US07742778B2
Transient distortion is compensated for by multiplying an exponentially-decaying phase shift onto the distorted waveform. The exponentially decaying phase shift waveform is patterned after the transient which typically takes the form of an exponential and occurs upon introduction of power to a circuit or circuit component. A digital circuit produces an appropriate exponentially-decaying waveform which is used as the input for a look up table whose output is a complex sinusoidal waveform capable of compensating for the distortion. The complex sinusoid is multiplied onto the transmitted waveform. The decaying exponential is biased so that it crosses a threshold at which point the compensating circuitry is turned off.
US07742768B2
A soft switch 134 providing wireless PBX voice services to a local area network (WLAN) is used to extend PBX functionality to the cellular domain. A dual mode remote unit is capable of receiving signals both in the cellular system as well as the WLAN. The cellular system is comprised of a data-bearing path and a voice-bearing path. When the dual mode remote unit is within the WLAN, it communicates both voice over IP (VoIP) signaling as well as session initiation protocol (SIP) control signaling over the WLAN. When the remote unit is outside the WLAN, it communicates voice signaling over the voice-bearing path of the cellular network using a standard cellular voice channel. In parallel, it uses the data-bearing path of the cellular network to transmit SIP control signaling.
US07742759B2
A device for programming user-defined information into an electronic device is provided. The programmer allows a user to program customized information, such as user-selected audio, video, or Internet access information into his or her programmable device. Such electronic devices include wireless telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants. The programmer allows a user to, among other things, customize the device to suit his or her particular taste.
US07742757B2
A network includes a switch and at least one network element to track the locations of wireless devices that interact with the network. The network further includes at least one network element to convert location information for a wireless device obtained from the at least one network element to track locations to a voice announcement, and to interact with the switch to provide the announcement to at least one of a calling wireless device and a called wireless device.
US07742756B2
Management server 16 may obtain application programs from content server 20 in response to requests of mobile terminal 11. Management server 16 may transmit the obtained application programs to mobile terminal 11 with information concerning reliabilities of the application programs. After mobile terminal 11 receives the application programs from management server 16, mobile terminal 11 manages operations of the application programs. Operations of the application programs are coordinated with operations of other programs using the information concerning the reliabilities corresponding to the application programs. Management of the coordinated operations of the application programs avoids problems concerning information security, where valuable information may be distributed unexpectedly because of operations of low reliable application programs. As a result, convenience of users of mobile terminals 11 can be improved without deteriorating the information security of mobile terminals 11.
US07742749B2
A method for processing signals received (30) by a sound program signal receiver includes a step (42, 44) of adjusting at least one parameter for processing small audio signals obtained from the received signals. It further includes a prior step of dividing a space representing a quality of reception of sound program signals into a plurality of reception zones wherein the sound program signal receiver is likely to be located. The adjustment (42, 44) of the parameter for processing small audio signals is determined on the basis of one of the reception zones wherein the sound program signal receiver is located.
US07742745B2
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.
US07742744B2
A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver.
US07742740B2
The present invention discloses a method, system and apparatus for playing an audio signal synchronously on a first mobile audio player and at least a second mobile audio player. More particularly, the invention pertains to an audio player device enabled for wireless transmission and reception of an audio signal. In one aspect, a delay enables the audio signal to be played synchronously on the audio player with a second audio player. In another aspect synchronization signals are used to play the audio signal synchronously on the first audio player and the second audio player.
US07742733B2
Fuser assemblies, xerographic apparatuses, and methods of fusing toner on media in xerographic apparatuses are disclosed. An embodiment of the fuser assemblies includes a fuser belt having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, at least a first roll and a second roll supporting the fuser belt, and a radiant heater facing the inner surface of the fuser belt. The radiant heater is adapted to emit radiant heat onto the inner surface of the fuser belt to increase the temperature of the outer surface of the fuser belt opposite the inner surface heated by the radiant heater.
US07742732B2
A fuser assembly comprises a fusing member and a pressure member, where the fusing member and the pressure member cooperatively rotate to form a fuser nip. The fuser is arranged so that the pressure member speed is reduced with respect to the fusing member speed, thus forming a reduced pressure member speed. The reduced pressure member speed stretches or retards the surface of the fusing member elastomer enough to assist in stripping or peeling the media sheet lead edge from the fusing member. As a result of initially stripping or peeling the media sheet lead edge, the remaining media body likewise is assisted to be stripped or peeled from the fusing member. In various embodiments the media stripping or peeling process is assisted by means of one or more air knives, one or more stripping fingers, or any combination of these items.
US07742724B2
A developer supply container supplies developer to a developer receiving portion of a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The container includes a developer accommodator, a discharge opening, a stirring member, a first receiver receiving a stirring member driving force from a first transmitter in the main assembly, a member opening and closing the opening, a second receiver receiving a force moving the openable member, and a second transmitter transmitting a force to the second receiver through a main assembly relay. By mounting the container to the main assembly, engagements are established between the first transmitter and the first receiver, between the second transmitter and the relay, and between the relay and the second receiver, so that a force is transmittable from the first transmitter to the first receiver, and a is transmittable from the second transmitter to the second receiver.
US07742719B2
Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge including the replacement a rotatable member, such as an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum or toner adder roller, for example, in the imaging cartridge without detaching the rotatable member retaining elements, such as end caps, for example, and installing a replacement rotatable element without disturbing the rotatable member retaining elements end caps.
US07742715B2
A charging system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and an information processing device that manages a charging processing on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus detects a trouble occurring on the image forming apparatus, and transmits a total number of output papers put out of the image forming apparatus and the detected contents of trouble to the information processing device as a use condition of the image forming apparatus. The information processing device calculates a total amount of service charge on the basis of the total number of output papers transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and also calculates an amount of deduction corresponding to the contents of trouble transmitted from the image forming apparatus. The information processing device deducts the amount of deduction from the total amount of service charge to calculate an amount of charge on the image forming apparatus.
US07742711B2
A fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus having a fixing roller to fix a toner on a recording medium, a heater to heat the fixing roller, and a power supplier to supply an electric power to the heater includes a relay interposed between the power supplier and the heater to supply and interrupt the electric power to the heater, an auxiliary power supplier to supply a driving power to the relay, and a thermoswitch interposed between the relay and the auxiliary power supplier and mounted adjacent to the fixing roller -to be electrically opened when the fixing roller reaches a predetermined overheating temperature. The fixing device is used in an image forming apparatus to reduce manufacturing costs and improve credibility and stability on an overheating prevention operation.
US07742706B2
A dispersion compensation type optical signal receiving apparatus includes: an APD element for converting input signal light inputted from a transmission line into an electric signal; an amplifying device constituted with a preamplifier circuit and a limit amplifier circuit, which amplifies the electric signal converted by the APD element; an EDC IC for compensating the dispersion in the transmission line electrically; and a clock/data reproducing circuit for reproducing the clock and data signal contained in the input signal light, wherein there is provided a VOA for limiting the amplitude of the input signal light inputted to the APD element and an attenuation amount controlling circuit for controlling the attenuation amount of the VOA in accordance with the bias current of the APD element.
US07742705B2
A system and method for providing chirped light for an optical network. The system includes a light source configured to provide a light. The system additionally includes a driving signal source configured to provide a first driving signal. The system also includes an amplifier configured to receive the first driving signal, amplify the first driving signal, and provide a second driving signal at a predetermined amplification level, the second driving signal being the amplified first signal. Additionally, the system includes a splitter configured to receive the second driving signal and split the second driving signal into a third driving signal and a fourth driving signal. The system also includes a first attenuator configured to receive the third driving signal, attenuate the third driving signal at a first attenuation level, and provide a fifth driving signal, the fifth driving signal being the third driving signal attenuated by the first attenuator.
US07742700B2
Systems and methods for encoding information in the topology of superpositions of helical modes of light, and retrieving information from each of the superposed modes individually or in parallel. These methods can be applied to beams of light that already carry information through other channels, such as amplitude modulation or wavelength dispersive multiplexing, enabling such beams to be multiplexed and subsequently demultiplexed. The systems and methods of the present invention increase the number of data channels carried by a factor of the number of superposed helical modes.
US07742698B2
A method for monitoring an optical network includes communicating optical traffic along a working path of an optical network. The optical network comprises a protection path for the optical traffic to communicate the optical traffic upon a failure in the working path. The protection path comprises two or more network elements coupled together by optical lines. The method also includes monitoring an idle signal of the protection path to detect an error in the protection path comprising an error in a component of one or more of the network elements.
US07742694B2
An optical apparatus, such as an image pickup apparatus, includes a detector configured to detect whether a manual aperture operation unit is operated by an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined amount during automatic aperture control. When an aperture fixing switch is operated or when the detector detects that the manual aperture operation unit is operated by an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, automatic aperture control is disabled and manual aperture control is enabled.
US07742693B2
An interchangeable lens type digital camera includes a camera main body and an interchangeable lens. The camera main body includes a control section which communicates with an interchangeable lens, and controls focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens by a hill-climbing AF system. A judgment section judges a characteristic of the interchangeable lens on the basis of communication between the interchangeable lens and the control section. The interchangeable lens includes a focus lens for performing focus adjustment. A focus lens drive section drives the focus lens. A lens control section communicates with the control section, and controls the focus lens drive section to perform focus adjustment. The control section changes a previously determined drive enabled range of the focus lens on the basis of a judgment result of the judgment section to perform focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens.
US07742692B2
A vibration reduction mechanism, comprising: a first moving member and a second moving member which move relatively at a time of image blur correction; a guide member which guides relative movements of the first moving member and the second moving member; a plurality of first engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the first moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions; and a plurality of second engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the second moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions, wherein a groove shape of at least either one of the plurality of the first engagement portions or the plurality of the second engagement portions is formed with an elongated hole shape extending along an alignment direction of the first engagement portions aligned in a row.
US07742688B2
A circuit for controlling rotation speed of a computer fan includes a fan connector providing for controlling the rotation speed of the computer fan, a rotation speed detector providing for detecting the rotation speed of the computer fan, a BIOS chip connected to the fan connector via the rotation speed detector and provided for receiving, and comparing rotation speed signals from the rotation speed detector, a super I/O chip connected to the BIOS chip and provided for outputting either a PWM signal or another PWM signal to be converted to a voltage signal to control rotation speed of the computer fan according to the result of the comparison, a integrated circuit connected to the super I/O chip and the fan connector and configured for converting the another PWM signal to an analog voltage signal.
US07742687B2
Systems and methods for stream format conversion. A stream format conversion system converts data from a TS format to a PS format by selecting TS packets according to PID, filtering out TS headers and PES headers to obtain ES format data, and inserting PES and PS headers into the ES format data to generate PS packets.
US07742685B2
An optical disc apparatus capable of time search function and a time search playback method thereof are disclosed, wherein the method comprises: searching for a playback area corresponding to a particular time using C_PBIT (Cell Playback Information Table) and VTS_VOBU_ADMAP (Video Title Set Video Object Unit Address Map) included in navigation information of an optical disc; and performing a playback operation from the searched playback area.
US07742679B2
A method for choosing the first candidate to be loaded from a series of job requests for a mix mode multimedia player is disclosed. A job table having a plurality of rows is provided. Each row for a job has a job message with a “Priority” status, a “Usage status” status, and an “Examining function” status. The jobs are generated by a loader manager module of the mix mode multimedia player according to the job requests. The job messages of the jobs are arranged according to the “Priority” status in order. Then, the first candidate is chosen according to the following steps. The “Usage status” status of the job message is examined. If the “Usage status” is “used”, the “Examining function” status of the job message is examined. At last, If the “Examining function” status is “Critical”, the job is set as the first candidate.
US07742677B2
A method for producing an optoelectronic component is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate, applying a semiconductor layer sequence to the substrate, applying at least two current expansion layers to the semiconductor layer sequence, applying and patterning a mask layer, patterning the second current expansion layer by means of an etching process during which sidewalls of the mask layer are undercut, patterning the first current expansion layer by means of an etching process during which the sidewalls of the mask layer are undercut at least to a lesser extent than during the patterning of the second current expansion layer, and removing the mask layer.
US07742668B2
Disclosed is a dry, semi-tight optical fiber unit that includes one or more optical fibers positioned within a buffer tube. A protective coating is provided upon the surface of the optical fibers, and an anti-adhesive coating is substantially bonded to the protective coating. One or more of these optical fiber units may be included in an optical cable. Also disclosed is a method for efficiently producing such an optical fiber unit.
US07742667B2
A loose tube optical fiber cable includes at least one cable unit. Each cable unit includes a plurality of loose, non-buffered optical fibers, a strength yarn at least partially surrounding the non-buffered optical fibers, and a jacket surrounding the strength yarn and the non-buffered optical fibers.
US07742664B2
Liquid crystal waveguides for dynamically controlling the refraction of light. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, portions of the liquid crystal material can be induced to form refractive or lens shapes in the cladding that interact with a portion (e.g. evanescent) of light in the waveguide so as to permit electronic control of the refraction/bending, focusing, or defocusing of light as it travels through the waveguide. In one example, a waveguide may be formed using one or more patterned or shaped electrodes that induce formation of such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material, or alternatively, an alignment layer may have one or more regions that define such refractive or lens shapes to induce formation of refractive or lens shapes of the liquid crystal material. In another example, such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material may be formed by patterning or shaping a cladding to define a region or cavity to contain liquid crystal material in which the liquid crystal materials may interact with the evanescent light.
US07742662B2
Photonic crystal (PC) sensors, and sensor arrays and sensing systems incorporating PC sensors are described which have integrated fluid containment and/or fluid handling structures. Sensors and sensing systems of the present disclosure are capable of high throughput sensing of analytes in fluid samples, bulk refractive index detection, and label-free detection of a range of molecules, including biomolecules and therapeutic candidates. The present disclosure also provides a commercially attractive fabrication platform for making photonic crystal sensors and systems wherein an integrated fluid containment structure and a photonic crystal structure are fabricated in a single molding or imprinting processing step amendable to high throughput processing.
US07742661B2
The present image processing apparatus includes a pixel arrangement controller and two data unit buffers coupled with the pixel arrangement controller. This controller can rearrange the addresses of the pixels in the corresponding data unit buffer according to the size of the block. Accordingly, the pixel data of the same block can be arranged in sequential addresses of the data unit buffer. Therefore, the pixel data may be processed as a batch.
US07742659B2
A method is provided to automatically arrange scanned images so they can be stitched into a composite image. Initially the scanned images are reduced to low resolution and a gradient filter is applied. One scanned image is selected as a possible first image in a stitching order. The possible first image is rotated to one angle and correlated with remaining scanned images rotated to two corresponding angles. Only four scanned images that best correlate with the possible first image and pass a threshold are saved as possible second images in the order. The steps are repeated for subsequent places in the order and for the possible first image at other angles. The method is repeated for other possible first images to form other orders. At the end, a path through one of the orders that produces the best sum of correlation values is set as the correct stitching order.
US07742655B2
To simulate film grain in a compressed video signal, a decoder (15, 28) receives a message containing information that contains a set of one or more parameters, each specifying certain attribute associated with the film grain. For example, one of the parameters will specify the model used to simulate the film grain, whereas other parameters each specify a particular factor associated with that model. Upon receipt of the message, the decoder selects the model, and simulates the film grain for addition to the video signal following decompression.
US07742654B2
An image correction method able to avoid error image. According to opposite properties of black and white, only the last few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted for black correction, while only the first few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted for white correction. Further, the most significant bit of the digital signal is 1 for white correction. Therefore, the unwanted LBB effect on the scanned image caused by dust or spot on the correction document is avoided. In addition, as only a few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted, the requirement in memory capacity is reduced.
US07742650B2
A segmentation operation is applied to an input image to identify foreground objects of interest, and then a shadow removal operation is applied to remove any detected shadows from the foreground segmentation. The shadow removal algorithms can leave holes and bisections in the segmentation map, however, which will then subsequently impact on an object detection step performed using connected component analysis. To get around this problem, a conditional morphological dilation operation is applied to the segmentation map to ‘grow’ the segmented blobs to fill in any holes and bisections, without re-growing shadow pixels in the segmentation. The result is an object detection method and system which is robust to illumination changes causing shadows and/or highlights.
US07742644B2
The imaging system converts raw data for an image to formatted data concurrently with compressing the formatted data for the image. The exemplary imaging system includes an image processor for generating blocks of formatted data from raw image data. The exemplary imaging system also includes an image compressor for compressing the blocks of formatted data. The compressor compresses one or more of the blocks while the image processor generates one or more blocks of formatted data.
US07742637B2
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to take an image of a subject; a histogram producing unit configured to produce a histogram of image data of the image; a tone correction unit configured to make a tone correction on the image data; a feature histogram table including a plurality of feature histograms respectively corresponding to a plurality of reference image patterns; an input-output characteristic table including a plurality of input-output characteristics respectively corresponding to the plurality of feature histograms; an input-output characteristic adjustment unit configured to calculate the similarity of the histogram produced by the histogram producing unit with respect to each feature histogram, to select an input-output characteristic according to the calculated similarity, and to adjust the selected input-output characteristic in accordance with the similarity, wherein the tone correction unit is configured to make the tone correction based on the input-output characteristic adjusted by the input-output characteristic adjustment unit.
US07742628B2
An apparatus and method for increasing the rate of recognition of spatial writing, the apparatus including an inertia sensor module, a storage module, an operation module, and a recognition module. The inertia sensor module measures acceleration of a spatial writing device. The storage module stores predetermined operation information and parameters for tracing the motion trajectory of spatial writing, and pattern information about the motion trajectory. The operation module calculates a velocity of the spatial writing from the acceleration measured using the operation information and parameters, corrects the calculated motion velocity by limiting positional relationships between predetermined points which correspond to the motion trajectory of the spatial writing, and traces the motion trajectory using the corrected motion velocity. The recognition module recognizes the spatial writing by comparing the motion trajectory of spatial writing traced by the operation module with pattern information about motion trajectories stored in the storage module.
US07742627B2
Usability of a face detecting apparatus is improved, by enabling selection of a detecting mode optimal for an intended purpose, when detecting facial images from within images. During detection of images of forward facing faces, switching of the detecting mode to one of: a detection rate mode; a false positive detection rate mode; and a processing speed mode is enabled. Face detection focused on optimizing detection performance for each detecting mode is performed.
US07742626B2
A biometrics authentication system that performs individual authentication in use of biometrics information facilitates authentication operation and reduces authentication errors. A storage unit stores therein the shape of the body part of the user, of which is captured at the time of registration of biometrics data, and a display unit displays the body part shape from the time of registration when authenticating the user for directly identifying the state of image capture of the body part at the time of registration and for guiding into a state of image capture of the body part similar to the state at the time of registration. The body part can be guided effectively such that the circumstances of body part image capture at the time of authentication and at the time of registration are in agreement, for improved verification efficiency.
US07742617B2
A computer-readable medium contains software that, when read by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method for tracing a document. The method includes: on the computer, generating a global unique identifier (GUID) for a master document; embedding the GUID in the master document; making a copy of the master document available for viewing on another computer, wherein the copy of the master document includes the embedded GUID; receiving a version verification request from the other computer about the copy, wherein the version verification request includes the GUID from the copy; and providing a latest version of the master document referenced by the GUID from the copy to the second computer in response to the version verification request.
US07742611B2
A hearing device is to be developed for hearing device wearers who speak different national languages. For this purpose, pro-vision is made to equip a hearing device with a storage facility for storing first data which is characteristic of a first language and a processing facility for processing an input signal. At least second data, which is characteristic of a second language, can be stored in the storage facility. The input signal can thus alternatively be processed as a function of the first or the second data. By way of example, the interference noise suppression or the microphone configuration can hereby be adjusted in a language-dependent manner.
US07742608B2
A method and apparatus for detecting a singing frequency in a signal processing system using two neural-networks is disclosed. The first one (a hit neural network) monitors the maximum spectral peak FFT bin as it changes with time. The second one (change neural network) monitors the monotonic increasing behavior. The inputs to the neural-networks are the maximum spectral magnitude bin and its rate of change in time. The output is an indication whether howling is likely to occur and the corresponding singing frequency. Once the singing frequency is identified, it can be suppressed using any one of many available techniques such as notch filters. Several improvements of the base method or apparatus are also disclosed, where additional neural networks are used to detect more than one singing frequency.
US07742607B2
In a room with strong low-frequency modes the control of excessively long decays is problematic or impossible with conventional passive means. In this patent application a systematic methodology is presented for active modal equalization able to correct the modal decay behaviour of a loudspeaker-room system. Two methods of modal equalization are proposed. The first method modifies the primary sound such that modal decays are controlled. The second method uses separate primary and secondary radiators and controls modal decays with sound fed into at least one secondary radiator. Case studies of the first method of implementation are presented.
US07742604B2
A memory region on an IC card has a hierarchical structure. Each application allocated on the memory region is registered in a directory, and the memory region is managed in directory units. A personal identification code is set for each application and directory, and the access right is controlled in application units or directory units. If a mobile terminal is lost, the right to access each application in the IC card automatically disappears. Therefore, the right to access each application allocated to the memory region on the IC card is efficiently controlled.
US07742603B2
An anonymous vehicular broadcast system that has encrypted links between the roadway infrastructure and the vehicles. The vehicles each have a common private key that is generated from a certification key, provided by a certification authority, and a configuration key that is generated at each power up of the vehicle. The configuration key is not stored in the vehicle so that the vehicle is only stores a portion of the private key.
US07742599B2
A method and apparatus for an iterative cryptographic block under the control of a CPU and without a fixed number of stages. In one embodiment, a first cryptographic block descrambles received information using an internal key or a preprogrammed key to form a descrambled key or descrambled data. A data feedback path stores the descrambled data as internal data and provides the internal data or the external data as data input to the first cryptographic block. A key feedback path stores the descrambled key as an internal key and provides the internal key or the preprogrammed key to a key input of the first cryptographic block. A second cryptographic block descrambles received content using a final descrambling key. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07742597B2
An encryption system includes a plurality of encryption operations including individual encryption operations and group encryption operations available for application in the encryption of data. The plurality of encryption operations are selected from the group consisting of functional variance, functional alignment, mathematical offset, wide XOR function, short logical rotation, long logical rotation, functional order, and address encryption. The system includes at least one round of encryption composed of a first encryption operation and a second encryption operation. The first encryption operation is selected from the plurality of encryption operations acting upon input data to generate a first encrypted data set. The second encryption operation is selected from the plurality of encryption operations acting upon the first encrypted data set to generate a second encrypted data set. The first encryption operation and the second encryption operation are different.
US07742596B2
A method for reliable computation of point additions and point multiplications in an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) system. Two asymmetric operations are performed: one of the operations is of slightly higher complexity than a conventional ECC operation, and the other operation is of much lower complexity than the first operation. The complexity of the second operation is a function of the desired degree of reliability, or the desired probability of failure detection. The method validates a computation involving one or more points on a specified elliptic curve by selecting a second elliptic curve, deriving a third elliptic curve from the specified and selected curves, projecting points onto the derived curve, performing a computation on the derived curve involving the projected points, validating the computation on the selected curve, extracting from the computation on the derived curve a predicted result of the computation on the selected curve, and comparing the predicted result to the computation on the selected curve. A predicted result of the computation to be validated may then be extracted from the computation on the derived curve. The predicted result is compared to an actual result of a computation on the selected curve, and if the results match, the predicted result of the computation performed on the selected curve is validated.
US07742595B2
The invention relates to a cryptographic method secured against a covert channel attack. According to the invention, in order to carry out a selected block of instructions as a function of an input variable amongst N predefined instruction blocks, a common block is carried out on the predefined N instruction blocks, a predefined number of times, the predefined number being associated with the selected instruction block.
US07742591B2
The present invention relates to queue-theoretic models for integration of automated call routing systems with human operators. Organizations are increasingly turning to spoken dialog systems for automated call routing to reduce call center costs. To maintain quality service even in cases of failure, these systems often resort to ad-hoc rules for dispatching calls to a human operator. The present invention provides queue-theoretic methods that provide a modeling and simulation capability in support of decisions about the staffing of call-handling centers based on the frequency of incoming calls and the competency of automated dialog systems. The methods include a procedure for identifying when callers should be transferred to operators. The procedure integrates models that predict when a call is likely to fail using spoken dialog features with queuing models of call center volume and service time.
US07742580B2
Systems and techniques for improved user prompting. A system according to one aspect of the invention includes a central server hosting various modules providing services to users. The modules suitably employ voice recognition in order to interpret user inputs. Each module has access to user information that includes information indicating the user's experience with each function of each module. When a module needs to issue a prompt to the user, it retrieves and examines the user information to determine the user's experience with the module and function. Suitably, each module is operative to categorize a user as belonging to an experience category, such as novice, intermediate and expert based on the user's level of experience with the function. The module selects a prompt associated with the user's level of experience with the function and presents it to the user.
US07742572B2
In a X-ray imaging apparatus an estimation unit estimates a cumulative exposure dose of X-rays irradiated onto an object, and a remaining exposure tolerance dose calculation unit calculates a remaining exposure tolerance dose using a difference between a tolerated maximum exposure dose and the cumulative exposure dose. A X-ray irradiation tolerance period calculation unit calculates an X-ray irradiation tolerance period using a difference between a predetermined scheduled X-ray irradiation period and an actual irradiation period of X-rays irradiated onto the object, an X-ray irradiation reference dose calculation unit calculates reference dose per unit time that will form a basis for irradiation based on the remaining exposure tolerance dose and the X-ray irradiation tolerance period, and a control unit that controls X-ray irradiation of the object by setting dose per unit time within the X-ray irradiation tolerance period based on the reference dose.
US07742569B2
In an x-ray system and a method for image composition, congruent optical images and x-ray images of subjects provided with markers are generated. A transformation matrix/imaging matrix is formed and applied to the congruent x-ray images based on the detected identical markers in optical images. The transformation matrix is used to compose an aggregate image from the x-ray images.
US07742568B2
A dual-energy x-ray imaging system searches a moving automobile for concealed objects. Dual energy operation is achieved by operating an x-ray source at a constant potential of 100 KV to 150 KV, and alternately switching between two beam filters. The first filter is an atomic element having a high k-edge energy, such as platinum, gold, mercury, thallium, lead, bismuth, and thorium, thereby providing a low-energy spectrum. The second filter provides a high-energy spectrum through beam hardening. The low and high energy beams passing through the automobile are received by an x-ray detector. These detected signals are processed by a digital computer to create a steel suppressed image through logarithmic subtraction. The intensity of the x-ray beam is adjusted as the reciprocal of the measured automobile speed, thereby achieving a consistent radiation level regardless of the automobile motion. Accordingly, this invention provides images of organic objects concealed within moving automobiles without the detritus effects of overlying steel and automobile movement.
US07742567B2
One aspect relates to locating an at least one scattering event at least partially within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an individual at least partially by directing an at least one pulse-type applied X-ray at the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual to create an at least one corresponding pulse-type Compton scattered X-ray, wherein the locating the at least one scattering event is based at least in part on an at least one time of flight computation derived at least in part from a combination of an at least one applied duration and an at least one scattered duration, wherein the at least one applied duration corresponds to a time for the at least one pulse-type applied X-ray to reach the at least one scattering event within the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual, and further wherein the at least one scattered duration corresponds to a time for the at least one corresponding pulse-type Compton scattered X-ray to thereupon travel from the at least one scattering event within the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual to be detected.
US07742565B2
A method for precisely measuring and displaying the whole profile of an X-ray spectral waveform, which rises from a background level and finally returns to the background level after passing across a peak. X-rays are counted for a time interval of to at a spectral position, resulting in X-ray N counts not containing statistical fluctuations. A standard deviation Eo representing a variation accompanying the N counts is given by Sqrt(N). Where the variation is greater than a given magnitude (tolerance error Er for display) at a spectral position where the X-ray intensity is high, X-rays are counted for a time interval of tm longer than the time interval to, producing increased counts Nm.
US07742564B2
Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using an X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include detecting an image of an object. The method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a single monochromator crystal in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a second X-ray beam having a predetermined energy level is produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beam for transmission of the second X-ray beam through the object and emission from the object as a transmitted X-ray beam. The transmitted X-ray beam can be directed at an angle of incidence upon a crystal analyzer. Further, an image of the object can be detected from a beam diffracted from the analyzer crystal.
US07742558B2
A tomosynthesis apparatus for mammography has an x-ray source for emission of x-ray beams from different directions directed toward a detector, and a compression plate and a support plate arranged in the beam path between the x-ray source and the detector. A breast to be examined is positioned and compressed between the compression plate and the support plate. The compression plate exhibits a concave recess open in the direction of the support plate on the side of the compression plate facing toward the support plate.
US07742542B2
A method for transmitting a base band digital data signal having a bit period and a first bandwidth, comprising providing a carrier wave having a carrier amplitude and a carrier frequency, and synchronously modulating both the carrier amplitude and carrier frequency with the base band digital signal, so as to reduce the bandwidth of the modulated carrier wave below the bandwidth of the base band signal. A method for transmitting a base band digital data signal having a bit period and a first bandwidth, comprising providing a carrier wave having a carrier phase and a carrier frequency, and synchronously modulating both the carrier phase and carrier frequency with the base band digital signal, so as to reduce the bandwidth of the modulated carrier wave below the bandwidth of the base band signal.
US07742540B2
Provided are a method and device for processing data by coupling data with a power line, in which the data was processed through a plurality of lines in a wireless mobile terminal. The data processing device includes a data transmitter for converting parallel data into serial data, RF modulating the serial data, and coupling the RF modulated serial data with an electrical power line to which electricity is applied; a data output unit for separating the electricity and the RF modulated serial data, RF demodulating the separated RF modulated serial data, converting the RF demodulated data into converted parallel data, and outputting the converted parallel data; and a controller for controlling the data transmitter and the data output unit, and for controlling the data transmission between the data transmitter and the data output unit.
US07742538B2
There are provided a method for selecting an optimal beam to improve digital broadcasting receiving performance, and a digital broadcasting receiving apparatus using the same. The method includes the steps of: a) calculating a mainpath Signal to Multipath signal and Noise Ratio (SMNR) based on a channel impulse response for a plurality of beams which are formed according to steering directions from output signals of antennas, wherein the output signal of each antenna has different phase shift according to location of antenna element; b) selecting a predetermined number of beams having a high SMNR value by comparing the calculated SMNR value for respective beam; c) calculating a mainpath Signal to Dominant Multipath signal Ratio (SDMR) based on a channel impulse response corresponding to the selected beam; and d) selecting a beam output signal having the biggest SDMR value by comparing SDMR values calculated in selecting a predetermined number of beams.
US07742535B2
A system and method for crest factor reduction of OFDM transmission systems using selective sub-carrier degradation, is disclosed. A modulated communications signal comprising a series of symbols is converted into parallel format in groups of plural symbols in the frequency domain. Crest factor reduction reduces a primary peak of the groups of plural symbols by selective sub-carrier degradation, to generate peak reduction symbols. The groups of plural symbols are converted into time domain symbols, and combined with the peak reduction symbols to provide peak reduced symbols in time domain.
US07742515B2
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) optimized for use in self mixing applications. The VCSEL generally includes a bottom distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirror formed on a substrate. An active region is formed on the bottom mirror. A top DBR mirror is formed on the active region. A trench is formed in the at least the top mirror. An aperture is oxidized into the VCSEL. At least one of the bottom DBR mirror, the top DBR mirror, the metal contacts, the trench, and/or the aperture is optimized to make the VCSEL more optically sensitive to light reflected back into the VCSEL.
US07742511B2
A laser system for processing a workpiece includes a tunable pulsed laser source having an output comprising a set of optical pulses. The tunable pulsed laser source includes a seed source, an optical circulator having a first port coupled to the seed source, a second port, and a third port, a modulator driver, and an amplitude modulator coupled to the modulator driver. The tunable pulsed laser source also includes a first optical amplifier characterized by an input end and a reflective end and a second optical amplifier coupled to the third port of the optical circulator. The laser system also includes a controller configured to adjust laser parameters of the tunable pulsed laser source, a supporting member configured to support the workpiece, and an optical system configured to adjust laser beams from the tunable pulsed laser source and direct them towards the workpiece.
US07742502B2
In order to facilitate the transport of 1 Gbit/s Ethernet signals over an Optical Transport Network using the Optical Transport Hierarchy as specified by ITU-T G.709, a new OTH entity referred to as Optical Channel Data Unit-0 (ODU0, 101) with a capacity of approximately 1.22 Gbit/s is defined. This new entity fits perfectly into the existing OTH multiplexing structure, allowing the transport of two times a 1 Gbit/s Ethernet client layer signal within the capacity of one ODU1 (110), while being individually switchable. A 1 Gbit/s Ethernet signal (102) can be mapped into the ODU0 payload (103) using the Transparent Generic Framing Procedure (GFP-T) encapsulation technique as specified in Rec. G.7041.
US07742492B2
The present exemplary embodiment relates to industrial machine control and corresponding communication protocols. In one embodiment, the machine control communication protocol is Distributed I/O that has Extended Data Transfer (EDT) capability. It finds particular application with expanding the underutilized bandwidth of the EDT to gather/send secondary input and output data within a control system. In one aspect, a system communicates data from a network to an input/output module. An adapter module receives data. The adapter module includes a network data component that receives data from a network including an output data component that receives standard data and an output expansion data component that receives cyclic EDT data. A Distributed bus data component receives data from the network data component. A Distributed extended data transfer (EDT) module receives data from the adapter module via the Distributed bus data component, wherein standard output data is communicated utilizing a standard data scan, and expansion output data is communicated utilizing a cyclic EDT protocol.
US07742490B2
Wireless gateway nodes are enabled to support mobile node services, such as content based billing, when a data treatment server is present in the system. Using one of a defined Content Flow Label (CFL), an Application Program Interface (API), and a compression protocol header, content based billing is provided such as by exchanging content and byte count information with the data treatment server.
US07742489B2
A method and apparatus for a communications network that executes a medium access control (MAC) protocol that permits multiple access to a shared medium or shared switching fabric. The MAC protocol uses a BANDWIDTH_ALLOCATOR to regulate access to the network by sending a permission message to a NODE, allowing it to transmit to a specific set of NODEs for a specific length of time. The medium and switching fabric can carry one or more protocols, each of varying framing format and native bitrate. The switching fabric provides a connection-oriented bufferless data transport service that preserves frame ordering. An illustrative embodiment uses a slotted master/slave time-division multiplexed access (TDMA) scheme to allow flexible provisioning of network bandwidth.
US07742485B2
A system for delivering streamed content over a large digital network such as the Internet. Distributed functionality executes on nodes in the network to achieve functions such as assigning partner nodes for transfer of content to or from a target node, scheduling transfer operations among nodes, adding or removing nodes from the network, maintaining security, and other operations. Different embodiments may use one or more of the functional features. In a preferred embodiment, video content is segmented and streamed through multi-path routing. An overlay network uses nodes in partnership groups so that a target node can obtain segments from multiple sources. Partner nodes can provide the segments within a given time window, including simultaneous delivery from multiple partner nodes, so that a more reliable data stream is supported.
US07742484B2
A Fibre Channel router used to join fabrics. EX_ports are used to connect to the fabrics. The EX_port joins the fabric but the router will not merge into the fabric. Ports in the Fibre Channel router can be in a fabric, but other ports can be connected to other fabrics. Fibre Channel routers can be interconnected using a backbone fabric. Global, interfabric and encapsulation headers are developed to allow routing by conventional Fibre Channel switch devices in the backbone fabric and simplify Fibre Channel router routing. Phantom domains and devices must be developed for each of the fabrics being interconnected. Front phantom domains are present at each port directly connected to a fabric. Each of these is then connected to at least one translate phantom domain. Zoning is accomplished by use of a special LSAN zoning naming convention. This allows each administrator to independently define devices are accessible.
US07742480B2
A method and structure are disclosed for dispatching appropriate data to a network processing system comprising an improved technique for extracting protocol header fields for use by the network processor. This technique includes basic classification of a packet according to the types of protocol headers present in the packet. Based on the results of the classification, specific parameter fields are extracted from corresponding headers. All such parameter fields from one or more protocol headers in the packet are concatenated into a compressed dispatch message. Multiples of such dispatch messages are bundled into a single composite dispatch message. Thus, selected header fields from N packets are passed to the network processor in a single composite dispatch message, increasing the network processor's packet forwarding capacity by a factor of N. Likewise, multiple enqueue messages are bundled into a single composite enqueue message to direct enqueue and frame alterations to be taken on the bundle of N packets.
US07742468B2
A method for providing enhanced telephone services via a computerized telephone services device for use in conjunction with multiple telephone lines and providers. According to embodiments of the invention, a subscriber to telephone services or a group of subscribers may be reached on multiple telephone lines from a single dial-in number; calls in progress may be transferred seamlessly from one line associated with a subscriber to another; and group calling features may be enhanced.
US07742467B1
Segmented resource reservation is performed for at least one call. network resources associated with a first network are reserved according to that network's own reservation policy and based on an indication from a calling party. For the at least one call, network resources associated with a second network are reserved according to its own reservation policy and based on an indication from a called party. The second network is coupled to the first network.
US07742464B2
When a setting in an IP telephone terminal is to be changed, a remote resetter registers subscriber information corresponding to this IP telephone terminal and places a call to this IP telephone terminal. The IP telephone terminal sends a setup request to a setup server if an incoming call is from a pre-registered source. When the IP telephone terminal receives, as a response to this request, setup information from the setup server, the IP telephone terminal sets the setup information and sends a setup completion notification to the remote resetter. Upon receipt of the setup completion notification, the remote resetter deletes the subscriber information corresponding to this IP telephone terminal.
US07742460B2
Disclosed is a method in which a detection request, by means of which an identifier of a calling terminal is to be detected, is addressed to a signaling unit by a called terminal. The called terminal is connected to a data packet transmission network. The signaling unit signals according to a signaling protocol that has been defined for the transmission of data in a data packet transmission network. The detection request is transmitted along with a message and/or an information element which has been established for signaling in the data packet transmission network.
US07742459B2
A method for distributing aggregate routes that does not require a user to provision a next hop address or specify a redistribution policy is presented. Embodiments of the method utilize a modified command language interface (CLI) with a network device (e.g., router). In the various embodiments, the modified CLI is well-suited for use in routers that utilize interior gateway protocols such as open shortest path first (OSPF), routing information protocol (RIP), integrated intermediate system-to-intermediate system (ISIS), interior gateway routing protocol (IGRP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP), and NetWare link services protocol (NLSP). In one or more embodiments, the invention has the advantage of providing an easier means of specifying aggregate routes, which saves user time and is less error-prone.
US07742455B2
A scheduler at a base station may schedule packet data traffic based on a ranking metric that varies directly with the mobile station's scheduling downlink transmission rate and a delay factor indicative of the staleness of the corresponding queued data. The ranking metric may advantageously vary in a direct non-linear fashion with the delay factor to allow for delay sensitive data, such as VoIP data, to be scheduled with increased urgency when quality of service is about to be compromised. The scheduler may attempt to pack a multi-user downlink physical layer packet by selecting a tentative rate and determining if an aggregate amount of data in the packet may be increased by transmitting the packet at a lower rate. If so, additional queued data is added to the packet and the transmission rate for the packet is lowered. Such an approach allows for greater link efficiency to be achieved.
US07742453B1
Disclosed herein is a method to condition removal of a carrier frequency from a wireless coverage area. The method involves evaluating handoff statistics for the coverage area, and applying results of past carrier frequency removal (preferably from a morphologically similar cluster) to predict a net change in hard handoffs that will result if the carrier frequency is removed. The method then involves using the predicted net change in hard handoffs as a basis to determine whether to remove the carrier frequency. The predicted net change in hard handoffs may be converted to a corresponding predicted net change in call drops, and the carrier frequency may then be removed only if the predicted net change in call drops does not exceed a threshold.
US07742450B2
A method for routing bearer traffic (70′) between 3G networks (32, 42) and 2G networks (12, 22) and vice versa uses voice signaling gateways (VSGW)(14, 24, 34, 44). The method determines a VSGW nearest the calling party (11). The nearest VSGW directly routes (86) the bearer traffic through the inter-network (50) to the called party (31) and avoids the “tromboning” effect of always sending bearer traffic to the called party's home location.
US07742432B2
A solution for comparing topologies is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a set of differences between the nodes and/or connectors of two or more topologies is obtained. Each difference can comprise a missing node/connector and/or a difference in an item/relationship attribute. A user interface is generated that displays one or more of the differences by displaying a subset of each topology that corresponds to the difference. In an embodiment of the invention, a user interface for comparing topologies is provided that displays each subset in a unique display area and enables a user to select the difference(s) and/or limit the difference(s) that can be selected based on the type of difference.
US07742424B2
A system, method, and computer program product for distributed monitoring of local thresholds at each of a number of monitoring nodes and initiating communication only after the locally observed data exceeds the local threshold. Both static thresholds and adaptive thresholds are considered. In the static case, a combination of two alternate strategies for considering thresholds minimizes communication overhead. In the adaptive case, local thresholds are adjusted based on the observed distributions of updated information in the distributed monitoring system. Both approaches yield significant savings over the naïve approach of performing processing at a centralized location.
US07742419B2
TCP congestion avoidance is implemented upon retransmission of a packet and is reverted back to the original congestion state upon receipt of an early acknowledgement (ACK), indicating reordering of packets, thereby eliminating a needless restriction on TCP bandwidth. Upon receiving an ACK to a retransmitted packet, it is determined if the ACK resulted from receipt of the original reordered packet or the retransmitted packet, based on the arrival time of the ACK at the sender. If the round-trip-time (RTT) for the retransmitted packet is much lower than the average or current calculated RTT for the network link between sender and receiver, then the retransmission occurred as a result of a reordering event, and the congestion window is restored back to its value prior to the retransmission, thereby permitting the network link to continue operating at its original increased throughput.
US07742416B2
In one embodiment, a node determines a ratio of traffic that is to be marked at an output. The node also determines if an input feeding the output has less traffic marked than is to be marked at the output, and marks unmarked traffic of that particular input corresponding to a ratio substantially equal to the difference between what is needed at the output and what is marked at the input. Also, in one embodiment, a node may determine a fair share of an output for unconstrained inputs (e.g., a preemption threshold divided among the inputs, taking into consideration inputs that use less than their fair share), and mark traffic accordingly.
US07742412B1
A method for preventing head of line blocking in an Ethernet system. In one embodiment, a network interface detects whether there is traffic flow congestion between the network interface and a data processing unit such as a CPU or other peripheral. If yes, the network interface communicates the congestion status to its attached Ethernet switch. In another aspect of the invention, the Ethernet switch then stops serving the congested port or queue, and informs a switch from which the traffic flow causing the congestion originates. In a further aspect, the originating switch then reduces bandwidth for the traffic flow causing the congestion. In a still further aspect, the originating switch can take the bandwidth that it acquired because of reducing the congesting traffic flow, and use it to increase bandwidth for other traffic flow.
US07742408B2
In particular embodiments of the present invention, a method for filtering packets in a switching environment is provided. In particular embodiments, the method includes receiving a packet at an input port of a switch, the switch comprising a memory and one or more output ports. The method also includes storing at least a portion of the packet in the memory and determining one or more output ports from which the packet is to be communicated from the switch. The method further includes, after beginning to determine one or more output ports from which the packet is to be communicated from the switch, determining whether the packet is an illegal packet. The method also includes, if the packet is an illegal packet, dropping the packet from the memory, and if the packet is a legal packet, communicating the packet from the determined one or more output ports.
US07742406B1
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to the coordinated classification of network traffic. In one implementation, the present invention enables a coordinated network environment for traffic classification where an upstream network device classifies a data flow and adds traffic class information to at least one packet in the data flow. Downstream network devices in the communications path to the destination host can use the traffic class information in the modified packet, bypassing at least some of the local traffic classification operations and thereby reducing CPU utilization. In one implementation, the last downstream network device strips the traffic classification information from the modified packet before it is forwarded to the destination host. Embodiments of the invention reduce or eliminate redundant network traffic classification operations performed by a plurality of network devices in a communications path.
US07742403B2
A method is described for checking deadlock in a telecommunication network including a first activated backup connection for protecting traffic over a first intended connection. The method includes the steps of checking a reversion blocked status of the first intended connection by checking if the segments of the first intended connection are available or not available, in case of detecting the reversion blocked status of the first intended connection identifying activated backup connections using the not available segments of the first intended connection, identifying the corresponding intended connections, checking the reversion blocked status of each identified corresponding intended connection by checking if the corresponding segments are available or not available, in case of detecting the reversion blocked status of an identified corresponding intended connection checking if a corresponding not available segment is included in the first backup connection. The method further provides the indication of the intended connections involved in the deadlock.
US07742397B2
A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber. In a telecommunications network, the signal passing through a protector field is diverted to a cross connect block that can be selectively configured to establish a communication route between the cross connect block and a splitter selectively receiving a DSL signal. The combined signal is then placed back upon the network by the cross connect block, which directs the combined signal back to the protector field.
US07742396B2
A technique is disclosed whereby, while a MN (mobile node) is separated from a home network, the status available on a home network is obtained, and a communication path is optimized for a packet to be transmitted between the MN and a CN (correspondent node) via a HA (home agent). According to this technique, an HA 20 that manages a plurality of home addresses allocated to an MN 10 detects communication statuses of, for example, an ISP1 and an ISP2, and selects a home address that is designated, for a packet transfer to be performed from the MN, via the HA, to a CN 15, as a source address for the inner packet of an encapsulated packet to be transmitted from the MN to the HA. Since the MN designates this home address as the source address for the inner packet, a packet decapsulated and transferred by the HA is delivered to the CN via the ISP1 or the ISP2 in a superior communication status.
US07742394B2
Methods and devices for operating a wireless network including redundant communication. Methods involving redundantly connected nodes are discussed including addressing methods and/or methods of creating groups for such redundant communication. The use of primary and secondary redundant connections is discussed. Also, devices for implementing such methods.
US07742386B2
A method and apparatus for reducing crosstalk in a multi-channel communication system is disclosed. In one embodiment, outgoing signals in a multi-channel environment are manipulated into a transform domain, such as the frequency domain. Thereafter, the signals may be combined and modified based on a weighting variable to create a cancellation signal. Combined processing greatly reduces system complexity and increases processing speed. After processing in the transform domain, the cancellation signal undergoes further processing to return the cancellation signal into the time domain. The cancellation signal may then be combined with received signals to cancel crosstalk or echo. A method and apparatus for crosstalk cancellation in the analog domain and digital domain is also disclosed. Cancellation at least partially in the analog domain reduces the dynamic range requirements for digital to analog converters within the front-end processing system of a receiver and thereby reducing clipping and increasing operating speed.
US07742385B2
The invention relates to an optical data carrier which combines a CD layer with at least one further format, such as a DVD layer for example. If a hybrid data carrier of this kind is to be produced in a thickness of less than 1.7 mm, and preferably in a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, then, seen from the surface which is to be read from, the CD layer will normally be situated at a depth of considerably less than 1.1 mm, and the CD substrate therefore has to be thinned down. The quality of the reading signals obtained is increased by increasing the length of the optically readable structures of the CD layer in comparison with the values which are usual in this case. Because of the difficulties which certain CD players have in focussing when the substrates are thin, the refractive index of the disc material used is reduced from the figure for polycarbonate, at least in the case of the CD substrate, the recommended range being between 1.40 and 1.55. The compatibility of the CD layer of a hybrid disc according to the invention with different players may be further increased by widening its readable structures in comparison with normal values and thus by making them more than 500 nm wide.
US07742380B2
To provide an optical recording method, optical recording apparatus and optical recording medium, capable of effective control of light irradiation position, such as focusing control or tracking control, at the time of recording or reproducing and efficiently adjusting the light irradiation position control according to variations in distance between layers in an optical recording medium or according to manufacturing errors in optical recording and reproducing apparatus, the method including applying at least one of an information light and a reference light to an optical recording medium for detection and control of focus positions of the information light and reference light in a thickness direction of the optical recording medium; and applying the information light and reference light to form an interference image to be recorded in a recording layer provided in the optical recording medium, wherein information is recorded in the recording layer by holography.
US07742378B2
A method and an apparatus for recording at least two multiplexed holograms. Either an object beam or a reference beam is reflected from an aspherical reflecting surface. Either the reference beam impinging on a recording media at the selected storage location or the object beam impinging on the recording media at the selected storage location is rotated through a selected azimuthal angle about an axis that passes through a plane defined by the intersection of the object beam and the reference beam in the recording media, wherein an angle between the object beam and the reference beam impinging on the recording media is preserved.
US07742375B2
A method of recording information to a read-only optical information storage medium comprising a plurality of areas, including: recording data in at least one of the plurality of areas in the form of pits in a first pit pattern; and recording data in others of the plurality of areas in the form of pits in a second pit pattern different from the first.
US07742371B2
It is possible to obtain preferable recording characteristic and reproduction characteristic by considering irregularities of unique characteristics of an LD or the like mounted on an information recording and reproduction apparatus as well as characteristics of an optical disc used. In the information recording and reproduction apparatus, a light source such as a laser diode is driven by a laser drive signal so that a laser beam for recording or reproduction is emitted from the light source. Moreover, the laser drive signal is superimposed by a high-frequency signal of a predetermined frequency so as to eliminate effect of the return light from the optical disc. The information recording and reproduction apparatus superimposes the high-frequency signal by using a high-frequency signal level during recording which is different from a high-frequency signal level during reproduction.
US07742366B2
A self-expiring badge or label that includes an upper substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and an adhesive activator layer on the lower surface. A protective layer having a first surface and a second surface is provided, with the first surface of the protective layer being removably attached to and overlaying the adhesive layer. A lower substrate is provided that has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being removably attached to and overlaying the second surface of the protective layer. A migrating ink pattern is on the lower surface of the lower substrate. To activate, the upper substrate and at least a portion of the lower substrate are removed from the protective layer to leave a remaining portion of the lower substrate having the migrating ink pattern thereon. The migrating ink pattern is then contacted with the exposed adhesive activator layer to activate the migrating ink pattern to migrate through the adhesive activator layer and upper substrate in a selected time interval for viewing from the upper surface of the upper support layer to indicate an expired badge or label. Preferably the migrating ink pattern is contacted with the adhesive layer by folding it onto the adhesive layer. Optionally, to activate the badge both substrates are completely removed from the protective layer and the migrating ink pattern is contacted with the adhesive layer.
US07742361B2
Method for switching the time zone indicated by a timepiece (1) in order to switch from an initial time zone to a modified time zone, having the following steps: the user enters a time switch command (268) by means of the crown, the hours' and minutes' hands indicate the time of the modified time zone (274), whilst the seconds' hand indicates a city corresponding to the selected time zone, the timepiece automatically returns (280) to the initial time zone and indicates the time of the initial time zone (202), or the time of the modified time zone is retained by means of a command from the user.
US07742356B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a first refresh cycle changing circuit that changes a refresh cycle according to an auto-refresh mode, without giving influence to a refresh cycle according to a self-refresh mode, and a second refresh cycle changing circuit that changes a refresh cycle according to the self-refresh mode, without giving influence to a refresh cycle according to the auto-refresh mode. In this way, according to the present invention, the refresh cycle according to the auto-refresh mode and the refresh cycle according to the self-refresh mode can be controlled independently. Therefore, refresh operation considering the characteristic of each mode can be executed.
US07742352B1
Techniques for use with a fuse-based non-volatile memory circuit include digitally controlling a resistance threshold of the circuit. The circuit includes a fuse circuit and a comparator circuit. The comparator circuit is configured to compare a first signal indicative of the fuse resistance to a second signal indicative of a reference level. At least one of the first and second signals is digitally controllable. The comparator circuit is configured to generate a digital output signal indicative of the comparison. The circuit may include a first digital-to-analog converter circuit configured to generate a first analog signal based on at least a first plurality of digital signals. The first signal is at least partially based on the first analog signal. The circuit may include a control circuit configured to digitally control the digitally controllable ones of the first and second signals at least partially based on the digital output signal.
US07742345B2
A data input circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a write latency control unit configured to generate a buffer enable signal based on a low frequency operation mode signal, and a data input buffer configured to buffer input data in response to the buffer enable signal.
US07742341B2
A NOR flash memory device and related programming method are disclosed. The programming method includes programming data in a memory cell and, during a program verification operation, controlling the supply of current from a sense amplifier to the memory cell in relation to the value of the programmed data. Wherein a program verification operation is indicated, current is provided from the sense amplifier to the memory cell. Where a program verification operation is not indicated, current is cut off from the sense amplifier.
US07742334B2
A memory cell of a memory array stores two bits. A memory array sense amplifier provides two bits in a verify operation. Two bits in a page buffer stores a write target value for the corresponding memory cell. Each bit in a mask buffer stores a value defining processing to be effected on the corresponding memory cell. A write driver applies a write pulse when the bit in the mask buffer corresponding to the selected memory cell is “0”. A verify circuit compares the two bits provided from the memory array sense amplifier with the corresponding two bits in the page buffer, and changes the corresponding bit in the mask buffer from “0” to “1” when the result of the comparison represents matching.
US07742332B2
A semiconductor memory device includes: first and second wiring layers extending in substantially parallel to each other in a first direction; a first semiconductor region formed in a part of a portion between the first and second wiring layers; a second semiconductor region formed on an opposite side to the first semiconductor region with respect to the second wiring layer and making a pair with the first semiconductor region; a third semiconductor region formed in another part of the portion between the first and second wiring layers; a fourth semiconductor region formed on an opposite side to the third semiconductor region with respect to the first wiring layer and making a pair with the third semiconductor region; a third wiring layer extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction and having an electrical contact with the first semiconductor region; a fourth wiring layer extending in the second direction and having an electrical contact with the fourth semiconductor region; a fifth wiring layer extending in the first direction to cross over the first and third semiconductor regions.
US07742328B2
A magnetic memory cell and a magnetic memory incorporating the cell are described. The magnetic memory cell includes at least one magnetic element and at least one non-planar selection device. The magnetic element(s) are programmable using write current(s) driven through the magnetic element. The magnetic memory may include a plurality of magnetic storage cells, a plurality of bit lines corresponding to the plurality of magnetic storage cells, and a plurality of source lines corresponding to the plurality of magnetic storage cells.
US07742326B2
The present invention provides circuitry for writing to and reading from an SRAM cell core, an SRAM cell, and an SRAM device. In one aspect, the circuitry includes a write circuit coupled to the SRAM cell core that includes a write transistor gated by a write word line. The circuitry also includes a read buffer circuit coupled to the SRAM cell core to read the cell without disturbing the state of the cell. The read buffer circuit includes a read transistor gated by a read word line, the read transistor coupled between a read bit-line and a read driver transistor that is further coupled to a voltage source Vss. The read driver transistor and a first driver transistor of the cell core are both gated by one output of the cell core. The read transistor has an electrical characteristic that differs from that of the core cell first driver transistor.
US07742325B2
A method for operating an SRAM cell comprises, during a read operation, forward biasing an N-well of a first and second pull-up transistor, and forward biasing a P-well of a first and second pull-down transistor and a first and second access transistor. The method further comprises, during a write operation, zero or reverse biasing an N-well of a first and second pull-up transistor, and forward biasing a P-well of a first and second pull-down transistor and a first and second access transistor. The method further comprises, during an idle state, zero biasing an N-well of a first and second pull-up transistor and zero biasing a P-well of a first and second pull-down transistor and a first and second access transistor. In addition, one or more rows or columns of memory cells may receive a bias voltage.
US07742324B2
Disclosed are methods, systems and devices, including a device having a fin field-effect transistor with a first terminal, a second terminal, and two gates. In some embodiments, the device includes a local data line connected to the first terminal, at least a portion of a capacitor plate connected to the second terminal, and a global data line connected to the local data line by the capacitor plate.
US07742315B2
The present invention relates to computer hardware design, and in particular to a printed circuit board (card) comprising wiring dedicated to supply electric board components such as integrated circuits with at least three different reference planes. In particular at locations, where the pins of a card-to-card connector enter the layer structure of the card discontinuities brake the high frequency signal return path of a given signal wiring.In order to close the signal return path around a signal path from card to card including the connector, and thus to limit the signal coupling while concurrently keeping the card design as simple as possible, it is proposed to provide a) an additional capacitance for a given signal wiring in a discontinuity section, b) wherein the additional capacitance is formed by a voltage island placed within a signal layer located next to the given signal wiring.
US07742311B2
An assembly. The assembly reduces damage to a related electronic package during attachment to a related electronic interconnect structure. The assembly includes an interposer. The interposer has a first side and an opposing second side and has multiple holes formed in the interposer that extend from the first side to the second side. The electronic package is configurable to comprise one or more electronic structures; the interposer is configured for placement between the electronic package and the electronic interconnect structure; the locus of a wall of each of the holes is configured to facilitate insertion of a matching coupling component configured for electrically coupling the electronic package to the electronic interconnect structure; the wall of each hole is configured to provide complete encirclement of that hole; and the interposer mechanically inhibits physical contact between the electronic package and the electronic interconnect structure.
US07742305B2
A switching power supply having at least one switch (S) controlled by a control circuit (AST), by means of which an input direct voltage (UV) is switched, whereby a thermal model (THM) is implemented in a control (STE), by means of which the temperature of at least one component (S; D3, D4, UET) can be calculated or estimated, and at least one current value that is load-dependent is made available as an electrical quantity to the thermal model, the control (STE) is directed at outputting at least one limiting signal (abs, ala) when a limiting value or a function of multiple limiting values depending on calculated or estimated temperature values is reached, which is usable in the sense of an action to reduce temperature, and which produces at least one limiting signal (abs) to the control circuit in the sense of a temperature reduction and thus a power reduction.
US07742303B2
The present invention provides a highly reliable electric power converter reduced in parasitic inductance.An electric power converter that includes a capacitor module which has a DC terminal, an inverter which coverts a direct current into an alternating current, and heat release fins which cool the inverter, is constructed so that: the inverter has a power module including a plurality of power semiconductor elements; the power module further has a metallic base, a dielectric substrate provided on one face of the metallic base, a power semiconductor element fixed to the dielectric substrate, and a DC terminal; the metallic base has the heat release fins on the other face; the DC terminal in the power module and the DC terminal in the capacitor module are each formed by stacking flat plate conductors via an insulator; the two positive and negative DC terminals have respective front ends bent in opposite directions; a plane including the bent sections is used as a surface for connecting the power module and the capacitor module; and the insulators overlap each other at the connection surface.
US07742302B2
An axial-flow fan unit that produces less noise is provided. Blades 19 are exposed from a venturi 29. The shape of each of the blades 19 is so defined that a space formed between at least an inner surface 28a of each of web leg sections 28A to 28C and an edge 19a of each of the blades 19 located in the radially outward direction of the blades 19 expands toward the ends of the web leg sections 28A to 28C (or web bodies 30A to 30C). With this arrangement, noise produced when the blades 19 rotate along the web leg sections 28A to 28C is reduced.
US07742296B2
A computer includes a chassis, a motherboard, an air guiding member, and a fan. The chassis includes a rear wall at a rear side thereof and a sidewall at a lateral side thereof. The rear wall defines a plurality of inlet holes therein, and the sidewall defines a plurality of outlet holes therein. The motherboard is received in the chassis opposite to the sidewall, a heat sink is installed on the motherboard for dissipating heat generated by a processor mounted on the motherboard. The air guiding member is received in the chassis at a front side, for guiding air drawn into the chassis through the inlet holes toward the outlet holes. The fan is used for drawing air from outside of the chassis through the inlet holes, and blowing the air out of the chassis through the outlet holes.
US07742288B2
A display devise includes a display panel and a chassis base supporting the display panel. At least one reinforcing member is attached to the chassis base to add rigidity to the chassis base and at least one stand is attached to the chassis base to allow the chassis base to stand upright. A guide stand couples the reinforcing member to the stand, the guide stand comprising a body and a reinforcing plate substantially extending at an angle from the body.
US07742286B2
A mounting apparatus includes a bottom plate, a bracket fixed to the bottom plate, and a clamp rotatably mounted to the bottom plate. The bracket includes a first and a second mounting piece. The second mounting piece defines a mounting groove for receiving an edge of a circuit board. The first mounting piece includes a mounting portion, and a fixing piece extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a post for engaging in a hole of the circuit board. The fixing piece defines a clamping hole. The clamp includes an elastic piece, and a plurality of clips. The elastic piece is configured to move with the clamp to insert through the clamping hole and catch the first mounting piece. The clips are configured to move with the clamp to clip the circuit board to the fixing piece.
US07742278B2
There is provided a dielectric ceramic composition that is a dielectric ceramic material used for a laminated ceramic capacitor; that can be co-fired with internal electrodes mainly composed of Ni at a temperature of 1300° C. or less; and that has a high dielectric constant, good temperature characteristics of capacitance in a range of −55 to 175° C., and a high resistivity ρ at 175° C. The dielectric ceramic composition includes a main component represented by a composition formula (1-a) (K1-xNax)(Sr1-y-zBayCaz)2Nb5O15-a(Ba1-bCab)TiO3 (where a, b, x, y, and z are all molar amounts and 0.3≦a≦0.8, 0≦b≦0.2, 0≦x<0.2, 0.1≦y≦0.5, 0.1≦z≦0.5, and 0.2≦y+z≦0.7); and M, as an additional component, in an amount of 0.1 to 40 parts by mole relative to 100 parts by mole of the main component (where M is at least one element from the group of V, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Mg, and Si).
US07742274B2
A method is provided for conducting electricity and thermal energy in an imaging system. The method includes providing a conductive path between a plurality of components and a support structure of the imaging system, in which the support structure comprises a material consisting essentially of conductive elements disposed in a non-conductive material matrix. An imaging system is provided, with a support structure of a conductive elements disposed in a non-conductive material matrix, a plurality of components coupled to the support structure, an imaging panel disposed in the housing, and a conductive path extending through the non-conductive exterior to engage the conductive elements, wherein the conductive path is configured to conduct heat, electricity, or a combination thereof, with one or more components of the imaging system. Another imaging system is provided, with a portable panel-shaped housing, a support structure including a compound plastic, a composite material, or a combination thereof, a conductive path penetrating a non-conductive exterior to a conductive interior of the compound plastic of composite material, and an imaging panel coupled to the support structure via the conductive path.
US07742271B2
A HomePlug apparatus is electrically connected to a power network and includes a HomePlug processing circuit and a surge protecting circuit. The HomePlug processing circuit is electrically connected to the surge protecting circuit. The surge protecting circuit has at least one inductor, at least one capacitor and at least one arrester. The inductor is electrically connected to the power network. The arrester is electrically connected to a ground. The inductor, the capacitor and the arrester are connected in series to guide a surge originated from the power network to the ground.
US07742267B2
There is described circuit arrangement which comprises a protection element. A state of the protection element is determined in a simple and safe manner by means of a detection unit and a specification unit, in addition to an evaluation unit.
US07742266B2
An ESD/EOS protection circuit includes a first protection circuit and a second protection circuit. The first protection circuit is coupled between an I/O pad and a power pad and includes a first P-type transistor. The P-type transistor includes a control node, a floating gate, a first connection node, and a second connection node, wherein the first connection node of the first P-type transistor is coupled to the power pad and the second connection node of the first P-type transistor is coupled to the I/O pad. The second protection circuit is coupled between the I/O pad and a ground pad.
US07742254B2
Provided are techniques for synchronous servo channel for a data tape drive. A servo reader is configured to read servo bursts from a data tape. An anti-aliasing filter is operable to output a bandlimited signal and is coupled to receive a servo channel signal comprising servo bursts from the servo reader. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is operable to output signal samples and is coupled to receive the bandlimited signal from the anti-aliasing filter. An interpolation and control unit is operable to output interpolated signal samples and control signals, has a first input coupled to receive the signal samples from the ADC, and has a second input coupled to receive the correlation signal samples from the dibit correlator. A dibit correlator is operable to output correlation signal samples and is coupled to receive the interpolated signal samples and control signals from the interpolation and control unit.
US07742251B2
A hard disk drive that includes a disk that contains at least one signal and a head that is coupled to the disk. The disk drive also contains a circuit that includes a data sampler that generates a plurality of data samples from the signal, a harmonic sensor coupled to the data sampler and a spectral power accumulator coupled to the harmonic sensor. The harmonic sensor accumulates the data samples. The circuit includes a window generator that determines a window length of the data samples accumulated by the harmonic sensor. The spectral power accumulator accumulates the windows of sample data accumulated by the harmonic sensor. The sample data accumulated by the spectral power accumulator can be accessed by a processor that performs a spectral analysis of the data.
US07742248B2
An apparatus is used to manually set a parameter of a lens of a television, video or studio camera, and especially to set the distance between the camera and an object which is to be photographed. The apparatus which is connectable with the camera, has a hand wheel that can be rotated about an axis of rotation, as well as an adjusting wheel that can be connected through a gear mechanism with the hand wheel to engage a corresponding wheel at the lens for setting the parameter. Two stops, which can be adjusted variably relative to one another and fixed at different angular positions, are provided for limiting the angle of rotation of the hand wheel. A counterstop, arranged in the path of the two stops, is connected torsionally rigidly with the hand wheel.
US07742247B2
A lens control apparatus for controlling a lens apparatus having an extender is provided. When an operation of storing a shot is performed in a shot box connected to the lens apparatus having an extender, a memory stores data including a position of a zoom lens group at that time, a position of a focus lens group at that time, and a magnification of the extender at that time. When an operation of reproducing the shot is performed, a CPU transmits a control signal for moving the zoom lens group and the focus lens group to positions represented by the shot. In addition, the CPU transmits to the lens apparatus a control signal for setting the magnification of the extender at a value of the magnification thereof represented by the stored shot.
US07742246B2
A lens barrel includes: a first optical element group that has an optical element disposed on a first optical axis; a second optical element group that has an optical element disposed on a second optical axis extending along a direction different from a direction along which the first optical axis extends; and a bending portion disposed between the first optical element group and the second optical element group, that bends image light having passed through the first optical element. At least part of the first optical element group can be housed inside a first space formed as the bending portion moves further away from the first optical axis.
US07742244B2
A cylindrical model eye comprises a plano-cylindrical portion having a plano surface and a first cylindrical surface opposite to the plano surface, a sphero-cylindrical portion having a convex spherical surface and a second cylindrical surface opposite to the convex spherical surface. The second cylindrical surface mates with the first cylindrical surface, and the first cylindrical surface has substantially the same radius curvature radius as the second cylindrical surface.
US07742242B2
A lens system includes, in order from the object side, a positive refractive power first lens, a positive refractive power second lens; and a negative refractive power third lens. Wherein the lens system satisfies the following conditions: (1) (|G1R2|−G1R1)/(|G1R2|+G1R1)<0.5; and (2) 0.2
US07742238B2
An imaging lens includes, in order from an object side, a first lens having a positive refractive power and having a meniscus shape with a convex surface directed to the object side thereof, a second lens having a concave object-side surface and a third lens having a negative refractive power in a vicinity of an optical axis. Each of the second and third lenses has at least one aspheric surface. The following conditional expressions are satisfied: 0.8
US07742231B2
A zoom lens includes: a front group including a plurality of movable lens groups; and a rear group that is provided on an image side of the front group and that includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The positive lens has a flat lens surface on its image side, and is tiltable about a spherical center of its object side lens surface that is convex on the object side. When a lens system is inclined, the positive lens is tilted in relation to the optical axis of the lens system based on: a focal length of the overall lens system; an angle of the optical axis of the lens system after being inclined in relation to the optical axis before being inclined; a distance between the image side lens surface of the positive lens and the image plane; and a refractive index of the positive lens.
US07742230B2
To realize a diffusion film in which arbitrary control of the diffuse light intensity distribution characteristics, and an angular range of diffusion does not change with respect to an incoming light from a specific angular range and a light-outgoing direction converting element that is high in efficiency of conversion of the outgoing direction, and has no limit in the angle of conversion of the outgoing direction, and to provide a thin-model high-quality projection display using the same as a screen.
US07742218B2
The present invention aims at providing a mirror device, comprising a plurality of mirror elements, wherein each of the mirror elements comprises a deflectable mirror, and an elastic member for deflectably supporting the mirror, wherein the mirror allows to be controlled under a first deflection control state in which incident light is reflected toward a first direction, a second deflection control state in which the incident light is reflected toward a second direction, and a third deflection control state in which the mirror oscillates between the first deflection control state and second deflection control state, wherein the mirror device reproduces gradations by combining the first through third deflection control states, and the natural oscillation cycle T of the oscillation system constituted by the mirror and elastic member satisfies: 110 [μsec]>T=2π*√(I/K)>2 [μsec], where “I” is the moment of rotation of the oscillation system and “K” is the spring constant of the elastic member.
US07742208B2
A rewriteable diffraction grating contains first nanoparticles and second nanoparticles. Each first nanoparticle is configured and arranged to generate one or more charge carriers in response to a write beam. Each second nanoparticle is configured and arranged to substantially alter its response to light from a read beam upon receiving one or more charge carriers from the first nanoparticles. The second nanoparticles are disposed in proximity to the first nanoparticles to permit charge carriers generated by the first nanoparticles to interact with the second nanoparticles.
US07742206B2
Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for color gamut mapping. Some embodiments comprise mapping by projecting a first gamut color point to an intermediate curvilinear construct and then projecting from the curvilinear construct to a second color gamut point. In some embodiments, gamut points are separated into regions with differing projection rules and curvilinear constructs.
US07742205B2
The invention relates to a color matching method for transforming a color representation of a first set of color primaries with a plurality of first signals to a second set of color primaries with a plurality of second signals in a first domain. The color matching method of the invention is to consider the characteristics of human visual perception. Since human is more sensitive to the luminous intensity than chrominance, the color matching method of the invention is considered to match the luminous intensity. The color matching method of the invention can minimize the intensity difference by utilizing the optimality of resource distribution. An additional step of smoothing the intensity difference among color primaries at the level of color primaries is appended. It enhances the visual quality especially for the images with a gradual change in numerous levels of color. Besides, when the color is outside the gamut, we keep the information of luminance by adding extra white. According to the invention, the color matching method of handling colors outside gamut can provide a higher contrast which is especially good for displaying a color change with numerous levels, such as sunrise or sunset scenes. The color matching method further considers color interactions of each color primary regarding the configuration of surrounding color primaries. With the consideration of exploiting the perceived luminous intensity instead of physical luminous intensity, a superior color matching algorithm can be made.
US07742204B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a digital color imaging device to a printing press by determining a total colorant limit, per-channel colorant limits, and channel linearization tables using colorimetric and/or spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, for digital color imaging devices that use multi-hue colorants, methods and apparatus are provided for determining distribution functions for the multi-hue colorants as a function of input values.
US07742203B2
An image reading apparatus includes an integral scanning optical unit in which a light source device for illuminating an original placed on an original table, a plurality of mirrors for reflecting a light beam from the original and an imaging optical system for imaging the light beam reflected by the mirrors, upon a reading device, are integrally accommodated, wherein at least one mirror is so configured that the light beam is incident thereon twice or more, wherein, in a sub-scan section, reflection surfaces of the mirrors are disposed in a space at an original-reading-position side of a light entrance surface of the imaging optical system, and wherein the reflection surface of a mirror disposed at a position optically closest to the light entrance surface of the imaging optical system is placed at a position furthermost from the original table with respect to a direction of a normal thereto, as compared with the reflection surfaces of the remaining mirrors.
US07742201B2
A document scanning device reads an image on a document while scanning the image, and generates image data based on the image. The document scanning device selects and sets a scanning speed in accordance with a transfer mode used when the document scanning device transfers the image data to another apparatus. The document scanning device controls the amount of generated image data by using the set scanning speed to successively read the image, whereby optimal transfer processing in accordance with the transfer mode can be performed. By switching a transfer path in accordance with the type of the read data, i.e., binary data per pixel or multilevel data per pixel, efficient data transfer can be performed.
US07742192B2
In bitmapping an input rendering command to a bitmap, a logic operation designated by the rendering command is analyzed in accordance with the source and pattern as the logic operation target and a logic operation code. On the basis of the analysis result, an additional information operation corresponding to each pixel of the bitmap is created. On the basis of the additional information operation, additional information of each pixel is created. When image processing based on the additional information is executed for the bitmap, high-quality output image data can be created.
US07742191B2
An image input and output apparatus such as a facsimile machine or multifunction printer recognizes a colored image pattern on an input document and processes the document according to the color of the image pattern. Information that can be encoded by the color of the image pattern includes an electronic mail address, facsimile number, or file server address to which an image of the document is to be sent, a folder in which the image is to be stored, or a number of copies of the image to be printed. The color recognition capability of the apparatus can thereby be used effectively even in the processing of basically black and white documents. Information may also be encoded by the shape of the colored image pattern.
US07742182B2
A printing system that includes a personal computer and a printer having multiple output trays. The printer operates both as a server and a printer. The printer serves a program to the personal computer upon request. The program enables the personal computer to print a document using the printer. The program also enables the personal computer to display an image of the printer while the printer is printing the document. The image indicates the printer output tray receiving the document. The image further indicates the present capacity of the output tray to receive additional media.
US07742174B2
Methods, fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) interferometers and computer program products are provided for removing undesired artifacts in FDOCT systems using continuous phase modulation. A variable phase delay is introduced between a reference arm and a sample arm of an FDOCT interferometer using continuous phase modulation. Two or more spectral interferograms having different phase delay integration times are generated. The spectral interferograms are combined using signal processing to remove the undesired artifacts. Systems and methods for switching between stepped and continuous phase shifting Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) are also provided herein.
US07742168B2
At least one surface characteristic of a sample, e.g. gloss, refractive index, micro-roughness, macroroughness, colour shift, is determined by illuminating a surface of the sample with a collimated beam of light at an angle to the plane of the surface and using an imaging detector to record an intensity and angular distribution image of the light from the beam reflected from the surface.
US07742167B2
A device for optical emission spectroscopy comprising a chamber comprising an atomization source, at least one boost device configured with a radio frequency source to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and an optical detector configured to detect optical emission of species in the chamber is provided. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization. In other examples, the boost device may be configured to provide additional energy for excitation of species.
US07742163B2
An Integrated Metrology Sensor (IMS) including a plurality of Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) for measuring a target on a wafer. The FRU configurations can be optimized to include the appropriate elements, so that each FRU can be pre-aligned and calibrated in the factory to minimize the time need to swap the FRU in the field due to failure or scheduled maintenance. The FRU configuration of the IMS is optimized to shorten the time to repair a failure or perform scheduled maintenance and increase the system reliability.
US07742162B2
According to a mask defect inspection data generating method, a distance between inspection areas neighboring in a predetermined direction is calculated based on inspection area control information defined in photomask inspection data. It is determined whether or not the calculated distance between inspection areas is less than a predetermined distance. When it is determined that the distance between inspection areas is less than a predetermined distance, the inspection area is combined to produce an optimization inspection area. The produced optimization inspection area information is defined in inspection layout data for making a reference in die-to-database defect inspection.
US07742160B2
A method, system and computer program product for determining an angle of incidence of a light beam illuminating a workpiece positioned on a stage are disclosed. A method for determining an angle of incidence of a light beam illuminating a workpiece positioned on a stage may include: positioning a calibration target on the stage with multiple different tilts; first determining an angle of incident of the light beam with respect to the calibration target with each tilt using a detector; mapping a response of the detector to a determined angle of incidence; and second determining the angle of incidence with respect to the workpiece based on a result of the mapping.
US07742159B2
An apparatus for checking concentricity between a barrel holder and a lens barrel rotatably engaging with the barrel holder is provided. The lens barrel includes at least one lens coaxially received therein. The apparatus includes a barrel holder retaining member, a rotating member, a driving unit, a light source, and an image sensor. The barrel holder retaining member is used for fixedly retaining the barrel holder in position. The rotating member is structured for meshing with the lens barrel. The driving unit is used for driving the rotating member to rotate, thereby rotates the lens barrel. The light source is configured for emitting light toward a first end of the lens barrel. The image sensor is arranged to face toward an opposite second end of the lens barrel. The image sensor is configured for sensing the light emitted from the light source.
US07742156B2
An optical material for lithographic applications is selected from crystal materials by a testing method. The crystal materials are preferably quartz and/or alkali or alkaline earth halides, especially fluorides, or mixed crystals. The testing method includes three tests to measure irreversible radiation damage: 1) the optical material is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation at 193 nm and the non-intrinsic fluorescence intensity at 740 nm is measured; 2) the optical material is irradiated with high energy density laser light and a change in respective absorptions before and after irradiation at 385 nm is measured; and 3) the optical material is irradiated with an X-ray or radioactive source to form all possible color centers and a difference of respective surface integrals of corresponding absorption spectra in ultraviolet spectral and/or visible spectral regions is measured before and after irradiation.
US07742151B2
A laser-based system with laser detection and ranging (“LADAR”) and semi-active laser (“SAL”) system capabilities is disclosed. In a first aspect, an apparatus includes a gimbal capable of scanning in azimuth and in elevation and a sensor mounted on the gimbal capable of LADAR acquisition and laser designation. In a second aspect, a method includes flying an airborne vehicle through an environment, scanning a LADAR signal from a sensor into the field of regard to identify a target; and laser designating the identified target with the sensor.
US07742145B2
In a method and medical examination device for post-editing of at least one film clip created within an examination with the imaging medical examination device, at least one associated data item of at least one film clip is created. The data item designates the film shot and contains at least one suitable information item for the purpose of determining a specific sub-segment of the film clip.
US07742143B2
A protective measure against rainfalls or ultraviolet rays is applied to planar display devices which comprise a large-sized display apparatus thus allowing display modules which include display devices to be used outdoors and, at the same time, the structure of a frame is simplified thus realizing the reduction of weight, thickness and a manufacturing cost of the large-sized display apparatus. In a large-sized display apparatus arranging a plurality of planar display devices, as the planar display device, a display device which comprises a display device body which includes a display region in the inside thereof and has a peripheral portion of the display region sealed, and a protective glass which is fixedly mounted on a front surface of the display device body using an adhesive material is used.
US07742138B2
It is an object to provide a liquid crystal display which reduces unsatisfactory display caused by distorted initial alignment direction in a liquid crystal alignment layer for IPS type displays, realizes stable liquid crystal alignment, is high in mass-productivity, and produces high-quality images of increased contrast ratio. The liquid crystal display contains alignment layers 109 placed between a pair of substrates 101 and 102, at least one of which is transparent, liquid crystal layer 110′ sealed between the alignment layers, common electrode 103 and source electrode 105 for applying an electrical field to the liquid crystal layer, thin-film transistors connected to each of these electrodes, polarizer plate 114 provided on at least one of the substrates, wherein at least one of the alignment layers 109 is composed of a photo-reactive polyimide and/or polyamic acid which can be provided with a liquid crystal alignment capacity by being irradiated with essentially linearly polarized light.
US07742130B2
A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a black matrix formed on the substrate, and a plurality of color filters formed on the substrate with the black matrix. Each color filter has a flat central portion, and a peripheral portion placed on the black matrix with a thickness smaller than the central portion. A common electrode is formed on the plurality of color filters. A thin film transistor array substrate for the liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a plurality of gate lines formed on the substrate, a plurality of data lines crossing over the gate lines while defining pixel regions, a thin film transistor formed at each pixel region, and a plurality of color filters. Each color filter has a flat central portion, and a peripheral portion placed on the data lines with a thickness smaller than the central portion. Contact holes expose the drain electrodes, and pixel electrodes are connected to the drain electrodes through the contact holes.
US07742125B2
A display includes a light switch overlying a backlight and having at least two light shutters which do not, by themselves, convey information by the shape thereof. The lit area of the backlight is equal to or greater than the sum of the areas of the shutters within the area. The display can also include a graphics layer overlying the light switch. The information content of the display is changed by changing the graphics layer.
US07742123B2
A color-filterless liquid crystal display (LCD) having a large screen. The color-filterless LCD further including a light guide plate uniformly emitting light, which is incident from both lateral sides, through a top surface thereof; first and second light sources disposed on both the lateral sides of the light guide plate; a color separation sheet that is disposed on the top surface of the light guide plate and is adapted to separate incident light into red, green, and blue light beams and emit them at different exit angles; a liquid crystal panel having a liquid crystal layer that is divided into a plurality of pixels; and an optical element sheet that is disposed on a bottom surface of the liquid crystal panel and includes a plurality of optical elements focusing the red, green, and blue light beams separated by the color separation sheet on three different pixels that are continuously arranged, where the first and second light sources are turned on alternately.
US07742121B2
In a liquid crystal display apparatus, it is a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising a liquid crystal panel for forming an image by a video signal from the outside, a light source substrate comprising at least one point-like light source, and a cabinet to which the light source substrate is attached, and light emitted from the point-like light source illuminates the liquid crystal panel and the light source substrate is constructed detachably from the outside of the cabinet in a direction of a surface opposite to a display surface of the liquid crystal panel and thereby the light source substrate is constructed detachably without disassembling the liquid crystal display apparatus.
US07742120B2
An image display comprises: a display device having an image output surface at which an image is displayed as a spaced array of pixel elements; an image guide (20) coupled to the image output surface of the display device and comprising a plurality of light transmission guides (80) each having an input end and an output end, the input ends of the light transmission guides being arranged relative to one another so that groups of one or more light transmission guides receive light from respective groups of one or for a cluster comprising at least a subset of the light transmission guides (80): at the outer periphery of the cluster, the input ends of the light transmission guides are constrained against expansion by a frame formed of a material having thermal expansion properties which are substantially similar to the thermal expansion properties of the image output surface.
US07742119B2
A pixel structure includes a backup thin film transistor with a float gate electrode or a float drain electrode and a working thin film transistor. When the pixel of the working thin film transistor does not work, the backup thin film transistor replaces the working thin film transistor to drive the pixel. The method of repairing the pixel is to cut off the connection between the drain electrode of the working thin film transistor and the pixel electrode, and then to connect the main gate electrode or the drain electrode of the backup thin film transistor to the gate electrode or the drain electrode of the working thin film transistor, such that the backup thin film transistor can replace the working thin film transistor to drive the pixel electrode.
US07742116B2
A display panel and a method of manufacturing the same in which a storage electrode is formed on a first base substrate, and an insulating layer is formed on the first base substrate to cover the storage electrode. The insulating layer is recessed directly above the storage electrode. A pixel electrode faces the storage electrode and is formed on the insulating layer. A protruding portion is formed on a second base substrate facing the first base substrate. The protruding portion protrudes toward a concaved portion of the insulating layer.
US07742107B2
A display apparatus comprises a display unit; a first processor for outputting a first signal including an on-screen-display (OSD) menu signal and a first image signal. A second processor has a picture-in-picture (PIP) function, the second processor processes one of a second image signal and the first signal and outputs the processed signal to the display unit. A control unit controls the first processor for interrupting an output of the first image signal and outputting the OSD menu signal and for controlling the second processor for PIP-processing to output the OSD menu signal as a main screen and the second image signal as a sub-screen in the case that a prescribed OSD menu function is selected when the display unit displays an image according to the second image signal. Thus, a display apparatus and a method for controlling the same are provided which can display a harmonized OSD menu screen without an additional cost.
US07742104B2
A display apparatus and a control method thereof is provided in which channels corresponding to a predetermined broadcasting format are displayed on a display unit even though they are not separately selected by a user as desired channels. A display apparatus includes a display unit to display a picture thereon, and a tuner to select a channel, a broadcasting format selection unit to select a predetermined broadcasting format, a signal receiver to receive information about the broadcasting format, and a controller to control the tuner to allow the channel corresponding to the broadcasting format to be displayed on the display unit when the broadcasting format is selected through the broadcasting format selection unit.
US07742099B2
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to execute processing to capture an image; a GPS (Global Positioning System) device configured to execute position calculation processing based on data received from a satellite; a power-supply control unit configured to control power supply to the GPS device; an apparatus control unit configured to monitor a state of photographing by a user to calculate a frequency of use of the imaging unit per unit time, and to cause the power-supply control unit to intermittently supply power to the GPS device when the calculated use frequency is lower than a predetermined threshold; and a data-recording control unit configured to generate photographed data attribute information in which positional information acquired in the GPS device is set as attribute information of an acquired image in the imaging unit, and to execute processing to store the photographed data attribute information in a storing unit.
US07742085B2
A zoom method of a small digital camera is provided that includes searching a center search line of a photographic screen according to a set photographic mode and searching upper and lower lines based on the center search line so as to extract a color average value and a deviation of a photographic object. A size of a photographic object may be calculated based on the average value and the deviation. A zoom ratio may be set according to a size of the photographic object. A portrait mode and a text mode may be implemented by software without influencing a size of a mobile communication terminal and so as to fast process the zoom function.
US07742081B2
An imaging apparatus for imaging an image using a solid-state image pickup device includes a first linear matrix operation unit configured to perform matrix conversion upon a color component of an image signal obtained by imaging using coefficients capable of improving color reproducibility; a second linear matrix operation unit configured to perform matrix conversion upon the color component using coefficients capable of achieving noise component reduction; a signal combining unit configured to combine image signals output from a plurality of signal processing systems each of which includes one of the first or second linear matrix operation units; and a combination ratio setting unit configured to set a combination ratio so that, when a subject is bright, an image signal output from the signal processing system that includes the first linear matrix operation unit can be combined in an amount larger than the image signals output from the other signal processing systems.
US07742078B2
Provided is a modular pen-shaped imaging and printing assembly, the assembly having imaging and printing modules operatively linked via a serial bus interface through male and female connectors of each module. The assembly includes a timer module having a chassis molding, an LCD mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the chassis molding, and a microcontroller mounted on the PCB for managing timing functions. Also included is a control button via which a user is able to instruct the microcontroller to increment of decrement timing units maintained by the controller.
US07742076B2
An image-capturing apparatus is provided that comprises an imaging device, a support member, a drive mechanism, and a fixed member. The support member supports the imaging device. The drive mechanism moves the support member in a plane parallel to an imaging surface of the imaging device and in an independent first and second directions. The fixed member is placed within a support-member movable-range, in which the support member is moved by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism induces impact on the support member by engaging the support member with the fixed member.
US07742064B2
Variation occurs in transistor characteristics. The present invention relates to a signal line driver circuit comprising a plurality of current source circuits respectively corresponding to a plurality of wirings, characterized in that: the plurality of current source circuits each comprise capacitor means and supply means; and the plurality of current source circuits each convert a supplied current into a voltage in accordance with a video signal, and supply a current corresponding to the converted voltage.
US07742059B2
Systems and methods, including methods performed by a processing device, are disclosed herein for filling the unused or blank spaces of a display screen. In one exemplary system, among others, the system comprises a display screen configured to display video images and a display screen controller configured to control the display screen. The display screen controller comprising a device for sampling a plurality of pixels from a stream of video images and a device for calculating an average color of the plurality of sampled pixels. Also, the display screen controller includes a device for adding color bands in unused portions of the display screen, the color bands comprising a color corresponding to the calculated average color. With the present system, the difference between the burn-in pattern of a video image and the unused portions of the display screen is reduced, thereby preserving the integrity of the display screen.
US07742058B2
An output color profile, such as an ICC output profile, contains a look-up table to separate the color of a pixel, for example a CIELAB color, into a set of colorant values, for example CMYK colorants. In practice, most CMYK images have been separated using one of a limited set of standardized output profiles. The problem to be solved is guessing which one of these standardized output profiles has been used to separate a specific image. For this purpose the CMYK values of the image are analyzed. The analysis involves calculating a distance in the CMYK space between the CMYK values of an image, and the CMYK values produced by different output profiles. A profile is selected based on these distances, for example by selecting the profile yielding the shortest distance. This profile is then used for converting the CMYK colorant values of the image into CIELAB color values.
US07742055B2
A process for creating three-dimensional or relief views with the help of software running on a computer system for adjusting brightness of a scene comprising a plurality of pixels includes: determining a representative brightness of at least one predetermined area of the scene based on brightness of each pixel of the at least one predetermined area; comparing the average brightness to a reference value; and correcting the brightness of at least a portion of the scene in accordance with a result of the comparison.
US07742054B2
A display module for displaying information on a screen, using a display data structure, wherein the display data structure is a doubly linked list. A display space in defined in video memory and the display space is filled by sequentially copying at least a portion of a set of characters from the display data structure into the video memory.
US07742052B2
A video card for processing a video signal comprises an interchangeable connector module and a video processing module. The interchangeable connector module has a specific configuration. The video processing module has a connector for coupling the interchangeable connector module. The specific configuration of the interchangeable connector module sets the characteristics of the video processing module.
US07742051B2
A data processing device connected with a data supply device for performing predetermined data processing includes: a communication control unit for controlling communication with the data supply device; a data processing unit for performing the data processing based on input data received from the data supply device; and a device control unit for performing predetermined processing in correspondence with command data received from the data supply device based on the command data. The communication control unit receives the input data and the command data each of which is contained in a packet having a common fixed length from the data supply device. When an identification part at a predetermined position in the reception packet received from the data supply device is set at a predetermined command identification value indicating the command data, the communication control unit supplies data contained in the reception packet to the device control unit. When the identification part is set at a value different from the command identification value, the communication control unit supplies data contained in the reception packet to the data processing unit. The device control unit uses the remaining part in the reception packet other than the identification part as the command data. The data processing unit uses the remaining part as the input data.
US07742044B2
A source-follower-type analogue buffer with an active load, a new compensating operation and a display with the source-follower-type analogue buffers are developed to reduce an error voltage which is the difference between an input voltage and an output voltage of the analogue buffer. The source-follower type analogue buffer can also minimize the variation from both the charging time and the device characteristics and maximize the range of the input voltage.
US07742034B2
A color display device comprises a plurality of picture elements (14), at least two light sources, having different radiance spectra and being activated alternately, and color selection means for generating, together with said light sources, primary colors in a color image (P1, P2). Each of a number of image information sets, each set being related to a color image (P1, P2) to be displayed, are divided into a first subframe (A1, A2), being picture element settings to be maintained during the operation of a first light source, and a second subframe (B1, B2), being picture element settings to be maintained during the operation of a second light source. The polarity of the picture elements (14) is, in an alternating manner, shifted between a first polarity (+) and a second polarity (−). The polarity is shifted in such manner that a first subframe (A1) and a subsequent first subframe (A2) are matched with different polarities (+, −) in order to avoid a polarization in the picture elements (14) which may result in slow response or other artifacts.
US07742030B2
A pixel of the LCD is driven according to a precharge pixel value and a compensation pixel value both being generated from a pixel value during a precharge field and a compensation field respectively. A precharge driving voltage corresponding to the precharge pixel value, and a compensation driving voltage corresponding to the compensation pixel value is then determined and used to drive the pixel. The lightness of the pixel driven according to the precharge pixel value and the compensation pixel value is substantially the same as the lightness of the pixel if driven according to the pixel value. The precharge field comes before the compensation field when the precharge pixel value is larger than the compensation pixel value, and the compensation field comes before the precharge field when the compensation pixel value is larger than the precharge pixel value.
US07742008B2
A multipole antenna for conducting logging-while-drilling (LWD), includes a wire for one of producing and receiving an electromagnetic field, the wire having at least one winding for providing a magnetic moment in a first portion of the antenna that is opposite to the magnetic moment of a second portion of the antenna. A method for constructing the multipole antenna is provided. A LWD tool making use of the antenna is also provided.
US07742007B2
An underwater communication method is provided. EM signals are transmitted via a seabed using an underwater electrically insulated magnetically coupled antenna. By making use of the low loss properties of the seabed, EM signal attenuation can be reduced and consequently the transmission range can be increased. The underwater electrically insulated magnetically coupled antenna may be located within a body of water or may be buried in the seabed.
US07742005B2
A multi-band antenna includes a non-conductive pane, a ground plane disposed on the non-conductive pane, and a radiating strip for operating in a plurality of frequency bands. The radiating strip includes an elongated portion and a meander line portion extending away from an end of the elongated portion. The radiating strip also includes a pair of tuning stubs extending from the elongated portion.
US07742000B2
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit antenna array includes: a substrate, a plurality of first antennas adjacent a first side of the substrate; and an RF network adjacent a second side of the substrate, the RF feed network coupling to a distributed plurality of amplifiers integrated with the substrate and to a distributed plurality of phase-shifters also integrated with the substrate, each phase shifter being associated with a receptor to receive a beam-forming command, wherein each receptor is configured to receive the beam-forming command through either a near-field coupling or a far-field coupling.
US07741999B2
A multilayer antenna of planar construction comprises an electrically conductive ground face and a conductive radiation face which is arranged with lateral spacing from the ground face and extends substantially parallel thereto. A dielectric carrier is arranged between the ground face and the radiation face. Above the radiation face there is a carrying means. Above the carrying means there is provided an electrically conductive patch element. The carrying means has a thickness or height which is less than the thickness or height of the patch element.
US07741996B2
A positioning system, wherein the communication base station has: signal transmitting means for transmitting a base station timing signal and a communication signal; the terminal has: standard timing signal correcting means; total delay information generating means for generating total delay information; and basic information transmitting means for transmitting basic information including the current position information and the total delay information to the information supply device and the like; and the information supply device has: base station position information storage means; basic information receiving means for receiving the basic; distance information generating means for generating distance information indicating a distance between a current position of the terminal and a position of the communication base station;propagation delay information generating means for generating propagation delay; device peculiar delay information generating means for generating device peculiar delay information indicating a delay other than the propagation delay time; and the like.
US07741989B2
Disclosed is a radar system capable of detecting near targets even in case of using discrete bands transmission signal. For this end, a discrete bands selection unit 1 selects discrete bands that meet the required radar parameters for detecting target information. A discrete bands synthetic waveform generation unit 2 suitably synthesizes center frequency signals of the respective discrete bands on the time base so that the signals for all of the discrete bands are transmitted within the transmission time of a particular discrete band that requires the longest time among the signals for the selected discrete bands selected. Alternatively, the center frequency signal is generated for the particular band requiring the longest transmission time, while signals sweeping from lower limit frequencies to upper limit frequencies are generated during the transmission time for the discrete bands other than the particular discrete band requiring the longest transmission time. Subsequently, the signals for the respective discrete bands are synthesized on the time base to generate discrete bands synthetic waveforms so that a discrete bands waveform storage unit 3 stores them in a transmission signal buffer.
US07741984B2
A track and hold amplifier is provided. The track and hold amplifier includes an input node receiving an analog signal, a buffer coupled between a first node and an output node, a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a plurality of switching circuits and a voltage generating unit. Each of the switching circuits includes a capacitor coupled between the first node and a second node. The voltage generating unit selectively provides a common signal and a reference signal to the capacitors of the switching circuits, wherein the reference signal is independent from the analog signal and the common signal.
US07741976B2
A method for processing meter data into a common format includes receiving, in a first transmission, meter data using a satellite communications network in a common protocol, the meter data representing information read at time intervals from associated utility meters in at least two data formats, each data format associated with a type of utility meter. The meter data in the plurality of formats is processed into a common data format. The meter data is stored in the common format as interval data for transmission to a customer.
US07741975B2
An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A single device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position.
US07741972B2
An RFID tag unit is constituted of a seal member part, a substrate material part layered on the seal member part, and a print member part layered on the substrate material part. An RFID tag that comprises an LSI chip, an antenna and an impedance adjustment part is formed on the surface of the substrate material part. Of the seal member part and substrate material part, a part positioned under the impedance adjustment part is cut off, and an impedance adjustment part cutoff part is equipped in the cutoff area. Cutting the impedance adjustment part cutoff part off the RFID tag unit cuts the impedance adjustment part, which has been connected to the antenna, from the RFID tag.
US07741970B2
The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.
US07741965B2
A group of technologies related to RFID reader and tag are described, including: redundant networked multimedia RFID reader, auto-ranging RFID reader, auto-planning RFID reader, smart active antenna RFID reader and novel RFID tags. These enabling technologies bring RFID reader operations into a new level of automation, capability and ease of implementation.
US07741963B2
A wheel data detection system includes a wireless data detection device and a data receiver. The wireless data detection device includes: a body adapted to be mounted to an inner surface of a rim, and having a closed end, an open end disposed to be in spatial communication with a chamber of a wheel, and a cavity defined between the closed and open ends; a radio frequency unit for receiving and transmitting radio signals; a detector for detecting pressure in the cavity and for generating a pressure signal according to the pressure detected thereby; and a control unit for processing the pressure signal into a data output. The radio frequency unit converts the data output received from the control unit into the radio signal to be transmitted thereby. The data receiver receives the radio signals transmitted by the radio frequency unit.
US07741953B2
According to one embodiment, a wireless control system having an electronic device with a wireless communication function and a remote control module for remotely operating the electronic device, wherein the remote control module includes a control module. A control module configured to transmit a authentication information to a other device via a proximity communication module and receive remote control command information for remotely operating the other device from the other device via the proximity communication module so as to store it in a storage module in order to allow the other device to start a process for establishing wireless connection with the electronic device based on the authentication information.
US07741947B2
A dual contact thermostat includes a bimetallic strip that partially controls two sets of contact points. An adjustable temperature actuator engages the contact points whereby the activation temperature of each set of points when the points are first closed is determined by the bimetallic strip in combination with the adjustable temperature actuator.
US07741944B2
Disclosed is a saddle-shaped coil winding which is formed onto an outer tube surface from a planar race track-type coil shape so as to be provided with axially extending winding sections on the longitudinal side and winding sections that extend therebetween, are located on the front side, and form winding overhangs. The individual windings of the coil winding are to be formed with at least one band-shaped superconductor which comprises especially high Tc superconductor material and whose narrow side faces the outer tube surface. In order to prevent unacceptable mechanical stresses of the conductor when forming the coil, the windings in the saddle shape have a circumferential length which is virtually unchanged from the length in the planar oil shape.
US07741941B2
An electromagnetic valve assembly having a dual armature solenoid for controlling two valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solenoid may include a first pole piece, a second pole piece spaced from the first pole piece, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the first pole piece, a first armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece, and a second armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the second pole piece. In another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the first pole piece. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to opposite pole pieces. In any case, the coil may electromagnetically actuate the first and second armatures to selectively open and/or close corresponding valves or other actuatable components.
US07741939B2
A displacement device is provided with a linear motor which comprises a first part comprising magnetic strips and a second part comprising a coil block. The parts are connected via a linear guide. The second part is movable with respect to the first part in a conveying direction extending parallel to the guide. The displacement device further comprises an connected to said second part, which is located on a side of the first part remote from the second part. The displacement device can be used is a component placement device.
US07741937B2
A power switching apparatus includes a breaker unit, an operating unit, a measuring unit, and a controlling unit. The breaker unit is connected on a three-phase current line, and includes switches each corresponding to one of phases of the three-phase current line. The operating unit simultaneously turns on or off the switches. The measuring unit measures a current flowing in each phase, and determines a time point where current flowing in one of the phases becomes zero as a reference time point. The controlling unit controls, when interrupting load current, the operating unit to turn off the switches in a range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees of an electric angle from the reference time point.
US07741928B1
Circuits and methods for frequency modulation (FM) using a digital frequency-locked loop (DFLL). A digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) generates and adjusts a frequency of a modulated signal based on a digital tuning word. A DFLL control logic circuit receives a feedback of the modulated signal and generates a carrier signal word. A sigma delta modulator circuit receives an input signal and applies dithering to produce a dithered input signal word. An adder circuit receives and sums the dithered input signal word and the carrier signal word to produce the digital tuning word. The DFLL control logic circuit adjusts the carrier signal word to lock a carrier frequency of the modulated signal.
US07741908B2
In an amplifier including first and second power supply terminals, first and second output terminals, a first load connected between the first power supply terminal and the first output terminal, a second load connected between the first power supply terminal and the second output terminal, a constant current source connected to the second power supply terminal, a first transistor connected between the first output terminal and the constant current source, a control terminal of the first transistor being adapted to receive an input voltage, and a second transistor connected between the second output terminal and the constant current source, a control terminal of the second transistor being adapted to receive a reference voltage, an amplification and output impedance switching circuit is connected between the first and second output terminals, so that the amplifier and output impedance switching circuit controls an amplification and output impedance of the amplifier in accordance with a control signal.
US07741905B2
An automatic gain control circuit includes a first voltage dividing resistor, a filter circuit, a switch circuit, and an amplifying circuit. The first voltage dividing resistor divides a voltage of the automatic gain control circuit using an internal impedance of the audio device to produce a divided DC voltage, wherein the first voltage dividing resistor is connected between a first power source and an output of the audio device. The filter circuit filters audio signals outputted from the audio device to produce filtered audio signals, and wherein the filter circuit receives the divided DC voltage, wherein the filter circuit is connected to the output of the audio device. The switch circuit outputs controlling signals according to the divided DC voltage from the filter circuit. The amplifying circuit amplifies the filtered audio signals according to the controlling signals. An electronic device using the automatic gain control circuit is also provided.
US07741903B2
A power amplifier controller measures the distortion of a power amplifier output. Based upon the distortion measured, the supply voltage to the PA is adjusted in a control loop. In one embodiment, distortion is measured by computing the ratio of the measured power in the output frequencies outside the desired output channel to the measured power in the output frequencies within the desired channel. If the distortion measured from the PA is higher than a target distortion level, the power supply voltage is raised. If the distortion measured from the PA is lower than the target distortion level, the power supply voltage is reduced. Thus, the supply voltage to the PA is maintained at the lowest possible voltage level, improving the efficiency of the PA.
US07741888B2
A PLL circuit includes a phase detector that compares the phase of an input clock and the phase of a feedback clock and generates a pull-up control signal and a pull-down control signal. A loop filter pumps a voltage in response to the pull-up and pull-down control signals, filters the pumped voltage, and outputs a control voltage. A voltage controlled oscillator receives the control signal and oscillates an output clock. A clock divider divides the frequency of the output clock at a predetermined rate to generate the feedback clock. In the PLL circuit, the loop filter includes a compensator that compensates for a variation.
US07741884B2
A load drive circuit which can operate at high speed with low consumption current while performing the gate-to-source over voltage protection for its load driving field-effect transistor. A Zener function device is connected between the gate and the source of the load driving field-effect transistor, and an on/off-switch circuit to supply either on-potential or off-potential to the gate of the field effect transistor is provided. The current flowing through the Zener function device when the load driving field-effect transistor is conductive is limited by the on/off-switch circuit.
US07741878B2
In a semiconductor integrated circuit, a cell arrangement area is provided on a semiconductor substrate to allow a plurality of basis cells to be arranged. A basic power supply line is provided in an upper layer than the cell arrangement area to supply a power. A switch cell is configured to control the power supply from the basic power supply line to an inside of the cell arrangement area. An always operating cell is arranged in the cell arrangement area adjacently to the switch cell, and is configured to receive the power from the switch cell even when the switch cell stops the power supply to the cell arrangement area.
US07741869B2
A logic gate is constructed of an insulated gate field effect transistor (MIS transistor) having a thin gate insulation film. An operation power supply line to the logic gate is provided with an MIS transistor having a thick gate insulation film for switching the supply and stop of an operation power source voltage. A voltage of the gate of the power source switching transistor is made changing in an amplitude greater than an amplitude of an input and an output signal to the logic gate. Current consumption in a semiconductor device configured of MIS transistor of a thin gate insulation film can be reduced and an power source voltage thereof can be stabilized.
US07741866B2
The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement and method of controlling power consumption of the circuit arrangement, wherein a load applied at a circuit component is determined and the drive capacity of the circuit component is adjusted responsive to the determination result. In particular, the circuit component is tailored to have just sufficient drive capacity depending on the potential load which may be determined by examining a configuration information loaded to the circuit arrangement. Tailoring for sufficient drive can be achieved either by varying the size or number of circuit components or by adjusting the threshold voltage of circuit elements, or by doing both. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced when circuit components are driven at loads lower than the worst case load.
US07741865B1
In one embodiment, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of configuration cells that store configuration data, wherein the programmable logic device is adapted to provide soft error upset (SEU) protection for the configuration cells that are reprogrammable. The programmable logic device may further include or alternatively provide hard coding and/or hard encoding of the configuration cells.
US07741862B2
A mode decode/latch circuit decodes an input signal based on a latch timing signal to output a test mode signal to a test execution circuit. Test mode signal line includes a high-resistance portion extending from the mode decode/latch circuit toward the vicinity of the test execution circuit and a low-resistance portion connecting together the distal end of the high-resistance portion and the input of the test execution circuit. A latch circuit for latching the test mode signal based on the latch timing signal is inserted in the low-resistance portion.
US07741860B2
A prober for testing components comprises a lower frame, over which a probe holder plate is disposed at a distance therefrom for receiving test probes that make contact with the components to be tested and to which a displacement device is connected. A substrate carrier is disposed in the space between the frame and the probe holder plate, and the probe holder plate is provided with an opening, below which the substrate carrier can be displaced. To expand the scope of application of probers used for testing components, all those components of the prober that surround the substrate are made from a non-magnetic material.
US07741857B2
S-parameter data is measured on an embedded device test structure, an open dummy, and a short dummy. A 4-port network of the pad set parasitics of the embedded device test structure is modeled by a parameterized netlist containing a lumped element network having at least one parameterized lumped element. The S-parameter data across a range of measurement frequencies is fitted with the parameterized netlist employing the at least one parameterized lumped element as at least one fitting parameter for the S-parameter data. Thus, the fitting method is a multi-frequency fitting for the at least one parameterized lumped element. A 4-port Y-parameter (admittance parameter) is obtained from the fitted parameterized netlist. The Y-parameter of the device under test is obtained from the measured admittance of the embedded device test structure and the calculated 4-port Y parameter.
US07741855B2
A calibration circuit including a plurality of first resistance components, a plurality of second resistance components, and a first feedback system is provided. The first feedback system selects M1 first resistance components and N1 second resistance components so that a first combination of the M1 first resistance components and the N1 second resistance components has a first predetermined relationship with the impedance of a first resistor. The first feedback system selects M2 first resistance components and N2 second resistance components so that a second combination of the M2 first resistance components and the N2 second resistance components has a second predetermined relationship with the impedance of the first resistor. Based on the values of M1, N1, M2, N2, and a target impedance, the first feedback system generates a first set of calibration signals for a plurality of third resistance components and generates a second set of calibration signals for a plurality of fourth resistance components.
US07741850B2
An electric potential measuring apparatus including a substrate disposed facing a measurement object, a detecting electrode provided insulated from the substrate, and a capacity modulating unit for modulating a coupling capacity between the detecting electrode and the measurement object. In the electric potential measuring apparatus, a region with a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the substrate is formed in the substrate to achieve an increase in resistivity of a portion of the substrate between detecting electrodes, or a decrease in a stray capacity between the detecting electrode and the substrate.
US07741847B2
A magnetic resonance apparatus in which magnetic metal pieces are accommodated in an accommodation section so as to correct uniformity in a main magnetic field, includes an acquisition unit which acquires temperature information related to at least one of a temperature of the magnetic metal pieces accommodated in the accommodation section, a temperature of the accommodation section, and a temperature of a position in the vicinity of the accommodation section, and a temperature adjustment unit which adjusts the temperature of the magnetic metal pieces to a target temperature by preheating the magnetic metal pieces on the basis of the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit.
US07741844B2
A method and system for imaging using labeled contrast agents and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are provided. The method comprises performing a prescan at a frequency selected to be substantially similar to a frequency of the labeled contrast agent and performing an examination scan at the frequency of the labeled contrast agent substantially immediately after administering the labeled contrast agent to a subject.
US07741843B2
Example systems, methods, and apparatus associated with determining a phase-encoding direction for parallel MRI are described. One example, method includes selecting a set of projection directions along which an MRI apparatus is to apply RF energy to an object to be imaged. The method includes controlling the MRI apparatus to selecting a set of projection directions and to acquire MR signal from the object through a set of detectors. The method includes analyzing the MR signal to identify individual sensitivities for members of the set of detectors and selecting a phase-encoding direction for a pMRI session based on the individual sensitivities for the members. The method produces a concrete, tangible, and useful result by controlling the MRI apparatus to perform the pMRI session based on the selected phase-encoding direction.
US07741839B2
A sensor for sensing the position of an object includes a magnet and a magnetic flux sensor. The magnet has dimensions that include a length, a width and a height. The magnet is adapted to generate a flux field. The flux field has a magnitude of flux and a flux direction. The flux direction changes along at least one of the dimensions. The magnetic flux sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet. The magnet provides a rotating magnetic field vector. A method for magnetizing a magnet to create the rotating magnetic field vector is also disclosed.
US07741838B2
A rotation detecting device that includes an electric power generator having a stator and a rotor, said rotor having a plurality of alternating opposite magnetic poles in a circumferential direction of the rotor, at least a first magnetic sensor mounted on either the stator or a support member for supporting the stator and operable to detect the alternating opposite magnetic poles in the rotor; and an electric power supply circuit for utilizing an electric power generated by the electric power generator as an electric power source for the at least first magnetic sensor.
US07741835B2
An electric meter having a detachable measuring bar includes a main body, a first measuring bar and a second measuring bar assembly. One end of the main body is formed with a supporting portion. The first measuring bar has a connecting portion and a probe formed at the other end of the connecting portion. The connecting portion is detachably connected with the supporting portion of the main body. The second measuring bar assembly comprises a second measuring bar and a lead. Both ends of the lead are connected to the main body and the second measuring bar. Via this arrangement, when the first measuring bar is worn or damaged in use, the first measuring bar can be replaced, thereby reducing the purchasing cost of the electric meter.
US07741827B2
In one embodiment, a single input terminal of a parameter control circuit is utilized to form two different parameters of the parameter control circuit. In another embodiment, the parameter control circuit can include charging and discharging current mirrors.
US07741817B2
Circuit for the generation of two symmetrical buses of tension with respect to the negative of the feeding tension, comprising supply means able to supply a power step-up circuit comprising an inductor, a switch, a diode and a condenser, an LC filter being arranged in cascade to said power step-up circuit, a pair of switches with relevant re-circulation diodes being connected in cascade to said LC filter, whose peculiar aspect is that said supply means comprise a single supply source, and a circuit branch consisting of a condenser and a diode connected in series the one to the other and in parallel to said switch and said condenser of said power step-up circuit, a further inductor with diode in series being connected between the anode end of said circuit branch diode and a condenser connected symmetrically with respect to the condenser of said power step-up circuit.
US07741815B2
A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.
US07741814B2
A power supply device includes battery equipment and voltage detecting circuitry. The battery equipment includes positive-side and negative-side battery blocks that are connected to each other at a reference midpoint. The voltage detecting circuitry detects the respective voltage values of serially-connected battery modules of the battery equipment. The voltage detecting circuitry includes positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs with respect to the reference midpoint. The positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs manage the voltage conditions of the battery modules in the positive-side and negative-side battery blocks, respectively. Positive-side and negative-side voltage power lines of each of the positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs are connected to positive-side and negative-side output terminals of the battery equipment so that all the battery modules supply electric power to each of the voltage management ICs. The voltage management ICs have a common ground line.
US07741804B2
A human-powered slim charger utilizing an axial flux alternator for converting a pull-out motion into an electrical current for charging and supplying battery-fed electronic devices. The charger comprises mechanical transmission means for converting a periodic linear movement into a unidirectional rotation, an axial flux alternator comprising a stator comprising a planar winding, having a plurality of coils embedded in multiple layers within said stator and circularly distributed around a central axis and two essentially identical rotors arranged to rotate together around said central axis and allocated concentrically with said winding on both sides of said stator facing each other; wherein each said rotor comprises a periodical heteropolar axially magnetized magnetic system having a definite number of poles; Finally, the device comprises a charging control module affixed to the stator, said control module configured effectively convert non-stable alternating current produced by said alternator into a charging direct current.
US07741803B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for driving a 2-phase SRM capable of individually performing an initial driving by an initializing sensor and a normal driving by a driving sensor, and capable of controlling a rotation speed of the SRM by delaying a phase signal by a half period and then generating a pulse width modulation signal based on the period. The apparatus comprises: a driving sensor which detects a position of a rotor thus to generate a driving sensor signal based on a result of the detection; a microprocessor which generates a 1-phase signal and a 2-phase signal based on a rising time and a falling time of the driving sensor signal at the time of a normal driving; an oscillator which generates first and second pulse width modulation signals delayed by a preset time; and a multiplying unit which multiplies the 1-phase and 2-phase signals with the first and second pulse width modulation signals, and generates 1-phase and 2-phase driving signals based on a result of the multiplication.
US07741799B2
A brushless DC motor drive circuit includes a drive unit and a transient current suppression circuit. The drive unit comprises a Hall component, a drive component, a first transistor and a second transistor. The Hall component detects the position of a rotor of the DC motor and transmits digital command signals to the drive component; the drive component further generates two complementary digital command signals; and the first and second transistors connect with the drive component respectively. The transient current suppression circuit comprises a first auxiliary transistor and a second auxiliary transistor, wherein the first auxiliary transistor receives one of the complementary digital command signals different from the other one received by the first transistor and the second auxiliary transistor receives the other one of the complementary digital command signals different from the one received by the second transistor.
US07741798B2
An RFI/EMI filter for a variable frequency motor drive system includes a variable frequency drive; a common mode choke; a motor; a cable including a plurality of power leads interconnecting the motor with the variable frequency drive and passing through the choke; a ground shield surrounding the cable and connected to motor ground and variable frequency drive ground; and a common mode return conductor interconnected between the variable frequency drive and the motor and disposed within the shield and passing through the choke for returning a portion of the common mode current to cancel a portion of the saturation current experienced by the choke to increase the portion of the common mode current carried by the return conductor and decrease the portion carried by the shield to reduce the RFI/EMI contributed by the shield.
US07741795B2
The present invention provides an electro-mechanical energy exchange system with a variable speed synchronous reluctance motor-generator having an all-metal rotor. A bi-directional AC-to-DC electric power converter interconnects the motor-generator with a DC bus. First and second hybrid controllers provide current regulation for the motor-generator and voltage regulation for the DC bus. Use of both feedback and feedforward control elements provides a controller particularly suited for operating high speed devices.
US07741789B2
The locked phase active power current control circuit is composed of a DC source, an electronic switch, a driving transformer, a phase detecting unit, a current intercepting unit and a square wave controller. A DC signal provided by the DC source is converted into a square wave signal by the electronic switch for the driving transformer to operate a load. The electronic switch outputs the square wave signal to the phase detecting unit whereat a phase signal of the square wave is detected and the detected signal is transmitted to the current intercepting unit whereat the detected signal is compared with the current intercepted at the electronic switch, the driving transformer, or the load, and the comparison result is fed back to the square wave controller so as to set the operation frequency of the electronic switch. The essential principle of the present invention is based on the fact that the square wave is in phase with the first harmonic wave.
US07741787B2
A light-emitting diode driving circuit includes a control circuit, a transistor switch and a compensating circuit. The control circuit receives an oscillating signal to generate a pulse drive signal. The transistor switch is activated by the pulse drive signal such that an inductor is charged by an input voltage, in which the inductor is arranged to deliver an inducting current to at least one light-emitting diode when the transistor switch is deactivated. The compensating circuit is coupled between the control circuit and a capacitor provided for reducing ripples of an output voltage corresponding to the inducting current. The compensating circuit performs a charging and discharging operation along with the capacitor when controlled by a dimming control signal provided to control brightness of the light-emitting diode.
US07741785B2
A method for driving an electronically controlled lighting means operating device, by evaluating an output signal of a motion sensor which is connected to a supply voltage and outputs the supply voltage as an output signal as a function of the detection of a motion, and setting the electronically controlled lighting means operating device to one of a plurality of predetermined dimming levels as a function of an output signal of the motion sensor. At least one of the predetermined dimming levels is programmed or the output signal of the motion sensor is detected at a control input of a digital interface of the operating device.
US07741783B2
A microwave generator has at least one resonator with two mutually opposite resonator electrodes which are separated by a spark gap. The spark gap breaks down when a high-voltage is applied. The resonator electrodes are designed in the area of the spark gap such that they result in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional section with a substantially constant, minimum electrode separation.
US07741775B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an EL display device having a high operation performance and reliability.The switching TFT 201 formed within a pixel has a multi-gate structure, which is a structure which imposes an importance on reduction of OFF current value. Further, the current control TFT 202 has a channel width wider than that of the switching TFT to make a structure appropriate for flowing electric current. Morever, the LDD region 33 of the current control TFT 202 is formed so as to overlap a portion of the gate electrode 35 to make a structure which imposes importance on prevention of hot carrier injection and reduction of OFF current value.
US07741770B2
A light-emitting microcavity diode device includes a reflective electrode and a semi-transparent electrode, formed over a substrate, with an unpatterned light-emitting layer formed between the reflective electrode and the semi-transparent electrode. The reflective electrode, semi-transparent electrode, and unpatterned light-emitting layer form an optical cavity. Either the reflective or semi-transparent electrode is patterned to form independently-controllable, light-emitting sub-pixels. At least one, and fewer than all, of the sub-pixels emit light through a color filter. A first sub-pixel emits light having a first primary color and a second sub-pixel emits a complementary colored light. The light emitted from the first and second sub-pixels changes at one or more different angles. The color of the combined light of the first and second sub-pixels changes less at the one or more different angles than the light from at least one of the first or second sub-pixels. A third sub-pixel emits light through a color filter of a second primary color, different from the first primary color.
US07741766B2
A slurry composition for forming a layer is provided. The slurry composition includes 100 parts by weight of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZrO3, and a combination thereof; 1-200 parts by weight of a binding agent per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, the binding agent being selected from the group consisting of calcium phosphate (CaP), a calcium-barium-boron-based (CBB-based) oxide, a triple carbonate ((Ca, Ba, Sr)CO3), and a combination thereof; 1-10 parts by weight of a binder per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, the binder being selected from the group consisting of nitro cellulose, ethyl cellulose, methyl methacrylate, and a combination thereof; and 50-500 parts by weight of a solvent per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide.
US07741765B2
A field emission element includes at least one supporting wire and at least one carbon nanotube wire. The supporting wire and the carbon nanotube wire are twisted together. A method for manufacturing the described field emission element is also provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least one carbon nanotube wire and at least one supporting wire; (b) twisting the carbon nanotube wire and the supporting wire together to form a multi-strand structure by a spinning process; and (c) cutting the multi-strand structure according to a predetermined length to form a field emission element.
US07741762B2
A dual-electrode spark igniter (spark plug), which has two electrodes extending from the plug body. During a spark event, electricity flows across a first spark gap from a first electrode to a second electrode. Electricity also flows across a second spark gap from the second electrode to ground.
US07741760B2
Provided is a display apparatus including a plurality of pixels each composed of an organic electroluminescent device, in which the dependency of a view angle can be reduced without the sacrifice of the luminance of the display apparatus. The display apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of pixels each composed of an organic electroluminescent device, in which at least one of the pixels is divided into a plurality of areas different in dependency of a view angle.
US07741758B2
A venetian blind dynode 5A and metal channel dynodes 5B of a dynode unit 5 are fitted along with insulating spacers (insulating plates) 11 on columns 9 erected on a stem plate 3 that makes up a vacuum container, and since in this state, venetian blind dynode 5A, metal channel dynodes 5B, and insulating spacers (insulating plates) 11 are supported integrally and firmly by columns 9, venetian blind dynode 5A, metal channel dynodes 5B, and insulating spacers (insulating plates) 11 will not undergo inadvertent lateral deviation due to vibration or impact and dynode unit 5 exhibits an excellent anti-vibration effect.
US07741756B2
An ultrasound transducer probe (40) includes a support substrate (54), an integrated circuit (42) and an array of piezoelectric elements (50). The support substrate (54) has a non-linear surface (55). The integrated circuit (42) physically couples to the support substrate (54) overlying the non-linear surface (55), wherein the integrated circuit (42) substantially conforms to a shape of the non-linear surface (55). An array of piezoelectric elements (50) couples to the integrated circuit (42).
US07741752B2
A high frequency SAW device and the substrate thereof are disclosed. The disclosed high frequency SAW device does not need to use the conventional and expensive sapphire substrate as its substrate. Besides, the disclosed substrate for a high-frequency SAW device can replace the conventional sapphire substrate in the use of the substrate for a high frequency SAW device. The disclosed high frequency SAW device comprises: a substrate; a first buffering layer forming on the surface of the substrate; a second buffering layer forming on the surface of the first buffering layer; a piezoelectric layer forming on the surface of the second buffering layer; an input transformation unit; and an output transformation unit, wherein the input transformation unit and the output transformation unit are formed in pairs on the surface of or beneath the piezoelectric layer.
US07741751B2
A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes bottom and top capacitive plates, such that a capacitor is definable therebetween. A mechanism is electrostatically movably disposed between the bottom and top capacitive plates. One or more flexures are movably disposed between the bottom capacitive plate and the mechanism, and having distance stops between the bottom capacitive plate and the mechanism corresponding to maximum downward movement. The MEMS device includes one or more electrodes of the bottom capacitive plate corresponding to the flexures. Energizing different of the electrodes causes the flexures to move to different of the distance stops, causing the mechanism to move to different positions between the bottom and top capacitive plates.
US07741749B2
An inner crossover support clip may be used to support a crossover wire joining two adjacent rotor coils on a rotating machine, such as a generator. The support clip of the present invention may be capable of withstanding forces, such as centrifugal forces, that lead to the failure of conventional crossover wires. The support clip may be formed of a sheet material bent at an angle to form an inside surface thereon and may include a tie edge formed on each end of the sheet material. The tie edge attaches to adjacent rotor coils of a rotating machine and the inside surface supports a crossover wire electrically connecting the adjacent rotor coils.
US07741739B2
A cooling airflow introducing guide portion is disposed on a portion of a connector that faces fins of a voltage regulator heatsink so as to extend in a direction of array of the fins so as to ensure a predetermined clearance relative to the fins. An air intake aperture is disposed through a portion of the rear bracket that faces the voltage regulator heatsink.
US07741733B1
A modular battery control apparatus includes a first stationary contact adapted for electrical communication with coach loads and a battery charger, a second stationary contact adapted for electrical communication with a coach battery, a third stationary contact adapted for electrical communication with a chassis battery, and a fourth stationary contact adapted for electrical communication with chassis loads and an alternator. First, second, and third movable contacts are respectively attached to first, second, and third latching solenoids and are adapted to abuttingly engage and disengage the respective first and second stationary contacts, second and third stationary contacts, and third and fourth stationary contacts. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the first, second, and third latching solenoids and a user-controlled switch panel communicates with the controller.
US07741727B2
A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of wind energy generating devices, and a roadway system electricity grid. The wind energy generating devices are electrically connected to the roadway system electricity grid and are positioned on part of or near to a road in a system of roads and are optionally fixed in a position such that a multi-form, wind energy gathering network can be formed.
US07741726B2
An integrated circuit underfill package system including providing a substrate having a dispense port, attaching a first integrated circuit die on the substrate, and supplying an underfill to the dispense port when the substrate and the first integrated circuit die are inverted.
US07741723B2
In a semiconductor device constituted of stacked semiconductor chips, in order to independently test each of the chips, a second chip is disposed to face a first chip, with a second interconnection terminal thereof connected to a first interconnection terminal of the first chip. First and second external terminals of the first and second chips are formed on surfaces of the first and second chips, the surface being on a same side of the first and second chips. Therefore, even after the first chip and the second chip are pasted together, it is possible to test the first chip and the second chip while operating them independently. Further, since test probes or the like can be brought into contact with the external terminals of the first chip and the second chip from the same side, it is possible to simultaneously test the first chip and the second chip.
US07741714B2
A bond pad structure for an integrated circuit chip has a stress-buffering layer between a top interconnection level metal layer and a bond pad layer to prevent damages to the bond pad structure from wafer probing and packaging impacts. The stress-buffering layer is a conductive material having a property selected from the group consisting of Young's modulus, hardness, strength and toughness greater than the top interconnection level metal layer or the bond pad layer. For improving adhesion and bonding strength, the lower portion of the stress-buffering layer may be modified as various forms of a ring, a mesh or interlocking-grid structures embedded in a passivation layer, alternatively, the stress-buffering layer may has openings filled with the bond pad layer.
US07741713B2
After a plurality of pads (2) are formed on an insulation film (1), a passivation film (3) is formed on the entire surface thereof, and opening parts (3a) which exposes all the pads (2) are formed in the passivation film (3). Next, another passivation film is formed on the entire surface and, for each of the pads (2), an opening part is formed in this passivation film to expose the central portion of the pad (2). According to the above method, the probing test can be performed with the opening parts (3a) formed in the passivation film (3). Performing the probing test in such a state increases the probability that the probe contacts the pad (2) since the entire surface of the pad (2) is exposed, thereby providing the test with a higher accuracy. Thus, the pad can be miniaturized and/or the pitch can be narrowed without requiring a higher accuracy of the probe.
US07741705B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an internal circuit; an electrode pad electrically connected to the internal circuit; an insulating film having a through hole exposing the electrode pad; and a re-distribution wiring pattern formed on the insulating film and electrically connected to the electrode pad. The semiconductor device further includes a recess groove formed in the insulating film around and adjacent to the re-distribution wiring pattern.
US07741700B2
A semiconductor device having sufficiently high heat dissipation performance while inhibiting an increase in the area of a chip is provided. In semiconductor device 1, a plurality of HBTs 20 and a plurality of diodes 30 are one-dimensionally and alternately arranged on semiconductor substrate 10. Anode electrode 36 of diode 30 is connected to emitter electrode 27 of HBT 20 via common emitter wiring 42. Diode 30 works as heat dissipating elements dissipating to semiconductor substrate 10 the heat transmitted through common emitter wiring 42 from emitter electrode 27, and also works as a protection diode connected in parallel between an emitter and a collector of HBT 20.
US07741697B2
The present invention discloses a semiconductor device, the device comprising a semiconductor layer on a substrate. A gate oxide and a gate electrode are formed on the semiconductor substrate. A gate conductive layer is formed on the gate electrode. A first doped region is formed in the semiconductor layer. A dielectric spacer is optionally formed onto the sidewall of the gate electrode and part of the semiconductor layer. A second doped region is formed from a predetermined distance to the gate electrode, wherein the predetermined distance is no less than the distance between the first doped region and the gate electrode. A third doped region is formed adjacent to the first doped region in the semiconductor layer and between the first doped region and the second doped region.
US07741696B2
A metal mesh structure for use in an integrated circuit is described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first region including, for example, a device layer having one or more active semiconductor devices. The circuit also includes a second region, which may include a metalization layer including circuit wires. The circuit further includes a layer of metal mesh interposed between the first and second regions, and which may be implemented on at least a portion of another metalization layer.
US07741695B2
Extending from an upper surface of an n− semiconductor layer on a p− semiconductor substrate to the interface between the n− semiconductor layer and the p− semiconductor substrate, a p+ impurity region is provided. The p+ impurity region defines a high-potential island region, a low-potential island region and a slit region in the n− semiconductor layer. The n− semiconductor layer in the high-potential island region and the n− semiconductor layer in the low-potential island region are connected by the n− semiconductor layer in the slit region, and a logic circuit is formed in the n− semiconductor layer in the high-potential island region. A width in the direction of Y axis of the n− semiconductor layer in the slit region is set to be narrower than a width in the direction of the Y axis of the n− semiconductor layer in the high-potential island region.
US07741690B2
A photoelectric conversion device includes an intrinsic semiconductor layer, a first conductive type semiconductor layer disposed on a first side of the intrinsic semiconductor layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer disposed on a second side of the intrinsic semiconductor layer opposite the first side. The intrinsic semiconductor layer includes an amorphous semiconductor layer and a crystalline semiconductor layer including a plurality of crystals. A diameter of a crystal of the plurality of crystals is equal to or less than approximately 100 angstroms.
US07741688B2
A magnetic random access memory includes a magnetoresistive effect element having a fixed layer in which a magnetization direction is fixed, a recording layer in which a magnetization direction is reversible, and a nonmagnetic layer formed between the fixed layer and the recording layer, a hollow portion being formed in a center of the recording layer, and the magnetization directions in the fixed layer and the recording layer taking one of a parallel state and an antiparallel state in accordance with a direction of an electric current supplied between the fixed layer and the recording layer, an insulating layer formed in the hollow portion, a wiring connected to one terminal of the magnetoresistive effect element, and a transistor connected to the other terminal of the magnetoresistive effect element.
US07741680B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device including a substrate layer, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a backgate region, an isolation layer and a diode. The MOSFET includes a gate region, a source region and a drain region. The source and drain regions are embedded in the backgate region, which includes a voltage input terminal. The isolation layer is located between the backgate region and the substrate layer and has a doping type opposite that of the backgate region. The diode includes a first terminal connected to the isolation layer and a second terminal coupled to an isolation voltage source.
US07741677B2
After silicon oxide film (9) is formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate (1), the silicon oxide film (9) in a region in which a gate insulation film having a small effective thickness is formed is removed using diluted HF and after that, high dielectric constant insulation film (10) is formed on the semiconductor substrate (1). Consequently, two kinds of gate insulation films, namely, a gate insulation film (12) comprised of stacked film of high dielectric constant insulation film (10) and silicon oxide film (9) and gate insulation film (11) comprised of the high dielectric constant insulation film (10) are formed on the semiconductor substrate (1).
US07741669B2
Non-volatile memory cells employing a transition metal oxide layer as a data storage material layer are provided. The non-volatile memory cells include a lower and upper electrodes overlapped with each other. A transition metal oxide layer pattern is provided between the lower and upper electrodes. The transition metal oxide layer pattern is represented by a chemical formula MxOy. In the chemical formula, the characters “M”, “O”, “x” and “y” indicate transition metal, oxygen, a transitional metal composition and an oxygen composition, respectively. The transition metal oxide layer pattern has excessive transition metal content in comparison to a stabilized transition metal oxide layer pattern. Methods of fabricating the non-volatile memory cells are also provided.
US07741666B2
A backside illuminated imaging sensor includes a semiconductor layer having a P-type region. A frontside and backside P+ doped layers are formed within the semiconductor layer. An imaging pixel having a photodiode is formed within the semiconductor layer, where the photodiode is an N− region formed within the P-type region of the semiconductor layer between the frontside P+ doped layer and the backside P+ doped layer.
US07741658B2
The embodiments of the invention comprise a self-aligned super stressed p-type field effect transistor (PFET). More specifically, a field effect transistor comprises a channel region comprising N-doped material and a gate above the channel region. The field effect transistor also includes a source region on a first side of the channel region and a drain region on a second side of the channel region opposite the first side. The source and drain regions each comprise silicon germanium, wherein the silicon germanium has structural indicia of epitaxial growth.
US07741656B2
A semiconductor device including a MISFET formed in a well at a main surface of a substrate, a second MISFET formed at a main surface of the substrate, and a passive element formed over the main surface of the substrate and having two terminals. A conductive film is formed at a rear face of the semiconductor substrate. The conductive film is connected with a fixed potential and also electrically connected with the conductive film.
US07741653B2
A gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device having an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer formed in this order on a substrate. Each layer includes a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor, the light-emitting device has a negative electrode and a positive electrode provided on the n-type semiconductor layer and on the p-type semiconductor layer, respectively, the positive electrode is at least partially formed of a transparent electrically conducting film, the transparent electrically conducting film is at least partially in contact with the p-type semiconductor layer, a semiconductor metal mixed layer containing a Group III metal component is present on the semiconductor side surface of the transparent electrically conducting film, and the thickness of the semiconductor metal mixed layer is from 0.1 to 10 nm.
US07741652B2
An alignment device and applications thereof are disclosed. The device comprises a dam structure disposed on a first substrate, and a post disposed on a second substrate at a position corresponding to the dam structure. The dam structure comprises a groove. The post is disposed in the groove of the dam structure when bonding the first and second substrates.
US07741640B2
An organic light-emitting display device and a method of fabricating the device are disclosed. The organic light-emitting display device includes a thin-film transistor positioned on a substrate that has a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, and source and drain electrodes. A first electrode is positioned, which is connected to either the source electrode or drain electrode. A reflective layer, which is spaced apart from the source electrode or drain electrode, is positioned below the first electrode. An organic functional layer having at least an emission layer is positioned on the first electrode. A second electrode is positioned on the organic functional layer. The first electrode, the reflective layer, the organic functional layer, and the second electrode constitute an organic light-emitting diode.
US07741634B2
A Josephson junction (JJ) device includes a buffered substrate comprising a first buffer layer formed on a substrate. A second buffer layer is formed on the first buffer layer. The second buffer layer includes a hexagonal compound structure. A trilayer structure is formed on the buffered substrate comprising at least two layers of a superconducting material. A thin tunnel barrier layer is positioned between the at least two layers. The buffered substrate is used to minimize lattice mismatch and interdiffusion in the trilayer structure so as to allow the JJ device to operate above 20 K.
US07741632B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides an InGaAlN-based semiconductor light-emitting device which comprises an InGaAlN-based semiconductor multilayer structure and a carbon-based substrate which supports InGaAlN-based semiconductor multilayer structure, wherein the carbon-based substrate comprises at least one carbon-based layer. This carbon-based substrate has both high thermal conductivity and low electrical resistivity.
US07741626B2
A spectral purity filter arrangement is disclosed. The spectral purity filter arrangement includes a film configured for filtering out at least a portion of input light and a support structure coupled to the film along at least one edge of the film. The spectral purity filter arrangement further includes a gas control subsystem configured to direct a gas at the film to support the film at least when the film is disposed in an operational position to perform the filtering.
US07741625B2
A sealed infrared radiation source includes an emitter membrane stimulated by an electrical current conducted through the membrane, which acts like an electrical conductor, wherein the membrane is mounted between first and second housing parts, at least one being transparent in the IR range, each housing part defining a cavity between the membrane and the respective housing part of each side of the membrane. The housing parts are at least partially electrical conductive, and a first of the housing parts is electrically coupled to a first end of the electrical conductor and insulated from the second end of the electrical conductor, the second housing part being electrically coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor and being insulated from the first end of the electrical conductor, thus allowing a current applied from the first housing part to the second housing part to pass through and heat the membrane.
US07741623B2
The invention relates to a patient-positioning device for positioning a patient in an irradiation position in a radiation therapy arrangement, in particular in a particle radiation therapy arrangement comprising a patient supporting module, which is provided with a patient supporting device for holding the patient in a body holder where the irradiation is to be carried out, wherein, said patient supporting device is mounted on a base unit in such a way that it is rotatable about an axis by means of a bearing, said base unit is provided with a coupling element, the inventive device is also provided with a positioning arm, which comprises several joints and a coupling point for coupling the coupling element and for freely positioning the patient in any predefined irradiation position by adjusting the angle of rotation of the patient supporting module.
US07741617B2
There is disclosed a fluid treatment device comprising a housing for receiving a flow of fluid. The housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a closed fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Disposed in the housing is at least one elongate radiation source assembly having a longitudinal axis disposed in the fluid treatment zone substantially parallel to a direction of the flow of fluid through the housing. The radiation source assembly comprises an elongate radiation source disposed in a protective sleeve to define a substantially annular passageway. The protective sleeve has opposed open ends configured to permit heat to exit the passageway and the housing through at least one of the opposed open ends of the sleeve.
US07741607B2
An imaging system (2) having a scalable event processing architecture includes a plurality of detector modules (4) arranged around an associated imaging region (8) to detect radiation events emitted from a subject disposed within the imaging region (8); a plurality of sets of processing elements (6), each set including processing elements of at least one of the plurality of radiation detector modules (4), each processing element (6) time-stamping an associated detected radiation events; and inserting the time-stamped event into a chronological position within a data stream (10) of events; and coincident detecting circuitry (22, 54) that receives the chronologically ordered stream of events and detects coincident pairs of events for use in reconstructing one or more associated images of the object.
US07741606B2
Attenuators used to regulate optical signals are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an assembly including an IR source and an IR sensor is provided to sense blockage of optical signals transmitted between two collimators via a fixed common light blocker that is driven by a stepper motor. The movement of the light blocker is sensed by a sensing assembly including an IR source and IR sensor. By detecting the photocurrent from the IR sensor and a feedback circuit, the attenuation of the optical signals can be well controlled.
US07741604B2
In a micro-bridge structure in which a temperature detecting portion 14 (diaphragm) including a bolometer thin film 7 is supported by a supporting portion 13 in a state floated from a circuit substrate 2, a reflective film 3 reflecting a THz wave is formed on the circuit substrate 2, an absorbing film 11 absorbing the THz wave is formed on the temperature detecting portion 14, and an optical resonance structure is formed by the reflective film 3 and the temperature detecting portion 14. And a gap between the reflective film 3 and the temperature detecting portion 14 is set approximately ¼ of a wavelength of an infrared ray on the basis of the wavelength of the infrared ray (in a range of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 μm, for example), and a sheet resistance of the temperature detecting portion 14 is set in a range in which an absorptance of the THz wave becomes a predetermined value or above on the basis of the THz wave (in a range of approximately 10 to 100 Ω/sq.). By this arrangement, the absorptance of the THz wave is drastically improved while using the structure and manufacturing technique of a bolometer-type infrared detector.
US07741600B2
A method and apparatus for directing ions from an ionization source to a mass analyzer is provided. The method includes producing ions from a sample in an ionization source. Some of the ions are transferred to a first region via a passageway that is in fluid communication with the ionization source. Next, some of the ions are sampled from the first region into a second region via an aperture that is defined thorough a partition element. The aperture is centered about a longitudinal axis that passes through an ion transfer element within the second region. An electric field is established for deflecting some of the ions that pass through the aperture of the partition element. In particular, the electric field is directed transverse to the longitudinal axis such that relatively more ions enter an input end of the ion transfer element compared to when the ions are not deflected.
US07741586B2
The invention relates generally to heat transfer devices for natural gas or propane barbeques. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a knitted wire mesh with an open loop structure as a heat transfer device in barbeques.
US07741585B2
An integrated thermal unit comprising a bake plate configured to heat a substrate supported on a surface of the bake plate; a chill plate configured to cool a substrate supported on a surface of the chill plate; and a substrate transfer shuttle configured to transfer substrates from the bake plate to the cool plate, wherein the substrate transfer shuttle has a temperature controlled substrate holding surface that is capable of cooling a substrate heated by the bake plate.
US07741571B2
The invention relates to a rotary/push-button controller having a controller ring (18) which can be rotated about a rotation axis (7) and is arranged such that it can rotate on a holding cylinder (6) which is arranged coaxially within the control ring (18). In this case, the holding cylinder (6) is provided at its end with an input and/or display field (14), and the control ring (18) and the holding cylinder (6) can be moved axially with respect to the rotation axis (7) against a spring force from a neutral position to a switch position which operates a switching element. The input and/or display field (14) is mounted so that it can rotate about the rotation axis (7). A rotary transmitter ring is arranged coaxially on the control ring (18) and is arranged coaxially alongside a rotary transmitter (17) which is firmly connected to the holding cylinder (6) with the relative rotation position of the rotary transmitter ring with the respect to the rotary transmitter (17) being recordable.
US07741568B2
A cable raceway system includes a device bracket and a device cover for outfitting an elongate cable raceway with a downward facing electrical device. The raceway, configured for attachment to a wall surface, is of the type having an interior wireway. The device bracket is cooperative with the raceway for access to the wireway, and includes a device support for connecting an electrical device to the bracket, in a downward facing orientation with respect to the raceway. More particularly, when an electrical device is attached to the device support, an access face of the electrical device is oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the wall surface. The cover cooperates with the bracket and raceway for covering the bracket, and has a faceplate portion complementary to the electrical device.
US07741567B2
A packaged integrated circuit (IC) (100) includes a first substrate (110) including a first plurality of layers and first circuit coupling features (112) at an upper surface of the first substrate (110). The first plurality of layers include a first electromagnetic interference shielding layer (132). The packaged IC also includes a second substrate (106) having an upper surface attached to a lower surface of the first substrate (110) by an electrically conductive adhesive material (136). The second substrate (106) includes a second plurality of layers and a second circuit coupling feature (108) at a lower surface of the second substrate (106). The first plurality of layers includes a second EMI shielding layer (134). The packaged IC further includes a functional die (124) disposed between the first (110) and the second (106) substrates and functionally coupled to the first (112) and/or the second (108) circuit coupling features. In the packaged IC, the adhesive material (136) electrically couples the first (132) and the second (134) shielding layers.
US07741556B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic-device interface integrated into an electric stringed musical instrument. The electronic-device interface can be used for interconnecting an electric stringed musical instrument to an electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic-device interface includes a universal-serial-bus interface, a tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack, and an enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable with a tip-ring-ring-sleeve connection at a first end and a universal-serial-bus connection at a second end. When an electric stringed musical instrument is equipped with an electronic-device interface, a user may insert the first end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into the tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack and the second end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into a universal-serial-bus port for an electronic device. The user may then input music to the electronic device by playing music on the electric stringed musical instrument.
US07741552B2
The present invention provides drumsticks for training percussionists to use proper form, which may increase learning speed and enable faster and more efficient drum strokes. Each drumstick includes a tip or bead with a wing extending therefrom. The wing extends beyond the width of the shaft of the drumstick so that the percussionist must strike the drum head with wing extending parallel to the drum head surface to achieve a proper and acceptable sound. A grip is also provided to properly orient the user's hands for the matched grip variation desired.
US07741551B2
An electronic percussion instrument stand system includes a hollow pipe structure having a groove and ridge system that allows for wires to be routed along the pipe structure. The exit side of the groove is slightly smaller in diameter than the diameter of the cable which extends through it. The hollow pipe can be constricted or be expanded at the each end of the pipe to allow for a secure hold on the instrument. The hollow pipe connects to a cover that contains reciprocal ridges and grooves that create a strong hold and ease of assembly of the electronic percussion instrument stand system.
US07741549B2
The invention relates to a method of producing parts for woodwind and brass musical instruments using briarwood, either from the root or branch thereof, said wood being kept moist from the moment it is cut until it is boiled in water for 16 hours, dried in anaerobic conditions and cured under cover for at least six months and for up to two or more years. The following parts can be thus produced: mouthpiece, tongue, clarinet barrel, flute head or bell. The aforementioned parts, which are not affected by humidity, better produce and carry the sound. In addition, a wide range of sounds is possible, such as jazz, classical, soloist, orchestra and band.
US07741543B2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 03H070. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 03H070. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 03H070 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 03H070 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07741542B2
An endogenous oil extracted from Brassica seeds is disclosed that contains, after crushing and extraction, greater than 86% oleic acid and less than 2.5% α-linolenic acid. The oil also contains less than 7% linoleic acid. The Brassica seeds are produced by plants that contain seed-specific inhibition of microsomal oleate desaturase and microsomal linoleate desaturase gene expression. Such inhibition can be created by cosuppression or antisense technology. Such an oil has a very high oxidative stability in the absence of added antioxidants.
US07741541B2
A method for obtaining improved fertility restorer lines for male sterile crop plants and a DNA construct for use in said method are disclosed. The invention relates to the simultaneous use of two different gene sequences encoding the same protein product, one being the naturally occurring wild type sequence and the other sequence being generated by modification of the wild type sequence for expression in crop plants by using codon degeneracy to avoid homology between the two sequences at the DNA and mRNA levels, each of the said sequences being placed under independent transcriptional control of different overlapping plant tissue-specific regulatory elements in the same DNA construct.
US07741533B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for altering the levels of seed proteins in cereal grain. The invention is directed to the alteration of seed protein levels in plant grain, resulting in grain with increased digestibility/nutrient availability, improved amino acid composition/nutritional value, increased response to feed processing, improved silage quality, and increased efficiency of wet milling.
US07741532B2
The invention provides diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAGAT) proteins, wherein said proteins are active in the formation of triacylglycerol from fatty acyl and diacylglycerol substrates. In one aspect, Mortierella ramanniana DAGAT proteins have been isolated and have molecular weights of between approximately 36 and 37 kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE. The invention also provides novel DAGAT polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences and to methods of producing such polypeptides using recombinant techniques. In addition, methods are provided for using such sequences to alter triacylglycerol levels in plants and to treat diseases associated with altered DAGAT activity or expression.
US07741531B2
The present invention relates to a system for controlling the development of fungi during a phytopathogenic attack which enables the plant to express a construct for inhibiting the expression of a gene essential to the development or to the pathogenicity of the fungus. The technology used is based on the mechanism of RNA interference. The present invention provides methods for producing plants resistant to a phytopathogenic fungus, plant cells and plants resistant to a phytopathogenic fungus, and methods of identifying a gene essential to the development or to the pathogenicity of a phytopathogenic fungus.
US07741529B1
The present invention refers to non-human transgenic mammals, preferably rodents, or mice, which comprise a mutation in the gene encoding for the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2).Transgenic animals carrying the amino acid change R4496C in the RyR2 protein show a phenotype similar to that of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) (OMIM: 604772). Further provided are methods for using these animals as in vivo model of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and RyR2 dependent arrhythmias, in drug screening and for understanding the molecular basis of RyR2 dependent arrhythmias.
US07741524B2
Process for preparing one or more iodinated organic substances having a molecular mass of less than 2000 (substances (S)) using (A) at least one free-radical-generating substance chosen from peroxides, diazo compounds, dialkyldiphenylalkanes, substances derived from tetraphenylethane, boranes and iniferter substances comprising at least one thiuram disulphide group, (B) an ethylenically unsaturated substance capable of adding a free radical to its ethylenic double bond, (C) molecular iodine, which comprises the steps according to which at least a fraction of (A), at least a fraction of (B) and at least a fraction of (C) are introduced into a reactor, and then the contents of the reactor are caused to react, while introducing therein the possible remainder of (A), the possible remainder of (B) and the possible remainder of (C), until a moment is reached when the content of the reactor is a mixture comprising one or more substances (S). Iodinated organic substances for whose preparation the abovementioned process is particularly well suited.
US07741522B2
A process for aminating hydrocarbons with ammonia in the presence of catalyst (i) which catalyzes the amination, which comprises supplying oxidizing agent to the reaction mixture and reacting the oxidizing agent with hydrogen which is formed in the amination in the presence of a catalyst (ii) which catalyzes this reaction with hydrogen.
US07741519B2
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of chemokine receptors. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of chemokine receptor-mediated diseases, and as controls in assays for the identification of chemokine antagonists.
US07741512B2
Process for preparing an aliphatic carboxylic acid having (n+1) carbon atoms, where n is an integer up to 6, and/or the ester derivative thereof by contacting an aliphatic alcohol having n carbon atoms and/or a reactive derivative thereof selected from dialkyl ether, ester of the alcohol and an alkyl halide with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst consists of mordenite which has been ion- exchanged or otherwise loaded with silver.
US07741500B2
The present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having a high concentration of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and oil compositions having a low concentration of α-linolenic acid. In addition, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having advantageous stability characteristics.
US07741498B2
A process for making propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. The process comprises reacting propylene, oxygen, and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent to produce a reaction mixture comprising propylene oxide. Separation of propylene, oxygen, hydrogen, and propylene oxide from the reaction mixture results in a residual mixture comprising methanol. A portion of the residual mixture is recycled to the reaction. A portion of the residual mixture is distilled to generate a distilled methanol stream, which is recycled to the reaction.
US07741496B2
The present invention discloses the ascorbic acid derivatives. The inventive molecules that combine with one or two hydrophilic headgroups connected by a hydrophobic spacer can increase skin penetration.
US07741494B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods are provided for use with HDAC that comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of: wherein the substituents are as defined herein.
US07741493B2
The present invention relates to a novel series of 4,5-diphenyl-2-amino-4,5-dihydro-imidazole derivatives of the formula II: wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X and Y are as defined herein. This invention also relates to methods of making these compounds. The compounds of this invention are P2X7 ion channel blockers and are therefore useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases having an inflammatory component, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and disease conditions associated with the central nervous system, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, etc.
US07741486B1
A water soluble, water stable, titanium alkoxide composition represented by the chemical formula (OC6H6N)2Ti(OC6H2(CH2N(CH3)2)3-2,4,6)2 with a theoretical molecular weight of 792.8 and an elemental composition of 63.6% C, 8.1% H, 14.1% N, 8.1% O and 6.0% Ti.
US07741482B2
Provided are rosuvastatin degradation products and their use as a reference standard (including reference marker) for analysis of rosuvastatin.
US07741481B2
The invention relates to a method for producing pure melamine by preparing a melamine melt, which is obtained in a high pressure process and from which the reaction gases are removed. Said method is characterized in that the melamine melt is quenched by water with a purity in excess of 95 wt. %, that NH3 and CO2 are subsequently removed from the obtained melamine solution and that alkali is added to said melamine solution and the mixture is then left to rest, whereby pure melamine is obtained by crystallization. Thus a melamine can be obtained with the same quality as that produced in known comparative methods, using smaller quantities of alkali.
US07741479B2
The present invention is directed to a compound having the formula wherein R1, R2, G, and Q are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of protein kinases such as MAP kinases, in particular p38 kinases. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound according to the above formula. The compounds and compositions described herein are useful for treating and preventing an inflammatory condition or disease. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating or preventing a protein kinase-mediated condition.
US07741478B2
Compounds of general formula (II), wherein R1 represents R4 represents hydrogen or —CHO group, R5 represents hydrogen or trityl, R2 represents hydrogen or methoxy group, R3 represents —CH═CH2 or and M represents a dialkyl or dicycloalkyl ethylenediamine group selected from N,N′-diisobutylethylenediamine, N,N′-dicyclohexylethylenediamine, and N,N′-dicyclopentylethylenediamine, are useful in a process to make cephalosporin antibiotics of formula (I) wherein R represents hydrogen or pharmaceutically acceptable esters or alkali metals salts.
US07741469B2
This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of genes encoding proteins involved in deafness caused by dominant negative mechanism of action by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid, short interfering RNA, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (mRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of genes involved in deafness caused by dominant negative mechanism of action.
US07741465B1
Chimeric receptor genes suitable for endowing lymphocytes with antibody-type specificity include a first gene segment encoding a single-chain Fv domain of a specific antibody and a second gene segment encoding all or part of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, and optionally the extracellular domain, of an immune cell-triggering molecule. The chimeric receptor gene, when transfected to immune cells, expresses the antibody-recognition site and the immune cell-triggering moiety into one continuous chain. The transformed lymphocytes are useful in therapeutic treatment methods.
US07741462B2
A newly identified hemoplasma agent, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, is disclosed. Also disclosed are detection methods, screening methods and methods of diagnosis for the hemoplasma agent.
US07741449B2
The present invention provides isolated anti-interferon alpha monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that inhibit the biological activity of multiple interferon (IFN) alpha subtypes but do not substantially inhibit the biological activity of IFN alpha 21 or the biological activity of either IFN beta or IFN omega. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the biological activity of IFN alpha using the antibodies of the invention, as well as methods of treating disease or disorders mediated by IFN alpha, such as autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and graft versus host disease, by administering the antibodies of the invention.
US07741439B2
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence similarity to Stra6, a murine retinoic acid responsive protein, and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.
US07741436B2
The present invention relates to biologically active peptides derived from the neurite outgrowth-promoting domain of laminin-1, i.e. the γ1-chain of laminin-1. These peptides include the decapeptide RDIAEIIKDI (SEQ ID NO: 1) and the truncated peptides derived therefrom comprising the biologically active domain thereof, the tripeptide KDI. The invention is directed to the biologically active tripeptide motif KDI, and to its use in promoting regeneration of neuronal or non-neuronal tissues and, in specific, to its use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
US07741427B2
The present invention relates to a cell-occlusive membrane, obtainable by reaction of at least two precursors in the presence of water. The first precursor A comprises a core and n chains each having a conjugated unsaturated group or a conjugated unsaturated bond, and the second precursor B comprises a core and m chains each having a thiol group, wherein m is greater than or equal to 2, n is greater than or equal to 2, and m+n is greater than or equal 5. The reaction forms a three dimensional network with crosslinking-points. The adjacent crosslinking-points are connected by a chain having less than 600 atoms.
US07741424B2
The present invention is directed to a phosphoric ester of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl cellulose or 3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl cellulose, the cellulose having optionally undergone partial carbamidation, and to a metal absorbent employing the ester, and to a metal-absorbing apparatus employing the metal adsorbent.The cellulose derivative phosphoric ester serves as a metal adsorbent which exhibits high metal adsorption performance and metal adsorption rate per unit weight; has high mechanical strength; effectively soften water or a similar liquid; removes heavy metals from wastewater or a similar liquid at remarkably high efficiency; has excellent processability and can be formed into a variety of shapes and thus is applicable within a wide range; and can readily be reutilized.
US07741423B2
A polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from 10,000 to 5,000,000, as determined by gel permeation chromatography and reduced to polystyrene, and repeating units represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 may be the same with or different from each other and are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a is a number of 0, 1, 2 or a mixture thereof, and b is a number of 0, 1, 2 or a mixture thereof.
US07741420B2
This invention relates to a process to polymerize olefins comprising contacting, under supercritical conditions, olefin monomers with a catalyst compound, an activator, optional comonomer, and optional hydrocarbon diluent or solvent.
US07741418B2
A process for preparing a polydiene, the process comprising the step of polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl ether, where said step of polymerizing employs a lanthanide-based catalyst system.
US07741417B2
A process for polymerizing propylene is provided. The process comprises contacting propylene and optionally one or more monomers with a catalyst system comprising a bis-indenyl Group 4 metallocene compound supported on silica, the silica treated with one or more organoaluminum compounds and one or more heterocyclic compounds, under slurry conditions in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 160° C. and a pressure of from about 3 MPa to about 5 MPa to provide a catalyst activity of greater than 30,000 pounds of product per pound of catalyst; and then recovering isotactic polypropylene having a melt flow rate of 20 dg/min or less as measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 230° C. and 2.16 kg.
US07741415B2
The present invention relates to an ethylene homo or copolymer characterized as having long chain branching, and having a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, and a GPC-LALLS CDF, which satisfies the following relationship: y≧0.0663x−0.015, wherein y=GPC-LALLS CDF and x=Mw/Mn measured by conventional GPC, a line drawn from where the LS chromatogram intersects with molecular weight 350,000 and molecular weight 1,150,000 has a positive slope, preferably with a melt index between 0.15 and 2000 g/10 minutes and having long chain branching. In addition, the invention relates to a free radical initiation polymerization process for the preparation of ethylene polymers or copolymers, comprising reacting ethylene and optionally one or more comonomers at a high pressure, conveniently between 13,000 psig and 100,000 psig, and at reactor temperatures of 115° C. to 400° C., preferably 125-400° C., more preferably 140-350° C., especially 165-320° C., in a reactor system comprising at least one tubular, and at least one autoclave reactor, wherein the monomer(s) feed into the reactors is divided into multiple monomer feed streams, and wherein at least one feed stream into the tubular reactor consists essentially of unreacted monomer.
US07741414B2
A process for transitioning between Ziegler Natta (Z/N) polymerization catalysts and Second Polymerization catalysts in a polymerization system which includes at least two polymerization reactors. During the transition, the Z/N catalyst is used in the “downstream” reactor, thereby providing a flow of polymer to finishing operations. This eliminates the need for lengthy shutdowns of finishing equipment and thereby improves the efficiency of the plant operations.
US07741410B2
A process is described for epoxidizing an ethylenically unsaturated isobutene polymer, in which an organic phase comprising the isobutene polymer is contacted with an aqueous phase which comprises formic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The process affords essentially quantitative conversions after a short reaction time.
US07741408B2
A novel flooring composition was developed based on a blend comprising: a) an elastomer; b) a random propylene/alpha-olefin copolymer; c) a cross linking agent; and optionally d) a melt strength enhancing polymer. This composition achieves a unique balance of properties, exhibiting often-conflicting performance requirements. These include low gloss and excellent pattern duplication in embossing, low modulus, minimal odor, excellent grain acceptance and abrasion resistance, while remaining thermoformable and maintaining minimal shift in viscosity during recycle.
US07741405B2
An elastomeric composition includes a reaction product of an isocyanate component and a resin component comprising a polyol and a polyetheramine in the presence of a first catalyst comprising a metal and a second catalyst comprising an amine. An elastomeric system and a method of making an elastomer are provided. The method includes providing the isocyanate component and the resin component, combining the resin component and the isocyanate component in the presence of the first and second catalysts to form an elastomeric composition, applying the elastomeric composition to a mold having a mold cavity, curing the elastomeric composition to form the elastomer, and demolding the elastomer from the mold cavity. An article including a first layer formed from the elastomeric composition emits less than 100 μg/g of volatile organic compounds over 0.5 hour at 90° C.
US07741399B2
Disclosed is a rubber composition having excellent low loss characteristics and capable of imparting a tire with wear resistance and fracture resistance. The rubber composition is obtained by blending a carbon black, which has a toluene coloring transmittance of not less than 90% while satisfying the following relation between the hydrogen emission rate (mass %) and the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide adsorption specific surface area (CTAB) (m2/g): the hydrogen emission rate >0.260−6.25×10−4×CTAB, into a modified natural rubber which is obtained by adding a polar group-containing monomer into a natural rubber latex for graft-polymerizing the polar group-containing monomer to a natural rubber molecule in the natural rubber latex, and then solidifying and drying the resulting product.
US07741398B2
Compositions comprising (i) a crystalline, isotactic propylene homopolymer, (ii) an ethylene/α-olefin elastomeric impact modifier, and (iii) a reinforcing grade of filler, for example, talc. The crystalline isotactic propylene homopolymer has a flex modulus of greater than about 1930 MPa and a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of greater than about 100° C.; the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer has a Tg of less than about −30° C., and a tan delta measured at 0.1 radians/s at 190° C. of less than about 2; and the filler has a HDT reinforcing efficiency of at least about 2. The composition has an HDT of greater than about 100° C. and a flex modulus of greater than about 1930 MPa.
US07741396B2
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a polymeric material; and non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers; wherein the non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers have a dielectric constant that is greater than or equal to about 100 and wherein the dielectric constant of the composition is tunable. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising a polymeric material; and perovskites; wherein the dielectric constant of a composition is tunable and further wherein the composition has a dielectric constant of about 2 to about 100. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending a polymeric resin with non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers to form a composition; wherein the non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers have a dielectric constant of greater than or equal to about 100 and wherein the dielectric constant of the composition is tunable.
US07741395B2
Low VOC viscosity reducer (LVVR) compounds useful for reducing the viscosity of plastisol compositions. The plastisol compositions are combined with a viscosity reducing compound which is derived from the reaction of at least one of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentane diol (TMPD) and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TXOL) with at least one of a carboxylic acid or a fatty acid.
US07741394B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rubber composition which has been improved in mechanical properties with maintaining excellent various properties and is favorably used for a fuel cell sealing member, a hard disc drive top cover gasket member and an electric wire connector sealing member. It is another object of the present invention to provide main bodies mounted with the above respective members obtained by the use of the rubber composition. The rubber composition of the invention comprises a specific ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer in which the non-conjugated polyene is a norbornene-based compound, a specific SiH group-containing compound, and if necessary, an organopolysiloxane. Such a rubber composition of the invention is excellent in mechanical properties and can be particularly favorably used for a fuel cell sealing member, a hard disc drive top cover gasket, an electric wire connector sealing member, etc.
US07741392B2
The present invention relates to an elastomer rubber composition containing a carboxylated rubber polymer and a fluorinated additive. The present invention is also directed to an elastomer composition containing a hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile rubber and a fluorinated additive.
US07741390B2
Stabilizer system for chlorinated polymers, especially PVC, comprising at least one coordination-polymeric triethanolamineperchlorato(triflato)metal inner complex comprising the monomer unit of the formula (A) The stabilizer system may additionally comprise substituted cyanoacetylureas or/and 6-aminouracils or/and 3-aminocrotonic esters or/and hydantoins or/and monomeric or polymeric dihydropyridines or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or/and hydrotalcites or/and dawsonites or/and zeolites or/and glycidyl compounds or/and cyanamides or/and cyanoguanidines or/and melamines. In addition, phosphites or/and sterically hindered amines or/and NOR-HALS compounds may be present.
US07741377B2
A process to prepare a paraffinic hydrocarbon from a solid carbonaceous feedstock, preferably coal by performing the following steps,(a) feeding an oxygen comprising gas and the carbonaceous feedstock to a burner positioned horizontal and firing into a reactor vessel,(b) performing a partial oxidation of the carbonaceous feedstock in said burner to obtain a stream of hot synthesis gas which flows upwardly relative to the burner and a liquid slag which flows downwardly relative to the burner,(c) cooling the hot synthesis gas by first cooling the gas to a temperature of between 500 and 900° C. by injecting a gaseous or liquid cooling medium into the synthesis gas and subsequently second cooling the gas in to below 500° C. by directly contacting with water, (d) separating solids from the cooled synthesis gas by means of a water scrubbing process step, (e) performing a water shift reaction on at least part of the scrubbed synthesis gas, (f) separating sulphur compounds, carbon dioxide and other possible impurities from the shifted gas to obtain a purified synthesis gas, and (g) performing a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using the purified synthesis gas of step (f) to obtain a synthesis product comprising paraffinic hydrocarbons.
US07741372B2
There is disclosed a method for treating diseases and disorders involving T cell activation and HIV-infection using the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway as a target for intervention. There is further disclosed a use for guanylhydrazone-substituted compounds to treat diseases and disorders related to T cell activation and HIV-infection.
US07741369B2
Compounds having the active site of natural lipoxins, but a longer tissue half-life are disclosed. In particular, 15-epi-lipoxins and their use in ameliorating undesired cell proliferation, which characterizes diseases such as cancer, are also disclosed.
US07741363B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as described herein. The invention also includes preparative methods for the preparation of compounds of formula (I). A method for the therapeutic use of the inventive compounds is also disclosed and claimed.
US07741355B2
Provided are small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators, including Trp-p8 agonists and Trp-p8 antagonists, and compositions comprising small-molecule Trp-p8 agonists as well as methods for identifying and characterizing novel small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators and methods for decreasing viability and/or inhibiting growth of Trp-p8 expressing cells, methods for activating Trp-p8-mediated cation influx, methods for stimulating apoptosis and/or necrosis, and related methods for the treatment of diseases, including cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and/or prostate cancers as well as other diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, that are associated with Trp-p8 expression.
US07741351B2
This case discloses compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 is C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, amino, monoC1-4alkylamino or diC1-4alkylamino; R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, halogen, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, cyano or amino; each R4, which may be the same or different, is C1-6alkyl, halogen, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, cyano, nitro or amino; p is 0, 1 or 2; each R5, which may be the same or different, is C1-6alkyl, halogen, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, cyano, nitro or amino; q is 0, 1 or 2; R6 is —NR6aSO2R6b, —NR6aC(═O)R6b, —NR6a(C═O)N(R6c)2, —(C═O)R6d, —CH2NR6aSO2R6b, —CH2NR6aC(═O)R6b, CH2NR6a(C═O)N(R6c)2 or —CH2(C═O)R6d; where R6a and each R6c, which may be the same or different, is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl; R6b and R6d are C1-6alkyl or haloC1-6alkyl; or R6a and R6b, or R6a and R6c, together with the interconnecting atoms, may form a 5- or 6-membered ring; n is 1 or 2; and R7 and R8, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, halogen, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, cyano or amino. It also discloses methods for preparing the compounds and their use in therapy such as treating schizophrenia.
US07741340B2
The present invention provides novel hydroxy piperidine (HP) derivatives having (i) a positive charge at the position corresponding to the anomeric position of a pyranose ring; (ii) a short, flexible linker emanating from the corresponding position of the ring oxygen in a pyranose; and (iii) a lipophilic moiety connected to the linker and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The linker can be absent if the lipophilic moiety corresponds to a hydrocarbon chain with a linear length of 6 or more carbons. The present invention further provides a method for treating individuals having Gaucher disease by administering the novel HP derivative as “active-site specific chaperones” for the mutant glucocerebrosidase associated with the disease.
US07741333B2
The present invention relates to a quinazoline derivative having the general formula (A): in which R1, R2, X, Y and Z are indicated in the description and the claims, the use of the compounds of the general formula (A) for the treatment of various disorders, and the preparation of compounds of the general formula (A).
US07741331B2
Disclosed are novel A2B adenosine receptor antagonists having the structure of Formula I or Formula II: The compounds are particularly useful for treating asthma, inflammatory gastrointestinal tract disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and diseases related to undesirable angiogenesis.
US07741329B2
Disclosed are N-aroyl cyclic amine derivatives having the formula: wherein the substituent variables are as defined herein, and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US07741328B2
Disclosed are compounds which bind VLA-4. Certain of these compounds also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient, e.g., human, such as asthma, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis and myocardial ischemia. The compounds can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
US07741324B2
Compounds of the formula and pharmaceuticaly acceptable salts thereof, wherein Q1 and R1 are defined herein, inhibit the IGF-1R enzyme and are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of various diseases and conditions that respond to treatment by inhibition of tyrosine kinases.
US07741320B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: RCy represents an unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl group or cycloalkylalkyl group, R1, R2, R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen or halogen atom or a nitro group; a cyano group; a hydroxy group; an alkoxy group; an alkyl group; an unsubstituted or substituted amino group; a carboxy group; an alkoxycarbonyl group; an aryloxycarbonyl group; an unsubstituted or substituted aminocarbonyl group. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating or preventing conditions treatable by an AMPA receptor modulator.
US07741306B2
Naturally occurring miRNAs that regulate human oncogenes and methods of use thereof are described. Suitable nucleic acids for use in the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA ,or fragments of variants thereof that retain the biological activity of the mature miRNA and DNA encoding a pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA, fragments or variants thereof, or regulatory elements of the miRNA. The compositions are administered to a subject prior to administration of a cytotoxic therapy in an amount effective to sensitize cells or tissues to be treated to the effects of the cytotoxic therapy.
US07741305B2
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein(a). The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein(a). Methods of using these compounds for modulation of apolipoprotein(a) expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of apolipoprotein(a) are provided.
US07741302B2
A transposase encoded by the Tol2 element; a polynucleotide encoding the same; a method of modifying the gene structure of a cell (preferably a vertebrate cell) by using the above protein; a method of modifying the function of a cell by modifying the gene structure thereof; and a cell having been modified in function by these methods. Also the structure of a cis element necessary in gene transfer is clarified and presented.
US07741300B2
This invention relates to a vaccine and a method for immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from a disease including cancer, a disease associated with allergic inflammation, an infectious disease, or a condition associated with a deleterious activity of a self-antigen. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.
US07741296B2
Induction of telomere shortening, G2 arrest and apoptosis in telomerase positive cancer cells using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed. In addition, methods for impairment or prevention of tumorigenic telomerase positive cells from having a chance to grow into a tumor and methods for promoting tumor regression (decrease in size of an established tumor) using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed.
US07741285B2
The present invention relates generally to Apo2L/TRAIL purification involving crystallization.
US07741283B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods useful in the regulation of cell proliferation. The invention provides TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) and IGFBP-3 (insulin like growth factor binding protein 3) as ligands that engage LRP (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein), heretofore known as TβR-V (TGF-β receptor V) and IGFBP-3 receptor, to effect a change in the phosphorylation and activation status of IRS (insulin receptor substrate) proteins. Compositions comprising TGF-β or IGFBP-3 and LRP or IRS protein are useful in the inhibition of cell proliferation and in the treatment of various diseases associated with unregulated cell proliferation.
US07741280B2
The invention relates to a multimeric molecule which can imitate a natural multimeric proteinaceous ligand. The invention also relates to a multimeric molecule as defined above which is characterised in that it has the following general formula: A-Xn, wherein: n is equal to 3, 4, 5 or 6; A denotes a chemical group which is functionalised by at least three amine functions or COOH functions; and X denotes a D, B-D or B(D)-D′ group, in which B is a spacer and D and D′ are peptides or pseudopeptides corresponding to a sequence which is derived from the ligand and selected from residual matter forming the interface with the receptor and which can interact with the receptor.
US07741275B2
The present invention provides agents for inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, wherein the agent inhibits the biological activity of hCAP18/LL-37. In a preferred embodiment, the agent alters the transcription, translation and/or binding properties of hCAP18/LL-37. Preferably, the agent is selected from the group consisting of short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, antisense oligonucleotides and compounds with binding affinity for hCAP18/LL-37. The invention further provides methods for inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells in a patient, as well as methods and kits for diagnosing cancer.
US07741273B2
The present invention relates to novel drug depot implant designs for optimal delivery of therapeutic agents to subjects. The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by targeted delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by drug depot implants, comprising therapeutic agents, specifically designed to deliver the therapeutic agent to the desired location by facilitating their implantation, minimizing their migration from the desired tissue location, and without disrupting normal joint and soft tissue movement.
US07741264B2
Provided herein are compositions useful as detergents in cleaning a wide variety of substrates, including hard surfaces and laundry. The compositions contain a water-soluble polymer, which is a co-polymer between a polymerizable amide and a second, ethylenically-unsaturated monomer. The polymerizable amide itself is prepared from an amine-capped, alkoxylated alcohol by reaction with maleic acid anhydride. Compositions according to the invention show enhanced cleaning performance and beneficial anti-redeposition properties.
US07741257B2
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
US07741242B2
The present invention discloses 1) a catalyst composition consisting of a crosslinked organic polymer compound and a palladium catalyst, wherein said catalyst is physically carried on said crosslinked organic polymer compound, 2) a manufacturing method of the above catalyst composition 1), characterized by homogenizing a straight chain organic polymer compound, having a crosslinkable functional group, and a palladium catalyst in a solvent dissolving said straight chain organic polymer compound, then depositing a composition thus formed and subjecting the crosslinkable functional group in said deposit to a crosslinking reaction, 3) a method for substitution reaction at an allyl position, characterized by reacting an allyl carbonate and a neucleophilic agent in the presence of the above catalyst composition 1), and 4) a method for oxidizing an alcohol, characterized by subjecting the above catalyst composition 1) to reaction with an alcohol.
US07741238B2
A low-cost spinel sintered body having small polarization and high heat-conductivity is provided. Also, a useful light-transmitting window and light-transmitting lens for light-emitting device is provided. For such purpose, the spinel sintered body of the present invention has a contrast ratio of 300 or more in the case of white light, where the contrast ratio is defined as the quotient obtained by dividing an amount of transmitting light in the case of being arranged between two polarizing plates, the polarizing directions of the two polarizing plates being parallel to each other, by an amount of transmitting light in the case of being arranged between two polarizing plates, the polarizing directions of the two polarizing plates being orthogonal to each other.
US07741237B1
There is described a sealing composition for sealing aluminum nitride and aluminum oxynitride ceramics comprising: a mixture of SiO2, at least one other metal oxide, and a silicon additive comprising at least one of silicon metal or a silicide. The silicon additive acts to suppress the formation of nitrogen bubbles during the sealing of articles comprised of aluminum nitride or aluminum oxynitride ceramics, e.g., as in the case of a ceramic discharge vessel for a high intensity discharge lamp.
US07741231B2
Techniques for electronic device fabrication are provided. In one aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises at least one interposer structure having one or mole vias and a plurality of decoupling capacitors integrated therein, the at least one interposer structure being configured to allow for one or more of the plurality of decoupling capacitors to be selectively deactivated. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an electronic device comprising at least one interposer structure having one or more vias and a plurality of decoupling capacitors integrated therein comprises the following step. One or more of the plurality of decoupling capacitors are selectively deactivated.
US07741230B2
A highly selective metal wet etchant with an active ingredient comprising one or more types of molecules having two or more oxygen atoms is described. In one embodiment, the wet etchant is utilized to pattern a metal layer in a semiconductor structure. In another embodiment, a highly selective metal wet etchant with an active ingredient comprising one or more types of molecules having two or more oxygen atoms is used to pattern a metal gate electrode in a replacement gate processing scheme.
US07741227B2
A process for structuring at least one layer as well as an electrical component with structures from the layer are described.The invention states a process to generate at least one structured layer (10A), wherein a mask structure (20) with a first (20A) and second structure (20B) is generated on a layer (10) which is present on a substrate (5). Through this mask structure (20), the first layer (20A) is transferred onto the layer (10) using isotropic structuring processes, and the second structure (20B) is transferred onto the layer (10) using anisotropic structuring processes. The process as per the invention permits the generation of two structures (20A, 20B) in at least a single layer while using a single mask structure.
US07741220B2
The present invention discloses a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof which improves its characteristics even though it is miniaturized. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is provided a semiconductor device comprising a first semiconductor element device including a pair of first diffusion layers formed in the semiconductor substrate with a first gate electrode therebetween, and a first conductor layer formed in the first diffusion layer and having an internal stress in a first direction, and a second semiconductor element device including a pair of second diffusion layers formed in the semiconductor substrate with a second gate electrode therebetween, and a second conductor layer formed in the second diffusion layer, having an internal stress in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and constituted of the same element as that of the first conductor layer.
US07741214B2
In a semiconductor device, an insulating interlayer is provided above a semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of first wiring layers and a plurality of second wiring layers are formed in the insulating interlayer. The first wiring layers are substantially composed of copper, and are arranged in parallel at a large pitch. The second wiring layers are substantially composed of copper, and are arranged in parallel at a small pitch. A first metal capping layer is formed on each of the first wiring layers, and a second metal capping layer is formed on each of the second wiring layers. The second metal capping layer has a smaller thickness than that of the first metal capping layer.
US07741210B2
A method of forming conductive interconnects includes forming a node of a circuit component on a substrate. A conductive metal line is formed at a first metal routing level that is elevationally outward of the circuit component. Insulative material is deposited above the first metal routing level over the conductive metal line and the circuit component. In a common masking step, a first opening is etched through the insulative material to the conductive metal line and a second opening is etched through the insulative material to the node of the circuit component that is received elevationally inward of the conductive metal line. Conductive material is concurrently deposited to within the first and second openings in respective conductive connection with the conductive metal line and the node of the circuit component. A first metal line at a second metal routing level that is above the first metal routing level is formed in conductive connection with the conductive material in the first opening. A second metal line at the second metal routing level is formed in conductive connection with the conductive material in the second opening.
US07741209B2
A method for fabricating a contact of a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a dielectric layer having a contact hole on a semiconductor substrate, forming an outgassing barrier layer comprising a poly-silicon layer to cover at least inner walls of the contact hole in order to prevent undesired outgassing from the dielectric layer, and depositing an aluminum layer on the outgassing barrier layer. The contact structure of the semiconductor device includes the aluminum layer filled in the contact layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, and the outgassing barrier layer formed under the aluminum layer to prevent outgassing from the dielectric layer. A fine contact can be formed along with the aluminum layer, thereby realizing the contact structure of a lower contact resistance. As a result, it is possible to realize stabilization of an overall contact resistance of the semiconductor device.
US07741196B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer for dicing includes providing a semiconductor wafer including a substrate and a plurality of upper layers on the substrate that form a formation of die areas. The formation is arranged so that adjacent die areas are separated by a path for a dicing tool. Within each path, a pair of spaced apart lines is fabricated. Each line defines a dicing edge of a respective path and has at least one trench extending between a top surface of the wafer and the substrate. Each trench is filled with a stress absorbing material for reducing die tool induced stress on the die areas during dicing.
US07741186B2
The mobility of charge carriers in a bipolar (BJT) device is increased by creating compressive strain in the device to increase mobility of electrons in the device, and creating tensile strain in the device to increase mobility of holes in the device. The compressive and tensile strain are created by applying a stress film adjacent an emitter structure of the device and atop a base film of the device. In this manner, the compressive and tensile strain are located in close proximity to an intrinsic portion of the device. A suitable material for the stress film is nitride. The emitter structure may be “T-shaped”, having a lateral portion atop an upright portion, a bottom of the upright portion forms a contact to the base film, and the lateral portion overhangs the base film.
US07741177B2
A method of providing a memory cell comprises providing a semiconductor substrate including a body of a first conductivity type, first and second regions of a second conductivity type and a channel between the first and second regions; arranging a first insulator layer adjacent to the substrate; arranging a charge storage region adjacent to the first insulator layer; arranging a second insulator layer adjacent to the charge storage region; arranging a first conductive region adjacent to the second insulator layer; arranging a layer adjacent to the first conductive region; arranging a second conductive region adjacent to the layer; and increasing mechanical stress of at least one of the first and second conductive regions. The second conductive region overlaps the first conductive region at an overlap surface, and wherein a line perpendicular to the overlap surface intersects at least a portion of the charge storage region.
US07741169B2
The present invention provides a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device and a fabrication method thereof. The CMOSFET device includes a compressively strained SiGe channel for a PMOSFET, as well as a tensile strained Si channel for an NMOSFET, thereby enhancing hole and electron mobility for the PMOSFET and the NMOSFET, respectively. As such, the threshold voltages of the two types of transistors can be obtained in oppositely symmetric by single metal gate.
US07741164B2
A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) device. The method includes, in one embodiment, providing a monocrystalline silicon substrate having a monocrystalline silicon layer overlying a monocrystalline silicon substrate and separated therefrom by a dielectric layer. A well region is ion implanted in the monocrystalline silicon substrate. A gate electrode material is deposited overlying the monocrystalline silicon layer. The gate electrode material is photolithographically patterned and etched using a minimum lithography feature size to form a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode and a spacer having the minimum lithography feature size. The gate electrode material is then isotropically etched to reduce the width of the first gate electrode, the second gate electrode and the spacer.
US07741150B2
Packaged microelectronic devices and methods of manufacturing packaged microelectronic devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a microelectronic device includes forming a stand-off layer over a plurality of microelectronic dies on a semiconductor workpiece, and removing selected portions of the stand-off layer to form a plurality of stand-offs with the individual stand-offs positioned on a backside of a corresponding die. The method further includes cutting the semiconductor workpiece to singulate the dies, and attaching the stand-off on a first singulated die to a second die.
US07741149B2
A chip package structure includes a chip, a lead frame, first and second bonding wires, an upper encapsulant, a first lower encapsulant, and a second lower encapsulant. The chip has an active surface, a back surface, and chip bonding pads disposed on the active surface. The lead frame having an upper surface and a lower surface includes a die pad, leads, and at least a bus bar. The back surface of the chip is adhered to the die pad. The leads surround the die pad. The bus bar is disposed between the die pad and the leads. The first bonding wires are connected to the chip bonding pads and the bus bar. The second bonding wires are connected to the bus bar and the leads. The upper encapsulant encapsulates the upper surface of the lead frame, the chip, the first bonding wires, and the second bonding wires.
US07741139B2
A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a diffusion layer on a crystal-type silicon substrate. The diffusion layer has a conductivity opposite to that of the substrate. Furthermore, the method includes etching and removing a part of the diffusion layer by using sodium silicate, and forming a first electrode that makes an electric contact with the diffusion layer and forming a second electrode that makes an electric contact with the substrate.
US07741128B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions to detect analytes in a sample using antibody molecules that are transformed into nanoscale “self-signaling” biosensors. It relates in particular to those methods and compositions that provide for single-step detection of target analytes without the need for labor-intensive steps necessary in conventional assays.
US07741122B2
The present invention provides a method for determining the TBN of a used lubricating oil by measuring with a single device at least one element, such as sulfur, and correlating the measured amount to the oil's TBN. Preferably, a spectroscopic device is used to make the measurement.
US07741118B1
A method for modifying structural gene sequences to enhance the expression of the protein product is disclosed. Also disclosed are novel structural genes which encode insecticidal proteins of B.t.k. HD-1, B.t.k. HD-73, B.t. tenebrionis, B.t. entomocidus, 2 protein of B.t.k. HD-1, and the coat protein of potato leaf roll virus.
US07741113B2
A plasmid, viral or linear DNA molecule containing a nucleic acid sequence derived from the promoter region of the hCol1α2 gene, which is selectively transported into the nuclei of cells in the osteoblast lineage. The sequence can be used independently as a nuclear entry sequence only, and/or as a nuclear entry sequence without regard to position, in a vector or linear DNA that directs gene expression and nuclear entry. The disclosure further includes a chimeric DNA sequence derived by the addition of osteoblast-specific enhancer sequences to the nuclear entry sequence/promoter sequence, to increase osteoblast-specific expression while retaining osteoblast-specific nuclear import. An enhancer sequence is derived from the promoter region of the human Core Binding Factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1/Runx2) gene. The Cbfa1/Runx2 promoter can be added to the sequence derived from, or alternatively, comprising the promoter region of the hCol1α2 gene. Also provided are methods of use of the novel sequences.
US07741107B2
A biological indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of a sterilizing, disinfecting treatment or process. A compound or condition is disclosed which comprises a substrate having a surface layer containing functional groups thereon desirably free of silicon linking groups. The functional groups are desirably in the form of a monolayer of a uniformed distribution and of a selected quantity. Various types of microorganism indicators, such as spores and/or etiological agent indicators are covalently bonded to the surface layer functional groups through a crosslinking reagent and thus form a uniform number and distribution of the microorganism and/or etiological agent indicators. After being subjected to sterilization or other similar disinfecting treatments or processes, along with various articles such as instruments, the indicator can be cultivated to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization, disinfection, etc. treatment or process.
US07741103B2
The present invention provides a fluid collection and drug testing device that includes a fluid collector, to collect a fluid sample, and a housing to test and retain the fluid sample. The housing includes a collection chamber, having an open end to receive the fluid collector, at least one membrane test strip, in fluid communication with the collection chamber, to indicate the presence or absence of at least one test drug, and an immunoassay-based fingerprint acquisition pad, in fluid communication with the collection chamber, to positively identify the test subject and associate the test subject with the fluid sample.
US07741101B2
Provided are mutant strains derived from Escherichia sp. GPU1114 (Accession No. KCCM-10536), having cumulative inactivation of deoD, aphA, appA, and hprt genes, and methods of using the same.
US07741097B2
A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Micro-organisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.
US07741095B2
The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.
US07741093B2
The present invention provides novel cellulase fusion proteins, preparations of cellulase fusion proteins and compositions of cellulase fusion proteins. The present invention further provides cellulase expression vectors, host cells expressing cellulase and methods for preparing such vectors and cells. Uses of cellulases, cellulase preparations and cellulase compositions in the textile, detergent, pulp and paper industries are also provided.
US07741090B2
A novel glucose dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme that has high substrate specificity, can be produced at a low cost, is not affected by oxygen dissolved in a measurement sample and, in particular, has superior thermal stability is obtained by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Burkhorderia and having glucose dehydrogenase producing ability in a medium and collecting glucose dehydrogenase from the medium and/or cells of the microorganism.
US07741086B2
LSD1, a homolog of nuclear amine oxidases, functions as a histone demethylase and transcriptional co-repressor. LSD1 specifically demethylates histone H3 lysine 4, which is linked to active transcription. Lysine demethylation occurs via an oxidation reaction that generates formaldehyde. Importantly, RNAi inhibition of LSD1 causes an increase in H3 lysine 4 methylation and concomitant de-repression of target genes, suggesting that LSD1 represses transcription via histone demethylation. The results thus identify a histone demethylase conserved from S. pombe to human and reveal dynamic regulation of histone methylation by both histone methylases and demethylases.
US07741081B2
The present invention provides a polypeptide which has: (i) an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted in the region at positions 20 to 38 from the N terminus of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (ii) an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted in the region at positions 20 to 38 from the N terminus of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and one or more amino acid residues are deleted, substituted or added in the region at positions 1 to 19 or 39 to 294; and which has N-acetylglutamate kinase activity.
US07741080B2
The present invention provides adiponectin expression-inducing agents, and therapeutic agents using the same for obesity and obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or metabolic diseases, as well as methods of searching for adiponectin expression-inducing agents.KLF9, which can bind to the 32-bp fragment of position −188 to position −157 from the adiponectin expression start site, was demonstrated to enhance adiponectin promoter activity. Therefore, the present invention uses KLF9 as an adiponectin expression-inducing agent, and suggests that KLF9 replenishment therapy is useful for preventing and/or treating obesity or obesity-related diseases including metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance and type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
US07741078B2
A heparin-binding protein having covalently bonded heparan sulfate sugar chains within its molecule is produced by ligating a cDNA encoding a peptide which can be modified with heparan sulfate sugar chains selectively to a cDNA encoding a heparin-binding protein and producing in an animal cell the gene product of the resultant ligated cDNA. This heparan sulfate sugar chain-modified heparin-binding protein is functionalized by covalently bonding thereto glycosaminoglycan sugar chains containing little chondroitin sulfate. For example, this heparin-binding protein is excellent in stabilities, such as thermostability, acid resistance, alkali resistance and in vivo stability. Further, the heparan sulfate sugar chain-modified heparin-binding protein is effective in cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, and has effect of regulating the physiological functions of FGFs. Thus, this heparin-binding protein is extremely useful as a medicine for preventing or treating various FGF-related diseases.
US07741077B2
The present invention generally relates to the fields of genetic engineering and antibody production. In particular, it relates to the generation of genetically modified vertebrate precursor lymphocytes that have the potential to differentiate into more mature lymphoid lineage cells, and to the use thereof for the production of any heterologous antibody or binding protein.
US07741073B2
The invention relates to a non-cleavable, plastidial targeting polypeptide derived from a protein from the inner membrane of plant chloroplasts. Said peptide is particularly suitable for importing proteins of interest in plants.
US07741067B2
A method and kit is provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.
US07741064B2
The invention provides materials and methods relating to G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers. Complexes of two or more GPCRs associated with G-proteins are provided. Also provided are fusion proteins comprising a GPCR and a G-protein, nucleic acids, expression vectors and host cells. Methods of producing the complexes and fusion proteins of the invention are also provided.
US07741058B2
The present invention concerns compositions and methods for evaluating fertility in humans and animals. The invention may also be used to identify reproductive cancers such as testicular cancer. In various embodiments of the invention, an Sptrx-3 enzyme is used as a fertility marker. Sptrx-3 may be detected in accordance with the invention in vitro or in vivo.
US07741056B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating and diagnosing disorders characterized the by the presence of antigens associated with inflammatory diseases and/or cancer.
US07741052B2
A method for aiding in the determination of whether a living or deceased human is afflicted with or will likely have atherosclerosis respectfully, the method comprising determining the level of SPRR3 protein in a intimae or body fluid sample by using molecular localization analysis technique comparing the determined level of SPRR3 protein in the biological sample obtained from said individual with a range of SPRR3 levels previously defined as characteristic for humans having atherosclerosis, concluding from the comparison that the person is likely suffering from atherosclerosis when a SPRR3 level is in the range previously defined as characteristic for the presence of atherosclerosis as an indication that the individual is suffering from or has suffered from atherosclerosis.
US07741051B2
The invention relates a fragment derived from the MET ectodomain which the inventors have found is capable, in monomer form, of binding to HGF/SF either in the presence or absence of heparin. The availability of soluble, monomeric forms of the MET receptor enabled studies of its solution properties and HGF/SF binding and provides an assay comprising the steps of (a) providing a MET ectodomain fragment; (b) providing an agent; and (c) determining the extent to which the agent interacts with said fragment.
US07741050B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting disease-associated autoantibodies, which recognize extracellular structures of G protein-coupled receptors, and to the use of peptides, which comprise these loops or fragments thereof, for treating autoimmune diseases.
US07741043B2
Methods of identifying therapeutic agents that inhibit, potentiate or mimic the ability of a km23 polypeptide mutant form, or a nucleic acid encoding the mutant form to modulate the signal transduction activity of a growth factor or cytokine are provided. The methods involve treating a cell with a candidate compound so as to alter at least one cell process associated with the TGFβ signaling pathway, and measuring the effect of the candidate on the cell. Further provided are cell and non-cell based methods of screening for a therapeutic agent that inhibits or stimulates the interaction of an altered form of wild-type km23 with a specific binding protein, such as the dynein intermediate chain (DIC), Smad2 or RI and RII TGFβ receptors. These methods involve determining the inhibition or stimulation of a therapeutic candidate on the interaction of the specific binding protein with the km23 altered form. The km23 mutant/altered forms of the methods of the present invention indicate an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
US07741042B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a DNA chip, which comprises the steps of: (a) cloning a probe, where a linker is coupled to one or both ends of an oligonucleotide to be integrated on a slide, into a vector; (b) transforming host cells with the vector; (c) culturing the transformed host cells, to recover the probe where the linker is coupled to one or both ends of the oligonucleotides; and (d) integrating the recovered double-helical probes on a slide. Also, the present invention relates to a DNA chip for HPV diagnosis produced by the method, and a method for diagnosing the presence or genotype of HPV using the DNA chip.
US07741041B2
An IJ-system reagent inspection device 3 that instructs an ejection device to eject a reagent and reads an inspection result from a detachable DNA chip module 2. The method is carried out based on inspection information of inputted inspection items to produce and output inspection data along with inputted examinee-identification information and the corresponding inspection items through communication lines. In a control device 5, the examinee identification information is received from the IJ-system reagent inspection device 3 along with the inspection items and the inspection data through the communication lines. The inspection items and the inspection data are recorded in association with the examinee identification information to request a diagnosis based on the inspection data.
US07741040B2
In certain aspects, the invention provides isolated SLC5A8 (also referred to as Hui1) nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel sodium solute symporter members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing SLC5A8 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a SLC5A8 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated SLC5A8 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-SLC5A8 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. In other aspects, the invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and treating SLC5A8-associated cancer. Differential methylation of the SLC5A8 nucleotide sequences has been observed in SLC5A8-associated cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, or stomach cancer.
US07741039B2
The cloning of a novel PCVII viral genome is described as is expression of proteins derived from the PCVII genome. These proteins can be used in vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of PCVII infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of PCVII infections in a vertebrate subject. Polynucleotides derived from the viral genome can be used as diagnostic primers and probes.
US07741038B2
Methods are provided for evaluating a subject for graft survival, e.g., in terms of predicting graft survival, identifying the presence of a deleterious graft condition, such as CAN and DT, identifying the severity and class of acute rejection, etc, in a subject are provided. In practicing the subject methods, the expression of at least one gene in a sample from the subject, e.g., a blood or biopsy sample, is assayed, e.g., at the nucleic acid and/or protein level, to evaluate the subject. Also provided are compositions, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications.
US07741031B2
A coding scheme for microcarriers suitable for use in distributed arrays includes labeling the carriers with quenched signaling hairpin molecules with any one of three to eight distinguishable fluorophores wherein the hairpins are of at least two types, most preferably three types, that open and fluoresce differentially as a chemical or physical condition, for example temperature, is changed. Mixtures of microcarriers having immobilized capture probes can be decoded by measuring fluorescence from said fluorophores under conditions under which only one type of hairpin is open, under which two types of hairpin are open, and so on. Mixtures of coded microcarriers with capture probes are used in assays for nucleic acids utilizing microarray methods.
US07741030B2
Analysis is made on the DNA methylation of the region (including a promoter region) upstream from the translation initiation point of a rheumatoid arthritis-associated gene DR3 in human genome. As a result, it is found out that an allele-specific methylation occurs in a CpG sequence located about −380 to −180 bp upstream from translation initiation point (ATG) of the gene DR3. It is further found out that the CpG sequences downstream therefrom of the genes DR3 originating in healthy subjects are all in the unmethylated state, while methylated and unmethylated sequences are both observed in the genes DR3 originating in RA patients.
US07741029B2
Based on the discovery of the nucleotide and amino acid differences which distinguish the Gova and Govb allelic forms of the membrane glycoprotein CD109, and which comprise the biallelic Gov platelet alloantigen system, compositions and methods are provided for determining the Gov genotype and phenotype of individuals. Also provided, on the basis of this discovery, are compositions and methods for treating disorders associated with Gov alloantigen incompatibility, such as the bleeding disorders post-transfusion purpura, post-transfusion platelet refractoriness, and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. The two allelic forms of CD109 differ by a single amino acid. The Gova allelic form has Tyr at amino acid position 703 in the CD109 sequence. The Govb allelic form has Ser at the same position. This amino acid difference is due to a single change, from A for the Gova allele to C for the Govb allele, in the CD109 gene.
US07741027B2
Sequences of nucleic acid oligonucleotides for amplifying different portions of gag and pol genes of HIV-1 and for detecting such amplified nucleic acid sequences are disclosed. Methods of amplifying and detecting HIV-1 nucleic acid in a biological sample using the amplification oligonucleotides specific for gag and pol target sequences are disclosed.
US07741026B2
The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.
US07741022B2
The invention provides a method of inhibiting Ran protein activity in at least one eukaryotic cell or cell-free extract, the method comprising exposing an amino acid sequence comprising at least a portion of EMCV or TMEV leader protein, wherein the amino acid sequence comprises SEQ. ID NO: 14 or SEQ. ID NO: 15, to at least one cell in an amount effective to inhibit Ran activity in the targeted cell and evaluating Ran protein activity in the cell.
US07741021B2
Post-translational O-sulfonation of a serine or threonine residue of proteins is detected, optionally comparatively, wherein the detected O-sulfonation is detected under a first physiological condition, and is compared with a control O-sulfonation detected under a second physiological condition, and a difference between the detected and control O-sulfonations indicates a difference between the first and second physiological conditions.Predetermined changes in physiological conditions are used to infer specific changes in O-sulfonation. Proteins are modified by introducing a predetermined change in O-sulfonation at a serine or threonine residue of the protein, and optionally, detecting a resultant change in O-sulfonation. These methods include introducing or increasing O-sulfonation, eliminating or reducing O-sulfonation; and derivatizing or substituting O-sulfonation.
US07741015B2
A pattern is formed by applying a positive resist composition comprising a polymer comprising 7-oxanorbornane ring-bearing recurring units and acid labile group-bearing recurring units and an acid generator onto a substrate to form a resist film, heat treating and exposing the resist film to radiation, heat treating and developing the resist film with a developer, and causing the resist film to crosslink and cure with the aid of acid and/or heat. A second resist pattern is then formed in the space area of the first resist pattern. The double patterning process reduces the pitch between patterns to one half.
US07741014B2
A series of methods, compositions, and articles for patterning a surface with multiple, aligned layers of molecules, by exposing the molecules to electromagnetic radiation is provided. In certain embodiments, a single photomask acts as an area-selective filter for light at multiple wavelengths. A single set of exposures of multiple wavelengths through this photomask may make it possible to fabricate a pattern comprising discontinuous multiple regions, where the regions differ from each other in at least one chemical and/or physical property, without acts of alignment between the exposures. In certain embodiments, the surface includes molecules attached thereto that can be photocleaved upon exposure to a certain wavelength of radiation, thereby altering the chemical composition on at least a portion of the surface.
US07741001B2
A process for preparing a toner for electrostatic image development, the process comprising the steps of:(S1) mixing an aqueous pigment dispersion and an aqueous resin particle dispersion containing self-dispersible polyester resin particles as a binder resin to prepare a mixture; and(S2) adding a polyvalent metal salt as a flocculant to the mixture while stirring to form aggregates of the pigment bonded to the resin particles,wherein the self-dispersible polyester resin is prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid compound with an alcohol compound inclusive of a polyhydric alcohol, the carboxylic acid compound being one or more of a polycarboxylic acid having three or more carboxyl groups and its anhydride.
US07740985B2
A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode that has a current collector and a first active material and a negative electrode that has a current collector, a second active material, and a third active material. The second active material includes a lithium titanate material and the third active material is a material that can be one or more of the following: LiMn2O4, LixVO2 where x is between 0.05 and 0.4, LiMxMn(2−x)O4 where M is a metal and x is less than or equal to 1, V6O13, V2O5, V3O8, MoO3, TiS2, WO2, MoO2, RuO2, and combinations thereof. The third active material exhibits charging and discharging capacity below a corrosion potential of the current collector of the negative electrode and above a decomposition potential of the first active material.
US07740984B2
Aspects of the present invention provide a high capacity electrochemical cell having an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The cathode includes a mixture having a first component, a second component and a third component. The first component includes a first element, the second component includes a second element, and the third component includes the first element and the second element. The mixture can, for instance, be a mixed metal oxide. The separator is configured to provide suitable ionic transport between the anode and the cathode.
US07740967B2
Process for producing ion exchange membranes. A matrix material that comprises a polymeric component chosen from the group consisting of monomeric and oligomeric polymer precursors and cross-linkable polymers is provided. Ion cation or anion exchange particles, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting particles, or cation or anion exchange polymers, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting polymers are introduced in the matrix. The particles are mixed or the polymer is dissolved with the matrix. The resulting mixture is formed into membrane configuration. The particles or the domains of the polymer formed by polymer-matrix phase separation upon solvent evaporation or cooling, are ordered by an electric field. If the matrix comprises or consists of a polymer precursor or a cross-linkable polymer, the precursor is cured concurrently with the ordering of the particles, or if the matrix comprises a polymer solution or polymer melt the polymer solution is evaporated or the polymer melt is maintained and then cooled concurrently with the ordering of the particles.
US07740966B2
Multiple stacks of tubular electrochemical cells having a dense electrolyte disposed between an anode and a cathode preferably deposited as thin films arranged in parallel on stamped conductive interconnect sheets or ferrules. The stack allows one or more electrochemical cell to malfunction without disabling the entire stack. Stack efficiency is enhanced through simplified gas manifolding, gas recycling, reduced operating temperature and improved heat distribution.
US07740963B2
A direct methanol type fuel cell system provided with a tank for storing an antifreeze that is injected into at least said unit cell or a cell stack and held in place at the time of stand-by operation of the direct methanol type fuel cell system. At the time of starting operation an oxidant gas is supplied to the cathode side and the antifreeze is removed from the unit cell or the cell stack. After starting operation, the passage between the antifreeze tank and the unit cell or the cell stack is closed and an aqueous solution of methanol is supplied as liquid fuel from a fuel tank to the anode side.
US07740957B2
Red phosphorescence compounds and organic electro-luminescence device using the same are disclosed. In an organic electroluminescence device including an anode, a hole injecting layer, a hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injecting layer, and a cathode serially deposited on one another, the organic electroluminescence device may use a compound as a dopant of the light emitting layer.
US07740943B2
In a molded composite article formed by directly bonding a resin member comprising a polyamide-series resin to a resin member comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane-series resin, the polyamide-series resin comprises a polyamide block copolymer containing (A) a polyether segment having at least one terminal imino group. The polyamide-series resin may comprise a polyamide-series resin having a free amino group in a concentration of not less than about 10 mmol/kg. The molded composite article is producible, for example, by heating at least one of the polyamide-series resin and the thermoplastic polyurethane-series resin to bond the former to the latter. Thus obtained molded composite article is suitable for a member of a shoe and an industrial roll. In such a process, the polyamide-series resin member and the thermoplastic polyurethane-series resin member both of which are different in nature from each other can be directly and firmly bonded together.
US07740938B2
Spherical polyamide particles having a mean particle size of less than 1 mm, notably less than 100 μm, are produced by dispersing the polyamide monomers in an inert liquid and then polymerizing same.
US07740935B2
An emblem having a design for securing to an article by the application of at least one of heat and pressure comprises a base having a front surface and a rear surface, the base being comprised of a woven fabric. The emblem design is comprised of two portions, a first portion of the emblem design being woven into the fabric base when the fabric base is made and a second portion of the emblem design being embroidered into the fabric base. A layer of thermoplastic adhesive material is bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the article.
US07740934B2
An optical low pass filter includes: a plurality of optical elements formed by bonding together and an adhesion layer of adhesive that is installed at each of interfaces of the plurality of optical elements to be bonded. The transmitted wave aberration is ±1.5λ or less (λ representing incident wavelength).
US07740922B2
The invention relates to a process for producing pipe sleeves made of mineral wool for insulating pipelines or for reducing the sound level in pipeline systems, comprising the following steps: providing a nonwoven web (11) made of mineral wool which is provided with an uncured binder, winding up the nonwoven web (11) on a winding mandrel (2) of a winder, curing the binder. Here, at least one reinforcing layer (12, 13) is provided before the nonwoven web (11) runs into the winder, in such a way that during the winding the said reinforcing layer becomes a constituent part of the pipe sleeve produced as a result.
US07740917B2
A method for forming a film comprising a first process and a second process, the first process comprising the steps of: supplying a discharge gas to a first discharge space where high frequency electric field A is generated at or near atmospheric pressure, whereby the discharge gas is excite; transferring energy of the excited discharge gas to a film forming gas, whereby the film forming gas is excited; and exposing a substrate to the film forming gas to form a film on the substrate, and the second process comprising the steps of: supplying a gas containing an oxidizing gas to a second discharge space where high frequency electric field B is generated at or near atmospheric pressure, whereby the gas containing the oxidizing gas is excite; and the film formed in the first process is exposed to the excited gas containing the oxidizing gas.
US07740910B2
A method for placing a resin layer or shim on a frame member uses an overpress. The overpress has an inner surface with protruding nubs. The operator places a bead of liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress, then clamps the overpress to the frame member. The clamps force the nubs of the overpress into contact with the frame member and allows the nubs to define a clearance between the overpress and the frame member. The liquid resin spreads throughout the clearance and cures. After the resin has cured, the overpress is removed from the frame member, leaving a layer of cured resin bound to the frame member. This layer is then machined to a desired thickness.
US07740909B2
The present invention relates to a method to rationally coat cutting tool inserts comprising a substrate and a coating deposited using a CVD and/or MTCVD method. According to the invention the inserts are positioned on a net with a surface roughness, Ra, of the wires between 2 and 50 μm.
US07740907B2
An uncured fiber reinforced assembly that includes a reinforcement layer containing a fibrous material and at least one highly reactive curing agent. A matrix film layer is applied to the reinforcement layer so that it does not substantially impregnate the reinforcement layer. The matrix film layer includes at least one uncured epoxy resin and at least one latent epoxy curing agent. The assembly is designed for use in making snowboards and skis.
US07740906B2
A method for preserving wood by contacting wood with a composition comprising an aqueous polymer dispersion, at least one surfactant, and a wood preservative.
US07740902B2
Methods are provided for making oxygen-reducing catalyst layers, which include simultaneous or sequential stops of physical vapor depositing an oxygen-reducing catalytic material onto a substrate, the catalytic material comprising a transition metal that is substantially free of platinum; and thermally treating the catalytic material. At least one of the physical vapor deposition and the thermal treatment is performed in a processing environment comprising a nitrogen-containing gas.
US07740898B2
An electroluminescence device includes a tubular first electrode, an electroluminescence layer formed on an inner surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on an inner surface of the electroluminescence layer. A method for manufacturing the electroluminescence device includes: conducting an electroluminescence layer forming liquid into and out of the inside of the first electrode, thereby forming a liquid film of the electroluminescence layer forming liquid on the inner surface of the first electrode; and forming the electroluminescence layer by drying the liquid film of the electroluminescence layer forming liquid formed on the inner surface of the first electrode. This facilitates modification of the size or the shape of the electroluminescence device and thus improves productivity for manufacturing the electroluminescence device.
US07740893B2
The present invention provides for a nutritional composition in a dry powder form or a liquid drink form for optimizing muscle performance during exercise. The nutritional composition includes carbohydrate and protein in a ratio, in the range of 2.8 to 4.2 parts of the carbohydrate to 1.0 part of the protein. The carbohydrate is composed of a mixture of three sugars which are characterized by the fact that they are transported from the GI tract into the plasma via different transport pathways, specifically, the glucose pathway, the fructose pathway and the disaccharide pathway. One or more proteins are in the range of 10.29% to 32.25% by weight of the dry composition. The nutritional composition further includes electrolytes for replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise and for facilitating intestinal reabsorption of fluid. The carbohydrates are transported to the plasma via multiple transport pathways: one for glucose and similar sugars, another for fructose and similar sugars, and another for the complex sugars.
US07740892B2
A coffee bean roaster and a method for roasting coffee beans using the roaster are disclosed. The coffee bean roaster includes an oven having a ceramic heating plate with a gate, and a rotary sliding unit to enter the gate so as to slide into the ceramic heating plate, so that the rotary sliding unit roasts coffee beans while rolling the coffee beans and spacing the coffee beans from both the ceramic heating plate and a burner. The method for roasting coffee beans using the coffee bean roaster includes entering the rotary sliding unit containing the coffee beans into the oven through the gate so as to place the rotary sliding unit in the oven at a position spaced apart from both the ceramic heating plate and the burner, roasting the coffee beans by far-infrared radiant heat emitted from the ceramic heating plate, and reburning combustion gases, generated from the roasting of the coffee beans, by the burner.
US07740891B2
A hand-held oatmeal product is provided that is ready to eat. The oatmeal product may be packaged in a retortable pouch. Methods of making the oatmeal product are provided.
US07740889B2
Novel bacteriocins produced by novel bacterial strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.
US07740871B2
A human cell line, which lacks major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) antigens and major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II) antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express (i) a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunomodulator and (ii) a nucleotide sequence encoding a viral antigen, and a method of inducing or stimulating an immune response in a human to a viral-associated disease or cancer comprising administering to the human (i) the aforementioned human cell line in an amount sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral associated disease or cancer, (ii) a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-11 antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunomodulator, and a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-II antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen of EBV, simultaneously or sequentially in either order, by the same or different routes, in amounts sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral-associated disease or cancer, or (iii) an immunomodulator and a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-II antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen of EBV, simultaneously or sequentially in either order, by the same or different routes, in amounts sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral associated disease or cancer.
US07740870B2
The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.
US07740859B2
The present invention provides compounds and methods for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals suspected of infection with the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, where the infectious agent is an Indian strain and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains. The compounds provided include polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 which are useful for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals where the immune responses are elicited against Leishmania species of Indian strains and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains, the compounds are also useful as a vaccine and therapeutic agent to prevent and treat leishmaniasis. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit consisting of antibody raised against polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 for detecting leishmanial antigens.
US07740857B2
The present invention relates to cupredoxin and cytochrome and their use, separately or together, to inhibit the spread of parasitemia in mammalian red blood cells and other tissues infected by the malaria parasite, and in particular the parasitemia of human red blood cells by P. falciparum. The invention provides isolated peptides that are variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins or cytochrome c, and compositions comprising cupredoxins and/or cytochrome c, or variants, derivatives or structural equivalents thereof, that are useful for treating or preventing malaria infection in mammals. Further, the invention provides methods to treat mammalian patients to prevent or inhibit the growth of malarial infection in mammals. The invention also provides methods to prevent the growth of malaria infection in insect vectors.
US07740853B2
The present invention generally relates to a new approach for the therapy of allergic responses, based on targeted elimination of cells expressing the FcεRI receptor by a chimeric cytotoxin Fc2′-3-PE40. A sequence encoding amino acids 301-437 of the Fc region of the mouse IgE molecule was genetically fused to PE40′—a truncated form of PE lacking the cell binding domain. The chimeric protein, produced in E. coli, specifically and efficiently kills mouse mast cell lines expressing the FcεRI receptor, as well as primary mast cells derived from bone marrow. The present invention provides a chimeric protein for targeted elimination of FcεRI expressing cells especially useful for the therapy of allergic responses. The said chimeric protein is comprised of a cell targeting moiety for FcεRI expressing cells and a cell killing moiety. The preferred killing moiety is the bacterial toxin Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE). This Pseudomonas exotoxin is a product of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of said protein. This chimeric protein is prepared by genetically fusing the Fc region of the mouse IgE molecule to PE40, a truncated form of PE lacking the cell binding domain. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, for the treatment of allergic diseases and for the treatment of hyperplasias and malignancies, comprising as an active ingredient the above mentioned chimeric protein and a conventional adjuvant product.
US07740851B2
Ultra high affinity antibodies with binding affinities in the range of 1010 M−1, and even 1011 M−1 are disclosed. Such antibodies include antibodies having novel high affinity complementarity determining regions (CDRs), especially those with framework and constant regions derived from either humans or mice. Methods of preparing and screening such antibodies, as well as methods of using them to prevent and/or treat disease, especially virus-induced diseases, are also disclosed.
US07740843B2
Antibodies which are specific for human interleukin-4 and their use in the treatment of IL-4 and/or IgE mediated diseases.
US07740825B2
A carbon nanotube aggregate and a method for forming a carbon nanotube aggregate are provided. The carbon nanotube aggregate can be formed by treating carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and sintering the resulting fluorinated carbon nanotubes. A carbon nanotube aggregate can be formed which does not contain a binder or resin matrix.
US07740822B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for obtaining a high purity disilicon hexachloride by removing a silanol with good efficiency from a disilicon hexachloride material containing the silanol as an impurity. The purification method for disilicon hexachloride of the present invention comprises a process for contacting a disilicon hexachloride material containing disilicon hexachloride and a silanol as an impurity with an adsorbent material such as activated carbon to remove the silanol. The method may further comprise a distillation process. The above processes are preferably performed in an atmosphere of an inert gas.
US07740818B2
Disclosed herein is a transition metal-substituted hydrotalcite catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides using a storage-reduction method, in which a molar ratio of transition metal to magnesium is 0.2 or less, and a method of manufacturing a transition metal-substituted hydrotalcite catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides using a storage-reduction method, including the steps of preparing a hydrotalcite synthesis solution including transition metal precursors such that the molar ratio of transition metal to magnesium is 0.2 or less, and preferably 0.001 to 0.2; aging the synthesis solution; and hydrothermally treating the synthesis solution.
US07740814B2
A novel solution route has been developed that after heat-treatment to 500-600° C. under inert atmosphere, yields highly porous composites of nano-sized metal (Ni) particle inclusions in ceramics (Al2O3). Metal loadings could be made from <1% to >95% Ni. The metal inclusion sizes in the Ni—Al2O3 system with the 10 atom % Ni sample were 4-7 nm, while for the 75 atom % Ni sample they were 5-8 nm. It was shown that the 10 atom % Ni sample could be used as a catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and CH4 in the temperature range 550-700° C., while higher temperatures led to growth of the Ni particles and carbon poisoning over time. The solution routes could also be deposited as thin dense films containing <10 nm Ni particles. Such films with high Ni-particle loadings deposited on aluminium substrates have shown very good solar heat absorber proficiency and provide good substrates for carbon tube growth.
US07740802B2
A sterilization challenge specimen holder is used with a test indicator to challenge sterilization on a consistent basis. The holder includes a body having an internal chamber region. A cap is sealable on the holder. A plug is positioned in the body. The plug has a wall having a spiral formed groove therein in communication with the internal chamber region. An opening provides for a single flow path for communication between the environs and the internal chamber via the groove.
US07740795B2
The invention relates to implantable medical devices, particularly, to porous structures for such devices. In one aspect, the invention provides a porous metal scaffold comprising a porous metal network having pores defined by metal webs, the metal webs covered with at least one layer of metal particles bonded to the metal webs. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of forming porous scaffolds. In one such aspect, the method includes providing a polymer foam; forming a skin of biocompatible metal on the polymer foam by low temperature arc vapor deposition; and heating the polymer foam and the metal skin above the decomposition temperature of the polymer foam in an inert gas atmosphere; thereby the polymer foam decomposes producing a green metal foam. In yet other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving stability of porous scaffolds.
US07740791B2
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the outside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.
US07740782B2
A sportsball includes a ball carcass having an air cavity therein, wherein the ball carcass includes two ball shells, each of the ball shells having an outer surface, a plurality of channels indented on the outer surface to form a plurality of panel contours thereon, and a contouring edge defining a starting point at one of the channels to continuously extend from the channel to another the adjacent channel until the contouring edge is extended back to the starting point, wherein the two ball shells are integrally bonded with each other to form the ball carcass that the contouring edges of the ball shells are alignedly linked to form a common edge of the ball carcass, such that the common edge of the ball carcass, which is a molding line thereof, also forms as the channels of the ball carcass to invisible the molding line thereat.
US07740774B2
A resonant enhanced photosensitive material includes a trap center that is adapted to interact with light and enhances the photosensitivity of the material based on a resonant interaction process with photons. The invention provides enhanced photosensitivity materials and, especially a method for enhancing photosensitivity in glasses, glass ceramics and ceramics.
US07740768B1
A method and apparatus for cleaning a wafer. The wafer is heated and moved to a processing station within the apparatus that has a platen either permanently in a platen down position or is transferable from a platen up position to the platen down position. The wafer is positioned over the platen so as not to contact the platen and provide a gap between the platen and wafer. The gap may be generated by positioning the platen in a platen down position. A plasma flows into the gap to enable the simultaneous removal of material from the wafer front side, backside and edges. The apparatus may include a single processing station having the gap residing therein, or the apparatus may include a plurality of processing stations, each capable of forming the gap therein for simultaneously removing additional material from the wafer front side, backside and edges.
US07740762B2
The present invention provides a method of reducing the pathogen content of sewage sludge comprising (a) adding to the sludge an effective amount of a phosphorous-containing compound and (b) keeping the phosphorous-containing compound in contact with the sludge for a sufficient time to reduce the amount of pathogens present in the sludge by an amount equivalent to a logarithmic reduction of 2 or more.
US07740754B2
An apparatus for purifying a liquid including: reaction chambers that utilizes an ionization reaction material in turbulence with the liquid, a first fine collective filtration unit, a first laser photolytic light chamber that utilizes ultraviolet light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range to irradiate liquid, a second ultra-fine collective filtration unit, and a pharmaceutical grade granular activated carbon filter unit.
US07740749B2
The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell that is completely sealed during the electrolysis operation during production of oxidant. Gasses generated within the electrolysis operation, primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, increase the pressure within the cell, and the gas pressure is ultimately utilized to expel the oxidant from the cell chamber.
US07740737B2
An apparatus includes an upper electrode and a lower electrode for supporting a wafer disposed opposite each other within a process chamber. A first RF power supply configured to apply a first RF power having a relatively higher frequency is connected to the upper electrode. A second RF power supply configured to apply a second RF power having a relatively lower frequency is connected to the lower electrode. A variable DC power supply is connected to the upper electrode. A process gas is supplied into the process chamber while any one of application voltage, application current, and application power from the variable DC power supply to the upper electrode is controlled, to generate plasma of the process gas so as to perform plasma etching.
US07740731B2
A method for assembling a corrugated double-walled pipe section from pipe segments, having the steps of: providing an inner wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and straight in longitudinal direction, providing an outer wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and corrugated in longitudinal direction, connecting the inner wall segment to the concave side of said corrugated outer wall segment, providing a longitudinal profile at the longitudinally extending edges of the wall segment so as to provide a pipe segment, and connecting the adjoining longitudinal profiles of at least two of the pipe segments to each other.
US07740718B2
Provided is high purity nickel or nickel alloy target for magnetron sputtering having superior sputtering film uniformity and in which the magnetic permeability of the target is 100 or more, and this high purity nickel or a nickel alloy target for magnetron sputtering capable of achieving a favorable film uniformity (evenness of film thickness) and superior in plasma ignition (firing) even during the manufacturing process employing a 300 mm wafer. The present invention also provides the manufacturing method of such high purity nickel or nickel alloy target.
US07740716B2
The present invention provides a technique to improve an adhesion strength between a magnet main body and a protective film. The rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention comprises a magnet main body of a sintered body containing a rare earth element and a protective film formed on the magnet main body, wherein the ratio of a 10-point average surface roughness Rz of the magnet main body on which the protective film is formed to a mean grain size D50 in the magnet main body (Rz/D50 ratio) is kept in a range from 0.20 to 10.00, inclusive. This gives the rare earth sintered magnet which is coated with the protective film having a high adhesion strength of 100 N/m or more and exhibits high corrosion resistance.
US07740714B2
A radially anisotropic magnet is prepared by furnishing a cylindrical magnet-compacting mold comprising a die, a core, and top and bottom punches, packing a magnet powder in the mold cavity, applying a magnetic field across the magnet powder, and forcing the top and bottom punches to compress the magnet powder for compacting the magnet powder by a horizontal magnetic field vertical compacting process. The top punch is divided into segments so that the magnet powder may be partially compressed; in the step of compacting the magnet powder packed in the mold cavity by a horizontal magnetic field vertical compacting process, the magnet powder is partially compressed by the segments of the top punch cooperating with the bottom punch for thereby consolidating the partially compressed zones of magnet powder to a density from 1.1 times the packing density to less than the compact ultimate density; and thereafter, the entire magnet powder in the cavity is compressed under a pressure equal to or greater than that of partial compression by the entire top and bottom punches for finally compacting the magnet powder.
US07740712B2
A unit for washing containers comprises a conveying device for supporting and advancing in an orderly manner said containers to a grasping, moving and washing device; the grasping, moving and washing device comprises at least a conveyor provided with a grasping arrangement for grasping in succession groups of said containers from said conveying device at a first operating position and at least a bank of nozzles for dispensing and diffusing washing liquid substances inside the containers; the unit further comprises a moving actuating arrangement for moving with reciprocating motion in relation to each other said conveyor and the bank of nozzles for causing the insertion of the nozzles inside the groups of said containers at a second operating position.
US07740699B2
Disclosed herein are coating compositions comprising a blocked polyol having a first hydroxyl group at position 1 carbon atom and a second hydroxyl group at position 2 or 3 carbon atom, wherein both the first and the second hydroxyl groups are blocked by a single hydrolyzable orthoformate group; and a polyisocyanate compound. Methods of producing and using said coating compositions are also disclosed.
US07740696B2
The present invention relates to a water-soluble azo compound for yellow represented by the following formula (1) wherein, A represents a hydroxy group, a morpholino group, an amino group, an aliphatic amine residue which may have a substituent, an aromatic amine residue which may have a substituent, a phenoxy group which may have a substituent, or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a nitro group or a hydroxy group, and n represents an integer number of 1 to 3, respectively as a free acid, and an ink composition containing the same; said ink composition has good stability and is suitable for inkjet printing; and printed matters therewith have very high fastness such as ozone fastness and the like.
US07740689B2
Disclosed is a formulation for the absorption of CO2, which comprises water, at least one CO2 absorption compound and a carbonic anhydrase as an activator to enhance the absorption capacity of the CO2 absorption compound. The invention also concerns the use of carbonic anhydrase, in a CO2 absorption solution to increase the CO2 absorption rate of such solution.
US07740686B2
A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within an heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing odoriferous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules and optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
US07740683B2
The present invention relates to metal powders mixtures which are intended for manufacturing precious metal products which have special designs and complex geometries, also including those which consist of several uninterrupted parts which are indivisibly but flexibly coupled to each other. From the powder mixture jewelry and other objets d'art are manufactured by making use of free form fabrication (FFF) technique. The invention also comprises jewelry and other ornamental products which are manufactured from the powder material in question using the FFF technique.
US07740679B2
A method and apparatus are provided for constructing a filter element, having enhanced structural capabilities, through use of a molded end cap having first and second foam portions of differing physical properties meeting at a common juncture of the first and second foam portions and simultaneously cured with one another.
US07740676B2
A cyclonic separator assembly for a vacuum cleaner, the assembly including a first cyclonic separator for effecting a first stage of dust separation from the suction airflow of the cleaner, and at least one further cyclonic separator for further separation of dust from the air flow following the first separator, and a receptacle for separated dust, the receptacle including respective receiving portions for receiving dust separated by the first separator and the further separator(s), wherein the respective portions of the dust receptacle are able to be emptied separately from one another.
US07740669B2
Reformer for fuel cell system, fabrication method therefor, and fuel cell system comprising the same
A reformer for a fuel cell system, a fabrication method thereof, and a fuel cell system are provided. The reformer includes a plurality of reaction substrates. The reaction substrates each have a reaction substrate body provided with a flow channel with micropores formed on the surface of the flow channel. In addition, a catalyst layer may be formed within the flow channel of the reaction substrate body. Since the reformer for a fuel cell system suggested in the present invention includes reaction substrates having micropores formed in the flow channel, it has a high specific surface area and high catalyst activity. Moreover, since the catalyst layer is formed by a deposition method, the reformer can be of a small proportion, occupying little space in the fuel cell system.
US07740666B2
In a process for dyeing a textile web having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a solvent-based dye having at least one component that has a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the solvent is applied to the textile web. The web is then moved, in an open configuration thereof, over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system with the textile web in direct contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web at the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. In one embodiment, the dye is applied to the first face of the web and the web is then moved over the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system with the second face of the web in direct contact with the contact surface.
US07740659B2
Methods and devices are provided for replacing a nucleus of a spinal disc, and in particular for preventing nucleus disc replacement expulsion. The nucleus of a spinal disc can be removed from the annulus by forming a small opening in the annulus. Once the nucleus is removed, one or more insert devices can be implanted within the annulus of a spinal disc and they can be mated to one or both endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The insert(s) is configured to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant to prevent expulsion of the implant from the annulus.
US07740655B2
A pulmonary valve replacement system having a vascular conduit and a prosthetic valve device including a valve operably connected to a support structure. The prosthetic valve device is positioned within the vascular conduit. A conduit support includes a substantially circular cross-section. The conduit support is positioned adjacent to and reinforces the vascular conduit. In one embodiment, the pulmonary valve replacement system includes a catheter and an inflatable member operably attached to the catheter. The prosthetic valve device is disposed on the inflatable member. The invention provides a method for replacing a pulmonary valve including providing a vascular conduit positioned at a treatment site. The vascular conduit includes a conduit support positioned adjacent the vascular conduit. A prosthetic valve device is deployed within the vascular conduit via catheter. The prosthetic valve device includes a valve operably connected to a support structure. The vascular conduit is supported with the conduit support.
US07740653B1
A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.
US07740645B2
An apparatus and method is provided for treating injured muscles before, during, and/or after physical activity. Practicing the method of the present involves pressing a plurality of pressure applicators against the skin proximate to a muscle for a sustained period of time. The pressure applicators pressed against the body can be either pins, support members, and/or any combination thereof. The support members may be secured to the therapeutic surface of a therapeutic body as to create an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In such an apparatus, the base of pressure applicator is secured to the therapeutic surface such that the distal end of the pressure applicator extends away from the therapeutic surface.
US07740643B2
An adjustable nasal cavity dilation device includes a first deformable body having a shape corresponding to the nasal cavity. Top and bottom frame ends of the body are interconnected by a flexible wall structure that undergoes deformation in response to movement of one frame end relative to the other. A releasable holding member includes a ring that engages the bottom frame end and an upstanding central member that engages the top frame end. The ring and the upstanding central member are coupled by a plurality of radial arms. The flexible wall structure is deformed and effective for urging against nasal cavity walls to increase air flow through the nasal passage when the top and bottom frame ends are maintained in a holding condition by the ring and the upstanding central member. The ring and radial arms define openings that permit passage of air into and out of the nasal cavity through the releasable holding member.
US07740641B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.
US07740634B2
Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone.
US07740633B2
Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.
US07740632B2
An apparatus and a method configured for the efficient delivery of a viscous material, such as bone cement, to a surgical site are described. A housing removably receives a large gauge syringe which is filled with the viscous material. The apparatus is a syringe-type assembly that uses at least one vibrating motor together with a plunger rod assembly. The method employs the continuous application of vibrational forces to the central barrel portion of the apparatus during the time that the viscous material is being delivered and/or applied in vivo. The vibration to the central barrel portion increases the tendency of the viscous material to flow thereby making delivery of such materials easier and more efficient.
US07740627B2
The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.
US07740621B2
One of the aspects of the present invention is to provide a medical needle extending along a predetermined direction and having a vertical cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction of which cross-sectional area varies based upon a distance from a needle tip. The medical needle includes a plurality of maximal points where the cross-sectional area of the vertical cross-section is locally maximal, and a plurality of minimal points where the cross-sectional area of the vertical cross-section is locally minimal. The vertical cross-section at the maximal point closest to the needle tip has the cross-sectional area not less than those at any other maximal points.
US07740613B2
An inserter includes a housing, a plunger holding an indwelling member, a lifter contained in the housing in the state where the lifter is axially movable relative to the plunger, a needle holder contained in the housing and having a projection that can be latched by the plunger and the lifter, an insertion needle held by the needle holder and inserted in a cannula, and a spring provided between the plunger and the lifter and applying a biasing force in the direction of biasing the plunger and the lifter away from each other. The projection of the needle holder is latched by the plunger before the indwelling member reaches the body surface of the user, and latched by the lifter after the indwelling member reaches the body surface of the user.
US07740609B2
A catheter assembly may comprise a guide catheter, a balloon catheter with a steering balloon and a stabilizing balloon and a guide wire. The stabilizing balloon secures the balloon catheter to the guide catheter while the steering balloon secures the catheter assembly to the vessel wall. In another embodiment, the balloon catheter has three balloons engaged to the exterior surface, a steering balloon, a stabilizing balloon and an anchoring balloon.
US07740603B2
A removable flexible orthosis for the middle foot comprising a) a first metatarsophalangeal collar that encircles and is fixed on the forefoot, and extends transversely from the heads of the first to the fifth metatarsi, and longitudinally from the toe's root towards the mid-diaphysis of the metatarsi, and b) a traction strap comprising at least one end fixed or fixable on the first metatarsophalangeal collar and on the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot is provided. The two ends of the stirrup-shaped traction strap can be fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges of the first metatarsophalangeal collar on the sides of the foot.
US07740602B2
An ankle foot orthotic foot brace device includes a primary elongated resistance member attached to and extending from a base disposable under a user's foot. The primary resistance member includes means for attachment to the user's leg, and is deflectable through a deflection range and resilient or elastic to provide an initial resistant force to pivoting of the user's foot with respect to user's leg. A secondary elongated resistance member is engagable by the primary resistance member within a subsequent or distal portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member. Also included is means for intercoupling the secondary resistance member to the primary resistance member during the subsequent portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member.
US07740599B2
A device for receiving a body fluid for analysis, comprising a container and at least one sample-receiving unit which can be impinged upon by the body fluid at a receiving point and which can be extracted from a guide chamber of the container by means of a drive unit. According to the invention, a coupling device is provided in order to couple the sample receiving unit to the drive unit to ensure back and forth movement between the guide chamber and the receiving point.
US07740596B2
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.
US07740595B2
An instrument for removing a tissue sample from a subject comprises a plurality of tissue sampling devices having respective chambers, the tissue sampling devices being radially disposed along a length of the instrument such that upon insertion of the instrument into the subject one or more samples are extracted and isolated in the respective chambers of the sampling devices at the site at which removal occurs.
US07740587B2
The present invention is directed to an imaging tool to introduce a vibrational force into an object. The imaging tool includes a pair of flywheels that are driven by a motor in opposing rotational paths so as to introduce a harmonic mechanical excitation to the object. The imaging tool is constructed to be of handheld size so as to be suitable for ultrasound and is RF-compatible with MR scanners.
US07740585B2
Provided herein is an optoacoustic imaging system configured to produce images of one or more objects in a body using at least a maximum angular amplitude probability algorithm to reconstruct the optoacoustic images of the body. In addition the optoacoustic imaging system may be configured to produce 3D maps from the reconstructed optoacoustic images of the body. Also, provided is a method for diagnosing a pathophysiological condition characterized by abnormal optical properties of tissues in a body from maps so produced.
US07740584B2
A physiology system is provided that includes an ultrasound beamformer that is configured to receive signals from an ultrasound probe that is located proximate the region of interest. The system includes an ultrasound processor module for generating an ultrasound image, based on the ultrasound data, that is representative of an anatomical structure of a portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A physiology signal processor module is also provided and configured to receive physiology signals from a catheter located proximate the region of interest. The physiology signal processor module produces physiology data representative of the physiology activity of the portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A display processor module forms a display image combining the ultrasound image and physiology data.
US07740576B2
Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse and incontinence, including one embodiment of a method that uses a transcoccyx tissue path; other embodiments that use particular implants with various features relating to, e.g., end portions; and other embodiments relating to particular tools.
US07740564B2
The present invention relates to a stationary exercise apparatus having an adjustable assembly connected to the frame for changing the position of the console or the handles. The stationary exercise apparatus comprises a frame, an adjustable assembly which has part of the frame, a moving member pivoted to the frame, a guiding mechanism interconnected the moving member and the frame, and an upright post mounted on the guiding mechanism, a crank unit mounted on the moving member, left and right supporting members respectively connected to the crank unit, left and right swing members respectively connected to the left and right supporting members, and left and right pedals respectively coupled to the left and right supporting members.
US07740557B2
A hydraulic control apparatus of an automatic transmission estimates the possibility of there being a demand for a shift into a gear lower than the current gear during a power-off downshift operation. If there is a possibility that there will be a demand for a shift into the next gear during the shift, the hydraulic control apparatus starts an operation for supplying an apply preparation hydraulic pressure in preparation for the shift into that next gear.
US07740554B2
A chain guide for guiding a chain traveling around a sprocket supported on a frame of a motorcycle is disclosed. Typically, the chain guide includes a plastic chain guide support having a substantially U-Shaped body with a channel formed along an inner surface of the body. The body typically includes an outer surface and a ridge structure protruding outward from the outer surface so as to reinforce the chain guide support. The body of the plastic chain guide support is generally configured with at least one mounting hole sized to receive a fastener for securing the chain guide to the frame of the motorcycle. Typically the plastic chain guide support further is configured to house a chain guide insert in at least a portion of the channel.
US07740553B2
A method and mechanism are provided for controlling the movement of a belt. The arrangement may have a moveable member is coupled to an adjustable member. The members are coupled such that when the moveable member is moved in a first direction the adjustable member is move in a first direction and when the moveable member is moved in a second direction the adjustable member is moved in a second direction. A belt is coupled to the movable member. Movement of the belt in a first direction moves the moveable member in the first direction and movement of said belt in a second direction moves the moveable member in the second direction. A belt tensioner mechanism is connected to the belt so that when the belt moves in the first direction a biasing force is created that drives said belt to move a controlled amount in the second direction when movement of the belt in the first direction is stopped. The arrangement may be employed with a materials feed tray. Side guides for the tray are automatically set correctly for proper feeding from the tray without jamming, skew or off set of the materials.
US07740545B2
A golf putter with a having a curved body and a high toe design is disclosed and claimed. The putter head includes a face member, which has a heel and a toe, and a body member. The body member is connected to and extends rearward from the face member. At least a portion of the body member is curved toward the heel of the club head. The face member preferably is angled such that the toe has a greater height than the heel. The body member may be similarly angled. The body member extends through the face member and forms at least a portion of a striking face of the club head.
US07740543B2
Various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick are disclosed. Both embodiments employ the use of compressed gas to derive the full range of power necessary to engage in the various games of pool and billiards, including the break shot, without the need for modification of surface area of the game table. The preferred embodiment is adaptable to existing forms of metering, triggering, portable compressed gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, paintball marker guns. An alternative embodiment integrates the metering, triggering, and gas dispensing components of the adaptable type, eliminating the need for the separate, adaptable devices previously mentioned. Both embodiments incorporate a cylinder assembly 14 and a cue stick rod 12 threadably, or otherwise attached, slidably mounted within a support casement 10, to facilitate a predetermined length not unlike, but not limited to, that of a conventional cue stick. Both embodiments are suitable for one-handed operation.
US07740531B2
A method of operating a set of devices comprises receiving a signal, for example at least part of a game world model from a computer program. The signal is analyzed to produce a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and the set of devices is operated according to the description.
