced without exceeding, on the way, the initial orbit radii that are orbit radii at the incident time, and a second electric field area, wherein force in the direction advancing in parallel with a central axis is applied to the charged particles that have passed through the first electric field area. A plurality of electrodes arranged on the projection side form a third electric field area, wherein the orbit radii of the charged particles do not exceed the initial orbit radii on the way and are curved to intersect with a central axis at angles larger than orbit angles defined with respect to the central axis of when the charged particles are projected from the second electric field area.
US08669533B2	Ion induced impact ionization detector and uses thereof Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies relating to an ion induced impact ionization detector and uses thereof. In certain implementations, the detector can include a dielectric layer having one or more wells. An anode layer defining apertures to accommodate the openings of the wells can be disposed on one side of the dielectric layer, and a cathode such as a solid resistive cathode can be disposed on the other side so as to provide an electric field in each of the wells. Various design parameters such as well dimensions and operating parameters such as pressure and high voltage are disclosed. In certain implementations, such an ion detector can be coupled to a low pressure gas volume to detect ionization products such as positive ions. Such a system can be configured to provide single ion counting capability. Various example applications where the ion detector can be implemented are also disclosed.
US08669531B2	Radiographic imaging device, radiographic imaging method, and computer readable medium storing radiographic imaging program A radiographic imaging device includes a plurality of pixels, each having a generation section that generates charges according to irradiated radiation, an accumulation section that accumulates charges generated by the generation section, and a switching element that reads out the charges accumulated in the accumulation section, and that outputs electrical signals corresponding to the charges. The device also includes an amplification section that amplifies the electrical signals output from the switching elements and a setting section that sets an amplification factor of the amplification section corresponding to the charges accumulated during an accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated, based on the electrical signals output from radiation detection pixels during the accumulation period.
US08669517B2	Mass analysis variable exit aperture A method and apparatus is provided for reducing unwanted isotopes of an ion implantation species from an ion beamline. The apparatus herein disclosed is a mass analysis variable exit aperture that selectively reduces the size of an exit aperture as seen by an ion beam. In one embodiment, the variable mass analysis exit aperture is located within a mass analyzer at a position upstream of a resolving aperture and effectively limits the size of an exit aperture so as to allow passage of desired implantation isotope(s) while blocking the passage of unwanted implantation isotopes. In one particular embodiment, the mass analysis variable exit aperture has a mechanical drive mechanism that enables a blocking structure to be moved into the path of an ion beam in a graduated fashion as guided by a control unit that operates based upon one or more characteristics of the ion beam.
US08669515B2	Photoelectric conversion module A photoelectric conversion module includes a transmission side photoelectric conversion part for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal, a transmission side circuit board on which the transmission side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the transmission side circuit board, a reception side photoelectric conversion part for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, a reception side circuit board on which the reception side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the reception side circuit board, and a housing. The transmission side circuit board and the reception side circuit board are placed such that a back surface of the transmission side circuit board is opposite to the housing and a back surface of the reception side circuit board is opposite to the housing.
US08669514B2	Arrangement of sensors in a seed counting apparatus for a planter monitor A counter for seeds in a duct includes a first point source transmitter on a first mounting on one side of the duct spaced outwardly from the duct so as to project light through a front wall and a set of phototransistors in a transverse row carried on a second mounting on a rear wall. The side walls of the duct lie on a triangle with an apex at the light source. The phototransistors are connected in series so that the output current is determined by that phototransistor on which the majority of the shadow from the seed falls. In this way the momentary reduction in current output has a larger amplitude to better distinguish from dust in the duct. The duct is formed by a housing attached to the peripheral wall of the metering device with a seed transport tube attached to the bottom of the housing.
US08669508B2	Sun-tracking system A sun-locating apparatus includes a substrate, a mounting unit, a photo-detecting unit, an optical element and a cover. The mounting unit is provided on the substrate and formed with an upper aperture and a lower aperture in communication with the upper aperture. The photo-detecting unit is located in the lower aperture. The photo-detecting unit includes at least four photodiodes. The optical element is provided on the mounting unit for covering the upper aperture. The cover is provided on the substrate for covering the mounting unit, the photo-detecting unit and the optical element.
US08669494B2	Spa heater system and methods for controlling A spa system comprises an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater comprises a heating element capable of drawing a rated current when switched on to an AC line voltage. An electronic control system is programmed to control the heating element to draw less than the rated current.
US08669492B2	Passenger seat device having occupant detector embedded in seat of automotive vehicle A passenger seat device includes a seat heater embedded in a seat and a detector electrode embedded underneath the seat heater. Electric power is supplied to the seat heater from an on-board battery through seat heater switches. Alternating voltage or current is supplied to the detector electrode. The detector electrode potential relative to the ground is lowered when the seat is occupied by a passenger. The changes in the potential of the detector electrode is detected by an occupant detector including a microcomputer. The detection is performed when the seat heater is brought to a floating state to suppress an amount of capacitance formed between the seat heater and the detector electrode. Thus, a sensitivity of the occupant detector is improved. The detector electrode may be eliminated, and the occupant conditions may be detected based on a potential of the seat heater to which alternating current or voltage is supplied.
US08669491B2	Hard-facing alloys having improved crack resistance Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.
US08669490B2	Method and apparatus for pulse and short circuit arc welding A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.
US08669481B2	Laminated circuit board and board producing method A laminated circuit board includes a first wiring board that has a first land formed on a surface thereof; a second wiring board that has a second land formed on a surface thereof; a bonding layer that is laid between the first wiring board and the second wiring board and electrically connects the first land and the second land via a conducting material; and a plate that has a through-hole through which the first land is connected to the second land, wherein a diameter of the through-hole of the plate is larger than a diameter of a component that is made by filling the conducting material.
US08669477B2	Wiring substrate and method for manufacturing the same A wiring substrate with improved heat dissipation capability and with reduced size is disclosed. The wiring substrate includes a metal core substrate, a buffer layer formed so as to cover at least a part of the metal core substrate and containing a phase change material or a material with an electrocaloric effect, an electronic device mounted on a surface of a base including the metal core substrate and the buffer layer or inside the base, and a thermal via formed between the electronic device and the buffer layer.
US08669475B2	Suspension substrate, suspension, and manufacturing method of suspension substrate A main object of the present invention is to provide a suspension substrate capable of supplying electric power easily to an assisting element fitted thereto. The object is attained by providing a suspension substrate comprising a metal supporting substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting substrate, and a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein the metal supporting substrate has, in a recording element mounting region for mounting a recording element, an opening for arranging and fitting thereinto a heat assisting element, wherein the wiring layer has a heat assisting wiring layer having a terminal section for supplying electric power directly to the heat assisting element.
US08669472B2	Applying compression to busbars in a busway assembly Electrical busway assemblies and methods and devices for applying compressive forces to a busbar stack in an electrical busway assembly are disclosed herein. Electrical busway assemblies for distributing electricity are presented. The busway assembly includes a stack of electrically conductive busbars with one or more duct sides each disposed on a respective side of the busbar stack. Optionally, a duct top and duct bottom can be placed on the stack top and stack bottom, respectively. A surge clamp engages the stack top or stack bottom. A bolt attaches the surge clamp to each duct side. A compression nut threadably engages each bolt. Rotation of a bolt moves the corresponding compression nut, which acts to move the surge clamp along a path that is oblique with the path of the compression nut. The surge clamp, when moved by the compression nut(s), acts to apply a compressive force to the busbar stack.
US08669467B2	Thin absorber layer of a photovoltaic device Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic (PV) device, the PV device generally includes an n-doped layer and a p+-doped layer adjacent to the n-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the p-n layer. The n-doped layer and the p+-doped layer may compose an absorber layer having a thickness less than 500 nm. Such a thin absorber layer may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.
US08669463B2	Method for depositing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film on a substrate and thin-film solar cell A method is provided for depositing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer on a substrate, in which contaminations of the layers of the layer system is reduced through the diffusion of material from the substrate, and whose layer properties in respect to coupling and transmission of light are optimized. For that purpose, a barrier layer, a seed layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer are directly successively deposited on the substrate. Also, a thin-film solar cell is described which comprises such a transparent conductive oxide layer.
US08669456B2	Video export of a digital musical score Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating an animated playback of a musical composition represented as a digital musical score. The methods involve, for each of a series of landmarks in the digital musical score: determining a temporal location of audio playback of the landmark in an audio playback of the composition; generating a video output frame showing a page of the musical score spanning the landmark in an output page format; generating a segment of the animated playback of the composition having a video component showing the video output frame for a duration approximately equal to the difference between temporal locations of audio playback of successive landmarks and an audio component including an audio rendering of a portion of the score between the successive landmarks; and generating the animated playback of the musical composition by concatenating the segments. The score format is optimized for the video aspect ratio.
US08669437B1	Maize variety hybrid X13A464 A novel maize variety designated X13A464 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 X13A464 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13A464 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13A464, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13A464. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13A464.
US08669436B1	Soybean cultivar 4980321658 A soybean cultivar designated 4980321658 is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include the seeds of soybean 4980321658, the plants of soybean 4980321658, to plant parts of soybean 4980321658, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 4980321658 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments of the invention also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 4980321658, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 4980321658, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments of the invention further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 4980321658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08669428B2	Soybean variety A1025977 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1025977. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1025977. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1025977 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1025977 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08669426B1	Soybean variety XB37U12 A novel soybean variety, designated XB37U12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB37U12, cells from soybean variety XB37U12, plants of soybean XB37U12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB37U12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB37U12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB37U12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB37U12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB37U12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB37U12 are further provided.
US08669416B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH971018 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH971018. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH971018, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH971018 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH971018.
US08669412B2	Method and arrangement for manufacturing a laminated structure A method for manufacturing a laminated structure for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad or similar and being defined by a plurality of material layers comprising at least a first layer which is liquid-permeable, a second layer constituting an absorbent core and a third layer, each of the layers being formed of a material having a certain pore radius. The method includes bonding together the material layers by means of at least two ultrasonic welding steps; and providing an ultrasonic welding pattern for each of the welding steps, each of the welding patterns being defined by a plurality of bonding sites. The method includes providing the welding steps for forming generally the entire absorbent article; and selecting the welding patterns in a manner so that at least the entire laminated structure has a multiple pore radius.
US08669399B2	Process for preparing substituted 3-(1-amino-2-methylpentane-3-yl)phenyl compounds A process for the preparation of substituted 3-(1-amino-2-methylpentane-3-yl)phenyl compounds which has advantages over conventional processes with respect to higher conversions and yields, flexibility, a shorter overall route, environmentally acceptable conditions, influence of stereoselectivity such as diastereoselectivity in a targeted manner and at least partial suppression of the formation of undesired side-products and/or undesired stereoisomers, in particular undesired diastereomers.
US08669393B2	Adipic acid compositions Disclosed are compositions of matter comprising an adipic acid product of formula (1) wherein R is independently a salt-forming ion, hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl, and at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of formula (2) wherein R is as defined above and each of R1 is, independently, H, OH, acyloxy or substituted acyloxy provided, however, that at least one of R1 is OH, and formula (3) wherein R is as above defined and R1 is OH, acyloxy or substituted acyloxy. Also disclosed are compositions of matter comprising at least about 99 wt % adipic acid and least two constituents selected from the group consisting of formula (2) and formula (3), above.
US08669385B2	Oxidative cleavage of unsaturated carboxylic acids Provided are processes for the oxidative cleavage of a double bond in an unsaturated carboxylic acid. The process includes contacting the unsaturated carboxylic acid with a mild oxidizing agent and agitating the unsaturated carboxylic acid and the mild oxidizing agent for a time sufficient to cleave a double bond of the unsaturated carboxylic acid and produce a product comprising an aldehyde. The process is typically carried out in a mill, such as a ball, hammer, attrition, or jet mill.
US08669382B2	Method for producing (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor In the presence invention, a (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor is produced in the form of a ring-opened fluorinated compound by reaction of a 1,2-diol with sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in the presence of an organic base and, optionally, a fluoride ion source. The production method of the present invention secures less number of process steps as compared to the conventional production method (shortening of three steps: cyclic sulfurous esterification, oxidation and ring-opening fluorination to one step) and satisfies the requirements for industrial production (high yield and high reproductivity). The thus-obtained (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor is useful as an important intermediate for the synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-methylcytidine with antivirus activity.
US08669381B2	Chromone inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same.
US08669379B2	Microbial production of 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate (3,4-DHBA), 2,3-dihydroxybutyrate (2,3-DHBA) and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate, 2,3-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.
US08669367B2	Method for producing 2-azaadamantane To provide a method whereby a 2-azaadamantane can easily be obtained in good yield.A method for producing a 2-azaadamantane represented by the formula (1), which comprises cyclizing a compound represented by the following formula (2) in the presence of an acid.
US08669347B2	Truncated variant of the mammalian target for rapamycin (MTOR) protein The invention relates to mTORbeta, a splice form of mTOR, nucleic acids encoding mTOR beta, and antibodies against mTOR beta. The invention also relates to methods of producing mTOR beta and methods of screening for an agent that modulates mTOR beta expression and/or activity. The invention further relates to a method of treating a disease associated with aberrant expression of mTOR beta by administration of an agent that alters mTOR activity and/or expression.
US08669342B2	Non-painting and high-gloss polycarbonate resin composition The invention provides a non-painting and high-gloss polycarbonate resin composition. Specifically, the invention provides a polycarbonate resin composition having a superior impact strength, heat-resistance, electric characteristics, weather resistance, and light resistance. In certain embodiments, the resin composition of the invention is obtained by mixing a butadiene-based impact modifier, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or methacrylate-butadiene-styrene and an acryl-based impact modifier in polycarbonate resin, followed by adding an ultraviolet (UV) absorbent to the mixture.
US08669339B2	Polybutadiene, modified polybutadiene, method for producing both, and rubber-reinforced styrene resin composition using same Disclosed are a polybutadiene having a controlled microstructure, a narrow molecular weight distribution, minimal gel content, and a low APHA color, a modified polybutadiene, producing methods for both, and a rubber-reinforced styrene resin composition using the same. The polybutadiene of the present invention is characterized in that the ratio (Tcp/ML1+4) of a 5% toluene melting viscosity (Tcp) measured at 25° C. and the Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. is 2.0 or higher, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) is 2.80 or less, the gel content is 0.06 wt % or less, and the APHA color is 20 or less.
US08669334B2	Olefin gas phase polymerisation The invention is directed to a process for the gas phase polymerization of one or more olefin monomers in a fluidized bed reactor in a dry mode or in a (super) condensed mode with a gas stream comprising an inert gas characterized in that the inert gas comprises a mixture of inert components: (1) nitrogen; (2) a gas heat capacity increasing agent (3) a sorption promoting agent and (4) a polymer swelling agent. The inert gas may comprise (1) 5-60% by mol nitrogen (2) 10-90% by mol ethane (3) 1-50% by mol % n-butane and (4) 0.1-10% by mol % n-pentane or iso-pentane.
US08669326B2	Amine functionalized polyolefin and methods for preparation thereof This invention relates to a process to functionalize polyolefins comprising contacting a transition metal amide catalyst with an amine (preferably a secondary amine), and one or more vinyl terminated materials, preferably one or more vinyl terminated polyolefins. This invention further relates to the amine-functionalized polyolefins produced thereby.
US08669309B1	Poly(phenylene ether) composition and article A composition includes specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether), a specific radial block copolymer, a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)polystyrene triblock copolymer, a specific organophosphate ester, a hydrocarbon resin, and benzoin. The composition exhibits a desirable balance of multiaxial impact strength, light transmittance, and optical clarity, and it can be used to mold a variety of articles including animal cages, ink cartridges, tubes, pipes, and pipe fittings.
US08669303B2	Synthetic composition of marble and method of production A method of producing a synthetic composition having properties of marble includes blending a polymer resin with a stone gravel bit to form a mixture. The method also includes processing the mixture of polymer resin with the stone gravel bit to produce a synthetic marble composition through a polymerization of the mixture that is cast in a casting cell. Further, the method may include preparing a mold to form a casting cell, removing air bubbles from the mixture of polymer resin with the stone gravel bit to enhance a physical property of the synthetic marble material, casting the mixture in the casting cell, polymerizing the cast mixture through an autoclave polymerization of the mixture at a pressure ranging from 1 to 10 atmospheres and a temperature ranging from 50° to 100° C. to prepare the synthetic marble material composition, and curing the synthetic marble sheet in an oven.
US08669295B2	Process for preparing methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins from syngas The present invention provides a process for preparing methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins from syngas, wherein the process comprises the step of contacting syngas with a catalyst under the conditions for converting the syngas into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins, characterized in that, the catalyst contains an amorphous alloy consisting of a first component Al and a second component, said second component being one or more elements or oxides thereof selected from Group IA, IIIA, IVA, VA, IB, IIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, and Lanthanide series of the Periodic Table of Elements, and said second component being different from the first component Al. According to the present process, the syngas can be converted into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins in a high CO conversion, a high selectivity of the target product, and high carbon availability.
US08669294B2	Syngas production through the use of membrane technologies Streams (11) of natural gas contaminated with significant amounts of carbon dioxide can be efficiently and economically processed to create Syngas (16). An available source (1) of flue gas that might otherwise be dispersed into the atmosphere in conjunction with such a CO2-laden natural gas stream (11) renders the process even more economical and efficient through the creation of multiple feedstreams (14, 27, 34) that are combined to deliver a composite near equal mixture of methane and CO2 to a plasma reactor (15) or the like that will generate Syngas. When coupled with a Fischer-Tropsch reactor (40), the overall process provides a particularly efficient and economical process for producing synthetic liquid hydrocarbons.
US08669290B2	Aqueous liquid preparation containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid An aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol type polymer such as tyloxapol, or a polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester such as polyethylene glycol monostearate is stable. Since even in the case where a preservative is incorporated into said aqueous liquid preparation, the preservative exhibits a sufficient preservative effect for a long time, said aqueous liquid preparation in the form of an eye drop is useful for the treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, and postoperative inflammation. Also, the aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention in the form of a nasal drop is useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and inflammatory rhinitis (e.g. chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyp, etc.).
US08669286B2	SARMs and method of use thereof This invention is directed to a feed composition and method of affecting the carcass composition by increasing the lean mass, reducing the fat mass, and/or reducing the percent fat mass comprising SARM compounds.
US08669281B1	Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), wherein: R1 is unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl; La is substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl linker, substituted or unsubstituted C3-C10 carbocycle, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and R2 and R3 are each, independently, H, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted C6-C10 aryl; or alternatively, R2 and R3, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
US08669273B2	Antineoplastic combinations of 4-anilino-3-cyanoquinolines and capecitabine A combination of a 4-anilino-3-cyanoquinoline compound (e.g. HKI-272, SKI-606, EKB-569) and a capecitabine compound in the treatment of a neoplasm is provided. Regimens, kits, and methods for treatment of neoplasm, including breast cancer including metastatic breast cancer, and lung cancer, using this combination, optionally in combination with other anti-neoplastic agents, or immune modulators are also described.
US08669269B2	Imidazopyridine derivatives which inhibit the secretion of gastric acid The present invention relates to substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines of formula I where R is —CH2COOH or —COOH, which inhibits exogenously or endogenously stimulated gastric acid secretion and can be used in the prevention and treatment of gastric acid related diseases and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.
US08669262B2	3,5-diamino-6-chloro-N-(N-(4-(4-(2-(hexyl(2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexyl)amino)ethoxy)phenyl)butyl)carbamimidoyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide The present invention relates to the compound of the formula: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as compositions containing the same, processes for the preparation of the same, and therapeutic methods of use therefore in promoting hydration of mucosal surfaces and the treatment of diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, acute and chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
US08669254B2	Pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine or pyrazine carboxamides as HDL-cholesterol raising agents The present invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein A1 to A3 and R1 to R9 are defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which can be treated with HDL-cholesterol raising agents, such as particularly dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
US08669247B2	2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamide CCR3 antagonists Provided herein are 2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamides that are useful for modulating CCR3 activity, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.
US08669246B2	Substituted amide compound A substituted amide compound is useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition, in particular a pharmaceutical composition for treating diseases caused by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The compound is of a formula: In this formula, A is an optionally substituted aryl, etc.; B is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic hetero ring group; X is a single bond or —(CRX1RX2)n—; n is 1, 2, 3, or 4; RX1 and RX2 are hydrogen, etc.; Y1 to Y5 are each CRY or N; each RY is hydrogen, etc.; R1 and R2 are hydrogen, etc.; m is 1, 2, or 3; R3 is hydrogen, etc.; and R4 is an optionally substituted lower alkyl, etc.
US08669245B2	Compositions and methods for lowering triglycerides without raising LDL-C levels in a subject on concomitant statin therapy In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related diseases in subject in need thereof.
US08669239B2	Methods of inhibiting tumor cell aggressiveness using the microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated factors from a microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), including, but not limited to, Lefty and inhibitors of Nodal. The invention also provides methods of utilizing factors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and their microenvironment to treat and prevent tumor formation and progression and to inhibit tumor cell aggressiveness. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting tumor cell growth and/or treating aggressive tumors in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal, having at least one tumor cell present in its body, an effective amount of an inhibitor of Nodal activity.
US08669238B2	Use of Kif13A and AP-1 inhibitors for inhibiting melanogenesis The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions comprising at least one inhibitor of a sub-unit of AP-1 adaptor complex, of a kinesin interacting with AP-1, in particular Kif13A, or of the interaction between a sub-unit of AP-1 adaptor complex and said kinesin, as well as the use of same to manufacture a drug intended for the treatment of pigmentary disorders and as a depigmentation agent.
US08669237B2	Biodegradable immunomodulatory formulations and methods for use thereof The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a biodegradable microcarrier or nanocarrier.
US08669235B2	Modulation of innate immunity receptors' signaling by microRNAs miR-146a and miR-146b The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-146 plays a role modulating the innate immune response. Innate immunity receptor signaling can be modulated by delivery of microRNA-146 (miR-146) or antisense miR-146 to target immune cells. In some embodiments, IL-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression levels are downregulated in a target cell by administering a miR-146 oligonucleotide. Modulation of the innate immune system through miR-146 can be used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders associated with activation of the innate immune system, such as sepsis and Crohn's disease.
US08669222B2	Low VOC composition for releasing adherent deposits from a nonporous surface Compositions and methods for release of adherent deposits from nonporous surfaces and substrates are provided. The compositions are low volatile organic compound (low VOC) compositions, solutions or mixtures that can be applied in a form that clings to the underlying surface while it is working. Adherent deposits removed using the compositions include grease and oil, and printers ink. The compositions may be used on any nonporous surface or substrate including metals, ceramics and plastics, without harming the surface or substrate. The composition may contain a thixotropic agent to act as an anti-shearing agent.
US08669209B2	Process for preparing soluble granules of salts of pyridine containing carboxylic acids Soluble granule formulations of amine salts of pyridine containing carboxylic acids with improved handling properties are provided by an improved process in which the pyridine containing carboxylic acid is partially neutralized with an amine.
US08669205B2	Composition and method for controlling plant diseases The present invention provides: a composition for controlling plant diseases comprising, as active ingredients, 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and tolclofos-methyl; a method for controlling plant diseases which comprises applying effective amounts of 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl) amino]-butyric acid and tolclofos-methyl to a plant or soil for growing plant; and so on.
US08669198B2	Basic refractories composition containing magnesium orthotitanate and calcium titanate, process for its production and uses thereof The present invention relates to a basic-refractory composition containing magnesium orthotitanate (Mg2TiO4) and calcium titanate (CaTiO3) suitable for use in rotating kilns for the production of Portland cement or lime.
US08669195B2	Electrical components and circuits constructed as textiles Electrical components are formed in a fabric during the weaving process by a series of crossing conductors in the warp and weft fibers of the fabric. Some of the crossing points provide permanent Separation of the crossing conductors, others permanent connection of the crossing conductors and others connection upon the application of pressure to the fabric. The structure provides the possibility of forming a greater range of components and more reliable component characteristics than heretofore possible.
US08669191B2	Method for forming Ni film A method for the formation of an Ni film is herein disclosed, which comprises the steps of maintaining the temperature of an Si substrate at a desired level in a vacuum chamber; introducing, into the vacuum chamber, a nickel alkylamidinate (in this organometal compound, the alkyl group is a member selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl group and a propyl group), H2 gas and NH3 gas; and then forming an Ni film according to the CVD technique, wherein the film-forming temperature is set at a level between higher than 280° C. and not higher than 350° C.
US08669189B2	Method for treating a semiconductor wafer Disclosed is a method for treating semiconductor wafer including: providing a layer that contains lanthanum oxide or a lanthanide oxide (e.g. Dy2O3, Pr2O3, Ce2O3) applying an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution is carbonated water, whereby the layer that contains lanthanum oxide or a lanthanide oxide is removed at specific areas, so that the surface, on which the layer that contains lanthanum oxide or a lanthanide oxide has been deposited, is exposed.
US08669177B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes an insulation film formed above a semiconductor substrate, a conductor containing Cu formed in the insulation film, and a layer film formed between the insulation film and the conductor and formed of a first metal film containing Ti and a second metal film different from the first metal film, a layer containing Ti and Si is formed on the surface of the conductor.
US08669176B1	BEOL integration scheme for copper CMP to prevent dendrite formation Disclosed herein are various methods of forming copper-based conductive structures on integrated circuit devices by performing a copper deposition process to fill the trench or via with copper, which can be performed by fill, plating or electroless deposition. Copper clearing of copper overburden is performed using CMP to stop on an existing liner. Copper in the trenches or vias is recessed by controlled etch. An Nblok cap layer is deposited to cap the trenches or vias so that copper is not exposed to ILD. Nblok overburden and adjacent liner is then removed by CMP. Nblok cap layer is then deposited. The proposed approach is an alternative CMP integration scheme that will eliminate the exposure of copper to ILD during CMP, will prevent any dendrite formation, can be used for all metal layers in BEOL stack, and can be utilized for multiple layers, as necessary, whenever copper CMP is desired.
US08669175B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing of the semiconductor device A semiconductor device. In one embodiment the device includes a carrier. A first material is deposited on the carrier. The first material has an elastic modulus of less than 100 MPa. A semiconductor chip is placed over the first material. A second material is deposited on the semiconductor chip, the second material being electrically insulating. A metal layer is placed over the second material.
US08669170B2	Methods of reducing gate leakage Disclosed herein are various methods of reducing gate leakage in semiconductor devices such as transistors. In one example, a method disclosed herein includes performing an etching process to define a gate insulation layer of a transistor, wherein the gate insulation layer has an etched edge, performing an angled ion implantation process to implant ions into the gate insulation layer proximate the etched edge of the gate insulation layer and, after performing the angled ion implantation process, performing an anneal process.
US08669167B1	Techniques for metal gate workfunction engineering to enable multiple threshold voltage FINFET devices Techniques are provided for gate work function engineering in FIN FET devices using a work function setting material an amount of which is provided proportional to fin pitch. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a FIN FET device includes the following steps. A SOI wafer having a SOI layer over a BOX is provided. An oxide layer is formed over the SOI layer. A plurality of fins is patterned in the SOI layer and the oxide layer. An interfacial oxide is formed on the fins. A conformal gate dielectric layer, a conformal gate metal layer and a conformal work function setting material layer are deposited on the fins. A volume of the conformal gate metal layer and a volume of the conformal work function setting material layer deposited over the fins is proportional to a pitch of the fins. A FIN FET device is also provided.
US08669162B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes: forming a plurality of semiconductor layers located at a distance from one another on a first insulating film; forming a gate insulating film that covers both side faces and an upper face of each of the semiconductor layers; forming a gate electrode of a polysilicon film to cover the gate insulating film of each of the semiconductor layers; forming a second insulating film on an entire surface; exposing an upper face of the gate electrode by performing selective etching on a portion of the second insulating film; siliciding the gate electrode; and forming a stress applying film that applies a stress in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of each of the semiconductor layers and parallel to an upper face of the first insulating film.
US08669152B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a mask is formed on a substrate. The substrate is divided into a first region and a second region. An upper portion of the substrate in the first region is partially removed using the mask as an etching mask to form a recess. A first gate structure is formed in the recess. A portion of the mask in the first region is removed. A blocking layer pattern is formed on the substrate in the first region over the first gate structure.
US08669150B2	Semiconductor device with reliable high-voltage gate oxide and method of manufacture thereof A semiconductor device including a capacitor and a proximate high-voltage gate having a boron-barrier layer that ideally serves as part of both the capacitor dielectric and the (high voltage) HV gate oxide. The boron-barrier layer is preferably formed over a poly oxide layer that is in turn deposited on a substrate infused to create a neighboring wells, and N-well over which the capacitor will be formed, and P-well to be overlaid by the HV gate. The boron-barrier helps to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of boron diffusion from the P-well during TEOS deposition of the gate oxide material.
US08669149B2	Semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof A method for fabrication of a semiconductor device is provided. A first type doped body region is formed in a first type substrate. A first type heavily-doped region is formed in the first type doped body region. A second type well region and second type bar regions are formed in the first type substrate with the second type bar regions between the second type well region and the first type doped body region. The first type doped body region, the second type well region, and each of the second type bar regions are separated from each other by the first type substrate. The second type bar regions are inter-diffused to form a second type continuous region adjoining the second type well region. A second type heavily-doped region is formed in the second type well region.
US08669146B2	Semiconductor structures with thinned junctions and methods of manufacture A method of forming a semiconductor structure, including forming a channel in a first portion of a semiconductor layer and forming a doped extension region in a second portion of the semiconductor layer abutting the channel on a first side and abutting an insulator material on a bottom side. The first portion of the semiconductor layer is thicker than the second portion of the semiconductor layer.
US08669145B2	Method and structure for strained FinFET devices A method (and structure) of forming an electronic device includes forming at least one localized stressor region within the device.
US08669127B2	Method for manufacturing an organic light emitting diode display Making an OLED display, includes forming a first storage plate and a gate insulating layer covering the first storage plate on a substrate; sequentially forming a second storage plate covering the first storage plate and a capacitor intermediate on the gate insulating layer; forming a first doping region by injecting an impurity to a part that is not covered by the capacitor intermediate in the first storage plate; forming an interlayer insulating layer having a capacitor opening exposing the capacitor intermediate, and a plurality of erosion preventing layers on an edge of the capacitor intermediate toward the first doping region in the capacitor opening; removing the capacitor intermediate including the erosion preventing layer and a lower region of the erosion preventing layer, and injecting an impurity in the first storage plate through the second storage plate to form a second doping region contacting the first doping region.
US08669125B2	Nanowire LED structure and method for manufacturing the same A light emitting diode (LED) structure includes a plurality of devices arranged side by side on a support layer. Each device includes a first conductivity type semiconductor nanowire core and an enclosing second conductivity type semiconductor shell for forming a pn or pin junction that in operation provides an active region for light generation. A first electrode layer extends over the plurality of devices and is in electrical contact with at least a top portion of the devices to connect to the shell. The first electrode layer is at least partly air-bridged between the devices.
US08669121B2	Method for forming polarization reversal A method for forming a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal in a desired region of a ferroelectric substrate includes the steps of forming, for the desired region of the surface of the ferroelectric substrate, an electrode pattern or a mask pattern composed of aggregates of micropatterns, and then applying a given voltage into the desired region. The configuration of the micropatterns can be a stripe-shaped pattern, an ellipse-shaped pattern, a hexagon-shaped pattern, a network pattern, or a double cross shaped pattern. The method can further include the steps of generating many nucleuses by using the electrode pattern or the mask pattern composed of the aggregates of micropatterns, forming another electrode pattern or another mask pattern corresponding to the desired region, and then applying a given voltage into the desired region to generate a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal around the nucleuses.
US08669118B2	Methods and systems for collecting cells of a biological specimen Methods and systems for collecting cells on a filter disposed in a specimen fluid containing suspended cells of a biological specimen. A short vacuum pulse is applied across a filter to sip specimen fluid. A percentage or portion of the filter surface area covered by cells is determined is representative of or correlates to the density of cells in the specimen fluid. A maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration are determined utilizing the determined filter coverage. A longer, continuous vacuum or slurp is applied across the filter to collect cells on the filter while limiting the amplitude and/or duration of the slurp based at least in part upon the determined maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration.
US08669116B2	Detection and quantification of modified proteins The invention provides a method detecting and quantifying proteins by mass spectrophotometric analysis using peptide internal standards and provides a highly sensitive way of detecting protein modifications. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for determining a site of ubiquitination in a polypeptide and for evaluating ubiquitination targets in a population of polypeptides. In this way, a proteome ubiquitination map can be obtained which comprises information relating to the ubiquitination states of a plurality of cellular polypeptides. Maps can be obtained for a variety of different types of cells and cell states. For example, ubiquitination targets in normal and diseased cells can be evaluated. Preferably, the map is stored as data files in a database. Individual ubiquitinated polypeptides identified can be used to generate molecular probes diagnostic of a cell state and/or can serve as targets for agents that modulate one or more cellular processes.
US08669108B2	Gene expression control in plants The invention provides the isolated promoter polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and fragments and variants thereof. The invention also provides constructs, plant cells and plants genetically modified to contain the promoter polynucleotide. The invention also provides methods for producing plants with altered gene expression and traits via genetic transformation of plants with the promoter polynucleotides.
US08669104B1	Agents and method for treating inflammation-related conditions and diseases Gene-modified, inflammation-specific monocytes that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme when the monocytes transdifferentiate into gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages. Gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene. A method for treating one or more than one inflammation-related condition or disease, the method comprising administering gene-modified, inflammation-specific monocytes that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme when the monocytes transdifferentiate into gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages.
US08669103B2	Oplophorus-derived luciferases, novel coelenterazine substrates, and methods of use An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.
US08669096B2	System and method for isolation of samples Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.
US08669081B2	Compositions useful as inhibitors of protein kinases The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US08669079B2	Methods for genetic analysis of textiles made of Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum cotton Methods for distinguishing between cotton species by analyzing a sample of mature cotton fibers from raw cotton materials or from textile goods are disclosed. DNA is extracted from the mature cotton fiber sample and subjected to PCR techniques which enable the identification of the species of cotton utilized in the textile or cotton material of interest.
US08669073B2	Compositions of orthogonal lysyl-tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs and uses thereof Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal lysyl-tRNAs, orthogonal lysyl-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of lysyl-tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate homoglutamines into proteins are provided in response to a four base codon. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with homoglutamines using these orthogonal pairs.
US08669071B2	Method for estimating the number of microorganisms in a sample and device for implementing said method A method for counting microorganisms present in a biological sample in contact with a culture medium adapted to the growth of said microorganisms, Number NSA of microorganisms present in the sample is determined at a prior stage, Number NSU of microorganisms present at a subsequent stage is calculated according to number NSA. The calculation is based on a model of microorganism growth in the culture medium according to: log(NSU)=α×log(NSA)−β×log(CSA)+γ, where log is the decimal logarithm, NSU is the calculated number of microorganisms, NSA is the number of microorganisms at the prior stage, CSA is the number of microorganisms at the prior stage divided by the volume of the sample, and α, β, and γ are determined parameters depending on the microorganisms, the culture medium, and the time period separating the subsequent stage from the prior stage, α and β being positive.
US08669069B2	Procurement extraction bag There is disclosed a method of procuring allograft tissue. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting an allograft through an opening into a procurement extraction container, sealing the opening, adding extraction fluid through a second opening, agitating the fluid, collecting the fluid for detection of contamination, and sealing the second opening. There is disclosed a procurement extraction container. In one embodiment, the container includes a wall defining an interior to receive the allograft, an opening into the interior, sized to receive the allograft, a closure device for the opening, the closure device providing a hermetic seal, a second opening providing a second passageway into the interior, the second opening having a connector interface and a second closure device providing a hermetic seal so as to provide, with the first closure and the at least one wall, a sterile barrier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08669065B1	Methods for identifying molecules that modulate lipid binding sites of ion channels A method for identifying molecules that selectively bind to a lipid binding site of a native integral membrane bound protein, includes (i) providing a solubilized integral membrane protein in a detergent micelle and having a native folding conformation; (ii) providing a soluble lipid analog that binds to the integral membrane protein at the native lipid binding site and causes a change in fluorescence of a fluorophore when bound as compared to unbound; and (iii) screening the solubilized integral membrane protein for binding to a plurality of compounds.
US08669045B2	Method for inactivating viruses with slightly acidic arginine The present invention provides a method for conveniently producing a protein formulation in which viruses are inactivated, without impairing the quality of the obtained protein formulation, characterized by including the step of exposing the protein formulation contaminated with the viruses to a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5. The present invention also provides a virus inactivation method characterized by including the step of contacting a virus-containing object with a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5.
US08669038B2	Polyimide-based polymers, copolymers thereof and positive type photoresist compositions comprising the same Polyimide-based polymers and copolymers thereof are provided. Further provided is a positive type photoresist composition comprising at least one of the polyimide-based polymers and copolymers thereof as a binder resin. The photoresist composition exhibits high resolution, high sensitivity, excellent film characteristics and improved mechanical properties, which are required for the formation of semiconductor buffer coatings.
US08669030B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, and image forming method and apparatus using the same A photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer which is located overlying the electroconductive substrate and which is not radically crosslinked; and an outermost layer which is located overlying the photosensitive layer and which includes a radically crosslinked material, wherein the radically crosslinked material includes a unit having a specific formula. An image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge, which use the photoreceptor.
US08669028B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method for producing electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge An electrophotographic photoreceptor is provided, which includes: a substrate; a photosensitive layer; and a surface protective layer, in this order, in which the protective layer contains a crosslinked product of a curable charge transporting material in a content of from about 90 to 98% by weight, and fluorinated resin particles in a content of from about 2 to 10% by weight, and the protective layer satisfies Formula (1): 0.5≦b/a≦1, wherein, “a” represents a ratio of fluorine atoms to the sum of carbon atoms, oxygen atoms, and fluorine atoms present in a region of the protective layer ranging from the photosensitive layer side surface thereof to a point corresponding to about ⅔ of the thickness thereof, and “b” represents the ratio in a region of the protective layer ranging from the outer surface thereof to a point corresponding to about ⅓ of the thickness thereof.
US08669024B2	Method of fabricating color filter substrate and infrared heating apparatus for the same A method of fabricating a color filter substrate and an infrared heating apparatus for the same are provided. A post-baking process is replaced with an infrared irradiation method with a rapid thermal transfer characteristic. Therefore, the yield and production efficiency can be improved. The method of fabricating a color filter substrate includes coating a color resist layer on an entire surface of a substrate, placing a mask on the substrate and exposing the substrate, developing the exposed color resist layer to form a color filter pattern, and curing the color filter pattern by irradiating the substrate with infrared rays.
US08669023B2	Method for optical proximity correction of a reticle to be manufactured using shaped beam lithography In the field of semiconductor production using shaped charged particle beam lithography, a method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction is disclosed, wherein a series of curvilinear character projection shots are determined for a charged particle beam writer system, such that the set of shots can form a continuous track, possibly of varying width, on a surface. A method for forming a continuous track on a surface using a series of curvilinear character projection shots is also disclosed. Methods for manufacturing a reticle and for manufacturing a substrate such as a silicon wafer by forming a continuous track on a surface using a series of curvilinear character projection shots is also disclosed.
US08669021B2	Electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, a refreshing system for it and an emulsion to be used therefore The invention relates to an electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, including a bicontinuous micro-emulsion, wherein catalytic parts are generated in-situ in a fluid, which can act as a cathode as well as an anode. The electrode compartment comprises a connection to supply fuel or an oxidator, for example oxygen, to the compartment. The electrode compartment is part of a refreshing system with a reserve container for an emulsion and a storage container for used emulsion, conduits to connect each of the containers with the electrode compartment and a transport unit, for example a pump, to move the emulsion.
US08669018B2	Apparatus and method for generating virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack, which monitors in real time the deviation and deterioration of a plurality of cells in a fuel cell stack during operation, and expresses the results as a chord or different sounds, thus allowing a driver to easily recognize the operating state of the fuel cell stack.
US08669012B2	Anode and battery A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode includes: an anode active material layer including an anode active material on an anode current collector, the anode active material including silicon (Si) and having a plurality of pores, in which after electrode reaction, the volumetric capacity of a pore group with a diameter ranging from 3 nm to 200 nm both inclusive per unit weight of silicon is 0.3 cm3/g or less, and the rate of change in the amount of mercury intruded into the plurality of pores is distributed so as to have a peak in a diameter range from 200 nm to 15000 nm both inclusive, the rate of change in the amount of mercury intruded being measured by mercury porosimetry.
US08669005B2	Connection structure for connecting a tab of a battery cell with a cover board A connection structure for connecting a tab of a cell with a cover board comprising a tab and a cover board is provided. An insulating spacer and an elastic conductive ring are provided at an end of the cell. The tab passes through an orifice of the insulting spacer and then is electrically connected with the elastic conductive ring which is electrically connected with the cover board. An elastic pressing disc may be further provided on the elastic conductive ring. The elastic conductive ring is electrically connected with the cover board via the elastic pressing disc. A staple may be further provided on the elastic pressing disc and the elastic conductive ring. The staple has a slot on one end for matching with an elastic hook provided on the insulating spacer.
US08669004B2	Battery pack According to an embodiment, a battery pack includes a battery cell, a circuit module, and a cover. The circuit module is coupled to the battery cell by lead plates. Terminals are disposed on a top surface of the circuit module. The cover is coupled to the circuit module and the battery cell and exposes the terminals to an exterior environment. At least one support plate is disposed between the circuit module and the battery cell. Thus, the support plate prevents the circuit module of the battery pack from being bent.
US08668991B2	Curable resins for LED encapsulation The present invention relates to a curable organopolysiloxane composition, which comprises: (A) an organocyclosiloxane having alkenyl groups, represented by the following formula (I) wherein n=3 or 4; (B) a hydrosilicone resin of formula (II) (R1R2R3SiO1/2)M.(R4R5SiO2/2)D.(R6SiO3/2)T.(SiO4/2)Q (II) wherein R1 to R5 are identical or different groups selected from organic groups and hydrogen atom, and at least one of R1 to R5 is a hydrogen atom directly bonded to a silicon atom, and on average at least two hydrogen atoms directly bonded to silicon atoms are contained in one hydrosilicone resin molecule, R6 is an organic group identical to or different from R1 to R5, as organic groups R1 to R6 may independently be linear/branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 1-20 carbon atoms or halides thereof; cycloalkyl groups or cycloalkenyl groups having 5-25 carbon atoms or halides thereof; M, T and Q each represents a number ranging from 0 to less than 1, 00; and (C) platinum-based catalysts.
US08668978B2	Multi-biomarker biosensor Nanosubstrates as biosensors, methods of making such nanosubstrates, and methods of using such nanosubstrates to detect biomarkers are described.
US08668977B2	Support structures and methods A support structure includes a first layer of foam material and a second layer of elastomeric gel material. In accordance with one example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of channels with the second layer of elastomeric gel material disposed within the plurality of channels. In accordance with another example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions and a network of channels surrounding at least one of the plurality of protrusions with the second layer of elastomeric gel material disposed within the network of channels. A third layer extends over the first support surface of the protrusions and the second support surface of the second layer of gel material. In accordance with yet another example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions extending through corresponding Shapertures of the second layer. In accordance with further examples, methods of making a support structure with a first layer of foam material and a second layer of elastomeric gel material are provided.
US08668975B2	Fabric with discrete elastic and plastic regions and method for making same An in situ compositionally modulated meltspun fabric and method for making the same. The meltspun fabric has at least one layer comprising a plurality of discrete regions of fiber. At least two discrete regions of fiber are inelastic or extensible and at least one discrete region of fiber is elastic or extensible. The layer is compositionally modulated in the cross direction.
US08668966B2	Printing method A method for producing printed articles that encompasses providing a first ink composition that contains metal oxide particles with an average particle size in the range of about 3 to about 300 nm; providing a second ink composition that contains colored pigments dispersed in an ink vehicle; providing a printable media having a bottom supporting substrate and an ink-absorbing layer with pore diameters that are smaller than the size of the metal oxide pigment particles and colored pigments; and sequentially applying, on the same print area, the first and the second ink compositions onto said printable media. Also disclosed herein are the printed articles obtained according to the present method.
US08668965B2	Printed article with metallic appearance A printed article with metallic appearance that includes a printable media on which a printed feature is formed with an ink composition. Said ink composition contains a dispersion of metal or metal oxide particles having an average particle size in the range of about 3 to about 180 nm. The media is a textured printable media containing a supporting substrate and an ink-absorbing layer with pore diameters that are smaller than the size of the metal or metal oxide particles. Said ink composition forms, onto the textured printable media, a printed feature that exhibits a metallic appearance.
US08668958B2	Mascara applicator brush having germicidal properties, and production method thereof A mascara applicator brush is provided, including polymer bristles which are coated with a germicidal composition. The aforementioned composition is made from a mixture based on at least one large cation and at least one large anion, in which one or both develop germicidal properties.
US08668956B2	Vapor deposition particle emitting device, vapor deposition apparatus, vapor deposition method A vapor deposition particle injection device (30) includes a vapor deposition particle generating section (41), at least one nozzle stage made of an intermediate nozzle section (51), a vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61), and heat exchangers (43, 63, 53). The vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61) is controlled so as to be at a temperature lower than a temperature at which a vapor deposition material turns into gas. Meanwhile, the intermediate nozzle section (51) is controlled by the heat exchanger (53) so as to be at a temperature between a temperature of the vapor deposition particle generating section (41) and a temperature of the vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61).
US08668953B1	Annealing process for electroless coated disks for high temperature applications A method of manufacturing a disk for a magnetic storage device is provided. The method comprises electroless plating a coating layer over a substrate to produce the disk, the coating layer forming an exterior surface of coating over the substrate, and annealing the coating layer using a heating source, wherein heat radiating from the heating source is directionally focused onto the exterior surface before the exterior surface is polished.
US08668951B2	Liquid material arrangement method, color filter manufacturing method, and organic EL display device manufacturing method A liquid material arrangement method is a method for arranging a liquid material in a plurality of prescribed regions on a substrate by discharging the liquid material as a droplet from a nozzle. The liquid material arrangement method includes: performing a discharge information acquiring step for acquiring discharge information of the nozzle including a landing position and a discharge quantity of the droplet discharged from the nozzle by a nozzle check; performing a second pattern generating step for generating a second dot pattern, which is an arrangement pattern for arranging a prescribed number of droplets, by selecting at least one non-discharge dot from a first dot pattern, which is an arrangement pattern for arranging more droplets than the prescribed number of droplets, based on the discharge information; and performing a liquid material arranging step for arranging the liquid material in the prescribed regions based on the second dot pattern.
US08668946B2	Solid product comprising oil-droplets The present invention concerns a solid product comprising oil-droplets having a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 100 microns, cross-linked proteins at the interface of said droplets and any polar, low molecular compound in between the cross-linked protein interfaces.
US08668937B2	Topical nitric oxide systems and methods of use thereof The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transdermal drug delivery. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including treating erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction, treating wounds, or causing or promoting hair growth. For example, in one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to compositions for delivery of nitric oxide, transdermally and/or to a mucosal surface. The composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto the penis, vulva, or other suitable portion of the skin. The composition can also be applied to a mucosal surface in some instances. In some embodiments, a composition comprising nitric oxide is unexpectedly stable and can be stored long-term. Thus, for example, a composition of the invention may exhibit a long shelf life, with little loss or reaction of nitric oxide. This may be particularly useful for certain applications such as consumer products, including those described herein. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US08668933B2	Polyion complex of double-stranded ribonucleic acid Provided are a delivery system that is useful in delivering a double-stranded ribonucleic acid that functions in gene silencing in glomeruli, particularly in mesangial cells and the like, to the tissue or cells, and the like. A polyion complex in the form of a non-polymeric micelle consisting of a double-stranded ribonucleic acid and a block copolymer represented by the formula (I) or (II) below, which are electrostatically bound together, wherein the polyion complex has an average particle diameter of less than 100 nm as measured by a dynamic light scattering measuring method: wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.
US08668929B2	Gastric retentive extended-release dosage forms comprising combinations of a non-opioid analgesic and an opioid analgesic Compositions and methods for the treatment of pain in a mammal are described. More specifically, a dosage form designed for release of acetaminophen and an opioid is described, wherein the dosage form provides delivery of the drugs to the upper gastrointestinal tract (“GI”) of a mammal for an extended period of time.
US08668925B2	Transdermal delivery of hormones without the need of penetration enhancers The present invention relates to a patch comprising a drug-containing layer with low content of hormones, such as gestodene, and optionally an estrogen (e.g. ethinyl estradiol). Upon administering the patch to a woman, plasma levels of at least 1.0 ng/ml of Gestodene is achieved at steady state conditions without the need of incorporating penetration enhancers or permeation enhancers in the drug-containing layer. Satisfactorily plasma levels of the hormones is also achieved throughout a period of at least 1 week, making the patch applicable for being used in female contraception with the concept of administering the patch ones weekly.
US08668923B2	Filmy compositions Washing with conventional filmy soaps cannot bring about clean detergent effect because of the remaining sliminess due to the ingredient essential for forming soap into films. Further, when moisture adheres to conventional filmy compositions, the water-soluble polymer or other ingredients contained in the compositions dissolve in the moisture to cause the blocking of filmy compositions, which makes it impossible to take out the filmy compositions one by one. Detergent effect without sliminess and the antiblocking of filmy compositions can be attained by incorporating a granular component into a filmy composition containing a water-soluble polymer. The filmy compositions of the invention are used as filmy facial masks, whitening masks, sheet soap, cleansing sheets, sheet shampoos, sheet rinses, sheet bath additives, and so on.
US08668920B2	Method, device, and system for delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye A method, device, and system for easier, consistent, and comfortable delivery of therapeutic agents to the front of the eye.
US08668918B2	Bisurea gelling agents and compositions Bisurea gelling agents that impart a number of unexpected benefits within various gelled formulations and exhibit great versatility in terms of gelling capabilities for many types of solvents are provided. Such gelling agents should include pendant groups, such as sterically hindering alkyl groups attached to polyoxyalkylenated moieties that allow the gelling agent to be compatible with the target liquid system at elevated temperatures, while controlling and/or limiting the network formation and strength during the cooling cycle. Alternatively, novel gelling agents having two urea groups but that are asymmetrical in configuration have been produced in order to provide the same control in temperature, compatibility, and efficiency. Final gelled formulations, such as antiperspirant sticks and other like consumer items, are provided as well within this invention.
US08668912B2	Mycoplasma gallisepticum formulation The present invention provides a formulation that prevents virulent Mycoplasma galHsepticum infection in birds of the order GaIHf ormes. The formulation comprises live Mycoplasma galHsepticum strain K5831 or derivatives thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A vaccine that prevents virulent Mycoplasma galHsepticum infection in birds of the order Galliformes is also presented. Methods for administering the formulation and vaccine are also presented.
US08668908B2	Method for alleviating chemotherapy side effects using extract of Dioscorea sp Extract fractions of Dioscorea sp. and methods of preparing the extract fractions are disclosed. The extract fractions enhance the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow cells. Also described are a method for treatment of osteoporosis and a method for alleviation of side effects caused by chemotherapy by using the extract fractions of Dioscorea sp.
US08668907B2	Highly functional enzyme having α-galactosidase activity The present invention provides, as an enzyme which can be used for enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, a protein having α-galactosidase activity, which shows no allergic adverse side effect, shows a high stability in blood, and can be easily incorporated into a cell of an affected organ. The protein of the present invention is a protein which has acquired α-galactosidase activity by changing the structure of the active site of wild-type human α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase.
US08668901B2	Use of a glucocorticoid composition for the treatment of severe and uncontrolled asthma Methods, devices and compositions for treatment of severe and uncontrolled asthma are provided by which high amounts of an inhaled corticosteroid are directed to the small airways of the lower lungs. The invention provides for a substantial decrease in the dose of concurrently administered oral corticosteroids. A particular advantage of the invention is the significant reduction in corticosteroid-related adverse effects.
US08668898B1	Low radiocarbon dietary supplements and foods and methods of making and using same Methods and compositions for effectively lowering the carbon-14 content, particularly of DNA and histones in vertebrates, especially humans, to significantly below normal background levels and thereby reduce chromosomal damage using nutritional or dietary supplements based on low radiocarbon DNA, amino acid and histone precursors, further preferably including those which contribute the largest share of histone carbon atoms. Administration of the supplements during the earliest and/or most active growth stages of life is particularly beneficial. Particularly useful supplements are prepared by combining low radiocarbon precursor compounds with ordinary supplement or dietary components that exhibit substantially normal background radiocarbon concentrations.
US08668893B2	Catalysts for NOx reduction employing H2 and a method of reducing NOx Disclosed is a catalyst composition for reducing NOx through two steps including reacting NOx with H2 thus producing ammonia which is then reacted with NOx, instead of direct NOx reduction by H2, and a method of reducing NOx using the catalyst composition.
US08668884B2	Generating apparatus, reproducing apparatus and reproducing method of contents with smell reproducing information The present invention provides the identification codes to the plurality of smell information and databases them, making it possible to identify the information on each smell and adds the smell data and smell reproducing information for at least one smell to the media data, making it possible to provide the contents with the plurality of smell reproducing information. Further, the smell diffusing apparatus includes the plurality of smell diffusing components to combine at least two smell diffusing components corresponding to the smell data and discharge them to the outside such that it can reproduce complex smells, thereby making it possible to effectively process a plurality of smell information.
US08668871B2	Sensing device and biosensor Provided are a sensing device and a biosensor that are capable of achieving stable performance in sensing saccharides or hydroxyl group-containing polymers, and that can be stored for a long time. The biosensor 8 of the present invention uses, as a component for sensing glucose, a sensing device 16 in which a completely synthetic phenylboronic acid compound 21 is bound without using enzymes that have been conventionally used. Consequently, the biosensor 8 can eliminate the problem of protein denaturation to achieve stable performance in sensing glucose, and it is possible to achieve the biosensor 8 can be stored for a long time.
US08668870B2	Ion mobility spectrometer which controls carrier gas flow to improve detection IMS apparatus has an inlet with a preconcentrator opening into a reaction region where analyte molecules are ionized and passed via a shutter to a drift region for collection and analysis. A pump and filter arrangement supplies a flushing flow of clean gas to the housing in opposition to ion flow. A pressure pulser connects with the housing and is momentarily switched to cause a short drop in pressure, in the housing to draw in a bolus of analyte sample from the preconcentrator. Just prior to admitting a bolus of sample, the pump is turned off so that the flushing flow drops substantially to zero, thereby prolonging the time the analyte molecules spend in the reaction region.
US08668868B2	Methods and apparatus for smart abatement using an improved fuel circuit A method for abating effluent from an electronic device manufacturing process is provided, including abating the effluent in a thermal abatement tool to form abated effluent; determining whether the abated effluent contains one or more chemical species of interest; and changing one or more operating parameters of the thermal abatement tool based upon the determination. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
US08668866B2	Shockwave fabrication of thermoelectric materials The explosive consolidation of semiconductor powders results in thermoelectric materials having reduced thermal conductivity without a concurrent reduction in electrical conductivity and thereby allows the construction of thermoelectric generators having improved conversion efficiencies of heat energy to electrical energy.
US08668865B2	Ceramic materials containing spherical shaped carbon particles Ceramic materials with a matrix which contains at least one carbide, at least one carbide-forming element and carbon, and which furthermore contain a dispersed phase of carbon particles with spherical shape and an average diameter of 0.2 μm to 800 μm, a process for their production and their use for thermal insulation, as a protective layer in ceramic armoring against mechanical action, or as a friction layer in brake disks or clutch disks.
US08668863B2	Dendritic macroporous hydrogels prepared by crystal templating The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.
US08668859B2	Automated 3D build processes A conveyor or other transport mechanism is provided to support multiple, sequential builds from a three-dimensional fabrication machine. The conveyor may be heated/cooled, coated, or otherwise treated to assist in adhesion during a build, as well as removal of objects after a build. Each fabricated object may be automatically removed from the conveyor as the conveyor moves in order to restore a buildable surface for fabrication of additional objects.
US08668857B1	High quality out-of-autoclave composites An aircraft part is manufactured using a process that prepares a laminate portion of the part using an out-of-autoclave resin system and then heat cures the laminate while applying a first vacuum one a first side of the laminate and a second vacuum on a second side of the laminate. This results in a high-quality aircraft part that has low cost and avoids the need for an autoclave. In preferred embodiments, each of the vacuums applied to the laminate has a pressure of less than 30 Torr. The aircraft part resulting from this process can further be advantageously cured at a temperature of at least 180° F. for at least 60 min. Especially preferred methods use the MTM-44 or MTM-45 out-of-autoclave resin systems, which have characteristics that permit the resin to be approved in the primary structure of an aircraft.
US08668852B2	Powder for molding and method for producing molded article using the same The present invention provides a powder for molding that reduces or prevents drawbacks such as unevenness and low fluidity when a mixed powder is used as a powder for molding. The present invention relates to powders for molding including particles in which each particle contains an inorganic component and a water-soluble organic polymer component and methods for producing the same.
US08668851B2	Method for producing hollow structural body It is intended to provide a method of producing a hollow construct, which may be in various shapes such as a fiber or a film as well as in various sizes and has chemical resistance, made of a fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer, a fluorinated carbon polymer or a polymer carrying a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, an oxygen-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group or a sulfur-containing group having been introduced into the above-described polymer; and a hollow construct obtained by this method.
US08668837B2	Method for etching substrate A method for etching a substrate includes etching at least one first layer of the substrate with a non-uniform substrate temperature and etching at least one second layer of the substrate with uniform substrate temperatures.
US08668825B2	Device and procedure for extracorporeal blood treatment An extracorporeal blood treatment device including a filter having a primary and a secondary chamber separated by a semi-permeable membrane, a withdrawal line connected to the primary chamber and associated to a first pump, a return line at the outlet of the primary chamber, a first pre-infusion line (109) connected to a citrate container on the withdrawal line (106), associated to a second pump, a first post-infusion line connected to a calcium solution container and to the return line, and associated to a third pump, an effluent line from the secondary chamber connected to a drain pipe and associated to a fourth pump, a CPU including first means programmed to receive the signal output by the pumps and second means programmed to control the third post-infusion pump (121) as a function of the input flow rate, effluent liquid flow rate, and anticoagulation liquid flow rate.
US08668820B2	Method of measuring quantity of substrate A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply.
US08668817B2	System and method of plating metal alloys by using galvanic technology The invention relates to a system and a method of plating metal alloys, as well as to the structures thus obtained. The system for plating metal alloys comprises an electrolytic cell containing an electrolytic solution (3) in which an anode (4,4a,4b), a cathode (5), and a plurality of metal components to be plated onto the cathode are immersed, the anode (4,4a,4b) and the cathode (5) being electrically connected to means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said anode (4,4a,4b) and said cathode (5). The invention is characterized in that the means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said cathode (5) and said anode (4,4a,4b) impose a potential difference value that changes over time according to a predefined law.
US08668810B1	Device and methods for processing carbon based materials A process for the pyrolysis of waste material and/or organic material in a pyrolysis reactor is provided. According to the process, the material is placed in the reactor and heated with an induction heater, optionally in the presence of one or more soft magnets. The products of the pyrolysis reaction, such as gases and liquids may be collected in a storage vessel attached to the reactor. A pyrolysis reactor for the pyrolysis of waste and/or organic material is also provided.
US08668806B2	Product and processes from an integrated forest biorefinery An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08668785B2	High purity ytterbium, sputtering target made thereof, thin film containing the same, and method of producing the same Provided is a method of producing high purity ytterbium, wherein the high purity ytterbium is obtained by reducing crude ytterbium oxide in a vacuum with reducing metals composed of metals having a low vapor pressure, and selectively distilling ytterbium. Additionally provided are methods of achieving the high purification of ytterbium which has a high vapor pressure and is hard to refine in a molten state, and high purity ytterbium obtained thereby. Further provided is technology for efficiently and stably obtaining a sputtering target made of high purity material ytterbium, and a thin film for metal gates containing high purity material ytterbium.
US08668776B2	Gas delivery apparatus and method for atomic layer deposition Apparatus and method for forming thin layers on a substrate are provided. A processing chamber has a gas delivery assembly that comprises a lid with a cap portion and a covering member that together define an expanding channel at a central portion of the lid, the covering member having a tapered bottom surface extending from the expanding channel to a peripheral portion of the covering member. Gas conduits are coupled to the expanding channel and positioned at an angle from a center of the expanding channel to form a circular gas flow through the expanding channel. The bottom surface of the chamber lid is shaped and sized to substantially cover the substrate receiving surface. One or more valves are coupled to the passageway, and one or more gas sources are coupled to each valve. A choke is disposed on the chamber lid adjacent a perimeter of the tapered bottom surface.
US08668756B2	Panel filter with reduced restriction A filter assembly, panel filter element, and servicing method is provided for reducing inlet flow restriction from a housing inlet into an inlet plenum and reducing outlet flow restriction from an outlet plenum to a housing outlet.
US08668753B2	Two stage process for converting biomass to syngas A two stage conversion process for converting biomass to a syngas, wherein the first stage is a gasification stage and the second stage is a combustion stage.
US08668736B2	Brush copolymers Brush copolymers containing (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing macromonomer having hydrophilic units and boronic acid units are disclosed.
US08668734B2	Intraocular lens delivery devices and methods of use Intraocular lens delivery devices and methods of use.
US08668733B2	Everting heart valve The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, wrapping at least a portion of the replacement valve about the anchor, and expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration.
US08668731B2	Stent A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.
US08668729B2	Stent for implantation in a blood vessel, especially in the region of the aortic arch A stent for implantation in a blood vessel is disclosed, especially in the region of the aortic arch. The stent is comprising rings which are disposed successively in the stent's longitudinal direction and which are made up of meandering circumferential supports. The stent further comprises a prosthesis material which is fixed to the rings and which connects them, thereby forming a hollow cylindrical body with a jacket which is substantially closed on the circumference thereof. At least one connecting support is provided between the last ring and the penultimate ring at the proximal end of the stent and connects these two rings to one another.
US08668726B2	Bone screw, in particular for osteosynthesis A bone screw having a threaded proximal portion, a threaded median portion, and a threaded distal portion. The threaded proximal portion has a proximal thread with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch. The threaded median portion has a median thread with a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the proximal thread and a median pitch that becomes increasingly smaller from a distal end of the threaded median portion towards a proximal end of the threaded median portion. The threaded distal portion has a distal thread having a constant diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the median thread and a distal pitch that is larger than the median pitch at the distal end of the threaded median portion.
US08668720B2	Disc distraction device A disc distraction device comprising a first pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a second pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a rigid interconnection member coupled proximate the head end of both the first and second pedicle screws, and a spring member coupled to the first and second pedicle screws closer to the mounting ends of the pedicle screws than the rigid interconnection member.
US08668708B2	Surgical probe An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.
US08668707B2	Minimally invasive lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.
US08668704B2	Medical clip with tines, system and method of using same Device, system and method for drawing together patient tissue. A tether loop is coupled to a first end loop and a second end loop. The first end loop and the second end loop each have an end and are resiliently biased to coil when deployed from a delivery catheter. When positioned within the delivery catheter the first end loop and the second end loop become substantially linear. Upon deployment from the delivery catheter the end loops coil and the first end passes through a first piece of tissue while the second end passes through a second piece of tissue. Each piece of tissue is captured within the corresponding end loop, the coiling of each of which draws the two pieces of tissue together.
US08668702B2	Minimal access tool A minimal access tool includes a frame arranged to be attached to an arm of a user, a tool shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tool shaft proximal end is connected to the frame. The tool further includes an input joint having a first end connected to the frame and a second end arranged to receive user input, the input joint including a virtual center-of-rotation (VC) mechanism which provides a center of rotation that generally coincides with a wrist joint of the user. An output joint is connected to the tool shaft distal end, where the output joint is coupled to the input joint via a mechanical transmission connected therebetween to correlate motion of the input joint to motion of the output joint.
US08668700B2	Patient-specific convertible guides A convertible patient-specific guide for use in arthroplasty has a body having a patient-specific three-dimensional undersurface closely mateable engageable in only one position with a corresponding joint surface of a specific patient. The convertible guide includes patient-specific guiding formations extending from the body and configured for guiding both a total arthroplasty of the joint and a partial arthroplasty of the joint, such that the arthroplasty to be performed is intraoperatively changeable.
US08668689B2	In-line vessel sealer and divider An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion. A second switch is disposed on the housing and is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to one jaw member and selectively deliver energy of a second electrical potential to the other jaw member for treating tissue in a bipolar fashion.
US08668684B2	Holding device for medical purposes A holding device for medical purposes having a carrier arm on whose distal end a medical instrument can be secured and having at least one joint for positioning the carrier arm and/or the medical instrument, where the joint can be converted between the position that releases the joint and the position that blocks the joint. The holding device provides simple operation, reliable positionability, and can be cleaned well. The joint comprises at least two joint members that enter into active connection with one another by mutually engaging catching elements, where the catching elements are positioned essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the carrier arm and are pre-tensed with respect to one another by a spring element, and that in the joint at least one hydraulically or pneumatically spreadable expansion element is positioned by which the joint can be converted into the position that releases the joint.
US08668675B2	Wearable drug delivery device having spring drive and sliding actuation mechanism A drug delivery device is provided. The drug delivery device includes a drug reservoir in fluid communication with a microneedle array. The drug delivery device has a sliding actuation mechanism that may be activated by a button or lever. Actuation of the drug delivery device inserts the microneedle array into the skin of a subject and causes a piston to compress the drug reservoir, thereby delivering the drug through the microneedle array to the subject.
US08668665B2	Systems and methods for power and flow rate control The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
US08668656B2	Method and apparatus for improving fluidic flow and sample capture A system and method is provided for the capture of bodily fluid upon lancing of a patient. In one embodiment, the fluid sample capture aperture mesh (320) ring is placed in the pathway of a finger penetrating member (340). The aperture mesh ring has a center clearance area that allows the penetrating member to pierce the skin unobstructed. The aperture mesh ring may contain a series of fluid sampling meshes as to allow the release bodily fluid to “wick” into the fluid sampling meshes for transport to the respective sensor. The invention may also relate to a method of improving the fluidic flow through a membrane mesh structure for the transportation of bodily fluids from a point of sampling to a point of measurement.
US08668644B2	Method of predicting acute cardiopulmonary events and survivability of a patient A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.
US08668643B2	Patient-worn medical monitoring device One embodiment of a medical monitor includes a lanyard and an electronic package supported in the manner of a pendant. Another embodiment of a medical monitor attaches adhesively to a patient. Both embodiments include a reusable portion housing electronic components for processing measurements of the patient's physiological condition, and a disposable portion including a battery. The physiological measurements may be transmitted to a remote location along with a signal identifying the patient.
US08668629B2	Multimode exercise device A multimode exercise device, including: a chassis with two opposing elongated sides; an exercise mechanism mounted onto the chassis comprising on each side of the chassis: a slidable assembly that is configured to move backward and forward along one elongated side of the chassis; a rotatable wheel configured to rotate about an axis at its center and mounted onto the slidable assembly; a pedal coupled to the rotatable wheel configured to rotate the rotatable wheel; a restraining rod that is rotatably coupled to a side of the chassis on a first end and rotatably coupled to the rotatable wheel at one of a plurality of user selectable attachment positions on the second end; a synchronizing mechanism to synchronize between the rotations of the rotatable wheels on both sides of the chassis.
US08668623B2	Engine braking primary clutch for CVT systems A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system including a primary clutch assembly with an engine braking assembly is provided. The primary clutch assembly includes first and second sheave assemblies, a cylindrical sleeve coupler and an engine braking assembly. The first sheave portion has a centrally extending post. The cylindrical sleeve coupler is rotationally mounted on a portion of the post. The sleeve coupler has an engaging surface that is configured to engage an inner face of a drive belt. The second sheave portion has a central passage that is rotationally mounted on the sleeve coupler. The engine braking assembly is operatively coupled to the second sheave portion and the sleeve coupler to axially move the second sheave portion toward the first sheave portion to engage first and second side faces of the drive belt when the sleeve coupler attempts to overrun the post of the first sheave portion in a rotational direction provided by a rotational output of an engine operatively coupled to the primary clutch.
US08668620B2	Caulked retaining member, method for retaining member by caulking, structure of caulked retaining member, and caulking apparatus During a caulking process, a pressure is applied to a pressure receiving shoulder portion in the same direction as a direction of a clamping force generated by a caulking portion. The clamping force for holding an outer race can thereby be increased. Also, a pressure receiving surface of the pressure receiving shoulder portion is set higher than an end face. Thus, no pressure resulting from plastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the clamping force of the caulking portion is generated. In addition, a groove is formed between the pressure receiving shoulder portion and an end serving as the caulking portion.
US08668615B2	Drive assembly with hydraulic actuating mechanism A drive assembly for a motor vehicle driven by a plurality of axles includes a differential unit, an externally controllable hang-on coupling, an externally controllable locking coupling, a first hydraulic actuating unit, and a second hydraulic actuating unit. The differential unit includes an input part that is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation, and two output parts drivingly connected to the input part. The hang-on coupling drivingly connects the differential unit and a driveshaft. The locking coupling locks the differential movement between the two output parts of the differential assembly. The first hydraulic actuating unit actuates the hang-on coupling and the second hydraulic actuating unit actuates the locking coupling. The first hydraulic actuating unit, the hang-on coupling, the second hydraulic actuating unit and the locking coupling are arranged coaxially relative to the axis of rotation.
US08668612B2	Lubrication structure of differential gear unit In a lubrication structure of a differential gear unit, a case has a guide rib that extends over a certain area with respect to a rotation path of a head of a bolt when a ring gear rotates, and that protrudes out from the case toward the head of the bolt. Also, a through-hole that extends in a vertical direction is formed in an upper portion of a hollow supporting portion, and the guide rib has an oil reservoir that curves toward an upper end opening of the through-hole.
US08668603B2	Lightweight tunnel for baseball pitching practice A fabric tunnel for baseball pitching practice with a simple “auto-catcher” is made of netting in one embodiment. At the target end a flap with indicia of accuracy of aim also constitutes a flap that provides an audible feedback when hit and also allows the thrown balls to be captured. Straps are used to hold the tunnel in position by attachment to poles supported by guy wires or the straps could be attached to fixed objects such as a chain-link fence.
US08668600B2	Fluted putter head A unique golf club putter head having a fluted rear mass design. This rear mass is shaped as a concave mass that merges with the sole of the blade and dips just below the sweet spot of the head at the center thereof. It lowers the center of gravity of the head along the sweet spot while also controlling the mass at heel and toe. Fluting the rear mass permits controlled variation in the distribution of the mass from heel-to-center-to-toe so that it doesn't overwhelm the ball-hitting surface and instead produces stable smooth roll.
US08668596B2	Wood-type golf club head with adjustable sole contour A golf club comprising an adjustable fitting member semi-permanently attached rearwardly on a sole is disclosed herein. The fitting member can be rotated to adjust the measured and perceived face angle of the golf club head at address without changing the relative relationship of the club with respect to the shaft, which would alter the lie and loft of the golf club head.
US08668595B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
US08668588B2	Target map area of an online social game A target map area system for an online game is described. A player selects a target map area of an online neighbor of an online social game. Reward information from the target map area resulting from a successful attack from the player in the target map area of the online neighbor is generated to the player prior to the attack. A result of the attack in the target map area of the online neighbor based on a profile of the player and a profile of the online neighbor is determined. An outcome on the target map area is generated based on the result of the attack.
US08668587B2	Method of determining quality of service for on-line gaming in a network In a method and a device for determining the perceived quality of service for a wireless gaming service a perceived gaming quality is determined based on measurable game and transport parameters.
US08668585B2	Location based gaming system The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
US08668581B2	Systems and methods for regulated hybrid gaming Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.
US08668578B2	Regulated games: multi-act games Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
US08668576B2	Method for playing a video gaming machine A method for playing video gambling games whereby pay tables vary from play to play, or, alternatively, whereby a plurality of pay tables are possible within a game. For example, in a video poker game a player wagers against a first pay table. If a winner occurs, the next game offers a new pay table with a greater expected value. This process continues until the player loses, whereupon the player is returned to play against the first pay table. Pay tables increment and decrement in expected value based on achieving predetermined events within the current game, within a previous game or games or randomly.
US08668568B2	Methods and systems for determining user location Methods and systems of determining the approximate location of a terminal are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer system receives from a first mobile computer terminal and/or from a communication system in communication with the first mobile computer terminal, global positioning satellite and/or cellular network location data, wherein the location data corresponds to the approximate location of the first mobile computer terminal. Based at least in part on the location data, the system determines if the first mobile computer terminal is within a first area, wherein presence in the first area is needed in order to be authorized to access a first service. The system, at least partly in response to failing to determine that the first mobile terminal is in the first area, transmits to the first mobile computer terminal location information regarding at least a first location in the first area.
US08668566B2	Amusement device for secondary games Various embodiments of amusement devices and methods for various games are described. In some embodiments, a secondary player may engage in a game started by a first player. Various additional methods and apparatus are described.
US08668565B2	Controlling cross-application wagering game content A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining content from both a first wagering game application and from a second wagering game application. The first and second wagering game applications can be independent wagering game applications played by a player account during a wagering game session. The operations can further include determining some portion of the second content (e.g., three-dimensional objects) that appears to originate from a second-application domain (e.g., from within confines of the second wagering game application), and presenting the portion of the second content within a first-application domain (e.g., within confines of the first wagering game application). In some embodiments, the operations can further include presenting the portion of the second content interacting with the first content within the first-application domain (e.g., presenting three-dimensional objects from the second application interacting with three-dimensional objects of the first application).
US08668557B2	Optical grade surfacing tool Optical grade surfacing tool, including: a rigid support (60); an elastically compressible interface (12) attached to the rigid support (60); a flexible pad (13) adapted to be pressed against a surface (71) to be worked, attached to the interface (12) on the opposite side to the rigid support (60); and return spring elements (14) disposed between the rigid support (60) and a peripheral part (12b) of the interface (12); characterized in that the return spring elements (14) include a plurality of pairs of superposed elastically flexible blades (65, 66) that project transversely from the rigid support (60), respectively a first blade (65) having a distal portion cooperating in bearing engagement, through a first face, exclusively with the peripheral part (12b) of the interface (12), and a second blade (66) cooperating in bearing engagement with the first blade (65) via a second face opposite its first face.
US08668556B2	Portable wheel rim polisher The specification discloses a portable vehicle wheel polisher (10) having a rotatable polishing head (23) adapted to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (15), the polisher (10) including a drive motor and gear reduction arrangement (14) connected to a drive shaft (17) for the rotatable polishing head (23), adjustable suspension means (18) enabling the horizontal rotation axis (15) to be selectably raised or lowered relative to an installed vehicle wheel on a vehicle, ground engaging wheels (12) carrying the adjustable suspension means (18) enabling the portable vehicle wheel polisher (10) to be moved to a position that engages the polishing head (23) with the installed vehicle wheel and to a separate position disengaged from the installed vehicle wheel.
US08668552B2	Methods of making micro-abrasive blasting device for dental applications A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed.
US08668551B1	Garment strap clasp system A clasp has front and rear faces, an exterior periphery and an interior opening. The interior opening has upper and lower bearing surfaces. The clasp has joining surfaces coupling the bearing surfaces. A slot is formed in each clasp. The slot extends between the exterior periphery and a joining surface. Each slot has a width to allow loops of strap sections to pass through the slot between an operative orientation and an inoperative orientation. The operative orientation couples the strap sections with portions of the loops within the interior opening of the clasp in contact with the bearing surfaces. The inoperative orientation positions the strap sections exterior of the clasp.
US08668549B2	Brassiere with adjustable support An adjustable support brassiere comprises the traditional bra elements of a bra band with closure; breast cups secured thereto; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise mini support cups pivotally attached at a selective location on each breast cup. A respective support strap may be secured to a portion of each mini support cup, with a distal end adjustably securable to the shoulder strap to be moveable between at least first and second positions to cause pivoting of the mini support cup to produce directional support according to a desirable lifting vector. Adjustment of the support strap may produce a lifting vector to provide directional support comprising substantially vertical support and outward separating support to enhance the women's figure, which is healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement of the woman's breasts. A second embodiment may utilize a translating mini support cup and a gathered elastic member.
US08668537B2	Engine case of outboard motor An engine case houses engines in the inside of the case and is provided with a propulsion unit outside the case. A case main body housing the engines and assemblies of peripheral parts of the engines, and a case cover covering an opening at an upper portion of the case main body are included. Mufflers are installed on an exterior of a lower surface of the case, and on the lower surface of the case, housing portions housing the mufflers and exhaust hoses are formed.
US08668534B2	Wave power A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.
US08668532B2	Connector for low profile fuse A connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse which has an increased fixing force, so as to prevent a secured LP fuse from being separated by external forces, such as vibration of a vehicle, etc. The connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse includes a body, a rear member, and a pair of supporting arms. The body is adapted for insertion into a body receiving passageway of a fuse box. The body includes a lower end electrically connected to an electric wire. The rear member extends from the body into the body receiving passageway, while the pair of supporting members are bent from opposite sides of the rear member. The pair of supporting members extend parallel to each other.
US08668527B2	Electrical connector with improved contact-loading manner for coplanarity adjustment An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of upper and lower contacts fixed in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base and a tongue portion extending from the base along a first direction. Each of the upper contacts includes a first planar soldering section situated adjacent to a bottom face of the base. Each of the lower contacts includes a second planar soldering section situated adjacent to the bottom face of the base. The lower contacts are assembled to the insulative housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in order that the second planar soldering sections can be kept coplanar with the first planar soldering sections through controlling insertion depth of the lower contacts along the second direction.
US08668524B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a first insulating housing having an erect base board and an erect tongue board extending forwards from a front of the base board, flat terminals molded in the first insulating housing and having a contact portion and a first soldering tail which vertically projects under the base board, a second insulating housing assembled to a right side of the base board, and spring terminals molded in the second insulating housing and having a contact arm and a second soldering tail which vertically projects under the second insulating housing. The contact portions are exposed in a front of a right side of the tongue board and arranged at regular intervals along a vertical direction. The contact arms elastically project sideward out of the right side of the tongue board and are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction behind the contact portions.
US08668523B2	Cable connector assembly having a metallic shell with a plurality of through holes in a conjunction area between its shilding portion and its frame portion A cable connector assembly comprises an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2), a cable (6) electrically connected with the contacts, and a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. The metallic shell comprises a bottom shell (32) and a top shell (31) combined with each other, the top shell includes a frame shaped portion (321) in the front thereof and a shielding portion (322) connected with the frame shaped portion unitarily, and the frame shaped portion is located in a vertical plane perpendicular to an upper surface of the shielding portion, the bottom shell is inserted into and enclosed in a frame shaped opening (324) disposed in the frame shaped portion.
US08668521B2	Coaxial connector A contact is formed of paired contact pieces, a coupling part coupling the contact pieces, and a connecting part extended from the coupling part, and the connecting part has a plate surface lowered by one step from the coupling part in a direction in which the contact pieces project. A body includes a body main structure, a body extension part mounting thereon the connecting part, and a body inner-lid part projected from the body extension part and to be bent. A shell includes a shell main body, a shell extension part supporting the body extension part, a shell inner-lid part projected from a side wall of the shell extension part, and a shell outer-lid part. A central conductor of a coaxial cable is interposed between the body inner-lid part bent with the shell inner-lid part and the connecting part, thereby being connected to the connecting part.
US08668519B2	Active electronic media device packaging Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.
US08668518B2	Data bus structure for terminal blocks and terminal blocks using the same A data bus structure for the terminal blocks, comprising: a main body to be plugged into a support rail for the terminal blocks; said main body comprising a plurality of slots formed therein; and at least 2 conductive pieces to be inserted in said slots of said main body to form guiding rail. The data bus structure provides a data bus for a plurality of terminal blocks for the transmission of electricity and signals, as well stable supports to the terminal blocks.
US08668502B2	Electrical assembly and socekg connector therein An electrical assembly used for connecting an IC package, includes at least an upper and a lower layer stacked with each other, wherein the upper layer is formed with an opening for receiving a socket connector. The socket connector has contacts electrically connected to conductive traces respectively provided on the upper and the lower layer.
US08668500B2	Connection terminal, method for manufacturing connection terminal, and socket including connection terminal A connection terminal for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object and including a metal plate having a resilient property, an insulating layer covering at least a part of the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on at least a part of the insulating layer, first and second fixing parts configured to be fixed to corresponding adjacent pads of the second connection object, and first and second connection parts configured to contact corresponding adjacent pads of the first connection object. The first fixing part and the first connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The second fixing part and the second connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The first and the second connection parts are faced outward to the first connection object. The first and the second fixing parts are faced outward to the second connection object.
US08668490B2	Method and arrangement for igniting a gas flow The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for igniting a gas flow by means of remote control. The aim of the invention is to maintain the current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is opened and the escaping gas ignited by the actuation of an electronic control unit (5) fed by a voltage source. Said thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is maintained open by a safety pilot magnet (18) by means of a holding current from the voltage source until a thermocouple (22) provides the required holding current once the gas flow has been ignited or a defined holding time is exceeded.
US08668489B2	Racetrack carryover design for multi-burner ignition in induced draft heating system An ignition system for a multi-burner heat exchanger assembly, a furnace, and a method using same are disclosed. The assembly may include a plurality of adjacent heat exchanger tubes, with a burner associated with each tube. All the burners may be lit with a single igniter and no source of secondary air. To do so, each of the burners may be provided so as to generate a swirling exit flow of combustion gases. One or more carryover tubes may also be connected between adjacent pairs of heat exchanger tubes or adjacent pairs of burners. The swirling flow generated by the burners causes hot combustion gases to move through the carryover tubes to thus carry the flame from one burner to the next. Not only can a single igniter be used, but a single flame sensor as well, while at the same time reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.
US08668476B1	Pump expansion vessel A housing can have a cap, a base member and a mid-portion positioned between and removably coupled with the cap and the base member. The cap and the mid-portion can define a reservoir therebetween and the cap can define a recessed inner wall in fluid communication with the reservoir. The mid-portion can define a recessed impeller chamber configured to receive a pump impeller. The mid-portion can further define a retainer positioned between the impeller chamber and the inner chamber. A resiliently compressible member can be positioned within the inner chamber and configured to resiliently compress in response to a volumetric expansion of the liquid coolant. The retainer can contact the resiliently compressible member to prevent the resiliently compressible member from moving out of the reservoir or into a position blocking a liquid coolant flow through a port. The mid-portion can define a housing wall forming the retainer.
US08668475B2	Linear rod pump apparatus and method An apparatus and method for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, include a linear rod pump having a mechanical rack and pinion drive arrangement, adapted for attachment to a pumping mechanism, such as the polished rod at the top of a rod string in a hydrocarbon well. The rack gear, of the rack and pinion drive arrangement, is adapted for connection to a cable and pulley arrangement for imparting motion to the polished rod. The pinion gear does not translate with the rack gear, and is driven by a reversible motor for affecting up and down reciprocating motion of the rack gear and pumping mechanism. Some forms of the invention include a compressible gas counter-balance arrangement. Some forms of the invention include an electronic drive configured for dealing with electric power generated by the motor during a portion of the pumping cycle.
US08668474B2	Electro-active valveless pump An electro-active, valveless pump having a pumping chamber with at least one chamber wall. There is at least one opening in the at least one chamber wall. An electro-active actuator is located over each of the openings for inducing fluid flow.
US08668469B2	Hydraulic piston pump with reduced restriction barrel passage The present disclosure sets forth an axial piston pump with greatly improved throughput. The axial piston pump provides cylinders, antechambers, and fluid flow apertures which are uniquely shaped and dimensioned so as to increase the overall flowability and expulsion rate of the piston pump. By providing curvilinear transition zones and fluid flow apertures, the cylinders can be completely filled and pressurized even at the extremely high pressures and RPMs required by modern machines. Such machines may include front-end loaders, excavators, pipe layers, graders, and the like wherein such pumps can be used to power hydraulic cylinders moving the implements, work arms and other tools associated with such machines.
US08668464B2	Method for transporting a fluid and device for producing a volume flow The invention relates to a method for transporting a fluid for generating a fluid jet, wherein the fluid is delivered from a pump under pressure with a predetermined volume flow to an exit opening. In the event of an interruption of the volume flow, the pump is automatically switched from an operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for suctioning fluid; and a device for producing a volume flow for realizing a fluid jet for cutting and/or flushing of material, comprising a pump with an operating mode for generating pressure in the fluid and for generating suction. The device is constructed such that during interruption of the set volume flow, the pumpcan be switched over or switches over automatically from the operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for generating suction for the purpose of suctioning fluid.
US08668463B2	Rotatable component mount for a gas turbine engine Radial shifting of a rotatable component in a gas turbine engine is prevented by radially offsetting overlying mounting apertures in said component and a base or mounting flange therefor such that fasteners received within said overlying apertures are radially interference fit within the apertures thereby eliminating the necessity of machining or otherwise forming the apertures to an exact fit with the fasteners.
US08668462B2	Wind turbine rotor blade Wind turbine rotor blade with a blade tip, a blade root, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side and a cross-section, which changes from the blade tip to the blade root, the longitudinal portion being arranged between the blade root and the middle of the rotor blade, has the following: a convex pressure side portion, which extends from the leading edge up to a pressure-side inflection point, a concave pressure side addition portion, which connects with the pressure-side inflection point with a continuous curvature and extends up to the trailing edge, a convex suction side portion, which extends from the leading edge up to a suction-side kink or inflection point, and a suction side addition portion, which extends from the suction side kink or inflection point up to the trailing edge.
US08668455B2	Turbine wheel A wind driven energy source is providing integrated a series of radially extending masts from a central hub. The masts are supported by a series of cables. A mast-to-mast tension cable spans between distal ends of adjacent masts. A mast-to-axle tension cable spans between the distal end of each mast and each axial end of the central hub. A turbine blade is supported by each mast. The turbine blades can be of a rigid or pliant material. An angle of incidence of the rigid blades can be adjusted by rotating the mast. An angle of incidence of the pliant blades can be adjusted by applying tension to a blade control cable. Pliant blades can be retracted into the mast via a retracting mechanism to reduce the exposed surface area when subjected to excessive wind speeds.
US08668446B2	Supersonic compressor rotor and method of assembling same A supersonic compressor rotor. The supersonic compressor rotor includes a rotor disk that includes an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and a radially outer surface that extends generally axially between the upstream surface and the downstream surface. The radially outer surface includes an inlet surface, an outlet surface, and a transition surface that extends between the inlet surface and the outlet surface. A plurality of vanes are coupled to the radially outer surface. Adjacent vanes form a pair and are oriented such that a flow channel is defined between each pair of adjacent vanes. The flow channel extends between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet surface defines an inlet plane that extends between the inlet opening and the transition surface. The outlet surface defines an outlet plane that extends between the outlet opening and the transition surface that is not parallel to the inlet plane. At least one supersonic compression ramp is positioned within the flow channel to facilitate forming at least one compression wave within the flow channel.
US08668445B2	Variable turbine nozzle system A nozzle is disclosed for use in a turbine or compressor. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of vanes is supported by an outer shroud including a plurality of outer shroud segments disposed adjacent to adjoining segments in end-to-end relationship. Each segment includes a hole therethrough, dimensioned to receive a vane extension sleeve. This system may be used in conjunction with a modulated cooling system and may allow for improved removal for overhaul.
US08668441B2	Deformable structural framework for a turbofan nacelle The nacelle of the invention includes an air-inlet front section, a middle section for encasing the fan of the turbofan (7) and a rear section including means for connection to a pylon to be connected to the rigid structure or an airplane. The rear section includes a structural framework (18) having at least one aerodynamic smoothing and acoustic panel (21). The acoustic panel (21) is secured on the structural framework (18) by floating or elastic fixation means so that said acoustic panel (21) can be deformed in a direction (31) essentially centrifugal and radial relative to the turbofan (7) in the presence of overpressure air (3) in the engine compartment.
US08668435B2	Ventilator A fan (100) has a fan housing (110). The latter has an air entrance opening (120) and an air exit opening (130). It further has a swivel joint arrangement (180) having at least one swivel joint (145, 147, 155, 157, 165, 167, 175, 177) that is arranged on a joint carrier (188; 188′); at least one non-return flap (140, 150, 160, 170) that is journaled rotatably by means of the at least one swivel joint (145, 147, 155, 157, 165, 167, 175, 177) and, in its closed position, at least partly closes off the air exit opening (130); and at least one elastic return member (142, 152, 162, 172) that is associated with the at least one non-return flap (140, 150, 160, 170) and urges it toward its closed position.
US08668433B2	Multi-turbine airflow amplifying generator A wind generating device employs modules each having two turbines. Each of the turbines employs two rotors coaxially aligned by a shaft associated with an in-line generator. Alternatively, the turbine employs only one rotor for low wind areas. The arrangement includes a proximal channel with a leading portion having decreasing radius toward the first rotor which acts as a collector and a following portion connecting fluidly the first and second rotor and a distal channel which is separate from the proximal channel and opens into the following portion thereby adding to the airflow to the second rotor. Downstream from the second rotor is a diffuser with a radius increasing with distance from the rotor. The modules may be stacked vertically stacked which allows for yaw responsive to wind. The modules may be mounted on a tower.
US08668419B2	Shearable fastening device with force transmission element A shearable fastening device (1) has a shearable fastener (2) having a plurality of screwthreaded portions (3), a head portion (4) which is connected to the screws threaded portions (3) via a first predetermined weakening (5) and further predetermined weakenings (6) in the form of cross-section constrictions are provided between the screwthreaded portions (3), as well as an internal recess (7), wherein the internal recess (7) extends from the head portion (4) at least into the region of the predetermined weakenings (6). At least one stepped predetermined weakening (8) is formed by its shear-off torque (aNm) being smaller than that of the next predetermined weakening further away from the head portion (4) and the shear-off torque (aNm+1) at the next predetermined weakening closer to the head portion (4) rising again with respect to the shear-off torque (aNm) of the stepped predetermined weakening (8). The shear-off torque of the predetermined weakenings (6) on the portions without the stepped predetermined weakening (8) increases continuously in the direction of the head portion (4), and a force transmission element (9) is insertable into the internal recess (7) of the shearable fastener (2). The force transmission element (9) in the inserted condition extends from the head portion (4) so far into the internal recess (7) such that the force transmission element (9) bridges the stepped predetermined weakening (8).
US08668411B2	Cutting tool and holder A cutting tool has a cutting insert and a holder. The cutting insert has a cutting portion and an insert shank with a cylindrical portion and a non-cylindrical portion. The holder has a clamping portion which has a clamping sleeve and a cage located therein. The cage includes a load member housing with a load member. The cage has a major abutment wall adjacent to a minor abutment wall. The clamping sleeve has first and second inner sections defined by points P1 and P2. A point P3 divides the second inner section into first and second portions. The clamping sleeve is rotatable between a secured and a released position of the cutting tool. In the secured position, the non-cylindrical portion abuts the major abutment wall, the cylindrical portion abuts both the minor abutment wall and the load member, and the load member abuts the first portion.
US08668408B2	Skirted foundation for penetrating soft material The present invention provides a skirted foundation that can be used in a jack-up rig for providing enhanced bearing capacity. The skirted foundation comprises a spudcan footing having an upper part and a base, wherein the upper part and the base are coupled at their peripherals to form an outer edge, wherein both the upper part and the base have a flat or conical configuration, and wherein the upper part supports one leg of a jack-up rig, and the base has a flat bottom or downward slope, and a skirt having an upper end being integrally coupled to the spudcan footing and downwardly projected to encircle the base and a lower end for penetrating seabed, wherein the skirt comprises a plurality of circumferential openings adjacent to the base of the spudcan footing and located within the top half of the skirt height.
US08668397B2	Portable toothbrush for delivering and removing fluid A hand-held portable electric or manual toothbrush that is capable of delivering and removing fluid while the toothbrush is being used. A fluid delivery tube delivers fluid from a clean fluid repository to the head of the toothbrush. A fluid removal tube removes used fluid from the user's mouth. The clean fluid is delivered via a pump positioned within a cavity of the toothbrush. The used fluid is removed via a vacuum positioned within the cavity of the toothbrush. This invention enables everyone, including the young, elderly, busy, healthy, sick, disabled, handicapped, and immobile, to brush anytime and anywhere. As a result, this invention would greatly improve the oral health of the general population.
US08668394B2	Ball bearing, a clutch bearing including such a bearing, and a motor vehicle fitted with such a bearing The ball bearing (1) forms a member for transmitting an axial force and comprises an inner ring (3), an outer ring (4), balls (6) disposed in a raceway chamber (5) formed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and an annular shield (8) mounted on a radially inner edge face (32) of a first ring (3). The inner and outer rings (3, 4) are mounted with freedom to pivot mutually about a point (C1) common to the axes of symmetry (X3, X4) of the two rings. The shield (8) extends from the first ring (3, 4) to the vicinity of a portion (43) of the second ring (4) that is centered on said common geometric point (C1), and the shield (8) has an end portion (83) with a surface (831) that is a truncated sphere centered on the common geometric point (C1) or a truncated cone centered on the axis of symmetry (X3) of the first ring (3). This surface (831) is placed facing the centered portion (43) of the second ring (4) and co-operates therewith to form a gap (100) of a width (e100) that is constant during angular pivoting of the inner and outer rings (3, 4) relative to each other.
US08668386B2	Compact mobile cargo scanning system The present invention is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present invention is an improved method and system with a novel boom structure that reduces the weight of the boom. The single, light-weight boom of the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low height and center of gravity lending to greater maneuverability.
US08668385B2	Temperature sensor A sensor (101) is configured such that a seal member (71) is provided in a deformed manner through crimping of a portion of a tube (11) located toward a rear end (17c) of the tube (11). The seal member (71) is deformed such that a frontward-oriented surface (75), which is a bottom surface of a recess (74) formed in a front end (73) of the seal member (72), presses a rear end (45) of an insulation sheath (41) frontward. Consequently, a front end (21a) of a sensor element is pressed against a front end (12) of the tube (11) via the insulation sheath (41). By virtue of a pressing action induced by rubber-like elasticity, high sensor responsiveness is maintained over a long period of time.
US08668384B2	System and method for detecting the temperature of an electrophoretic display device An apparatus includes a temperature detector coupled to a conductive layer of an electrophoretic display device. The temperature detector is operable to measure a leakage current that is responsive to a temperature associated with the electrophoretic device and determine the temperature associated with the electrophoretic device based at least in part on the measured leakage current.
US08668373B2	Backlight module having a thinned stucture A thin backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source module, and an adhesive layer. The light guide plate has a light-entering end and a bottom, wherein a plurality of troughs spaced at intervals are formed on a portion of the bottom connected to the light-entering end. The light source module is disposed corresponding to the light-entering end and includes a substrate and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed on the substrate and distributed along the light-entering end, wherein each of the light sources corresponds to an interval between the adjacent troughs. The adhesive layer is attached to the substrate, faces the bottom of the light guide plate, and extends into the troughs to be attached to the light guide plate.
US08668362B2	Ventilation for LED lighting Embodiments of the invention provide for a linear lighting system with a plurality of discrete light sources. Other embodiments of the invention include heat dissipation techniques and apparatus for a linear light system. Other embodiments of the invention include a two component lighting system that includes rails and nodes. In some embodiments, the lighting and control aspects can be divided between the rail and node. In yet other embodiments a linear lens providing a unique photometric distribution is provided.
US08668340B2	Reflective medical markers and methods of manufacture Identical plastic hemispheres are first treated with organic solvent, which is smeared by a pillow of microporous silicon rubber to achieve a slippery surface upon the hemispheres. The slippery surface upon the hemispheres may comprise a layer of melted plastic. Hemispheres are then placed under an application chamber, where hot gas under pressure softens, deforms and transports a sheet of marker foil over the hemisphere. Two hemispheres are then joined together by use of asymmetric voids and a clip pin inserted, while under compression, into the hemispheres.
US08668337B2	System for the physiological evaluation of brain function The OculoKinetic Device is used to test an individual to evaluate brain functions and to identify the presence of a traumatic brain injury or disease which manifests itself through abnormal ocular responses to stimuli by using the high-speed tracking of an individual's eye movements, pupil size and reactivity, eye lid position and blink parameters and optionally along with other ocular elements, i.e., eyeball pressure, temperature, blood flow, etc. The eye movement stimulus protocol uses a target that moves in any direction of the two-dimensional plane and may use a color display or geometric shapes. In addition, the stimuli can be used in conjunction with cognitive testing, balance assessment, and other non-eye tests.
US08668326B2	Drum maintenance system with leak detection A printer includes a release agent detector that responds to release agent contacting the detector by generating a signal. The signal is processed by a controller to alter operation of the printer.
US08668324B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus An image forming method includes applying an ink composition including water, a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent and polymer particles to a recording medium at an application amount of the ink composition of 6 g/m2 or more with respect to the recording medium, drying by heating the recording medium to which the ink composition has been applied, cooling the recording medium which has been subjected to the drying by heating to reduce a temperature of the recording medium at least 5° C. from the temperature immediately after the drying by heating, applying a powder to the ink composition applied side of the recording medium which has been cooled, and stacking the recording medium to which the powder has been applied.
US08668316B2	Liquid ejection head and recording apparatus A liquid ejection head is constructed by providing a recording element substrate on a supporting member. The recording element substrate has at least one thermal energy generating element and a liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the element. The supporting member has three or more supply flow paths running therethrough. Two or more beams are formed in each of the supply flow paths. The gap between the beams formed in each of the end supply flow paths is greater than the gap between the beams formed in an inside supply from path.
US08668308B2	Inkjet ejector arrays aligned to a curved image receiving surface with ink recirculation A printhead assembly includes a plurality of inkjet ejector arrays having corresponding ink receptacles. Each inkjet array is formed from a plurality of inkjet stack layers that are bonded to a single aperture layer that flexes to position the inkjet arrays at a predetermined distance from a curved image receiving surface.
US08668304B1	Inkjet printing system An inkjet printing system including an inkjet printer having a printhead and an inkjet ink in an ink tank supplying the inkjet ink to the printhead, wherein the ink tank includes a free ink compartment and a capillary media compartment vented to the atmosphere and in fluid communication with ink in the free ink compartment, and wherein the inkjet ink includes water, a self-dispersing carbon black pigment having greater than 11 weight % volatile surface functional groups, and a surfactant at a concentration of 0.10 weight percent or less, and having a static surface tension of 37.5 dynes/cm or less at 25° C. The system provides high print density and text sharpness when printed onto an ink receiving medium, and provides good performance in a bubbler-type ink tank which reduces the amount of ink trapped in the ink tank.
US08668300B2	Image recording apparatus A multifunction machine includes: a first feeding roller and a second feeding roller; an intermediate roller pair provided to a curved portion of a transport route; a main transporting roller pair; a recording head; a first drive motor and a second drive motor; and a control section. The control section intermittently drives the main transporting roller pair and makes the recording head jet ink during a period of time in which the main transporting roller pair is stopped, and performs pre-paper feeding processing for rotating the first feeding roller a predetermined amount in a paper feeding direction when a rear end of a paper is positioned between a first sensor and the first feeding roller.
US08668295B2	Liquid droplet jetting apparatus There is provided a liquid droplet jetting apparatus including: a transporting mechanism; and a head moving mechanism configured to move the second liquid droplet jetting head between a first position facing the one surface of the object and a second position facing the other surface of the object. Under a condition that the second liquid droplet jetting head is arranged at the first position, a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row are arranged such that each of first nozzles is overlapped with one of second nozzles with respect to a nozzle-row direction.
US08668292B2	Refrigerator and refrigerator door There is provided a door of a refrigerator including: a door assembly which defines the appearance of the refrigerator door; an exterior member which is provided ahead of the door assembly to emit light; a connection member which connects the exterior member to the door assembly; a connection space which is formed between the door assembly and connection member; and a light-emitting means which is disposed at the connection space and emits light to the exterior member. There is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent dazzling of users, since the exterior member is not exposed to the outside and light is emitted via an end of the exterior member.
US08668280B2	Devices and methods for hydraulic brake systems for land craft A device and method for a hydraulic brake system of a land vehicle in order to block a brake circuit of the brake system with regard to a supply of brake pressure generated by a driver, to establish a hydraulic connection between the output side of a wheel brake and the input side of a controllable pump and to generate a predetermined brake pressure at the input side of the wheel brake by the use of a pump.
US08668265B2	Chair A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.
US08668263B2	Vehicle seat The vehicle seat includes a collision sensor provided to a seat back frame and being movable relatively backward by a rear-end collision, a headrest attached to the seat back frame and being movable between a normal support position and a head protection position anterior to the normal support position. The headrest is movable from the normal support position to the head protection position when the collision sensor is moved backward. The vehicle seat has a lock mechanism attached to the seat back frame. The lock mechanism is moved to a lock position by inertia when receiving an external force by a rear-end collision to regulate a return of the headrest from the head protection position to the normal support position.
US08668262B2	Angle adjuster for bicycle seat An angle adjuster for a bicycle seat that is disposed between a frame of a vehicle and a seat. The angle adjuster for a bicycle seat includes: a frame connector configured to be connected with the frame; a seat connector configured to support the seat, rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame connector, and having a nose at bottom facing the frame connector; an angle adjusting assembly disposed between the frame connector and the seat connector, and having a plurality of locking steps where the nose is configured to be selectively engaged to control rotational angle of the seat connector; an operating lever configured to be mounted on the frame to operate the angle adjusting assembly; and a wire connecting the angle adjusting assembly with the operating lever and reciprocating the angle adjusting assembly, when the operating lever is operated.
US08668261B2	Adjustable saddle support There is provided an adjustable saddle support that adjustably connects a conventional bicycle saddle with a conventional bicycle seat post. The conventional bicycle seat post has a conventional first saddle clamp mechanism. The adjustable saddle support comprises an adjustment mechanism that has a second saddle clamp mechanism and a support member which supports the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism adjustably engages the support member. There is also a pair of rails which have parallel spaced apart sections. The pair of rails is connected with the support member.
US08668259B2	Pivoting nose-less bicycle seat This invention relates to bicycle saddles. Several scientific studies have pointed to the risks of damage to the pudendal nerves and arteries associated with extended bicycle riding with conventional bicycle seats. It is the object of this invention to to provide a bicycle seat that can support the rider's weight while minimizing the pressure on the region near the pudendal canal. A further object of the invention is to allow the rider's legs to pedal without interference with the seat. A further object of the invention is to provide comfortable seating while bicycling. The invention consists of a relatively wide, flat seating surface—with no nose—that supports the sit bones of the rider and that pivots about a vertical axis to allow the seating surface to move out of the way of the rider's legs when pedaling on the down stroke.
US08668253B2	Integrated door scuff plate and wire shield A scuff plate assembly for use with an automotive vehicle door side sill includes an elongate scuff plate trim and a U-shaped wire shield for housing a wire harness. The scuff plate trim and wire shield are integrally coupled by a deformable living hinge that is disposed on an upper portion of the wire shield.
US08668239B2	Storage compartment device A storage compartment device for an interior panel part of a vehicle and having a housing with at least one access opening, through which a drawer is at least partially movable. The drawer has side walls and a base that is able to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position through the access opening of the housing. A guiding device is provided for moving the drawer between the retracted position and the extended position, which is constructed for guiding the drawer on moving between the retracted position and the extended position along a continuous curved path of movement.
US08668235B2	Spreader with flipper arm drive A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container is provided, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper; a spacing assembly located between the motor and the hinged mounting of the flipper, wherein said spacing assembly is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper between the closed and open positions.
US08668233B2	Threaded connection with perturbed flanks A threaded connection including a pin member and a box member, and methods for manufacturing and forming said threaded connection. The pin member has a pin thread with a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank. The box member has a box thread with a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank. At least one of the pin thread crest, the pin load flank, the pin stab flank, the box thread crest, the box load flank, and the box stab flank has at least one perturbation formed thereon. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a reduced clearance gap exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation.
US08668228B2	Lay flat book sheets A sheet stock having a flexible hinge area is described. The sheet stock includes a substrate having an opening and gap stiffener, and a flexible film covering the opening and defining a flexible hinge area in the region of the opening and gap stiffener covered by the film. Methods for producing sheet stock having a flexible hinge area are also described. The sheet stock may be used in printing, binding, and in other applications.
US08668226B2	Steering apparatus and connector A steering apparatus includes a wire fitting bracket that is fitted to an end portion of a connecting wire for connecting an outer tube to an inner tube and that has a bracket body and a plurality of protrusions. The bracket body is fitted to a steering column-side member with a bolt, and has a bolt insertion hole through which the bolt is passed. The protrusions protrude from the bracket body, and are arranged around an axis of the bolt insertion hole. The protrusions are formed of rotation restricting protrusions that restrict rotation of the wire fitting bracket and an erroneous fitting prevention protrusion that prevents erroneous fitting of the wire fitting bracket.
US08668225B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes: a seat back frame that is provided with a pair of side frame portions that are located on both left and right sides in the seat transverse direction; an outer-side load transmitting block that is located further to an outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame than the side frame portion of the seat back frame, and that transmits an impact load that is input from a side of the vehicle body to the seat back frame; a protruding portion that protrudes from a side surface of the side frame portion on the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame towards the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame; a side airbag apparatus that is located on a front surface of the protruding portion; and an engaging portion that is formed in the outer-side load transmitting block, and that receives the protruding portion. The protruding portion is formed in a box shape that has a supporting surface on a surface thereof that faces the side airbag apparatus.
US08668224B2	Check valve for airbag and airbag device Provided are a check valve for an airbag and an airbag device that can improve the reproducibility of the flow path blocking function while reducing the resistance upon inflation and deployment of the airbag and that can be applied to a place where a flow path is divided into a plurality of flow paths. A first embodiment of an airbag device according to the present invention has an airbag that is normally folded and that is inflated and deployed in an emergency, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag. The airbag has a plurality of inflation chambers, a duct portion disposed so as to connect the plurality of inflation chambers, and a check valve for an airbag having a tubular portion sewn to the duct portion, and tongue-shaped portions formed at the tip of the tubular portion.
US08668223B2	Travel cooler with transitionable U-shaped handle A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.
US08668222B2	Foldable stroller A foldable stroller includes two front legs, two rear legs, a basket frame, two seat-supporting tubes, two pivoting members, two connecting rods, and a backrest-supporting tube. Rotation of the basket frame and the seat-supporting tubes relative to each other about a pivot point results in rotation of the pivoting members relative to the connecting rods about another pivot point to thereby rotate the backrest-supporting tube and the basket frame toward the rear legs in different directions.
US08668218B2	Vehicle body frame of motorcycle A head pipe includes a pipe portion and a bracket portion contiguously formed on a rear portion of the pipe portion wherein front end portions of the main frames and a front end portion of the down frame are jointed to the bracket portion. A widthwise center line of the main frames in the vertical direction is directed toward an intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction in a side view. An upper surface extension line and a lower surface extension line on the extension in the frontward direction of an upper surface and a lower surface of the main frames pass between an upper end and a lower end of the pipe portion as viewed in a side view. The down frame is inclined to be directed towards the intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction as viewed in a side view.
US08668216B2	Access system and device for vehicles, and modes of employment thereof A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.
US08668195B2	Media diverter apparatus A multi-position letterbox media diverter that maximizes productivity includes a gate configured like a tomahawk to allow sufficient space for the diverter to operate immediately after the trail edge of a sheet passes the front edge of the gate and thereby increase gate actuation time. Reversible drives of an inverter are used to direct the sheet to a duplex path while another sheet is simultaneously directed by a lower integrated baffle portion of the gate to an output tray as needed. Thus, reducing the time required for the sheet to be in the inverter path before reversing sheet direction, thereby facilitating a reduction in required transport speed.
US08668187B2	Integrated aeration system The integrated aeration system utilizes a water pump for aeration. Ambient air/gas is entrained by a circulating water jet induced by the pump. The circulating water jet enters a sealed tank. The entrained gas is broken into bubbles after the impingement between the jet and a receiving pool occurs, aerating the receiving pool by water jet spray. The entrained gas/air builds up headspace pressure above the water pool, the headspace pressure being measured by a pressure gauge. The trapped air above the water pool is released when the headspace pressure increases to reach a desired value to aerate a separate tank/container as a diffused aeration or any other aeration process.
US08668179B2	Mount for an electronic device A mounting device that securely supports an electronic device to a surface such as a vehicle dashboard. The mounting device comprises a flexible base for placement on a mounting surface and a bendable frame attached to or otherwise coupled with the base to permit the base to be shaped to at least partially conform to contours on the mounting surface. The base may be partially formed of a material that provides sufficient friction between its lower surface and the mounting surface to resist unwanted movement. The frame may be formed of aluminum and may include a central portion and a plurality of appendages each independently movable about at least two axes of movement. Each of the appendages may include a connecting link joined to the central portion and a pair of arms extending from the connecting link and movable relative to one another and relative to the central portion.
US08668174B2	Fastener for elongated component A fastener for securing pipes or wire bundles to a foundation structure includes a body and a separate pipe or wire clamp. The body has a clamp holder for receiving and holding the clamp. The clamp holder receives the clamp with a gap allowing the clamp to vibrate. Leaf springs are formed on the side walls of the clamp holder to resiliently support the side wall of the clamp within the clamp holder. Second leaf springs with anti-release pawls are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and second leaf spring receiving grooves are formed in the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the second leaf springs and anti-release pawls. Third leaf springs are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and third leaf spring receiving grooves are formed on the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the third leaf springs.
US08668172B2	Holding device for a sprinkler nozzle A holding device (1) for a sprinkler nozzle (17) of a sprinkler system is provided, wherein the holding device has a first bracket (2) and a second bracket (3) that are connected to each other at one of their ends and that extend parallel to each other at least in an assembled state of the holding device (1). Each bracket has a structure (10, 11) for receiving a sprinkler nozzle (17), and the receiving structures (10, 11) are formed for receiving the sprinkler nozzle (17) oriented perpendicular to the two brackets (2, 3). The two brackets (2, 3) have, at their free ends opposite the one end, complementary catch structures (5, 6) by which the two brackets (2, 3) can be locked with each other in the assembled state.
US08668163B2	Rack and pinion landing gear steering system A steering system for aircraft landing gear can be used, for example, for controlling one or more axles of a bogie style landing gear system, such as, but not limited to, a six-wheel bogie style landing gear system. The steering system includes a rack having a plurality of rack teeth. An actuator is operatively connected to move the rack in a linear direction. A pinion has a plurality of pinion teeth in meshing engagement with the rack teeth. The pinion includes a pinion body extending between the pinion teeth and a pinion pivot that is spaced apart from the pinion teeth. The actuator, rack, and pinion are configured and adapted so that linear motion of the rack imparted by the actuator results in rotation of the pinion about the pinion pivot for steering landing gear wheels.
US08668162B1	Apparatus and method for roll moment equalization at high advance ratios for rotary wing aircraft A method for equalizing rolling moments at high advance ratios is disclosed including impelling an aircraft in a forward direction at an airspeed by means of a thrust source and rotating a rotor of the aircraft at an angular velocity with respect to the airspeed effective to cause a positive total lift on each blade due to air flow over the blades in the retreating direction when the blade is moving in the retreating direction. The rotor includes an even number of blades placed at equal angular intervals around the rotor hub. One or both of cyclic pitch and rotor angle of attack are adjusted such that a rolling moment of the retreating blade due to reverse air flow is between 0.3 and 0.7 times a rolling moment on the advancing blade due to lift.
US08668157B2	Method of recovering film-forming material A layer (71), made from a material that is attracted by a magnet, is formed in at least part of a chamber component (70), which at least part makes in contact with a film forming material. A method for collecting a film forming material includes the steps of: (a) exfoliating an attachment (22) which has attached to a surface of the chamber component (70); and (b) collecting the attachment (22) by separating a fragment of the layer (71), which fragment has been exfoliated in the step (a), while causing the fragment to be attracted by a magnet (202a).
US08668155B2	Self regulating fluid bearing high pressure rotary nozzle with balanced thrust force A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.
US08668154B2	Lawn mower and fertilizer spreader combination A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use.
US08668148B2	RFID chip tray The invention generally pertains to a chip tray for storing casino currency. By way of example, one chip tray is a dual chip tray having a lower housing assembly having an interior configured for receiving at least one removable chip tray for holding gaming currency. A top tray sub assembly is hinged relative to the lower housing assembly to pivot between a closed position and an open position. A chip tray lid is provided to cover the lower housing assembly in a covered position. In another example, RFID antennas are positioned within the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly. The RFID antennas are configured to read and communicate with RFID-enabled gaming currency in the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly.
US08668146B1	Rewards program with payment artifact permitting conversion/transfer of non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds An entity establishes a non-negotiable credit account for a member of the loyalty program. The member of the loyalty program is provided with a payment artifact. Non-negotiable credits are added to the account in response to the payment artifact being used for purchases of goods or services. Quantities of the non-negotiable credits are redeemable for member selected goods or services per terms-of-use of the loyalty program. A subset of the non-negotiable credits are convertible to entity independent funds of a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. The entity independent funds are redeemable for commerce partner goods or commerce partner services of the different loyalty program.
US08668142B2	Automatic dealing machine and automatic dealing system An automatic dealing machine comprises a casing configured for storing a chip handling unit for handling chips, and a banknote handling unit for handling banknotes. The chip handling unit includes a chip insertion port through which chips are received from the exterior of the casing, a chip determination portion for determining the kind of each chip, and a chip calculation portion for calculating the number of the chips, of each kind, as determined by the chip determination portion and the total amount of money. A control unit controls the operation of the dealing machine, such that banknotes of an amount of money corresponding to the total amount of the chips calculated by the chip calculation portion are disbursed into the banknote disbursement port when the chips are inserted through the chip insertion port.
US08668140B2	Transformation system for nutritional substances Disclosed herein is a transformation system for at least one component of a single or multi-component nutritional substance. The transformation system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be transformed, the desired transformation, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the transformed nutritional substance, and dynamically modifies the transformation in response to this information.
US08668136B2	Method and system for RFID-assisted imaging A method includes acquiring imaging data of a scene using an imaging tool. The method also includes extracting radio frequency identification (RFID) data stored in an RFID tag associated with the scene. The method further includes associating the RFID data with the imaging data.
US08668135B2	Automatic configuration of a terminal A method and apparatus are provided for requesting configuration of a terminal connected to a subscriber card that contains at least one application. The terminal is adapted to receive via a second communications interface a response to a request including configuration information of the terminal, to act for at least one application of the subscriber card to determine whether an interface application associated with the at least one application is or is not present in the terminal. The terminal is adapted to send via a first telecommunications interface at least one command for downloading the interface application, if the interface application not present. A configuration method and apparatus are also provided for sending configuration information in response to a request, to receive at least one download command and to transmit it to a remote server, and to update the configuration information, after downloading the interface application specified in the command.
US08668133B2	Retractable container with support legs A bulk shipping container has a plurality of removable supporting legs extending downwardly from a periphery of its interior space beyond the bottom of the container to support the container in an elevated position above a floor. Reinforcing straps positioned on the container hold the legs in their extended positions. A dolly may be positioned beneath the elevated container between the supporting legs and the reinforcing straps removed to enable the weight of the container to cause it to slide down along the plurality of removable supporting legs to a lowered position resting on the dolly, which may then be used to transport the loaded container into a building for removal of product from the container.
US08668131B2	In-situ accuracy control in flux dipping A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator.
US08668130B2	Surgical stapling systems and staple cartridges for deploying surgical staples with tissue compression features A surgical staple having at least one projection formed thereon. In various embodiments, the projection is formed on a crown of the surgical staple. In one various embodiment, the projection surrounds, or is positioned adjacent to, at least one deformable member of the surgical staple. In one embodiment, the projection can apply an increased compressive force or pressure to soft tissue surrounding the deformable member prior to the deformable members puncturing a hole in the soft tissue. As a result of the increased compressive force or pressure on the tissue, after staple deployment, blood flow proximate deformable member puncture holes can be reduced.
US08668129B2	Surgical apparatus including surgical buttress A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.
US08668123B2	Holding apparatus for a portable electronic device An apparatus is disclosed to hold a communication device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like, in a manner that provides for hands-free use of the communication device, particularly while driving, visual proximity so that a display of the communication device is easily observed, and audio proximity so that a speaker and a microphone are easily within hearing and speaking distances. The holding apparatus includes one or more clips with which to clip the device onto a visor. The clips provide a degree of rotation about a pivot pin. The body is configurable such that it can hold devices of varying sizes. The body can extend both vertically and horizontally to accommodate longer and wider devices. In at least one embodiment, the body is sectioned into four quarters that can extend and retract to accommodate many varied sizes of devices.
US08668120B2	Dispensing container The present invention relates to a dispensing container for liquids comprising a reservoir (1) which is connected to a dispensing nozzle (6), the nozzle having a mouth (4) through which liquid is dispensed, wherein the nozzle is adapted such that the size of the mouth is adjustable. In the most preferred embodiment, the container comprises a dispenser for fuel additives which comprises a novel design of dispensing nozzle, comprising a tube (5) adapted to fit the fuel tank of a petrol engine and a moveable sleeve (8) of greater diameter than the tube and adapted to fit the fuel tank of a diesel engine, this sleeve being positioned around the tube such that it can be moved to a position at the dispensing end of the tube which prevents the nozzle from being inserted into the fuel tank of a petrol engine. The invention provides a single dispensing container which is adapted for use in conjunction with the fuel tanks of both petrol and diesel engines, and may be employed as a container for a fuel additive for either petrol or diesel fuel.
US08668117B2	Fluid dispensing apparatus and method A fluid dispenser contains and dispenses metered amounts of fluid, and in some embodiments comprises a reservoir for containing fluid; a chamber positioned substantially within the reservoir for containing a quantity of fluid; and a piston moveable within the chamber in a first direction to draw fluid into the chamber from the reservoir, and movable in a second direction to discharge a metered amount of fluid from the chamber. A user-manipulatable control can be coupled to the piston to move the piston with respect to the chamber, and in some cases to select the desired metered amount of fluid to be dispensed. Also, a pawl can be used to selectively permit and inhibit movement of the piston in the first and/or second directions to prevent partial doses from being dispensed from the fluid dispenser.
US08668116B2	Pump having a flexible mechanism for engagement with a dispenser A foam pump having a flexible member for engagement with a dispenser, the pump being part of a refill unit including a product reservoir. The flexible connecting member extends from an extreme end of the pump and is received by an actuating carriage that is movably connected to an actuating mechanism. The flexible connecting member permits insertion of the pump into a dispenser, and may act to dampen actuating forces to reduce foam shearing. The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip that is received through an oval opening in the product dispenser, and the pump may include a locking member to prevent unwanted actuation thereof during insertion of the refill unit into the dispenser.
US08668115B2	Functional operation and timing control improvements for dispensers A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.
US08668109B2	Sleeve for beverage cups An insulating sleeve comprising a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges which are joined together at a glue flap. The sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rows of generally longitudinally orientated and off-set slits. The rows of slits (5 to 10) are generally placed adjacent the glue flap and cover only a portion of the sleeve. Preferably at least one of the even or odd numbered slits extend to the top or bottom edge of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is placed over the frustoconically shaped side wall of the cup which causes the sleeve to expand circumferentially until the desired fit is obtained.
US08668095B2	Upright note holder A note holder is disclosed that comprises a base; a spine extending from the base and having a base end and an upper end, the upper end being positioned higher than the base end in the vertical plane; and, a plurality of retainers attached to said spine and adapted to retain one or more pieces of notepaper in an easily observed state.
US08668084B2	System for the identification of different fastening elements A system for identification of different fastening elements used for connecting of components of a unit to be assembled has a receptacle to receive different fastening elements which differ from each other with regard to shape and/or size and/or material and are coordinated to the components which are respectively to be connected so that the number of fastening elements which are able to be received by the receptacle corresponds at least to the number of connection sites on the components, a housing which serves to receive the receptacle, and identification elements to display the individual charging position of a fastening element in the receptacle.
US08668082B2	Flexible packaging Various arrangements for a flexible package for articles of footwear or other items are presented. The flexible package generally includes a lightweight flexible package sized to accommodate a pair of shoes. The flexible package may also include a removable stiffening insert to aid in maintaining the structure of the flexible package and allow stacking of the package. Further, the flexible package may include one or more handle arrangements. Various closure arrangements may be used with the flexible packaging for footwear, such as an undercut tab arrangement, hook and loop type closure arrangement, rim and lip, and the like.
US08668074B2	Method for transferring an article A method for transferring an article from a first conveying device to a second conveying device, where at least one conveying device comprises at least one motor, including determining a load of the at least one motor, and adjusting the relative positioning of the first conveying device with respect to the second conveying device depending on the determined load.
US08668072B2	Machine and method for forming groups of products to be cased The invention relates to a machine for products having a non-circular cross-section, such as ovoid containers or bottles. The machine includes: a collector having cavities arranged obliquely relative to the XX' axis of the conveyor used to supply said products; a means for transferring the batch of products formed into groups by said collector to a depositing station, on a table arranged along said feed conveyor; a means for dropping the batch of products by a reversing movement in an oblique direction; and a means for returning said collector to the starting point, that is, level with the first product on said feed conveyor.
US08668070B2	Oblong lazy Susan A track and carrier system has a plurality of carriers having an upper surface, a bottom surface, and at least one roller coupled to the bottom surface, wherein the upper surface of the plurality of carriers is shaped such that it has a wide end and a narrow end, the narrow end pointed substantially inwardly of the continuous groove and at least one roller is configured to travel within a continuous groove in a platform so that displacement of one carrier in the plurality of carriers displaces at least one additional carrier in the plurality of carriers about the continuous groove.
US08668061B2	Nested check high speed valve A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.
US08668049B2	Ladder A ladder comprises two stiles and at least a step unit mounted between the two stiles. The step unit includes a hollow step, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is fit into the hollow step, at an end of which a position restriction portion is located to prevent the inner sleeve from moving out, and the outer sleeve is adapted to surround the end of the hollow step. Besides, a fastener is set, the fastening end of which is passed through the stile, the outer sleeve and fastened in the inner sleeve. The present technique solution has a high supporting strength and a high shear resistance.
US08668048B1	Elevator assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a combine A personnel elevator assembly is provided to enable a person to gain access to the elevated platform of a combine with the combine having a ladder assembly extending downwardly from the platform. The elevator assembly is secured to and is supported by the ladder assembly and includes an elevator step which is movable from a position close to the ground to a position thereabove so as to be at approximately the same level as the platform.
US08668041B2	Construction machine having platform for maintenance work A construction machine including: a lower propelling body; an upper slewing body having a rear region with an engine room; a slewing device for slewing the upper slewing body; and a platform cover. The slewing device includes a slewing electric motor having an electric-motor output shaft, and a speed reducer having a speed-reducer output shaft rotated more slowly than the electric-motor output shaft, the speed reducer installed forward of the engine room such that the speed-reducer output shaft points downward, the slewing electric motor disposed just above the speed reducer. The platform cover is provided on a top of the slewing electric motor, having an upper surface serving as a platform for maintenance of equipment in the engine room. The platform cover is lower than the engine cover and adjacent to a front side of the engine room.
US08668039B2	Motorized walking shoes Incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes is described. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.
US08668036B2	Control systems and methods for electric drive utility vehicles Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.
US08668033B2	Work vehicle A work vehicle includes a pair of electric motors independently running and driving right and left running wheels in a state of being able to create straight running state and turning running; a pair of right and left change speed operation tools independently manually operated and performing a change speed operation to the right and left running wheels; and a controller controlling operation. The controller controls the operation of the respective electric motors by setting target speeds with regard to the respective electric motors such that the speed difference in the target speeds is smaller than the speed difference corresponding to the difference in the operation positions of the respective change speed operation tools by a set amount in a case where the operation positions of the respective change speed operation tools are different between right and left.
US08668018B2	Selective dart system for actuating downhole tools and methods of using same Plug element systems comprise a tubular member having at least two seats. An eccentrically-shaped plug member comprises an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion comprises an upper end diameter can be less than, greater than, or equal to a lower end portion diameter of the lower end portion. The eccentric shape of the plug member permits it to pass through a first seat and land on a second seat comprising a second seat length where both the first seat and the second seat comprise substantially equal inner seat diameters.
US08668017B2	Variable buoyancy subsea running tool A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.
US08668014B2	Subsurface safety valve for high temperature and high pressure wells A subsurface safety valve particularly designed for high temperature and high pressure applications has an improved tubular joint connection that provides for a compliant metal to metal seal without adversely affecting the break out torque. The valve also includes axially extending grooves in the inner surface of the tubular housing in the area of a actuating piston bore to relief stresses in that area thereby reducing the risk of stress failure.
US08668005B2	Dump bailer A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.
US08668004B2	Tubing hanger running tool with integrated pressure release valve A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsurface safety valve (SSV) biased toward a closed position, and configured to open by application of hydraulic pressure. The system also includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT), including a conduit in fluid communication with the SSV, and a pressure release valve fluidly coupled to the conduit. The pressure release valve is configured to maintain sufficient hydraulic pressure within the conduit to hold the SSV in an open position while the pressure release valve is in a closed position.
US08668000B2	Easy break geode An improved geode breaking method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. A geode can be broken or cut into at least two pieces, or grooved with a circumferential groove. The geode pieces can be reassembled and connected to each other using a bonding material that supports the joint formed between the reassembled pieces. The bonding layer can denote a joint guideline to assist in aligning a geode breaking tool for re-breaking the geode. A support layer can be added for additional strength, support, and geode crumbling prevention. The reassembled geode can be safely and easily re-broken without crumbling the exterior and interior surface of the geode. The geode's interior crystals or concentric lines can be safely appreciated within a piece or section of a reassembled and re-broken geode.
US08667999B2	Fiber application machine provided with flexible fiber conveying tubes arranged within a cold sheath A fiber application machine for the production of composite material parts, comprising a system for displacing a fiber application head, a fiber storage, and a fiber conveyor for conveying the fibers from the fiber storage to the application head, the fiber conveyor being placed in the internal passage of at least one flexible tubular sheath, the machine further comprising a cooling system adapted to inject cold gas in the internal passage of the sheath.
US08667997B2	Method and apparatus for the handling of a hazardous fluid An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.
US08667994B2	Plumbing fitting A plumbing fitting includes a body portion 1 which is secured to a structure such as a wall framing in use by means of a mounting means 2. An inlet means 3 is linked to an outlet means 4 by means of an internal passage in the body portion. The inlet means is adapted to be secured to distributor pipework or hoses in use and the outlet means is adapted to be coupled to a flexible hose or a tap where it projects through a wall lining. The body portion 1 can slide within the mounting means 2, if sufficient force is used, so that after the coupling is made to an extended outlet means 4 the outlet means can be pushed back towards the wall structure to assist in the provision of a neat appearance.
US08667993B2	Composite hose with luminescent exterior portions A hose or duct that is comprised of a rubber, plastic, metal, woven or non-woven textile or composite material is outfitted with a luminescent exterior member. The luminescent exterior member includes a luminescent material. The luminescent exterior member can be incorporated into the manufacture of the hose, or added to and/or around the exterior of the hose after manufacture of the hose. The luminescent exterior member may be wound around the hose in a spiral manner or may run longitudinally along a length of the hose in a single line or multiple lines. The luminescent exterior member may be fixably coupled to the hose with adhesive or molecularly bonded or with an attachment mechanism or the luminescent exterior member may be externally spiraled as a rigid spiral sleeve and thereby removable from the hose and may be reusable.
US08667981B2	Method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head An outer valve surrounds an inner valve. A plug can move relative to a seat of the inner valve to control flow through that valve. A plug co-operates with the outlet port of the outer valve to control fluid through that valve. The plug comprises part of the inner valve.
US08667980B2	Non-interrupt meter change out Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.
US08667979B1	Battery rack with spill containment A battery rack system and method are provided including a battery rack for holding a plurality of batteries. Further included is a liner-equipped containment system connected to the battery rack. The containment system is adapted for containing leaks or spills from the batteries.
US08667972B2	Methods of preparing customized, neuromuscular mouthpieces for enhancing athletic performance TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
US08667971B2	Methods of preparing customized mouthpieces for enhancing athletic performance A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
US08667970B2	Airway device with tongue-engaging member An oral device for improving airway patency includes a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway.
US08667969B2	Positioner device A foam positioner device utilized for maintaining resting limb positioning, hand shape and strength therapies, and other modality therapies. Said device, by means of an integrated strap slot base, incorporates a generic strap which wraps around furnishings such as pillows, recliner footrests, beds, chairs, and various medical apparatus exclusively and does not attach to the person.
US08667955B2	Handheld work apparatus having a control unit for operating an electric load A handheld work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a work tool and a generator. The work apparatus has a first electrical load and a connectable second electrical load. The generator provides the electrical power for the simultaneous operation of the two loads. The work apparatus has a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the first electrical load. In order to supply approximately the same power independent of voltage fluctuations, a voltage monitoring circuit is provided which, in a first operating state, sets a first signal sequence for operating the first load and, in a second operating state, sets a different second signal sequence for operating the first load. The mean power of the first signal sequence and that of the other second signal sequence are approximately equal.
US08667949B2	Engine driven power generator apparatus An engine-driven power generator apparatus, which includes, within a case, an engine and a power generator drivable with the engine, and in which an operation panel is provided on a front cover and an air intake louver for introducing air into the case is provided within the case, includes: a waterproof cover covering the operation panel and the air intake louver; an air guide passage of a labyrinth shape provided within the waterproof cover and communicating the outside of the waterproof cover with the air intake louver; and a brush-shaped water separation unit provided in the air guide passage and having a plurality of pins projecting in a direction intersecting flows of air in the air guide passage.
US08667948B2	Dwell cycle crank The dwell cycle crank includes a reciprocating piston having a piston head or cylinder, a main body connected to the piston head, a cap detachably mounted to the main body, an S-shaped cam formed between the main body and the cap, a follower disposed in the S-shaped cam, a rotatable crankshaft, and an offset journal disposed between the connecting bearing and the crankshaft to thereby form a torque arm. The S-shaped cam and connecting bearing create periodic dwells and faster strokes in the crank cycle to maximize volumetric and geometric efficiencies of the engine.
US08667940B2	Engine assembly including valvetrain lubrication system An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.
US08667938B2	Combustion engine with variable valve actuation A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load. Wedges and wedging surfaces under the band and movable with the movable portion of the cam can be used to adjust the timing.
US08667930B2	Method and apparatus for averting waterfowl settlements This invention relates to a method and apparatus for averting water fowl settlements using a humane, non-lethal, optionally solar and rechargeable battery operated microcontroller controlled by preset code, a multi-patterned and changing light generating apparatus, with at least 500 nm to 570 nm visible and 300-399 nm ultraviolet spectrum LED lights, activated by means for sensing ambient light levels to determine activation periods and resting periods for retraining water fowl to relocate settlements to an alternate location by disrupting their dark-adapted night vision. The apparatus may be in the form of a floating buoy or a land or other structural surface mountable device and includes means to prevent perching thereon.
US08667923B2	Water feed device for an inclined moistener in a mail handling machine A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam dipping in said reservoir of water, said device having at least two distinct water feed circuits for feeding water separately to two separate compartments of the reservoir of water from two isolated compartments of the reserve stock of water in a manner such as to define two distinct levels of water for the two isolated compartments of the reserve of water, and thus to define two different heights of water in the two corresponding separate compartments of the reservoir of water.
US08667919B2	Boat anchor A boat anchor is described and which includes a fixture, which is releasably secured to a cleat that is mounted on a boat; an adjustable arm moveably mounted to the fixture and which has a distal end; a channel member mounted on the distal end of the adjustable arm and which defines a passageway; and an elongated anchor rod which is received in the passageway and which further has a distal end which is operable to engage an underwater surface, which is located near the boat, and wherein the adjustable arm maintains the boat at a predetermined distance from the anchor rod.
US08667913B2	Method and device for controlling retention time of fluid medium in fluidized-bed gasification furnace in gasification facility A method and device for controlling retention time of a fluid medium in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace in a gasification facility are provided. A fluid medium is guided to any of a plurality of fluid-medium charge ports connected to a gasification furnace at intervals from an upstream end thereof toward a downstream side in a distribution direction of a fluid medium longitudinally of the gasification furnace. A raw material is guided to any of a plurality of raw-material charge ports connected to the gasification furnace at positions longitudinally of the gasification furnace and correspondingly to the fluid-medium charge ports. The fluid medium is extracted and guided to a combustion furnace from a fluid-medium extraction port connected to a downstream end of the gasification furnace longitudinally thereof in the distribution direction of the fluid medium. Thus, retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace is controlled.
US08667909B2	Adjustable attachment device for furniture An article of furniture includes a support and a plurality of members, each of the members extending along the bottom face of the support. Each of a plurality of attachment devices attaches a respective one of a plurality of legs to one of the members such that each of the members is attached to at least one of the legs. The attachment devices include multiple bodies and multiple fasteners. Each of the attachment devices are able to be adjusted as needed to account for slight manufacturing discrepancies that may occur due to manufacturing tolerance ranges so that the legs attached to the members via the attachment devices are positionable where desired in accordance with a predetermined design.
US08667904B2	Aircraft tray table with electronic device support A tray table having a support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort on flights. The support may comprise an elongated cavity configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. In some embodiments, the passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned.
US08667903B1	Adjustable table assembly An adjustable table assembly provides a plurality of adjustable support surfaces positionable in a selectable configuration as desired by a user. The assembly includes a medial panel having a first side and a second side. A first slot extends into the first side of the medial panel. A first side panel is coupled to the medial panel. The first side panel is slidably inserted into the first slot whereby the first side panel is selectively extendable from the medial panel. A first side pivot hinge is coupled between the medial panel and the first side panel. Thus, the first side panel is pivotable relative to the medial panel. A plurality of legs is coupled to the medial panel.
US08667897B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes a housing and a diffuser connected to the housing. The diffuser has a cup-like shape and includes an opening portion joined to the housing and a circumferential wall portion provided with gas discharge ports. A partition plate is attached to the opening between the housing and the diffuser for closing the opening. The diffuser has first and second tubular space portions therein communicating with each other, the first tubular space portion facing the partition plate, and the second tubular space portion communicating with the gas discharge ports. A step is formed between the first and second tubular space portions such that the inner diameter of the first tubular space portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second tubular space portion, and a cross-sectional area of the second tubular space portion is smaller than the total opening area of the gas discharge ports.
US08667890B2	Cartridge for coffee and soluble products for preparing beverages A cartridge (1) for coffee or soluble products for producing a beverage, includes a container (2) able to contain the coffee or soluble product, a lid (6) disposed over the container so as to define a top wall for entry into the container (2) of the hot water under pressure for formation of the beverage, a filter (4) suitable for being positioned inside the container (2) above a bottom wall (20) of the container through which the beverage exits, wherein the bottom wall (20) of the container has a less thick central area (22), at the center of which are disposed thickening ribs (27) along the edge of which there are etchings (26) able to break when the liquid inside the cartridge reaches a pre-set pressure value, so as to form flexible tongues (28) which give rise to apertures (50) through which the beverage is delivered.
US08667888B2	Flexible chamber A chamber having an internal volume, end surfaces and a side wall. The chamber is adapted to change its volume by leakage-free displacement of the end surface. The side wall has at least three adjacent sleeves (1-6), and an elastic seal (8-14) is arranged between each of the sleeves, such that the seals are pressurized and expanded when the sleeves are moved due to a displacement of the end surfaces.
US08667884B2	Hydraulic valve device A Hydraulic valve device includes a first engine port and a second engine port to a double acting hydraulic motor, and a pump, a hand valve, which is arranged such that it connects the engine ports to the tank and the pump, and which hand valve has two open positions, wherein the pump in the first open position via a line is connected to the first engine port and the tank via a line is connected to the second engine port, and wherein the pump in the second open position via the line is connected to the second engine port and the tank via the line is connected to the first engine port, and a first nonreturn valve, arranged between the pump and the second engine port and opens towards the second engine port. A piston which by way of the load pressure in the first engine port via a line governs the first nonreturn valve, such that it is kept closed as long as the pump pressure does not exceed the load pressure, and a second nonreturn valve arranged such that it, as long as the hand valve is in its first open position, connects the first engine port to the second engine port and opens in direction towards the second engine port.
US08667881B1	Selectable dual mode trigger for semiautomatic firearms One embodiment of a trigger system with an integral selector for semi-automatic firearms. A selector allows the user to choose between two modes and rates of fire. A trigger (1) is made to allow passage of the lower portion of a selector cam (5) to the exterior of the firearm. A selector lever (6) is affixed to the lower end of the selector cam (5) on the exterior of the firearms action. Turning the selector lever (6) rotates the selector cam (5) which tilts a pivotal disconnector (3) on its axis, varying the amount of disconnector (3) engagement with a hammer (2). The variance in the disconnector (3) engagement causes the firearm to fire in one of two modes, firing one round with a trigger pull and resetting with trigger release, or firing one round with trigger pull, and firing another round with trigger release. Other embodiments are described.
US08667877B2	Miter saw with dual tracking light A motorized saw in one embodiment includes a work support surface, a cutting blade supported above the work support surface and defining a cutting plane extending through a center portion of the cutting blade, a light source configured to generate a beam of light, a first reflector aligned with a first path in which a first portion of the beam of light travels and defining a first tracking line path along a first side of the cutting plane, the first reflector configured to move along and remain aligned with the first path, and a second reflector aligned with a second path in which a second portion of the beam of light travels and defining a second tracking line path along a second side of the cutting plane, the second reflector configured to move along and remain aligned with the second path.
US08667876B2	Pipe cutting apparatus The invention relates to a pipe cutting apparatus, comprising a tubular or box-like frame (1), a pipe clamp (9) inside the frame for immobilizing a pipe (P) to be cut, an annular blade carrier (3) rotatably bearing-mounted on the frame and provided with a central opening for the pipe to pass through, one or more blade arms (4) in attachment with the annular blade carrier (3) for movement mainly in a radial direction or in a slightly off-radial direction, a cutting blade (5) mounted on the blade arm (4), and means for actuating the blade arm (4) to enable feeding the cutting blade (5), rotating outside the pipe, towards the pipe for cutting the same by shearing. The means for ac-tuating the blade arm (4) include a spiral groove disc (6) rotatably bearing-mounted alongside the annular blade carrier (3), featuring a spiral groove (7) and a transition fin (8) extending from the blade arm (4) to the spiral groove (7), as well as elements (11, 12) for rotating the annular blade carrier (3) and the spiral groove disc (6) at a desired rotation speed ratio relative to each other.
US08667869B2	Spinner assembly for oilfield tubular connections A tubular makeup and breakout assembly 10 includes a top spinner 20, an intermediate power tong 12 and a lower backup tong 14. The spinner comprises a frame 22 which houses a pair of hydraulic cylinders 24. A plurality of rollers 26 are each intended for frictional engagement with an outer surface of a tubular to rotate the tubular. Each roller 26 is powered by hydraulic drive motor 28. The roller receives a suitable drive shaft rotatably powered by the motor and having a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. The roller comprises segments which may be removed without removing the motor or the drive shaft.
US08667865B2	Hybrid transmission A transmission for a vehicle which includes a ground engaging structure driven from an output member of the transmission is disclosed, the transmission including a first input member connected to a prime mover, and a second input member drivable by the operation of a hydraulic drive motor, and the transmission being operable to transmit drive from the first input member to the output member in mechanical drive mode, and from the second input member to the output member in hydrostatic drive mode, the first input member providing a drive input from the prime mover to a mechanical drive train which includes a gear ratio selection apparatus, and for mechanical drive mode, the gear ratio selection apparatus providing for one of a plurality of alternative gear ratios to be selected by the engagement and/or disengagement of at least one power-shift clutch device, and the second input member being connected via a drive path to the output member, and there being a power-shift clutch device between the hydraulic drive motor and the second input member which is operative when the transmission is in hydrostatic drive mode, to transmit drive established by the operation of the hydraulic drive motor to the second input member.
US08667862B2	Operating mechanism for a parking brake An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block and a locking device adapted to lock the manual brake lever into a position. The locking device includes a detent arranged on the manual brake lever and adapted to pivot around a pivoting axis, the detent having a bore, a locking segment connected to the bearing block, a spring element adapted to hold the detent into a locking position on the locking segment, and a connecting element adapted to secure the detent on the manual brake lever. The connecting element and the spring element jointly form a single structural unit adapted for insertion into the bore in the detent during installation of the detent on the manual brake lever.
US08667854B2	Torque sensor A small, high-stiffness torque sensor. An annular deformable body is disposed between left and right side supports. Convex sections protruding from the left side support in a rightward direction are joined to the left side surface of the annular deformable body, and convex sections protruding from the right side support in a leftward direction are joined to the right side surface of the annular deformable body. When force is applied to the right side support and torque around the Z axis acts on the left side support, the annular deformable body is elliptically deformed and the long-axis position of the inner peripheral surface of the annular deformable body moves away from the Z axis while the short-axis position moves closer to the Z axis. The acting torque is detected as a variation in the capacitance value of capacitive elements formed by displacement electrodes and fixed electrodes.
US08667850B2	Bidirectional wind pressure detecting apparatus Provided is a measuring apparatus capable of measuring a wind pressure, and in particular, a bidirectional wind pressure detecting apparatus having wind pressure sensors installed at an air introduction port and an air ejection port, respectively, to measure a wind pressure regardless of a direction of the air.
US08667848B2	Pressure indicator A pressure indicator for indicating pressure of a pressure source. The indicator comprises a first reservoir which defines a first enclosed volume having a first inlet pipe for communication between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurized fluid. A passage which provides a flow path for the pressurized fluid.
US08667847B2	Ultrasonic testing apparatus for pipe or tube end portion An ultrasonic testing apparatus for a pipe end portion, which enables accurate ultrasonic testing, comprises an ultrasonic probe disposed under the pipe end portion. The probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the pipe end portion and receives the ultrasonic waves therefrom. A probe holder houses the probe which is disposed under the pipe end portion to face the pipe end portion and follows the pipe rotation. The probe holder comprises a coupling medium reserver part that surrounds a space between the probe and the pipe end portion to contain a coupling medium therein and comprises a coupling medium reserver part body into which the coupling medium is supplied. An annular bellows part, which communicates with the reserver part body, can expand and contract vertically and an annular spacer, which is attached to the upper side of the bellows part and an upper surface thereof has a flat horizontal surface.
US08667845B2	Device and method for detecting elements in a fluid environment A device for detecting elements in a fluid environment includes at least one acoustic resonator having a surface designed for fixing of elements. The resonator is configured for generating and measuring Lamb waves fostering generation of symmetrical Lamb waves. The device analyzes the resonance frequency of the resonator to determine the variation of the resonance frequency of the symmetrical Lamb waves representative of the presence of the elements.
US08667831B2	Micro viscometer Disclosed is a micro viscometer comprising a body including an inlet where a fluid flows in, an outlet where the fluid flows out, a first chamber and a second chamber that is connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, a substrate and a cover that partition multiple micro channels that connect the first chamber and the second chamber; a first thin film that vibrates with the fluid within the first chamber and locates on the side of the first chamber; a second thin film that vibrates with the fluid within the second chamber and locates on the side of the second chamber; an actuating part that applies vibration onto the fluid within the first chamber by conducting vibration through the first thin film; a sensing part that senses vibration or pressure onto the fluid that transfers through the micro channels to the second thin film through vibration of the first thin film.

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