US07839881B2

A headset apparatus including a virtual keypad and a method for inputting data into a headset are provided. In one embodiment, a headset includes a processor, at least one acoustic transducer, a projector operably coupled to the processor for displaying an image on a surface exterior to the headset, and a position detector operably coupled to the processor for determining an image position and a user finger position.
US07839871B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus configured for communication via a plurality of access interfaces. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to process information regarding access interfaces received from an access system. The processing is for determining the suitability of at least one access interface for communication with an application based on said information regarding access interfaces and information regarding the application.
US07839858B2

A data unit sender and a data unit relay device are described herein which are arranged to provide a communication of data units from the data unit sender via the data unit relay device to a data unit receiver. Also, control methods are described herein for the data unit sender and the data unit relay device.
US07839856B2

Embodiments of the present invention include a method, an apparatus, and logic encoded in one or more computer-readable tangible medium to carry out a method. One method includes tagging packets and forwarding packets in a wireless mesh network using stored forwarding information for the tag, wherein the forwarding information is according to a centrally determined routing method and tag distribution method.
US07839849B1

Approaches for automatically generating a format of a plurality of fields of a plurality of packets of a communication protocol from a specification. The specification that is input specifies the fields of the packets of the communication protocol and indicates a plurality of dependencies between the fields. From the specification, an order of the fields is generated for satisfying the dependencies. The format, which is output, specifies the order for inputting and outputting the fields in each of the packets.
US07839847B2

A system receives a packet at a router, and pushes a label onto a label stack. The label stack is associated with the packet. The system provides a forwarding record containing label bindings for the router, and transmits the forwarding record to a collector. A system receives a forwarding record from a router. The system compares a first record entry type of the forwarding record with a second record entry type of the forwarding record to determine the traffic flow in the network. The system then maps the traffic flow in the network, based on a result of the comparing.
US07839843B2

A virtual network device sub-unit includes an interface to a virtual network device link and a distributed forwarding module. The interface receives a packet, and the distributed forwarding module forwards the packet received by the interface. The distributed forwarding module performs an ingress lookup if the packet includes a multicast destination address and an egress lookup if the packet includes a unicast destination address. If the packet includes a multicast destination address, the distributed forwarding module replicates the packet for each of several outgoing VLANs associated with the multicast destination address. If an additional multicast packet is received via an interface that is not coupled to a virtual network device link, the distributed forwarding module sends at most one copy of the additional multicast packet via the virtual network device link.
US07839840B2

A method and system for routing traffic in a communication network is disclosed that may include assigning each node in a network a first subset of route repository nodes and a second subset of route repository nodes, querying the second subset of route repository nodes in order to obtain route information that is stored in the second subset of route repository nodes, computing route information by applying a route computation algorithm to the first subset of route repository nodes, and routing traffic in the communication network based on the route information obtained from the second subset of route repository nodes and the route information computed using the first subset of route repository nodes.
US07839836B2

A base station may organize poll groups into groups having similar predicted durations of subsequent responses. In one embodiment predicted durations may be provided by the devices that are to be polled. In another embodiment the predicted durations may be based on past responses from the devices that are to be polled.
US07839828B2

A method and apparatus for selecting a transport format combination (TFC) are disclosed. A TFC recovery and elimination unit generates an allowed transport format combination set (TFCS) subset by recovering supported TFCs and eliminating not supported TFCs based on allocated radio resources and parameters that are new. A multiplexing and transmission sequence number (TSN) setting unit generates a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) by multiplexing at least one higher layer PDU within a maximum supported MAC PDU size. A TFC selection and padding unit selects a TFC for the MAC PDU from the allowed TFCS subset and performs padding of the MAC PDU, if necessary, so that the MAC PDU fits into the selected TFC. For retransmission, a new allowed TFCS subset may be generated based on new radio resources and parameters and the MAC PDU may be fragmented.
US07839825B2

A system for forwarding data packets towards a mobile node roaming in a foreign packet-switched data network, the data packets having been addressed to a home address of the mobile node, the mobile node being provided with a care of address for use in the foreign network, the system comprising: a mobile agent control entity arranged to receive a message indicating a binding between the home address and the care of address of the mobile node, and, in response to said message, to send a control message to control the operation of a mobile agent traffic bearer entity: and a mobile agent traffic bearer entity arranged to receive the control message from the mobile agent control entity and, in response, to provide a resource for forwarding the data packets towards the mobile node at the care of address.
US07839824B2

Methods of allocating a plurality of periodically distributed frames of communication between a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver are disclosed. One method includes detecting periodic data for transmission between the wireless base station and the wireless mobile unit. A transmission map that maps frequency and time slots is generated for transmission of the data packets. Allocation information is included within less than all of a plurality of transmission maps of the plurality of periodically distributed frames. The allocation information designates frequency and time slots in which data packets identified as a periodic data type are transmitted to the second wireless transceiver for the plurality of periodically distributed frames.
US07839823B2

Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for transmitting a control channel message, which can reduce resource waste in an OFDM system multiplexing and using a Block Resource Channel (BRCH) and a Distributed Resource Channel (DRCH) in a frequency axis. The apparatus includes a controller for generating a predetermined field and outputting a control channel message including the predetermined field, the predetermined field indicating a precoding index when a common pilot is used for data demodulation in a mobile station and indicating a pilot format of a dedicated pilot when the dedicated pilot is used for data demodulation in the mobile station, the precoding index indicating a weight value for beam-forming of each antenna; and a transmission module for converting the control channel message into a wireless signal and transmitting the wireless signal to the mobile station. The apparatus and method can reduce the resource waste of a control channel by inserting different pieces of information into a predetermined field included in the control channel message according to the channel type and the multiplexing mode of a resource channel in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system, and enables the efficient use of resources by transmitting different types of control information through redundant bits of a control channel message.
US07839822B2

Techniques are provided to assign radio resources with one of two or more types of assignments on a frame-by-frame basis. The first type of assignment uses subcarriers that are contiguous in both time and frequency, and the second type of assignment uses subcarriers that are disjoint and equally-spaced in frequency. The types of resource assignments can be multiplexed in a frame by dividing the frame into two zones, each zone of a different type. The demarcation between the first and second zones is implicitly indicated by the assignment messages for the mobile stations. Based on the loading conditions, the base station selects one of two demarcation strategies to use and communicates the selection implicitly by using one assignment message for a mobile station.
US07839819B2

Aspects of a method and system for an optional closed loop mechanism with adaptive modulations for a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) WLAN system are provided. One aspect of the system may utilize properties of Eigenvalue analysis of MIMO systems to reduce the number of bits of binary information required to select a modulation type among a plurality of modulation types for each spatial stream among a plurality of spatial streams. This provides a reduction in the required number of bits when compared to other approaches and accordingly, enable greater flexibility in systems that utilize closed loop feedback mechanisms.
US07839818B2

A radio communication device for data communication with another terminal through wireless medium, includes: a communicator which transmits/receives data by predetermined data communication units; a communication meter which measures a data communication unit which is actually communicated for a predetermined period in the communicator; and a controller which finds an average unit length of the data communication for the period on the basis of a measure result in the communication meter so as to obtain communication load information based on the average unit length.
US07839814B2

A method and system for adjusting the inter-scan period of a mobile station (102) is provided. The method includes storing (404) the location information of a first wireless node, which is in a service area of a wireless access point of a first wireless network that is servicing a second wireless network. Further, the method includes receiving (406) second location information pertaining to a second wireless node that is servicing the second wireless network. The method further includes determining (408) a distance between the first and second wireless nodes. Further, the method includes enabling (412) the scanning for the first wireless network, based on the distance between a cellular cell that includes the MS and a cellular cell that includes an access point of the first wireless network.
US07839811B2

A method for radio frequency multicasting and a multicast site architecture are provided. The method includes assigning a different traffic multicast Internet Protocol (IP) address to each of a plurality of groups of LMR users and encapsulating the LMR content within IP packets. The method further includes transmitting the IP packets to one of the plurality of groups of LMR users using at least one of the assigned traffic multicast IP addresses.
US07839810B2

The present invention provides a transmitter, a communication system and a communication method thereof. The transmitter according to the present invention comprises a transmission channel processing module for obtaining gains of respective sub-channels; a first transmission preprocessing module for performing a first transmission preprocessing to transmission data for a high-gain sub-channel based on a processed result from the transmission channel processing module; a second transmission preprocessing module for performing a second transmission preprocessing to transmission data for a low-gain sub-channel based on a processed result from the transmission channel processing module; and a transmitting antenna for summing up the transmission data processed by the first transmission preprocessing module and the second transmission preprocessing module respectively and transmitting them.
US07839796B2

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving label data that indicates all interface labels that belong to each path ID of multiple path IDs associated with corresponding multiple paths between provider edge nodes in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Each interface label is associated with a network interface on a node in the MPLS network. Based on the label data, an untested list that holds data that indicates all unique interface labels is generated. A tested interface selected from the untested list is scheduled for testing. After scheduling, the interface label of the tested interface is removed from the untested list. It is determined whether the untested list still includes data for at least one interface label. If not, then a test of the MPLS network is completed without testing every path end to end, thus conserving network resources.
US07839795B2

A method of fault notification in a carrier Ethernet having the capability of generating and transmitting OAM packets having flag fields, comprises inserting a bit in one of the flag fields to indicate the presence of service-affecting information in the OAM packets, detecting the presence of the inserted bit at the end of a data path, and performing a service protection action in response to the detection of the inserted bit prior to parsing the information in the message. One type of service protection action is protection switching.
US07839786B2

A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. Nodes vary a choice of routing policy for routing data in the network in a semi-random manner, so that similarly situated packets are not always routed along the same path. Semi-random variation of the routing policy tends to avoid certain local hot spots of network activity, which might otherwise arise using more consistent routing determinations. Preferably, the originating node chooses a routing policy for a packet, and all intermediate nodes in the path route the packet according to that policy. Policies may be rotated on a round-robin basis, selected by generating a random number, or otherwise varied.
US07839783B2

Systems and methods of improving transport protocol performance are disclosed. One exemplary method includes: in a first state, non-linearly increasing a congestion window; in response to the congestion window exceeding a threshold value while in the first state, transitioning to a second state; and in the second state, linearly increasing the congestion window.
US07839782B2

A method and system are disclosed for determining the source or sources of a relatively high amount of traffic into a first set of nodes from another set of nodes. In one example, the top talker sources among a first set of nodes are found. Any top talker sources, which are from another set of nodes are determined, and an alert is produced which indicates the top talker sources to the network manager.
US07839780B2

A system and method of rearranging Label Switched Paths (LSPs) and rerouting traffic in a DiffServ-enabled Multi-Protocol Label Switched (MPLS) network is disclosed. The system periodically monitors network performance, and rearranges LSPs and reroutes traffic through existing or new Label Switched Paths (LSPs) based on network performance and network bandwidth utilized by various DiffServ classes.
US07839776B2

The present invention provides a method for detecting a reverse rate indicator channel. The method may include accessing first encoded information indicative of a data rate and a first sub-packet identifier associated with a sub-packet, accessing second encoded information indicative of the data rate and a second sub-packet identifier associated with the sub-packet, and modifying the second encoded information. The method may also include combining the first encoded information and the modified second encoded information, and decoding the combined first and modified second encoded information.
US07839775B2

Methods and Systems for communication using carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) with multipacket reception (MPR).
US07839770B2

A branch element is specified for use in a communication network, whereby in the interplay of two branch elements designed according to the invention, a cleared fault in a communication medium stretching between the two branch elements, in particular a line, with a power supply cable and a current return cable, can be recognized with the help of a test current, which can be supplied by supplying test equipment—preferably provided in each branch element—and which can be detected using terminating test equipment—likewise preferably provided in each branch element—and whereby each terminating test equipment is designed and/or provided to deactivate a bus termination assigned to the respective branch element when the test current is detected.
US07839766B1

An optical network broadcasts the same data on a plurality of wavelength channels from a source network to destination network. The network elements of the optical network are configured so as to provide four diversely routed transmission pathways. At the receiving end, one of the plurality of wavelength channels is selected as the primary wavelength channel.
US07839756B2

A method for controlling a position of a laser spot of a laser beam on an optical storage medium of a land and groove recording/reproduction type is provided. The method includes: detecting a pulse occurring in a reference signal while the laser spot is passing through a boundary between a groove track and a land track, wherein the reference signal is generated according to a reflected laser beam from the optical storage medium; determining a compensation value of the reference signal according to the pulse; utilizing the compensation value to adjust the reference signal for generating an adjusted reference signal; and utilizing the adjusted reference signal to control the position of the laser spot.
US07839753B2

The present invention discloses an optical system for extracting signal light components from a beam including the signal light components and stray light components. The optical system includes a condensing optical element situated on an optical path of the beam for condensing the beam, a polarization changing unit for changing the state of polarization of at least one of the signal light components and the stray light components included in the incident beam transmitted through the condensing optical element, and an extracting element for extracting the signal light components included in the beam transmitted through the polarization changing unit.
US07839743B2

An optical disc apparatus includes an amplitude obtaining portion receiving S shaped waveform information of focus error signal from a focus error signal processing portion to obtain amplitude of the S shaped waveform and a discriminating portion discriminating kind of objective lens disposed in a light path of an optical pickup device. The discriminating portion changes controlled variable of a spherical aberration compensating element into a plurality of prescribed control values, and obtains the amplitude of S shaped waveform from an amplitude obtaining portion for each of the control values. Then the discriminating portion performs discrimination of kind of the objective lens disposed in the light path based on that a rate of change of the amplitude of S shaped waveform to change of controlled variable of the spherical aberration compensating element is different in response to kind of the objective lens.
US07839740B2

A last optimum parameter value control method is disclosed, with a laser parameter value being adjusted in a predetermined sequence at an ADIP/ATIP frame of an optical recording medium. Jitter is measured at each ADIP/ATIP frame in order to obtain an average jitter value for that particular frame, and hence parameter value.
US07839739B2

Methods, software, and apparatus for the calibration of writing characteristics for writing to an optical storage medium, and methods of encoding calibration pattern data and calibration instructions are disclosed. The method of calibration generally includes the steps of (a) receiving pattern data and instructions synchronized with the pattern data, (b) writing the pattern data to the optical storage medium in accordance with the instructions, (c) reading a readback signal corresponding to the pattern data from the optical storage medium, (d) processing the readback signal in accordance with the instructions, and (e) determining a value of a writing characteristic for writing data to the optical storage medium based at least in part on the readback signal. The method provides the ability to flexibly set test parameters and to quickly and accurately test the write characteristics of a recordable or re-writable optical storage medium.
US07839736B2

A CD-Audio System includes a CD-module and a host unit. The CD-module reads audio data from a disc, checks the audio data for errors, and provides the checked audio data to the host unit at greater than 1 times CD audio rate. The host unit stores the received audio data in an electronic shock protection memory included in the host unit. When the CD-module determines an error in the audio data, the CD-module notifies the host unit of the position in the audio data of the error and when notified of a position in the audio data of an error, the host unit replaces stored audio data at that position and all subsequently already received data with retransmitted audio data. Then the host outputs only validated audio data via speakers.
US07839735B2

Herein disclosed a phase difference detection apparatus for detecting a phase difference between a first signal and a second signal, which may include a waveform equalization section configured to input the first and second signals as a target waveform and an input waveform, respectively, to perform a waveform equalization process using a FIR filter so that the input waveform may coincide with the target waveform; and a phase difference detection section configured to perform a predetermined calculation based on predetermined tap coefficients of the FIR filter in the waveform equalization section to calculate an asymmetric component of the tap coefficients of the FIR filter thereby to detect the phase difference between the first and second signals.
US07839731B2

There is provided an optical system for an optical disc which requires a numerical aperture larger than or equal to 0.60. The optical system is provided with a light source, an objective lens, and a driving system that controls a position and an attitude of the objective lens. The driving system operates to move the objective lens in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the objective lens for a tracking operation, and to change the attitude of the objective lens during the tracking operation so that the central axis on a light source side tilts toward the light source.
US07839728B2

A technique for investigating differences of composition and structural state of a recording layer of an optical disc along with other defects, such as scratches, contamination, warp and distortion, prior to video recording and for setting up appropriate recording conditions in compliance with this result to thereby perform recording is disclosed. In an optical disc recording device capable of recording information on an optical disc, a region to be investigated is defined based on the video recording reservation contents. Then, investigate and evaluate the disc state which can affect the recording quality in a target disc region to be recorded. Next, based on investigation/evaluation results, perform recording setup, recording speed setup, servo control setup and recording position setup to thereby perform the recording. By appropriately modifying the recording setup on a case-by-case basis, it is possible to achieve high-quality recording.
US07839727B2

The inventive mechanism comprises a series of toothed wheels meshing each with other or by groups and driven by a mobile which is connected to a basic timepiece movement by means of a mobile, wherein each toothed wheel is superimposed by a plate or disc carrying figures or signs and rotating in a corresponding bore of the timepiece dial.
US07839719B2

A shaft protection washer to protect a rotating shaft in a “measurement while drilling” (MWD) tool. Use of the shaft protection washer renders the rotating shaft less susceptible to erosion from the drilling fluid flowing between the rotating component and the stationary component.
US07839713B1

A memory circuit, where data is read from and written to the memory cell in one clock cycle via a port without pre-charging the port between reading data from and writing data to the memory cell via the port in the one clock cycle, is described. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a memory circuit with a write control switch that has a voltage drop of substantially zero volts. In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a memory circuit with a write driver that uses a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) inverter whose P-channel MOS (“PMOS”) transistor size is approximately 0.5 times its N-channel MOS (“NMOS”) transistor size. In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a memory circuit with a latch-type read sense amplifier.
US07839710B2

A scalable nano-electro-mechanical memory cell design that requires only conventional semiconductor fabrication materials and surface micromachining technology, and is suited for use in cross-point memory arrays for very high density non-volatile storage. This design also leverages well established surface-micromachining technology and electro-mechanical device phenomena to achieve an elegantly simple and scalable memory cell structure that can potentially operate with low voltage. An elongate beam is held between a non-deflected state and a deflected state, or between two deflected states, therein defining two binary memory states. Stiction, buried charge layers, or a combination of stiction and buried charge layers can be incorporated to modify the stability of one or both deflected states for the cell. Current through the moveable portion of the elongate beam within the memory cell can be registered utilizing one or more access transistors for reading the data state.
US07839700B2

An internal voltage generating circuit includes a voltage divider for generating a level signal by voltage-dividing first internal voltage, a pull-down signal generator for generating a pull-down signal, which has a level adjusted according to a temperature, in response to the level signal, a pull-up signal generator for generating a pull-up signal, which has a level adjusted according to the temperature, in response to the level signal, and a driving unit for driving second internal voltage in response to the pull-down signal and the pull-up signal. Driving force of the driving unit for driving the second internal voltage is changed according to the temperature.
US07839698B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a memory core and an input/output circuit. The memory core amplifies a signal of a memory cell to output the amplified signal through an input/output line pair in a read mode, receives a signal of the input/output line pair to store in the memory cell in a write mode, and electrically separates a bit line pair from the input/output line pair in response to a read column selection signal, a write column selection signal and a first data masking signal. The input/output circuit buffers and provided a signal of the input/output line pair to input/output pins, receives input data from the input/output pins, and buffers the received input data to provide the buffered input data to the input/output line pair. Thus, the semiconductor device can perform a fast data writing operation.
US07839694B2

Methods of reading memory cell data and nonvolatile memory devices, which apply a low voltage to memory cells adjacent to a memory cell from which data may be read are provided. Methods of reading memory cell data of nonvolatile memory device include applying a first voltage to a control gate of a read memory cell from among the plurality of memory cells, applying a third voltage to control gates of memory cell adjacent to the read memory cell, and applying a second voltage to control gates of memory cells other than the read memory cell and the adjacent memory cells.
US07839687B2

A multiple pass programming scheme is optimized using capacitive coupling in the word line to word line direction during program-verify operations. A different pass voltage is used in different programming passes on an adjacent word line of a selected word line which is being verified. In particular, a lower pass voltage can be used in a first pass than in a second pass. The programming process may involve a word line look ahead or zigzag sequence in which WLn is programmed in a first pass, followed by WLn+1 in a first pass, followed by WLn in a second pass, followed by WLn+1 in a second pass. An initial programming pass may be performed before the first pass in which storage elements are programmed to an intermediate state and/or to a highest state.
US07839683B2

The chip area of a semiconductor device including a nonvolatile memory is reduced. The semiconductor device includes a first memory cell and a second memory cell which are formed on the principal surface of a substrate, and arranged adjacent to each other. In a principal surface of the substrate, active regions which are electrically isolated from each other are arranged. In the first active region, the capacitor element of the first memory cell is arranged, while the capacitor element of the second memory cell is arranged in the fourth active region. In the second active region, the respective write/erase elements of the first and second memory cells are both arranged. Further, in the third active region, the respective read elements of the first and second memory cells are both arranged.
US07839679B2

A nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an aspect of the invention includes memory cell arrays including plural cell units, a power supply pad disposed on one end in a first direction of the memory cell arrays, and page buffers disposed in the first direction of the memory cell arrays. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory also includes plural bit lines which are disposed on the memory cell arrays while extending in the first direction and a first power supply line which is disposed on the plural bit lines on the memory cell arrays to connect the power supply pad and the page buffers.
US07839669B2

A first memory cell array includes a first bit line and a second bit line arranged to read data out of a memory cell containing a ferroelectric capacitor. A second memory cell array includes a third bit line and a fourth bit line arranged to read data out of a memory cell containing a ferroelectric capacitor. A sense amp circuit detects and amplifies a potential difference caused between any two of the first through fourth bit lines. A decoupling circuit selectively connects any two of the first through fourth bit lines to the sense amp circuit and decouples the remainder from the sense amp circuit. A bit-line potential control circuit is arranged between the decoupling circuit and the first and second memory cell arrays to fix the bit lines decoupled from the sense amp circuit by the decoupling circuit to a first potential.
US07839663B2

A converter includes a converter circuit 1 having a plurality of bridge-connected semiconductor switching devices for converting AC power into DC power, a smoothing condenser connected in parallel to the DC side of the converter circuit and a current detector provided in a condenser circuit to control a condenser current flowing through the smoothing condenser to be a set value. The condenser current is controlled to be the set value (e.g. zero) to thereby reduce the capacity of the smoothing condenser and make the converter small.
US07839662B2

A power supply having a flyback topology includes a flyback transformer and a current sense circuit that outputs a current signal indicative of a current output by the power supply. The current sense circuit includes a current sense transformer coupled to the flyback transformer.
US07839654B2

Improved noise isolation for high-speed digital systems on packages and printed circuit boards is provided by the use of mixed alternating impedance electromagnetic bandgap (AI-EBG) structures and a power island configured to provide ultimate noise isolation. A power island is surrounded by a plurality of mixed AI-EBG structures to provide a power distribution network. In this structure, the gap around the power island provides excellent isolation from DC to the first cavity resonant frequency which is determined by the size of the structure and dielectric material. One AI-EBG structure provides excellent isolation from the first cavity resonant frequency of around 1.5 GHz to 5 GHz. The other AI-EBG structure provides excellent noise isolation from 5 GHz to 10 GHz. Through use of this novel configuration of AI-EBG structures, a combination effect of the hybrid AI-EBG structure provides excellent isolation far in excess of 10 GHz. The AI-EBG structure is a metallic-dielectric EBG structure that comprises two metal layers separated by a thin dielectric material (similar to power/ground planes in packages and PCBs). However, in the AI-EBG structure, only one of the metal layers has a periodic pattern which is preferably a two-dimensional rectangular lattice with each element consisting of a metal patch with four connecting metal branches.
US07839648B2

A chassis structure with interface card bracket is described, which uses a bracket to assemble an interface card in an accommodation space within a chassis. The bracket includes a carrying member and an operating member that are pivoted to each other, and the interface card is fixed on the carrying member. The chassis includes a guide portion disposed therein. As the bracket moves into the accommodation space, the carrying member and the operating member are pivoted with respect to each other upon being guided by the guide portion to form an appropriate included angle there-between, so as to avoid barriers around the accommodation space, thereby assembling the interface card into the accommodation space successfully.
US07839644B2

A fixing apparatus is provided for retaining a heat sink to a circuit board. The fixing apparatus includes a mount fixed to the circuit board, two locking members attached to the mount, and a clip. The mount defines a receiving hole accommodating the heat sink. The clip includes a positioning portion abutting against the heat sink, and two retaining arms extending from opposite ends of the positioning portion. The positioning portion presses the heat sink against the circuit board in response to the retaining arms engaging with the locking members.
US07839639B2

An attachment assembly for mounting at least one electronic device is provided with a cradle (101) with a bottom part (109). Furthermore, the cradle (101) comprises a first arm (105) arranged such that the electronic device is fastened to the first arm (105) using the electronic device bottom fastening means, and a second arm (108) arranged such that the electronic device (150) is fastened to the second arm (108) using the electronic device side fastening means. To the cradle (101) can be mounted a fan (107) which can be placed under the electronic device and arranged between the first arm (105) and the second arm (108) of the cradle (101), such that air is blown towards the electronic device mounted to the cradle (101). To allow the air flowing from underneath of the cradle (101) to the fan (107), the cradle (101) has an opening (185) in the bottom part (109).
US07839626B2

A display structure includes a base, a stand pivotably attached to the base and rotatable along a first axis, an elastic connecting member, and a display unit pivotably engaged with ends of the connecting member and rotatable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The connecting member includes a pair of arm sections slidably engaged with the stand for adjusting a height of the display unit.
US07839625B2

A tool belt worn by an operator comprises a processor and a plurality of smart sockets. The smart sockets connect various smart cells that perform various functions. The smart cells have a uniform interface to connect to different locations of smart sockets. The smart cells communicate with the processor or each other over a wireless technology or through a data path embedded in the tool belt. Functionality of the tool belt may be extended with an extender that has antennas, lights, speakers, microphones, and additional smart sockets. A data glove extends the functionality of the tool belt further with a glove, smart socket, and smart cell integrated together and used at the operator's hand.
US07839621B2

A surface mount type electronic component has a dielectric element body, electrodes, lead conductors, and lead wires. The dielectric element body has principal faces and side faces. One electrode is formed on one principal face, the other electrode is formed on the other principal face, and the electrodes face each other. A first portion of one lead conductor is laid on one side face. A first portion of the other lead conductor is laid on another side face. First portions of the lead wires are connected to the corresponding first portions of the lead conductors.
US07839620B2

A solder joint between a capacitive element and a ferrule of a filtered feedthrough assembly for an implantable medical device is formed from a solder pre-form mounted on a portion of an external surface of the capacitive element, which portion of the external surface may be overlaid with a layer including a noble metal. Another solder joint may be formed between the capacitive member and each feedthrough pin; and, for an assembly including a plurality of feedthrough pins, each of the other solder joints may be formed from a solder pre-form mounted onto the external surface of the capacitive element by inserting each pin through a corresponding ring of a plurality of rings connected together to form the solder pre-form.
US07839618B2

An AC/DC power device for AC/DC power line communication is provided. An AC/DC protection circuit coupled to an AC/DC power line is able to receive an AC or DC power. An AC/DC configuration circuit coupled to the AC/DC protection circuit is used to switch between an AC mode and a DC mode PLC. An AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit coupled to the AC/DC configuration circuit is to couple and filter the received power, and then coupled an AC voltage or a first DC voltage. An AC/DC converter coupled to the AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit is used to convert the AC voltage into a second DC voltage. A DC/DC converter coupled to the AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit and the AC/DC converter is to convert the first DC voltage (DC mode) and convert the second DC voltage (AC mode), so as to output DC voltages respectively to analog and digital circuit of the PLC modem.
US07839617B2

An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, and a real time clock circuit that is operational in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and the real time clock circuit is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock circuit is configured to generate time information relating to the circuit breaker being off as a result of the off event for use by the processing circuit.
US07839616B2

Methods and apparatus regulate the output of a switching device to a voltage near that of saturation. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished for a small period of time during activation before and/or after device saturation. The switching device drive requirement is then measured to attain the regulated voltage. Measurement of the drive requirement during the small period of time correlates to switching driver current, being reliant on the finite gain of the switching device.
US07839602B2

A base for a data storage system is provided having an inner facing surface and an outer facing surface. The base includes a motor well. Formed with inner surface of facing surface of the base includes a medium region, an actuator region and a dam. The medium region is defined by a medium region planar surface surrounding a portion of the motor well, a leading surface and a trailing surface. The actuator region is defined by an actuator region planar surface that is recessed from the medium region planar surface, the leading surface, the trailing surface and a remaining portion of the motor well. The dam has a dam planar surface that surrounds the remaining portion of the motor well and is positioned on the actuator region planar surface between the leading surface and the trailing surface.
US07839596B2

A method for controlling the effects of seek-induced vibration of a component part in a hard-disk drive. The method includes determining a resonant frequency of seek-induced vibration of the component part and a reference amplitude of a frequency-component in a first voice-coil-motor signal (VCMS) at the resonant frequency. The method also includes synthesizing a second VCMS with an amplitude of a frequency-component attenuated below the reference amplitude of the frequency-component in the first VCMS at a frequency in a resonance-band bracketing the resonant frequency. The method also includes driving a voice-coil of a voice-coil motor with the second VCMS to reduce an amplitude of a frequency-component at the resonant frequency in a second PES of the seek of the data track associated with the second VCMS below a reference amplitude of a frequency-component at the resonant frequency in the first PES associated with the first VCMS.
US07839594B2

A data-storage disk includes a disk sector for storing data and a servo wedge located at the beginning of the sector. The servo wedge indentifies the sector in conjunction with both an initial positioning of a read-write head and a data read or write operation. By using a servo wedge to provide both an initial head position on disk spin up and a head position during a read or write operation, one can increase a disk's data-storage capacity by reducing the number of, or altogether eliminating, spin-up wedges.
US07839579B2

A cam locus of the cam surface (G1) on the image plane side of the first group cam groove (27) of the rotating cylinder (21) has an angle to a flat surface where the optical axis crosses perpendicularly. In a case in which the cam follower (25) engages with (abuts on) the cam surface (G1) on the image plane side, an impact force is dispersed into the optical axis direction and into the rotating direction of the rotating cylinder (21), and a load which the cam follower (25) and the male helicoid (31) of the rotating cylinder (21) receive is reduced. Additionally, when the first group lens system (11) is pressed by a light load such as a hand operation by a user and the like, the cam follower (25) of the first group lens movement frame (15) engages with (or abuts on) the cam surface (G1) on the image plane side, and an angle of the cam surface (G1) is an angle that an occurring force in the rotating direction is so as to be a moving direction from the collapsed position (S1) to the wide angle end position (W1). Therefore, the rotating cylinder (21) does not rotate easily, and when the load is removed, returns to a position before the load is received.
US07839577B2

A zoom optical system has a first lens group having a positive refracting power; a second lens group having a negative refracting power; a third lens group having a positive refracting power; a fourth lens group having a negative refracting power; and a fifth lens group having a positive refracting power, in the order from the object side. The fourth lens group is composed of a cemented lens of a negative lens and a positive lens in the order from the object side, and a condition of the following expression is satisfied: νp>30.0, where νp is an Abbe number of the positive lens.
US07839576B2

The invention concerns a method for producing a transparent optical element (1) including filling cells (10) of the element with a substance having an optical property. It consists in moving an amount of the substance (20) radially on the cells, towards a peripheral edge of the optical element, such that the substance penetrates each cell. Optionally, the cells may be sealed with a film (30) fixed on the partition walls (11) of the cells. The filling and the sealing of the cells may be carried out in a single step of the process.
US07839569B2

A polarizing plate comprising a polarizer comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a protective film on at least one side of the polarizer, the polarizer having a difference of 5.0% or smaller between maximum and minimum of an in-plane phase difference Rpva thereof in any area thereof measuring 39 cm wide and 65 cm long.
US07839564B2

An electro-optic display comprises, in order, a backplane comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes; a layer of a solid electro-optic medium; a main adhesive layer; and at least one of a light-transmissive protective layer and a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer. The electro-optic layer may be in direct contact with the backplane or separated therefrom by a thin auxiliary layer of adhesive. The main adhesive layer may be colored to provide a color filter array. An inverted front plane laminate useful in forming such a display comprises the same layers except that the backplane is replaced by a release sheet. The display combines good low temperature performance and good resolution at higher temperatures.
US07839563B1

An electrophoretic display device includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged on a lower substrate, and an upper substrate having a common electrode that covers an entire area corresponding to a display surface. The electrophoretic display device further includes an electrophoretic ink layer having a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities contains suspension fluid and a plurality of charged pigment particles dispersing in the suspension fluid. The electrophoretic display device also includes a plurality of pixel units, each of which includes three of the plurality of cavities. Each of the three cavities contains the black particles and particles of the red particles, green particles, or blue particles, respectively.
US07839561B2

A micromirror device comprises a plurality of mirrors arranged on a substrate, an elastic hinge for supporting each mirror to be deflectable in a plurality of directions, an address electrode composed of first and second regions that are arranged across the deflection axis of each mirror, and a driving circuit for controlling the mirror to deflect in the directions of the first and the second regions.
US07839557B2

A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.
US07839541B2

This invention provides an image editing method having a selecting step of selecting an edit target area, a cancellation step of canceling a selection of the edit target area selected in the selecting step, and an area selecting step of selecting again the edit target area by indicating the inside of the edit target area.
US07839536B2

Color conversion data used in converting an image signal into color information represented by color materials is saved in a color-conversion-data saving unit and, when the color conversion data is rewritten, before rewriting of the color conversion data, the color conversion data is copied to an area different from an area in which the color conversion data is rewritten in the color-conversion-data saving unit.
US07839528B2

When a transmission source apparatus 100 wants information of another apparatus, it forwards a document to all apparatuses connected to a network. During the forwarding processing, the apparatus appends its information to the document. The transmission source apparatus 100 finally receives the document to acquire the information of another apparatus.
US07839506B2

The simultaneous measurement of four separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate is used to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via up to three polarizing elements. This polarizes the light sources by 0, 45, 90 and 135°. The plurality of polarizing beamsplitters replaces the use of a phase modulator, but enables the measurement of the intensity of all four beams and thus the measurement of the phase modulation and amplitude of the combined beams to give the features of the substrate.
US07839504B1

The present invention relates to a dispersive spectrometer. The spectrometer allows detection of multiple orders of light on a single focal plane array by splitting the orders spatially using a dichroic assembly. A conventional dispersion mechanism such as a defraction grating disperses the light spectrally. As a result, multiple wavelength orders can be imaged on a single focal plane array of limited spectral extent, doubling (or more) the number of spectral channels as compared to a conventional spectrometer. In addition, this is achieved in a common path device.
US07839498B2

To determine spectra, integrated multiple illuminant measurements from a non-fully illuminant populated color sensor may be converted into a fully populated spectral curve using a reference database. The reference database is partitioned into a plurality of clusters, and an appropriate centroid is determined for each cluster by, for example, vector quantization. Training samples that form the reference database may be assigned to the clusters by comparing the Euclidean distance between the centroids and the sample under consideration, and assigning each sample to the cluster having the centroid with the shortest Euclidean distance. When all training samples have been assigned, the resulting structure is stored as the reference database. When reconstructing the spectra for new measurements from the sensor, the Euclidean distances between actual color samples under measurement and each cluster centroid are measured. The spectra are then reconstructed using only the training samples from the cluster corresponding to the shortest Euclidean distance, resulting in improved speed and accuracy.
US07839495B2

A surface inspection system, as well as related components and methods, are provided. The surface inspection system includes a beam source subsystem, a beam scanning subsystem, a workpiece movement subsystem, an optical collection and detection subsystem, and a processing subsystem. The system features a variable scan speed beam scanning subsystem, preferably using an acousto-optic deflector, with beam compensation, so that variable scanning speeds can be achieved. Also included are methods and systems for improving the signal to noise ratio by use of scatter reducing complements, and a system and method for selectively and repeatedly scanning a region of interest on the surface in order to provide additional observations of the region of interest.
US07839491B2

A measurement device, such as a laser radar, is described that comprises a transmitter portion for transmitting radiation to a remote probe volume, a receiver portion for detecting radiation returned from the remote probe volume and a processor for analysing the detected return radiation. The device is suitable for transmitting and receiving radiation through a window portion having associated window cleaning apparatus (e.g. wiper 62) for cleaning said window portion in response to a cleaning activation signal. The processor is arranged to generate a cleaning activation signal for activating window cleaning apparatus when the properties of said detected return radiation are indicative of a reduction in transmission through at least part of said window portion. In one embodiment, a conically scanned lidar is described that generates a cleaning activation signal when the power of detected return radiation varies as a function of the angle of transmission of radiation from the device.
US07839478B2

A temperature sensor for a display device is provided, which includes a substrate for the display devices, and a temperature sensing line formed on the substrate. The temperature sensing line is a conductor.
US07839464B2

A display apparatus has a cooling means, including a display panel having a first substrate and a second substrate which are spaced from each other. A chassis member is placed at the rear surface region of the display apparatus and is formed to surround sides and a front edge region of the display panel. With this configuration, the display apparatus with a cooling means effectively discharges heat from the display panel, thereby cooling the entire display panel.
US07839463B2

A thin film diode array panel comprising: an insulating substrate (110); first and second redundant gate lines (141, 142) made of an opaque conductor and formed on the insulating substrate; first and second floating electrodes (143, 144) made of an opaque conductor, formed on the insulating substrate, and disposed between the first and second redundant gate lines (141, 142); an insulating layer (151, 152) formed on the first and second floating electrodes (143, 144); a first gate line (121) formed on the first redundant gate line (141) and including a first input electrode (123) overlapping the first floating electrode (143) where the insulating layer (151) is interposed between the first input electrode and the first floating electrode; a second gate line (122) formed on the second redundant gate line (142) and including a second input electrode (124) overlapping the second floating electrode (144) where the insulating layer (152) is interposed between the second input electrode (124) and the second floating electrode (144); and a pixel electrode (190) including a first contact electrode (191) overlapping the first floating electrode (143) where the insulating layer (151) is interposed between the first contact electrode (191) and the first floating electrode (143), a second contact electrode (192) overlapping the second floating electrode (144) where the insulating layer (152) is interposed between the second contact electrode (192) and the second floating electrode (144), and a main body is provided.
US07839457B2

A display image correcting device including, retaining section configured to retain reference correction amount data for correcting nonuniformity as a predetermined factor of an image displayed on a basis of a video signal, the reference correction amount data representing an amount of correction at a predetermined horizontal and vertical position of the image, the amount of correction being obtained in correspondence with a video signal level as a reference, and correcting section configured to perform correction processing on the video signal in correspondence with a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the image, and a brightness direction, and performing the correction processing on a basis of three-dimensional correction amount data obtained by making two-dimensional correction amount data corresponding to a horizontal and vertical position, the two-dimensional correction amount data being obtained on a basis of the reference correction amount data, linearly proportional or nonlinearly proportional to level of the video signal to be corrected.
US07839448B2

When the mode is set to a pan focus mode, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention displays types of a shooting scene in an image display section 15 (S1), judges whether or not the user has designated the shooting scene (S2), acquires two focus positions corresponding to the thus designated shooting scene when it judges that the shooting scene is designated, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 to the thus acquired two focus positions (S3). Next, the imaging apparatus synthesizes image data picked up by the CCD 6 and the CCD 7, displays the thus synthesized image data as through image (S4), and acquires two focus positions corresponding to the lens position of the zoom lens every time a zoom operation is performed, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 (S5 to S8).
US07839442B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a solid-state image sensing device configured to change a bias voltage given to the photoelectric converting section at the time of resetting so that an operative condition of the photoelectric converting section after the resetting can be maintained a constant condition regardless of an amount of the incident light. To achieve the object, an MOS transistor T5 is provided. The drain of the MOS transistor T5 is connected with a gate and a drain of an MOS transistor T2 and the source of the MOS transistor T5configured to be applied a DC voltage VRS. Here, a signal Φ V is given, an MOS transistor T4is turned on, and image data is output. A signal Φ RS is given and the MOS transistor T5 is turned on. As a result, a gate voltage Vg of the MOS transistor T2 is maintained as a constant voltage value. Then, a reset operation for pixels is stared.
US07839438B2

A CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of active pixel rows and an optical black pixel row. The optical black pixel row is activated to generate a respective optical black signal upon activation of each of at least two of the active pixel rows. Such sharing of the optical black pixel row reduces the optical black area of the CMOS image sensor.
US07839434B2

Video data of a videoconference participant is generated and filtered versions of the video data are simultaneously displayed. One of the filtered versions is selected and transmitted to other videoconference participants.
US07839432B2

Integrated imaging and GPS network monitors remote object movement. Browser interface displays objects and detectors. Database stores object position movement. Cameras detect objects and generate image signal. Internet provides selectable connection between system controller and various cameras according to object positions.
US07839426B2

A time recorder includes a print head, a ribbon cassette swingably supported and having an ink ribbon applied with a different colors in a width direction, and a cam for swinging the ribbon cassette to change a position of the ink ribbon against the print head in the width direction of the ink ribbon and to change a color to be printed on time card, further comprising a first stopper and a second stopper for limiting a rotational range of the cam.
US07839416B2

A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface.
US07839410B1

One embodiment of the invention is a method for accessing and updating data in a buffer object during the execution of a shader program. The method includes loading a plurality of data portions in the buffer object, initiating a first execution of a shader program that accesses a first portion of data in the buffer object, receiving a request to update the first portion of data in the buffer object; updating a version of the first portion of data in the buffer object to reflect the update, initiating a second execution of a shader program that accesses the updated version of the first portion of data in the buffer object, wherein the second execution of the shader program occurs without waiting for the execution of the first shader program to complete.
US07839399B2

A system and method for volumetric display of video images extracted from arbitrary background environments comprising an arrangement for extracting a video image in real time from an arbitrary background and creating a stream of extracted image data in response thereto and a free space or volumetric display operationally adapted to display the stream.
US07839392B2

A sensing circuit is provided that senses an externally provided pressure on a panel, and includes a sensing capacitor, a first switching element, a second switching element and a third switching element; where the sensing capacitor includes a sensing electrode on the first substrate, the insulating layer and the opposite electrode; the sensing capacitor varies a capacitance based on the externally provided pressure; the first switching element is electrically connected to the sensing electrode to charge the sensing capacitor based on a first switching signal; the second switching element outputs a current based on a second switching signal and a first voltage; the third switching element is electrically connected to the sensing electrode to control the current based on the variation of the capacitance of the sensing capacitor to generate a sensing signal; and where a thickness is decreased, and an image display quality is improved.
US07839380B2

A method of displaying image data, which can mitigate a double-boundary problem and improve MPRT, includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of frame data of a pixel; correcting subframe data of two of the plurality frame data; and sequentially displaying each of the subframe data of the plurality frame data.
US07839377B2

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for driving a lamp of a liquid crystal display device that applies a scanning backlight driving to an external electrode fluorescent lamp.A lamp driving apparatus of a liquid crystal display device, including: a plurality of lamps irradiating light to a liquid crystal display panel and including external electrodes; a common electrode connected to the external electrodes that supply a tube current to the lamps; auxiliary electrodes that are movable; and an auxiliary electrode driving part sequentially connecting the auxiliary electrodes with and disconnecting the auxiliary electrode from the external electrodes in accordance with a scan direction of data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel.
US07839373B2

A display device which arranges a memory part for every display pixel is configured to prevent a charge from remaining in liquid crystal when a power source is turned off. Each display pixel includes a memory part for storing video data, a pixel electrode, and a switch part for selectively applying a first video voltage or a second video voltage different from the first video voltage to the pixel electrode corresponding to the video data stored in the memory part. The display device further includes a reset circuit for allowing the first video voltage and the second video voltage to have the same voltage when a power source of the display device is turned off.
US07839369B2

A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a plurality of pixels; a gray voltage generator generating a plurality of gray voltages; an image signal modifier that receives first, second, and third image signals for a pixel in three successive frames, generates a preliminary signal for the second image signal based on the first image signal, and generates a modified signal for the second image signal based on the preliminary signal and the third image signal; and a data driver converting the modified signal into a data voltage selected from the gray voltages and applying the data voltage to the pixel, wherein a range of the gray voltages is substantially equal to a range of target voltages for obtaining target luminance of the pixel, and a highest available value for the modified signal is equal to a highest available value of the image signals.
US07839366B2

The present invention relates to a display device that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit different-colored light, a plurality of driving transistors that supply driving currents to the light-emitting elements so that the light-emitting elements emit light, and a plurality of sense transistors that are exposed to the light-emitting elements and that generate a photocurrent on the basis of light emission of the light-emitting elements. The sense transistors corresponding to the light-emitting elements that emit light having different colors have different sizes from each other.
US07839360B2

Disclosed is a method of driving a plasma display panel and apparatus thereof enabling to minimize power consumption for driving the plasma display panel. 1. The present invention includes the steps of generating a reset discharge by supplying ramp waves so as to equalize cells in the plasma display panel in a reset period, supplying selected specific ones of the cells with a scan voltage pulse swinging between a lowest voltage levels of the reset discharge and a data pulse of a voltage level lowered as much as a negative voltage level of the scan voltage pulse, generating an address discharge by the scan voltage pulse and data pulse applied to the selected cells in an address period, and maintaining the address discharge for a sustain period.
US07839356B2

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.
US07839355B2

There is provided a display device for a vehicle having a seat. The display device includes an assembly housing adapted to mount at a rear portion of the seat. A receiver is adapted to receive at least one of video and audio signals from at least one external input device. At least one wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the receiver, is adapted to wirelessly transmit the audio signals to at least one wireless headphone set. The display device is adapted to reproduce the video signals. In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one wireless transmitter is adapted to transmit the audio signals based on Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology.
US07839347B2

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of antenna assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes at least one antenna element having a generally annular shape with an opening. At least one reflector element is spaced-apart from the antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna element.
US07839338B2

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for antenna designs for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described.
US07839332B2

A satellite time dynamic search method and a receiver implementing such a method are disclosed. In the present invention, a predetermined period of time is sampled into multiple time samples. The time samples are sieved according to a search result of a satellite selected from candidate satellites each time. By repeatedly doing so, the finally remaining time sample will approach a true satellite system time, and accordingly the candidate satellites converge to the most possible ones as to facilitate satellite search.
US07839330B2

Devices and methods are described for determining position information without broadcast ephemeris data for extended time periods. A client device is disclosed that stores satellite states determined from broadcast ephemeris and numerically integrates equations of motion with regard to the stored satellite states to determine current satellites states. The client device uses the current satellite states in conjunction with received satellite signals to determine where the satellite signals were received.
US07839316B2

A chopping transconductor includes an transconductor input stage coupled with input signals of the chopping transconductor; a chopping switch coupled with an output of the transconductor input stage, the chopping switch having a switch output; and a cascode transistor, wherein the switch output is coupled to an output of the chopping transconductor through the cascode transistor. The chopping transconductor may be used in an analog-to-digital converter to isolate chopping switches from junctions with quantization noise.
US07839315B2

A converter may include an input terminal to receive a first analog signal, a digital-to-analog converter to provide second analog signals related to digital values applied to the digital-to-analog converter, a comparator to receive the first and second analog signals, the comparator comprising a variable gain amplifier to provide an output signal based on a difference between the first and second analog signals, a state machine to receive the output signal of the comparator and generating the digital values applied to the digital-to-analog converter based on the output signal of the comparator, and a controller to selectively set the gain of the variable gain amplifier.
US07839312B2

A coder has a binarizing circuit (130) for converting multivalued data into a binary symbol sequence, the multivalued data being generated from an input signal and having a plurality of contexts, an arithmetic code amount approximating circuit (200) for calculating a prediction code amount in the predetermined coding unit from the binary symbol sequence, and a coding circuit (102) for coding the input signal arithmetically on the basis of the prediction code amount. The arithmetic code amount approximating circuit (200) includes a selector (230) for dividing the binary symbol sequence into a plurality of groups based on the contexts, a plurality of code amount approximating circuits (211-214) for calculating, from the binary symbol sequence divided into a plurality of groups, the prediction code amount of the group based on at least the section range in arithmetic coding, and an adder (231) for adding the prediction code amounts from all code amount approximating circuits and outputting the prediction code amount in the specified coding unit.
US07839300B2

An RFID reading system includes at least two readers and at least one RF tag. Each reader includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a CPU section to control transmission of the transmitter and reception of the receiver. Both readers receive a reply signal sent from an RF tag in response to a query wave sent from either one of the readers to the RF tag. The readers obtain tag information from the RF tag based on the received signals. To prevent interference therebetween, when one of the readers sends a query wave, transmission of a query wave from the other one thereof is stopped for a predetermined period of time. The information can be read without causing interference between the readers. There are obtained an RFID reading system, an RFID reading method, and RFID reader and a control program thereof, an RFID read control device and a control program thereof, and a computer-readable information recording medium storing the control programs.
US07839298B2

Control information is exchanged between a component and a remote control device or a server using RFID or using network discovery procedures. The control information if gathered by the server is provided to the remote. In this way, the need to manually program the remote with component code information is eliminated.
US07839297B2

The present invention relates to a remote controller for controlling playback of multimedia files. The remote controller includes a controller body and a receiver. By changing the inclination statuses of the controller body and pressing down the button on the external surface of the controller body, the user can remotely control playback of the multimedia files. The multimedia file playback remote controller of the present invention is small in size and thus convenient for storage.
US07839290B2

A safety device which emits sounds that guide rescuers to people trapped in collapsed structures.
US07839289B2

An RFID system and method utilizes the power level of messages received from an RFID device for monitoring and/or locating and/or tracking the RFID device, e.g., and typically an object associated with the RFID device. The power level of received messages may be indicated by power level information contained in the message, or by the strength of the received signal carrying the message, or by both. The RFID system and method may be employed to monitor a condition of an object, e.g., a closable container, as to whether it is and/or has been closed or not, including being tampered with. Messages received from the RFID device, as well as an indication of a condition, may be relayed to a remote location.
US07839279B2

An apparatus to provide an always-on monitor, alert, control, and share (MACS) device comprising a connection to receive intermittent updates from a real sensor device, the always-on virtual MACS device corresponding to the real sensor device, and a presentation layer to enable a user to interface with the always-on virtual MACS device, the always-on virtual MACS device providing data regardless of the status of the real sensor device.
US07839277B2

The present invention provides A monitoring system comprising a display device, an abnormality detection means for monitoring an object and when detecting an abnormality of the monitored object, outputting an abnormality signal, and a display control means for causing the display device to present an abnormality display, further comprising a latch means for retaining the output state resulting from receipt of an abnormality signal, thereby continuing to output a latch signal until reset, and a reset device for resetting the latch device, wherein the display control device determines in what manner the display device presents an abnormality display, depending on whether an abnormality signal and a latch signal are each transmitted or not.
US07839274B2

A tire risk judging device of a wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a pressure sensor detecting air pressure of a tire air chamber, an air pressure-generating device that can supply pressurized air to the tire air chamber, an electronic control unit, and an instrument panel display unit. The electronic control unit computes a supply airflow rate supplied from the air pressure-generating device to the tire air chamber between the present location and a specified location, computes a leakage airflow rate leaked from the tire air chamber between the present location and the specified location, computes air pressure in the specified location of the tire air chamber based on air pressure in the present location of the tire air chamber, the supply airflow rate, and the leakage airflow rate, and judges tire risk in the specified location based on the air pressure in the specified location of the tire air chamber.
US07839273B2

A vehicle tire communication and information system for viewing air psi and other characteristics that affects psi in a tire includes un-obstructive sensors embedded in a silicon substrate and etched in a re-enforced micro-fibered material to enable excellent detection platform, sensitivity, and selectivity within the detection environment. The embedded sensors facilitate detection and communication efficiency and transforms electrical energy into acoustic energy indicative of data transmission to a wireless electronic control module, allowing a nitride membrane to march the acoustic impedance of the air inside the tire to enable pressure waves indicative of the tire pressure.
US07839269B2

A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
US07839268B2

A method, system and program product for audio tonal monitoring of an alarm generated by a device in a network. The method includes mapping a severity level for an alert to be generated for a device in a network to at least one audio tone having a plurality of audible characteristics, generating an alert for the device when an error associated with the device is learned and sending to a monitoring system the alert generated, the alert containing data or information. The method further includes decrypting the alert received and formatting the alert received to add additional information and forwarding the formatted alert to an alert-to-audio cue manager. Further, the method includes mapping the alert forwarded to the audio tone having the plurality of audible characteristics, and playing the audio tone, such that the audio tone played audibly alerts a client of the alert generated by the device.
US07839251B2

Three-phase AC or two-phase DC choke arrangement of a frequency converter, in which is a magnetic core, in which are the phase-specific pillars of the AC choke arrangement or the branch-specific pillars of the DC choke arrangement (1a, 1b), around which are arranged the phase-specific windings of the AC choke arrangement or the branch-specific windings of the DC choke arrangement (Ldc1+, Ldc1−) to filter difference-mode currents, and in which an additional pillar (3) for damping common-mode currents is arranged in the magnetic core of the choke. The additional pillar (3) is arranged without the phase-specific or branch-specific windings fitted around it, in which case damping of the common-mode currents is achieved by means of the common-mode impedance formed by the windings arranged around the additional pillar and around the phase-specific or the branch-specific pillars.
US07839239B2

The invention relates to a MEMS resonator having at least one mode shape comprising: a substrate (2) having a surface (12), and a resonator structure (1), wherein the resonator structure (1) is part of the substrate (2), characterized in that the resonator structure (1) is defined by a first closed trench (3) and a second closed trench (3), the first trench (3) being located inside the second trench (3) so as to form a tube structure (1) inside the substrate (2), and the resonator structure (1) being released from the substrate (2) only in directions parallel to the surface (12). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a MEMS resonator.
US07839234B2

According to one exemplary embodiment, a switching module includes a first harmonic phase tuning filter coupled to a first input of an RF switch. The first harmonic phase tuning filter is configured to provide an output impedance that substantially matches an input impedance of the RF switch at approximately a fundamental frequency and to provide a high impedance at approximately a harmonic frequency generated by the RF switch. The first harmonic phase tuning filter includes an LC circuit coupled between input and output terminals of the first harmonic phase tuning filter and tuned to provide the high impedance at approximately the harmonic frequency generated by the RF switch. The RF switching module further includes a second harmonic phase tuning filter coupled to a second input of the RF switch. The first and second harmonic phase tuning filters can be fabricated on a single semiconductor die.
US07839233B2

A π-type voltage-controlled variable attenuator is disclosed. The variable attenuator may include variably resistive components in the series and shunt arms. The variably resistive components may be implemented as field effect transistors. The shunt arms may be coupled to the series arm, and the variable attenuator may lack capacitors between the series arm and shunt arms. The series arm and shunt arms may display variable resistances which, in combination, operate to provide a variable level of attenuation of an input signal. The variable attenuator may provide any level of attenuation of an input signal over a wide frequency range. The variable attenuator may be implemented as an integrated circuit.
US07839232B2

A broadband transmission line impedance transformer performs impedance transformation with improved frequency response and efficiency across a wide operational bandwidth. In particular, the bandwidth of a transmission line 2:1 impedance transformer may be significantly increased by adding an additional compensating capacitor as an internal component between interconnected transmission lines. This capacitor effectively improves low frequency response for a given length of transmission lines and decreases mismatch in an entire frequency range. The overall bandwidth ratio increases at least twice and mismatch decreases.
US07839227B2

An oscillating circuit includes an analog oscillation element. The oscillating circuit includes at least one analog-to-digital conversion device. A method is for operating an oscillating circuit, in which a mechanical oscillator oscillates at a natural frequency. The oscillation amplitude is measured and digitized. A digital control signal is generated from this with the aid of a digital amplitude controller. A driving signal is generated, in turn, from the digital control signal, the driving signal driving the mechanical oscillator with the aid of a drive unit. This control loop stabilizes the oscillation amplitude.
US07839226B2

A circuit includes a resonant tunneling device having first and second terminals, and biased to exhibit a negative resistance between the terminals, the terminals being coupled at spaced locations to a further section made of a material which has a plasma resonance tuned to a selected frequency. A different circuit includes a resonant tunneling structure with plural layers, including an outer layer coupled to a further layer made of a material which has a plasma resonance tuned to a selected frequency. Two circuit sections are respectively coupled to the resonant tunneling structure at spaced locations thereon. A bias is applied across the tunneling structure and further layer, and causes the tunneling structure to exhibit a negative resistance.
US07839220B2

In a circuit having a runaway detector coupled to a phase-locked loop (PLL), the PLL may include a loop filter to receive a control voltage within the PLL and provide a filtered control voltage and a voltage-controlled oscillator to receive the filtered control voltage and provide an output clock signal. The runaway detector may provide a control signal for adjusting the filtered control voltage in response to a predetermined PLL condition. The runaway detector may include a comparator to receive a first and second input voltages, where the second input voltage is based on the output clock signal. When the predetermined PLL condition exists, the runaway detector may be active to adjust the filtered control voltage, thereby enabling the PLL to return to a lock condition.
US07839216B2

Designs and techniques associated with power amplifiers for amplifying RF signals to provide variable power amplification and improved linearity in various RF amplification circuits, including power amplifiers operated under the power back-off conditions.
US07839214B2

The present invention relates to a method for detecting signal nonlinear distortion magnitude, used for extracting and detecting the nonlinear distortion output by a radio frequency power amplifier, characterized in respectively extracting input signal and output signal, and performing square after matching the amplitudes and frequencies of the input signal and output signal respectively, obtaining respective low frequency components of the squared input signal and output signal, therefore, the carrier component of the signals can be filtered, and the low frequency components can characterize the distorted signal feature as well as facilitate handling. The present invention performs square after matching the input signal and output signal, extracts the low frequency component, and then the relativity with the frequency and bandwidth of the signal is low, therefore, the difficulty in detecting the distortion can be reduced greatly. In addition, the square is equivalent to amplify the distortion, which is favorable to improve the detection sensitivity of output distortion.
US07839209B2

A tunnel transistor includes source diffusion (4) of opposite conductivity type to a drain diffusion (6) so that a depletion layer is formed between source and drain diffusions in a lower doped region (8). An insulated gate (16) controls the position and thickness of the depletion layer. The device includes a quantum well formed in accumulation layer (20) which is made of a different material to the lower layer (2) and cap layer (22).
US07839204B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a voltage detector configured to detect a voltage level of an external power supply voltage, a first core voltage generation driver configured to operate when the external power supply voltage is in a high level region and a second core voltage generation driver configured to operate when the external power supply voltage is in a low level region.
US07839200B2

Semiconductor device and data outputting method of the same includes an on die thermal sensor (ODTS) configured to output temperature information by detecting an internal temperature of the semiconductor device and an output driver configured to control a slew rate depending on the temperature information and output data.
US07839188B2

A circuit for clearing complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) information of a CMOS chip of a computer includes a resistor and an electronic switch. The electronic switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is connected to a standby power supply of the computer. The second terminal is connected to a software reset pin of the CMOS chip. The third terminal is connected to a dual power supply of the computer via the resistor, and is connected to a hardware reset pin of the computer. The standby power supply is provided, and the first electronic switch is turned on before the computer is booted up. The software reset pin may be triggered to clear CMOS information of the CMOS chip upon the condition that the hardware reset pin is triggered.
US07839184B2

A current driver system and method for generating one or more independent current signals for controlling or driving an external device. In one embodiment the system includes a programmable controller having both serial and parallel interfaces, and controls six independent current driver channels. Each current driver channel may form a dual stage channel that generates two different level current signals. Each current driver channel may include an overcurrent monitoring circuit as well as a loop back subsystem, where the loop back subsystem generates a signal that the programmable controller, and thus an external device in communication with the controller, can use to verify that proper communication is occurring between the controller and the current driver channel. The controller also synchronizes the turn on and turn off points for each current signal to a master system clock.
US07839166B2

Some embodiments provide an integrated circuit that includes several groups of circuits, each group of circuits includes a set of configurable logic circuits. The integrated circuit has at least one direct connection, without any intervening interconnect circuits, that connects an output of a configurable logic circuit in one group of circuits to another circuit in another group of circuits that does not neighbor the first group of circuits and that is not aligned with the first group of circuits. In some embodiments, the direct connection has intervening buffer circuits, but no other intervening circuits.
US07839162B2

Some embodiments provide a configurable integrated circuit (IC) comprising multiple deskew circuits for delaying data passage. Each of the deskew circuits comprises a stepwise delay circuit with multiple outputs and an input selection circuit with multiple inputs. Multiple outputs connect to multiple inputs. In some embodiments the configurable IC is a subcycle reconfigurable IC. In some such embodiments each of the deskew circuits further includes a space-time load control circuit for commanding the stepwise delay circuit to load during a selected subcycle. In some embodiments the multiple deskew circuits send data to trigger circuit. In some such embodiments the trigger circuit triggers a trace buffer to stop recording a data stream. In some such embodiments the trigger circuit triggers the trace buffer to stop after a programmable delay.
US07839157B2

Embodiments may include a method and an apparatus for inducing degradation through temperature cycling of a solder joint or a component on a surface mount printed wiring board (SMPWB) coupon. The coupon may include alternating layers of dielectric material and conductive material stacked one upon another and a heating trace mounted on a surface of the SMPWB or between layers of dielectric material. A first value indicative of a temperature of the heating trace may be determined based on a measured electrical resistance of the heating trace. A difference between the first value and a second value indicative of a desired temperature of the heating trace may be determined. A particular current and a particular voltage may be applied to the heating trace based on the determined difference between the first value and the second value.
US07839155B2

Methods and apparatus for analyzing an integrated circuit are disclosed. An example method includes supplying power to an on-chip supply power regulator of integrated circuit, instructing the on-chip supply power regulator to output a circuit supply signal having a desired minimum voltage level for the integrated circuit, instructing the integrated circuit to initiate an on-chip self-test process, analyzing the results of the on-chip self-test process, and repeating the process after stepping down the voltage of the circuit supply signal level.
US07839141B2

A method of biasing a magneto resistive sensor element includes providing at least one magneto resistive sensor element having a magnetic sensitivity along a first axis that is parallel to a plane of the at least one sensor element. A magnet is positioned adjacent to the at least one sensor element for biasing the at least one sensor element, wherein the magnet has a magnetization that is non-perpendicular to the plane of the at least one sensor element, and wherein the magnetization includes a component parallel to the plane of the at least one sensor element that increases a sensitive range of the at least one sensor element along the first axis.
US07839140B2

A position detector arrangement for detecting a position of a packaging material with magnetic marking comprises a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of magnetic sensor units each comprising an output providing an output signal. The magnetic sensor units are arranged in at least two sensor unit pairs, with the sensor units of each pair arranged with opposite sensitivity directions, and with the sensor units arranged to sense magnetic markings of the packaging material. A signal processing assembly is connected to the outputs of the magnetic sensors and comprises a combiner arranged to aggregate the output signals of the sensors to an aggregated signal; and a detector arranged to determine the position of the packaging material from the aggregated signal. Further, a method for detecting a position of a packaging material with magnetic markings is disclosed.
US07839139B2

An electronic device testing apparatus for conducting a test by pressing input/output terminals of an IC to be tested against sockets (50), comprising a pusher (30) provided at least with a pusher base (34) provided to be able to approach and separate with respect to said sockets (50), a lead pusher base (35) fixed to said pusher base (34), a pusher block (31) for pressing against said sockets (50) by contacting said IC to be tested from an opposite face of said socket (50), a load base (32) attached with the pusher block (31), and two springs (36, 38) for giving an elastic force in the direction of pressing the IC to be tested to the pusher block (31) via the load base (32), wherein the load base (32) and the springs (36, 38) are sandwiched with the lead pusher base (35) and the pusher base (34), and the pusher block (31) is detachably attached to the load base (32) via an opening portion provided to the pusher base (34).
US07839137B2

A distributed RF/microwave power detector for detecting the power of a signal is provided. The distributed RF/microwave power detector includes a power detector on or at least partially embedded in a single substrate. The distributed RF/microwave power detector includes a detection unit that has a distributed amplifier for amplifying the signal and outputting an amplified signal, and a detector for detecting the power of the amplified signal. The distributed RF/microwave power detector further includes at least one additional detection unit cascaded with the first. The additional detection unit includes an additional distributed amplifier for amplifying the amplified signal and outputting a further amplified signal, as well as an additional detector for detecting a power of the further amplified signal. The distributed RF/microwave power detector also includes a multiplexer for multiplexing outputs of the detector and at least one additional detector, each having a dynamic range different from the other.
US07839128B2

In a bidirectional power supply device, a DC-DC converter is connected such that the longer an ON time of the first switch becomes, the higher a voltage of a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal becomes. When stopping the supply of power from a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal to a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal, a control circuit turns OFF a third switch, and then operates a switching signal generation circuit so that the ON time of the first switch becomes a maximum. The switching signal generation circuit is operated so that the ON time of the first switch becomes a maximum with the third switch turned OFF in start-up when supplying power from the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal to the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal.
US07839127B2

A power supply circuit for a motherboard includes an input/output (I/O) controller, a power circuit providing a working voltage for the I/O controller, and a first resistor. The I/O controller includes an I/O controller voltage pin and an I/O controller case open detection (COPEN) pin. The power circuit includes an input, a first output, a second output, and a GND pin. The input of the power circuit is connected to a standby power supply; and the first output of the power circuit is connected to the I/O controller voltage pin. The second output of the power circuit is connected to the I/O controller COPEN pin via the first resistor; and the GND pin of the power circuit is grounded.
US07839123B1

The battery apparatus introduced here provides a tool for reliably measuring the run time to empty of a battery used in a network storage server for protection of data during a failure mode. The battery run time to empty can be determined by a management controller based on battery information generated by a controller and received at the management controller. The information received at the management controller includes run time to empty, voltage, current and current battery capacity.
US07839122B2

There is provided a charging apparatus that, even when an AC adapter is connected and there is heavy load, makes it possible to reduce heat produced due to the power loss of a control transistor, reduce cost and area for implementation, and improve safety. Charging apparatus 100 has: P-channel MOS transistors M1 and M2 that control charging current; current detecting resistance Rs that is connected to current output terminals of P-channel MOS transistors M1 and M2 and detects the charging current; switch 130 that is arranged on a path that bypasses current detecting resistance Rs; and load 300 that receives power supply from battery 200 without involving current detecting resistance Rs when switch 130 is closed. Current difference amplifier 120 amplifies the detected voltage of current detecting resistance Rs, comparator 160 compares the output voltage of current difference amplifier 129 with the reference voltage, and thereby, when current flowing into battery 200 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, switch 130 is closed and current detecting resistance Rs is short-circuited.
US07839120B2

A portable electrical device requiring periodic recharging mates with a corresponding charging device by dropping or placing the portable device on or in the charger without pre-alignment by the user. The charger-to-device interface self aligns the portable electrical device in the charger for charging. Preferably, the charger is a bowl-shaped cradle. The portable device sinks to the bottom of the bowl using the force of gravity and thus aligns the contacts for recharging. Optional magnets may provide additional force to guide alignment.
US07839119B2

A charging device for a portable phone is provided which is capable of achieving its improved usability by making the device small-sized, improving its portability, and enabling instant telephone speech even in a state in which a battery of the portable phone has been exhausted. The charging device for a portable phone for charging a rechargeable battery housed in a portable phone includes the first charging section to charge the rechargeable battery housed in the portable phone and the second charging section to charge the lithium-ion battery built in the first charging section in which the first and second charging sections are connected so as to be freely detachable and attachable from or to each other and can be disconnected from each other.
US07839117B2

A method of controlling a multiple battery system in a vehicle electrical system is provided. The method steps include polling an at least one sensor in the multiple battery system monitoring the multiple battery system for an at least one reading and detecting an abnormal reading from said at least one sensor. And then communicating the results of said detection step to an operator or a Network Operations Center switching, upon a command from the operator, the Network Operations Center or a controller switching an at least one switch from a first of an at least two operating positions engaging a main battery to a second of an at least two operating positions engaging an at least one auxiliary battery. The system then confirms the operation of the vehicle electrical system and engages either the main battery or the auxiliary battery, but not both, to operate the vehicle electrical system.
US07839116B2

In a power supply device of the invention, when the state of charge SOC1 of a low-voltage battery is lower than a discharging reference value Shi1 below a full charge level and when the state of charge SOC2 of a high-voltage battery is not lower than a discharging reference value Slow2 at a system-off time, the low-voltage battery is charged close to its full charge level with the electric power supplied from the high-voltage battery. The lead acid battery used for the low-voltage battery has the high potential for deterioration in the continuously low state of charge SOC. The lithium secondary battery used for the high-voltage battery has the high potential for deterioration in the continuously high state of charge SOC. The charge of the low-voltage battery in combination with the discharge of the high-voltage battery enables both the low-voltage battery and the high-voltage battery to have respective favorable states of charge with little potentials for deterioration. The technique of the invention thus effectively prevents quick deterioration of both the low-voltage battery and the high-voltage battery.
US07839114B2

It is determined which of six continuous sections having different magnitude correlation of signal amplitude of each phase of an input three-phase signal a section is. Predetermined subtraction is performed between respective phases in the section, to obtain a normalized amplitude value normalized in the section, using the subtraction result. The normalized amplitude value is converted to a vector phase for one cycle based on a predetermined phase and output corresponding to the determined section.
US07839111B2

A stepper motor apparatus controls a stepper motor by taking a maximum response speed and maximum response acceleration of the stepper motor into account.
US07839103B1

A driver for a motor in a device includes a reference generator to generate a reference value. A clock management module receives a plurality of clock signals. Each clock signal has a corresponding frequency that is different relative to the corresponding frequency of another clock signal. A clock management module selects a different clock signal of the plurality of clock signals for output from the clock management module at different times during operation of the device. A ramp generating module generates a ramp signal in accordance with the corresponding frequency associated with the selected clock signal. A first pulse width modulation module receives the reference signal and the ramp signal. The first pulse width modulation module outputs a first pulse width modulation driver signal for driving the motor based on the reference signal and the ramp signal.
US07839101B2

A method and system for a control scheme for linear induction machines. The control scheme includes a maximum energy conversion ratio and a maximum acceleration and deceleration for linear induction machines.
US07839099B2

In one embodiment, an LED control circuit is configured control a current through an LED responsively to a value that is proportional to a control signal for values of the control signal that are less than a threshold value of the control signal and to control the current to a value that is proportional to the threshold value for values of the control signal that are greater than the threshold value.
US07839096B2

A lamp driving apparatus includes a change rate calculating section, a dimming transforming section and a power supplying section. The change rate calculating section calculates a change rate signal from an image signal corresponding to the image. The dimming transforming section outputs a digital dimming signal and an analog dimming signal, in response to a dimming signal provided from an external device and the change rate signal. The power supplying section provides the lamp with power, in response to a vertical synchronizing signal, the analog dimming signal and the digital dimming signal. Thus, although an instantaneous lamp current is increased, life and characteristics of the lamp will not be adversely influenced, and motion blur of a moving image may be removed.
US07839095B2

An incandescent lamp includes a lamp voltage conversion circuit within the lamp and connected to a lamp terminal, where the voltage conversion circuit converts a first line voltage at the lamp terminal to a second RMS load voltage usable by a light emitting element of the lamp. The voltage conversion circuit includes a triac phase-controlled dimming circuit, which in turn includes a voltage controlled resistor (VCR) that varies a resistance in the phase-controlled dimming circuit as the first voltage varies so as to maintain the second voltage substantially constant. The VCR may be a junction field effect transistor VCR. The voltage conversion circuit may be an integrated circuit that is in the lamp base and connected between the lamp terminal and the light emitting element.
US07839071B2

The present invention relates to a vacuum container having a first substrate and a second substrate arranged so as to face each other as components including, within the low-pressure container, a spacer disposed at the first substrate or the second substrate so as to maintain an interval between the first substrate and the second substrate. The spacer is fixed within the vacuum container via a supporting member provided at the spacer without contacting the substrate where the spacer is disposed. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing vacuum container, an image display apparatus using the vacuum container, and a method for manufacturing the image display apparatus.
US07839069B2

The orientation of fluorescent lamps is detected in a manufacturing method for a direct backlight unit that alternates orientations of adjacent fluorescent lamps. In a preparation step of the manufacturing method for the backlight unit of the present invention, a plurality of fluorescent lamps are prepared. In each of the fluorescent lamps, a length (a1) from a first sealed portion of a glass bulb (26) to a non-phosphor layer (32) area is shorter than a length (a2) from a second sealed portion to a non-phosphor layer (32) area (a1
US07839066B2

A discharge lamp has an axis with an arc tube having a hollow body containing an axially aligned arc generating and sustaining medium. The lamp electrodes and hollow body are arrayed along the axis. A sealed shroud surrounds the arc tube. The shroud and arc tube form an arc tube assembly. An envelope surrounds the arc tube assembly, and includes a base portion with a cylindrical part. Electrical lead-ins extend through the base portion and mechanically and electrically connect to the electrodes. A strengthening member for preventing the arc tube assembly from axial displacement as a result of forces applied substantially normal to the axis is provided. The strengthening member comprises an elongated element having first and second ends. The first end is formed to substantially engage the arc tube assembly, near an upper end, and the second end is formed to substantially engage the base portion.
US07839065B2

A plasma jet spark plug and a manufacturing method therefor are disclosed. In a state in which a noble-metal chip having a flange-like outwardly projecting portion is disposed in a communication section of a ground electrode, an electrode base metal of the ground electrode is disposed in a stepped engagement portion of a metallic shell, which retains an insulator therein. While being pressed against a front end portion of the insulator, the noble-metal chip is joined to the electrode base metal, whereby a clearance between the ground electrode (electrode base metal) and the front end portion of the insulator can be closed. Therefore, energy of plasma generated within the cavity does not leak.
US07839063B2

To provide a display panel having such a structure that a color filter is unlikely to suffer damage due to a heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere in the fabrication process for display device. A display panel (anode panel AP) includes a fluorescent region formed on a substrate, and an electrode (anode electrode), formed on the fluorescent region, wherein electrons emitted from an electron source penetrate the electrode and collide with the fluorescent region to allow the fluorescent region to emit light to obtain a desired image, wherein a color filter and a color filter protective film are formed in this order from the side of the substrate between the substrate and the fluorescent region.
US07839062B2

An integrated multi-layer apparatus and method of producing the same is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an LED, a beam shaping layer, and a refracting layer between the beam shaping layer from the LED. The refracting layer may have an index of refraction lower than the index of refraction of the LED and the beam shaping layer.
US07839058B1

In one embodiment a device comprises a composite structure that includes a piezoelectric flexure and a length-constraining element. The length-constraining element provides the piezoelectric flexure with a bowed shape. The piezoelectric flexure has a first stable bowed position and a second stable bowed position. The length-constraining element is one from the group consisting of a planar sheet and a columnar rod. In another embodiment a device comprises a piezoelectric flexure having a bowl shape. The piezoelectric flexure has a first stable bowl-shaped position and a second stable bowl-shaped position.
US07839055B2

Conductive polymer films are respectively connected to fixed frames via a link member, and an electrolyte holding layer is placed so as to be made in contact with the conductive polymer films. The fixed frames are regulated by the link member.
US07839052B2

A sensing membrane applied to a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a body, a stress releasing structure and a connecting portion. The stress releasing structure for releasing a membrane residual stress surrounds the body. The stress releasing structure has several first perforations and several second perforations. The first perforations are located between the body and the second perforations. The connecting portion connects the stress releasing structure and a substrate of the MEMS device.
US07839050B2

A drive apparatus for an ultrasonic motor is provided wherein a diphase alternating drive signal having a predetermined phase difference and a predetermined drive frequency is applied to an ultrasonic vibrator equipped with a driver to be in contact with a driven member, such that longitudinal vibration and bending vibration are simultaneously generated in the ultrasonic vibrator to generate elliptical vibration, and drive force is obtained from the elliptical vibration to drive the driven member by the ultrasonic vibrator. The drive apparatus for the ultrasonic motor includes drive unit for generating the alternating drive signal and applying the alternating drive signal to the vibrator to drive the driven member, and burst drive unit for performing burst drive by applying, to the vibrator, a burst signal to inhibit residual vibration in the driven member after the driving of the driven member by the drive unit has been stopped.
US07839049B2

An electrical machine comprising a rotor and a stator is provided. The stator includes a plurality of stator tooth modules configured for radial magnetic flux flow. The stator tooth modules include at least one end plate, and the end plates have extensions for mounting onto a stator frame. The stator is concentrically disposed in relation to the rotor of the electrical machine.
US07839044B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a rotor magnet that is capable of adjusting attraction of magnet that is mounted in a spindle motor, a spindle motor including the same, a recording and reproducing apparatus, and a jig for manufacturing the same, with a simple configuration. A rotor magnet is an approximately annular member that is attached to a rotor hub rotating around a shaft forming a part of a spindle motor. The rotor magnet is magnetized such that magnetization properties of axially top and bottom surfaces of the rotor magnet are different from each other.
US07839039B2

A rotary shaft of a rotor including a magnet with a plurality of magnetic poles arranged at equal intervals on an outer circumference is supported at both ends by bearings. By externally fitting the inner ring of one bearing to the rotary shaft and holding it to be immovable in an axial direction and loosely fitting the outer ring of the bearing into the support hole and positioning it with belleville springs which are in contact resiliently with both sides, the rotary shaft and the rotor are supported so that they are movable in an axial direction within a movement amount of not greater than 2 mm according to a movement of the bearing caused against spring forces of the belleville springs.
US07839035B2

A power-driven rolling and receiving apparatus includes a housing, a DC brushless motor, a deceleration unit, a motor linker, a control and driving unit, and a first brake unit. The DC brushless motor, the deceleration unit, the motor linker, the control and driving unit and the first brake unit are received in the housing. Two ends of the motor linker are respectively connected with the deceleration unit and the DC brushless motor. The controlling and driving unit is connected with the DC brushless motor. The first brake is located in the controlling and driving unit. Thereby, the dimension of the power-driven rolling and receiving apparatus is smaller, its weight is lighter, its temperature is low and its operation noise is also low.
US07839034B2

The present invention provides an electricity generator for a lighting tower having a plurality of discharge lamps, each lamp being of power greater than 750 W, the generator being arranged to be driven by an engine, the generator being a multiphase generator having n phases, where n is an even integer, each phase being independent in a magnetic circuit that is common to all of the phases and being configured to power one lamp, the generator comprising a rotor with permanent magnets, having 3 n poles, and a stator concentric with the rotor and subjected to the radial magnetic flux from the magnets, the stator comprising a stack of laminations of silicon iron having a silicon content greater than 0.5% and of individual thickness greater than 0.35 mm, defining 4 n magnetic circuit teeth, with every other tooth carrying a winding.
US07839026B2

A power discharge control system for eliminating residual voltage of electronic components in an electronic device, is proposed, which includes a control IC for outputting first electrical signals of a first level and a second level respectively corresponding to power on and power off of the electronic device; a power supply for receiving the first electrical signal, and providing or terminating operation power to the electronic component accordingly, and delaying outputting of a second electrical signal equivalent to the first electrical signal level; a logic judgment module connected to the control IC and the power supply for receiving the first and the second electrical signals for executing logic operation process, when at least one of the first and the second electrical signals is at the first level, a third electrical signal of a third level is outputted, when both the first and the second electrical signals are at the second level, a third electrical signal of a fourth level is outputted; and at least a discharge module for receiving the third electrical signal, when the third electrical signal is at the third level, the discharge process is skipped, when the third electrical signal is at the fourth level, the discharge process is executed.
US07839025B2

In some embodiments, a power extractor operates in a manner to obtain more power transferred from the source to the load than typically is obtained without the power extractor. The power extractor may perform universal impedance matching as this is seen from either the power source or the load. This impedance matching allows the power source to provide an optimal amount of power transfer that is greater than would be able without the impedance matching. The power extractor transfers power between two nodes and may be operated so that the power transferred is dependent on continuously detected power changes, and the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are unregulated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07839020B2

An electric power supply system which, in the event of a power failure, is capable of efficiently supplying electric power to household electric appliances in cooperation of a vehicle, including a mechanism supplying electric power outside the vehicle, with a stationary fuel cell system and also includes an electric power supply system using a power converter for converting direct current powers from a vehicle fuel cell and a stationary fuel cell into alternating current powers. The electric power supply system is constructed by a vehicle fuel cell provided on a fuel cell vehicle, a stationary fuel cell provided in a stationary power supply system, and a power converter for converting direct current powers from the vehicle fuel cell and the stationary fuel cell into alternating current powers.
US07839015B2

The circuit arrangement has a power supply unit, a mains switch and a switching element, for example a relay, that bridges a first switching contact of the mains switch. A load is coupled to a control terminal of the switching element, so that when the control voltage is turned off for the purpose of opening the switching element, the load is simultaneously turned off. The circuit arrangement contains a microprocessor, in particular, which is supplied with an operating voltage by the power supply unit, and which is coupled to the control terminal of the switching element for control of the switching element. The load is a fan, for example, which is switched off in a delayed manner when the circuit arrangement is switched off by means of the mains switch.
US07839012B2

A device including an element for receiving an electrical signal comprising a high-frequency data signal component and a low-frequency power supply component. The electrical signal is conveyed in an electrical cable of an electrical installation. The device further includes impedance matching operative in a band of frequencies of the high-frequency signal component, the impedance matching being determined as a function of one or more characteristics of the electrical cable. Such a device can be integrated into a socket outlet or an electrical device or take the form of a socket adaptor.
US07838998B2

A mounting substrate for mounting a semiconductor chip in a flip chip manner, having a plurality of connection pads to which the semiconductor chip is connected, an insulating pattern formed so as to cover a part of the connection pads, and a plurality of dummy patterns for controlling a flow of an underfill infiltrated below the semiconductor chip, characterized in that the plurality of dummy patterns are arranged in staggered lattice shape.
US07838990B2

A semiconductor package includes a base substrate on which semiconductor elements are disposed; a covering member which is provided to the base substrate, which covers the semiconductor elements, and which includes an opening at an end thereof at the side of the base substrate; and a connector substrate which is provided on the base substrate in a manner that the connector substrate closes the opening, which includes a first high-frequency signal line in an area located inside the covering member for a first surface, and which includes a second high-frequency signal line on a second surface being a surface on the opposite side of the first surface, the second high-frequency signal line being electrically connected to the first high-frequency signal line; wherein the base substrate is formed in a manner that the base substrate is located away from the second high-frequency signal line.
US07838988B1

A thermal management configuration for a flip chip semiconductor device is disclosed. The device includes a high power silicon based die having a metal bonding surface. A plurality of interconnects are formed on the metal surface and connected to a substrate. A plurality of thermal management stud bumps are formed on the metal bonding surface, the thermal management stud bumps positioned distinct from the interconnects and local to die hot spots, exposed ends of the thermal management stud bumps spaced from the substrate.
US07838986B2

An illumination device includes at least one solid-state light source, a thermoelectric cooler, a heat dissipation device and a first metal film. The thermoelectric cooler has a cold end and a hot end, and the cold end thermally contacts the solid-state light source. The heat dissipation device thermally contacts the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler. The first metal film is formed on the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler and is sandwiched between the heat dissipation device and the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler.
US07838984B2

An adhesive tape 101 electrically connecting conductive components includes a resin layer 132 containing a thermosetting resin, a solder powder 103 and a curing agent. The solder powder 103 and the curing agent reside in the resin layer 132, the curing temperature T1 of the resin layer 132 and the melting point T2 of the solder powder 103 satisfy T1≧T2+20° C., wherein the resin layer 132 shows a melt viscosity of 50 Pa·s or above and 5000 Pa·s or below, at the melting point T2 of the solder powder 103.
US07838983B2

The present invention connects a first wiring portion located at one side of a substrate and a second wiring portion located at the other side. A side electrode connected to the first wiring portion is formed, and the second wiring portion is formed on an insulating layer formed on the substrate. An exposed end of the second wiring portion formed when singulated into individual semiconductor package and the side electrode are wired by ink jet system using nano metal particles. Particularly, when copper is used, the wiring by the ink jet system is performed by the reduction of a metal surface oxidation film and/or removal of organic matters by atomic hydrogen.
US07838979B2

A stacked semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing the same. The stacked semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip module having two or more semiconductor chips which are stacked in the shape of steps. Each of the semiconductor chips includes pads located on an upper surface thereof and an inclined side surface connected with the upper surface. Connection patterns are formed in the shape of lines on the inclined side surfaces and the upper surfaces of the semiconductor chips to electrically connect pads of the semiconductor chips.
US07838977B2

This invention discloses an electronic package for containing a vertical semiconductor chip that includes a laminated board having a via connector and conductive traces distributed on multiple layers of the laminated board connected to the via connector. The semiconductor chip having at least one electrode connected to the conductive traces for electrically connected to the conductive traces at a different layer on the laminated board and the via connector dissipating heat generated from the vertical semiconductor. A ball grid array (BGA) connected to the via connector functioning as contact at a bottom surface of the package for mounting on electrical terminals disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein the laminated board having a thermal expansion coefficient in substantially a same range the PCB whereby the BGA having a reliable electrical contact with the electrical terminals.
US07838966B2

A semiconductor device may include a resistance pattern including a resistance material on a substrate. The resistance pattern may include first and second spaced apart base elements, a bridge element, and first, second, third, and fourth extension elements. The first and second base elements may be substantially parallel, and the bridge element may be connected between respective center portions of the first and second spaced apart base elements. The first and second extension elements may be connected to opposite ends of the first base element and may extend toward the second base element, and the third and fourth extension elements may be connected to opposite ends of the second base element and may extend toward the first base element. Related methods are also discussed.
US07838961B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having trenches extending thereinto. A trench type insulating film fills the trenches. The trench type insulating film includes a first and second insulating film and is laminated in a portion of the trenches.
US07838958B2

Disclosed are embodiments of a semiconductor chip structure and a method that incorporate a localized, on-chip, repair scheme for devices that exhibit performance degradation as a result of negative bias temperature instability (NBTI). The repair scheme utilizes a heating element above each device. The heating element is configured so that it can receive transmission line pulses and, thereby generate enough heat to raise the adjacent device to a temperature sufficient to allow for performance recovery. Specifically, high temperatures (e.g., between approximately 300-400° C. or greater) in the absence of bias can accelerate the recovery process to a matter of seconds as opposed to days or months. The heating element can be activated, for example, on demand, according to a pre-set service schedule, and/or in response to feedback from a device performance monitor.
US07838957B2

A semiconductor device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a region. A transfer transistor transfers an electrical charge of the photoelectric conversion elements. An amplifying transistor reads out the electrical charge. A reset transistor resets a gate electrical voltage of the amplifying transistor to a predetermined voltage. A plurality of wiring layers include at least a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer stacked on the first wiring layer. Each wiring layer includes at least one wiring, and is arranged over the region. The wirings of the first and second layers define an aperture of the photoelectric conversion elements.
US07838948B2

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a first field effect transistor including a first source contact region, a first drain contact region and a first plurality of fins overlying a substrate, a first gate overlying the first plurality of fins, the first source contact region coupled to first ends of the first plurality of fins, and a second field effect transistor including a second source contact region, a second drain contact region, and a second plurality of fins overlying the substrate, a second gate overlying the second plurality of fins, and an interconnection contact region overlying the substrate, electrically coupling the first drain contact region and the second source contact region and abutting the first and the second pluralities of fins.
US07838941B2

Disclosed is an electrostatic discharge protection device that has a low trigger voltage and protects an internal circuit from electrostatic discharge. The ESD protection device includes an NMOS transistor in which a first pad and a drain are connected to each other and a second pad and a source are connected to each other. A capacitor in which an end is connected to the first pad and the other end is connected to a gate of the NMOS transistor and a substrate contact of the NMOS transistor. The ESD protection devices also includes a resistor in which an end is connected to the second pad and the other end is connected to the capacitor. The first pad may be a power pad and the second pad may be a ground pad. Alternately, the first pad may be an input/output pad and the second pad may be a ground pad.
US07838937B1

Circuits including a laterally diffused output driver transistor and a distinct device configured to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for the laterally diffused output driver transistor are presented. In general, the device configured to provide ESD protection includes a drain extended metal oxide semiconductor transistor (DEMOS) transistor configured to breakdown at a lower voltage than a breakdown voltage of the laterally diffused output driver transistor. The laterally diffused output driver transistor may be a pull-down or a pull-up output driver transistor. The device also includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) configured to inject charge within a semiconductor layer of the circuit upon breakdown of the DEMOS transistor. Moreover, the device includes a region configured to collect the charge injected from the SCR and further includes an ohmic contact region configured to at least partially affect the holding voltage of the SCR.
US07838933B2

A method of depositing elongated nanostructures that allows accurate positioning and orientation is described. The method involves printing or otherwise depositing elongated nanostructures in a carrier solution. The deposited droplets are also elongated, usually by patterning the surface upon which the droplets are deposited. As the droplet evaporates, the fluid flow within the droplets is controlled such that the nanostructures are deposited either at the edge of the elongated droplet or the center of the elongated droplet. The described deposition technique has particular application in forming the active region of a transistor.
US07838930B1

An insulated-gate field-effect transistor (500, 510, 530, or 540) has a hypoabrupt step-change vertical dopant profile below one (104 or 564) of its source/drain zones for reducing the parasitic capacitance along the pn junction between that source/drain zone and adjoining body material (108 or 568). In particular, the concentration of semiconductor dopant which defines the conductivity type of the body material largely undergoes a step increase by at least a factor of 10 in moving from that source/drain zone down to an underlying body-material location no more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than that source/drain zone.
US07838929B2

A semiconductor device having a recessed active edge is provided. The semiconductor devices include an isolation layer disposed in a substrate to define an active region. A gate electrode is disposed to cross over the active region. A source region and a drain region are disposed in the active region on both sides of the gate electrode. A recessed region is disposed under the gate electrode and on an edge of the active region adjacent to the isolation layer. A bottom of the recessed region may be sloped down toward the isolation layer. The gate electrode may further extend into and fill the recessed region. That is, a gate extension may be disposed in the recessed region. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided.
US07838927B2

A process manufactures a multi-drain power electronic device on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and includes: forming a first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type on the substrate, forming a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type on the first semiconductor layer, forming, in the second semiconductor layer, a first plurality of implanted regions of the first conductivity type using a first implant dose, forming, above the second semiconductor layer, a superficial semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, forming in the surface semiconductor layer body regions of the second conductivity type, thermally diffusing the implanted regions to form a plurality of electrically continuous implanted column regions along the second semiconductor layer, the plurality of implanted column regions delimiting a plurality of column regions of the second conductivity type aligned with the body regions.
US07838926B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a first base region of a first conductivity type provided in the semiconductor substrate; a buffer region of the first conductivity type provided on a lower surface of the first base region and having an impurity concentration higher than an impurity concentration of the first base region; an emitter region of a second conductivity type provided on a lower surface of the buffer region; a second base region of the second conductivity type selectively provided on an upper surface of the first base region; a diffusion region of the first conductivity type selectively provided on an upper surface of the second base region; a control electrode; a first main electrode; and a second main electrode. A junction interface between the buffer region and the first base region has a concave portion and a convex portion.
US07838924B2

An integrated circuit (25) formed at a semiconducting surface of a substrate including a common p-layer (38) includes functional circuitry (24) formed on the p-layer (38) including a plurality of terminals (IN, OUT, I/O) coupled to the functional circuitry (24). At least one ESD protection cell (30; in more detail 200) is connected to at least one of the plurality of terminals of the functional circuitry (24). The protection cell includes at least a first Nwell (37) formed in the p-layer (38), a p-doped diffusion (36) within the first Nwell (37) to form at least one Nwell diode comprising an anode (37) and a cathode (36). An NMOS transistor 200 is formed in or on the p-layer (38) comprising a n+ source (43), n+drain (44) and a channel region comprising a p-region (41) between the source and drain, and a gate electrode (45) on a gate dielectric (46) on the channel region. The terminal of the functional circuit (24, PAD) is coupled to the cathode (36) of the Nwell diode, and the anode (37) of the Nwell diode is connected in series with a path from the drain (44) to the source (43) of the NMOS transistor (200).
US07838923B2

A charge trapping memory cell is described, having pocket implants along the sides of the channel and having the same conductivity type as the channel, and which implants have a concentration of dopants higher than in the central region of the channel. This effectively disables the channel in the region of non-uniform charge trapping caused by a bird's beak or other anomaly in the charge trapping structure on the side of the channel. The pocket implant can be formed using a process compatible with standard shallow trench isolation processes.
US07838918B2

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes: a first interlayer insulation film disposed on a semiconductor substrate; a first plug disposed in a first hole in the first interlayer insulation film, and serving to electrically connect between a plurality of active regions disposed in the semiconductor substrate, between gate electrodes of a plurality of MOS transistors, or between the active region and the gate electrode of the MOS transistor, not through the wiring of the wiring layer; and a second plug disposed in a second hole in the first interlayer insulation film, the second plug being electrically connected to the active region, wherein a wiring arranged over the second plug and closest to the second plug is electrically connected to the second plug, and the wiring electrically connected to the second plug forms a portion of dual damascene structure. By such a structure, incidence efficiency of light onto a photoelectric conversion element can be improved.
US07838916B2

A thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a gate insulating layer for insulating the source electrode and the drain electrode from the gate electrode, wherein the gate insulating layer includes composite particles in which a hydrophobic compound is provided on the surfaces of insulating inorganic particles.
US07838914B2

The present invention miniaturizes a HEMT element used as a switching element in a radio frequency module. A single gate electrode 17 is formed in an active region defined by an element separation portion 9 on a main surface of a substrate 1 comprising GaAs. The gate electrode 17 is patterned so as to extend in the vertical direction of the page surface between source electrodes 13 and drain electrodes 14, and to extend in left and right directions at other portions. Thus, the ratio of the gate electrode 17 disposed outside the active region is reduced, and the area of a gate pad 17A is reduced.
US07838908B2

A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a PFET formed on the substrate, the PFET includes a SiGe layer disposed on the substrate, a high-K dielectric layer disposed on the SiGe layer, a first metallic layer disposed on the high-k dielectric layer, a first intermediate layer disposed on the first metallic layer, a second metallic layer disposed on the first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer disposed on the second metallic layer, and a third metallic layer disposed on the second intermediate layer; an NFET formed on the substrate, the NFET includes the high-k dielectric layer, the high-k dielectric layer being disposed on the substrate, the second intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer being disposed on the high-k dielectric layer, and the third metallic layer, the third metallic layer being disposed on the second intermediate layer. Alternatively, the first metallic layer is omitted. A method to fabricate the device includes providing SiO2 and alpha-silicon layers or a dBARC layer.
US07838902B2

A single-chip common-drain JFET device comprises a drain, two gates and two source arranged such that two common-drain JFETs are formed therewith. Due to the two JFETs merged within a single chip, no wire bonding connection is needed therebetween, thereby without parasitic inductance and resistance caused by bonding wire, and therefore improving the performance and reducing the package cost. The single-chip common-drain JFET device may be applied in buck converter, boost converter, inverting converter, switch, and two-step DC-to-DC converter to improve their performance and efficiency. Alternative single-chip common-drain JFET devices are also provided for current sense or proportional current generation.
US07838899B2

An integrated circuit package system is provided including providing a wafer including image sensor systems having interconnects connected thereto and encapsulating the image sensor systems and interconnects in a transparent encapsulant. The system includes removing a portion of the transparent encapsulant to expose portions of the interconnects and singulating the wafer to form image sensor devices including at least one of the image sensor systems and a number of the interconnects.
US07838895B2

AN LED chip package body provides an LED chip with a pad-installed surface, a plurality of pads disposed on the pad-installed surface and a rear surface formed opposite the pad-installed surface. The LED chip package body further has a light-reflecting coating disposed on the pad-installed surface of the LED chip and a plurality of pad-exposed holes for exposure of the corresponding pads of the LED chip. The LED chip package body further comprises a light-transparent element disposed on the rear surface of the LED chip and a plurality of conductive projecting blocks. Each of the conductive projecting blocks is disposed on the corresponding pad of the LED chip.
US07838894B2

An optical device has a photoelectric conversion layer that is formed of a tetrahedral bonded semiconductor, including germanium atoms as main components. A substrate has a lattice constant that is smaller than that of germanium. The plane direction of the substrate is a {111} face. A semiconductor lattice extends in the direction of a <111> axis vertical to the face of the substrate.
US07838893B2

A semiconductor optical device comprises a first conductive type semiconductor region, an active layer provided on the second semiconductor portion of the first conductive type semiconductor region, a second conductive type semiconductor region on the side and top of the active layer, the side of the second semiconductor portion, and the second region of the first semiconductor portion of the first conductive type semiconductor region, a potential adjusting semiconductor layer provided between the second semiconductor portion of the first conductive type semiconductor region and the active layer, and first and second distributed Bragg reflector portions between which the first conductive type semiconductor region, the active layer and the second conductive type semiconductor region is provided. Bandgap energies of the first conductive type semiconductor region and second conductive type semiconductor region are greater than that of the active layer. The second region of the first semiconductor portion of the first conductive type semiconductor region and the second conductive type semiconductor region constitute a pn junction. A bandgap energy of the potential adjusting semiconductor layer is different from bandgap energies of the first conductive type semiconductor region and the second conductive type semiconductor region.
US07838884B2

The present invention provides a display device which can prevent the deterioration of a transparent conductive film attributed to a cell reaction without pushing up a cost of a film forming device. The display device includes a first conductive layer which is formed of a transparent conductive film containing indium oxide as a main component, a conductive background layer which is formed on the first conductive layer, a second conductive layer which is formed of a film containing Al as a main component on the background layer, and a third conductive layer which is formed of the same material as the second conductive layer on the second conductive layer. On an interface between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer, positions of grain boundaries are arranged discontinuously. Further, the background layer is a film which contains any one of Mo, Ti and Ta as a main component. Still further, the third conductive layer is used as a reflective electrode.
US07838882B2

A TFT substrate comprises a substrate, a gate electrode and a lower electrode of a capacitor formed thereon, a first insulating layer formed thereon, a channel layer above the gate electrode and a lower layer of an upper electrode of the capacitor, a channel protection layer formed on an intermediate part of said channel layer and a capacitor protection layer formed on a connection region of the lower layer, source/drain electrodes formed on said channel layer and an upper layer of the upper electrode of the capacitor formed on the lower layer and covering the capacitor protection layer, a second insulating layer covering them, a first connection hole exposing the source electrode and a second connection hole exposing a connection region of said upper layer, which are penetrating the second insulating layer, and a pixel electrode formed thereon.
US07838868B2

Optoelectronic device modules, arrays optoelectronic device modules and methods for fabricating optoelectronic device modules are disclosed. The device modules are made using a starting substrate having an insulator layer sandwiched between a bottom electrode made of a flexible bulk conductor and a conductive back plane. An active layer is disposed between the bottom electrode and a transparent conducting layer. One or more electrical contacts between the transparent conducting layer and the back plane are formed through the transparent conducting layer, the active layer, the flexible bulk conductor and the insulating layer. The electrical contacts are electrically isolated from the active layer, the bottom electrode and the insulating layer.
US07838838B2

An imaging system is provided for radioimaging a region of interest (ROI) of a subject. The system includes a housing, a support structure, which is movably coupled to the housing, and at least one motor assembly, coupled to the housing and the support structure, and configured to move the support structure with respect to the housing. The system also includes at least two detector assemblies, fixed to the support structure, and comprising respective radiation detectors and angular orientators. A control unit drives the motor assembly to position the support structure in a plurality of positions with respect to the housing, and, while the support structure is positioned in each of the plurality of positions, drives the orientators to orient the respective detectors in a plurality of rotational orientations with respect to the ROI, and to detect radiation from the ROI at the rotational orientations. Other embodiments are also described.
US07838829B2

There is provided a charged particle beam device which can prevent a specimen from not being able to be observed due to entering of a part of a grid of a mesh in a field of view, each pixel of a scanning transmission electron microscope image is displayed on the basis of a gray value of a predetermined gradation scale. In the case where the number of pixels of a predetermined gray value is less than a predetermined percentage, it is decided that a mesh image is not included in the scanning transmission electron microscope image. In the case where the number of pixels of the predetermined gray value is not less than a predetermined percentage, it is judged that the mesh image is included in the scanning transmission electron microscope image. In the case where the mesh image is included in the scanning transmission electron microscope image, a magnification is increased, a specimen stage is moved, or beam deflection is performed, and when the mesh image is not anymore included in the scanning transmission electron microscope image, the predetermined gradation scale is converted to other gradation scale and a scanning transmission electron microscope image is obtained.
US07838822B2

In various embodiments the present teachings provide high-voltage, asymmetric-waveform power supplies useful for, e.g., differential mobility spectrometry. In various embodiments, provided are high-voltage, asymmetric-waveform power supplies for high-field asymmetric waveform ion mass spectrometers having field values greater than about 5,000 volts cm−1 and varying in time at rates greater than about 600 kilohertz (KHz).
US07838821B2

An ion mobility spectrometer instrument has a drift tube that is partitioned into a plurality of cascaded drift tube segments. A number of electric field activation sources may each be coupled to one or more of the plurality of drift tube segments. A control circuit is configured to control operation of the number of electric field activation sources in a manner that applies switched electric fields at a specified switching rate to the drift tube segments to thereby produce at the ion outlet only ions having a predefined ion mobility or range of ion mobilities.
US07838819B2

An apparatus of generating optical tweezers with momentum is provided for providing optical tweezers with a first momentum on a test piece. The apparatus comprises a laser source, a diffractive optical element (DOE) and a lens. The laser source is for outputting a laser beam. The DOE has a first phase-delay picture, and the laser beam forms a diffraction pattern after passing the first phase-delay picture. The lens is for receiving and focusing the diffraction pattern on the test piece to form the first optical tweezers with the first momentum. The lens has an optical axis intersecting the DOE at an optical intersection point, a geometric center of the phase-delay picture has a displacement vector relative to the optical intersection point and a direction of the first momentum is related to a direction of the displacement vector.
US07838818B2

The invention provides a light-stimulus illumination apparatus comprising a light source for emitting light-stimulus laser light; a scanning unit including at least one acousto-optic device for scanning the light-stimulus laser light emitted from the light source in a direction intersecting an optical axis; and a control unit for controlling the scanning unit. The control unit controls the scanning unit so that the light-stimulus laser light irradiates a plurality of spatially separated regions in a time-division manner.
US07838815B2

A rotary encoder capable of detecting a rotational movement of a rotator with high accuracy, and an apparatus and system for detecting the rotational movement of the rotator using the rotary encoder.
US07838795B2

The invention relates to a method of breaking a substrate of a brittle material, the method comprising the steps of providing a substrate (1) of a brittle material, heating the substrate with a laser beam (3) to create a heated spot on the substrate, moving the laser beam and the substrate with respect to each other to create a line of heated spots on the substrate (2), cooling the heated spots on the substrate by locally applying a cooling medium (4) behind the heated spots such that a micro-crack is propagated in the line of heated spots, and breaking the substrate along the line of the propagated micro-cracks by applying a mechanical force on the substrate wherein, the cooling medium comprises an aqueous surfactant solution. The surfactants will connect to the broken siloxane bonds inside the surface cracks. Then recombination and healing of the broken siloxane bonds will not occur and the required breaking load will remain constant over time.
US07838791B2

A metal coating removing apparatus (1) includes a first electrode (13) arranged so as to be opposed to a metal coating (101) as an object to be removed, a second electrode 14 arranged so as to be opposed to the metal coating (101) at a predetermined distance from the first electrode (13), and a pulse power generator (11), for example, that functions as a discharge energy supply portion. The pulse power generator (11) supplies discharge energy between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14) so as to allow discharging to occur between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14). By allowing discharging to occur between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14), the metal coating (101) can be removed.
US07838781B2

A method (51) for measuring the mass of an object such as a letter (10) in motion. An apparatus (12) for carrying out the present invention includes a pair of rollers (16, 18) through which a letter passes. One of the rollers (16) is driven by a motor (20) which has an associated encoder (22) to give motor positional information to a controller (24). In a method of the present invention the controller generates a ramping torque signal (44) which is provided to the motor. A friction correction curve (40) is generated and applied to the torque signal, and an average torque value (C) is determined. From the positional information provided by the encoder, acceleration (50) is derived and an inertia value is obtained by dividing the average torque (C) by the acceleration. Prior to obtaining an inertia value with a letter, an initial inertia value is obtained without a letter to get a base inertia. The base inertia is subtracted from the measured inertia with a letter to get a difference ΔI. The mass (M) of the letter is obtained using the formula ΔI=½Mr2, where r is the radius of the driven roller.
US07838778B1

A circuit board having a method therefor comprises a first circuit board layer comprising a first surface having disposed thereon a first plurality of lands arranged in three rows and comprising at least one group of the lands, wherein each group of the lands comprises first and second ones of the lands arranged in a first one of the rows, third, fourth, and fifth ones of the lands arranged in a second one of the rows, and sixth and seventh ones of the lands arranged in a third one of the rows, wherein the second one of the rows is adjacent to, and lies between, the first one of the rows and the third one of the rows; and respective traces extending from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ones of the lands between the sixth and seventh ones of the lands.
US07838772B2

An exemplary ramp structure capable of being positioned over at least a portion of a cable protection system comprises a center portion, a first side ramp portion adjacent a side of the center portion, and a first tapered portion adjacent an end of the first side ramp portion. The first tapered portion may be tapered in both a first direction and a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The first tapered portion may be integrally formed with the first side ramp portion and the first side ramp portion may be integrally formed with the center portion. An exemplary cable protection system is also disclosed comprising a first cable protector structured to receive one or more cables, a first side ramp adjacent a side of the first cable protector, and a first tapered structure pivotally attachable to an end of the first side ramp.
US07838756B2

An audio playback device having a function for adjusting a playback speed, and a method thereof includes, in the audio playback device, stored audio data is decoded and converted into an audio stream in a PCM format, and the audio stream is divided into a high frequency band and a low frequency band at cut-off frequency. The audio stream of the high frequency band is signal-processed using an overlap add (OLA) algorithm, and the audio stream of the low frequency band is down-sampled and signal-processed using a synchronized overlap and add (SOLA) algorithm. Accordingly, calculation time of the stream processor 130 is minimized so that a TSM function is efficiently implemented.
US07838753B2

An electronic high-hat circuitry system allows the drummer to manually choose the sounds that an electronic high-hat makes when the drummer's foot is off of the pedal and the high-hat instrument is struck. When the pedal is at or near the top of its travel, a primary circuitry switch disables normal foot-controlled positioning circuitry and enables a secondary circuit that sends a manually selected positioning signal to a drum module. When the pedal is again pressed down, the primary circuitry switch returns control to the primary, pedal controlled circuit. An optional tertiary circuit allows for the choosing of a different sound when the secondary circuit is activated and the high-hat cymbal is tilted, and is used primarily for accent notes. A control panel is used by the drummer to select the desired high-hat sounds of the secondary and tertiary circuits.
US07838751B2

A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.
US07838746B1

A novel maize variety designated X0753A and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X0753A with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X0753A through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X0753A, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X0753A. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X0753A and to the maize varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US07838742B2

The present invention provides pepper plants having edible fruit with altered vitamin content, specifically fruit comprising an elevated content of vitamin E, further comprising at least one of an elevated content of pro-vitamin A, an elevated content of vitamin C and combinations thereof. The concentration of vitamin E is at least 5 mg/100 g fresh weight, and the plants are selected to be lacking molecular markers linked to undesirable traits.
US07838740B1

According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS29001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS29001, to the plants of soybean RJS29001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS29001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS29001 with another soybean plant, using RJS29001 as either the male or the female parent.
US07838738B1

According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB38AB09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB38AB09, to the plants of soybean XB38AB09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB38AB09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB38AB09 with another soybean plant, using XB38AB09 as either the male or the female parent.
US07838723B1

The invention relates to absorbent structures for use in absorbent articles. The structures include a first region for distribution of fluid and a second region for storage of fluid. The first region contains materials, with a relatively high capillary desorption pressure, while the second region contains materials exhibiting a sufficiently high capillary absorption pressure efficiently drain the first region. Exemplary materials have a CSDH 50 of more than 40 cm, and a second region containing a material which satisfies at least one of following requirements: (a) an absorption capacity of at least 15 g/g at 35 cm (b) an absorption capacity of at least 15 g/g at 0 cm and an absorption efficiency of at least 55% at 40 cm; and (c) a Capillary Sorption Absorption height at 50% of its capacity at 0 cm absorption height (CSAH 50) of at least 35 cm.
US07838718B2

The disclosed two-component device includes a first component comprising a first adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more first connecting members, produced separately from the first adhesive-backed anchoring member. The first connecting member is attached to the first adhesive-backed anchoring member, extending from One edge thereof in a first direction. Also disclosed is a second component comprising a second adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more second connecting members, produced separately from the second adhesive-backed anchoring member. The second component is attached to the second adhesive-backed anchoring member, extending from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Adhesive for attaching the one or more first connecting members to the second anchoring member and adhesive for attaching the one or more second connecting members to the first anchoring member is provided. Methods of use are also disclosed.
US07838717B2

A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for an external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.
US07838707B2

The present disclosure relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a ruthenium-promoted cobalt-based catalyst.
US07838705B2

A process for preparing cyclododecanone by reacting cyclododecene with dinitrogen monoxide, comprising in particular steps (I) and (II): (I) preparing cyclododecene by partially hydrogenating cyclododecatriene; (II) reacting cyclododecene obtained in (I) with dinitrogen monoxide to obtain cyclododecanone.
US07838677B2

The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for cyclizing a β,γ-bicyclic ketone compound to form a nordihydrothebainone product using the Grewe cyclization reaction is improved by forming a reaction mixture comprising a β,γ-bicyclic ketone compound, a cyclizing acid and a water scavenging cyclization additive. In one embodiment, the Grewe transformation occurs in the presence of an acid anhydride as the cyclization additive. Further, the present invention is directed to processes for converting α,β-bicyclic ketone compounds (e.g., by-products of the Grewe cyclization reaction) to β,γ-bicyclic ketone compounds, wherein the β,γ-bicyclic ketone compounds may be recovered to further undergo Grewe cyclization and form the nordihydrothebainone product.
US07838674B2

The present invention describes tetracyclic compounds of formula (IA) or (IB), wherein the symbols R, X, A, Y, R2, R3 and D are as defined in the specification, their use in the treatment of certain diseases, e.g. depending on MK-2 or TNF activity, and ways of manufacturing them.
US07838673B2

The present invention provides novel compounds useful as proteasome inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various diseases.
US07838672B2

The use of fused ring-1,2,4-benzotriazine derivatives as herbicides or plant growth regulators for the control of undesired plants or vegetation, compounds and compositions thereof, and processes for their preparation.The invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein A-W, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined in the description, as herbicides or plant growth regulators for the control of undesired plants or vegetation, to compounds and compositions thereof, and to processes for their preparation.
US07838670B2

A naphthalocyanine compound of formula (I): wherein R111, R121, R131 and R141 represent a group of formula (II); R112, R122, R132 and R142 represent a substituent; M1 represents two hydrogen atoms, two monovalent metal atoms, etc.; n112, n122, n132 and n142 are 0 to 4; R211-R218 represent H or a substituent; X211 and X212 represent —O—, —S— or —N(R220)—; R219 and R220 represent H, an aliphatic group, etc.; n211 is 2 or more; and n212 is 1 or more.
US07838669B2

A compound of the following formula (I): wherein L11, L21, L31 and L41 represent a divalent group; Q11, Q21, Q31 and Q41 represent a non-metallic atomic group necessary for forming a hetero ring; R12, R22, R32 and R42 represent a substituent; n11, n12, n21, n22, n31, n32, n41 and n42 indicate an integer of from 0 to 6; provided that (n11+n21+n31+n41) is not 0; M1 represents two hydrogen atoms, two monovalent metal atoms, a divalent metal atom, or a divalent substituted metal atom including a trivalent or tetravalent metal atom.
US07838668B2

The present application discloses a method for crystallizing sucralose, which comprises using a mixed solvent, which comprises two solvents with different boiling points, wherein the solvent with lower boiling point has higher solubility to sucralose than the solvent with higher boiling point. The method of the present invention has the advantages of low cost, high yield, mild processing conditions, stable quality, simple apparatuses and so on.
US07838661B2

In Caenorhabditis elegans, lin-4 and let-7 enclode 22- and 21-nucleotide RNAs, respectively, that function as key regulators of developmental timing. Because the appearance of these short RNAs is regulated during development, they are also referred to as “small temporal RNAs” (stRNAs). We show that many more 21- and 22-nt expressed RNAs, termed microRNAs, (miRNAs), exist in invertebrates and vertebrates, and that some of these novel RNAs, similar to let-7 stRAN, are also highly conserved. This suggests that sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by small RNAs are more general than previously appreciated.
US07838654B2

The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules isolated from Zea mays and Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants.
US07838651B2

The present invention relates to fatty acid desaturases and elongases able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (LA) to γ-linolenic acid (GLA); α-linoleic acid (ALA) to stearidonic acid (STA); GLA to dihomo-γ-linoleic acid (DGLA); STA to eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA); DGLA to ETA; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); and arachidonic acid (ARA) to EPA. Nucleic acid sequences encoding codon-optimized desaturases and elongases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the codon-optimized desaturase or elongases, and recombinant host microorganisms expressing increased levels of desaturase or elongase are described.
US07838650B2

The present invention is directed to promoter sequences and promoter control elements, polynucleotide constructs comprising the promoters and control elements, and methods of identifying the promoters, control elements, or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the present promoters or promoter control elements to modulate transcript levels.
US07838646B2

The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. The mutations include duplication of exons including duplication of exons 6b through 10. Methods of identifying if an individual contains the exons 6b through 10 duplication are provided as well as nucleic acid fragments that contain the junction site of the duplicated segment. The detection of additional mutations in the CFTR gene are also provided.
US07838643B2

The present invention relates to novel quaternized polymers, especially of chitin/chitosan type, and to carbohydrate polymers carrying quaternized ammonium groups, especially piperazinium groups. Such polymers are characterized i.a. by improved solubility characteristics.
US07838637B2

The present invention relates to a single-chain, multiple antigen-binding molecule with diverse variable domains of a heavy and of a light chain of an immunoglobulin, which are connected in the form of a VH-VL construct, which are in turn connected together via a peptide, and to the preparation and use thereof as pharmaceutical or diagnostic aid.
US07838634B2

The invention includes a high-through-put method of screening for a biomarker indicative of a disease, including the identification of a glycan alteration in a protein of a diseased patient. Further, the invention includes methods utilizing a microarray to measure the glycan level of a protein.
US07838631B2

The present invention provides a method of separating lipoproteins other than high density lipoproteins from a biological fluid. The method can quickly measure HDL cholesterol with a simple configuration and without the need of providing additional complicated devices. In this method, high density lipoproteins not generating any precipitate are fractionated from low density lipoproteins, very-low density lipoproteins, and chylomicrons generating precipitates. Then the precipitates are removed not by centrifugal separation based on the conventional technology, but by filtration using a filter to separate high density lipoproteins in blood serum. A hydrophilic cellulose-mixed ester is preferable as a material for the filter, and the pore diameter is 0.8 μm or below. When the filtering method is employed, it is possible to eliminate the complicated operations required in the conventional centrifugal separation, and to shorten the time it takes for separation of the high density lipoproteins.
US07838630B2

The invention provides composition and methods for repairing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
US07838628B2

A resin recycling system that produces essentially contaminant-free synthetic resin material in an environmentally safe and economical manner. The system includes receiving the resin in container form. A grinder grinds the containers into resin particles. The particles are exposed to a solvent in one or more solvent wash vessels, the solvent contacting the resin particles and substantially removing contaminants on the resin particles. A separator is used to separate the resin particles and the solvent. The resin particles are then placed in solvent removing element where they are exposed to a solvent removing agent which removes any residual solvent remaining on the resin particles after separation.
US07838621B2

The present invention relates to a supramolecular polymer comprising quadruple hydrogen bonding units within the polymer backbone, wherein at least a monomer comprising a 4H-unit is incorporated in the polymer backbone via at least two reactive groups up to four reactive groups, provided that the 4H-units are not covalently incorporated in the polymer backbone through one or more silicon-carbon bonds. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such supramolecular polymers and their use in personal care applications, surface coatings, imaging technologies, biomedical applications, (thermo)reversible coatings, adhesive and sealing compositions and as thickening agents, gelling agents and binders.
US07838620B2

Described are thermoformed films or sheets comprising polyester compositions comprising polyesters which comprise (a) a dicarboxylicacidcomponent having terephthalic acid or an ester thereof; optionally, an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or esters thereof; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
US07838615B2

A siloxane resin having the formula: (HSiO3/2)a(RSiO3/2)b(SiO4/2)c where R is Z, Z(CH2)n or ZO(CH2)n where Z is a phenyl or substituted phenyl group; n has a value of 1 to 6, a has value of 0.01 to 0.7, b has a value of 0.05 to 0.7, c has a value of 0.1 to 0.9 and a+b+c≈1. The siloxane resins are useful in anti-reflective coating compositions.
US07838608B2

The invention provides a fluorinated surfactant having the general formula: [Rf—(O)t—CHF—(CF2)n—COO—]iXi+  (I) wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group optionally interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, t is 0 or 1 and n is 0 or 1, Xi+ represents a cation having a valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3. The surfactant can be used in emulsion polymerization of fluoromonomers to prepare fluoropolymers.
US07838607B2

Process for preparing an antistatic for olefin polymerization by contacting an antistatically acting compound comprising at least one hydrogen atom bound to a nonmetallic heteroatom with at least one metal alkyl in an amount which is sufficient to react completely with the at least one hydrogen atom bound to a heteroatom, wherein the antistatically acting compound and the metal alkyl are each present in a concentration of at least 0.01% by weight during contacting.
US07838604B2

Disclosed is a new method and compositions from the method consisting of block copolycarbonate/phosphonates that exhibit an excellent combination of flame resistance, hydrolytic stability, high Tg, low melt viscosity, low color and high toughness. Also disclosed are polymer mixtures or blends comprised of these block copolycarbonate/phosphonate compositions and commodity and engineering plastics and articles produced therefrom. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these materials, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, adhesives and fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof.
US07838598B2

A composition to be used for the manufacture of transparent, gelfree films, comprising: a) at least 65 wt % of a styrenic block copolymer, having a molecular structure according to the formula S—(I/B)—S (1) or [S—(I/B)]n X (2), wherein each S independently is a polymer block of predominantly styrene and (I/B) is a substantially random polymer block of predominantly isoprene and butadiene, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and wherein X is the residue of a coupling agent, wherein said styrenic block copolymer having a poly(styrene) content in the range of from 28 to 31% by weight, having poly(styrene) blocks S of a true molecular weight in the range of from 10,000 to 15,000, having a true molecular weight of the complete block copolymer in the range of from 110,000 to 160,000 and wherein the diblock S—(I/B) optionally occurs in a content of at most 20 mol %, b) from 5 to 25 wt % of a second thermoplastic resin, c) from 1 to 10 wt % of a plasticizing oil, the sum of the percentages of the components a, b and c being 100%, and all weight percentages being relative to the weight of the complete composition and extruded or cast or blown mono- or multi-layer films prepared from them.
US07838597B2

A fluid loss additive for hydraulic cement, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol resin and a fluid loss ameliorating sulfonic acid-functionalized co-resin, where the polyvinyl alcohol has a characteristic viscosity in the range of about 1 to about 25 cps. The invention includes, in some embodiments, an aqueous concentrate of the PVOH resin and the sulfonic acid-functionalized co-resin, where the total resin content is in the range of about 10% to about 40% and the viscosity is less than 15,000 cps. By way of the invention it is possible to adjust hydraulic cement slurry characteristics in real time upon demand and reduce inventory by providing a concentrated aqueous fluid loss additive.
US07838594B2

Aromatic sulfonimide ionene compositions useful as monomers for polymers in electrochemical cells are prepared.
US07838586B2

By further incorporating a reductant into a composition including an oxyalkylene polymer prepared by polymerization in the presence of a cobalt-containing double metal cyanide complex catalyst; and an acrylic polymer prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of a mercapto group-containing compound, a resin composition in which excessive coloration is prevented and that is suitably used for an adhesive or the like is prepared.
US07838580B2

The invention relates to salts of alkyl esters of carboxyethyl(alkyl)phosphinic acid, where the salts have the formula (I) R1—P(═O)(OX)—CH2—CH2—CO2R2 in which R1 and R2 are identical or different and, independently of one another, are C1-C20-alkyl, C2-C20-alkenyl, C1-C20-alkynyl, and/or C6-C20-aralkyl, and X is an alkali metal, an element of the second main and transition group, an element of the third main and transition group, an element of the fourth main and transition group, an element of the fifth main and transition group, an element of the sixth main group, an element of the seventh transition group, or an element of the eighth transition group, and also to processes for their preparation, and to their use.
US07838573B2

Improved compositions comprising a mixture of gutta-percha and a hydraulic material containing calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate compounds are provided. Preferably, the composition includes hydroxylapatite mineral. The composition is particularly suitable for obturating and sealing dental root canals. The composition should provide a stable barrier to bacterial and fluid leakage in the root canal system of a tooth. In addition, the composition should help promote the growth of new bone and tissue surrounding the root tip area.
US07838569B2

The present invention relates to a method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation. The superabsorbent polymer particles for use in the method of the present invention have a relatively high degree of neutralization. Bronsted acids are selectively applied onto the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles to selectively facilitate a relatively high number of protonated carboxyl groups at the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles while the relatively high degree of neutralization in the core of the superabsorbent polymer particles remains substantially unaffected.
US07838562B2

Agonist of vascular endothelial sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors are described. Compounds such as FTY720 can be phosphorylated by sphingosine kinase-2 into the phosphorylated forms which serve as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists. The vascular endothelial sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists are employed in methods of treating a mammal for vascular permeability disorders and unwanted vascular endothelial cell apoptosis, and for the growth of new blood vessels. The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists can be used for the manufacture of a medicament for treating vascular permeability disorders and unwanted vascular endothelial cell apoptosis, and for the growth of new blood vessels.
US07838561B2

A method for treating or preventing cardiac hypertrophy in a mammal, comprising manipulating levels of RBP, retinoids, or an affiliated signaling and regulatory pathway in the mammal. Preferably, the method comprises reducing or inhibiting the level of RBP or retinoids or their signaling pathway, or an affiliated signaling pathway, via a dietary, genetic, protein-based, or pharmacologic approach, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical composition suitable for the method.
US07838559B2

The present invention provides a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising as essential active ingredients a neuronal sodium channel antagonist in combination with one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of pyrethroids, pyrethroid-type compounds, recombinant nucleopolyhedroviruses capable of expressing an insect toxin, organophosphates, carbamates, formamidines, macrocyclic lactones, amidinohydrazones, GABA antagonists and acetylcholine receptor ligands. Also provided are methods for synergistic insect control and crop protection.
US07838555B2

The present invention relates to the treatment of acne vulgaris in a subject by administering to the subject an ingenane of the formula wherein R24-R26 are herein defined.
US07838544B2

The present invention relates to inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compounds of the invention can be useful in the treatment of various diseases associated with expression or activity of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1.
US07838539B2

The present invention features methods for recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., endothelial cell precursors, hematopoietic stem cells) by administration of nicotine or other nicotine receptor agonist. The methods of the invention can be used in, for example, treatment of conditions amenable to treatment by recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., neutropenia).
US07838534B2

Quinuclidine derivative of the general formula (I) in the form of single enantiomers or mixtures thereof are useful in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and therapy of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, cough and emphysema wherein: R1 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, I and (C1-C4)-alkyl; R2 is optionally substituted 2- or 3-thienyl, or substituted phenyl; R3 is (CH2)1-4—COR4 or (CH2)1-4—S(O)nR4, wherein R4 is optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted 2- or 3-thienyl; n is 0, 1 or 2; X− is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.
US07838532B2

Disclosed herein are formulations of fluoroquinolones suitable for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials for the treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections. In particular, inhaled levofloxacin specifically formulated and delivered for bacterial infections of the lungs is described. Methods include inhalation protocols and manufacturing procedures for production and use of the compositions described.
US07838530B2

The invention concerns quinazoline derivatives of Formula (I), wherein each of R1a, R1b, R2, R3 and a have any of the meanings defined in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antiproliferative agent in the prevention or treatment of tumours which are sensitive to inhibition of erbB receptor tyrosine kinases.
US07838529B2

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 is a phenylcarbonylmethyl group wherein the phenyl moiety is substituted by R10 and R11 and R2 to R4 and R10 and R1l are defined as in the claims, or the prodrugs or salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of treating type II diabetes mellitus and obesity using these compounds.
US07838520B2

The invention relates to the inhibition of histone deacetylase. The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymatic activity. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions.
US07838519B2

Ansamycin analogs, including maytansinoid analogs, and their use in treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions, and in particular, for use as antitumor agents.
US07838517B2

The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US07838515B2

Muscle relaxant formulations which include one or more quaternary ammonium neuromuscular blocking agents have a reduced tendency for hydrolytic degradation, and therefore a longer shelf life stability, when combined with one or more organic anions having at least six carbon atoms and having a pKa of less than 4.0 (preferably ranging from 0.5 to 3.5). Particularly good results are achieved when using acids of very low solubility in water, such as gentisic acid which is less than 1% soluble at room temperature.
US07838502B2

The present invention discloses novel signaling pathways controlling the pathogenesis of the human respiratory bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae. The lipooligosaccharide-phosphorylycholine (LOS-PC) cell surface epitope of H. influenzae enhances pathogenesis but also increases bacterial susceptibility to innate and adaptive immunity and the administration of therapeutic compounds. Modulation of the LOS-PC epitope may be affected by an interaction between environmental conditions (i.e., for example, oxygen tension) and genetic regulation of precursor biosynthetic pathway activity. LOS-PC epitope display increases under microaerobic conditions and decreases under aerobic conditions. This is consisent with a bacteria's propensity to initiate pathogensis under low oxygen conditions. Pathogenesis may be prevented by disrupting the role of the putative H. influenzae homologue of CsrA, that downregulates galU expression. Disrupting CsrA repression of galU expression resulted in increased LOS-PC epitope display.
US07838489B2

Methods for treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising methotrexate and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.
US07838488B2

The present invention a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of a compound of formula: wherein R is absent, hydrogen or methyl; R1, R2, and R3 are independently hydrogen or methyl; and the broken lines represent independently single or double bonds, with the proviso that when R1, R2, and R3 are hydrogen, R is methyl.
US07838480B2

A process is disclosed for the manufacture of a personal washing bar having an artisan crafted appearance that has one or more inclusions emanating from its surface. The process involves forming a billet of an extruded cleansing base; placing one or more inclusion masses on the surface of this billet; and stamping the inclusion bearing billet in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the inclusion mass is placed so as to embed the inclusion mass in and fuse it with the extruded cleansing base to form a personal washing bar having one or more visually distinct surface inclusions substantially continuous with the continuous phase at the surface of the bar.
US07838477B2

The present disclosure generally relates to cleansing products for cleansing the skin and hair. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to liquid cleansing compositions that have a sufficient viscosity to maintain particles suspended in the cleanser, but that may also be used with suitable dispensers, such as pump foam dispensers, to generate foam.
US07838475B2

A composition is disclosed which comprises an aryl perfluoropolyether, optionally a halogenated oil, and further optionally a thickening agent. The composition can be used as a lubricant itself or as an additive to an oil or grease lubricant and can withstand temperatures higher than 300° C. without decomposition. The halogenated oil can be a perfluoropolyether, a fluorosilicone, a polytrifluorochloroethylene, or combinations of two or more thereof. The thickening agent can be finely divided silica, boron nitride, clay, soap, poly(tetrafluoroethylene), clay, talc, silica, titanium dioxide, polydimethylsiloxane, polyurea, polyurethane, or combinations of two or more thereof.
US07838473B2

A lubricating oil composition of TBN 8-9 having up to 0.3 wt. % sulfur, up to 0.08 wt. % phosphorus, and a sulfated ash content up to 0.80 wt. %, comprising an overbased magnesium-containing lubricating oil detergent, and 2.5 to 4 wt. % of a nitrogen-containing ashless dispersant.
US07838468B2

A clayish subterranean formation, such as may be encountered in rock surrounding a well bore during hydrocarbon recovery operations may be stabilized with relatively high molecular weight acid ammonium salts of an imide of polymaleic anhydride. The salts may be unneutralized or partially neutralized. The invention is particularly relevant to hydraulic fracturing fluids used in enhanced oil recovery. The compositions herein are made in the presence of a reactive solvent, such as a polyalkylene glycol, e.g. polyethylene glycol. The compositions of this invention are more environmentally friendly than some current technology.
US07838467B2

Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with oil-based muds (OBMs). The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced. In another optional embodiment, the single phase microemulsion may contain a filtration control additive for delaying the filter cake removal, destruction or conversion.
US07838466B2

This invention provides method and apparatus for performing chemical and biochemical reactions in solution using in situ generated photo-products as reagent or co-reagent. In particular, the present invention provides methods and devices for selectively converting photogenerated reagent precursors to photogenerated reagents comprising a substrate comprising at least one solid surface containing a plurality of isolated reaction sites; and an optical system operably linked to the substrate comprising a light source and a computer-controlled spatial optical modulator to form an irradiation pattern, wherein the irradiation pattern selectively irradiates a plurality of reaction sites without use of a photolithographic mask. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications in parallel synthesis of molecular sequence arrays on solid surfaces.
US07838459B2

The present invention is related to single and/or multiple-wall carbon nanotubes which may contain interstitial metals obtainable by a preparation process, comprising a catalytic step using a catalytic system, said catalytic system comprising a catalyst and a support, said support comprising hydroxides and/or carbonates or mixtures thereof with or without metal oxides. The present invention is also related to carbon fibers obtainable by said preparation process. The present invention also pertains in particular to said catalytic system and to said preparation process. Another aspect concerns the use of the nanotubes and of the catalytic system according to the invention.
US07838458B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a highly dispersed supported platinum catalyst, which comprises the step of adding a reducing agent to a mixture of a platinum precursor and a carbon support, wherein the reducing agent is prepared by mixing ethylene glycol and sodium borohydride.
US07838454B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the continuous countercurrent desorption of targeted materials including metals, non-metals and inorganic and/or organic compounds of thereof, wherein the desorption method is divided to the two modes namely: (I) desorption and (II) re-absorption. The desorption of the target material from the loaded resin using the fresh desorbent takes place in mode (I). According to mode (I) loaded resin moves upwardly in a chamber. According to mode (II) impurities are desorbed from resin and targeted material in solution can be re-absorbed. The resin moves downwardly in another chamber during mode (II). Concentrated eluates, which are suitable for the direct economical recovery of chemical elements and/or compounds thereof, can be produced using the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention includes desorption and re-absorption zones that are configured using a “pipe-in-pipe” construction or a U-shape construction.
US07838450B2

An optical glass having a refractive index (nd) within a range from 141 to 1.47 and an Abbe number (νd) within a range from 90 to 100 comprises in mass % on element basis: P 0.1-5.0% Al 1.0-20.0% F30.0-60.0% and O 1.0-20.0% and comprises, as an essential component, one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba. In this optical glass, the ratio (Si+B+P+Al)/F is within a range from 0.15 to 0.40.
US07838449B2

A dryer sheet substrate is provided having improved loft and reduced fuzz wherein the substrate comprises relatively low denier bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers may comprise two or more polymers having different melting temperatures, with the relatively lower melting temperature polymer making up at least a portion of the outer surface of the fiber. Upon heating to a sufficient temperature, the lower melting temperature fibers may soften and melt, providing bonding at crossover points of the fibers in the laid web. The web indicates advantageous characteristics with respect to thickness (loft), fuzz factor and ability to absorb a fabric treating composition.
US07838443B2

The invention concerns a method for minimizing “corner” effects in shallow silicon oxide trenches, by densifying the silicon oxide layer after it has been deposited in the trenches. Said densification is preferably carried out by irradiating the layer under luminous radiation with weak wavelength.
US07838440B2

The present invention related to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. More particularly, this method describes how to manufacture a semiconductor device having a porous, low dielectric constant layer formed between metal lines, comprising an insulation layer enveloping fillers.
US07838439B2

A stacked film has an insulating film containing hafnium formed above a silicon layer and a polysilicon layer formed on the insulating film. The stacked film is heated in an atmosphere containing oxygen and nitrogen and having the total pressure approximately equal to a partial pressure of the nitrogen.
US07838431B2

Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate may include providing a substrate having at least one of a defect or a contaminant disposed on or near a surface of the substrate; and selectively annealing a portion of the substrate with a laser beam in the presence of a process gas comprising hydrogen. The laser beam may be moved over the substrate or continuously, or in a stepwise fashion. The laser beam may be applied in a continuous wave or pulsed mode. The process gas may further comprise an inert gas, such as, at least one of helium, argon, or nitrogen. A layer of material may be subsequently deposited atop the annealed substrate.
US07838429B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that method comprises forming a thin film resistor by a process that includes depositing a resistive material layer on a semiconductor substrate. The process also includes depositing an insulating layer on the resistive material layer, and performing a first dry etch process on the insulating layer to form an insulative body. The process further includes performing a second dry etch process on the resistive material layer to form a resistive body. The resistive body and the insulative body have substantially identical perimeters.
US07838415B2

A method of fabricating a dual damascene structure is described. A dielectric layer and a metal hard mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate having thereon a conductive layer and a liner layer. The metal hard mask layer and the dielectric layer are patterned to form a via hole exposing a portion of the liner layer. A gap-filling layer is filled in the via hole, having a height of ¼ to ½ of the depth of the via hole. A trench is formed in the metal hard mask layer and the dielectric layer. The gap-filling layer is removed to expose the portion of the liner layer, which is then removed. A metal layer is formed filling in the via hole and the trench, and then the metal hard mask layer is removed.
US07838410B2

A method of electrically connecting an element to wiring includes the steps of forming a conductive fixing member precursor layer at least on wiring provided on a base; and arranging an element having a connecting portion on the wiring such that the connecting portion contacts the conductive fixing member precursor layer, and then heating the conductive fixing member precursor layer to form a conductive fixing member latter, thereby fixing the connecting portion of the element to the wiring, with the conductive fixing member layer therebetween, wherein the conductive fixing member precursor layer is composed of a solution-tape conductive material.
US07838405B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a bulb-type recessed channel including: forming a trench that defines an active region including a channel region having a sidewall and a junction region in a semiconductor substrate; forming a device isolation layer that buries the trench, and forming a sidewall pattern that covers the sidewall of the channel region; forming a bulb-type trench by overlapping with the channel region in the semiconductor substrate, and forming a bottom protrusion having a predetermined space parted from the device isolation layer by removing the sidewall pattern; and forming a gate stack that overlaps with the bulb-type trench and the bottom protrusion.
US07838404B2

A nonvolatile semiconductor memory fabrication method including forming a first insulating film and a floating gate electrode material on a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate insulating film and a floating gate electrode by etching the first insulating film and the floating gate electrode material, respectively, and forming a groove for an element isolation region by etching the semiconductor substrate; and forming an element region and the element isolation region by burying a second insulating film in the groove and planarizing the second insulating film.
US07838403B1

Techniques for fabricating a photovoltaic device having a chalcopyrite absorber layer, such as a copper indium gallium selenide/sulfide (CIGSS) absorber layer, are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A precursor solution of metal chalcogenide dissolved in hydrazine or a hydrazine-like solvent is formed. Spray pyrolysis in an inert environment is used to deposit the precursor solution onto a substrate to form a metal chalcogenide layer on the substrate. A buffer layer is formed adjacent to a side of the metal chalcogenide layer opposite the substrate. A transparent conductive contact is formed adjacent to a side of the buffer layer opposite the metal chalcogenide layer.
US07838402B2

A method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus having a resist pattern provided over a substrate provided with a thin film transistor, the method includes the steps of forming by application a resist film over the substrate in the state of covering the thin film transistor, forming a resist pattern by subjecting the resist film to exposure to light and a developing treatment, and irradiating the resist pattern with at least one of ultraviolet light and visible light in a dry atmosphere in the condition where a channel part of the thin film transistor is prevented from being irradiated with light having a wavelength of shorter than 260 nm, wherein a step of heat curing the resist pattern is conducted after the irradiation with at least one of ultraviolet light and visible light.
US07838383B2

Method (200) and apparatus (30, 50-53) are described for MOS capacitors (MOS CAPs). The apparatus (30, 50-53) comprises a substrate (31) having Ohmically coupled N and P semiconductor regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) covered by a dielectric (35, 57, 95). A conductive electrode (36, 58, 96) overlies the dielectric (35, 57, 95) above these N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94). Use of the Ohmically coupled N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) substantially reduces the variation (40, 64, 70, 80) of capacitance with applied voltage associated with ordinary MOS CAPs. When these N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) have unequal doping, the capacitance variation (40, 64, 70, 80) may still be substantially compensated by adjusting the properties of the dielectric (57, 95) above the N and P regions (54, 56; 92, 94) and/or relative areas of the N and P regions (54, 56; 92, 94) or both. Accordingly, such MOS CAPS may be more easily integrated with other semiconductor devices with minimal or no disturbance to the established integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing process and without significantly increasing the occupied area beyond that required for a conventional MOS CAP.
US07838380B2

A method for manufacturing passive devices and semiconductor packages using a thin metal piece is provided. According to the method, an adhesive layer is formed on a dummy substrate; a thin metal piece is bonded on the adhesive layer; a masking material is attached to the thin metal piece, a dielectric layer is formed; a masking material is attached to form metal pads; a metal pad is formed, and the formed device is attached to a lower substrate using the metal pads; the adhesive layer and the dummy substrate are removed, a masking material is attached on a surface exposed, a region where passive devices are to be formed is patterned, and the thin metal piece is etched at a predetermined depth; and solder bumps for surface mounting are formed.
US07838375B1

A system and method are disclosed for providing an improved polyemit module for a self aligned heterojunction bipolar transistor architecture. The polyemit module of the transistor of the present invention is formed using a double layer deposition process. In the double layer deposition process, the first layer is a layer of emitter polysilicon and the second layer is a sacrificial layer of silicon germanium (SiGe). The shape and thickness of the emitter polysilicon layer of the polyemit module provides (1) a reduction in the overall resistance of the emitter and (2) an increase in the contact area between the emitter polysilicon layer and a contact structure that is more than three times the contact area that is provided in prior art polyemit modules.
US07838363B2

A method forms a split gate memory cell by providing a semiconductor substrate and forming an overlying select gate. The select gate has a predetermined height and is electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate. A charge storing layer is subsequently formed overlying and adjacent to the select gate. A control gate is subsequently formed adjacent to and separated from the select gate by the charge storing layer. The charge storing layer is also positioned between the control gate and the semiconductor substrate. The control gate initially has a height greater than the predetermined height of the select gate. The control gate is recessed to a control gate height that is less than the predetermined height of the select gate. A source and a drain are formed in the semiconductor substrate.
US07838356B2

A method for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) and ICs therefrom includes the steps of providing a substrate having a semiconductor surface, wherein the semiconductor surface has PMOS regions for PMOS devices and NMOS regions for NMOS devices. A gate dielectric layer is formed on the PMOS regions and NMOS regions. An original gate electrode layer is formed on the gate dielectric layer. A gate masking layer is applied on the gate electrode layer. Etching is used to pattern the original gate electrode layer to simultaneously form original gate electrodes for the PMOS devices and NMOS devices. Source and drain regions are formed for the PMOS devices and NMOS devices. The original gate electrodes are removed for at least one of the PMOS devices and NMOS devices to form trenches using an etch process, such as a hydroxide-based solution, wherein at least a portion and generally substantially all of the gate dielectric layer is preserved. A metal comprising replacement gates is formed in the trenches, and fabrication of the IC is completed.
US07838349B2

A silicon nitride film is formed between interlayer insulating films covering an upper surface of an element formed on a surface of a semiconductor layer. With this structure, a semiconductor device comprising an isolation insulating film of PTI structure, which suppresses a floating-body effect and improves isolation performance and breakdown voltage, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device can be obtained.
US07838336B2

A method of making an integrated circuit package includes forming a through hole in an integrated circuit and assembling a die containing the integrated circuit on a carrier so that the die is mechanically and electrically connected to the carrier. Thereafter, an underfill material is dispensed between the die and the carrier via the through hole.
US07838326B2

Provided are methods of fabricating a semiconductor device including a phase change layer. Methods may include forming a dielectric layer on a substrate, forming an opening in the dielectric layer and depositing, on the substrate having the opening, a phase change layer that contains an element that lowers a process temperature of a thermal treatment process to a temperature that is lower than a melting point of the phase change layer. Methods may include migrating a portion of the phase change layer from outside the opening, into the opening by the thermal treatment process that includes the process temperature that is lower than the melting point of the phase change layer.
US07838313B2

Various apparatus and methods relating to pixel wells and electrodes that are at least partially concurrently formed are disclosed.
US07838310B2

An alignment target with geometry designs provides a desired alignment offset for processes (both symmetric and asymmetric) on a wafer substrate. The alignment target includes one or more sub-targets, where each sub-target is defined as having a left portion and a right portion having a different geometric pattern, and where the left portion has a geometry density and the right portion has a geometry density.
US07838308B2

A method that includes forming a gate of a semiconductor device on a substrate and forming a recess for an embedded silicon-straining material in source and drain regions for the gate. In this method, a proximity value, which is defined as a distance between the gate and a closest edge of the recess, is controlled by controlling formation of an oxide layer provided beneath the gate. The method can also include feedforward control of process steps in the formation of the recess based upon values measured during the formation of the recess. The method can also apply feedback control to adjust a subsequent recess formation process performed on a subsequent semiconductor device based on the comparison between a measured proximity value and a target proximity value to decrease a difference between a proximity value of the subsequent semiconductor device and the target proximity value.
US07838305B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of anti-ECPKA autoantibodies in a biological sample, and to the use of such compositions and methods in the diagnosis of cancer in humans and non-human mammals.
US07838297B2

A method of optimizing operation of a fossil fuel fired boiler includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a plurality of sensors positioned in different spatial positions within the fossil fuel fired boiler. The method also includes recording sensor outputs, identifying spatial combustion anomalies indicated by sensor outputs, identifying burners responsible for the spatial combustion anomalies, and adjusting air flow of responsible burners to alleviate the spatial combustion anomalies.
US07838293B2

The present invention discloses the isolation, cloning and use of insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. The present invention isolates a novel insecticidal crystal protein gene cry7Ba1 from B. thuringiensis subsp. huazhongensis YBT-978 strain, and said gene encodes a novel insecticidal crystal protein Cry7Ba1, which shows insecticidal activity against Lepidopteran insects. The present invention also discloses the gene sequence of the novel insecticidal crystal protein, uses suitable expression vectors to transform micro-organisms so as to express the product Cry7Ba1 encoded by the gene and make it exert the insecticidal activity of the protein against Lepidopteran pests.
US07838289B2

The present invention relates generally to mammalian multipotent adult stem cells (MASC), and more specifically to methods for obtaining, maintaining and differentiating MASC to cells of multiple tissue types. Uses of MASC in the therapeutic treatment of disease are also provided.
US07838284B2

Free-standing microfluidic channels are used to both transport and analyze molecules of interest. In a biochemical context, such molecules may be polypeptides, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules. The free-standing channels provide a real-time readout of concentration without the need for labeling with reporter molecules. The channels can also measure enthalpy values and equilibrium constants by detecting heat released from or absorbed by the sample.
US07838280B2

A device for wringing a biological mass of cultures has a substantially vertical container having a bottom provided with a discharge opening, a rotor means located under the discharge opening and including at least two rotors which are rotatable toward one another to receive a biological mass therebetween, wherein the rotors are provided with a plurality of substantially radially extending plungers which are displaceable in a radial direction.
US07838279B2

The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.
US07838276B2

Carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter nucleic acids and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-carbohydrate utilization-related and anti-multidrug transporter antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid of the invention and cells into which the vector has been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.
US07838269B2

Disclosed is a gene detecting method for determining mutation of a specific base or presence/absence of a specific base in a target gene. There are provided a the target gene sample and a control gene sample having a base sequence which is wild-type or standard-type with respect to the target gene. The method comprises steps of (i) independently subjecting the target gene sample and the control gene sample to a PCR reaction for amplification, using primers having an RNA polymerase promoter sequence at the 5′-end thereof, (ii) independently subjecting the double-stranded DNAs produced by said PCR reaction from the target gene sample and from the control gene sample, to an in vitro transcription reaction to form a single-stranded RNA, (iii) independently hybridizing the single-stranded RNAs with a fluorescence-labeled probe composed of a single-stranded DNA having a base sequence complementary to at least part of the base sequence of the control gene and being combined with a fluorescent dye, to form an RNA/DNA hybrid, and then (iv) comparing the fluorescence intensity of the RNA/DNA hybrid derived from the target gene sample with that of the RNA/DNA hybrid derived from the control gene sample.
US07838264B2

The present invention provides a method for producing antcin K, zhankuic acid A, zhankuic acid B or zhankuic acid C from the mycelium of the fungus Antrodia cinnamomea by culturing the fungus on a gel medium, harvesting the mycelium and isolating the products by HPLC.
US07838260B2

The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a SNAP-25 substrate which includes (i) a green fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a portion of SNAP-25 that includes a BoNT/A, BoNT/C1 or BoNT/E recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the green fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple. Further provided herein is a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a tagged toxin substrate which includes (i) a fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple.
US07838257B2

A method of evaluating conjugation between materials using imaging of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) according to the present invention is carried out by following the steps, a) forming a spontaneous pattern on a substrate with a mixture containing nanoparticles and a conjugation material selected from organic, bio or inorganic material, b) obtaining an ion detection pattern from the conjugation material and nanoparticles, respectively, depending on their position on the substrate by using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and c) determining whether the conjugation is formed between the conjugation material and nanoparticles by comparing the ion detection pattern of the conjugation material with the ion detection pattern of the nanoparticles.
US07838256B2

The present invention relates to high-throughput cell-based assays for real-time monitoring of multi-resistant drug protein activity. The present invention is an improvement over existing assays in that in addition to a fluorescent drug efflux probe as an indicator of MDR protein activity, the instant assays provide an o-tolidine-based dye for quenching extracellular fluorescence of the probe.
US07838247B2

The present invention describes the identification, isolation, cloning, and determination of the Alzheimer Related Membrane Protein (ARMP) gene on chromosome 14 and a related gene, E5-1, on chromosome 1. Normal and mutant copies of both genes are presented. Transcripts and products of these genes are useful in detecting and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, developing therapeutics for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the isolation and manufacture of the protein and the construction of transgenic animals expressing the mutant genes.
US07838244B2

The invention relates to methods of use of SET1 proteins or functional equivalents thereof. More particularly the invention relates to the use of SET1 proteins or functional equivalents thereof in procedure, for identification and/or isolation of IgA and the scrum complement factor C5.
US07838243B2

Comprehensive analysis of transcription control factor complexes in a mouse brain cDNA library with c-Jun as a bait by using the cotranslation selection and screening of in vitro virus (IVV) and the C-terminal labeling method are conducted, thereby to provide known and unknown proteins which are unknown to form a complex with the c-Jun protein, whereby proteins that interact with c-Jun, nucleic acids encoding them and inhibitors utilizing them as well as methods for detecting an interaction and screening methods are provided.
US07838237B2

A screening method for identifying an individual having a pre-disposition towards having a cancer is disclosed, which screening method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a test sample comprising a nucleotide sequence comprised in the MYH gene of the individual or an amino acid sequence of a polypeptide expressed thereby; and (b) comparing a region of the test sample sequence with the corresponding region of the wild type sequence, whereby a difference between the test sample sequence and the wild type sequence signifies that the individual is pre-disposed to having the cancer; and wherein the difference comprises a specified variation.
US07838226B2

With an insulated gate field effect transistor in which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probes are immobilized on a gold electrode, extension reaction on the gold electrode is performed with DNA polymerase to directly measure an increased amount of a phosphate group caused by the extension reaction, that is, negative charge, by means of a current change between a source and a drain of the insulated gate field effect transistor. Thus, presence/absence of hybridization of target DNAs with the DNA probes, and presence/absence of the extension reaction are detected. Optimum immobilization density of the DNA probes on the gold electrode is set at 4×1012 molecules/cm2. To reduce surface potential fluctuation caused by external variation (influences of foreign substances), which is a problem when using the gold electrode in a solution, a high-frequency voltage equal to or above 1 kHz is applied between the gold electrode and a reference electrode by a power source.
US07838225B2

The invention relates to and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The compositions and methods include a reverse transcriptase, a nuclease, an upstream primer and downstream probe.
US07838223B2

The present invention encompasses methods, assays and kits for the diagnosis, screening and identification of Turner syndrome and other disorders of sexual differentiation in a human using single nucleotide polymorphisms present on the X and Y chromosomes.
US07838217B1

Keratin 8 and 18 (K8/K18) mutations are shown to be associated with a predisposition to liver or biliary tract disease, particularly noncryptogenic hepatobiliary disease. Unique K8/K18 mutations are shown in patients with diseases including but without limitation to viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, alcoholic cirrhosis and other acute or chronic toxic liver injury, cryptogenic cirrhosis, acute fulminant hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cystic fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, diseases that are linked with cryptogenic cirrhosis, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and the like. Livers with keratin mutations had increased incidence of cytoplasmic filamentous deposits. Therefore, K8/K18 are susceptibility genes for developing cryptogenic and noncryptogenic forms of liver disease. Mutant alleles are associated with disease susceptibility, and their detection is used in the diagnosis of a predisposition to these conditions.
US07838213B2

The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US07838211B2

The invention relates to a method for determining endoglycosidase enzyme activity, and in particular of the heparanase type, in a sample, and also to a method for detecting a compound capable of modulating the activity of an endoglycosidase, and in particular of an endoglycosidase having activity of the heparanase type, by measuring a signal resulting from a close proximity transfer between two compounds attached to a substrate for the enzyme.
US07838203B1

A system and method are disclosed for increasing retention reliability of a floating gate of a CMOS compatible memory cell. A mask structure is formed with a plurality of apertures near the edges of the mask structure. The size of the apertures is less than a resolution limitation of a photo exposure system. The mask structure is placed over a resist material and the resist material is exposed to light through the apertures of the mask structure. Zero order diffraction light passes though the apertures and imparts energy to the exposed portions of the resist material. A develop process is then used to remove portions of the resist material to form a sloped edge resist pattern. A sloped edge floating gate that is formed from the pattern facilitates the deposition of a thicker oxide layer at the sloped edge of the floating gate and reduces backend leakage current.
US07838202B2

A method for manufacturing a patterned thin-film layer includes the steps of: providing a substrate with a plurality of banks thereon, the plurality of banks defining a plurality of spaces therein for receiving ink therein, each of the banks having a top surface; providing a UV light source for emitting UV light toward the substrate; disposing a photo mask between the UV light source and the substrate; applying UV light on the substrate through the photo mask so as to reduce surface wettability of the ink on the top surfaces of the substrate, wherein the UV light is applied in a manner that the top surfaces of the banks are blocked by the photo mask and thus free of radiation from the UV light emitted from the UV light source; applying the ink into the spaces; and curing the ink so as to form a patterned thin-film layer on the substrate.
US07838201B2

A polymer for immersion lithography comprising a repeating unit represented by Formula 1 and a photoresist composition containing the same. A photoresist film formed by the photoresist composition of the invention is highly resistant to dissolution, a photoacid generator in an aqueous solution for immersion lithography, thereby preventing contamination of an exposure lens and deformation of the photoresist pattern by exposure.
US07838199B2

The invention relates to new polymers that comprise units that contain one or more photoacid generator groups and photoresists that contain the polymers. Preferred polymers of the invention are suitable for use in photoresists imaged at short wavelengths such as sub-250 nm or sub-200 nm, particularly 248 nm and 193 nm.
US07838198B2

A method and a resist composition. The resist composition includes a polymer having repeating units having a lactone moiety, a thermal base generator capable of generating a base and a photosensitive acid generator. The polymer has the properties of being substantially soluble in a first solvent and becoming substantially insoluble after heating the polymer. The method includes forming a film of a photoresist including a polymer, a thermal base generator capable of releasing a base, a photosensitive acid generator, and a solvent. The film is patternwise imaged. The imaging includes exposing the film to radiation, resulting in producing an acid catalyst. The film is developed in an aqueous base, resulting in removing base-soluble regions and forming a patterned layer. The patterned layer is baked above the temperature, resulting in the thermal base generator releasing a base within the patterned layer and the patterned layer becoming insoluble in the solvent.
US07838195B2

There is provided an essentially planar test substrate for non-contact printing. The substrate has a first layer having a first surface energy and having a planar measurement portion. A liquid containment pattern is over at least the measurement portion of the first layer. The liquid containment pattern has a second surface energy that is different from the first surface energy. The measurement portion of the first layer and the liquid containment pattern together are substantially planar.
US07838192B2

According to embodiments illustrated herein, there is provided a black toner having a resin, an optional additive, and at least two or more colored pigments, and the at least two or more colored pigments are selected from the group consisting of a blue pigment, a green pigment, a red pigment, a magenta pigment, a cyan pigment, a yellow pigment, a white pigment, and mixtures thereof, and the black toner has a calorimetric value L* of about less than 30.
US07838175B2

A wafer lithographic shielding mask for fabricating a multi-project wafer (MPW) and a wafer fabrication method using the same are disclosed. The mask including a light shielding layer and at least one transparent region is used to select the layout patterns of designated chips on an MPW reticle to be exposed onto the photoresist layer on the surface of the wafer. The lithography method of fabricating MPW mainly involves disposing a wafer lithographic shielding mask for selecting the exposure regions on the MPW reticle on the light transmission path from a lithographic light source to a wafer, e.g., between the MPW reticle and the lithographic light source or between the MPW reticle and the wafer, so as to prevent some undesired chips from being fabricated on the wafer using the MPW reticle, thereby decreasing the wafer production cost.
US07838168B2

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell has a unit cell assembly including an anode side and a cathode side. The anode side has a cooling base plate, a conductor assembly, a hydrogen flow field, a water absorbing element, and a hydrogen duct assembly. The cathode side has an air flow field, a conductor assembly, an air flow distributor, and an insulating compression plate with wing extensions. A membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the anode side and the cathode side physically connecting the flow fields on both the anode and cathode sides. A sealed anode assembly creates a sealed hydrogen volume and includes the anode conductor assembly, the hydrogen duct assembly, and the membrane electrode assembly all disposed between the insulating compression plate and the cooling base plate. The fuel cell may comprise multiple unit cell assemblies arranged in planar, folded, stacked, or pancake configurations.
US07838162B2

The present embodiments relate to a fuel cell system having a cartridge stored with liquid fuel and a method of computing a fuel level remained in the cartridge. A fuel cell system of the present embodiments includes: a fuel cartridge for storing fuel; a fuel cell stack for generating power by means of the electrochemical reaction of fuel and oxygen; a fuel pump for sucking fuel stored in the fuel cartridge; a pressure sensor positioned in a fuel channel between a coupling unit of the fuel cartridge and the fuel pump; and a fuel level computing unit for computing a time point when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is almost exhausted. With the present embodiments, the fuel exhaustion in the cartridge can previously sensed at a low cost so that the damage of MEA in the fuel cell can be prevented and the inconvenience or the unexpected damage to a user can be prevented.
US07838159B2

The reformer for a fuel cell system includes a reforming reaction part that generates hydrogen gas from a fuel through a catalyst reforming reaction using heat energy, and a carbon monoxide reducing part that reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen gas, through an oxidizing reaction of hydrogen gas with the oxidant. The carbon monoxide reducing part includes a first reducing part including a first carbon monoxide oxidizing catalyst and a second reducing part including a second carbon monoxide oxidizing catalyst.
US07838154B2

A negative electrode 10 for a nonaqueous secondary battery, has an active material layer 2 containing active material particles 2a. The active material layer 2 has a metallic material 4 deposited among the particles by electroplating. The negative electrode 10 has a large number of holes 5 open on at least one side thereof and extending through the thickness of the active material layer. The negative electrode 10 further has a pair of current collecting layers 3a and 3b adapted to be brought into contact with an electrolyte. The active material layer 2 is between the current collecting layers 3a and 3b. The holes 5 open on the negative electrode 10 preferably have an opening area ratio of 0.3% to 30%. At least one of the pair of the current collecting layers 3a and 3b preferably has a thickness of 0.3 to 10 μm.
US07838153B2

An electrode capable of effectively dispersing or relieving the stress generated in association with expansion and contraction of an active material is provided. The electrode is produced by forming an active material layer on a predetermined current collector. This current collector includes a base and a plurality of projections formed so as to extend outwardly from a surface of the base. The cross section of the projections in a thickness direction of the current collector has a tapered shape in which a width in a direction parallel to the surface of the base narrows from the surface of the base along an extending direction of the projections.
US07838148B2

A lithium nickel manganese cobalt composite oxide used as a cathode active material for a lithium rechargeable battery, the composite oxide shown by the below general formula (1): LixNi1−y−zMnyCozO2  (1) (wherein 0.9≦x≦1.3, 0
US07838146B2

A carbon foam battery useful for electrical applications is disclosed which includes a relatively low conductivity low density high porosity carbon foam.
US07838145B2

A battery part such as a battery terminal and method of making the same with the battery part having a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of the acid ring with the beveled sealing region increasing the resistance to leakage therepast as the container shrinks. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a battery part with a bifurcated acid ring end and a beveled end face. The invention further includes the method of forming a battery terminal with an end face of the acid ring having a bifurcated end lip and a beveled face that permits one to either use the battery terminal in an as is condition or in a flared condition wherein a lip on the acid ring is flared to form a beveled sealing region on the lateral face of the acid ring.
US07838144B2

Disclosed are ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The membranes may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the membrane has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The membrane is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the membrane is incorporated.
US07838142B2

A scalable intelligent power-supply system and method capable of powering a defined load for a specified period of time is disclosed and claimed. Multiple external AC and DC inputs supply power to the system if available and required. An internal DC input from a back-up energy source is on board. The back-up energy source is scalable by adding additional energy cartridges such as batteries in racks mounted within frames of the system. The AC and DC inputs (including the internal DC input) are controlled, measured, sensed, and converted by circuitry controlled by the microprocessor into multiple AC and/or DC outputs. A microprocessor manages power input to, within, and output from the system. The performance of a Lithium-ion batteries used to power an automobile can be determined on the basis individual battery packs or individual battery cells within the packs. This enables the clusters or groups of Lithium ion batteries to be used in a vehicle such that these clusters operate and function as a “gas” tank or more appropriately as an “energy” tank.
US07838137B2

The invention provides a fuel cell device having first and second cold end regions with a reaction zone therebetween. Fuel and oxidizer inlets are positioned in the first and second cold end regions with respective fuel and oxidizer outlets positioned in either the reaction zone or the opposite cold end region, and respective elongate fuel and oxidizer passages are coupled between the respective inlets and outlets at least partially extending through the reaction zone within an interior solid ceramic support structure in parallel and opposing relation. Electrodes are positioned adjacent the fuel and oxidizer passages in the reaction zone within the interior solid ceramic support structure and are electrically coupled to exterior contact surfaces in at least one of the cold end regions to which electrical connections are made. An electrolyte between the electrodes is monolithic with the interior solid ceramic support structure.
US07838130B2

A novel compound which is useful as a constitutional component for an organic EL device is provided by an aminodibenzofluorene derivative comprising (A) at least one dibenzofluorene structure and (B) at least one amino group in a molecule, a material for an organic electroluminescence (EL) device comprising the same, a light emitting material for an organic EL device, a light emitting organic solution, an organic EL device in which an organic compound layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including at least a light emitting layer is interposed between a pair of electrodes, wherein at leas one layer in the organic compound layer described above contains at least one kind of the aminodibenzofluorene derivative described above and an equipment comprising the same. A practical organic EL device which has a low operating voltage, a long lifetime and a high current efficiency and which provides blue light emission having an excellent color purity is materialized by using the above compound.
US07838128B2

An object is to provide a carbazole derivative that is useful as a raw material in manufacturing a light emitting element material having resistance to repetition of an oxidation reaction. The carbazole derivative is represented by General Formula (1) in the following. In General Formula (1), R1 represents any one selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, and tert-butyl, and an aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms such as phenyl, biphenyl, and naphthyl.
US07838118B2

Provided is a liquid silicone rubber coating composition, including predetermined quantities of (A) an organopolysiloxane containing 2 or more Si atom-bonded alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane of a specific structure containing 2 or more SiH groups, (C) an addition reaction catalyst, (D) a finely powdered silica with a specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, (E) an organosilicon compound containing an epoxy group and a Si atom-bonded alkoxy group, and (F) a titanium compound and/or a zirconium compound. The coating composition exhibits excellent adhesion to an air bag base fabric and, therefore, is useful for producing a curtain air bag having a silicone rubber coating layer including a cured product of such a composition on at least one surface of the base fabric.
US07838114B2

A thermosetting resin composition contains a polyimide resin component (A) containing at least one polyimide resin, an amine component (B) containing at least one amine, an epoxy resin component (C) containing at least one epoxy resin, and an imidazole component (D) containing at least one imidazole.
US07838111B2

A cellulose pulp particle having the shape of a general prismatoid having two parallel bases, the pulp particle comprising pulp fibers in a wet laid pulp sheet form, one of the bases having an area that is equal to or greater than the area of the other base, the area of the larger base being equal to or less than 35 mm2 and equal to or greater than 8 mm2, the distance between the bases being equal to or greater than 0.9 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm, the particle being treated with a material. In some embodiments the material can be a hydrophilic, hydrophobic or softening chemical or a film.
US07838102B2

The present invention is a decorative interlayer, or a laminate obtained therefrom, wherein the aesthetic qualities can be matched to solid surface materials used in such applications as countertops, for example. The interlayers of the present invention comprise at least one composite filler material obtained from ground solid surface materials.
US07838081B2

Treatment process of wood and lignocellulosic materials with an aqueous liquid that contains alkaline oxalate and benzoate, which, in contact with humid or dry wood, avoids the formation of the blue stain and stains of other colors produced by fungi. This way it avoids the strong devaluation of the stained wood and has advantages on compounds used for that aim at the present time.
US07838078B2

A curable film-forming coating composition, typically a clearcoat, having improved compatibility over waterborne and solventborne basecoats. The composition includes a film-forming binder comprising a carbamate material, a curing agent, typically a monomeric melamine curing agent, and a hydroxy functional silane component. When used as a clearcoat over a standard pigmented basecoat, the resulting coating provides a substantially wrinkle free appearance and excellent adhesion to both waterborne and solventborne basecoats.
US07838071B2

A container-treatment method, of the type in which the container (12) is disposed inside a chamber (16) which defines a cavity (18) outside the container (12) and which is connected to a Vacuum pumping circuit (50), the interior of the container (12) being connected to the pumping circuit (50). The method includes a preliminary pumping step (E1) which is followed by a treatment step (E2). The preliminary step (E1) includes the following successive phases, namely: an external pumping phase (P1) which produces a drop in the pressure inside the cavity (18) only; and an internal pumping phase (P2) which produces a drop in the pressure inside the container (12) only. A machine used to implement the method is also disclosed.
US07838038B2

A biomaterial prepared from a process comprising dehydrating the fish scales until the fish scales containing less than about 50% of water, and grinding the dehydrated fish scales into ground particles each having an average size of less than about 10,000 μm in diameter, wherein the ground particles contain a mixture of sponge like matrix and powder is provided. The invention also provides a biomaterial prepared from fish scales by a process comprising subjecting the fish scales to a heat treatment at a temperature of less than about 200° C.
US07838029B1

A non-effervescent, solid dosage form containing mirtazapine, which is used to form mirtazapine pharmaceutical tablets. The dosage form contains mirtazapine, a hydrophilic component, and at least one lubricant. In some embodiments, the dosage forms contain a salivating agent. Processes for producing mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets are also provided.
US07838027B2

Pantoprazole sodium multiparticulates are described which avoid sticking to nasogastric and gastronomy tubes. The pantoprazole multiparticulates have a spheroid core of pantoprazole or an enantiomer thereof, or a salt thereof, a surfactant, and a disintegrant; a sub coat which is comprised of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose) and water, an enteric coat on the sub-coat, and a final seal coat over the enteric coat, which is composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose) and water.
US07838010B2

Group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens useful for providing immunity against pyogenes infection.
US07838008B2

Methods for treating diverse cancers by local administration of a botulinum toxin to or to the vicinity of the cancer.
US07838005B2

Disclosed are a method of for treating insulin resistance and a method identifying a compound for treating insulin resistance.
US07837999B2

A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibiting improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, a targeting ligand, or another active or therapeutic compound. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy relative to native IGF1.
US07837998B2

Monoclonal antibodies to thymidine kinase 1 are disclosed which are useful in methods of detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer.
US07837994B2

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using an anti-IL-20 antibody 7E, and optionally, in combination with an etanercept polypeptide.
US07837993B2

The regenerative potential of aged stem cells is enhanced by activation of the Notch signaling pathway and/or inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway. Stem cells in aged tissues are capable of proliferation and tissue regeneration, but in their native setting are not provided with the appropriate signals to do so. By administering tissue regenerating agents, organ stem/progenitor cells are provided with the appropriate signals to regenerate the corresponding differentiated tissues.
US07837984B2

The present invention provides a composition for application to keratin fibers, preferably hair, more preferably the hair of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, and most preferably the eyelashes. The composition comprises a post-foaming gel containing a film forming agent and, optionally, a colorant, preferably a pigment. The present invention also provides a method for imparting a volumizing effect to hair of the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes.
US07837980B2

A protein containing one or more activatable groups, e.g., an antibody, is subjected to partial or complete reduction of one or more such bonds to form reactive groups; the resulting protein is reacted with a drug which is reactive with some of the reactive groups, such as certain radiometals, chelating agents, and toxins, so as to form a conjugate useful in, e.g., in vitro diagnosis, in vivo imaging, and therapy.
US07837977B2

A method is disclosed for preparing crystalline titanosilicate zeolite TS-1 from a reaction mixture containing only sufficient water to produce zeolite TS-1. In one embodiment, the reaction mixture is self-supporting and may be shaped if desired. In the method, the reaction mixture is heated at crystallization conditions and in the absence of an added external liquid phase, so that excess liquid need not be removed from the crystallized product.
US07837972B2

A production method of barium titanate according to the present invention comprises steps of preparing powder mixture of barium carbonate powder and titanium oxide powder and firing the powder mixture. The temperature of the powder mixture is raised to firing temperature at 100° C./minute or more in the range of 400° C. to 700° C.; and maximum temperature at firing is 700° C. or more. The present invention aims at providing a production method, wherein grain growth of barium carbonate particle can be controlled in temperature rising process when producing barium titanate by a solid phase reaction of barium carbonate and titanium oxide; and homogeneous barium titanate powder with small particle size can be produced with excellent energy efficiency.
US07837971B2

A process comprising contacting a solvent with a sulfur stream comprising sulfur and a contaminant, separating the sulfur from at least some of the contaminant and at least some of the solvent, thereby producing a decontaminated sulfur stream, contacting the decontaminated sulfur with a washing agent, and separating the sulfur from at least some of the washing agent, thereby producing a purified sulfur stream comprising elemental sulfur.
US07837970B2

The invention relates to a process and plant for producing sulphuric acid by catalytic oxidation of SO2 to form SO3 in a converter with at least one contact stage, the SO3-containing process gas, after it has passed through at least one contact stage, being withdrawn from the converter and fed to an apparatus for recovering heat, in which steam is generated from feedwater by means of the heat of the process gas, and the process gas then being fed to an absorber, in which the SO3 is absorbed in sulphuric acid. To improve the utilization of heat during the production of sulphuric acid, the feedwater is fed to the heat recovery apparatus at a higher temperature than the process gas fed to the absorber.
US07837966B2

Ozone and, if necessary, water is added to an exhaust gas, such as air, containing hydrogen- and carbon-containing molecules of a pollutant. The exhaust gas is then continually flowed into one or more oxidizing reaction chamber modules. In the reaction chamber(s) the ozone- and water-containing gas is subjected to intense ultraviolet radiation (wavelength of 254 nm) to promote the formation of hydroxyl radicals to oxidize the pollutant molecules to carbon dioxide and water. The continually discharged gas is analyzed for residual ozone and hydrocarbon content and the analytical data used in feedback control of ozone addition and UV radiation intensity.
US07837956B2

In order to provide a gas generation apparatus such as a hydrogen gas generation apparatus for a fuel cell or an oxygen gas generation apparatus used in medical sites and at the time of disasters in which a solid gas generating agent such as metal is brought into contact with a reaction liquid to generate hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, a gas generation apparatus A having a solid gas generating agent and a reaction liquid in which the solid gas generating agent and the reaction liquid are stored respectively in separate storing vessels 21, 31 and in which the reaction liquid is supplied into the gas generating agent-storing vessel to generate gas by capillary-active connection of the respective storing vessels assumes a constitution in which capillary-active connection is shut off when a pressure of the gas is raised. In the above gas generation apparatus, generation of the gas can automatically be controlled by a simple mechanism when the gas is not consumed, and therefore generation of excessive gas can be controlled.
US07837954B2

A set of prefabricated tube bundle reactor subassemblies is proposed which are adapted to be assembled at a construction site to provide a tube bundle reactor for carrying out catalytic gas and/or liquid phase reactions. In accordance with the invention, the reactor shell and the reactor heads, on the one hand, and the tube bundle and the tube sheets, on the other hand, form separate subassemblies, more specifically at least one shell/head subassembly, at least one head subassembly, and at least one tube bundle subassembly. The subassemblies comprise means for vertically supporting the tube bundle subassembly and for pressure tightly connecting the shell/head subassembly to the tube sheets without requiring heat treatment during assembly of the subassemblies. Likewise proposed are a tube bundle reactor for carrying out catalytic gas and/or liquid phase reactions and an arrangement of the kind of tube bundle reactors mentioned.
US07837949B2

A laboratory scale continuous flow hydrogenation apparatus (100) includes a reservoir (104), a feed pump (102), a mixing element (108) with two inlets and an outlet, a hydrogenation reactor (110) and a pressure-adjusting unit (112), all connected into a flow path. A hydrogen source (126) and a one-way valve (120) are arranged between the hydrogen source (126) and the second inlet of the mixing element (108). The feed pump (102) can provide a constant volume rate. The reservoir (104) contains at least a solvent base solution of the sample to be hydrogenated. The hydrogenation reactor (110) connects into the flow path by detachable connections and is formed as a replaceable cartridge containing a packing which increases the flow resistance and facilitates mixing. The pressure-adjusting unit (112) connects into the flow path after the hydrogenation reactor (110) and is provided with a regulation controlled electrically.
US07837948B2

A phase transition type valve is provided. The valve includes a phase transition material filled and hardened in a section of a channel and a tube expanding region which has a larger cross-sectional area than the channel formed at both ends of the section in which the phase transition material is hardened.
US07837933B2

An ultra-violet lamp and reflector/shield assembly designed to be mounted in a commercial HVAC, and to other types of A/C units is described herein. The reflector/shield includes a reflective inner surface creating an illumination pattern and an outer surface shielding the UV lamp from the air flow. An orienting and securing assembly for a UV lamp is also described herein.
US07837932B2

The present invention relates to methods of sanitizing structures, buildings, passenger occupiable vehicles, and other enclosed or enclosable spaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for killing and/or removing pests and their allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, volatile organic compounds and other dangerous substances, from such enclosures.
US07837930B2

A fragrance diffuser kit is provided comprising a decanter, a fragrance refill set, a removable snuffer cap and a removable decorative vented lid. The decanter may be selected from a plurality of unique and decorative designs that are suitable for prominent display as a piece of home décor. The fragrance refill set comprises a bottle of high-quality fragrance composition for filling the decanter and a replacement wick, whereby the user may select and change the fragrance emitted by the fragrance diffuser. The decanter incorporates a wick holder having a top opening that communicates with a top opening in the decanter body so that a wick from the fragrance refill set may be inserted and held in a position to absorb and emit the fragrance composition contained in the decanter. The snuffer cap may be used to stop the emission of the fragrance composition and the vented lid may be used to hide the wick and snuffer cap, if present.
US07837924B2

To provide the method for manufacturing the friction material for shortening the heat treatment process for completely curing the thermosetting resin in the friction material. The method includes the molding process for fixing the friction material onto a back plate, in which a raw material including a thermosetting resin is superposed onto the back plate, pressed and heated in the mold, and the heat treatment process for curing the friction material, using a pair of the heat plates provided at the back plate side and the friction material side to press the back plate surface and the friction material, and the heat plate temperature at the friction material side is between 300 and 650° C., at the back plate side is between 180 and 350° C., and the heat treatment time is between 2 and 70 minutes.
US07837921B2

The present invention provides a method that features improved wetting characteristics while allowing preferential adhesion and release characteristics with respect to a substrate and a mold having imprinting material disposed therebetween. The method includes coating a surface of the mold with a volume of surfactant containing solution. The surfactant in the solution includes a hydrophobic component consisting essentially of a plurality of fluorine-containing molecules. The distribution of the plurality of the fluorine atoms in the fluorine-containing molecules, as well as the fluorine-containing molecules throughout the volume provides a desired contact angle with respect to a polymerizable composition disposed on the substrate. The contact angle is in a range of 50° or less.
US07837912B2

A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.
US07837907B2

A transparent imprint template mold is configured with gratings surrounding the active imprint area. The gratings are fabricated at the same time as the active area and thus accurately define the active area with respect to the gratings. The substrate is positioned in tool coordinates under the template mold. A sensor system generates a beam of optical energy and receives reflected energy only at a specific angular window and is used to locate the template mold. The sensor system is scanned to locate the substrate and the gratings in tool coordinates. In this manner, the relative position of the template mold is determined with respect to the substrate in tool coordinates. The substrate is then accurately positioned with respect to the template mold. The system may be used to track imprinted pattern position relative to the substrate and to determine concentricity of patterns to substrates.
US07837906B1

An air plenum tank comprising a plurality of outlets aerate and agitate wastewater in a liquid treatment facility through the use of high pressured air creating cracks on the floor of the air plenum tank. Advantageously, the cracks are sealed using a system and method comprising isolating and positively pressurizing the air plenum tank and then sealing the tank using a sealant compound.
US07837897B2

A polymer dispersed liquid crystal light shutter device and method for use of the same are disclosed. First and second substrates are disposed substantially parallel. A polymer binder system is interposed between the first and second substrates and a plurality of liquid crystals are dispersed in the polymer binder system. The liquid crystal shutter device is able to switch between a high light absorbing dark state and a low light absorbing transparent state, and visa versa, with a low driving voltage. The liquid crystal shutter device includes formulations of liquid crystal mixtures having nematic liquid crystals and polymer systems to provide a wide viewing angle, low driving voltage, high contrast ratio, for example.
US07837889B2

Embodiments of the invention include methods of etching nanodots, to methods of removing nanodots from substrates, and to methods of fabricating integrated circuit devices. In one embodiment, a method of etching nanodots that include a late transition metal includes exposing such nanodots to a gas comprising a phosphorus and halogen-containing compound and an oxidizing agent. After the exposing, the nanodots which are remaining and were exposed are etched (either partially or completely) with an aqueous solution comprising HF.
US07837883B2

There are provided methods for controlling microbial or bioflim growth, comprising mixing a hypochlorite oxidant and at least one nitrogen-containing compound or salt thereof selected from a particular group of nitrogen-containing compounds and salts to form a biocide, and applying the biocide. Apparatus for practicing the methods are also provided.
US07837879B2

Ultrafiltration may be effectively used to produce visbreaker feeds of improved quality which enable the visbreaker to be operated at higher severity with higher yields of distillable products. A heavy oil feed stream is separated by ultrafiltration or membrane separation into a permeate fraction and a retentate fraction by contacting the heavy oil feed with the first side of a porous membrane separation element in a membrane separation zone. The permeate fraction, comprised of materials which pass selectively through the porous membrane element, is retrieved and at least a portion of it is subjected to visbreaking with the improved liquid yield, especially of lighter distillate fractions. The retentate fraction can be retrieved from the first side of the porous membrane and can also be subjected to visbreaking.
US07837877B2

Provided is a process and apparatus for separating a multi-component feed stream wherein a porous separator is used to effectively create, via permeation and phase change, at least three fractions of differing compositions.
US07837876B2

A filter cartridge including a housing having a water inlet and outlet, a valve disposed in the housing and defining transversally aligned inlet and outlet passageways, and having a first key formation that vertically depends from the valve, a cartridge having transversely separated inlet and outlet ports transversely aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, each of the ports engageable in a corresponding one of the passageways, and a complementary key formation for engaging the first key formation for ensuring proper engagement of the ports in the passageways where the ports and the key formation project from a common plane. The valve is rotatable in the housing between an open position in which feed water passes through the inlet passageway and into the cartridge, and treated water flows to the outlet passageway, and a closed position in which water is prevented from flowing to and from the valve.
US07837861B2

A process for the removal of sulfur compounds and benzene of a catalytically cracked petroleum naphtha comprising benzene, organic sulfur compounds and olefins, by fractionating the cracked naphtha into a relatively low boiling range, olefinic, light catalytic naphtha (LCN) and an olefinic heavy catalytic naphtha (HCN) which boils above the range of the LCN the boiling ranges of the LCN and the HCN being defined by a cut point selected to maintain most of the benzene in the cracked naphtha in the LCN together with olefins in the boiling range of the LCN. The LCN is subjected to an optional non-hydrogenative desulfurization step followed by a fixed bed alkylation step in which the benzene in the LCN is alkylated with the olefins contained in this fraction. The HCN is treated by a similar an alkylation step using the olefins contained in this fraction to alkylate the sulfur compounds, forming alkylated products which boil above the gasoline boiling range. The LCN and HCN are then fractionated to remove light ends and higher boiling sulfur reaction products (disulfides, alkylated thiophenes) boiling above the gasoline boiling range.
US07837860B1

A process for the production of low sulfur diesel and high octane naphtha. Separate high pressure vapor liquid separators serve to maintain and isolate the high octane naphtha produced in the hydrocracking zone thereby maximizing the value of the hydrocarbon streams produced.
US07837855B2

A high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil is added to a blend of incompatible and/or near-incompatible oils to proactively address the potential for fouling heat exchange equipment. The HSDP component dissolves asphaltene precipitates and maintains suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces. HSDP co-blending for fouling mitigation and on-line cleaning can be affected using different concentrations of top-performing and moderate-performing HSDP crude oils.
US07837854B2

A process and apparatus are provided for upgrading steam cracked tars. The invention also relates to a steam cracking process and apparatus for reducing the yields of tars produced from steam cracking while increasing yields of higher value products, heating cooled steam cracker tar containing asphaltenes, to a temperature, e.g., above about 300° C., which is sufficient to convert at least a portion of the steam cracked tar to lower boiling molecules. The resulting heat-treated tar can be separated into gas oil, fuel oil and tar streams.
US07837853B2

Process to blend a mineral derived hydrocarbon product and a Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product by providing in a storage vessel of a marine vessel a quantity of mineral derived hydrocarbon product and Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product such that initially the mineral derived hydrocarbon product is located substantially above the Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product, transporting the combined products in the marine vessel from one location to another location, also referred to as the destination, and obtaining a blended product at arrival of the marine vessel at its destination.
US07837846B2

An organic contaminant molecule sensor is described for use in a low oxygen concentration monitored environment. The sensor comprises an electrochemical cell, which is formed from a measurement electrode coated with (or formed from) a catalyst having the ability to catalyse the dissociative adsorption of the organic contaminant molecule, the electrode being positioned for exposure to the monitored environment, a reference electrode coated with (or comprised from) a catalyst selected for its ability to catalyse the dissociation of oxygen to oxygen anions, the reference electrode being positioned within a reference environment, and a solid state oxygen anion conductor disposed between and bridging the measurement and reference electrodes, wherein oxygen anion conduction occurs at or above a critical temperature, Tc. Sealing means are provided for separating the reference environment from the monitored environment. Means are also provided for controlling and monitoring the temperature of the cell, and for controlling the electrical current (Ip) flowing between the reference and measurement electrodes. At temperatures (Tads) below Tc, organic contaminant molecules are adsorbed onto and dissociated at the surface of the measurement electrode leading to the build up of carbonaceous deposits at the surface thereof. At temperatures (Ttit) above Tc, an electrical current (Ip) is passed between the reference and measurement electrode thereby to control the number of oxygen anions passing from the reference electrode to the measurement electrode to oxidise the carbonaceous deposits formed at the surface thereof and the formation of carbon dioxide.
US07837836B2

A method of forming a uniform thickness layer of a selected material on a surface of a substrate comprises steps of: (a) providing a multi-stage cathode sputtering apparatus comprising a group of spaced-apart cathode/target assemblies and a means for transporting at least one substrate/workpiece past each cathode/target assembly, each cathode/target assembly comprising a sputtering surface oriented substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate during transport past the group of cathode/target assemblies, the group of cathode/target assemblies adapted for providing different angular sputtered film thickness profiles; and (b) transporting the substrate past each cathode/target assembly while providing different sputtered film thickness profiles from at least some of the cathode/target assemblies, such that a plurality of sub-layers is deposited on the surface of the substrate/workpiece which collectively form a uniform thickness layer of the selected material.
US07837834B2

The continuous digester system has an inlet defined therein for the feed of a chips suspension and an outlet for the output of a cooked suspension of pulp. The suspension of chips is fed in to the inlet through a line at the beginning of the cook, where the chips suspension has a volume of starting cooking fluid that establishes a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5. A final cooking fluid is present during the cook for the major part of the cook and is withdrawn through a withdrawal strainer only during the final 15 minutes of the cook. The final cooking fluid ensures a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5 in association with the withdrawal. The withdrawn final cooking fluid during the final 15 minutes of the cook consists of spent black liquor that maintains a residual alkali level that lies under 15 g/l.
US07837831B2

Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation. The additive composition may improve the strength of the tissue web without substantially affecting the perceived softness of the web in an adverse manner.
US07837819B2

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, in which a binder is spray-coated on a surface of a polymer film, a catalyst slurry is bar-coated on a surface of an electrolyte membrane, bonded on the binder, to form a catalyst electrode layer, a bonded assembly of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst electrode layer is separated from the polymer film, after a drying process, to obtain a 2-layer MEA, and the thus obtained 2-layer MEAs are used to form a 3-layer MEA or a 5-layer MEA by a hot pressing process. Accordingly, the present methods solve the problems associated with prior art that the loss of catalyst is considerable, since the catalyst slurry is directly spray-coated on the membrane, and the catalyst electrode layer in a solid phase is hot-pressed on both surfaces of the membrane.
US07837818B2

A wrapper for packaging one or more articles, is constituted by a sleeve of heat-shrink plastics material for shrinking onto the article(s) for packaging, said sleeve being made from a film that is folded in half and whose corresponding end zones are united. The wall of the sleeve is embossed at least in part with a predetermined pattern so that said pattern appears in relief on the outside face and/or the inside face of the sleeve and remains after said sleeve has been shrunk onto the article(s) to be packaged.
US07837815B2

An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The present invention may be implemented in a system that automatically advances the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape to position an adhesive segment thereon in the apparatus for application thereof to a work piece. Accurate indexing and advancement of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape preferably is provided by optical indexing of the carrier release tape, e.g., by the optical detection of a transverse line or other index marking printed or otherwise provided on the adhesive segment carrier release along with the adhesive segments deposited thereon.
US07837811B2

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite of a carbon nanomaterial and a metallic material which has a homogeneous composite metal structure and thixotropic properties by compositing a metallic material of a non-ferrous metal alloy with a carbon nanomaterial by using both stirring and ultrasonic vibration. The method comprises compositing the metallic material of the non-ferrous metal alloy with the carbon nanomaterial by adding the carbon nanomaterial in a state where the metallic material shows thixotropic properties by spheroidization of solid phase in a semi-solid state, and the compositing is performed by a process for stirring and kneading the semi-solid metallic material while keeping the temperature thereof at a solid-liquid coexisting temperature, and a process for dispersing the carbon nanomaterial to liquid phase between solid phases by ultrasonic vibration.
US07837808B2

The present invention includes a process for manufacturing metal sheets or plates and a machined metal part as well as machined products, structural components and their uses in various applications. Manufacture of a metal sheet or plate by a process of the present invention comprises casting of a rolling ingot, optionally followed by homogenisation, one or more hot or cold rolling operations, optionally separated by one or more re-heating operations, to obtain a sheet, or plate and optionally one or more sheet or plate cutting or finishing operations. The sheet is pre-machined on one or both sides so as to obtain a pre-machined stock, and subjected to solution heat treatment, quenching treatment, and optionally, one or more of the following steps: controlled stretching, aging treatment, and/or cutting.
US07837801B2

An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face. A cleaning wipe may also be provided with at least one fluid barrier to prevent fluid flow between two adjacent portions of the cleaning wipe.
US07837796B2

A process chamber 1 for PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) coating of a substrate includes an electrode, which is integrated in a contact frame, which is firmly connected to the recipient. A movable carrier in the process chamber carries at least one substrate. The carrier is transported by means of a driven roller positioner into the process chamber or out of the process chamber along a transport route defined by the movement. As soon as the carrier inside the recipient has reached a certain position, the lower roller positioner is uncoupled from carrier by lowering by means of a lifting device. In this regard, the carrier detaches itself from the upper roller positioner. Then, the carrier is accepted by a transfer device (not shown) and brought from the transport position laterally into a treatment position in contact with the contact frame. In this way, reliable contact is produced between the electrode and a counter-electrode provided in carrier. At the same time, other carriers, in so far as the contact frame is removed laterally far enough from the transport route, during the coating of the carrier, can be moved past this.
US07837790B2

Methods and apparatus for formation and treatment of epitaxial layers containing silicon and carbon are disclosed. Treatment of the epitaxial layer converts interstitial carbon to substitutional carbon. Specific embodiments pertain to the formation and treatment of epitaxial layers in semiconductor devices, for example, Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) devices. In specific embodiments, the treatment of the epitaxial layer involves annealing for short periods of time, for example, by laser annealing, millisecond annealing, rapid thermal annealing, and spike annealing in a environment containing nitrogen.
US07837785B2

The present invention relates to pigment granules and to a process for the preparation thereof and their use.
US07837777B2

The invention provides a metallic pigment composition capable of preventing gelation of a UV metallic ink or a UV metallic coating material containing an ultraviolet-curable resin and providing good metallic effect and the stability with lapse of time and a UV metallic ink composition and a UV metallic coating material composition using it. The metallic pigment composition contains metal flakes and a nitrocellulose as essential components and the nitrocellulose is contained at a ratio in a range of 0.1 to 12 parts by mass to the metal flakes 100 parts by mass. The UV metallic ink and a UV metallic coating material are provided by adding the metallic pigment composition. The surfaces of the metal flakes are preferable to be coated with a phosphorus compound.
US07837769B2

Disclosed is a compressed air powered vacuum mechanism and method for enabling a user to lower atmospheric pressure in enclosed containers and thereby remove carbon dioxide and other entrained gasses from fluids, in this instance wine, in multiple enclosed containers. In a short time, the resulting wine will improve in taste and aroma and clarity, an improvement normally associated with wine that has been naturally aged for many months. A compressed air driven vacuum generator reduces the atmospheric pressure above the wine. When the atmospheric pressure is low enough the entrained gasses will quickly boil off the enclosed wine at room temperatures, disassociating from the fluid, without harming the wine. There are instances in the processing of wine and in keeping containers of food and drink fresh, where following the removing of gasses from the enclosed containers that the vacuum must be retained. This is optionally accomplished with a vacuum retaining on/off mechanism.
US07837767B2

Processes comprising: providing a crude gas stream having a temperature not exceeding 40° C., the crude gas stream comprising hydrogen chloride and at least one organic impurity; condensing at least a portion of the at least one organic impurity from the crude gas stream at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. to form a prepurified gas stream and a condensate comprising condensed organic impurity; subjecting at least a portion of the prepurified gas stream to adsorption on an adsorption medium to provide a purified gas stream; and separating the condensate into at least a head gas stream comprising residual hydrogen chloride and a sump stream comprising at least a portion of the condensed organic impurity.
US07837766B2

Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
US07837756B2

A filter media product and method of making the same wherein the filter media is pleatable and has at least one support scrim comprised of a melt bonded non-woven material or a fuse bonded non-woven material bonded to a layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The filter media may have a single support scrim with one or more layers and optionally may have a support scrim on both an upstream and downstream surface where both or neither support scrim is multilayered. The filter media may have an efficiency greater than, equal to, or less than HEPA.
US07837755B2

A filter element, including a filter medium, on which a seal is situated indirectly or directly, which is used for separating the filter intake side from the filter discharge side. The filter medium comprises a fibrous material. The seal is applied indirectly or directly to the filter medium in the extrusion method (FIG. 1).
US07837746B2

A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule involves adding a reaction product to the mixtures in an effective amount to inhibit formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The product is made by the reaction of first reactant that is an amine or polyamine, or alcohol or polyalcohol, with a second, aldehyde reactant and a third reactant that is an alcohol or polyalcohol or, an amide or polyamide. Preferably, if the first and third reactants are both an alcohol or both a polyalcohol, they are not the same. A non-limiting example of a suitable amine would be a fatty alkyl amine, while formaldehyde would be a non-limiting of a suitable aldehyde and polyacrylamide would be a suitable third reactant.
US07837739B2

An interpositional biarticular disk implant (11) having a circular peripheral rim, a generally toroidal axial center opening (13) and convex upper and lower surfaces (15, 17) is implanted between resected concave surfaces of the metacarpal base and the trapezium or other carpal bone in a CMC joint replacement. The disk (11) is anchored in operative position through the use of a flexible cord, such as a harvested tendon that passes through the center opening (13) and through osseous passageways created in the two facing bones.
US07837738B2

A joint prosthesis has two prosthesis members (2, 3) and each prosthesis member (2, 3) includes a first and a second screw-like member (4, 5) adapted to be screwed onto a respective bone (39, 41, 42). One prosthesis member (2) includes a member (6) having a socket and the other prosthesis member (3) a member (7) having a head. The socket member (6) has a mounting pin (22) insertable into a first hole (10) in the first screw-like member (4) and the head member (7) has a mounting pin (27) insertable into a first hole (11) in the second screw-like member (5). In the first as well as in the second screw-like member (4, 5) there is provided at least one inner second hole (30 and 33 respectively) designed to permit insertion thereinto of a rod (31) of a screw tool (32) in order to secure by screwing the first and second screw-like member (4, 5) respectively, at the respective bone (39, 41, 42). The second hole (30 and 33 respectively) is provided in a bottom (17 and 19 respectively) of the first hole (10 and 11 respectively).
US07837734B2

A system and method for replacing degenerated spinal disks in accordance with the present invention can substitute for interbody fusion techniques by replacing degenerated spinal disks with artificial spinal disks. In one embodiment, the system can comprise one or more artificial spinal disks, each comprising an upper and lower housing, a first spacer and a second spacer partially enclosed by a cavity formed by the housings, and a shaft with a spring positioned between the first spacer and the second spacer such that the spacers are urged apart.
US07837731B2

A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.
US07837729B2

The invention is a tissue shaping system, including a tissue shaping device with an expandable anchor and a lock; a delivery catheter; a delivery mechanism adapted to deliver the tissue shaping device from outside a patient to a target site within a lumen within the patient via the delivery catheter; and an actuator adapted to deliver an actuation force to the lock to lock the anchor in an expanded configuration. The invention is also a system adapted to percutaneously deliver and deploy a tissue shaping device at a target site within a lumen of a patient. The system includes: a handle; a delivery mechanism supported by the handle and adapted to deliver the tissue shaping device from outside the patient to the treatment site via a delivery catheter; and an actuator supported by the handle and adapted to deliver an actuation force to lock an anchor of the tissue shaping device in an expanded configuration.
US07837725B2

An assembly for delivering a stent to an intraluminal location comprising a catheter having an inner member and an outer member, a stent positioned between the inner member and the outer member at the catheter distal end, and a cutter/slider/deployment mechanism slidable secured to the catheter proximal end. A user may vary the length of the catheter by slidably advancing the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism along the catheter, whereby excess portions of the catheter are cut away. When the desired length is achieved, the user can secure the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism to the catheter to prevent further slidable advancement. The user may also vary the configuration of the catheter handle by adding or removing a removable platform from the handle. Upon stent deployment, the stent is released from the outer member, and the stent will expand as desired.
US07837720B2

An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.
US07837713B2

Disclosed herein are methods and surgical kits that can be used to fuse facet joints via a minimally invasive procedure (including an arthroscopic or percutaneous procedure). An exemplary method includes creating an incision; locating a facet joint with a distal end of a pin; sliding a substantially hollow drill guide over said pin wherein said drill guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end; removing said pin from within said drill guide; inserting a drill bit into said drill guide; drilling a hole into a bone of said facet joint; removing said drill bit; inserting a facet joint bone plug into said hole using a bone plug inserter having a raised portion at or near is proximal end, wherein said raised portion prevents over-insertion of said bone plug; and removing said drill guide.
US07837711B2

Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the lateral extensions. The face may have a height in an anterior-posterior direction greater than the spinous process of the sacrum. Further, the bearing face may be oriented in a superior direction when the device is mounted to the sacrum. An implant may be supported by the device to space the sacrum and L5 vertebrae. The implant may be an interspinous device and positioned between the L5 spinous process and the bearing face. The implant is supported at least in part by the bearing face.
US07837697B2

A device for forming an anastomosis of blood vessels or ducts comprises: first and second engagement structures (7, 10; 35) for respectively engaging a first end portion (2) of a blood vessel (1) or of a prosthesis and a second end or side portion (4, 4′) of the blood vessel (1) or prosthesis; and a mechanism (14, 14′) for reciprocally connecting the first and second engagement structures. The first engagement structure (7, 10) comprise one or more piercing elements (6) adapted to only partially penetrate the side wall of the blood vessel (1) so as to avoid direct contact between the elements (6) and the blood inside the vessel or prosthesis.
US07837692B2

A catheter (2) is used in medical applications, for example for the retrieval of a sample from a patient or the insertion or retrieval of medical devices such as filters, stents (3) to and from the patient. The catheter (2) includes an expandable tip (6) at a leading portion of a catheter tube portion (5). This expandable tip (6) can retrieve or deliver samples, medical devices, etc. (3), which are slightly larger than the dimensions of a main catheter tube (5) inserted into the patient. The expandable tip (6) can also include extension members (10) which provide axial support to the expandable tip (6) but which still allow expansion in the radial direction.
US07837690B2

Various tools and portions are used to perform a resection of a portion of the anatomy for preparation of the implants of a prosthetic. Various saw blades having selected geometries and shapes can be used to assist in the resection of an anatomy to provide for implantation of a prosthetic. In addition, a cutting block assembly is provided wherein a cutting block is translatably mounted on a rail. The rail is fixed relative a portion of the anatomy. Therefore, once the rail is fixed, the cutting block can move to a selected position and held there without moving the rail.
US07837689B2

An assembly includes a plate holder having a body. The assembly further includes a stop structure movable in relation to the body between a first location and a second location. In addition, the assembly includes a bone plate assembly including (i) a bone plate having a plurality of fastener openings defined therein, the bone plate being attached to the body, and (ii) a fastener guide. One of the bone plate and the fastener guide includes a channel, and the other of the bone plate and the fastener guide includes a projection configured to be received in the channel.
US07837687B2

A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.
US07837681B2

A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary vein within the left atrium, while the electrode carried by the second branch body is located in contact with endocardial tissue outside the pulmonary vein. Ablation energy can be transmitted from the electrode to contacted endocardial tissue while the first branch body is located within the pulmonary vein.
US07837678B2

A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.
US07837677B2

A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.
US07837662B2

An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which includes (different) superabsorbent material and both being typically substantially free of cellulosic fibers is described. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and typically a an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.
US07837658B2

A medical valve includes a housing having an interior forming an inlet and an outlet. A longitudinally movable member is secured within the interior of the housing. External to the movable member and within the interior is a fluid path. Movement of the movable member controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet via the fluid path. The outlet produces no greater than a negligible drawback or positive push during withdrawal of a nozzle.
US07837657B2

A drug-injecting device with a traveling hypodermic or intramuscular needle. The drug-injecting device includes a syringe body which has a base and a top opening into a hollow interior. A membrane is attached across the base of the syringe body, hermetically sealing the reservoir of the syringe from the environment. A plunger is situated within the hollow interior of the syringe body, so that one end of the plunger projects outward through the top of the syringe body. A piston is attached to the other end of the plunger. The plunger is configured to travel back and forth within the hollow interior of the syringe body between a first position and a second position. A needle is attached to the piston so that the needle travels with the plunger when the plunger is moved between the first and second positions.
US07837653B2

A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, analgesics, and the like medicinal agents from the reservoir of the device. Uniquely, the dispenser includes a novel bellows-type reservoir and vial fill means for filling the bellows-type reservoir with the medicament to be dispensed. The dispenser also includes a novel stored energy source in the form of a constant force spring which controllably urges the medicinal fluid from the device reservoir. Additionally, the apparatus of the invention includes a novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient. The rate control assembly includes a rate selector member for selecting the desired rate of fluid flow toward the patient and a cooperatively associated flow control plate having a plurality of fluidic micro-channels which controls the rate of fluid flow toward the selector member. The rate control plate uniquely includes a priming feature for priming the various fluid passageways of the device and purging the fluid passageways of gases that may be contained therein prior to the delivery of the medicinal fluids to the administration line of the device.
US07837652B2

A pressure infusion device including a sealed bag of flexible, heat sealable material including generally opposed edge portions; a layer of substantially transparent material including generally oppose edge portions provided with a plurality of holes; the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag are folded over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and are heat sealed to the sealed bag through the holes.A process for making a pressure infusion device including the steps of providing a sealed bag of flexible, heat-sealable material having generally opposed edge portions; providing a layer of substantially transparent material including generally opposed edge portions; folding the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and heat sealing the folded edge portions to the sealed bag through the holes.
US07837635B2

A device determines at least one characteristic point of a joint which joins together two limbs and is to be measured orthopedically comprising a first coupling element which may be positioned on a first limb adjoining the joint, a second coupling element which may be moved relative to the first coupling element and may be positioned on a second limb adjoining the joint, and a measuring device for determining the position of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element. The measuring device has at least one reference point rigidly connected to one of the first and second coupling elements, and a reference point detection device rigidly connected to the respective other of the first and second coupling elements. During a movement of the first and second limbs with respect to one another the reference point detection device determines the at least one characteristic point.
US07837630B2

A fluid control element having a flexible member that is adapted for selective deformation when an element inserted therein. The flexible member includes at least one incision or opening that defines at least one cusp that selectively opens when the element is inserted therein. The incision or opening is biased into a normally and substantially closed position such that fluids are substantially prevented from flowing through the fluid control element.
US07837627B1

An apparatus and method for guiding a needle where a structure is disposed on an exterior of a sterile sheath to aid in guiding the needle with respect to the transceiver, which transceiver is not yet inserted into the sterile sheath. In one case, the needle guide is attached to the exterior of the sheath; in another, a needle guide adapter is attached to the exterior of the sheath; in still another, an adhesive is attached on the inside of the sheath to assist in attachment with the transceiver. In still another, a temporary adhesive cover is attached to the internal adhesive and is removable upon full insertion of the transceiver into the sheath.
US07837625B2

In a tissue tracking imaging (TTI) method, a velocity distribution image from which a translation velocity component or a rotation velocity component resulting from movement of a body, etc. is removed is generated every time phase. By tracking a predetermined position of a tissue on the basis of the velocity distribution image and generating a motion information image, it is possible to provide a diagnostic image having higher reliability.
US07837623B2

A non-invasive method of obtaining a target soundwave field in the brain by means of an array of transducers positioned outside the skull, the method comprising a training stage during which, on the basis of a three-dimensional image giving the porosity of the skull at all points, digital simulation is used to determine individual sound signals to be emitted by the transducers in order to obtain the target soundwave field in the brain. After the training stage, the array of transducers is used to locate the position of the array of transducers relative to the skull by echography and to ensure that the array of transducers is accurately positioned.
US07837622B2

A recording medium includes a sensor circuit unit generating a current in accordance with a blood glucose level in blood, and a control unit calculating blood glucose level data from the data obtained by digital conversion of the generated current at signal processing unit, writing the calculated data to an EEPROM as a memory unit, reading the blood glucose level data from EEPROM and transmitting the same to a portable terminal on which recording medium is mounted, through a communication control unit. The recording medium further includes a power supply control unit receiving power from the portable terminal on which the recording medium is mounted, and supplying power to various portions in the recording medium. As a result, the recording medium can be utilized, when mounted on the portable terminal, a blood glucose monitoring apparatus, and the recording medium can be used in a system for providing bi-directional service between the portable terminal and a server managing the blood glucose information received from the portable terminal connected by a network.
US07837620B2

A medical tubular assembly includes four medical coilpipes together having a distal end portion insertable into a patient. The four medical coilpipes include a central coilpipe and three peripheral coilpipes disposed outward of the central coilpipe. The four medical coilpipes are wound from a continuous length of wire. In one example, a lengthwise translatable medical-end-effector activation cable is located in the central coilpipe, a separate and lengthwise translatable medical-instrument-member articulation cable is located in each of the three peripheral coilpipes, and the distal end portion is endoscopically insertable into the patient. Other examples are left to those skilled in the art.
US07837619B2

Methods, apparatus, and systems for locating a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a positioning device that can be configured to occlude the PFO. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of a septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and a septum primum.
US07837616B2

An objective optical system is provided at a tip end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope. A plurality of markers capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave is placed at a target portion in an affected area. Each of the plurality of markers is adapted to transmit at least an information for defining the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area. At the rear end or the tip end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, a sensor is provided for electromagnetically detecting the information defining the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area and for determining the relative positional relation between the insertion portion and the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area.
US07837610B2

An elastic structure is introduced percutaneously into the left ventricle and attached to the walls of the ventricle. Over time the structure bonds firmly to the walls via scar tissue formation. The structure helps the ventricle expand and fill with blood during the diastolic period while having little affect on systolic performance. The structure also strengthens the ventricular walls and limits the effects of congestive heart failure, as the maximum expansion of the support structure is limited by flexible or elastic members.
US07837607B2

A rotor assembly includes an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position. The rotator assembly also includes an engagement mechanism connected and moveable relative to the actuator, wherein the engagement mechanism engages a portion of a centrifuge when the actuator is in the first position and disengages from the portion of the centrifuge when the actuator is in the second position. Also, a method of connecting a rotor assembly to a centrifuge.
US07837606B2

A process for manufacturing a bag from a polymer and/or metal film material provides a bag that has four outer walls connected by four seams and that has a sealed lower end.The bag-forming material is fed in the form of a film web that is wound up on a roll to an unwinding station of a bottom forming device that separates the unwound film web into film segments, connects the film segments, and seals at least one end of the connected segments to form the bag.
US07837604B1

A training machine includes a seat assembly, a loading device, and a positioning device. The seat assembly includes a transverse main tube fitted to an elongated rail of the loading device. The seat assembly is provided with rollers to help the seat assembly having a smooth movement on the rail. The positioning device is able to fix the seat assembly to any desired position of the rail of the loading device. The present invention further provides a swinging device with two handles to be operated by users for arm training.
US07837602B1

A portable pull-up apparatus may include a plurality of hollow support poles and a plurality of pulley wheel sections. A pull-up bar may further be horizontally placed on top of the support poles. Weights may further be situated within an interior of the support poles. A plurality of cables provided with handles adapted to be gripped by a user may be wrapped about the pulley wheel sections such that the distal ends of the cables are guided inside the support poles respectively. A plurality of selector rods may be through the weight groups. A plurality of anchor pins may be positioned to lock selected weights. Further resistance bands may be situated within the interior of the support poles. In this way, corresponding resistance band groups may cooperate with corresponding weight groups to create a unique tension force opposing vertical displacement of the distal end of the cables respectively.
US07837600B1

A flexible shroud is used to cover weights and hide pulleys and cables on exercise machines. The flexible shroud can be a coarse mesh or screen for see through areas, cloth such as canvas or other fabrics, or other flexible sound absorbing materials. The material may be supported around or between a framework of ribs, poles, or metal screen and takes the shape of the framework. The material may also be supported only at the top and bottom of a weight stack or structure by a rigid template from which the material takes shape. The top or bottom support may be adjusted to stretch the fabric taut so it takes shape better and tightens to provide a better safety shield. The material may be attached to the supports or framework by snaps, hook and loop material, or other removable fasteners.
US07837599B2

The invention provides a method and apparatus to enable a user to perform upper extremity exercises. The apparatus includes an arm with one end connected to a base to securely support the arm while locating the other end adjacent to the user, proximate the user's upper extremities. The arm is formed with a plurality of joints at or between its ends, each joint having one or more rotational degrees of freedom while providing resistance to rotational movement in the one or more degrees of freedom, such that the free end of the arm can be moved in three dimensional space, and such that the arm is self-supporting. A manipulandum assembly including a plurality of manipulanda is attached to the free end of the arm, each manipulandum being positioned within hand grasping range of the user, and each manipulandum being or representing an object encountered in an upper extremity activity of the user's daily life. Sensors on the arm, joints or manipulanda sense movement or force, and relay signals to a processing device in order to sample, display, store and process the signals into kinematic or kinetic variables. These variables may be processed to control software programs such as computer games and to allow quantification of performance for outcome evaluation of therapy regimes.
US07837598B1

An exercise bar includes a pair of handles having proximal ends with at least one fulcrum hole extending through the proximal end of each thereof. A center plate has a periphery and a pair of pivot holes therethrough. One of a pair of pivot pins is inserted through each of the fulcrum hole and a pivot hole to connect the handles to the center plate. Locating means extending through the center plate are spaced about the periphery thereof. Movable locking elements in the form of locking pins or clevis type pins are inserted into selected ones of the locating means to retain the handles at selected angular positions relative to the center plate.
US07837596B2

A portable, electronic device having wireless location or positioning technology used to test and improve the physical fitness of a person is provided. The device includes a memory, an operating program, a user interface, a display and a location signal receiver adapted to receive location signals from a plurality of sources external to the fitness training device. A command and control circuit is coupled to the memory, the user interface, the display and the location signal receiver. The control circuit executes the program and generates control signals based upon the user entered data and the location signals from the receiver. The device tracks the distance traveled by the device throughout the performance of an exercise routine based upon the location signals and thereby determines the fitness level of the person. The program then determines a plurality of timed exercise regimens based upon the calculated fitness level.
US07837587B2

A power transmission device includes a housing, a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member supported in the housing by a pair of bearings. A friction clutch is operable to selectively transmit a requested magnitude of torque between the input member and the output member. The clutch is axially positioned between the bearings. An actuator is operable to provide an actuation force to the friction clutch to generate the requested magnitude of torque.
US07837584B2

A chain includes a connecting unit including two chain plates, and a link unit having first and second link plates parallel to the chain plates and a link pin. The first link plate is formed with a stop block and a retaining hole having an insert hole portion and a retaining hole portion. The link pin has an engaging end portion extending through the chain plates and the retaining hole portion. The connecting unit is pivotable about the link pin between a first position, where the link pin is allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion to thereby allow removal of the link pin from the first link plate, and a second position, where the link pin is not allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion due to contact of an edge of one of the chain plates with the stop block.
US07837581B2

A sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, and a ball carcass. The ball pocket is constructed to have a true roundness shape, having an interior cavity receiving the inflatable bladder therein, wherein when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the ball pocket retains a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder. The ball carcass includes a ball cushion and a plurality of carcass panels. Each of the carcass panels has a peripheral edge and a flat bottom surface defined within the peripheral edge, wherein the bottom surface of each of the carcass panels is entirely affixed to the ball cushion at a position that the peripheral edge of each of the carcass panels is fittingly aligned with the peripheral edges of the adjacent carcass panels to form a roundness carcass of the sportsball in a stitch-less manner.
US07837564B2

A drive plate for a torque converter including first and second plates operatively arranged to be attached to a torque converter and a drive unit. In another embodiment, each of the first and second plates further includes at least one first opening and at least one second opening operatively arranged to receive a first and second fastener, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the drive plate includes a plurality of component plates operatively arranged to be attached to a torque converter and a drive unit.
US07837561B2

Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.
US07837558B2

A portable game system includes two display screens, at least one of which is touch-sensitive. A memory card is selectively connectable to the portable game system.
US07837556B2

A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows presentation state logic to be decoupled from implementations of presentation components, such as graphical, audio and gaming device components, used in a presentation of the game of chance on a gaming machine.
US07837555B2

Apparatus (1) and associated methods are disclosed for determining the award of a plurality of prizes having respective prize values. The apparatus includes memory (2) for storing data indicative of a current prize value; an input device (3) being responsive to input signals from a respective plurality of gaming terminals (4) for providing an increment signal; a controller (5) for defining a prize value between upper and lower prize values and for incrementing an accumulated value toward the current prize value in response to the increment signal; a comparator (7) being responsive to the current prize value and the accumulated value for determining if the current prize value is to be awarded and, if so, generating an award signal that actuates the controller (5) to define a second prize value. Methods are disclosed in which, upon payment of a prize, the accumulated value is reset to the prize value or the upper or lower prize value and in which subsequent prize values are selected between a preceding prize value and either the upper prize value or the lower prize value.
US07837552B2

An object of the present invention is to propose image processing technology whereby even a player with a low skill level can enjoy a shooting game with more excitement. To achieve this object, according to the present invention, if a player outputs a slow regeneration request signal when processing transits to the status where an enemy-character is about to fire a bullet, the enemy-character and the bullet fired by the enemy-character are regenerated slowly. By this, the player can aim at the bullet with extra time.
US07837544B2

In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.
US07837536B2

The polishing apparatus that polishes an inner circumferential surface of a disk-shaped substrate including a portion having a hole at the center thereof, the polishing apparatus is provided with: a rotating table that holds piled workpieces in which a plurality of disk-shaped substrates are piled, a polishing brush that is inserted into a portion having the hole of the disk-shaped substrates of the piled workpieces and is rotated, a cover member that covers the piled workpieces, and a polishing-liquid flowing-in unit that flows polishing liquid into the portion having the hole of the disk-shaped substrates of the piled workpieces covered by the cover member.
US07837535B2

A superfinishing stone 2 is slid on a rotating subject surface 7 as pressed against the subject surface 7 and is held in contact against the subject surface 7 as vibrated thereon in a different direction from the sliding direction. The superfinishing stone includes plural stone portions 3, 4 divided by a split surface 6 inclined to both the sliding direction and the vibrating direction and mutually independently movable along the split surface 6 and in the pressing direction.
US07837528B2

An evaporation mask, a method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device using the evaporation mask, and an organic electroluminescent device manufactured by the method are provided. The evaporation mask is formed of a thin film and is drawn taut by application of tension. The evaporation mask includes at least one mask unit, the mask unit including a plurality of main apertures, and a plurality of first dummy apertures formed adjacent to outermost ones of the main apertures in a direction in which tension is applied to the evaporation mask.
US07837516B2

A cable connector assembly (200) includes an electrical connector (100), a cable (91) connected with the electrical connector and an insulated cover (92) over-molded on an electrical connection between the electrical connector and the cable. The electrical connector includes a first connector (1) and a second connector (2), each of the first connector and the second connector have a contact, a middle tube enclosing the contact and an outer tube enclosing the middle tube. A first insulated housing (70) is defined between the outer tube and the middle tube of the first connector, and a second insulated housing (80) is defined between the outer tube and the middle tube of the second connector, the first insulated housing is unitarily molded with the second insulated housing. The insulated cover comprises a pair of receiving channels (921, 922).
US07837515B2

The combined type connector includes a base connector housing and a detachable connector housing. The base connector housing includes a first main body, a boss groove provided on a first outer surface of the first main body, a first guide part provided on the first outer surface; and a first stopping part provided on the first outer surface. The detachable connector housing includes a second main body, a boss provided on a second outer surface of the second main body, a second guide part provided on the second outer surface and a second stopping part provided on the second outer surface. The base connector housing and the detachable connector housing are connected by engaging the boss with the boss groove and pivoting the detachable connector housing about the boss from a first position to a second position so that the first guide part slides along the second guide part and the first stopping part and the second stopping part are engaged so as to stop the detachable connector pivoting at the second position.
US07837512B1

An audio jack connector has an insulating housing. The insulating housing has an inserting hole extending from a front to rear for receiving the audio plug connector and a plurality of recesses communicating with the inserting hole for receiving a plurality of terminals. An elastic body which is disposed in the inserting hole perpendicular to an extending direction of the inserting hole has two opposite tightening arms and a connecting portion interconnected with opposite ends of the tightening arms. A front end of the audio plug connector passes through the elastic body and is restrained by the elastic body. Two tightening arms of the elastic body are against the portions of the front end of the audio plug connector from opposite directions, when the audio plug connector is inserted into the inserting hole of the insulating housing.
US07837510B1

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing extending in a front-to-back direction and including a rear base portion and a front tongue portion, and first and second sets of contacts held in the insulative housing. The first set of contacts includes at least one pair of differential contacts for transmitting high-speed signals. Each first contact includes a nonelastic first mating portion occupying a front section of the tongue portion. Each of the second set of contacts includes an elastic second mating portion located behind the nonelastic first mating portion along the front-to-back direction. The first and second sets of contacts are assembled to the insulative housing along opposite directions. The first and second body portions are provided with interference sections thereon to interferentially engage with the insulative housing. The first mating portion of each first contact is provided with interference sections to engage with the tongue portion of the insulative housing.
US07837504B2

Electrical connectors having improved impedance characteristics are disclosed. Such an electrical connector may include a first electrically conductive contact, and a second electrically conductive contact disposed adjacent to the first contact along a first direction. A mating end of the second contact may be offset in a second direction relative to a mating end of the first contact. Offsetting of contacts within columns of contacts provides capability for adjusting impedance and capacitance characteristics of a connector assembly.
US07837503B2

A pluggable optical/electrical module is disclosed. One or more features operate to decrease electromagnetic interference are implemented, which features include deforming the portions that mate together to form the housing, placing elbow deformities on extending fingers to more properly seal the housing convex shape to housing to seal gaps between multiple sections, and placing an EMI insulating material within an opening that is formed for the latch that locks the module in place in a chassis.
US07837494B2

An integrated circuit includes a first lead frame and a second lead frame that extend from an overmolded circuit assembly. Each of the lead frames includes a piercing portion to pierce through insulation on a corresponding electrical conduit. The piercing portion of the lead frames also provides a wrap around feature to mechanically secure the wire to the corresponding electrical conduit. In this manner, several processes can be eliminated and are not required for the desired mechanical and electrical connection of the integrated circuit lead frame to corresponding electrical conductors.
US07837483B2

A recessable junction device includes a body having at least one track, the at least one track having a plurality of locking regions, and at least one receptacle configured to connect with a power source or signal source, or both a power and a signal source, the at least one receptacle slidably mounted within the body by engagement with the at least one track. The junction device further includes a locking lever having a first unlocked and extended position to allow grasping of the locking lever to move the at least one receptacle relative to the body and a second locked position that prevents movement of the at least one receptacle relative to the body in each of the plurality of locking regions.
US07837481B1

A socket for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The socket comprises a main body portion having a plurality of holes extending between a top surface and a bottom surface; an overlay positioned adjacent to the main body portion and having a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of holes of the main body portion, wherein the overlay comprises a plurality of conductors between holes; and a plurality of contact elements positioned in predetermined holes of the main body portion. A method of providing a connection in a socket is also disclosed.
US07837478B2

An electrical socket connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a general flat base (11) with a mating surface (11a) adapted to face a chip package (3), and a mounting surface (11b) adapted to face a printed circuit board. The base includes a peripheral wall (102) extending from edges thereof. A plurality of passageways (12) extends from the mating interface toward the mounting interface, with a plurality of terminals each inserted into the passageways from the mating interface to the mounting interface. A detachable aligning key (2) is assembled to the insulative housing.
US07837469B2

An apparatus and method define a fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system of a patient by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system of the patient; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the masticatory system using one or more keys.
US07837461B2

A microlens transcription molding roller used for transcription-molding a plurality of microlenses on a sheet includes a plurality of microlens molding surfaces arrayed on an outer circumference of the roller along one spiral around an axis of the roller at a constant interval.
US07837455B2

Apparatus and method for making a plurality of different types of suture packages employ a mold with first and second opposing mold parts partially defining a mold cavity, at least one of the opposing mold parts has an opening therein communicating with the mold cavity. An insert is removeably inserted into the opening, to complete the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a first type of suture package. An alternative insert is interchangeable with the first insert for completing the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a second type of suture package. To make different suture packages, the mold is initially configured and used with one of the inserts to thereby make one type of suture package. The first insert is then replaced with the second, changing the mold cavity to form another type of suture package.
US07837452B2

A scroll compressor an orbiting scroll member including a second end plate, a second wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first wrap to form a suction pocket in fluid communication with a suction pressure region of the compressor, intermediate compression pockets, and a discharge pocket in fluid communication with the discharge passage. An auxiliary passage is in fluid communication with one of the intermediate compression pockets to provide pressurized fluid to the chamber to deflect the first end plate and the first wrap axially toward the orbiting scroll member.
US07837449B2

There is provided a rotary compressor capable of preventing deterioration of performance following plug fixing carried out to prevent falling-off of a spring member. The rotary compressor comprises a cylinder constituting a rotary compression element, a roller engaged with an eccentric portion formed in a rotary shaft of an electric element, and eccentrically rotated in the cylinder, a vane abutted on the roller to divide an inside of the cylinder into a low pressure chamber side and a high pressure chamber side, a spring member for always pressing the vane to the roller side, a housing portion of the spring member, formed in the cylinder, and opened to the vane side and a hermetically sealed container side, a plug positioned in the hermetically sealed container side of the spring member, and inserted into the housing portion to fit into a gap, and an O ring attached around the plug to seal a part between the plug and the housing portion. In this case, a space between the cylinder and the hermetically sealed container is set smaller than a distance from the O ring to an end of the plug on the hermetically sealed container side.
US07837445B2

An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth TABLE I. The X and Y values are distances in inches, which when connected by smooth continuing arcs define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches The X, Y and Z distances may be scalable as a function of the same constant or number to provide a scaled up or scaled down airfoil section for the nozzle. The nominal airfoil given by the X, Y and Z distances lies within an envelope of +0.130 inch to −0.030 inch.
US07837442B2

A sleeve for a wind turbine blade includes an opening for receiving a root end of the wind turbine blade; and an inboard edge for substantially abutting a hub of a wind turbine.
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